Commentaries

Imagery helps communicate messages
February 27, 2008 — The chief of staff of the Air Force recently released his vision for ensuring our future ability to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace in a white paper distributed throughout the Air Force. It is accompanied by a Strategic Communications Campaign Plan, whose goal is to raise the prominence of the Air Force in strategic dialogue. Have I... MORE

Arriving in theater only days before, F-15E Strike Eagles prepare to fly their first bombing missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom into Afghanistan from a forward deployed base in Southwest Asia Oct.17, 2001. The bombs, destined for targets in Afghanistan, are written on by Airmen from the squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Dave Nolan)

Command Chief’s Corner
February 27, 2008 — Team Charleston, one part of my job as command chief that I really enjoy is spending time with young Airmen who are just beginning their Air Force careers. Their questions often relate to the challenges associated with being successful. After some time, I've found goal setting to be one response that has consistently answered many of these... MORE

Commander gives advice from tail section as new guy
February 20, 2008 — In January 2007, I was deployed, flying C-17s for the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. I was paired with a brand new copilot, call sign "Crazy Ivan," and our first mission was a triple stop in Iraq and then we went back to our deployed location in Southwest Asia. Crazy Ivan worked extremely hard to keep up with all the radio calls, often with... MORE

Roll call -- what’s in it for you?
February 20, 2008 — Airman Smith ... Here, sir! Airman 1st Class Excited ... Here, sir! Sergeant Works-a-lot ... Present for duty, sir! And so went the list of names that was called by our flight chief. This was my roll call, and this how I reported for duty. This was a time when we towed the line with toolboxes with our boots shined and with our uniforms pressed in... MORE

Commander's Comments
February 20, 2008 — As many of you are aware, President Bush's Fiscal Year 2009 roll-out budget was recently announced. The budget reflects tough, thoughtful decisions to best carry out our mission within our resources. Aggressive measures have been taken to balance the FY 09 budget across limited resources, but we still face great challenges ... and that means... MORE

What does responsibility mean to you?
February 13, 2008 — Do you ever wonder why people do the things they do? Sometimes we think maybe a person lacks or possesses a certain quality that drives their behavior. In this time of dwindling personnel and an ever-changing mission, I would like to take a moment to discuss responsibility. Sure, you can have all the potential in the world, but if your character... MORE

Command Chief's Corner
February 13, 2008 — Team Charleston, in this life we are presented with many different opportunities to learn and grow. Failing to seize these opportunities is like refusing nourishment for the body -- it stunts your growth. In the Air Force, education and training are fundamental components of Airman development. From the time we enlist to the time we separate or... MORE

My favorite candy bar is worth keeping
February 13, 2008 — We have all heard, "life is like a box of chocolates -- you never know what you are going to get." I've found that this is often true with people also. I judge people on various criteria; one of the most important is integrity. The military emphasizes integrity all the time, but what does it mean? You may have heard the expression, "I will not lie,... MORE

Do something smart with your refund
February 6, 2008 — A few days ago I came upon one of my first leave and earning statements. It was just under $300 and was for the month of January. With my LES, was a copy of my income tax refund check, just under $600. I remembered why I had those items together; that is what I used to buy my wife an engagement ring more than fifteen years ago. I started adding up... MORE

Airman Heritage
February 6, 2008 — We should all be very proud of our Air Force heritage. It is outstanding to see photographs, art and other memorabilia depicting a unit's heritage proudly on display when walking through a dormitory, squadron or other facility. Through visual depictions of heritage, Airmen are better able to identify with their unit mission and goals and are... MORE

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley