Commentaries

Think safety during summer
March 14, 2007 — Well folks, it's almost time for the "dog days of summer" again. We all know what this means, barbecues, trips to the beach and vacations, as well as many other outdoor activities. For those of you who have not heard, on Aug. 8, 2005, President Bush signed legislation that changed the daylight savings time period as part of the energy conservation... MORE

Keep your focus in the fog and friction of war
March 14, 2007 — BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq - "Read the history books and see - for we were born but yesterday and know so little; our days here on earth are as transient as shadows. But the wisdom of the past will teach you. The experience of others will speak to you..." Job 8:8-10. Well, let's consider something from recent history that has some bearing on where we are... MORE

Personnel records readiness: Are you ready?
March 14, 2007 — RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Because change is the one thing you can count on, take time now to review your personnel records to ensure they are ready for whatever is around the next corner. Air Force Personnel Center officials are establishing an annual campaign to encourage Airmen to review their records at the beginning of each year to make... MORE

Commander's Comments
March 7, 2007 — Phenomenal! That's the best way to describe the performance of the men and women of the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings during the recent three-day mobility exercise. The challenge we were given? Assume control of a bare-base airfield, establish all necessary base support and conduct flying operations. The scenario asked us to deploy to help deliver... MORE

Command Chief's Corner
March 7, 2007 — Good Morning Team Charleston! What better way to start then by congratulating the four outstanding Airmen who were recognized earlier this week by their first sergeants during the wing's diamond sharp ceremony. Senior Airman Matthew Lumm, 437th Aerial Port Squadron; Airman 1st Class Christopher Walker, 437th Maintenance Squadron; Airman Brett... MORE

Beware the effects of peer pressure
March 6, 2007 — I looked back over my 13 years as a first sergeant and I believe the single largest contributor to the downfall of our junior Airmen is peer pressure. Now you may be asking yourself, how so? Instead of explaining my reason, let me tell you a true story of an Airman from a previous base. Airman Snuffy sat across from me and I asked him the same... MORE

Enduring the storm provides opportunity to excel
March 6, 2007 — Last week I read an e-mail from a general officer that motivated me to see "storms" from a different perspective. The essence of the e-mail was we are in the middle of another perfect storm for the next three weeks. He gave a big thank you to all our maintainers and support Airmen as well as aircrew, for supporting the warfighter and proceeded to... MORE

437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander

Command Chief's Corner
February 28, 2007 — What can I say? There is something very special about a parade! Thank you so very much to everyone who came out last Saturday to represent Team Charleston in the parade honoring the 200th Anniversary of the Washington Light Infantry. More than 160 Airmen in battle dress uniforms and flightsuits stood tall as we proudly made our way through downtown... MORE

Commander's Comments
February 28, 2007 — Practice truly does make perfect. That's why this week we're honing our mobility skills with an exercise. Why do we need to practice how to deploy when we keep about a fourth of our Airmen downrange already? Why do we need to test our ability to process cargo when our aerial porters are handling all air cargo supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom? Why... MORE

Today’s new Airman is tomorrow’s leader
February 26, 2007 — I like being a first sergeant because it is both challenging and rewarding. One of the biggest challenges before our enlisted force is molding today's Airman into tomorrow's leader. As a first sergeant, I get to know the enlisted members of my unit on a professional and personal level by engaging in face-to-face conversations. This close personal... MORE