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COMMENTARIES

  • Before leading Airmen, leaders must first lead themselves

    How many times have you said to yourself, my supervisor couldn't lead themselves  out of a wet paper bag? However, as you say that to yourself, how do you prepare yourself to lead others? Before you supervise others, you must first be able to lead yourself. This article describes five key points of

  • Hold the Rope

    Years ago, I heard a quote that has stayed with me throughout my career. I can't remember the author's name, but I'm sure his words have been in numerous inspirational speeches. The piece is titled, "Hold the Rope.""Hold the rope. On every team no matter what sport, game, occupation or gathering

  • Empowerment: More than just a word

    I am a first-term Airman at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. I am approaching one year time on station and getting close to achieving the next skill level in my job.At this stage in my career, my number one focus is on training and mastering my job. All Airmen are expected to "check the

  • Informal leaders make a difference

    Are you taking advantage of the leadership opportunities in front of you? Do you pick up the ball and run with it when it comes to taking care of issues that impact your work center?I'm talking about that individual who has no formal title or authority, but influences everyone around them. We've all

  • What does resiliency mean to you?

    How the tough keep going when the going gets tough is a question that's been on my mind over the past couple of weeks. So, how do people remain calm and cope under pressure when they're on the verge of a meltdown due to a relentless workload and impossible deadlines?The word that comes to my mind is

  • Through a survivor's eyes

    Why don't you like sleepovers anymore?" asked a curious girl in my pre-teen dance class.This was a question I was asked frequently, so I gave the response most people wanted to hear, that I don't like being away from home.When I was 16, I offended people when I quickly jerked away and almost bolted

  • To be a better Airman, be a brave lobster

    While on the Internet last week, I came across two videos I think illustrate important lessons for every Airman. The first video was of a speech by Dr. Ken Robinson. Robinson, an educator and author, told this great story about his son's school nativity. Most of us are familiar with the nativity and

  • Reversing roles: military spouse to military member

    "It's only two months, I'll be fine. It's such a short time, no need to cry," I kept telling myself over and over again.I put on a brave face and kept my emotions in check as I gave my fiancé, Landon, one last hug and kiss before he went through airport security to fly out to Air Force basic

  • Future of Contingency Response: the D-E-V-I-L is in the details

    How will the Air Force utilize the contingency response mission in the future? What capabilities will be required to execute that mission? What are the future conditions we will be required to operate under?These questions and many more were at the heart of a recent Contingency Response Commanders

  • A first sergeant's pride

    It was about 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2016, when I decided to get up from behind my desk and do something for my maintainers. It was a chilly day, so I figured hey, why not bring them something to keep them warm on this very cold morning. I grabbed some hand warmers to hand out to them while