Commentaries

Command Chief’s Corner
March 16, 2010 — Have you ever thought about how the phrase, "hindsight is 20/20," applies to our Air Force?It means that if we had the chance, we could go back and change the way a particular situation played out. We would be able to prevent a mishap or change an outcome to better suit our needs. Unfortunately, we cannot go back in time and change things for the... MORE

Overwhelming support in a time of need
March 16, 2010 — I consider myself pretty fortunate. I have a great wife, fantastic kids and a pretty good career as an Airman. This comfortable world was rocked somewhat on February 11, 2010, when a series of headaches turned out to be a brain tumor.The words "brain tumor," to me, is what one would hear on a daytime soap opera when they wanted to get rid of an... MORE

Lt. Col. Aaron Burgstein, 1st Combat Camera Squadron commander

Succeeding after failure reveals true character
March 9, 2010 — In a recent Airlift Dispatch commentary, Master Sgt. Jeff Tynan talked about choices we make on a daily basis and the effects of those choices. He went on to talk about the consequences we face when we make poor decisions. Understanding the penalties of poor behavior is important and understanding the actions that follow the consequence is equally... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Craig Howell, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant

In the face of adversity, attitude is everything
March 9, 2010 — We have heard countless times during pregame and postgame interviews as athletes explain their strategy for the big win, "attitude is everything."It seems attitude plays an important role in success. I have told countless Airmen facing difficult situations the same thing. A positive attitude will play a major role in how things will turn out. You... MORE

Good mentoring can come in many forms
March 9, 2010 — Many of us at Charleston AFB know firsthand what our second core value, service before self, means as we have packed our bags, said goodbye to loved ones and headed off to a war zone.After eight years of doing so, most have become very efficient and skilled at what they do. If you are one of those folks and have read to this point, please keep... MORE

Commander’s Comments
March 4, 2010 — As I watched the 2010 Winter Olympics with my family over the last two weeks, I thought about what sets Olympic medal winners apart from average athletes. Olympic athletes exert great concentration and consistency when it comes to tedious and routine activities that prepare them for competition. Winning a medal literally often comes down to the... MORE

Col. John Wood, 437th Airlift Wing commander

Embracing Joint Base Charleston with enthusiasm
March 3, 2010 — Have you embraced Joint Base Charleston?I've made it a point to question team members across our joining Air Force and Navy installations on how they see joint basing. The answer varies, but there are two resounding themes I hear regularly.First, people are in tune and understand the concept of "joint service" because Joint Base Charleston just... MORE

Lt. Col. Stevan Kaighen, 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander

It’s your choice to make, so make it count
March 2, 2010 — As in every profession, there are those who make good choices and those who choose poorly in their on- and off-duty endeavors. Why is that so? I believe free will allows each of us to make decisions based on experience, education and personal motivation. When our personal desires outweigh better judgment, there is usually a price to pay for those... MORE

Master Sgt. Jeff Tynan, 437th Operations Support Squadron first sergeant

The mark of hard work: can others see it on you?
March 2, 2010 — To borrow an often quoted preamble, "So there I was ..." I found myself on stage at a practice for the promotion and recognition ceremony at our deployed base. One of the promotees, a young airman first class, wore an oil (or some other lubricant) stained uniform and boots. I studied this young man and listened to the script to hear where he... MORE

Fit-to-Fight Tips
February 24, 2010 — The following exercise tip will assist individuals in achieving the physical fitness they are striving for.Exercise with intensity Use the talk test to gauge your intensity level. If you can comfortably carry on a conversation, then you are not working out hard enough.If you must talk to someone while exercising, you should be breathing heavily... MORE