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24 May 2012
Thank you, Thunderbolts
Greetings Team Luke!Wow, what can I say, time flies when you're having fun ... this has been a superb ride. Unfortunately for me, I am at the end of a phenomenal tour having to leave a magnificent community. As we depart, I just want to say "thanks" to all for your acceptance, support, teamwork and camaraderie extended to my entire family and me.
24 May 2012
Lessons in leadership
As leaders we are often faced with the dilemma of how to get the most out of our folks. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, there are a few basic human motivations that we all need satisfied. Among those are esteem and self-actualization. Since everyone is different, so is each of our triggers for motivation. In the end, a leader must rely on
18 May 2012
It’s your career…take care of it
There once was a time where you could safely assume that if you did a decent job and stayed out of trouble you could carry your career out until 20 years or more and retire. If you had a few bumps in the road or slowly progressed through the ranks, no worries, your retirement was all but guaranteed. Those days are long gone. In today's Air Force
18 May 2012
Know how to manage your money
I was listening to the radio the other day and heard a staggering statistic: 78 percent of all NFL players are in some sort of financial distress three years after leaving the NFL. While divorce was cited as the most common cause, "basic financial irresponsibility" played a large factor. While I don't know what the exact definition of "basic
4 May 2012
Mentorship, our responsibility
Gen. T. Michael Mosley, former chief of staff of the Air Force, introduced in 2007 the new Airman's Creed that Airmen proudly recite at promotion ceremonies, professional development graduations and other Air Force events. The Airman's Creed is a reminder of our great heritage that we continue to uphold. We are also reminded of our commitment and
30 Apr 2012
NCO squanders six-figure nest egg
It sounds almost unbelievable, and I hope the headline grabs your attention, but unfortunately it is true. I, and many of my fellow squadron commanders, have had the responsibility of informing NCOs that not only would they be out of work, but they have also lost the opportunity to collect a $2000-plus per month retirement check. Their retirement
20 Apr 2012
What company do you keep?
"I didn't get here on my own."It is a common statement that Airmen hear at nearly every promotion ceremony. Many people helped them along the way. These include supervisors, mentors and family members. The bonds they form with other Airmen are unique to military life. We have more than just coworker and supervisory relationships; we build life-long
13 Apr 2012
Ten grand to cure acne?
The other day I was sifting through a stack of mail at home and noticed a letter from TriWest. It turned out to be an Explanation of Benefits from my kid's recent trip to the neighborhood pharmacy. Most people probably don't open them -- much less read the fine print -- on these statements, but since I'm in the medical business, I took a look. The
6 Apr 2012
A little extra in the ordinary, makes one extra-ordinary
"One thousand minor miracles every day" is a saying I have often heard and even used a few times to try and explain just what it is that we do on a regular basis here at Luke Air Force Base and really just about any military base. What is done daily -- on the flightline, maintenance and operations activities, maintenance back shops, fuel trucks,
2 Apr 2012
Moral courage takes action despite consequences
Physical courage is a quality rightfully associated with military members. Tales of battlefield heroics from Greek mythology through present day are replete with names synonymous with great physical courage. Hearing names such as Hercules, Perseus, Levitow, and Sijan summon powerful images of these larger than life warriors. Serving downrange and