10 Sep 2007

Hometown patriotism and Patriot Day

The rain clouds and the darkness were slowly closing in on the color guard as they were leading the July 4th parade in Bessemer, Mich. From where I stood with my two daughters, you could see people standing up and taking off hats as the color guard approached. It took a bit longer before the color guard with veterans from all the services wound its

28 Aug 2007

CCAF degree important career milestone

I recently attended the Community College of the Air Force graduation and wanted to take a few minutes to relay the importance of reaching such a major milestone in your military careers and lives. Gaining a CCAF degree is more than a piece of paper; it's a significant accomplishment that reflects the priority you place on education in your life

28 Aug 2007

Beware the test

"Beware the test." Sage advice given by one of the general officers who spoke at the most recent squadron commander's course at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The message was a warning that from time to time you may be given a task, not because you are capable of completing the assignment or because you were caught in the hallway while that topic was

21 Aug 2007

Education: Don't quit, ever

I recently completed another step in my life's path, and this step was a long stride. How long, you might ask? The answer is, almost 25 years in the making with stops at 14 assignments and more than two dozen deployments. So, what was the step? I had the honor of receiving my Master's degree in Leadership and Management from Webster University June

16 Aug 2007

Say thank you to our veterans

"I didn't know how important this was until now." These were the words spoken to me by a family member of a World War II Navy veteran following a short ceremony at the family home on the outskirts of Spokane Aug. 11. In September 1943, just shy of his 18th birthday, this veteran enlisted in the United States Navy and for the next three years sailed

16 Aug 2007

Graphics flight

My normal job usually consists of long hours in front of a computer drawing up amazing works of art and designing layouts for my customers. The most action I get to see is the laminator pressing some foam-core. So the opportunity of getting to fly on a KC-135 sounded like an awesome idea. So, I geared up and packed for the long flight. I arrived at

14 Aug 2007

It's time to share the baton

When it comes to training, the Air Force does it right. Extensive technical school and officer preparation courses, immediate on-the-job training requirements, and constant training upgrades in a well-rounded breadth of job and leadership areas consistently meld our military into a skilled and ever-improving force. With the looming manning

13 Aug 2007

Congratulations staff sergeants ... now get to work!

On Aug. 15, Travis welcomed with open arms its newest group of the Air Force's best and brightest senior airmen into the non-commissioned officer ranks. On behalf of my fellow officers, I congratulate each one of our staff sergeant promotees on this most recent outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing you sew on this new stripe. Although

10 Aug 2007

Life's lessons lead to appreciation of family, friends

Life has a funny way of teaching you its various lessons. For me, from events that took place in July, I learned a great deal about the importance of my family and what they mean to me and my military career. My life lessons began in late June during a lunch break from working during the Eagle Flag exercise the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center

9 Aug 2007

Finding adventure in job is mindset

From vacations to errands, I like to think of activities in terms of adventures. It gives everything I do a much more 'Indiana Jones'-like feel! When I commissioned into the Air Force a little more than two years ago, I wasn't sure how long I would stay in or where I might end up, but did know one thing for sure -- I was embarking on one incredible