Commentaries

June 16, 2015
Simple steps to being more effective

Our Air Force and the world seem to be in a constant state of commotion right now. Significant events are happening all around us at a rate that can cause even the strongest individuals to experience uncertainty. It's easy to get distracted from our primary objectives, so to that end I share with
June 9, 2015
A Most Excellent Adventure!

Life is short! And the last two years of my life, in command of the 21st Space Wing, have been the shortest on record! Well, at least it seems that way. This Friday I will hand over the flag to the next commander of the 21st Space Wing. And it's all too soon...To all the Knights of the 21st - I've
June 2, 2015
I believe

Several months ago, I was in a class that was studying early creeds. One of the many things that stayed with me from this class was where the modern word "creed" is derived from.The word creed actually originated from the Latin word credo, which means "I believe." When I heard this, my mind
May 26, 2015
Spring time for growth, transformation

As a Florida native, I can't wait for spring each year.....a time to pull out the summer wardrobe and ski without all those layers. I also love the opportunity to hike with the spring flowers.Seeing the new buds on the trees, I'm reminded how these plants can resemble our own story. For months I ran
May 22, 2015
Service before self

With Memorial Day only a few days away, it seems appropriate to talk about "service before self," the most misunderstood Air Force value.I was already on active duty when the Air Force created the core values. At that time, many of us thought, "Well, it's official now, the Air Force is more
May 13, 2015
What’s a leader without a follower

"He's not leadership material...he's just a follower." Have you ever heard or spoke words like that about someone before? They were assuredly meant as a put down and a sign that the person was not cut from the right cloth to serve in our military.As part of our warrior ethos, we study leadership
May 6, 2015
Leading your people across the river without drowning yourself

Leading an organization through a project or crisis can be a lot like leading a group of people across a river. A good leader is worried about the size of the river, strength of the current, temperature of the water and the skillset of the people that have to get across. That's a lot to keep track
April 28, 2015
National Police Week time to remember fallen officers, celebrate public service

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge in Washington, D.C., to participate in a
April 28, 2015
Slow your roll, drivers -- there are walkers about

I won't walk on your car if you don't drive on my feet. Deal?I like to walk. Fresh air, sunshine and exercise without the need to shower or wear spandex.Peterson Air Force Base, as it turns out, is a remarkable place for walking. The base's tree-lined streets are almost universally equipped with
April 27, 2015
Resiliency a program for success

As members of the U.S. Air Force, we are held to high levels of standards in every aspect of our lives, both professionally and personally. We have answered our nation's call to serve and are proud and humbled to be offered such a great responsibility. Despite the greatness which flows through our