25 Feb 2008

A Culture of Excellence through customer service

Most Airmen in the 30th Space Wing have heard the phrase "Culture of Excellence" recently. Leadership is talking about it and I know some units discussed it on our last Wingman Day. But what do we mean when we talk about creating a "Culture of Excellence?" Let's take a look. According to Webster's Dictionary, culture is "the customary beliefs,

19 Feb 2008

What a Culture of Excellence looks like

In June 1997, for the first time, the Air Force published its Core Values - Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. The core values are a touchstone for all of us as Airmen in today's Air Force. One of the things the core values do is challenge us to establish a culture of excellence. In fact, the "Little Blue Book"

13 Feb 2008

African-American heritage is American heritage

In the 1920s, Dr. Carter G. Woodson concluded that if African-Americans were to take their rightful place in society, young Americans of all races needed to learn about African-American contributions to our history and culture.In 1926, he launched the first Black History Week. Today, a movement that originally began in churches and schoolrooms is

23 Jan 2008

What is a Wingman?

I've designated 24 Jan as a Wingman Day, which drives the question, "What is a wingman?" A wingman is someone who looks out for their fellow Airmen. This Wingman Day recognizes that we just surpassed 100 days with no DUIs in the wing. I believe this is evidence that the "wingman culture" has truly taken take root in the 30th Space Wing.The

8 Jan 2008

A New Year for Strategic Airmen at Vandenberg

It is hard to believe 2007 has come to an end. The year flew by. Team V had a great year, and you are the ones that made it happen. Even as we reflect on the past, we must look to the future. As we start 2008, I need you to put your "Strategic Airman" hat on. Airmen are strategic when they think about the big picture and understand how their

17 Dec 2007

All I needed to know about ORM I learned in golf

The golfer squints in the morning sun, breathes deeply of the cool eucalyptus-scented air and thinks ORM.See, our avid golfer is practicer and practitioner of operational risk management.  ORM is his means to a simple end; he wants to eliminate unnecessary strokes from his game.Throughout his game, he will plan ahead for his shot, take his swing

14 Dec 2007

Have a happy Holiday Season

Do you feel it? Can you sense the excitement in the air and the slight relief in your work load as we approach the holiday season? Or are you like so many today who allow the holidays to become another block to check on your never-ending to-do list? If there's ever a time to enjoy what we have, what we do as Airmen and spend extra time with our

13 Dec 2007

General Kehler sends season's greetings to AFSPC

AFSPC TEAM We have an opportunity during the holidays to pause and reflect. We reflect on our families; we reflect on the many blessings we have; we reflect on the advantages of living in a free, democratic society - and in living in this remarkable place called the United States. We also have an opportunity to stop and reflect on safety. You will

12 Dec 2007

Make a difference this holiday season

Thank you for the difference you make every day, defending the United States of America and promoting our interests and ideals around the world. As the holiday season approaches, we encourage you to make a special effort to make a difference in the lives of those immediately around you. Many of you will travel to your hometowns across the country.

20 Nov 2007

Thanksgiving and MFA: a time for thanks

November is Military Family Appreciation Month. It is an annual tribute to the family members who serve our country alongside their loved ones in uniform. I encourage you to take the time to show your appreciation to your family. Many times, military personnel in their retirement speech comment on the support they've received from their family over