Commentaries

The importance and power of feedback
September 26, 2018 — I once heard General Everhart say, “Feedback isn’t personal, it’s professional,” and it struck me how much truth that statement contained. As humans and, unfortunately as Airmen, we often avoid giving honest feedback because we want to be liked. As a result, we avoid the confrontation that comes with honest feedback, which makes us feel better but hurts the individual and organization as a whole... MORE

USAF Combat Camera: talented Airmen with a particular set of skills
September 21, 2018 — Today’s national security challenges are compelling leaders at all levels to identify priorities that focus on improving who we are as Airmen and what we deliver as joint warfighters in air, space and cyberspace. Airmen must develop themselves by: capitalizing on education and training opportunities; being knowledgeable about what they do, why they do it and understanding their unique impact on the mission; and leveraging their talents to be effective in today’s Air Force and joint warfighting environment. This includes public affairs Airmen assigned to the 1st Combat Camera Squadron. ... MORE

It's been an honor and a privilege to serve in Charleston
September 19, 2018 — Next month, after a little more than three years as commanding officer of Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Atlantic, I will pass the mantle of leadership to Capt. Wesley Sanders in a traditional Navy change of command ceremony. In these last 1,113 days as CO of SSC Atlantic, I have traveled the globe to meet our deployed employees, industry partners and customers. From Stuttgart to Naples to Bahrain to Rota and around the world, I am amazed at how our strong, dedicated team provides information warfare solutions for Navy, Marine Corps, joint and combined operations... MORE

‘Be There’— Suicide Prevention, often a difficult topic
September 17, 2018 — “Be there” is the official Department of Defense theme of this year’s Suicide Prevention Campaign and September is Suicide Prevention Month. So, I was staring at the web page www.dspo.mil/2018SPM, looking for inspiration, when a visitor came in my room and pointed at a photo on my desk of Brig. Gen. James Fontanella, my first commander in late 2013. Serendipity! A story came to mind that encompassed the "Be There" theme. It started with one phone call and some knowledgeable, compassionate individuals who formed a telephone chain across several states to intervene in the life of a warrior and his family... MORE

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

Capt. Dale Barrette
Naval Health Clinic Charleston Commanding Officer

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

Lt. Col. Christie Smetana
628th MDOS commander

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

Challenging conventional wisdom with creative messages, a commentary by Col. Thomas Walter, 315th Maintenance Group commander.

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

The C-17 Globemaster III performs at the 2018 Air and Space Expo April 28, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The expo offered more than 50 demonstrations and displays ranging from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics activities to World War II static display aircraft and aerial demonstration performances highlighting the F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-17 Globemaster III, F-86 Sabre and 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