Commentaries

AMC commander: Celebrate the holidays; reflect on accomplishments
December 22, 2011 — As we celebrate the holidays, it's time to reflect on one of the most extraordinary years in our nation's history. Chief Kaiser and I look back with admiration on the amazing things you've done, and we thank each and every member of our active, Guard, Reserve and civilian team for your hard work and sacrifices. From the Arab Spring to the end of... MORE

‘Tis the season for resiliency
December 21, 2011 — Today's complex military environment can be a challenge for you and your loved ones. Comprehensive Airmen Fitness is an important part of our Air Force culture and should not take a vacation when you are enjoying your holidays. This model isn't new to our sister services, in fact it is based on the Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program. Its... MORE

Words of Wisdom – A little “Umph!”
November 28, 2011 — Beautiful morning leaders (carry the sun within you) wherever you are!We can discover something magnificent in words. In teaching English tostudents, many teachers emphasize the use of root words and the division ofwords to understand the meaning of thoughts. In this week's Words of Wisdom,we make one discovery using the same technique: the umph... MORE

We have a lot to be thankful for
November 23, 2011 — Thanksgiving is more than a day off and an abundance of great food - it's a time to enjoy with family and friends and to reflect on everything for which we are thankful. As the commander of the 315th Airlift Wing I can see a lot of things that those of us who choose to serve our country in uniform can be thankful for. Not only do we have the honor... MORE

It all comes down to the final game
November 16, 2011 — As we put the finishing touches on our Operational Readiness Inspection preparations, let's take a moment to consider game six of the recent Major League Baseball World Series. Why, you ask? Hang on ... you'll see. For those of you who may not follow baseball, the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals were battling for the biggest prize in... MORE

Col. Erik Hansen, 437th Airlift Wing commander

Enlisted Retention Board results are out
November 16, 2011 — Phase I of the Enlisted Retention Board results were posted Nov. 14 and notifications for affected personnel have begun.In accordance with NAVADMIN 129/11, Sailors selected for separation will be personally contacted by their commanding officer or officer-in-charge within seven calendar days of commander notification. Sailors who were considered by... MORE

Farewell to the 437th Airlift Wing and Team Charleston
November 16, 2011 — There's an old saying, "time flies when you're having fun!" The last two years as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the mighty 437th Airlift Wing and working with all of Team Charleston was a blast. As Debbie and I prepare to depart Charleston, we are filled with admiration for the men and women who answer the call every day, always rising to... MORE

Enlisted Retention Board
November 15, 2011 — Over the past few years our Navy has experienced unprecedented reenlistment and retention rates. As a result, we have had to take specific actions to reduce and rebalance the number and types of Sailors we currently have serving on active duty to stay within our congressionally authorized end-strength limits. One of the methods used for this... MORE

Admiral John Harvey, U.S. Fleet Forces commander

Changing times can cause stress
November 8, 2011 — There is always one constant in today's military; change. The repeal of the `Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy', the reduction of our civilian workforce, date of separation roll-backs, Reduction in Force in the officer corps, withdrawal of our military from Iraq and even Finance and Military Personnel Flight changing their hours to open earlier; where... MORE

The inner Civil War, the moment of truth, and the fork in the road
November 1, 2011 — A rich life is about choosing wisely. We all make life-changing choices every day when confronted with difficult or easy situations. Specifically, every situation you confront will transport you to three places: the inner Civil War, the Moment of Truth and the Fork in the Road. I know you and I have been in these places. Can you go back in your... MORE