Commentary Search

  • Countless Opportunities -- Leadership, teamwork make great things happen

    Truly, there is no better organization than the United States Air Force in which each serving member is afforded countless opportunities to assume leadership roles as part of a team. Be it for professional reasons or through volunteerism, be it small or monumental, the opportunities are

  • High maintenance employees tone it down

    Several years ago, my spouse and I purchased a new car. It looked great on the lot and drove smoothly when we took it out for a test spin. We were proud of our shiny new red car. A few weeks later, part of the bumper came loose and hit the pavement. We drove home slowly dragging that bumper and the

  • Thank you, you are making a difference

    I have learned that people are inspired by these few simple words "Thank you. You are making a difference." When I was a young captain, Master Sgt. Jones entered my office one Friday evening very upset. She said "Sir, you never tell us thank you or how well we are doing." I was shocked at her

  • Remember Constitution's meaning on anniversary

    When I originally considered what to write we were in the middle of the Kansas summer and oppressive triple digit temperatures. This led me to think of another summer equally as miserable. Philadelphia in 1787 experienced extreme weather of similar proportion to this one. Those who lived through it

  • Contracting; making a difference on war front

    Whether it is food service and bottled water for US, Coalition or Iraqi, Afghan forces, or vital supplies to keep the aircraft flying and humvees running, the critical contingency contracting officer is on site to make sure the mission gets done. One of the most important missions of an Air Force

  • Lead, follow, get out of the way

    My first Air Force lesson 27 years ago was "lead, follow or get out of the way." A great deal has changed over the years but not the basic principle of leading or following every day. What has changed is we no longer have the luxury of allowing any Airman to get out of the way. Ask yourself

  • Celebrating the day America became free and independent states

    "The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. "You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood

  • Tradition continues at Club McConnell

    Did you know back in “the day” being a member of “The Club” actually meant you were a member of the Officer, NCO or Airman Clubs? There were actually separate clubs for different ranks, and membership was in the 70-90 percent range. The numbers have declined over the years, and many clubs have