Commentaries

An appointment missed by you is an appointment missed by two
September 6, 2018 — Naval Health Clinic Charleston encourages patients to cancel appointments 24 hours in advance. An appointment missed by you is really missed by two. When a patient misses or “no-shows” for a medical or dental appointment, it keeps another service member, family member, or other beneficiary from using that appointment slot for the care they need. This means it can also impact the medical and dental readiness of the military fighting force. ... MORE

Cosmetic surgery in the military has considerations, limitations
September 5, 2018 — In 2016, Americans spent more than $16 billon on cosmetic surgery. Military personnel are no exception. However, unlike our civilian counterparts, limitations exist for military personnel seeking cosmetic surgery. ... MORE

Challenging conventional wisdom with creative messages
August 30, 2018 — There are numerous business books on the market intended to help guide improvement activities for organizations. One book I particularly like is titled “If it Ain’t Broke. Break It!: And Other Unconventional Wisdom for a Changing Business World,” by Robert J. Kriegel and Louis Palter. Now don’t jump to the conclusion that it means break up the organization and then rebuild it. It is more in line with “seeking a new way to think.”... MORE

National Aviation Day and the 437th Airlift Wing
August 17, 2018 — President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation declaring August 19, 1939 National Aviation Day in honor of the 68th anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday. Orville was the younger brother of Wilbur Wright, who, together, became American aviation pioneers. On December 17, 1903, the Wrights made aviation history, when they successfully completed the first controlled flight of a powered flying machine. To put that achievement into perspective, the 437th Troop Carrier Group (TCG) was activated a mere 40-years later on May 1, 1943 and a year later they were flying combat sorties over France during Operation NEPTUNE, known by most as D-Day. In 1947, the United States Air Force was established as a separate and equal service alongside the Army and Navy. Two years later, on June 27, 1949, the 437th Troop Carrier Wing (TCW) was activated as a reserve wing at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport, Illinois. ... MORE

Commander's Action Line
August 14, 2018 — The Commander's Action Line is your direct link to base leadership. It is your opportunity to make Joint Base Charleston a better place to live, work and play. The Action Line program allows members of Team Charleston to voice any concerns they may have and receive a response. Members are encouraged to try and resolve their issue at the lowest level using their chain of command. If issues can’t be resolved at that level, please feel free to submit an Action Line. The public affairs office accepts Action Line submission via e-mail at: 628.abw.pa@us.af.mil or mail at 628 ABW/PA, 102 E Hill Blvd., Joint Base Charleston, SC 29404. Please leave your name and the information needed to contact you. This information will not be shared online or in the Patriot. Please allow one week for a response from the 628th Air Base Wing commander.... MORE

August is National Children’s Vision and Learning Month
August 9, 2018 — As you prepare your children for a great new school year, don’t forget their vision. Experts say 80 percent of what we learn is through our eyes. So it is key to make sure your children can see if you want to see them succeed. August is not only when students go back to school, but it’s also National Children’s Vision and Learning Month, so there is no better time to consider your child’s potential vision needs.... MORE

CMC bids Joint Base Charleston farewell
August 1, 2018 — Shipmates, as with most great things in life, my time here at Joint Base Charleston has drawn to an end. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve as your Joint Base Command Master Chief and I truly hope that I am leaving the base a little bit better than when I came aboard two years ago. ... MORE

The domino effect of communication
August 1, 2018 — No matter where you are in the organization, if communication is not effective, it can create bottlenecks in executing the mission as well create frustrations and stress among your team. ... The bulk of many conflicts in our organizations stem from miscommunications. As leaders we should constantly attempt to sharpen our communication skills and be flexible in how we communicate with our leaders, co-workers and employees. Everyone doesn’t communicate the same.... MORE

Opportunity, meaning, extraordinary people
July 27, 2018 — My family and I are thrilled to be back in the Lowcountry as part of the 437th Airlift Wing. As a way of introducing myself to those reading this, I think it is helpful to reflect on what first attracted me to the Air Force and explain why I have stayed on active duty for more than 20 years. I hope my reasoning will resonate with a majority. ... MORE

'You work where? What exactly is NOSC?'
July 19, 2018 — I’m often asked, “Where do you work on the base?” When I say Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Charleston, I get a bewildered look and I almost immediately have to follow up by saying, "the Navy Reserve Center.”... MORE