Commentary Search

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Who's planning your career?

    Many of us spend a lot of time making plans to enhance our careers. We ask ourselves questions like "what should my next job be?", "who should I work for?", "what position will I be required to fill before I can move to the next level?", "should I volunteer for that remote assignment?", and "what am

  • What does it take to “grow where you are planted”?

    A good friend of mine's favorite bit of professional advice is always, "grow where you are planted." I heard him speak at a recent function and right on cue, there it was. On the surface, the meaning of the phrase seems very obvious - do well in whatever job you are put in. But as my mind wandered

  • Using feedback critical to growth

    What happens when we hear someone say they would like to give us feedback? Our first reaction may cause us to think something was done wrong, when in reality, our leaders, co-workers or friends are just trying to help us improve. Many of us have a negative attitude, feeling insulted, offended,