Commentaries

Feb. 17, 2011
It’s about being involved, not being intrusive

Today more than ever we hear about the increasing suicide rate in the military. Our senior leaders are trying to figure out how to address this epidemic across the Air Force. We've had more than a couple Wingman Days to discuss how to address this issue in our own units. I say, at the most basic
Feb. 15, 2011
To the Knights of the 21st Space Wing

Since taking command nearly 18 months ago, I have given you four over-arching priorities toward achieving our wing's mission. Three echo our core missions of space superiority, base support and protection and preparing and deploying warrior Airmen.The fourth principal, building a culture of
Feb. 15, 2011
North Pole discovery credit given late

Did you know that an African-American, along with Read Adm. Robert E. Peary, discovered the North Pole? His name was Matthew Henson and he was born on a farm in Nanjemoy, Md., on Aug. 8, 1866. He was still a child when his parents Lemuel and Caroline died, and at the age of 12 he went to sea as a
Feb. 9, 2011
The Power of Words

We know words have the power to do many good things. We teach, motivate, comfort, console and express emotions with our words. We also know that words can do great harm when we use them maliciously. They have the power to destroy confidence, discourage, offend and demoralize. But, did you know that
Feb. 9, 2011
Overcoming a PT test failure

Throughout my 15 years in the military, I have always struggled with passing my physical fitness test. I'm not a huge person, and I am very active in sports. I run three to five times a week and coach youth sports as well. But no matter what I did, I always came very close to failing my PT test,
Feb. 8, 2011
It is time to shine

The time has come...our Unit Compliance and Operational Readiness Inspections are just a few short weeks away. I am sure you are all aware; you have heard people talking about it daily and you have been working extremely hard to get ready. Your dedicated work and preparation are going to make us
Jan. 31, 2011
Listen

Sometimes it is amazing what you can learn if you just take the time to listen. Listen to what people, friends, family, coworkers and/or wingmen around you are saying. All too often, many of us allow our preconceived bias, prejudice or even sometimes our pride to filter what we actually hear. We all
Jan. 28, 2011
"Buffalo Soldier in the heart of America"

Recently, my wife and I were walking through Manitou Springs when we overheard Bob Marley's classic "Buffalo Soldier" coming from the speakers in a nearby park. I reflected back to the first time I heard the song live at a concert in Tacoma, Wash., where he and "The Wailers" performed. As we got
Jan. 25, 2011
Courtesies: It's the small things we do that count

Many people don't know this about me, but I have a super power. The problem I have with this wonderfully amazing ability is I can't always control it; it come and goes intermittently. What is my super power, you ask? It is invisibility. It only seems to happen when I'm standing in certain customer
Jan. 18, 2011
Saying No To “Yes Men”

You've seen them, I've seen them, we've all seen them - the "yes men". You know who I'm talking about - the person that's the first to agree with the boss, the one who has that special knack for catering to the ego. The one that says things like, "Sir yes sir, two bags full". Okay, maybe they don't