Commentary Search

  • Accomplishing the mission through passion, inspiration, motivation

    So, here I sit... on President's Day, right after Valentine's Day and the NBA All-Star Game, and one week to the biggest inspection we will face in two years. I am challenged to write a leadership commentary and make it immediately relevant without sounding, in the words of famed writer John

  • Remembering the past, advancing the future

    There are many articles in the news about how far America has to go in terms of reducing bias and prejudices, especially involving the African-American community. There isn't a lack of comment or opinion on how to divide and categorize this nation along color lines.One of the things I love about

  • “Hit it out of the park”

    As America's pastime sport quickly enters its new season, baseball pitchers across America prepare for the season in hopes of making it to, and winning, the World Series. This can also be said about the Air Force and their preparation to be inspection ready.In order to be successful in both, it

  • Leadership Fundamentals

    As we reflect on last previous year and our continuously transforming Air Force, it is imperative that we remember a basic fundamental premise; leadership is about people and forging professional relationships.It is growing more and more important to connect and relate to our Airmen with open and

  • Equipping our Airmen

    When I entered the Air Force 16 years ago, my father-in-law, who is retired Army, shared a bit of service rivalry with me. He said that it's well known the Air Force "mans equipment" while the Army "equips men."For those of us in blue, it's an insulting idea. When I look in the mirror though, I have

  • Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

    It's that time of year again, the holidays are upon us. It seems as though the commercialism starts earlier every year. It may be even more challenging this year with all the uncertainty occurring across the world. In fact, I'm not even sure children unloaded their Halloween candy bags before the

  • Learn from the past, prepare for the future

    "It's the toughest job you'll ever love."That's what I kept hearing from my mentors as I contemplated submitting my application for squadron command. In my earlier years as a military member, I never really thought much about leading a squadron; it just wasn't where I saw myself going in my military

  • Cancer doesn't always happen to someone else

    Breast cancer is a part of my daily life since my mom has had breast cancer and I am high risk.It's hard for me not to think about it, search it on the Internet, donate to it, ask about it, walk for it, and even cry about it. But I know that isn't the case for everyone. All I have learned could

  • Dying for information

    BOOM! The explosion rings in his ears. It's so loud, it hurts. The smoke is thick and it clouds his vision. Everything is hazy. "Why is the sky in front of me instead of above? Wait - why am I lying on my back?" There's so much confusion, so much chaos. He can see others on the ground and see others

  • Words do hurt

    Have you ever heard the following phrase or nursery rhyme: "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?" Do you think this is true?Personally, I don't. In fact, I think words can and do actually hurt people. I think a bigger question should be: shouldn't we all be treating one