Commentary Search

  • Teamwork Leadership

    Effective leadership can be enhanced with positive teamwork. Whether from within the unit or across an installation, teamwork can make a leader successful in meeting or exceeding unit goals.Team members must know what the mission is and embrace the "all in" mentality.Leaders can influence the mood

  • And a car that flies

    Several years ago when my oldest niece started school, I used to tell her, "Have a great day! Learn a lot! Change the world.....and build me a car that flies."  I remember the first time I said this she gave me an odd look and said, "I can't change the world, I'm a kid."  When she considered the

  • It's time to dare and endure

    Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, once said, "This is no time for ease and comfort. It is time to dare and endure." The U.K. faced an existential threat during WWII, with the fate of Europe and the Asia-Pacific region hanging in the balance. While one

  • Next Airman Up

    As my time comes to an end here as the interim Operations Group superintendent, I can't help but think of something I heard while watching sports the other night. The sports broadcaster was talking about an offensive line in football when he said, "When someone gets hurt or retires, it's just 'next

  • My Oath of Enlistment

    It was upsetting news when I heard that an Airman was being denied reenlistment to the World's greatest Air Force due to their refusal to swear to God in the oath of enlistment. When I joined the military I knew there were certain standards I had to adhere to. I had to adjust to completely new ways

  • A Creed Worthy of Reflection

    Former U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Mosley introduced the Airman's Creed in 2007. His introductory message explained the Air Force valued the technical proficiency of its Airmen at the expense of our, "Mission focus and warfighting orientation." He was right.At that time, much like

  • National Disability Employment Awareness Month

    As I look back many, many years ago to the time I was growing up in the Philippines, I remember my grandfather in a wheelchair.  He talked with a slur and was paralyzed on his left side.  He was a great man in my eyes. I would sit with him and listen to his many amusing stories of his life. Despite

  • The Power of One

    In January, a team of four wing commanders inspected Altus Air Force Base, and as a result, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force awarded us the Commander-in-Chief Installation Excellence Award.  One of the members of that team was the wing commander from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., U.S. Air

  • Reflecting on my honor guard service

    Having been an honor guard member for the last 18 months was an awesome experience, and a great way to represent the Air Force and show respect to the families of those who have honorably served. I believe it's important for young Airmen to join because it helps build teamwork and leadership skills

  • What is the foundation of a professional relationship?

    Many people talk about unprofessional relationships. This, in light of events over the past few years, is a good thing. In Air Force Instruction 36-2909, Professional and Unprofessional Relationships, "an unprofessional relationship is one that, whether pursued on or off-duty, detracts from the