Commentaries

Airman talks about the consequences of a DUI
February 12, 2007 — Throughout our Air Force careers we are constantly briefed on the dangers of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. I have personally sat through many of these briefings and, like so many others, still made that awful decision to drink and drive. I am not going to give you the same "don't drink and drive" speech you have heard time and... MORE

Excel, be fair, chase your dreams
February 12, 2007 — Twenty-nine years have passed since I arrived at my first base as an airman basic, fresh out of tech school and eager to become a part of the "real Air Force." I have held several jobs during those seven enlisted and 22 officer years of service. I have learned a few things over that time that I believe is of value to all Airmen of all ranks and... MORE

Command Chief's Corner
February 12, 2007 — Good morning team! In spite of the frigid temperatures we have experienced over the last couple weeks, the Lowcountry is still at the top of my list for places to work and play. I must admit I have gotten a little spoiled with the moderate winters we have here. However, as my wife reminds me, it is winter and as such, we should expect some colder... MORE

Commander's Commentary
February 12, 2007 — Physically. Spiritually. Emotionally. Financially. Are you ready to deploy? More than 800 Team Charleston warriors are currently downrange helping to deliver freedom and save lives. Later this year, we'll be tested on our ability to survive and operate in a deployed and hostile environment when we participate in an Expeditionary Operational... MORE

Filing tax returns easy with DOD programs
February 2, 2007 — Time has come for a change in the seasons. Not the usual winter to spring, but the change from holiday season to tax season. Tax season can be one of the most dreaded times of the year for the unprepared; but if you are armed with information and people trained to help, tax season can come and go without a problem. The Base Tax Center is now up and... MORE

Same car with a new coat of paint?
February 2, 2007 — Many of you remember when we went through the quality initiatives of the '90s with W. Edwards Deming's Total Quality Management. Those that remember the quality days may tell you horror stories of long meetings without decisions discussing powerpoint slides with graphs of useless statistics generated from mounds of paperwork. Commanders proudly... MORE

Command Chief's Corner
February 2, 2007 — Wow! Sometimes words cannot truly express my pride when I see you in action. What an awesome visit for our AMC commander and his wife. It is so easy to brag to my fellow command chiefs and once again you proved why. Everyone did a fantastic job in preparing for the visit and it showed from wheels up at Pope AFB to the time of their departure... MORE

Commander's Comments 2-2-07
February 2, 2007 — What a phenomenal week for the men and women of Team Charleston. What an honor it was to have Gen. Duncan McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, and his wife, Linda, spend the day with us to see firsthand how the work we do saves lives everyday. The energy and passion for what we do can't be faked and it was definitely noticed. We were the last... MORE

Things that make a shirt’s job difficult
January 26, 2007 — There are two things in today's Air Force which keep a first sergeant busy. They are the use of cell phones and alcohol. First, I would like to start with the noisemaker we all seem not able to live without: the cell phone. Although the use of cell phones has become an integral part of our lives, people need to understand that just because someone... MORE

Wing IG asks: Are you ready for the EORI?
January 25, 2007 — I thought I'd try to help educate you on our upcoming Expeditionary Operational Readiness Inspection. Charleston AFB is scheduled to have our EORI from Oct. 21 to 28. October may sound like it's far off in the future; but in reality, it's just around the corner. I'll try to explain what our EORI entails, who the players are, what's graded and what... MORE