Commentaries

The missing element: do you have it?
November 3, 2006 — Throughout my Air Force career I have garnered many experiences, run into numerous people and dealt with far more personalities than I can count -- all contributing to the path I have taken. One common attribute of successful leadership and followership has stood out. Do you know what it is? It extends beyond our core values. Integrity first,... MORE

Air Force heritage built on pursuit of better ways to complete mission
November 3, 2006 — "The Air Force is built on a heritage of heretics," proclaimed retired Lt. Gen. P.K. Carlton, former Air Force Surgeon General in a recent briefing. I have to admit at first I was a bit offended by his comment, he said them as if pinning a badge of honor on the chest of each of us listening. His words shocked me, but as he continued, the evidence... MORE

The Air Force family and how to find a Wingman
October 13, 2006 — As we approach Wingman Day at Charleston AFB, I'd like to share a personal story and some views on what it means to be a Wingman. Fourteen years ago and brand new to Hill AFB, Utah, my husband Gary was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma (brain tumor). After the initial identification, things happened rather fast. Due to the size of his tumor, we... MORE

Airmen have many ways to meet their emotional, mental needs
October 2, 2006 — Seventy percent of 1st Combat Camera's missions this year will be in support of the Army. Combat Camera Airmen are embedded with infantry units, documenting house sweeps, convoys and patrols. Their images short-circuit enemy propaganda, ensuring they cannot claim fault where there is none; they highlight enemy tactics; and show the American people... MORE

Labor Day: A national tribute to workers
September 1, 2006 — I have to admit it, every year I really look forward to Labor Day. I think nearly all of us do. However, the purpose for this enthusiasm among us is quite varied. In fact, one could argue Labor Day begets more activities or reasons for exhilaration than any national holiday. A few examples I heard this week were: A nice long weekend, the last... MORE

Communication important in workplace
August 24, 2006 — One of the most critical elements involving people and the mission is communication. It is a vital tool that enables effective mission accomplishment and it is often overlooked. In regards to communication, we should always ask ourselves the following question: "Who must be informed?" or "Who has a need to know?" This question should be asked each... MORE

Force shaping: The right sizing of the force
August 24, 2006 — As the Air Force begins a period of significant change, I thought it would be important to write on the latest Force Shaping program published by the Air Force Personnel Center. With the Air Force initiatives of Program Budget Decision 720, National Security Personnel System, Personnel Services Delivery Transformation and joint basing, it is... MORE

Do you have a map to get there?
August 17, 2006 — Do you dream about where you want to go, but don't have a map to get there? The map that I'm referring to is goals. Too many of us treat goal setting the same way. It is more than simply scribbling down some ideas on a piece of paper. Our goals need to be complete and focused, much like a road map. I was thinking back recently to some of the goals... MORE

Expeditionary Airmen: Are you ready?
August 17, 2006 — By now, most have heard about the Air Force's shift to a more expeditionary force. From increased and longer taskings, expeditionary combat skills training at home station and a new deployment focus to our basic training, expeditionary Air Force is not just the cool new phrase of the day. It is our new way of doing business. While the warrior in us... MORE

Teamwork paved way for 17 AS deployment
August 1, 2006 — It takes a team ... simply put. May 22, a group of 10 members of the 17th Airlift Squadron boarded a C-17 to stand up the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. We landed in Southwest Asia and began writing the first chapter of a historic airlift doctrinal change: the "Two Expeditionary Airlift Squadron Concept." Getting to that day took months of... MORE