Commentaries

Safety compliance important to ORI, everyday life
June 11, 2008 — Ignorantia legis neminem excusat. What does this term mean? "Ignorance of the law excuses no one." A few years ago I was driving on a four-lane highway. I was quietly running 65 mph when I saw the blue lights. I honestly had no idea why I was getting pulled over, so when the officer asked me "Do you know why I stopped you?" I honestly looked at him... MORE

Reprisal and the inspector general
June 10, 2008 — As the 437th Airlift Wing inspector general, when people call me or come into my office concerning an issue they are having, it usually comes down to one simple thing: They don't feel like they are being treated fairly. And everyone deserves to be treated fairly. The problem is that "fairness" is relative -- what seems obviously fair (or unfair) to... MORE

Command Chief’s Corner
June 5, 2008 — Team Charleston. Year round, the Charleston weather makes this area one of the most desirable parts of the country to live, work and play. However, its coastal location can also offer some of the worst weather possible. As many of you know, from the beginning of June through the end of November is hurricane season. This is a time when Charleston... MORE

Dealing with ORI stress important to mission success
June 5, 2008 — Your worst nightmare is about to come true -- the Inspector General is coming to your unit to conduct an operational readiness inspection. As you sit sweating profusely in your new airmen battle uniform with your head in your hands -- apprehensive, anxious, fearful, tense and feeling stress -- questions race through your mind, "what if I can't get... MORE

Sound financial advice: use credit wisely
June 4, 2008 — Today, credit is a way of life and plastic has evolved into the currency of choice. Your credit can determine what kind of car you drive, what neighborhood you live in and in some cases, whether or not you get the job you want. We have gotten away from the most basic way that you can pay for things, cash. Cash is simple and accepted almost... MORE

Synergy: Whole team better than sum of parts
June 4, 2008 — SYNERGY! It's not a new energy drink ... and it's not the latest 60 miles-per-gallon hybrid. Simply stated, it is the phenomenon we've all experienced ... the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. When people in an organization or on a team focus their energy, the marvel of synergy emerges. The 437th Airlift Wing's selection as this year's... MORE

Commander’s Commentary
June 4, 2008 — Good morning Team Charleston. What an absolute honor and privilege it was for me to represent you at last week's Berlin Air Show. Nearly 60 years ago, the world learned the true power of air mobility when we began the Berlin Airlift and Operation Vittles. Last week, Charleston's "Spirit of Berlin" C-17 was on display to honor the men and women who... MORE

Col. John "Red" Millander and the crew of the "Spirit of Berlin" C-17 met with Col. Gail Halvorsen, the "Candy Bomber" at the Berlin Air Show May 27. This year's Berlin Air Show marked the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. (Courtesy photo)

Command Chief’s Corner
May 28, 2008 — Team Charleston, I hope your Memorial Day weekend was pleasant and restful. I began my holiday weekend with more than 300 other chiefs at the Senior Enlisted Leader Summit hosted by the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley. The summit concluded last Friday with a banquet in honor of "America's Fallen Heroes." We honored the heroes of... MORE

Use care when speaking; words are spiritual containers
May 28, 2008 — "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Most of us learned from a very early age this is not true. We know from our own experience that words have power, either for good or for bad. The book of Proverbs tells us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." In fact, words are spiritual containers. They can... MORE

It's never too late to get your education
May 28, 2008 — May 14 was a milestone in my career -- one that took me a long time to achieve. That's the day I was presented with my Community College of the Air Force degree. As I proudly accepted my degree, I realized it's never too late to get your education. Within our group of graduates, there were some who only took a couple years to finish their CCAF... MORE