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11 Dec 2008
Leadership is action, not position
I recently read an article that had a quote I believe defines a true leader. The quote, "Leadership is action, not position," is from Donald McGannon. This phrase epitomizes my leadership philosophy. I feel people are leaders by virtue of what they do, not the authority they are given or the duty title they hold. There are three basic principles
5 Dec 2008
A Matter of Choice: Enhancing the decision making process
It is believed that the more choices one has, the easier it is to make a good decision. However, current studies in leadership are finding that having too many choices can be overwhelming and complicate decision making significantly. For example, in the Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz indicates that choice can be both a blessing and a curse. The
4 Nov 2008
Lorenz on Leadership: The continuum of training
I believe we should work our boss' boss' problems. I have found that if we see the bigger picture -- if we understand the larger context of our challenges -- we will make better decisions. Since assuming command of Air Education and Training Command, I have been trying to understand where our challenges fit in the bigger picture. My boss, of
19 Aug 2008
Sight challenged: The importance of sunglasses
I'm in my early 40s and I'm sight challenged. On July18, I completed the eighth surgery on my eyes - that's number eight within the last 10 months. And, I've never worn glasses. The good news - I'm not blind. That's partly a joke, but, it was a real risk every time I got on the surgeon's table. To him, it was "routine" and no big deal. If it
31 May 2008
Uniform inspires act of honoring Airmen
On a recent trip to a bookstore, I was approached by a man in his late 30s to early 40s. He seemed nervous and upset - avoiding eye contact and shifting his weight from one foot to the other. My guard went up immediately. In 22 years of military service, I've heard some negative things said about the military, my branch of service, my choice of
25 Mar 2008
Lessons learned: find, be mentor
"I'm sorry to tell you that you haven't been selected for promotion." That one sentence strikes fear in almost every career Airman. Unfortunately for me, I have heard it twice in two years. The first time, utter devastation because it was completely unexpected. I knew what my Promotion Recommendation Form said and I thought I knew what my records
14 Mar 2008
Time for another “noise complaint”
Approximately 20 years ago, the 310th Fighter Squadron Top Hats began waking up the West Valley when most people were getting ready for bed. The low altitude navigation targeting infrared for night, or LANTIRN, was making its debut in the F-16 community. It was leading edge technology at the time, and it allowed F-16 pilots the capability to see at
24 Jan 2008
Military medical care not bad deal
Recently I had the opportunity to get firsthand experience with our medical system. I thought it would be good to share what I learned and observed during my experience. It all started back in late April. I went to see my primary care manager about a breathing problem, and I was referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist downtown. I received a
24 Jan 2008
Instill Pride in Luke Air Force Base
As I look around the installation, I am incredibly proud of the men and women who accomplish our mission of training the world's greatest fighter pilots and maintainers while deploying mission ready warfighters. This mission couldn't be accomplished without your professionalism, commitment and pride. Pride comes in many forms - such as the way we
13 Nov 2007
Happy veterans day from a veteran
This will be a different Veterans Day for me this year. Last year I spent Veterans Day as part of an Air Force provincial reconstruction team in Qalat, Afghanistan, doing an in-lieu-of mission. I guess I never considered myself or members of my generation as veterans. That is a pretty lofty title that conjures up visions of someone else, older,

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We’ve showed you tips for beating the heat, but make sure you look out for your furry friends, too! 🐶☀️ #summersafety #petsafety

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-16 Jul

Thunderbolts - have you heard there were updates to AFI 36-2903? Check out some of the major changes in this short video and then get smart on all of them by reviewing the full list here: https://go.usa.gov/xU9kX

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-16 Jul

Krav Maga instructors visited Luke Air Force Base last week to teach our Security Forces #defenders combative techniques that they can use in their daily operations to ensure the safety of themselves and our personnel. Upon completion of the seven-day Krav Maga training, the members became instructor certified to teach military and government employees.

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-15 Jul

Did you know the AFMS - Luke - 56th Medical Group operates a pharmacy in Scottsdale 2 days a week to better serve the beneficiaries in the east valley? Here’s what you need to know: 1️⃣ open Mon & Thur 0900-1500 2️⃣ located at 7301 E 4th St, Suite 7 Scottsdale AZ 3️⃣ call 623-856-3450 for assistance 4️⃣ to refill a prescription call 623-856-3969

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-13 Jul

Each week an Airman is recognized from the 56th Fighter Wing as the Thunderbolt of the Week for their outstanding performance and dedication to duty. Join us in congratulating the amazing Airmen of Thunderbolt nation!

