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21 Feb 2014
Quitting smoking only way to go
Every morning started the same way. After coughing up phlegm from smoking the day prior, I'd brush my teeth, do my hair, put on my uniform and have a cigarette. And every time I did this, I'd ask myself why I did this and what was so wonderful about it. It wasn't that it tasted great, and it definitely wasn't because it smelled great, it was
14 Feb 2014
Luke has long history of good partnerships
In today's world, partnerships are more important than ever. They exist at all levels, from strategic to personal, and take on many different faces. The hope of all partnerships is a common goal in which all who are involved benefit through respective strengths that aid in overcoming weaknesses. There are usually many challenges that must be
14 Feb 2014
Be willing to work hard, improve self
With the New Year under way everyone has begun their so-called New Year's resolution. It's the same story every year. People set a goal and take their first steps to achieve it as soon as the clock strikes midnight and the calendar switches over. You see these people in the gym working hard. You talk to them at work and hear how they are
10 Feb 2014
Leadership in changes, challenges — it’s what we do
Changes and challenges have always been a part of military service. It has confronted Airmen from the beginning evolution of flight to today's operational environment, ranging from near-peer adversaries to unconventional nonstate groups. History can recount Billy Mitchell's multiple efforts through the 1920s advocating for an increased role of
10 Feb 2014
It’s your name on the right!
As you report in for the day and have an opportunity to read this article, take a look down at your uniform. Something that you should notice on the left side of your chest stitched in blue and placed closest to your heart is the U.S. Air Force tape. This speaks volumes to the commitment it takes for Airmen to continue our charge of "fly, fight and
31 Jan 2014
New year, new beginning, new you
Life is full of new beginnings, a new car, new job, a promotion, a permanent change of station and, of course, every Jan. 1 brings a familiar new beginning -- the New Year. With each new year comes new opportunities and new resolutions for improvement. Some of the most popular New Year's resolutions include losing weight, getting fit and eating
31 Jan 2014
Are you a complete Airman?
There are many types of Airmen in today's Air Force, but what type of Airman are you? Are you the type that comes in, does your job and goes home? Or, the one that does good work but isn't interested in going above and beyond the minimum requirements? Or, are you a complete Airman? What I mean by a complete Airman is one who is not only good at
24 Jan 2014
Core values run deep, blue
What do the Air Force core values mean to you? As we were all taught in basic military training, the core values are integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. However, there is a deeper meaning to our core values than just these three phrases. In accordance with Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241, Professional Development Guide, the
24 Jan 2014
Recipe for leadership? Be best you can be
Is there a special recipe for leadership? In today's Air Force we struggle trying to find that special recipe to get our teams to perform at their top levels of efficiency. As technology catapults us into the future and new leadership philosophies develop through the halls of Harvard and Stanford, we still rely on the one thing that cannot be
17 Jan 2014
The future: New territory or repeat of history?
It is easy to get overwhelmed when listening to the pervasive 24/7 news cycle broadcasting predictions of an uncertain future. Whether it is America's supposed "failure to lead" abroad, continuous fiscal disagreements in Washington D.C., or the Air Force's pending drawdown of 25,000 Airmen, many conclude that the future is uncertain and not