Commentaries

Commander's Comments
September 29, 2010 — Today marks the full operational capability for our joint base as Naval Weapons Station Charleston stands down and 636 civilians and 55 Sailors join more than 1,700 Air Force teammates as part of the 628 Air Base Wing. In addition to changing personnel, you'll also start to notice a few other changes as we look to standardize installation... MORE

Welcome to your new base paper
September 29, 2010 — Thank you for picking up a copy of the Patriot.It hasn't been easy, combining the Shoreline and the Airlift Dispatch. Each paper served its own unique audiences. But through hours of meetings and discussions, we have put together a publication that we hope will become a weekly reading habit for you.The purpose of a military newspaper is to provide... MORE

Diamond Tips
September 27, 2010 — The weather is starting to get cooler as we head into the fall. For those Airmen who perform physical training in the morning, here are some things to remember when wearing cold weather accessories with the PT uniform and improved PTU:· Cold weather accessories may be worn outdoors only.· Knit watch cap will be plain, solid black, dark blue or sage... MORE

Commander's Action Line
September 22, 2010 — The Commander's Action Line is your direct link to me as the commander of Joint Base Charleston. I would ask that you first, give the appropriate base agency a chance to solve the problem, but if you don't get a satisfactory answer, call me at 963-5581, or send an e-mail to 628th Air Base Wing.This forum is your opportunity to make Joint Base... MORE

Diamond tips
September 21, 2010 — Dress and Personal AppearanceAir Force Instruction 36-2903, "Dress and Personal Appearance," addresses personal grooming standards, and there are two standards for men I want to bring to your attention.The first standard deals with mustaches. According to the AFI, a "mustache will not extend downward beyond the lip line of the upper lip or extend... MORE

Operational security for families
September 21, 2010 — Operation Security, or OPSEC, is the process of protecting information about our missions that might cause harm if it fell into enemy hands. Even small insignificant details, when collected and assembled, have the potential of giving valuable data that can be exploited for their gain or our harm. We in the Air Force have a security mindset as a... MORE

What's the latest on influenza vaccinations?
September 21, 2010 — It is that time of year again ... flu season. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system that primarily spreads from person-to-person through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.Flu symptoms can include fever, headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, extreme fatigue... MORE

Diamond Tips
September 13, 2010 — When do I PT Test?Clearly, there is a lot of focus on physical fitness right now. With all the changes in Air Force Instruction 36-2905, Air Force Fitness Program, the incidental regulation changes are sometimes overlooked. For example, there has been a significant change in the AFI 36-2301, which covers Professional Military Education. The item I... MORE

Service or Self?
September 13, 2010 — Years ago, I had a boss who was acutely aware of everything that was occuring in the office, put in long hours and united the workers like I had never before experienced. She was also the worst boss I've ever had. She was aware of what was happening around the office because she held innumerable meetings and micro-managed all of her subordinates... MORE

Command Chief’s Corner
September 8, 2010 — Joint Base Charleston,It has been an honor to serve with each of you, and culminating my career as the 628th Air Base Wing command chief has been the pinnacle of my assignments in the Air Force. When I began my career 23 years ago, I had no idea it would take me here, but I'm extremely happy that it did. I've had countless mentors, supervisors,... MORE