COMMENTARY SEARCH

  • Leadership comes from every level

    Are people born with natural leadership traits or are they created? Is this ability based on position, rank and/or even character? Do you believe the Air Force has an effective career progression plan in developing leaders? Although leadership is defined in many ways, the best definition heard to

  • Making challenges into opportunities, hard work

    We all ask, "What's the secret to success?" I wish I knew the answer, although my standard reply is "hard work." Hard work may sound simplistic, but trust me, it stems from a lifetime of trying harder.You see, I have attention deficit disorder. This article is not about ADD, rather how I overcame my

  • Promotion wisdom comes from retired chief

    In my 40-plus years serving on both active duty and working as an Air Force civilian, one question seems to surface each time the promotion list is released. What does it take to get promoted? The question applies to our newest Airmen, NCOs and our senior NCOs. Although each Airman's experiences

  • Micro to macro - What's the smallest thing you care about?

    What's the smallest thing you care about in your job here at Luke Air Force Base? Many times in our work centers the "big things" have a way of prioritizing themselves, at least at first glance. Regardless of your work center, you know what the big things are. You are probably ticking them off in

  • Argument construction

    One of the most vocal issues in American politics today is the gun control debate. This article does not seek to take sides in the debate, rather to temper the way in which Airmen choose to take part. Hopefully this will lead to more constructive debate tactics for this and future issues. What we

  • Small gestures ... big dividends

    Promotions, retirements, rendering a salute, giving a firm handshake; how about saying "Hello" as you pass people in your work environment or when you're out in the community? Even a smile or nod of acknowledgement would be a great start. What about supporting squadron and base intramural teams and

  • Retiring chief shares parting thoughts

    I will retire from the United States Air Force after 30 years and 26 days of active-duty service at 12:30 p.m. March 15 in the 425th hangar. Preparing for this event has brought to mind many thoughts of reflection and pride. Serving as an Airman in all enlisted ranks and serving the interests of our

  • DUI - Decisions under the influence

    First, let me start off by saying if you missed the 56th Fighter Wing Annual Awards banquet, you may have missed the opportunity of your Air Force career to learn from one of our greatest leaders and spokesmen, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert Gaylor, the fifth Airman to serve with that

  • Servant leadership applied

    Most of us have had a leadership class of some kind as we continue formal education or complete professional military education. In the process we have been exposed to many different leadership theories and the support behind each one. The Air Force does a great job of sifting through those and

  • Exceeding standards, expectations must be daily goal

    Every Airman's ability to go above and beyond what's expected of him begins long before joining the U.S. Air Force. Along the way, we do it for spouses, family, friends, supervisors, community and maybe even ourselves. But is it done rarely, occasionally or often? Whatever the answer, as Airmen we