Commentaries

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

Toby Housey, 628th Airbase Wing Equal Opportunity director

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

Col. Clint ZumBrunnen, 437th Airlift Wing commander

'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

Know your role, own it, and be the best you can be every day
July 2, 2018 — Many people stagnate because the job they have is not fun or is not their dream job. This mindset ignores that in almost every industry, entry-level positions exist for a reason and no one starts out as the CEO. It is vital for an organization to have strong, dedicated workers at every level, focused on their current position as well as preparing for the next. People that lack this insight may go through the motions, never fully committing themselves to fulfilling their role. They produce suboptimal results, receive little recognition, and rarely feel a sense of purpose. They don’t realize that the dissatisfaction they feel is a direct result of the fact that they do very little to contribute to the organization... MORE

Lt. Col. Mary Finn
628th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander

628 CS sheds ‘customer service’
June 15, 2018 — Customer service is dead at the 628th Communications Squadron as the CS of today is not the same as its ancestors. Specifically, today’s CS has different manpower, missions, and capabilities…and is close to having new name soon too. ... Your mission is our focus—this has not changed. What has changed is that today’s CS experts have become your biggest cyberspace advocates while continuing some traditional communications support roles. We have done more with less... MORE

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Aultman, 628th Communications Squadron commander

Get ready, stay ready — more than a mantra
June 14, 2018 — We’ve all heard it a million times over. “Get ready, stay ready.” The beauty of it all is that our military exists in a global climate where it’s incumbent upon us to always be in a constant state of the latter. The Airmen to the right and left of us need it, but more importantly, our nation depends on it. Here at the 315th Airlift Wing, we’re tasked with providing and delivering combat-ready C-17 airlift, expeditionary combat support, and aeromedical evacuation anytime, anywhere. It’s what makes us the Air Force Reserve Command’s wing of choice. But we can’t be in the position to bring global air power and global dominance by just going through the motions... MORE

Col. Gregory Gilmour 315th Airlift Wing Commander

More than a photo-op: Participating in JB Charleston's mobility exercise
June 13, 2018 — Editorial note: This commentary was originally written by a Joint Base Charleston honorary commander for a civilian audience detailing his experience participating in this year's large formation exercise. Honorary commanders are key members of the community who help increase public awareness and understanding of the JB Charleston mission... MORE

Cargo is dropped from a C-17 Globemaster III during the large formation exercise at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., May 22, 2018.

Renters insurance: a tenant’s responsibility, a tenant’s peace of mind
June 11, 2018 — Renters insurance is a policy obtained primarily to insure the contents of a rental unit. In the event that something happens to a rented home, the tenant’s personal belongings in the home will be covered the way a homeowner’s policy would cover contents. Likewise, renters insurance typically has some level of liability insurance, protecting tenants from responsibility of accidents within their home... MORE

Mouth guards: Better to be safe than sorry
June 11, 2018 — As the weather warms during the summer months, many of us are increasing our outdoor sporting activities. But it’s easy to take things for granted until they are suddenly gone. So imagine what it would be like if you lost one or two of your front teeth while participating in your favorite sport. The right equipment, such as a properly fitted mouth guard, is important to protect you, your teeth and your smile... MORE

Coast Guard Base Charleston commended, honors partnership with JB Charleston
May 31, 2018 — The Coast Guard established a new unit, Base Charleston, in October 2015 to consolidate and enhance the delivery of modernized, quality mission support services to Coast Guard personnel and units in the Southeastern United States. I had the distinct honor of serving as the inaugural Commanding Officer and, upon the eve of my Change of Command on... MORE

Commander Michael Paradise, USCG Base Charleston commanding officer