Commentaries

Education more important than ever
November 28, 2007 — Have you ever looked back at a period of time or event in your life and said, "I wish I had known then what I do now." As I cross my mark of 20 years in service, I can't help but think about the things I wish I had done differently in my career. The one thing that stands out the most is not taking advantage of the time I could have spent pursuing... MORE

Commander's Commentary
November 28, 2007 — Team Charleston, as I prepare to deploy, I would like to share with you a story that illustrates the importance of living by the Air Force Core Value of excellence all in we do, no matter what your mission is or where you are in your Air Force career; just entering the AF, performing your day-to-day duties, preparing for deployment, or even getting... MORE

Are you legally ready to deploy?
November 20, 2007 — None of us would ever deploy to a combat zone without a flack vest and helmet. Why? These items provide us with protection ... and a little peace of mind. Likewise, most of us are willing to take the pain associated with the various inoculations providing protection from biological attack. While we are diligent in protecting ourselves from these... MORE

Commander's Commentary
November 20, 2007 — Thanksgiving greetings! In this holiday season, Deb and I send our sincerest wishes to everyone -- active duty, Reserve, Guard, civilian and their families -- all those who make up Team Charleston. We are thankful for your commitment to our mission and to ensuring we continue to enjoy the freedoms we have. My first focus area as a commander is on... MORE

Command Chief's Commentary
November 14, 2007 — Team Charleston, as we prepared for the impending chief master sergeant promotion release, I reflected on the rank, its importance, and how it came into being. By law only the top one percent of the enlisted corps is promoted to chief master sergeant. As a chief, I'm proud to say promotion to the highest enlisted rank is reserved for the most... MORE

Commander's Commentary
November 14, 2007 — Hello Team Charleston! This week, we hosted Maj. Gen. and Mrs. James Hawkins, 18th Air Force commander, on their visit to Charleston AFB. Many thanks to those of you who worked so diligently to ensure the overwhelming success of this visit ... no one does it better than you and you prove it time and time again. Thank you to those who participated... MORE

Only eat the good stuff this year
November 14, 2007 — Every day 200,000 Americans get sick from food-related illnesses. From now until New Year's Day, there are all sorts of things to celebrate with food being the center of attention. Unfortunately, the food that plays such an important part in these celebrations can present very serious dangers; particularly to young children and the elderly. A few... MORE

Have you thanked your first sergeant today?
November 14, 2007 — Thank you, first sergeants! We are moving into the holiday season and what better time to say thanks to a special group of people: squadron first sergeants. I may be biased, but I believe we have the best first sergeants here at Charleston AFB. It takes a special individual to be a great first sergeant and I feel we, here in the 437th Airlift Wing,... MORE

There’s a good reason for why I serve
November 14, 2007 — Bang! ... click click ... Bang! ... click click ... Bang! As the echo of the 21-gun salute fades into the distance, I immediately flash back 35 years to a cemetery outside New York City. I close my eyes and as I hear the haunting notes of the bugler I can see the flag of the United States being folded and presented to the grieving widow. My father,... MORE

Recognizing Charleston's unsung heroes
November 7, 2007 — Unsung heroes When I hear the word hero, traditional and historical images come initially to mind. I think of George Washington, Martin Luther King, and George Patton ... all individuals who have either dedicated their lives or given their lives to improve or safeguard our nation's way of life. If I think on it a little longer, the men and women... MORE