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COMMENTARIES

  • Learn to adapt, overcome before becoming extinct

    While working in a joint assignment, an old U.S. Army lieutenant colonel whom I worked with was less than familiar with basic computer functions, so I spent a lot of time helping him format Microsoft Word and Excel documents. He always asked me to "teach him how to fish," meaning he wanted me to

  • Embrace obstacles, enjoy career you have

    If you're at all like me, then you're a planner. I try to have a plan for everything. I'm the guy who plans out his clothes the night before so he doesn't have to do it in the morning. I've already thought about the next vehicle we're going to buy even though we don't need one. Similarly, I even

  • Chief retires after 30 years

    As a term to wish for someone's well-being at parting, "farewell" is very appropriate. For my bidding farewell to the Air Force, the term "farewell" feels incredibly less than satisfactory. I simply want to wish so much more for the men and women that will carry on and continue to serve our country

  • Take look inward with honesty, responsibility

    Honest self-evaluation is something you must actively do, it is not something that just happens. During my time in the Air Force, I have found that truly outstanding Airmen are often their own worst critics. They constantly evaluate their overall performance, from supervising and leading, to how

  • Deeds not words make 'quiet professionals'

    As I was preparing for my assumption of command of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, I was learning as much as I could about the squadron. One thing I immediately looked at was our squadron patch, because I wanted to see the emblem that represents the squadron to the rest of the Air Force. Directly

  • Revisiting, examining four elements of leadership

    Whenever I see a new revision of the Professional Development Guide, I find myself reflecting on an experience I had meeting an awards board almost 20 years ago. I was a young staff sergeant and my flight chief was a panel member. He came up with a question from the 1993 revision of the PDG,

  • Air Force building its championship team

    "Brains without competitive hearts are rudderless."- Vince LombardiIt is time to reload and rebuild. It's time for each squadron, group and wing to refocus on what it needs to do to stay on top. The list of awards from 2012 and 2013 is long and distinguished and 2014 is looking to yield another

  • When Customer Service Meets Patient Care

    "Why is there always a line at the Pharmacy or the Lab?" "What do you see on the X-ray?"Anyone working in Radiology, Pharmacy or Lab has heard these questions any number of times. Patients who are tired of waiting, confused, concerned or simply don't want to be there often have these feelings.In the

  • Don't let slip ups distract, focus on good

    As I come to the end of my term as commander for 60th Surgical Operations Squadron and prepare for my retirement, it's a good time to reflect back on the last couple of years. This has been my first real command position. I've served as a flight commander for several years and have served as deputy

  • Promotion ceremonies not just about promotee

    As we go through our busy duty days, there might be an accidental inclination to downplay the importance of some of these ceremonies, such as the promotion ceremony.We should all remember that promotions are not automatic. To be promoted to the next rank requires supervisor recommendation and