22 Jun 2007

Protecting and preserving our nation's resources

Years ago, we didn't fully understand the impacts and dangers of our actions; we rode around in cars without seatbelts, smoking was considered acceptable, and we utilized business and manufacturing practices with the technology of the time.Over time, we've learned these behaviors can be harmful -- even fatal. In the military, seatbelts are now

31 May 2007

Adopting wingman concept helps us fight, win wars

Regardless of rank, as a member of the world's greatest air and space force, we are part of a team or "family" that takes great pride in our willingness and ability to watch each other's back. There's no doubt about it, being an effective wingman, and embracing the "wingman culture" takes effort and commitment. It's about knowing the people who

23 May 2007

Are we a one-mistake Air Force?

Throughout my almost 28 years in the Air Force, I have often heard the old adage that we are not a one-mistake Air Force. If an Airman did something wrong, he or she typically would not be kicked out for that one mistake; it was possible to recover and lead a productive, successful career. Now I hear that we are a one-mistake Air Force, and if you

1 May 2007

Don't give up on life

I recently overheard a conversation between two Airmen who were discussing their career progression. One was upset because, given his performance on the last few testing cycles and the small promotion windows, he concluded that his career was virtually over. At first I felt some sympathy with his predicament. Lord knows people in the Air Force not

24 Apr 2007

The men who don't come home

I went to visit my brother this weekend. He's a typical 18-year-old -- cocky and arrogant with plenty of spit and vinegar flowing through his veins. As a recent graduate of Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga., he is now a crucial piece in the backbone of the United States military and one of the key factors in this country's War on Terror. I

23 Apr 2007

Our nation's flag deserves proper respect

While driving around base the other morning, I saw someone run from their car to the entrance of their work center. I didn't think much of it until I happened to look at the clock in my truck. It read 7:29 a.m. I began to wonder if the individual ran to avoid our military tradition of playing reveille where we raise the flag to symbolize the

18 Apr 2007

'Airman' is a great identifier

What do we call a person who drives trucks in the Marines, regardless of rank or position? No, this isn't a joke. You call them a Marine. Every Marine is trained and ready to perform as a member or leader of a rifle platoon. What do we call a food service specialist in the Army? This isn't a joke or a trick question either. You call them a

12 Apr 2007

Generosity is always attractive

I had been a supporter of the Air Force Assistance Fund for 19 years prior to 2005 when I decided to step up and volunteer to be our squadron point of contact for the AFAF drive. About a week later I received an e-mail from the 388th Fighter Wing executive officer congratulating me on being selected as the AFAF POC for the entire wing. I didn't

11 Apr 2007

720 cuts means AF is less forgiving

The Air Force is on a mission to cut almost 40,000 Airmen by the end of fiscal year 2009. How are they going to accomplish this huge task? One of the ways to slim down our force is to trim excess fat! What I mean by this is one of the tools the Air Force is using to reduce our end-strength is to focus attention on getting rid of Airmen who posses

9 Apr 2007

Fitness: A gift from the Air Force

It's painfully early when the alarm clock goes off -- again. I can't afford to hit the snooze button one more time. Outside my window is nothing but darkness. The wind is blowing, and it's about 25 degrees out there. As I get out of bed, my wife murmurs that I'm crazy and falls immediately back to sleep. A few moments later, my running shoes hit