Commentaries

Reflecting on a great career at JB Charleston
February 17, 2015 — Over 30 years ago, as a young Airman Gigi Manning, I remember gazing proudly into the mirror as I straightened my olive drab uniform at Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, it seemed like it would take forever to fill my sleeve with stripes. But oh, how time flies when you're having fun.Even back then I knew the stripes other... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Gigi Manning, 315th Airlift Wing command chief

Experiencing the world through different eyes—night eyes
February 12, 2015 — This past week, I took on a new shift--trading in my daytime hours for nighttime ops, as part of the Public Affairs 'Night Week' campaign. During this week, I met with individuals from many units throughout Joint Base Charleston to learn a little about their mission, how they operate and to get their views on working those vital night shifts that... MORE

Are you ready?
February 10, 2015 — I glanced at my watch, Nov. 16, 2007, 6:22 a.m. ... 23 more minutes to go. Sweat dripped from my brow. The straps of my 70 pound ruck dug into my shoulders. I bounced the ruck, tugged and adjusted the straps ... much better. My legs ached as I reached the top. I made another hash mark on the FLYN (freaking little yellow note ... a post-it)... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Hughes, 437th Airlift Wing command chief

Joint Base Charleston – An awesome association!
February 10, 2015 — I wonder how often people assigned here realize or even think about all the elements that are associating as part of the total and joint force here on Joint Base Charleston? I have been here about a year now, and I would like to let you know that I'm very impressed with what I've seen, and I really think we at JB Charleston lead the way as far as... MORE

Col. Caroline Evernham, 315th Operations Group commander

Go off the grid
February 4, 2015 — Recently as I was watching TV, a pizza commercial came on. In the first scene the family is trying to order pizza online and having difficulty so the dad announces, "we're going off the grid." The next scene they are in a cabin in the country carving wood and have given up electronics. Last week I had the opportunity to take my family to the... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Mark Bronson, 628th Air Base Wing command chief

A new perspective on a challenging day at work
February 3, 2015 — On Feb. 1, 1943, B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 414th Bombardment Squadron left their base near Biskra, an oasis city in the Sahara Desert in north-central Algeria, to continue attacks on German held Mediterranean seaports at Bizerte and Tunis, Tunisia. Among the squadrons B-17s taking part in the mission was one named the All American. This... MORE

Leadership - it's not rocket science, it's harder
January 29, 2015 — Editors Note: On Jan. 27, 2015, the Air Force Public Affairs family lost one of its own, Col. Aaron Burgstein, a former 1st Combat Camera Squadron commander, to a hard fought battle with cancer. In memory of Col. Burgstein, we are re-running his commentary about leadership, as he was the ultimate leader. "It's not rocket science!" How often do we... MORE

Make your first impression a lasting impression
January 26, 2015 — From the time I was able to comb my own hair, my dad would coach me on first impressions and always putting your best foot forward. Make sure you're showered, hairs' combed, no dirt under your nails, clothes are clean and serviceable or in his words "don't look or act like a bum." It's something that has stuck with me throughout and even though we... MORE

Don't underestimate the value of your contributions
January 26, 2015 — Have you ever said to yourself, "I'm just a (insert job title here)?" At some point in your Air Force career, I'm sure you've either thought it or actually said it out loud. As the commander of the 437th Maintenance Squadron, I've heard it many times. "I'm just a crew chief" or "I'm just a Precision Measurement Equipment Lab technician," so what... MORE

Maj. Brian Clark, 437th Maintenance Squadron commander

What does it mean to be a leader?
January 21, 2015 — Recently I was given the privilege of becoming the acting First Sergeant for the 1st Combat Camera Squadron. I am biased to this squadron and am excited to have the opportunity to help such a unique group of individuals. This squadron has endured many challenges, but the young Airmen continue to rise above the task at hand and I credit their... MORE