Commentaries

Commander's Comments
July 17, 2007 — The community. I can not think of a better place to be than Charleston, S.C. In my 22 years of Air Force service, I've seen vast differences in the people and atmosphere outside our Air Force base gates. In some locations, people driving to work were greeted by protestors. At other locations, there weren't protestors but there wasn't much of any... MORE

Safety is always important, especially during war
July 17, 2007 — You've heard safety slogans before. Things like, "safety first, mission always" or "safety is a force multiplier," but do you really believe these slogans? Did you know that during World War II safety played a critical factor in winning the war? Let's take a quick look back at how safety won the day. In 1937, Japan invaded China and soon controlled... MORE

Change is good, important
July 17, 2007 — Have you taken the time to read the marquee as you drive through the base gates? If you have, you've probably been surprised at the number of change of command ceremonies and retirements being added almost every day. In my almost 20 years in the Air Force, I have never seen this large a turn-over in senior leadership. We have a new wing commander,... MORE

Lessons learned from Virginia Tech important to us
July 11, 2007 — From obscurity, force protection has become the buzzword of the 21st century operational environment. Lessons learned from the tragic events of Khobar Towers, the Oklahoma City bombing, Columbine, 9/11 and more recently the Virginia Tech shootings have forced leaders at all levels to focus on providing a secure environment for employees and... MORE

Command Chief's Corner
July 11, 2007 — Good morning Team Charleston. This 4th of July, I was invited to speak at a breakfast in honor of the men and women in uniform who serve our great nation. It was a pleasure to celebrate with Mayor R. Keith Summey and some of North Charleston's most ardent military supporters. It was an honor to address such a distinguished audience, which included... MORE

Commander's Comments
July 11, 2007 — Mission If you ever have an opportunity to visit our aerial port squadron, do take the time to see what kind of equipment, tools and vehicles that are moving through that warehouse. Being there makes you truly understand the vitally important mission we have here at Charleston Air Force Base. Our job is to "Take the Fight to the Enemy." Everything... MORE

Airmen should look the part
July 11, 2007 — As Airmen in the United States Air Force, we are all professionals and we should look the part 24/7 while wearing the uniform. Nothing impresses me more than to see a group of sharp, well-groomed Airmen walking around the installation. They are a positive representative of our great Air Force and we should be proud to serve beside them. However,... MORE

Commander's Comments
July 3, 2007 — Family. For each of us, that word means different things. For some, it means a wife and two children at home. For others, it may mean parents or grandparents. Some might even think of their group of best friends as a family. No matter who is a part of your "family," my goal as your new commander is to ensure that you are given the opportunity to... MORE

Command Chief's Corner
July 3, 2007 — Team Charleston, the past few weeks have been a buzz of change and excitement. Farewell dinners and change of command ceremonies have marked significant changes in our leadership team. We bid a sad farewell to many commanders and extended a hearty welcome to an equal number to include our new wing commander, Col. John "Red" Millander. The changing... MORE

Be a follower before a leader
July 3, 2007 — Many of us would probably like to answer "yes" if asked if we thought we were a good leader, but think about it for a minute, are you? If you answered "no," are you right? Leadership requires many qualities, traits and attributes ... do you think you have them? You could search the Internet, read books or talk to others and you are bound to come up... MORE