Commentaries

Teamwork more important than ever during uncertain times
June 8, 2017 — The week before Memorial Day I flew as part of a large formation exercise consisting of 21 C-17 Globemaster IIIs alongside our active-duty and Army partners. I was reminded in a poignant way – times are uncertain and we could get “the call” at any moment. Multiple hotspots exist in just about every corner of the globe and, over the past few... MORE

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeanine McAnaney. (Courtesy Photo)

Sharpen Your Axe
May 17, 2017 — President Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” He was teaching us all about preparing for future obstacles we may face. Most of us see a tree in our path and attack it head on with a blunt blade. We typically are willing to fight the pain and labor through the... MORE

841st conducts situational understanding and systems thinking training
May 17, 2017 — The Army’s, 841st Transportation Battalion conducted a Leadership Professional Development session discussing situational understanding and systems thinking here, March 7. Based on the positive feedback, the training was well-received and considered a great engagement. I assisted Navy Lt. Brenton, the primary facilitator for the program and... MORE

The importance of recognizing superior performers
May 3, 2017 — Recognition is a fundamental human need. Therefore, recognizing Airmen is a fundamental responsibility of leadership because taking care of Airmen is a leader’s priority. As the adage goes, if a leader takes care of the people, the people will take care of the mission. Recognition in the Air Force can be both formal and informal. Medals are an... MORE

Lowcountry neighbor provides local, national and international training
May 3, 2017 — The Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) co-located with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in North Charleston provides Law Enforcement (LE) training to more than 2000 active duty and reserve members annually. The MLEA was established in 2004 to prepare Coast Guard (CG) personnel to perform the duties of maritime... MORE

The founding of Charleston Air Force Base
April 19, 2017 — JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. - On December 10, 1941, only three days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, The Army Air Force’s 56th Pursuit Group based at Charlotte, North Carolina and its 61st Pursuit Squadron arrived at the Charleston Municipal Airport. The squadron’s P-39 Airacobra and P-40 Warhawk aircraft provided coastal defense operations for... MORE

German Prisoner's of War working in the motor pool at the Charleston Army Airfield.

Nothing taken for granted
April 19, 2017 — My comments here are directed towards the 2,200 members of the 628th Mission Support Group. It is no small feat to consistently and effectively keep a military installation running smoothly, especially a joint installation. Yet the women and men of the 628th MSG do it every day, usually behind the scenes, without fanfare. Unfortunately, in our... MORE

NNPTC continues supporting Day of Caring
April 5, 2017 — As is the case in many military commands, Naval Nuclear Power Training Command is an extremely demanding environment for staff and students alike. The level of knowledge and technical expertise required for success necessitates a time commitment beyond anything many have experienced. Such a commitment to professional excellence can limit the time... MORE

Recommendation to enhance service member’s financial stability
April 5, 2017 — Personal financial management is difficult. Personal financial management while serving in the military is daunting. The financial demands placed upon military families are constantly increasing which causes a loss of resiliency and long-term financial uncertainty amongst service members. Serving in the military is a noble occupation, yet as an... MORE

Keep swinging away
April 5, 2017 — Springtime. I love this time of the year ; mild temperatures, leaves are blooming in different shades of green, perennials sprouting from the ground, longer daylight hours, and above all, opening weekend of Major League Baseball! It is fun to watch your favorite team (Go Cardinals!) hoping they start their season with a victory and set the tone... MORE