Commentaries

Political Season Guidelines
September 16, 2015 — The presidential primary elections are quickly approaching and the campaigns are in full swing. Candidates are vying for the support from all parts of the electorate. As members of the armed forces, we are one of the instruments of national policy. Our elected leaders set these national policies. I encourage every member of the armed forces to... MORE

68 Years of Mission! Airmen! Fun!
September 16, 2015 — Those of us who serve in the 437th Airlift Wing know our priorities are Mission! Airmen! Fun! We are driven to accomplish the mission of safe, precise and reliable airlift anywhere in the world while taking care of our amazing Airmen and their families. Oh yeah, we like to have fun along the way! On September 18, 2015, as we celebrate the Air... MORE

It’s OK to Think and Be Part of the Discussion!
September 9, 2015 — How often do you read? Whether its comics or Clausewitz, spend some time delving into a topic of interest. Your selections don't have to be military-specific or leadership oriented. Read the official, the unofficial and stay plugged-in to what's going on. Information is readily accessible and much of it can be a valuable resource, providing the... MORE

Maj. Chris Landwehr, 628th Communications Squadron commander

Navy Corrections - A History
September 1, 2015 — Over the last century, the U.S. Navy corrections system has evolved along the lines of corrections practice and philosophy used by civilian institutions around the nation. By replacing the "Articles for the Government of the Navy (Rocks and Shoals)" with the Uniform Code of Military Justice in 1951, progressive improvements in the treatment of... MORE

Suicide and Stress ... Combat Stress
September 1, 2015 — Suicide seems to be a more common occurrence today in the military than when I first joined.According to government data being highlighted in mainstream media and online, 22 veterans are "successfully" committing suicide daily. While every day life pressures and combat stress are challenges, they are temporary. An issue that may seem insurmountable... MORE

Navy and Air Force ranks, not as different you think
August 26, 2015 — Hello again. Let me begin by saying thank you to all the Joint Base Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen for what you do every day. It isn't always easy to do our jobs but all of you handle it with grace. I have been at Joint Base Charleston for more than two years and have had this conversation several times. Once again, I... MORE

Command Master Chief Joseph Gardner, Joint Base Charleston command master chief

A diamond in the rough
August 18, 2015 — "A diamond doesn't come out of the mine looking like that!" This is something my chief said recently and I was lucky enough to hear it. This simple comment spurred some deep thought about my time here at Joint Base Charleston as a first sergeant and how I arrived to this position in life. Nobody is instantly ready to put on the diamond and become... MORE

Life can be a challenge
August 14, 2015 — I have been watching the reality show "Alone" on the History Channel for the last few days; the show features 10 male contestants who are placed on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. These men are sent out by themselves and they are allowed 10 survival items they select to carry with them. They are totally isolated. There is no camera... MORE

Our mission and our legacy
August 13, 2015 — Some basics.As I prepared for my assignment as commander of the 628th Air Base Wing I looked at the heritage of our unit. While not long, it is storied. We were established to be the host unit for all of Joint Base Charleston - so joint basing is built into our DNA, and you can see it in the symbology of our emblem. In just a few short years the... MORE

Col. Robert Lyman, Joint Base Charleston commander. Official photo.

Challenge for all Airmen?
August 12, 2015 — It has been said, "You are either part of the solution or part of the problem." The Air Force is facing numerous challenges today, putting this statement to the test for all Airmen. Relating to the challenges of today's Air Force leaders, I am reminded of an article written by Laura Dimon in November 2013 called "Colin Powell's 13 Life Rules for... MORE