Commentaries

Fitness lies I told myself
September 2, 2009 — As we prepare for the revised Air Force fitness testing program, I've spent the last couple of months educating myself on diet and fitness - subjects I thought I knew plenty about - I was mistaken. Throughout my career, I've prepared for and passed each physical training test. Although I never scored high, I felt good because I always passed, and I... MORE

New era of leadership begins
September 1, 2009 — Last week, I had the awesome privilege of handing out 22 sets of staff sergeant stripes in the 437th Maintenance Squadron. As I spoke to my new staff sergeant selects, I told each of them this was the most important stripe they would get. The Air Force has trusted them to become leaders and the staff sergeant is the most important leader, because... MORE

Vice commander’s comments
August 27, 2009 — There is an old adage that teamwork divides the tasks but multiplies the successes. This week was another great opportunity to capture the amazing spirit of teamwork here at Charleston AFB. The 7th Annual Charleston AFB Triathlon that took place Aug. 22 was a phenomenal event for those who participated and helped make the event possible. I have... MORE

Col. John Wood, second from left, Col. Don Shaffer, right, and Chief Master Sgt. Mike Ivey, left center, are joined by their teammates during the 7th annual triathlon held here Aug. 22. Their teammates included members from the 16th Airlift Squadron and 437th Airlift Wing staff. Colonel Wood is the 437 AW commander, Colonel Shaffer is the 437 AW vice commander and Chief Ivey is the 437 AW command chief. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katie Gieratz)

Walking in someone else’s shoes
August 26, 2009 — In the 17th Airlift Squadron, our motto is, "Anything, Anywhere, Anytime." I recently had the pleasure and honor to go on a temporary duty assignment with a 17 AS aircrew and see just what they do day-to-day in the field to be able to chant that motto. My experience surrounded a familiarization flight with the aircrew, and I had the time of my... MORE

How to succeed in retirement
August 25, 2009 — I recently read a leading sports magazine claiming by the time many professional athletes have been retired for two years, they have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress because of unemployment or divorce. To me, this is very shocking. It is not uncommon for professional athletes to be paid very well for their skills and talent over a period... MORE

Capt. Robert O'Day, 373rd Training Squadron, Detachment 5 commander

Making a difference starts with you
August 25, 2009 — It doesn't matter if you are an airman basic, general officer, retiree or family member, making a difference starts from a simple desire to treat people the way you would like to be treated. It's as easy as actions like sharing, putting things back where you found them, saying you're sorry, picking up a piece of trash or holding the door open for... MORE

On Labor Day, remember our Airmen work hard to defend freedom
August 25, 2009 — As I visit with people at bases throughout Air Mobility Command and our operations across the globe, one thing I always admire is the strong spirit of our Airmen and civilians who keep the mobility mission moving day in and day out. We have an extremely important mission in AMC, supporting our nation at home and abroad while operating in harm's way... MORE

Commander's Comments
August 20, 2009 — Another great week at Charleston AFB! I appreciate the excellence our Airmen display on a daily basis. This week I had the pleasure to meet Capt. Matthew Osgood working the schedule in the 15th Airlift Squadron and he discussed the challenges of last minute TACC drop down missions on a Friday afternoon. I was impressed with Airman 1st Class... MORE

Col. John Wood presents Staff Sgt. Nicholas Burtch and Katie Burtch, joined by Thomas Burtch, 2, with a certificate for having the "Yard of the Month" in Hunley Park base housing Aug. 17. Sergeant Burtch's home was chosen abouve several others previously selected as "Yard of the Week." Colonel Wood is the 437th Airlift Wing commander. Sergeant Burtch is a storage and issue supervisor with the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron. (Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Daniel Bowles)

Command Chief’s Corner
August 18, 2009 — As I write this article after returning from the ceremony inducting Gen. Arthur Lichte, the commander of Air Mobility Command, into the Order of the Sword, I'm thankful we were able to send 26 Team Charleston Airmen to Scott AFB, Ill., to participate in an event the enlisted Airmen use to honor leaders who have truly made a difference. For many,... MORE

Making a noble Airman
August 17, 2009 — When the word "noble" comes to mind, some might think of knights or "gentleman soldiers" fighting during the Middle Ages or maybe "Monte Python and the Holy Grail" with King Arthur and his knights. However, to be a noble means to have honorable or excellent qualities, to be impressive in appearance, or my favorite, to be characterized by... MORE