COMMENTARY SEARCH

  • Today's pilots mirror past

    On June 20 the 309th Fighter Squadron Wild Ducks had the fortune to host a Daedalian meeting, providing young pilots a chance to interact with those who came before them. The Order of Daedalians, named for the legend of Daedalus, the first person to accomplish heavier than air flight, was formally

  • Command chief offers words of wisdom

    What a welcome to Luke! The professionalism and pride I've witnessed in my first two weeks has been phenomenal. I've been fortunate to work with great people at all levels over my 23 years in the service. Based on my introduction to Luke, I'm convinced this will be the top of the class. My

  • Recognition comes in many forms

    Recognition, it seems, is what we are all after. Survey after survey tells us many of our Airmen feel they are not being recognized. It's a widespread concern across all ranks, and it has been that way for years. How then do we deal with this issue, and why has it not yet been fixed? There are two

  • 425th FS, AMU: Best of both worlds

    The 56th Fighter Wing trains hundreds of Air Force F-16 pilots and maintainers every year, but did you know Luke Air Force Base is also home to an operational F-16 fighter squadron whose sole purpose is to provide defense for the country of Singapore? "To harness the best of both worlds to generate,

  • Know the oath, feel the pride

    A couple months ago, I had the privilege of reenlisting a technical sergeant in my unit. I was honored to administer the enlisted oath and be a part of this important ceremony. This one single event truly represents who we are as Airmen and should always be treated with the respect and the awe it

  • How to avoid the "Justice Files"

    It's 4 p.m. Monday. Normally, you would be headed home after a hard day of working on the flightline or in one of Luke's many maintenance back shops. But not today. Today you're in service dress sitting outside your commander's closed office door. Inside, your squadron commander is talking with your

  • Core Values: Why have them, what do they mean?

    Why have core values? Core values tell us the price of admission to the Air Force. Integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do are simple words that epitomize the values of our military profession. The core values are much more than minimum standards. They remind us of what it takes

  • Airman's call questions answered

    At the quarterly gathering of Airmen, officers and civilians earlier this month, Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander, addressed a number of issues to include housing privatization, Airmen education, the Global War on Terror, wing accomplishments over the last year, and goals for the

  • FOLLOWERSHIP: Learn to obey before taking charge

    How many times have you heard the cliché "lead, follow, or get out of the way?" Those who choose to get out of the way must be quickly corrected or let go. Everyone is a follower; in fact, before you can lead, you have to learn to follow. The first step in becoming a great leader is mastering the