Commentary Search

  • Flying for freedom, Tuskegee Airmen Red Tails

    Many of us in the Air Force and military have heard of the Tuskegee Airmen. To the U.S. Army Air Corps bombers over the skies of Germany, during World War II, they were more fondly known as the Red Tailed Angels sent to protect them from the Luftwaffe fighter aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen had an

  • Give the gift of time with loved ones this holiday season

    What makes the holiday season our very favorite time of the year? Is it the lights, decorations, parties, cards, gifts and Air Education and Training Command Family Days? No, I believe it is a miracle born anew each year. A miraculous transformation that takes place in all of us that elicits peace

  • Happy holidays from Air Education and Training Command

    The winter holidays bring an array of celebrations that highlight the diverse cultures that make our nation great. What unites so many of those festivities is a spirit of thankfulness for the many blessings we share. Teresa and I want to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season and say thank

  • Thankful America

    The roots of the American character run deep. Courage stretches from Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Ingenuity reaches out to us from the completed Panama Canal. Toughness springs from the prairie journeys of thousands of families and their covered wagons. Perhaps one of the most important and

  • AETC commander wishes safe, joyous Thanksgiving

    Thanksgiving is a holiday of reflection, a look back at the many things we are thankful for, and Teresa and I want to first thank each of you and your families for the great things you do for our nation. It is your commitment and professionalism that allow Air Education and Training Command to

  • Veteran’s Day: Reflection of Duty and Sacrifice

    For more than 200 years, the Armed Forces of the United States have been responsible for ensuring the freedoms of all Americans. Every year, we gather together to remember those who served, fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Veteran's Day is a time to reflect upon the

  • Legal assistance attorneys - here for you

    As a legal assistance attorney, I once had a client who signed a contract for a new car out of state and then drove the car 1,000 miles back to our base. He did not understand a tiny phrase in the contract - "subject to dealer financing." A few weeks later, with his leave balance nearly down to

  • Professionalism, respect, and attitude

    As a first-time squadron commander, I was asked very quickly, "What is your philosophy and what are your expectations?" As soon as I was selected command, I was told that I needed to start thinking about this topic so that I could set the pace early in my command. I thought about this for quite some

  • Leadership and the enlisted evaluation system

    As the 97th Mission Support Group Superintendent, I have spent much time thinking about my new role. I asked myself, "What exactly do I want to accomplish in this position?" Some of this was answered for me when my new boss, Col. James Peccia provided me with my first official feedback. However,

  • Should I volunteer?

    Have you ever heard someone say, "It shouldn't matter if I volunteer for stuff? What's important is that I do my job instead of running around volunteering for everything."This past week, I had the opportunity to talk to some of our outstanding young Airmen. We found ourselves in a discussion about