Commentaries

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

Happy 50th Birthday to the BSCs
January 21, 2015 — When you think of someone who works in the Medical Group, you may think that we are all doctors, nurses or dentists. But, if that's what you thought, then you'd be missing out on the most diverse group of scientific and health related specialists in the Air Force. We are the Biomedical Sciences Corps, the "BSCs," and during the last week of... MORE

Setting Priorities: What’s Important and Why?
January 20, 2015 — Setting priorities is imperative in both our personal lives and our work lives. Setting priorities not only enables us to employ time management principles, but properly distribute other resource allocations, such as funding, manpower and other less tangible effects in order to achieve our goals. I see examples literally every day that require... MORE

No More Knee Jerk Responses
January 13, 2015 — Have you ever given an inappropriate hand gesture to someone who just cut your vehicle off in traffic? Well, "Road-rage" or aggressive driving, is considered a ticketable offense. To prevent knee jerk responses, we must have the ability to self-manage and control our emotions and to be self-aware. By doing this, we are using emotional... MORE

Be a Mentor
January 13, 2015 — Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." For those of you who are, or have been a mentor, you understand the meaning of these words. I can still remember my first day, late in December 1982, at my first duty assignment in the 342nd Missile Security Squadron, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. I had... MORE

A New Year, New Resolutions
January 13, 2015 — After arriving at Joint Base Charleston this summer, I outlined three priorities for the 437th: "Mission! Airmen! Fun!" As we often use New Year's resolutions as an opportunity to reflect on where we are and where we would like to go, I hope these priorities also offer you a guide for creating this year's resolutions.What resolutions will you... MORE

Col. John Lamontagne, 437th AW commander

Don't blow your top!
January 7, 2015 — How many times have you spoken something in a moment of anger or emotion only to regret it later? I know I have! As military professionals we owe it to ourselves, and those we supervise and lead, to take a deep breath and cool down before we attempt to correct or mentor them. I make it a habit to take 24 to 48 hours between the infraction and the... MORE