Commentaries

Airman inspires others, self by singing anthem
September 22, 2008 — I come from a very musical family. There were always singing and musical instruments heard in our house when I was growing up. Because of an unfortunate and traumatic piano lesson experience, I avoided joining my family in the noise-making until I was a teenager. While in high school, I discovered that girls tended to be attracted to guys who could... MORE

Preparing our organizations and ourselves for the future
September 22, 2008 — "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." These words spoken by President John Kennedy more than 45 years ago still capture the essence of today's uncertain domestic and international environment. Perhaps no one understands the nature of uncertainty more than an Airman; the enemy... MORE

What does it mean to be an Airman?
September 22, 2008 — As the most powerful Air Force in the world, we are blessed to have the best and brightest America has to offer. We fly, fight and win because our people possess an unmatched level of technical expertise and achieve a level of performance that is second to none. These are high standards, but members of Team Charleston take it even further. In the... MORE

Command Chief's Corner
September 17, 2008 — Team Charleston, Excellence in All We Do is an Air Force core value that requires Airmen to always strive to perform at their best. This past year, the work you have done and the way you have done it has demonstrated that our team embodies this very important value. Time and again, you embrace this value and prove it is not a clever slogan meant to... MORE

Living the dream: enjoy what you do
September 17, 2008 — Let me start by saying that I am truly proud to serve this wonderful country and grateful for the opportunity. I can remember back in the 80's as a teenager trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and weighing my options. I worked full time for a year after graduation to purchase a car so I could have transportation to school when I... MORE

Jarrell uses tie-breaker to claim Week 2 crown
September 16, 2008 — Troy Jarrell, powered by his Monday Night Football tie-breaker score, edged Ron "Pats Fan" Desautels and the incomparable, incredible, all-knowing, self-professed king of football, yours truly, the Super Swami, as all three finished the week with 11-5 records. Team Charleston, beware, as the Swami is off to a fast start going 22-9 over the first... MORE

History’s lessons: today’s success, tomorrow’s opportunities
September 16, 2008 — In our Air Force's 61-year history, Airmen repeatedly have been called upon to defend the cause of freedom in the air and on unfamiliar terrain around the world. Whatever the conflict, natural disaster or crisis, Airmen have answered the call and performed their missions with incredible courage and distinction. Their consistent example of... MORE

Be an informed voter, know candidates’ positions
September 15, 2008 — Now that the presidential conventions are finished, what are you going to do next? Will you choose to exercise your right to vote or will you just sit by the sidelines and complain and criticize as the new leader takes charge. Are you planning to vote from previous experience or will you vote out of popularity or mere dedication to a party... MORE

Commander's Comments
September 10, 2008 — Hurricanes are one of the most powerful elements of nature. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 was the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, while Hurricane Katrina was the costliest. Hurricanes have been and will continue to be a part of our world far into the future. The impact of even a Category 1 or 2 hurricane is difficult to imagine by... MORE

Trout swims upstream to claim victory in Week 1
September 10, 2008 — Bob "Rainbow" Trout hooked the Week 1 crown spawning an impressive 13-3 mark. Trout swam past Ron "Pats Fan" Desautels, who was 12-4, and Jeffrey "Bucs Fan" Lucas and the incredible Swami who were both a very respectable 11-5. Week 1 closed with many notable events. Tom Brady requires season-ending knee surgery making it really tough for the Pats... MORE