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  • Defining my generation: remembering 9/11 and how it changed me

    Some generations are defined when tragedy, a moment or series of moments bearing enough weight to forever alter the course of history collide. My grandfather's generation was witness to tragedy when it was roused from its isolationist slumber by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941 as

  • Do you remember ‘Old Glory’?

    Some people call me "Old Glory" or The "Stars and Stripes" but whatever they call me, I am your flag, the flag of the United States of America. I remember a short time ago when people lined upon both sides of the street to watch a parade, and naturally, I was always there, proudly waving in the

  • Welcome to Kansas, are you ready?

    The personal change of station season is coming to a close and we've welcomed several new families to Team McConnell. No doubt, our Airmen are excited to be part of the Air Force's Air Refueling Center of Excellence. For some, this may be the first time being stationed in the Midwest. There are some

  • Are you living up to your abilities?

    Many folks have heard me say I'd rather have a flight of average Airmen giving me 100 percent than a flight of superstars giving me 80 percent. Why on earth would a chief want average people and not superstars? The answer is simple; I want and need people I can count on to live up to their

  • Know the core values

    Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do are great words, but what do they really mean, and how do we apply them to our lives? Integrity is doing the right thing even when nobody is looking. This is the common definition used by most people today, but I think a better

  • Know the Simple Rules

    Being one of the newest squadron commanders at McConnell AFB, I was thrilled to get this opportunity to share some perspectives on how I approach my job and my beliefs of leadership. While nothing you are about to read is an original thought, the mosaic of these principles have been collected and

  • Forging tomorrow’s leaders

    The past three weeks have gone by like a blur, but one thing is apparent; Team McConnell is an incredible leadership laboratory. Forging tomorrow's leaders is frequently enhanced by a changing or more challenging environment...such as leading young Airmen through a myriad of higher headquarter

  • Are you a 'structured' Airman?

    When you think of the word "structure," what comes to mind? Buildings, framework, skyscrapers and even towers are possibly some things of which you might think. Structure is defined by Webster's dictionary as: "the action of building; something that is constructed; or something arranged in a

  • When reducing energy use, knowledge is power

    Here at our "center of excellence," the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, we impart knowledge to our students so they may be better able to perform their mission. Hopefully we are also absorbing the knowledge that is flowing all around us. Recently, during an Air Force Week event at the Wharton

  • Are you a Professional Airman?

    Recently, many officials in our Air Force stated we need to get "back to basics" in light of the many troubles and challenges we have faced with failed inspections, lack of manpower and a host of other issues. What exactly does this mean? For me, it all goes back to the fundamentals a 22-year Senior