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

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