Commentaries

  • Stellar performing Airmen!

    Every Air Force leader faces a similar challenge: how to motivate Airmen. Like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates, an Air Force leader never knows what type of Airmen their unit is going to get. Everyone loves to be part of a high performing team, but unfortunately every once in a while you'll

  • Looking through the eyes of others

    Today, I'd like to give you something to ponder that may help you better communicate and connect with those around you. Often we find ourselves frustrated with others because we primarily focus on what's important to us while not considering the focus of those around us. When you communicate with

  • Chaplains meet spiritual needs of Airmen

    We carry no guns, yet U.S. Air Force chaplains are considered a force multiplier in the war theater. Today in Iraq, Afghanistan and at home, the military expects its chaplains to meet the spiritual needs of today's warfighters. But it also recognizes the Chapel Corps' importance in everything from

  • An Airman and Air Power vector check

    Air Power has always had its critics who have been unwilling to accept its place alongside land and sea power as equal components of the joint force. Air power's history has been one of dramatic swings in popularity and achievement compared to the constant consequence that comes with centuries of

  • Helping out one plane at a time

    Recently I, like many of you, was overcome with emotion due to the immeasurable plight placed upon the people of Haiti after the earthquake. I then connected with a great group of combat airlifters and embarked on a mission to deliver much-needed personnel and equipment to the tropical island. Our

  • Lorenz on Leadership -- Jessica's legacy

    There are certain times in our lives where a single moment or significant event causes us to pause ... and reflect. These moments can catch us after both happy times and sad - after accomplishments of our own or those of others. Sometimes they catch us off guard, by surprise. More often, though,

  • War Stories

    I recently had the privilege of spending some time with some World War II veterans from the 62nd Airlift Squadron. This group of veterans and their family members get together during the first week of December each year to reminisce. Just by being around and listening in as they talked to each

  • Defining Moments - Part 2

    The week before the race, we ran 10 miles - a number Sergeant Ball said would be a good test of our readiness at that point in time. It did indeed prove to be a test as most of us came limping toward the end, unsure of what the future would hold for us come race day. "I ran about five miles and I

  • Defining moments - Part 1

    It started like any normal day in the madcap world of public affairs, and after three years being enlisted, I'm starting to get an idea of what normal looks like. I show up for work, put any tasty goodies I may have brought in the fridge, log in, check the required damage control that can be

  • Back to basics takes more than words

    Here we stand at the start of a new year, a natural point for people and organizations to pause, assess their priorities, and set goals for the year to come. Our most significant goals in the 314th Maintenance Group this year revolve around a back-to-basics approach to the tasks essential to our