Commentary Search

  • Why I do what I do

    When I entered the Air Force nearly 26 years ago, I needed a job and an education, and knew the Air Force could provide me that opportunity. I was going to do my four years and get out. My circumstances changed. I stayed for the job security and benefits that it would provide my family. Somewhere

  • Accountability: A fundamental pillar of engaged leadership

    Accountability can seem like a flashy buzz word used by leadership. However, this is actually a conscious effort to restore our services' credibility. From the nuclear enterprise to the tanker leasing scandals, it had become apparent that adherence to standards must be enforced and we must be held

  • Do you know the Airman's Creed?

    Do you know the Airman's Creed? The Airman's Creed has been out for more than two years, yet there are still some Airmen who do not know it. Yes, I know sometimes it's hard to remember all of those lines on a piece of paper but what you need to do is to add meaning to it for yourself. This is the

  • Yellow Brick Road

    Someone I know made a comment that I reminded her of the Cowardly Lion from the "The Wizard of Oz." My first response, under my breath, to her wasn't a pleasant one. When she explained what she meant by her statement, it was clear that I had jumped to a conclusion without all the facts. She went on

  • Suicide prevention: A leadership challenge for all

    Every time a life is lost in Pacific Air Forces I am alerted. All are tragic in different ways, but among the most troubling is when it involves a suicide. During the course of my 35 years on active duty, I've learned that we cannot prevent every suicide attempt. More importantly, I've learned that

  • Prescription drugs can end your career

    In May 2007 a technical sergeant in my squadron took a single pill from his son's prescription bottle. That pill started him down the road toward a court martial and discharge from the Air Force. The drug was a low level amphetamine used to correct Attention Deficit Disorder. Both the sergeant and

  • SNCOs: The backbone of the Air Force

    Eielson is my first duty station and I have no complaints, except the obvious, it's cold. Though I got here in October and was thrown right into my first "Alaska winter," it really wasn't that bad. Working with my NCOs and leading my Airmen makes putting my uniform on every day humbling. Nearly a

  • Success is about the journey, not the destination

    As I look back upon my career, there were defining moments that changed my course. Decision points of family or work-related interests were approached that best suited my definition of success. To me, rank has never been a true indicator of success. Success is a state of mind and is often overlooked

  • Integrity matters ... even in PT

    Since its inception in 2003, the impact of the Air Force Fitness Program on your success as an Airman in today's expeditionary Air Force has increased greatly. Although physical fitness has always been an important factor in an Airman's readiness, the fact is, very few of us deployed during the

  • AFAF - Taking care of our own

    I am most proud of the priority we place on taking care of our fellow Airmen and their families. A great example of taking care of our own is the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) annual fundraising effort. Through the AFAF, the Air Force Village Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, LeMay Foundation