Commentaries

Letter to Airmen: Farewell
August 12, 2015 — Mobility Airmen,It was just over a year ago I assumed command of 18th Air Force, and it has been a humbling and challenging, but also gratifying, experience. Looking back at this past year, I am thoroughly impressed and amazed by what you have been able to accomplish every day. Thank you for your continuing diligence and excellence as you carry out... MORE

Carlton Everhart II, Lieutenant General, USAF, Commander

Top 10 Reasons I'll Miss AMC
August 12, 2015 — After spending more than a year leading the outstanding active duty, guard, reserve and civilian Airmen at Air Mobility Command, my time with you has come to an end. While I am incredibly honored to have been selected to continue serving our nation at U.S. Transportation Command, I cannot help but reflect on my time with the AMC community with... MORE

The Most Rewarding Prize
August 6, 2015 — 8/5/2015 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SC -- Supposedly competition is healthy. Our society has established competition for almost everything. In children's sports, there is a high expectation for competition but everyone gets a trophy. When transitioning to adulthood, some become so used to getting the trophy, they are willing to do anything for the... MORE

The Power of Praise
August 6, 2015 — 8/5/2015 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SC -- Recently my Commander and I were asked to go to a civilian agency to present certificates of appreciation. The certificates were being given to employees who had traveled from another base to help with renovations at JB Charleston. As I inquired more about why the employees were being recognized, it seemed... MORE

Subduing stress through spirituality
July 24, 2015 — A man went to his physician, complaining of constant headaches. The physician asked if he smoked."Yes, I do," said the fellow."Well, stop smoking," suggested the physician.The man stopped but the headaches persisted. He went back."Do you drink?""Yeah, I drink considerably."So he stopped. The headaches persisted."Are you engaged in physical labor... MORE

INSERT MONEY HERE: The Upside of Risk
July 24, 2015 — Every day people are faced with the complexities of risk and, surprisingly, they are subconscious masters of Risk Management. After all, just deciding to get out of bed is a demonstration of risk avoidance. Since getting out of bed affords one the likelihood of avoiding getting fired at work or, even more underlying, is the risk avoidance of... MORE

Communication skills, more important than you think
July 21, 2015 — One of the biggest challenges we all face is trying to decide what we want to be. For the longest time I worried that I didn't have a "real" calling. I didn't want to be a doctor or a nurse or a lawyer. I was just an Airman. Doing what Airmen do: CDCs, OJT, getting qualified on vehicles and on test equipment, learning stuff on the computer... MORE

Teamwork: the common thread wherever life takes us
July 21, 2015 — When we take the oath to join the military, our future is wide open and we are eager to start the journey. Most of us quickly learn that teamwork is one of the most important elements of success. It's the same whether we sign on for active or Reserve duty, as enlisted, officer or Defense Department civilian. Teamwork has always been the key... MORE

Structure and discipline
July 14, 2015 — I recently briefed an Enlisted Force Structure lesson at the First Term Airman Center and asked the Airmen, "Was their first duty station what they expected?" Almost all of the Airmen answered no, it wasn't what they expected. They stated that it's too relaxed and it seemed like there was no discipline in comparison to what they learned in Basic... MORE

The end of an era is marked by the inactivation of the 17th Airlift Squadron
July 13, 2015 — As commander, I have the honor of leading our greatest people through the good times as well as the challenging times. And today, on the 17th of July, I reflect on one of our recent challenges when we inactivated the 17th Airlift Squadron on June 25th, 2015 at 11:17 am. To give you an idea of how much of an impact the 17th had on our operations,... MORE

Col. John Lamontagne, 437th AW commander