Commentaries

Learning lessons, easy or hard?
September 12, 2013 — Some days, I, like many others, only learn life's lessons the hard way ... through significant emotional events. Do we have this trait in common? Some of these significant emotional events are very positive and some painfully negative. For some, it's the first time away from home, an encounter with a military training instructor, the bus ride at... MORE

The Importance of logistics in the modern Air Force
September 12, 2013 — I get that a lot, usually right after someone asks me, "What do you do in the Air Force?" Simply stated, in the Air Force, logistics is the procurement, distribution, maintenance and replacement of materiel and personnel. Our Air Force relies on logistics like no other military in history. In the past, a military force may have relied on the... MORE

Volunteerism
September 11, 2013 — For as long as I have worked as an Air Force pharmacist, I have enjoyed the pleasure of working with retired military volunteers and their spouses. The Military Treatment Facility pharmacies with the highest morale that I've worked at have also had the highest number of volunteers. The fact is, most stateside MTF pharmacies have become very... MORE

Personal responsibility, serving our country during changing times
September 4, 2013 — When you hear the word "responsibility," what do you think of first? Many people think of the word BLAME, as in, "Whose responsibility is this?" in order to hold the "responsible one" accountable. It is true that if you are responsible for something you are also accountable for it. However, I'd like to instead suggest that you think of... MORE

Last C-17 Brings Everyone Together
September 3, 2013 — We are only a week away from the final C-17 Globemaster III delivery. It's been more than 20 years since Charleston received the first operational C-17 back in 2003 and in one week, we will have the honor of celebrating the final Globemaster III produced for the defense of our nation. The ceremony will be one for the record books as we highlight... MORE

Diamond Tip: Being an “AMN ”
September 3, 2013 — I have been asked by many about my philosophy on what I believe it takes to be a successful Airman. My definition of success may vary from everyone else's who has an opinion. However, I wholeheartedly believe that in order for you to be a successful "A"irman there are three simple rules I think you should consider following and it boils down to... MORE

Apprenticeship
August 27, 2013 — Every year, the 373rd TRS, Detachment 5, graduates approximately 700 students. Roughly half of those graduates are brand new to the Air Force and completing their initial training. Upon graduation, they are awarded their AFSC and officially enter into what the Air Force calls an apprenticeship. In our fast paced world I think we sometimes forget... MORE

Scout's Honor
August 27, 2013 — I spent most of my childhood participating in scouting. To this day, there is a copy of the Boy Scout Handbook on my desk. Below are three lessons I learned from scouting that have helped shape me as the leader I believe I have become. Good judgment Judgment, like leadership, must be practiced to improve. In front of my students, I speak about... MORE

Tech. Sgt. Matthew Ancell, 373rd Training Squadron assistant first sergeant

Finding purpose
August 27, 2013 — Throughout my formative years, my grandmother peppered me with numerous axioms, many which stuck with me long after her time on earth. Two of those adages which perhaps had the greatest impact on my life are; "you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything," and "leave it better than you found it." Not only do these words continue to... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Earl Hannon, 628th Air Base Wing command chief

Diamond Tip: Why am I here?
August 21, 2013 — Why am I here? Recently, I had to ask myself this question. I had become so caught up in the day-to-day administrative process, work, school, family and personal issues that I lost focus on the reason I am here. Fortunately I am surrounded by the best people in the world, between my outstanding first sergeant peers, members of my squadron and all... MORE