Commentaries

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

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