2 Feb 2010

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 others, do you listen to refute or do you listen to

2 Feb 2010

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 counseling the hurting, encouraging the dejected

2 Feb 2010

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 notable land and sea achievement as instruments of

26 Jan 2010

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 crew consisted of Capt. Sean Callahan and 1st Lt.

26 Jan 2010

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, these moments sit out in front of us ... and we

26 Jan 2010

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 other, I picked up little tidbits of history that

22 Jan 2010

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 was pooped, thinking there was no way I'd be able to

22 Jan 2010

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 measured with unequal precision by the flood of e-mails

19 Jan 2010

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 mission: providing mission-ready aircraft to support

13 Jan 2010

New Year…Fresh Look

Isn't it funny how the New Year brings excitement, new challenges, a sense of renewed purpose and an opportunity to make a fresh start? It's like setting the game clock back to zero for the chance to win. For most of us, 2009 brought many challenges and success stories in and around our Air Force. However, I believe most of you will agree that as