Commentary Search

  • It’s your choice: Make it a positive one

    You make many choices every day, choices that range from what to wear to buying a home or where to retire. We all know that there are consequences for our choices - some big, some not so big. In general, we only give careful consideration to choices that have the potential for serious consequences.

  • Know the 3 P’s

    In a couple of weeks, I'll retire after 30 years of serving in the Air Force. It doesn't seem like it's been 30 years, but time flies when you're having fun. I thought for my swan song article I'd write about a few of my favorite things and people. Pride, professionalism, and passion: three simple

  • Why history matters

    In 1931, historian Carl A. Becker stood before the annual meeting of the American Historical Association to give his inaugural address as their newly elected president. Mr. Becker gave an address in which he offered his perspective that everyone is an historian. In the course of delivering this

  • Living in glass houses

    During my leadership training over the past 20 or so years, I've been told, "You as a leader live in a glass house." As I continue to increase my responsibilities as a leader, I am convinced this is an important concept for all leaders to know and understand. Each of us, as Airmen is a leader and

  • Be an Airman of action

    The recent  Presidential election seems to have infused a new sense of hope for the nation. The promise of a new administration and the election rhetoric of change has inspired the nation with a renewed "can do" attitude and initiated a call for civic duty not seen in over three decades. I too am

  • What's my motivation?

    My motivation began with life lessons from my grandmother, neighborhood elders, elementary and high school educators and my local church family. My second phase of motivation began in basic training with my military training instructors, Staff Sergeants Garza and Mondella, Chief Master Sgt. Jerry

  • Know your leadership role

    An anonymous person once said, "If you find a job that makes you happy, you will never 'work' a day in your life". I think "anonymous" pretty much got it right. We can probably agree doing the things we are good at usually results in happiness. However, the tricky part of putting this idea into

  • Where do you fall in the pyramid?

    Consider the pyramid: An interesting geometric shape, ancient Egyptian structures and your military organization...all structured in the same shape. Draw a picture of your organization. Put the commander at the top, put the subordinate leaders underneath, followed by all the 'worker bees.' What do

  • Letters from Iraq: Outside the wire

    My day began at 5 a.m. by attending the "guard mount" along with the other Airmen who would be conducting a patrol outside the wire. This morning, a salty old master sergeant was in charge and methodically discussed the concerns of the day. His manner bespeaks of a veteran who has performed the

  • Who wants to be a millionaire?

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average has had its worst loss since the Great Depression. This size of a market correction happens only once in an investing lifetime. This is an opportune time for all Team McConnell members to evaluate or re-evaluate their financial goals. All military members have the