Commentaries

Commander’s comments
September 30, 2009 — As another week at Charleston comes to a close I am again filled with pride as Team Charleston did a magnificent job showcasing our great base to the members of the USTRANSCOM Component Commanders' Conference. I would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who made this visit a success. I will quote Gen. Lichte,... MORE

Col. John Wood briefs guests of the U.S. Transportation Command's Component Commanders Conference here Sept. 30. The colonel presented the opening remarks for the conference, outlining the 437th Airlift Wing mission, capabilities and accomplishments. Colonel Wood is the 437 AW commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Daniel Bowles)

Ego check: A smack in the face by reality can be a good thing
September 29, 2009 — I majored in psychology in college, so Sigmund Freud was a fixture in many of my studies. I was constantly quizzed on Freud's theories of the Id, ego and superego. Freud's theory of the ego states the ego is developed later in childhood after needs are met and a child begins to experience life. The ego was based on the reality principle; meaning... MORE

Carpe diem
September 29, 2009 — Nearly twenty years ago, before I enlisted in the world's greatest Air Force, I was in college trying to find my way and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. One of my literature courses introduced me to the Latin phrase, "Carpe diem," which roughly means, "Seize the day." The phrase has stuck with me ever since and has been a motto in my... MORE

Remembering the lessons of Hugo
September 29, 2009 — Sept. 21 marked the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Hugo, and memories of Hugo's destruction have remained quite fresh for some here in the Charleston area. It is estimated the storm damage from Hugo's intensity today could cause over $8 billion in damages. This anniversary should serve as a reminder that everyone needs to be ready for a disaster and... MORE

Col. Tammy Livingood, 437th Maintenance Group commander

Beth Trout crowned first weekly winner of 2009
September 29, 2009 — Beth "Rainbow" Trout spawned an amazing 13-3 record and is the big winner in week three. Her record was verified by the accounting firm of Deuce, Humpy and Redhead and was delivered to Swami Headquarters in a hermetically sealed envelope from an armored courier. Beth edged Wendall Donaldson, Amanda "Port Dawg" King, Kenneth "Shockmeister" Shockley... MORE

Commander’s Comments
September 23, 2009 — Team Charleston, we have a lot going on and you make a big difference in the outcome! Fifty-seven C-17s flying globally, each representing your efforts executing our mission. A secure base filled with construction projects. A healthy fitness focus and commitment to success at all levels. You have much to be proud of. Your efforts extend well beyond... MORE

Col. John Wood presents Capt. Michele Lobianco the Meritorious Service Medal award at the Charleston Club, Sept. 23. The Meritorious Service Medal is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States. Colonel Wood is the 437th Airlift Wing commander and Captain Lobianco is the deputy chief of the command post. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katie Gieratz)

Reexamine business as usual
September 23, 2009 — Over the years, little "truisms" have crept into my daily use of the English language, often confounding my coworkers and friends. One phrase I probably unconsciously use most often, "six of one, half dozen of the other," seems to draw the most questions. It seems an obvious phrase, meaning two different names for the same thing. Its meaning is... MORE

Mentor: Do You Have One? Are You One?
September 22, 2009 — When you hear the word "mentor," what comes to mind? Fourteen years ago, I heard that word used when a master sergeant was giving a briefing and asked the question, "Who has a mentor?" As an airman first class, I had no idea what it was, and as I looked around the room, I noticed no hands went up. My first thought was, "What is the master sergeant... MORE

Commander’s Action Line
September 21, 2009 — Comment: Hello, I was calling about the base theater. I was [recently in] the theater, and it had a very bad odor and I noticed that the carpet was wet. It seems every time it rains, the base theater always floods and leaks. How come we spent $3 to 4 million to build this thing and we can't even get it not to leak. Also, the big curtain was not... MORE

Vice Commander's Comments
September 17, 2009 — The Combined Federal Campaign has begun. This annual event is designed to raise money for worthy charities and organizations that reach out and provide much needed help to local communities and people in need. The timing of this is, perhaps, the most critical of any previous CFC. Our nation's economy is possibly the weakest any of us have seen it... MORE

Col. Don Shaffer gives his contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign here Sept. 16. Each year, thousands of non-profit human health and welfare charities benefit from the millions of dollars that have been given through the CFC, which is the only authorized solicitation of employees within the federal workplace. This year, donors have more than 2,500 charities to choose from. Colonel Shaffer is the 437th Airlift Wing vice commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/James M. Bowman)