13 Jan 2010

Excellence is a state of mind

After a busy day on the job recently, I decided to go by Anthony's Pizza and take a break. I was then overwhelmed by the pride displayed by Sherry and Carmen. These two ladies were working behind the counter and inspired me with their commitment to excellence. I quickly began to internalize the concept that excellence is conceived in your mind and

5 Jan 2010

Looking ahead, not back

As I tried to utilize some of the exercise equipment at the fitness center, a couple of thoughts came to mind. First, I noticed I was surrounded by many unfamiliar faces in the fitness center. I guess they figured out that they had packed on a little too much fat reserve for the winter hibernation and were trying to make an adjustment.Secondly,

5 Jan 2010

Yacht club reunion

Airborne assault and resupply operations have proven to be an indispensible asset to combatant commanders, dating back to the development of the Parachute Test Platoon at Fort Benning, Ga., in 1940. Airborne forces proved their merit during successful WWII operations in the Sicily and Italian campaigns, but it was the invasion of Normandy that

14 Dec 2009

AMC Commander: 'This holiday a time to celebrate, relax; but please make safety a priority'

Since taking command just four short weeks ago, I can honestly say I'm more excited than ever to be back in Air Mobility Command! Whether I am visiting our Guard and Reserve partners on the East Coast or our deployed Airmen in Southwest Asia, it's clear to me you are the finest Airmen in the U.S. Air Force. The intensity and overwhelming passion

10 Dec 2009

As my brother goes off to war

This morning I spoke with my brother, our last talk before he leaves his home for another year of combat operations "downrange." A Soldier in his third decade of service, he was to head home to celebrate an early Christmas this afternoon with his wife and two daughters. His daughters will awake the day after tomorrow to a house without their dad,

8 Dec 2009

Whose uniform is it?

This past weekend chief master sergeants, past and present, had a holiday party. The main thing I took from the evening is our retired chiefs still take our mission seriously. Some of the questions and comments generated throughout the night caused me to ponder the responsibility we have in wearing our uniform. You see, our service is not about us,

8 Dec 2009

Lorenz on Leadership -- Spotting disasters

"I can hear that train coming down the tracks." If you're like me, then you've heard people use this analogy to describe an inbound issue or challenge. We all face challenges each and every day -- they are nothing new. The challenges range in significance and in ability to impact our organizations. Although the potential challenges do have unique

7 Dec 2009

Airmen are all in

I have been to five conferences during October and November. I got to hear and visit with some of the United States Air Force and Air National Guard Senior Leaders. General Craig McKinley, Chief, National Guard Bureau, Gen. Stephen Lorenz, Commander, Air Education and Training Command, Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy, Command Chief to the

7 Dec 2009

To the men and women of Air Mobility Command

I'm truly honored to join the AMC team. It's a privilege to serve with you, the men and women who make our global mobility mission happen each and every day. You are the thread that binds our nation's combat capability as you are the enablers of Unrivaled Global Reach for America ... Always!As your commander, I want to briefly share my leadership

1 Dec 2009

There are relatives and then there's family

In life there are people connected by genetics through birth, such as siblings, cousins or grandparents, and we call them relatives. Then there are people who have no biological connection, yet when you need them they are there for you. I call this group family. You see all relatives may not be family, yet many in our family here at Team Little