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COMMENTARIES

  • Thoughts on leadership, management

    What is leadership? What is management? How are these two concepts interrelated in an organization? We all want to lead and not be managed and definitely not micromanaged. The relationship between leadership and management is sometimes difficult to grasp, although we can often define what it is

  • Thunderbirds photographer 'pays it forward' to young Airman

    "In all that I do, I try and pay it forward," said Staff Sgt. Larry Reid Jr., U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds photographer. Reid is one of only two photographers assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds.The Thunderbirds are a team that "is an inspired, unstoppable

  • Take the time to enjoy your marriage

    It's been more than eight months since my wife and I went out on a date. A recent deployment to Iraq, daily work crises and the school work and extracurricular activities between our five children constantly put fresh demands on our time. Like many couples, we spend so much time dealing with our

  • Be yourself...

    Years ago, when discussing my daughter's transition to a new school, I came across this quote and wrote it on the bulletin board in the study area of our house. "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." It is hard to find the actual roots of this quote, but both Oscar Wilde and Charles Schultz

  • Now is the time to give back

    Have you ever received a military discount when you made a purchase? Or have you received a free meal from a local establishment on Memorial Day or Veterans Day? Well here's your chance to return the favor by helping your local or national community. By now most of you have probably received some

  • Where is your focus?

    As I thought about writing this Diamond Tip while sitting in my office in Southwest Asia, it occurred to me there would be no better time to talk about focus. Being in a deployed environment helps us remember what it is that we really do in the military; what is really important. Often at home

  • Scott duo set out to lead Calif. Run for the Fallen

    Did you know that if you are currently serving in the military, your moms and dads are called Blue Star Parents? Many Blue Star families hang a service banner in their home window signifying the number of children that are serving in the military by the number of blue stars on the banner. However,

  • Problems with fire ants

    Being a native of Florida, I've become accustomed to fire ants and the painful bites these small creatures can cause. Moving here to South Carolina, I've found that they are here as well.One morning as I headed to work, I saw a small ant hill forming in my front yard. I was running behind and since

  • Sept. 17: A day for Constitutional conversation

    September 17, 2012, marks the 225th anniversary of the signing of America's Constitution.As federal employees, we commemorate that anniversary with Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Specifically, this day was established to ensure all federal agency employees have the opportunity to learn more

  • 10 Leadership Tips from 'The Bear'

    Since 1971, I've been able to attend nearly one football game a year at the University of Alabama with my father and brother. As an impressionable 4-year-old, I even had the opportunity to meet legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant while signing copies of his autobiography. In his book, he described