27 Oct 2011

Be a great follower

Our Air Force prides itself on developing leaders. At every level of Air Force training, we see much emphasis placed on leadership. Even at the earliest phase of professional military education, Airman Leadership School, we see leadership is its middle name. We invite leadership consultants to speak at base events, we read books on leadership, we

12 Oct 2011

Attention to detail

How often have you heard people speak of "the big picture" while not letting little things get in the way of what they want to do? I'm here to tell you that as a leader, manager, employee or Airman, not paying attention to detail or the small things in our lives can lead to catastrophic results. Whenever I'm notified of an accident or incident

27 Sep 2011

Vehicle preparation for winter season

It's that time of year again when the temperature begins to change and we all need to prepare our vehicles accordingly.You don't want be in the position to tell your boss that you were five minutes late because you didn't have an ice scraper for the frost on your windshield. Here are a few things you should consider checking before this winter

9 Aug 2011

The mission of communication

During the last 97th Communications Squadron commander's call, we covered the squadron's role within the 97th Air Mobility Wing. We shared some thoughts about what we do for our "home team."I'll start with the Air Force and Wing missions, as shown on the Altus web page, http://www.altus.af.mil. The Air Force Mission said, "the mission of the United

9 Aug 2011

CI means time for the A-Team to shine

We knocked it out of the park during the Logistics Compliance Assessment Program, earning the first-ever Air Education and Training Command LCAP "Excellent" rating. Then we were represented superbly at the Air Mobility Command Rodeo, winning major awards. Later this month, we will have the opportunity to again show we are the best during the 2011

8 Aug 2011

Team Altus, the hour has come

We are approaching the Head Quarters Air Education and Training Command Inspector General visit beginning Aug. 15. Everyone has completed their self inspections and developed a road map to getting an Outstanding in their area. Compliance inspections are used to evaluate the ability of units to conduct assigned missions. We will be evaluated on how

2 Aug 2011

Putting excellence back in “good enough for government work”

In today's culture the phrase, "good enough for government work" means a task was completed to the minimum standard. For example, you take your physical fitness test and only meet the minimum requirements to pass, it could be considered "good enough for government work." Has this phrase always meant the lowest passing quality? The answer is no.In a

22 Jul 2011

Be a better wingman: know your Airmen

I really enjoy watching old World War II movies. As a medic, I am especially drawn to the scenes where the soldier gets hit and cries out "medic!" The medic grabs their bag and charges up to the front line through any obstacle to take care of their injured friend. At all costs, they get the wounded out of harm's way. I like to think of that medic

21 Jul 2011

Back to the basics

I recently received a call from an old friend. We were stationed together in the 1990s at my first duty station. We started reminiscing and my friend mentioned a particular crusty old Master Sergeant who used to walk around muttering, "This isn't the same Air Force as it was back when I joined; it's time for me to go." Part of me agrees with him,

21 Jul 2011

Freedom of speech--what a powerful concept!

This month marks the 235th anniversary of our founding fathers bravely signing the Declaration of Independence. This document was so fundamentally different than anything that had ever been created and has changed not only our country but also the world. These brave men described a future where everyone has rights that must be respected by our