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  • Our veterans ... My heroes

    As we approach Nov. 11, Veteran's Day, I am reminded more readily that those of us wearing the uniform have a special bond with those who have worn the uniform -- our veterans. We share an identify that transcends any differences we may have. We unite in a duty to serve and sacrifice for our great

  • Great leadership is timeless

    I recently had the honor of attending an NCO Academy graduation ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. This ceremony featured Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert Gaylor, the 5th CMSAF, as the guest speaker. Gaylor joined the Air Force in 1948, and in 1977 he became the 5th CMSAF. During

  • True to the core

    While recently rummaging through some of the many boxes still sitting unpacked in my basement (don't laugh, you have some of those too), I ran across a little blue book. As I thumbed through it, I was taken back to 1997, when I was a captain stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., in the now

  • Base honor guard: Ceremonial guardsmen leading the way

    It's a Friday afternoon and seven ceremonial guardsmen wait. Standing motionless, individuals arriving hardly take notice of their presence. From the background a uniformed individual catches the eye of all in attendance. As the individual moves closer, the guardsman, blinded by the sun calls the

  • What are your Rules of Work?

    Do you ever wake up in the morning full of good intentions for the day ahead and find that by the time you get to work you are no longer motivated? Or, maybe, you get off to a flying start, but when you get a flat tire or step in a mud puddle you let all your subordinates know you are frustrated and

  • Social media and you

    Did you know that more than 800 million people have a Facebook account, and that 70 percent of all internet users view Facebook? Did you know that, on average, a person sends 58 text messages per day or "tweets" more than 10 times per day?With at least 15 social networking sites claiming to have at

  • Preparing for emergencies, disasters

    The current fragile state of our national economy and the recent natural disasters which have swept through multiple regions of the country this year should have all of us thinking about the following questions: How prepared are you for a financial emergency? Do you have an emergency account -- a

  • Commander shares his book of wisdom

    Since 1994, I have kept a small journal I call my "book of wisdom." In it I have kept quotes, sentiments, and lessons about leadership to ensure I always remember where I came from, and ensure I could always put into practice all those leadership elements I appreciated as a younger Air Force member