Commentaries

  • Managing Peril: An Airman’s perspective

    At any given moment, scores of Airmen are doing something dangerous. They are putting millions of dollars in materiel in peril and risking life and limb. They're not likely to stop. They are not riding motorcycles, parachuting or bull riding. They are doing their jobs. At the 55th Wing, many of our

  • Spiritual fitness is as important as physical fitness

    I have often noticed here on our beloved parade grounds or within our field house that people are willing to endure a lot to keep their bodies in shape. They will perform with meticulous precision diets, weight-lifting and aerobic routines, cycling feats, chin-ups, sit-ups and push-ups. It takes

  • Letter from the Commander -- 180 Critical Days of Summer

    As we all begin our proactive summer safety program, we need to consider last year's tragic events in 8 AF and ACC and count ourselves fortunate to not have had any critical injuries or fatalities to our Offutt team! Sadly, each one of the tragic losses of last year could have been prevented had the

  • Teamwork - are you doing all you can?

    It is easy to get engrossed in our exciting summer activities and become complacent when it comes to safety. The goal of the 180 Critical Days of Safety Campaign is to keep people in a safety mind set. "This year's concept is to emphasize, at the lowest level, that we all have a part in doing our

  • Need to know – Who’s your Wingman?

    I know what you're thinking ...Wingman is a buzz word thrown around without much thought; I can take care of myself and this is just another way for people in my unit to rat me out to my first sergeant or commander when I'm having a bad day or go out partying with my friends. How many times have you

  • Legacy of sacrifice, valor continues

    In the English town of Lavenham, just a 40 minute drive from RAF Mildenhall, there is an old hotel called The Swan. Originally built in the late 14th century, The Swan holds a place in the hearts of the local residents as an enduring link to England's past. The Swan also holds a special place in the

  • Communication is key to effective leadership

    Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State Colin Powell said, "The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them." To be an effective leader, you must stay involved in what is taking place within your section, flight, or unit. To do

  • Strong writing skills can make or brake

    As I near the end of my third year as a squadron commander, I'm amazed at how much I've learned about leadership, both good and bad, since the day I first accepted the responsibility of command. In fact, I continue to learn more every day and recognize that there are many, many things I still don't

  • Living up to the tenets of leadership

    Each of us must choose the qualities we will emulate from the leaders who have contributed to our own development. From those who have guided me personally, as well as from those who have reached from the pages of history with their influence, I have formulated my own tenets of leadership. They are:

  • Effective communication vital for leaders, followers

    When I was a lieutenant, my commander at the time, a Vietnam vet, occasionally complained about the discipline of the Airmen, "These young kids, they're always asking 'why '- we used to just follow orders." Recently, I heard the same complaint from a 20-year chief. "Troops these days, always asking