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  • Learned leadership

     Leadership, in 500 words or less, WOW! How do you encapsulate such a dynamic and important subject in that small amount of space? Do they lead from the front or push from the rear? Do they issue clear, concise direction or vague, rambling dissertations?Leaders are a product of their upbringing and

  • The power of influence

    As I prepare for my position of leadership as a deputy director of a force support squadron, it has become very clear to me that mentoring is the key to an organization's success. My mentors have shown me that being a mentoring leader and not a dictator builds unity, loyalty and dedication to the

  • Maintain Balance: Strengthen your rubber band

    Managing life in the Air Force is all about balance. As we get pulled one way or another, we are forced to balance the good with the bad, the exciting with the boring, and the fun with the monotonous. Our balance is kept in check by a number of things, to include family, friends, and basewide

  • Thoughts on a successful military career

    As I reflect on my 17 years in the military, there are certain sustained truths that have consistently remained solid in my mind. An easy validation check comes whenever given the opportunity to preside over a retirement ceremony. As I speak with pending retirees and look back over their careers,

  • Seeking help - Who is on your team?

     I have the best job in the Air Force as an active duty social worker. I work with people who come to talk to me when they are feeling overwhelmed or consumed and other things that used to get them through the tough times just aren't working anymore. My favorite part of my job is I get to see those

  • Air Force Contracting follows guiding principles

    The 97th Contracting Squadron's mission is to provide for all contract requirements through various procurement instruments to enable mission accomplishment and protect the rights and dollars of the American taxpayers. Our unit vision is to acquire timely, superior services and products to enable

  • Lights out, gears up … Airfield comes alive at night

    When the sun sets most folks are settling down with their families, eating dinner or relaxing while watching their favorite television show, but for others it is time to work.We don't just forge combat mobility forces during the day at Altus AFB. The flight line and airspace continue to thrive even

  • The next step…

    Completing a challenging event that absorbs a large amount of energy and time causes one to think about what they did prior to the event to take up all their time. The transition back to a normal routine is challenging and sometimes causes anxiety because being extremely busy has been the routine. I

  • Leadership has no rank

    I once heard the comment "leadership has no rank". Those words resonated with me while I contemplated on the intent of the true message. According to Webster's Dictionary, an inherent trait is defined as, "existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality or

  • Train for leadership – observe, read, practice

    Leadership is not like riding a bike - it takes time, constant effort and experience to lead a team, no matter how large or small. Have you ever taken a break from running or working out due to an injury, vacation or just couldn't find the time to make it to the gym? I can't speak for you, but