Commentaries

EO: You are responsible for your career
November 17, 2009 — My supervisor stinks. Everybody is out to get me. I did not get the appraisal I deserved. Have you ever heard these things? In the Equal Opportunity world, we hear them all the time. Not because they are EO issues, but because we are a venue for people to come in and vent their concerns and frustrations. When individuals approach us with these... MORE

Command Chief’s Corner
November 17, 2009 — Have you ever heard the old saying, "The only thing constant in life is change?" I would argue that change in the Air Force is not a constant; change seems to happening more so now than at any other time during my career. Changes in leadership at all levels and changes in the way we wear our uniforms affect each of us in some way, and while I may... MORE

Today’s Airmen ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges
November 17, 2009 — How 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 terms such as "old fogeys." I don't mean to offend anyone, by the... MORE

Commander’s Comments
November 12, 2009 — This week we celebrated Veteran's Day, honoring the achievements and sacrifices of all veterans. During our celebration of Veteran's Day with the Charleston community, I was very impressed with the work of Senior Master Sgt. Walter "Walt" Bonner, who was our overall leader for the Nov. 8 parade. It was a resounding success and embodied the words of... MORE

Col. John Wood rides in a Humvee during the 12th Annual Tri-County Veterans Day parade Oct. 8 in downtown Charleston. Colonel Wood is the 437th Airlift Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Walter Bonner Jr.)

AMC Commander: 'You are all heroes'
November 11, 2009 — As my 38 years in the Air Force come to a close, I find myself reflecting on the great accomplishments made by mobility Airmen...past and present. Ninety-one years ago we began developing the core competencies that define the Air Mobility Command (AMC) we know today. Beginning with innovations in aeromedical evacuation, our Command's heritage... MORE

Everything we do is a vital piece of the puzzle
November 10, 2009 — As an independent duty medical technician deployed to Southwest Asia, I have always felt I was never doing enough. I've always wanted to go into Iraq or Afghanistan to be closer to the fight, to be the medic who is performing lifesaving care in the field. However, more often than not I'm dealing with someone who has a cold, sore muscle or joints,... MORE

The worst job on base
November 10, 2009 — I often have people tell me, "I wouldn't want your job," when they find out I'm the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, or they will just wince and offer their condolences. I understand their sympathy when taken at face value. It may seem that getting frequent calls or e-mails about inoperable toilets, sewage line breaks, buildings too hot,... MORE

Lt. Col. Richard Sanders, 437th Civil Engineer Squadron commander

Core values beyond the Air Force
November 10, 2009 — Do you think we need core values in our society outside the military? When you walk into a store, do you know what their values are? Our core values say a lot about us as a whole. The Air Force core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. We need to carry these values with us beyond the Air Force, into our... MORE

437 AW vice commander bids CAFB farewell
November 5, 2009 — Team Charleston, it seems like just yesterday that I got word I would be coming back to Charleston AFB as the vice commander of the 437th Airlift Wing. Having been here before, I knew this would be a busy, exciting and rewarding tour. It has been every bit of that - and then some. After nearly a year and a half in the seat, I look back at... MORE

Debbie Shaffer gives Col. Don Shaffer a thorough soaking after flying a Charleston AFB C-17 for his final time as the 437th Airlift Wing vice commander. Colonel Shaffer and his wife plan to depart Charleston AFB Nov. 7 for a new assignment in Grand Forks, N.D., where the colonel will take command of the 319th Air Refueling Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/James Bowman)

DEX prevails in 8 way tie, claims week 8
November 5, 2009 — Jeff "I was born in PA but for some bizarre reason like the Cowboys better than the Steelers" Poindexter won a wild eight person tie-breaker to hoist the week eight Swami Cup. Dex edged notables such as the Super Swami, Skyking, Beth "Sea" Trout, Dan "one night" Fling, John "Hitman" Hearn, Oscar "O-Train Rolling" Thompson and Ron "Pats Fan"... MORE