Commentaries

The Company: Part II
October 10, 2014 — In a May Patriot article, I described "The Company" (another nickname for the 15th Airlift Squadron) and how the people and not the machine (in our case, the C-17) deliver humanitarian aid or combat power to the warfighter. However, the efforts of some amazing Airmen are often only represented by a C-17 tail flash on a ramp. At the time of the... MORE

Don't believe everything you read
October 10, 2014 — Don't believe everything you read.I can't tell you how many times I have heard that throughout my career. And while it is certainly true, I think we need to be careful of overusing the term.I was visiting the Galley the other day and sat down with a few Sailors while eating lunch. They were discussing some of the recent relief actions involving... MORE

From the 437th AW commander
October 6, 2014 — The one thing that we can count on in the United States military is change. Although people often fear it ... change is good. As pointed out to me by retired Chief Master Sgt. Bob Langston, without change, we'd still be driving T-Model Fords. Instead we drive technologically advanced cars with turbo engines and bells and whistles that go off when... MORE

Col. John Lamontagne, 437th AW commander

Inside the 437th MXS
September 22, 2014 — According to a recent internet research, the term "maverick" refers to something that does not carry a specific brand. The 437th Maintenance Squadron here at Joint Base Charleston fits this name because there is no specific "brand" within our squadron. Led by Maj. Brian Clark, the 437th MXS has 12 different and diverse Air Force Specialty Codes... MORE

Stay Away from “The Bad Five”
September 17, 2014 — On June 30 of this year, I assumed command of the 628th Comptroller Squadron at Joint Base Charleston. That evening, after taking the guidon, I had to think long and hard about what I was going to say to the squadron the next day at my very first commander's call. As a leader of military, civilians and contractors, I certainly wanted to address the... MORE

It is my honor and privilege
September 15, 2014 — How do you respond when someone says thank you? Do you smile and nod your head? Do you say, "No problem."? How about, "I am just doing my job." Perhaps a thank you catches you off guard and you fail to provide a response at all? I understand all of these reactions. It is easy to feel embarrassed by someone thanking you, especially when it is... MORE

Never forget
September 8, 2014 — As I pondered what to write this month, I recalled a powerful moment . . .While holding a position as the J2 in South Carolina, I had a visit with Dr. Jim Chow (also recognized as Brig. Gen. Chow). Leaving his office, I encountered an elderly couple at the elevator. One could tell they were a couple of countless years together. Like everyone else... MORE

Be the eye of life's hurricanes
September 4, 2014 — I'm certain this will get the attention of your co-workers, but raise your hand if you think the Air Force provides too much resilience training. I sometimes think so too, but then I step back to see the larger picture and how resilience can make you the calm eye in the hurricane of life's problems."Perception is reality" is a phrase you hear... MORE

Why?
August 28, 2014 — Why? Why is the favorite word of every child. When a young child asks why, it's curious, it's genuine and it's an innocent honest question. Mommy, why is the grass green? Mommy, why do apples grow on trees? Daddy, why does that dog sniff that other dog's butt?Funny how dads always get the really tough questions. What is also funny is at some point... MORE

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

Leading with Lumber
August 4, 2014 — When a new commander assumes command, Airmen may ask what the new commander's leadership style is like. The principles below are my personal leadership philosophy, which I relate to the basics of building a home. I believe leading is somewhat like carpentry. Through a carpenter's skill, he creates a home from interdependent materials. Similarly, a... MORE