Commentaries

MCPON sends Submarine birthday message
April 12, 2011 — Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West released the following Submarine birthday message to the Fleet April 11:For 111 years, our submarine force has been protecting America's interests around the world, underway at sea on ships that sink by design, operating independent for weeks and months in the depths over the vast expanse of... MORE

Turn off the sweat pumps ... for now
April 12, 2011 — Last week had all the makings for a disaster. As Joint Base Charleston personnel prepared for the biggest community outreach program of the year, the 2011 Air Expo, our government leaders were debating issues that, if not resolved, would result in a shutdown of the U.S. government. Shutting down the federal government is nothing new. It's been done... MORE

2011 Air Expo: Lasting impressions
April 7, 2011 — Team Charleston, it's time once again to show off our best. This weekend's 2011 Air Expo culminates the hard work and preparation of our base as we highlight our unique missions to not only residents of the Lowcountry, but those across the state and nation whom we serve to protect, whether here or abroad.Saturday, we're hosting a world-class air... MORE

Col. Martha Meeker, 628th Joint Base Charleston commander, and Col. Erik Hansen, 437th Airlift Wing commander

Career Assistance Tip
April 6, 2011 — AETC Special Duty Assignment team briefingHave you ever wanted the opportunity to recruit sharp individuals into the Air Force as an Air Force recruiter or mold civilians into Airmen as an Air Force military training instructor? Perhaps you have always wanted to lead transitioning Airmen as a military training leader or educate Airmen as a... MORE

Diamond Tip
April 6, 2011 — Today's AirmenHow many of you more seasoned military professionals out there have asked yourselves what has gone wrong with our young Airmen these days? And just to clarify, when I say "more seasoned," I'm speaking of those nearing or beyond 20 years of military service, typically referred to by the term "old fogeys." I don't mean to offend anyone,... MORE

Commander's Comments
March 31, 2011 — Have you ever heard anyone answer the question, 'how's it goin'?' with, 'just livin' the dream'? Sometimes this response comes with an extra dose of sarcasm with the intent to convey that the person being asked is not really 'livin' the dream', but quite the contrary. Well if someone were to ask me, I could unequivocally state that I really am... MORE

Col. Erik Hansen, 437th Airlift Wing commander

Career Assistance Tip
March 30, 2011 — Have a PlanAre you getting ready to separate or retire or transfer back into the civilian world? One day we will all have to leave the military and unless you have a great financial portfolio, you will probably have to find another job. Before making the decision to leave the military, ensure you have a plan in place to help you cope with the... MORE

George Washington and leadership
March 30, 2011 — This nation has been blessed with many great leaders who had to make tough decisions ... decisions that shaped our country into the greatest nation on earth. On March 11, 1783, during the final year of the Revolutionary War, Congress was struggling to amend the Articles of Confederation enabling Congress to levy taxes, resulting in the Congress'... MORE

Diamond Tips
March 30, 2011 — Feedback is a two-way streetCommunication is valuable for personal and professional development. We often find ourselves and others lacking in this critical area especially when it comes to providing performance feedbacks on the Air Force Form 931 and Form 932. How many of you can say you received a feedback in the required time frame specified in... MORE

Hooyah Navy Chiefs
March 29, 2011 — "My fellow chief petty officers,On April 1st, our entire Chief's Mess will pause to celebrate 118 years of the United States Navy chief petty officer, and we're not just celebrating another year of chiefs serving the Navy, we're celebrating everything it means to wear the fouled anchors we all cherish. Those anchors are the symbol of a culture and... MORE