15 Nov 2010

Never miss an opportunity

Never miss an opportunity to have a positive impact on someone's life.In today's Air Force, we find ourselves extremely busy - deploying, fixing , loading, and flying aircraft, processing travel vouchers, making new ID cards, preparing for the next inspection - the list goes on. Even in our busy lives, we must find the time to impart our wealth of

9 Nov 2010

Yacht Club reunion

While the surrounding communities of Little Rock AFB enjoyed the Thunderbirds screaming overhead, the Golden Nights silently falling from the sky as our National Anthem played, and a multitude of other attractions that came with this year's "Thunder Over the Rock" airshow, behind the scenes another time honored tradition took place. On Oct. 8, the

8 Nov 2010

Respecting reveille

Each morning the night sky fades away, and as dawn breaks on Little Rock Air Force Base, a familiar sound is met with equally familiar greetings. Starting this month reveille found itself echoed by "To the Colors", a not uncommon pairing. We use this pairing as an opportunity to pay respect to our nation's flag; and a glimpse back reveals that

3 Nov 2010

High Standards -- No Apologies!

Last month we discussed our perspective on the mission as leadership theme No. 1. As you recall, our mission is one that we take personally as a reflection of individual contributions to our Air Force during these challenging times. For the 314th Airlift Wing, that sense is embodied in the phrase, "Everyone is an instructor."Let's springboard off

3 Nov 2010

The Enlisted Perspective: Even one suicide is too many

An alarming trend is happening in our Air Force and we need your help. We've had a drastic increase this year in the number of suicides among our total force Airmen - active duty, guard, reserve and civilians. Last year we lost 84 Airmen by suicides; this year, we've nearly reached that number and it is only October. Even one suicide is too many.We

22 Oct 2010

Undercover Boss and the value of partnerships

Perhaps some of you have seen that new television show, "Undercover Boss." For those of you who haven't, the premise is that the CEO of a company goes undercover and works in a couple different positions far removed from the office furniture, staff meetings and power lunches we normally associate with the term "CEO." While watching a CEO try to man

19 Oct 2010

Be accountable

"I'm not the regular crew chief." "It's not my program." "They didn't count all my push-ups." "This isn't my normal job." How many of you have heard, or maybe even used, these excuses when your performance didn't measure up? We are all accountable to someone: to our commanders, organizations, country and taxpayers. Even our president is accountable

12 Oct 2010

Seize the opportunities that come with mistakes

A long-standing military axiom asserts "no plan ever survives first contact with the enemy." You can't plan for everything and things will surely go wrong at some point. That's true in combat and it's true in life. We can fly by the seats of our pants or we can attempt to plan every aspect of our lives down to the smallest detail; either way,

4 Oct 2010

Integrity first

"The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office," -- Dwight D. EisenhowerMany people tout the Air Force core value of integrity first. It's truly a great place to start to develop a work ethic. Integrity

29 Sep 2010

Mission is "Theme No. 1"

When I reintroduced myself to Team Little Rock, I outlined my five leadership principles that are preeminent in the 314th Airlift Wing's perspective: mission--standards--partnerships--innovation--focus. Today's focus is the mission--one that we as Airmen take personally. We "own" our mission. Let's be frank. That's a nice sound-bite, and easy