Commentaries

Countering terrorism requires your help every day
September 16, 2009 — Each morning we all wake up and prepare for a routine day. On our way to work, we mentally run through the tasks we have to complete during our shift, and as the morning progresses, our thoughts turn toward what we are going to have for lunch. Some eat at their desk, while others branch out to the various local eateries. With our bellies full, we... MORE

Keeping in touch with your Airmen
September 15, 2009 — In today's Air Force, it's vital we keep the best and brightest. As the military is tasked to do more with less, people are required to work longer and harder. Those who take on the challenge are a unique breed of people. You know the ones I'm talking about; the ones who will do anything required to meet the mission. These are the people leaders... MORE

Aspirations and opportunities
September 14, 2009 — Aspiration is defined as a strong desire, longing ambition or aim. What was your aspiration when you decided to join the Air Force? Was it to simply see the world? Was it to earn your degree? Was it to learn a trade, or was enlisting something you always wanted to do? Once you joined the Air Force, did you decide to serve a four year commitment and... MORE

Commander's Comments
September 9, 2009 — Sometimes the day-to-day duties of our Airmen take them down an unexpected and not as glamorous path. Tuesday, I flew a local training mission with the 15th Airlift Squadron's Capt. Mike Sober. Captain Sober told a story about his recent TDY experience flying as a deadheaded crew (basically, passenger status for aircrew). He left Charleston hoping... MORE

Col. John Wood shakes hands with Brian Daly at the Dorchester Road gate during the safety send off prior to the Labor Day weekend here Sept. 3. The safety send off was held as a reminder of the importance of safety during the holiday weekend. Colonel Wood is the 437th Airlift Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/James Bowman)

Are you ready?
September 9, 2009 — Are you ready? This is a simple question with three words, four syllables and one meaning - being ready. Throughout our lives we are asked, are you ready? I recall a song from the '90s asking the question, "Are you ready for this?" In boxing, you hear Michael Buffer say, "Let's get ready to rumble," and when planning a family, you have probably... MORE

Air Force birthday is an opportunity to recognize 62 years of success
September 8, 2009 — Sept. 18, 1947, our Air Force became a separate branch of the military. Since then, our unequalled accomplishments have helped provide a beacon of hope for men, women and children all over the world. Throughout our command's rich history, we have evolved from Air Transportation Command to Air Mobility Command, which now encompasses airlift, air... MORE

Are you in the Air Force?
September 8, 2009 — When someone asks what you do for a living, do you ever answer, "I work for the Air Force?" If you are a military member, probably not. Military members typically respond, "I'm in the Air Force." When you hear people outside the military talk about where they work, you hear responses such as, "I work at ..." or "I work for ..." You never hear... MORE

Where will you leave your legacy?
September 8, 2009 — About a year ago, a course instructor at the Air Command and Staff College asked my classmates and I a question: "Where will you leave your legacy?" The question was asked in the context of a class regarding leadership in command. Although none of us were slated to command immediately following school, each person in the seminar had the opportunity... MORE

Commander's Comments
September 3, 2009 — On any given day at Charleston AFB people are experiencing personal milestones; this week I had the opportunity to be involved with two commendable ones. I proudly presented Melba Coward from Wing Plans with a coin and certificate of appreciation from the Commander of Air Mobility Command, Gen. Lichte, to culminate her career in 40 years of federal... MORE

Col. John Wood presents Capt. Rick Muller with a lithograph to culminate his tenure at Charleston AFB as he and his wife Capt. Heather Mueller move to their next assignment in Washington D.C. Colonel Wood is the 437th Airlift Wing commander and Captain Muller is a 437th Airlift Wing executive officer. (U.S. Air Force photo/James Bowman)

Insight for a new NCO
September 2, 2009 — I want to first start by saying congratulations to all of the newest Charleston staff sergeant selects. I had the privilege of congratulating 12 of our squadron senior airmen on their recent selection for promotion to staff sergeant. It is always great to see the excitement as the selects realize they are going to join the ranks of the NCOs. All I... MORE