Commentary Search

  • The importance of understanding

    Several weeks ago, I was in a meeting in which a change of procedures affecting Air Force members was briefed. As I listened, I did not hear a clear explanation given for the change.One attendee asked the briefer what the purpose of the change was. The briefer answered, "because it is in the Air

  • Change: Are you ready for it?

    This is the time of year when every base in Air Force Global Strike Command sees a high percentage of military turn over, and F. E. Warren Air Force Base is no different with many senior leaders departing. This summer we've seen the departure of our wing commander, vice wing commander, mission

  • Paying our flag its due respect

    Each morning, afternoon and evening, we hear the familiar sounds of Reveille, the National Anthem and Taps. We all do our duty and stop in our vehicle, salute or place hand over heart where we stand, as the notes resonate across the base. But what does it all mean? Is it just a musical prelude for

  • Daily excellence and mission success — one good decision at a time

    From my first day on the job as the vice commander of the Mighty Ninety, I knew I was walking (or maybe I was being thrown!) into an exceptional organization made up of extraordinary people. From that first night, more than 18 months ago, at the wing holiday party to the day I spent recently with

  • Memories — leadership tools at the ready

    While there are very few absolutes in the world, I don't think I'll be going out on a limb too far if I suggest that everyone has a personal opinion about the actions and decisions of leaders they've observed. Sometimes those opinions are positive, focusing on the good facets of the leader's actions

  • Thank you Air Force family

    I joined the Air Force in 1982 a lost soul. I had no goals, a pretty shaky moral code, no vision and a pretty shadowy self image. Frankly, I was a bit concerned there was another institutional life looming in my future -- one with bars, and I'm not talking about captain bars. I wanted to get out of

  • Building on a solid foundation in the Ninetieth

    Mighty Ninety -- thank you very much for the exceptionally warm welcome you gave Colleen, the kids and me. We are very excited to be in your ranks once again and I can't tell you how proud I am to be your wing commander. This wing has a long, proud legacy of excellence in the ICBM mission and

  • A legacy of integrity, service, excellence

    Last Friday was sunny and hot, the wind uncharacteristically calm for a Cheyenne afternoon. A slight breeze lifted the flags on the long, black wall, etched with the names of so many. It was the deep slice in the beautiful green landscape that brought people from all over the area to Lions Park. It

  • Everyone is busy in the Mighty Ninety

    There isn't a day that goes by that I don't hear the phrase "Gee, you must be busy." This is the response I get when I tell customers I work in the Wing Protocol Office. As a member of our Protocol Team, we advise and guide Col. Greg Tims, 90th Missile Wing commander, on all aspects of visits,

  • Looking back on a great command, wing

    A couple of months ago I wrote a little nugget on the book, "The Servant," which was written by James Hunter. I'd like to share one last thought on the book. Hunter writes, "Leadership is not about personality, possessions, or charisma, but all about who you are as a person. I used to believe that