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9 Sep 2011
Getting to know your Group CC: First things first
Far from being one who minces words, Col. Deborah Liddick, 56th Maintenance Group commander, had the focus of her group commander profile defined before the questions even began. "In maintenance, it's all about the team," she said. "The load crew, crew chiefs, avionics, ammo Airmen - it takes all of them to keep a jet flying, it's never about just
19 Aug 2011
All my pickles are in a big pile
Recently, we decided as a family to run through the fast food restaurant near our house since it was late and we wanted something quick for dinner. When we got home and everyone was starting to eat, my daughter remarked as she checked her hamburger that all the pickles were in a pile in the center of the bun. I took the opportunity and made it a
12 Aug 2011
Getting to know your Group CC: Don't judge a book by its cover
Col. Philippe Darcy, 56th Mission Support Group commander, may have been dressed in his Air Force Blues for this Monday morning interview, but he is a pilot at heart and that was apparent from the very first minute. "I read the book The Right Stuff by Thomas Wolfe in high school and I knew from that moment that I wanted to be a fighter pilot,"
29 Jul 2011
Getting to know your Group CC: Sometimes you just get lucky
That's what happened when Col. Doug Miller, 56th Operations Group commander, decided to join the military.Miller, then just a high school student being forced by his dad to finance his first year of college on his own, applied to both the Air Force and Naval academies because they provide free education. And with acceptance letters to both in hand,
14 Jul 2011
Do Not Lose Your Vision
The Pilgrims landed on the shores of America full of vision. The first year they established a town. The next year they elected a council. In their third year the town council proposed building a road five miles out into the wilderness for westward expansion. But the people criticized it as a waste of public funds. Amazing! Once they had been able
28 Jun 2011
Meet your new 56th Medical Group Commander
The 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office got to sit down with Colonel Yolanda Bledsoe, the new 56th Medical Group commander, and ask her about her leadership style and future goals for the 56th Medical Group:What is your first impression of Luke AFB? The people here? The mission? Beautiful!! After spending a year in Alaska and traveling over
24 Nov 2009
Lorenz on Leadership -- Spotting Disasters
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 characteristics, all have one thing in common:
22 Oct 2009
Lorenz on Leadership -- Cherish Your Spouse
Just last week, while walking past the base chapel, I witnessed a scene that caused me to pause and reflect. I turned and watched as people, dressed in their Sunday best, flowed from the chapel doors, smiling and casually chatting. They slowly split into two lines, creating a path that led to a waiting limousine. The crowd stood and waited, fueling
21 Sep 2009
Lorenz on Leadership -- A tale of two instructors
Air Education and Training Command is primarily made up of students and instructors. On the surface, the instructors simply teach certain skills so that students are ready for new challenges. In reality, they contribute so much more. Instructors make us better Airmen and continually raise our level of performance by enforcing the standards. They
21 Sep 2009
Combined Federal Campaign kickoff
This year's Combined Federal Campaign slogan is "iCan, iCare, Now More Than Ever!" Although it's a slogan, I actually hear it as more of a warrior cry. Now more than ever, nonprofit CFC organizations in our community and nationwide need our support. The vast majority of these charities rely heavily on annual CFC contributions and this year have