Commentaries

Inspecting our integrity, embracing higher standards
October 19, 2009 — During my last deployment, I watched as one of our chief master sergeants performed an inspection of the security forces morning guard mount. As I watched him move from Airman to Airman, I was reminded that the rite of inspecting the troops is a very old military ceremony. This ancient ceremony has particular importance to Airmen because it speaks... MORE

Remember where you come from
October 19, 2009 — "Always treat people the way you wish to be treated, train your replacements and never, ever forget where you came from," are the words which have echoed throughout my career. I don't recall exactly who told me those simple bits of advice, but they have been the frame work of my career. This advice couldn't be more poignant as I have been entrusted... MORE

Commander’s Comments
October 15, 2009 — This week Team Charleston turned out to honor one of our own who made a huge sacrifice in the service to our Air Force and our nation. Thursday, Tech. Sgt. Mike Williams received the Bronze Star with Valor for his actions during his recent deployment to Afghanistan. Sergeant Williams is an Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician with the 437th... MORE

‘The all-too-familiar picnic table’
October 14, 2009 — It was hot. I was sweaty, and in no mood for another pep talk or quiz on Air Force customs and courtesies, or worse yet, history. We'd been launching jets for several hours - pulling pins, checking fuses and making sure the airplane was ready when the pilots took off. In the months before, as we drove around the flightline on similar days, my... MORE

Working together, succeeding together
October 14, 2009 — Sept. 30 marked the closure of fiscal year 2009 for the United States Government and Charleston AFB. The 437th Contracting Squadron and their Team Charleston partners have seen plenty of action over the past few months planning and purchasing many needed items for everyone on base. The successes achieved Sept. 30 were not based upon actions which... MORE

Giving a little means a lot
October 13, 2009 — I hope everyone has had the opportunity to give to the Combined Federal Campaign currently underway. Your organization representatives have been working hard to make contact with all personnel and to make sure you have been given information on the charities and organizations you can donate to. The theme for this year's campaign, "What's Your... MORE

Command chief’s corner
October 13, 2009 — Many times throughout my career, leadership encouraged me to look past my little piece of the puzzle and see the big picture. According to my superiors, seeing the big picture would hopefully let me see how the things I was doing fit into the overall mission we were trying to accomplish. It was difficult for me to understand how repairing a spare... MORE

Professional Military Education – Not Just another Block to Check
October 7, 2009 — When you hear the acronym PME, what do you think of? Do you regard it as a means to an end, a "square to fill" or something more? I recently returned from the pinnacle of formal enlisted professional military education, the Chief Leadership Course, and I have to say it was a worthwhile experience. Sure, it wasn't perfect and it has a few... MORE

You’re a Cubs fan?
October 7, 2009 — On a recent temporary duty to Scott AFB, Ill., I managed to get tickets to one of the most renowned rivalries in Major League Baseball, a game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. It was Sept. 18 and the stage was set for a perfect evening of baseball. After the Army's Golden Knights skydived into the stadium, the Air Force... MORE

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Force airplanes, F-15, P-51 and F-16 performed a flyover over Busch Stadium after the national anthem for the Cardinals vs. Cubs game. The Army Golden Knights were present and parachuted into the stadium to hand the first pitch baseball to Brig. Gen. A.J. Stewart, commander of Air Force Recruiting. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Michelle R. Larche)

Decision time: What will you choose?
October 5, 2009 — There he was in the middle of the hallway, about to turn to the door on the left, retiring to quiet and solitude. Then the door on the right opened and a voice beckoned him to go right because the "people are waiting." The scene described is from a movie about Abraham Lincoln, a lawyer from Illinois before his political career transformed him into... MORE