Commentaries

Be aware, report dangers around you
August 8, 2007 — Remount Road, Stall Road, Midland Parkway, Ashley Phosphate Road, Dorchester Road ... almost every member of Team Charleston is familiar with these roads and most of us probably drive on at least one of them every day. What you may not be familiar with is the potential danger that surrounds us as we travel. If you pay attention to the graffiti... MORE

Airmen shouldn’t manage change alone
August 1, 2007 — Change is something we all will face at one time or another as we go through life. The levels and frequency of the changes are sometimes dictated and influenced by our working environments, families, mission and personal goals. As a first sergeant, most days are filled with constant change, no matter how well time is managed or the priority list is... MORE

Commander's Comments
August 1, 2007 — TeamworkFollowing on the heels of President Bush's visit here last week, I traveled to McChord Air Force Base to cheer on our 437th and 315th Airlift Wings as they competed in the Air Mobility Rodeo 2007 competition against 45 U.S. teams, representing the best of the best from each of their respective units. Team members competed for individual and... MORE

Airmen need to invest in their future
August 1, 2007 — Congratulations, you've been promoted and have an extra $100 per month coming to you. You celebrate by: a) Heading to the car dealership and trading up. b) Increasing your retirement account allotment. c) Setting up a savings account. d) Paying extra on your credit card debt. e) I'm going to Disneyland! If you answered "d," do yourself a favor and... MORE

Command Chief’s Corner
August 1, 2007 — Each week I address you as "Team Charleston." This is the most fitting description I could think of, but not because we wear the same uniform, are assigned to the same unit and the same base. These things don't make us a team, it is our ability to work together to achieve a common goal that makes us a team. Every day, I see you take on this... MORE

Commander’s Comments
July 25, 2007 — What an amazing week! Team Charleston had the privilege of hosting the president of the United States Tuesday. It was an honor for us to welcome President Bush back to Charleston and have him interact closely with many of our Airmen. After highlighting our C-17 maintenance and loading capabilities on the flightline, the president joined members of... MORE

Command Chief’s Corner
July 25, 2007 — Team Charleston, one of the opportunities I make available to Airman on base is the chance to shadow the command chief for a day. My first shadow was Airman 1st Class Maria Proano from the 437th Comptroller Squadron. Airman Proano and I had a great time on a very busy day; she did well to keep pace. We started with a brisk early-morning run and... MORE

Air Force benefits remain after separation
July 25, 2007 — If you surveyed your co-workers and friends, you'll discover there are a multitude of reasons for why people join the military. Some join because they are patriotic and want to serve their country, while others join to travel the world or complete their education. Regardless of why they joined and the length of their service, they all have the... MORE

Leadership is great for anyone, everyone
July 25, 2007 — On a recent family vacation to Ireland, we were walking around downtown Waterford trying to figure out where to spend the night and eat dinner. As we were walking, my brilliant 4-year-old daughter, Katie, blurts out, "Daddy is the leader because he is the biggest." I smirked to myself for a second, thinking about how my wife was probably silently... MORE

Command Chief's Corner
July 17, 2007 — I have always thought it wise to remember the many supervisors, first sergeants, commanders and mentors whose influence molded me into the leader I am today. It is important to me to remember where I came from and those who helped me along the way. Such memories keep me well grounded and extremely grateful. Recently, Colonel Millander and I... MORE