Commentaries

Change of command season
August 21, 2013 — To all Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers, be it known that Summer is traditionally known for two things: hot temperatures and a bevy of change of commands. This is a time of cleaning out your spaces and sprucing up the surroundings to put on a show of how perfect things are at your command.Your old boss is ready to move on to their next challenge. They... MORE

EFMP, understanding what might truly be… exceptional
August 14, 2013 — According to Department of Defense instruction, family members identified with special medical or educational needs, including a spouse, child or a dependent adult, are required to enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program. This includes family members who:· Require special medical services for a chronic condition such as asthma, attention... MORE

You live in a bad cyber neighborhood
July 30, 2013 — I grew up in a very small logging town buried deep in the mountains of Oregon. It's the kind of place where people still don't feel the need to lock their doors at night. When I visit my parents, they tease me when I press the button on my key fob to lock my car doors and set the alarm.Growing up, I always felt safe, so I was shocked at what I... MORE

Naval Health Clinic Charleston to continue all services during furlough
July 30, 2013 — As you all know, Department of Defense civilian furloughs began this month. With no exceptions, the 152 civilian staff members at Naval Health Clinic Charleston are dealing with involuntary furloughs one day per week from the pay period starting July 8 through the pay period ending Sept. 21. NHCC leadership is extremely proud of and highly values... MORE

Captain Mary Kim Kenney-Gutshall, Naval Health Clinic Charleston commanding officer. (Courtesy photo)

Get to know your Airmen
July 30, 2013 — "It all starts with great NCOs and great supervisors who understand every Airman does have a story," said the general. A part of taking care of people is knowing their stories. "Learn their stories. I am absolutely convinced that if we knew each other better, we would care for each other more," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III... MORE

Role models
July 24, 2013 — had an interesting discussion with my chief's group a couple weekends ago. The topic was leadership, and it was not astonishing to hear one of the more seasoned chiefs tell me that one of the most important aspects of his leadership is his function as a role model to his young Airmen. So, that got me thinking about role models. Who are they, where... MORE

Col. James Fontanella, 315th Airlift Wing commander

Diamond Tip: Why we conduct feedback?
July 24, 2013 — Air Force Instruction 36-2406, states feedback is a requirement and is noted on Officer and Enlisted Performance Reports. But, that's not why we conduct feedback.Feedback is conducted to give our Airmen an idea of where they stand, what they're doing well and where they need to improve. Since there's always room for improvement, some may take... MORE

Our standard: dignity, respect, fairness
July 17, 2013 — As we enjoy the summer heat and return to work from the recent Fourth of July holiday, I know some of you were able to spend some well-deserved time off relaxing with family and friends. For those of you who were called to duty during the holiday, either here at home and overseas, I thank you for your service and I thank your families for their... MORE

What makes a leader?
July 17, 2013 — Once, while I was attending a professional military education course, a group of senior leaders were assigned to my flight to provide leadership mentoring; two were Air Force, an O-6 and an O-5, and one was a Marine O-5. The students and mentors took turns briefly describing previous leadership opportunities. After the introductions, the mentors... MORE

Lt. Col. Michael Johnson, 1st Combat Camera Squadron commander

Why volunteer?
July 17, 2013 — When an Airman volunteers to become a first sergeant, one of the questions asked by senior leadership during the interview process is, "Why do you want to be a first sergeant in the United States Air Force?" Without going into too much detail, the foundation of my answer was simple, "Because it's not about me." In my almost six years as a first... MORE