5 Mar 2014

Women’s History Month through the eyes of an Airman

In 1987 two great things happened. I was born and Women's History Month was created.This observance, though just as young as I am, is a constant reminder to me and all Americans of how much women have accomplished and contributed to this country.Being a black female in the military and the first and only female in my family in the Air Force, I

27 Feb 2014

A look back at 50 years of service

Being the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at Little Rock Air Force Base for the last eight-and-a-half years has been the most satisfying of all my jobs. Today at 3 p.m., I will complete a working career spanning 50 years with my retirement ceremony and party at Hangar 1080.After completing a tour in Vietnam in the Army, I came back to civilian

16 Jan 2014

Honoring a legacy of freedom

Monday, Jan. 20, commemorates the day to honor a man who had a voice. The voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King's speeches and visions inspired the nation to stand strong for what was right and paved the way for civil rights advocates to walk down. King dedicated his life to fight inequality between people and encouraged respect and fairness

26 Sep 2013

Warrior Ethos...bedrock of our culture

Throughout the past couple of weeks, we have sent off a large contingent of deployers and also welcomed back many members of our 19th Airlift Wing team from deployment. For many it was their first deployment and for a greater majority this was one of many deployments. In either case, you could feel the pride emanating from each and every person as

19 Sep 2013

Enthusiasm defines a true leader

Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell once said "perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." It's one of the 13 rules of success outlined in his book, "My American Journey." Throughout his career, individuals were drawn to Powell because of his enthusiasm and positive approach to life. By saying optimism is a force multiplier, he simply means

5 Sep 2013

Communication, Listening Keys to Facilitating Change

Suggested pull quote: "I tried to communicate frequently and in person. I tried to respond quickly to sensitive issues and topics. And...I listened! I listened to hear, not to answer. I listened to understand, not to judge."As I look around Little Rock Air Force Base, and the entire Air Force for that matter, I am astonished by the pace and level

4 Sep 2013

A Progressive Melody: Mother & Daughter Scale Highs & Lows of Autism

As the lengthy summer days, with bright and balmy evenings, start to wane, parents know the difficulties of transitioning children from a typical malleable summer's day to a regimented school schedule. Some parents, however, face special challenges this time of year. Master Sgt. Beth Jungk is a 19th Communications Squadron plans and programs

29 Aug 2013

Aspire to be Great

"A good leader inspires men to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires them to have confidence in themselves."-Lao TzuThe words of the sixth century philosopher, Lao Tzu have resonated with me over my career. Leadership....how to be a great leader is always a hot topic. I have come to the realization that being a great leader is more

22 Aug 2013

Core Values & Action

This past weekend I was out running errands with a friend of mine who works on Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, near where I live, and his young son. One of our stops was at a local retail chain outlet. When I asked him why we were stopping he told me it was to take advantage of a teachable moment for his son. I was very intrigued and couldn't

22 Jul 2013

The Bucket List—Part 2

It seems that everyone has a Bucket List these days. You know...the list of all the things you dream of doing before you die or "kick the bucket." There are websites and books dedicated solely to help you formulate the perfect list. Maybe you want to swim with dolphins or stand on the equator. Some folks want to see the pyramids or visit