Commentaries

June 28, 2011
No pencil eraser for social media mistakes

In February 2010, Pentagon officials authorized using social networks on unclassified military computers. They believe the benefits of social media outweigh security concerns. However, operational security has always been a military constant and that has not diminished with the advent of social
June 27, 2011
Good leaders practice servant leadership

Servant leadership is a concept that may be a little different from the normal discussions concerning leadership. Though many of us practice this concept every day, we haven't thought about it as being in relationship to a servant. The phrase, "I joined the military to serve my country," has been
June 21, 2011
Three days in service dress

As you might expect, as a commander of a wing that stretches from Ramstein, Germany, to Hawaii, I spend a lot of time on the road and in different uniform combinations. But, I want to tell you about a couple of weeks ago when I wore my service dress uniform three days in a row. Even for me, that's
June 21, 2011
One in four

One in four: Look around you right now, whether you're at your workplace or waiting at the clinic; where ever you are look around and count one in four women around you. How many did you identify? Just one? Maybe two out of eight? Three out of 12? The number can get staggering, depending on the
June 6, 2011
My life was changed forever

My life was changed forever February 11, 2011. It was a Friday. I was glad to be getting off work, because I was going to be on leave for the next two weeks. Around 5 p.m., my friend, Chris, texted me and asked if I wanted to come over to his house. Since my wife was taking my daughter over to a
May 25, 2011
Take some time to remember

On Monday, May 30, many folks will be enjoying a long weekend, with picnics, trips to the beach, shopping sales and family gatherings... all of which is good... BUT please don't forget to find time for the real reason for the holiday. Memorial Day is intended to be a time of remembrance of those who
May 19, 2011
Commentary: The Prowl…

This past weekend, I found myself as the designated driver for a group of my college friends. This "boyz" weekend has had numerous constants these past 20 years: watching football games, drinking beer and shots, gorging on pizza and BBQ, and invariably closing the evening with Tums and seltzer
May 13, 2011
It's not just a job, it's my profession

There was a time not too long ago when one would actually be informed of the current state of affairs in a manuscript called the newspaper.As an 11-year-old it was my responsibility to ensure all my neighbors would have their newspaper before they had their first cup of coffee. At 11, having a job
April 13, 2011
Airman makes large impact in first year of service

Airman 1st Class Mark Robertson, a 30th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy vehicle operator, has only been in the Air Force and out of technical school since August 2010. In his short amount of time, he has acquired skills, knowledge and on the job experience some people don't see in their entire careers
April 11, 2011
Vandenberg leadership 'rides the lightning' at Taser training

They call it riding the lightning: a 50,000 volt blast inducing complete neuromuscular incapacitation. They look at me with excited eyes trying to hold back smirks while prepping me for five seconds of inconceivable suffering. A trigger squeeze, a succession of jackhammer Big Bangs on full-auto, and