Commentary Search

  • There's a hero in each of us

    As often as possible, we visit my family in a small town in central Pennsylvania. The route to their home in Indian Lake takes you past the field in Shanksville where United 93 went down on Sept. 11, 2001. On several occasions, we've been out to the site. As it stands today, there's a make-shift

  • Air Force birthday is opportunity to recognize 62 years of success

    On Sept. 18, 1947, our Air Force became a separate branch of the military. Since then, our unequalled accomplishments have helped provide a beacon of hope for men, women and children all over the world. Throughout our command's rich history, we have evolved from Air Transportation Command to Air

  • NCOs … you make a difference

    Congratulations to the 144 Senior Airmen from Team McConnell selected for promotion to staff sergeant. The Aug. 20 promotion announcement was outstanding news for all those selected, and it was also a banner day for all those in command here. It's widely known our wing needs more NCOs to lead in

  • Keep doors of opportunity open

    Throughout my career, I've known several individuals who knew from day one what they wanted and where they wanted their Air Force careers to take them. They knew the milestones they would measure and how fast they wanted to achieve them. They knew at which ranks they wanted to retire and which

  • On Labor Day, remember our Airmen work hard to defend freedom

    As I visit with people at bases throughout Air Mobility Command and our operations across the globe, one thing I always admire is the strong spirit of our Airmen and civilians who keep the mobility mission moving day in and day out. We have an extremely important mission in AMC, supporting our

  • Have you talked with your mentor lately?

    I still hear the echo of his words 29 years late: "Give 110% percent of yourself in everything you do in life, whether it is work, family or play. Never ask for or expect anything in return for your deeds, you will be rewarded if you have earned it. Last but not least, always be you, fake or

  • Step back and re-evaluate: What can I do to fix this?

    Too often we fall into the habit of doing things the way we have always done them. Every once in a while it's important to step back from the process and re-evaluate what we do, how we do it and why we do it. It's so easy to maintain the status quo. Without periodic re-evaluation, we might just miss

  • The Ceremony

    When I was asked to reflect on my Senior Non-Commissioned Officer induction ceremony and provide a commentary to McConnell's newest inductees, I thought what should I write about? Maybe I should focus on the high traditions of the SNCO induction ceremony? Or maybe I should talk about the pomp and

  • The 'happy' medium between OPSEC and social networking: Can it be achieved?

    I can recall sitting in my office at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, when I first realized that e-mail was going to revolutionize our way of doing business. I remember thinking to myself, 'Wow, I just got an e-mail from a two-star general congratulating me on my promotion to lieutenant colonel.' In the

  • The new Airman’s Manual – not just a mobility checklist item

    Airmen from any location can quickly come together and form a cohesive working unit based on the standardized training they receive. Functional tasks are accomplished safely and effectively because everyone is trained to perform tasks the same way. We receive training by reviewing technical