Commentaries

Hurricane Tip of the Week
June 23, 2010 — When a hurricane is headed for the coastline, stay on top of base-level updates. In the event of a hurricane, emergency information for members of Joint Base Charleston will be released via direct messenger e-mail, the base marquee system, the Commander's Access Channel (Channel 2) and the base website at www.charleston.af.mil. MORE

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Since the Atlantic Hurricane Season officially opens June 1, Team Eglin members should gear up now for what is expected to be an above average hurricane season, according to a recent advisory issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center. The NHC is predicting the Atlantic hurricane season to have a 75 percent chance of being an "above average" season. (Courtesy graphic)

Diamond Tips: Cause bracelets
June 23, 2010 — Have you ever noticed those trendy and colorful bracelets people wear on their wrists? Talk about a conversation starter.Generally made from rubber or plastic, each of these bracelets tells a different story, and chances are, you'll be enlightened after you hear the person's story as to why they're wearing that colorful band on their wrist.In fact,... MORE

Command Chief's Corner
June 23, 2010 — Wow, it's getting hot out there! If you're new to Joint Base Charleston, welcome to summertime in the Lowcountry. Having to deal with temperatures near 100 degrees and such high humidity comes with being assigned to such a great base, and hopefully we all get a chance to enjoy the summertime activities available to us. Whether we're barbequing with... MORE

Commander's Comments
June 16, 2010 — Last Friday, I stood on the flightline as the family of Army Sgt. Steve Theobald arrived to receive him and take him to his final resting place. I greeted his parents and there were no right words to say; no unique wing commander phrase.A special Army team arrived to perform the transfer from the aircraft to the hearse. They were remarkably sharp... MORE

Col. John Wood, 437th Airlift Wing commander

Diamond Tips: Personal grooming standards
June 15, 2010 — We all generally like to keep some degree of individuality, but for those of us in the Air Force, there is basic guidance for hair that must be followed.Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Table 1.5, Line 1, states "hair, overall standard (men and women) will be clean, well-groomed and neat." That's a pretty broad and basic statement, but reading over... MORE

Tis' the season ... and other tales to PCS by
June 15, 2010 — There are signs all around telling us summer has arrived in Charleston, like the number of assignments flowing through the system to start the 2010 permanent change of station season.As I, like many others here, begin the PCS process, I find myself reflecting on some of the truisms associated with embarking on a PCS that I have developed during my... MORE

Continuing to strengthen the nuclear enterprise
June 10, 2010 — At the top of the list of Air Force priorities is continuing to strengthen the nuclear enterprise. Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to meet some nuclear enterprise warriors at places like F.E. Warren, Minot and Kirtland Air Force Bases.For Airmen not in the nuclear enterprise, it is an eye-opening experience to visit these... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. James A. Roy, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force (U.S. Air Force photo by Jim Varhegyi)

Tobacco Use in the Air Force
June 9, 2010 — Many of us have habits that are hard to break. Some can make major problems for us, i.e. excessive drinking, while others affect our health and cost a great deal to our health system, i.e. smoking and tobacco products. I have the bad habit of using smokeless tobacco and have often tried to quit this habit. Air Force Instruction 40-102 is the... MORE

Commander’s Comments
June 9, 2010 — When I talk with military members and civic leaders, I often address the increased responsibilities we've placed on our Airmen throughout the last decade and how they've met the challenge in superb fashion. I also talk about the changing face of what our Airmen provide to the fight. While airlift, air refueling and aeromedical support will remain... MORE

Col. Martha Meeker assumed command of the 628th Air Base Wing at Charleston AFB Jan. 8. As the 628 ABW commander, Colonel Meeker will direct host unit duties for the tenant units of Charleston AFB, and after Jan. 31 for Naval Weapons Station Charleston tenant units as well, as they are merged into Joint Base Charleston. Joint Base Charleston is one of 12 joint bases across the Department of Defense scheduled to stand up. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Getting our job done, as those who came before us
June 7, 2010 — Throughout the year in the Airlift Dispatch, we have the chance to benefit from various commanders' who take the opportunity to share their views and perspectives on matters related to Air Force positions and policies.Although topics include commanders' opinions on leadership, followership, professionalism, readiness, safety, family, volunteering,... MORE