Commentaries

Leadership through experience
February 14, 2017 — I was a twelve year old on a drizzly overcast morning in Southern California looking out the window of the family car, listening with anticipation as my parents spoke about my upcoming experience at the Naval Sea Cadet Basic Training Program. Being a “Navy Brat,” I was well versed in sea service lingo, tradition and culture. However nothing could... MORE

Contracts contribute to SPAWAR mission
February 1, 2017 — Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Systems Center (SSC) Atlantic provides Information Warfare solutions for our Navy/Marine Corps team. These solutions ensure command and control, logistics, intelligence, medical support, air traffic control, satellite and terrestrial communications, networks, air traffic control and cyber offensive and... MORE

A Junior Officer’s reflection on leadership
January 26, 2017 — While professional organizations require structure and the appointment of leaders within a tiered system to properly function, the daily demonstration of leadership by all personnel is a necessity for success. The first lesson I learned in my short career as a naval officer is: whether you know it, believe it or see it, we are all leaders. The... MORE

Making memories of a lifetime
January 18, 2017 — I recently celebrated my 30-year anniversary in the United States Navy. It doesn’t seem that long ago when I reported to my first duty station and started this journey. Over the past couple months I took some time to reflect on my service and how it shaped my life. Of course there’s been a lot of moves, deployments and new learning experiences... MORE

Proud Heritage of Commander’s Coin
January 18, 2017 — Our profession of arms has a rich history of symbolism, from our rank insignia, to our badges, to individual medals and decorations. That symbolism is sometimes at its most creative in unit and commander coins. What many may not realize, however, is just how integrated with our military history military coins are.In recent decades, coins have... MORE

Teamwork, Commitment and Trust
December 13, 2016 — “Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” - Vince Lombardi, Hall of Fame football coach for the Green Bay Packers and Washington RedskinsWhile we celebrate the United States Air Force’s birthday each September, this week marks a significant milestone and catalyst... MORE

Commentary: Well done, this is your trophy
December 8, 2016 — If you haven’t heard the news, our wing was honored in October with the Raincross Trophy for being selected as the Best Wing in Fourth Air Force. This is a big deal. It means that of the 16 Wings and one group within 4th AF, we’re the best... MORE

From Left, Maj. Gen. John Flournoy Jr, 4th Air Force commander; Chief Master Sgt. Mark Barber, 315th Airlift Wing command chief; Col. Cherie Roff, 315th Mission Support Group commander; Lt. Col. John Robinson, 315th Operations Group vice commander (seated); Col. Gregory Gilmour, 315th AW commander; Tech Sgt. Tim Kelly, 315th AW Safety; and Col. Sharon Johnson, incoming 315th Maintenance Group commander, pose with the Raincross Trophy Oct. 20 after the 315th AW received the award at the Raincross Trophy Dinner in Riverside, California. (Courtesy photo)

The Importance of Good Character
December 1, 2016 — Someone once said that people of genius are admired, people of wealth are envied, people of power are feared, but only people of “character” are trusted. Without character…you cannot be trusted, and if you be cannot be trusted…you cannot lead. The word character comes from the Greek, meaning "to make a mark." Your character is your mark on the world. Character can be defined as the sum of one’s characteristics. Whereas, strength of character, is to have strong characteristics that are of value to others and to one’s self. Said another way, the ethical values we all strive to represent are characteristics, while strength of character is the extent to which you execute your values... MORE

Command Chief Master Sergeant, 315th Airlift Wing

It’s your health - be involved
November 30, 2016 — There are many healthcare options these days—patient-centered care, medical home, access to care, population health, etc. and the fact is, we will all need healthcare at some point. However, what is our level of accountability? The nation is moving into a system focused on health and not healthcare, but is that the only significant change for... MORE

Happy Holidays for all…including you
November 30, 2016 — The holidays are supposed to be one of the most joyous times of the year and studies show this is the case. The majority of Americans do feel positive emotions like happiness, love and high spirits during the season. However, some people experience negative feelings, like anxiety, grief and stress. Many people, trying to create the “perfect”... MORE