Commentaries

Command Chief's Corner
April 15, 2009 — Team Charleston, I was taught early on in my career a person should always know and understand the organization's and his or her boss' priorities. One of our Air Force's priorities, as published in the Fiscal Year 2010 Air Force Message to Congress, is to "Develop and care for Airmen and their families." According to Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of... MORE

Diamonds are an Airman’s best friend
April 13, 2009 — Air Force Instruction 36-2113 defines the role of a first sergeant as "... an expeditionary leader serving in a time honored special duty position ..." During my 20 years of service, I've had countless first sergeants and I thought I understood what their job entailed. On Aug. 1, I was selected to be the acting first sergeant for the 15th Airlift... MORE

To know and do your job
April 13, 2009 — When I took command last summer of the 17th Airlift Squadron, the first operational C-17 squadron in the world, I put the 144 members under my command on notice for my expectations of them: "To know and do your job." Very simple words with deep, resounding meaning; this phrase is the model for my professional career. The subtle but piercing message... MORE

Lt. Col. Richard Williamson, 17th Airlift Squadron commander.

Exercise leads to better health, fitness
April 8, 2009 — Who hasn't suffered from the closet shrunk my clothes syndrome? This event usually occurs over the winter months and while breaking out the spring clothing, the clothes have magically become smaller. After trying to justify this phenomenon, it's time to admit about the newly gained weight. As time goes by most people make the decision to change... MORE

Understanding recovery leads to taking control of life
April 8, 2009 — For most survivors, a sexual assault, particularly rape or sodomy, is probably the most traumatic event to ever touch their life. How you react and recover will be dependent upon many factors including the relationship with the perpetrator, the level of violence and duration of the attack, other life-crisis experiences, a support system,... MORE

Air Force pioneer gone, but not forgotten
April 8, 2009 — The Air Force suffered a monumental loss March 11 when Paul W. Airey, the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force, passed away. I will greatly miss my mentor, Chief Airey. From the day I first met him in 2002, I knew I would never meet a finer example of an American Airman. He projected a great presence and a sincere love of our Air Force and... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Paul W. Airey greets Airman 1st Class Matthew Shaffer and Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow following a presentation in 2008. Escorting Chief Airey is current Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. Chief Airey passed away March 11. Chief Airey was the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Derrow is the U.S. Air Forces in Europe command chief. (Courtesy photo)

Ceremonies recognize outstanding individuals
April 8, 2009 — On Jan. 20 I had the privilege and honor of being a part of the biggest ceremonial event in our nation's history. I was a member of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, which was responsible for planning and executing military the ceremonial portion of Barack Obama's inauguration as President of the United States. The experience was one I will... MORE

Squadrons prepare for inspector general
April 1, 2009 — A few months ago, a certain wing commander and I traveled to another Air Mobility Command base. His eyes were everywhere; I noticed he took meticulous notice of tiny details I would have normally missed. Hedges needing trimming, grass needing mowing and buildings needing attention were all scrutinized and then compared, in his mind, to the... MORE

Vice Commander’s Commentary
April 1, 2009 — Team Charleston ... we are just 38 days out from our unit compliance inspection and only weeks away from beginning to see the changes inevitable with the military during the summer months. One of the many things affecting each of us one way or another is permanent change of stations, causing Airmen and their families to move to other bases in order... MORE

Creating candor
March 31, 2009 — If you ever have the chance to observe a flight debrief after a training sortie, you should jump at the chance. You will witness something special. In the debrief everyone makes constructive comments, positive and negative, regardless of their position or rank. If the flight lead did something incorrect or dangerous, the wingman is expected to say... MORE