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-12 Jul

Have you seen those scenes in movies where the computer geniuses track the bad guys trying to break into a network and stop them?! Well we just got our own version...kind of. 💻⛔️🔍 Luke's network security was recently upgraded with the Mission Defense Team reaching initial operating capability. The MDT monitors base network traffic and communicates any threats, anomalies, or suspicious activity. Learn more about how the Air Force is transforming Communication Squadrons to optimize #cyber security for weapons systems and networks.

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-11 Jul

“What this program is going to do is provide the stability for the AMU to produce a consistent turn-pattern of aircraft..to produce more pilots, more efficiently, with a higher quality of training.” As part of an effort to increase #F35 maintenance effectiveness and efficiency the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit created a team of unified maintenance Air Force specialties called Lightning Integrated Technicians. Learn how these #Airmen have exceeded Air Education and Training Command mission capable rates with fewer technicians than traditional manpower constructs. https://go.usa.gov/xUBHb

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-10 Jul

The U.S. Air Force F-35 Heritage Flight Team is heading to the UK to take part in the #RAF100 festivities this weekend!

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-10 Jul

Thunderbolts - don't make dinner plans for Thursday night...come out to Club Five Six and take part in the PF Chang's food truck!

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-09 Jul

We recently had the honor of hosting Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan. During his visit he gained insight into #F35 training operations and served as the guest speaker for the 61st Fighter Squadron F-35A basic course graduation. ⭐️ Fun Fact! Under Secretary Donovan graduated from the 426th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron at Luke in 1983 as an F-15 Eagle pilot and his initial instructor pilot was an exchange officer from the Royal Australian Air Force. The #61FS continues the legacy of #Mateship and strengthening alliances today. 🇺🇸 🇦🇺 Read more here: https://go.usa.gov/xUWUC

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-07 Jul

“As you progress in your career and you advance in rank, you find that your responsibilities change and your role in the organization changes. You take what you get and you learn from it. Every experience you have, you take something away.” For DeLand, Fla. native Capt Kristi Machado her journey from college graduate to Enlisted Airman to Force Support Officer is one of optimism and pragmatism that led her to becoming the leader she is today. Read more here: https://go.usa.gov/xUjtp #KnowYourMil

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-05 Jul

Chief Wright just announced an update to the Enlisted Force Structure. Take a few min to review and if you have any questions let us know and we’ll do our best to get them answered.

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-04 Jul

Hope everyone is celebrating big (and safe!) today! 🎇🇺🇸

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-03 Jul

We had a blast at LukeEvents Freedom Fest Friday night! If you couldn't make it or need more fireworks in your life here are a few place around the West Valley you can find them tomorrow night! 🎇Westgate Firework Fest | 5-9pm 🎇⚾️Surprise Fourth of July baseball game and fireworks | game starts at 5:30pm, fireworks 8:30pm 🎇Goodyear's Star-Spangled 4th | 6-10pm 🎇Buckeye's Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration | 7-9pm 🎇Red, White and Boom! at The Wigwam | 6-8:30pm 🎇Tolleson 4th of July Celebration | starts at 4pm 🎇Peoria's All-American Festival | fireworks at 9:15pm *some events are free and some require tickets so give them a quick google search to get all the details!* 📸: A1C Alex Cook

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-02 Jul

#DYK that servicemembers can register to vote by absentee ballot in whatever state they are a resident of? Watch this video from the Federal Voting Assistance Program - FVAP to learn more! You can also call the Luke A&FRC for help getting registered and requesting your ballot at 623-856-6550.

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-01 Jul

Every day we build fighter pilots. Airman Magazine recently spent time with the 54th Fighter Group to learn more about how we are helping the United States Air Force get after the complex issue of the pilot shortage.

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-29 Jun

Today we marked the end of our summer change of command season (13 this year!). Thanks again to all the outstanding leaders who departed for your contributions building the future of #airpower and welcome to all new commanders! Pics from all the ceremonies here at Luke (as well as many other events from around TBolt Nation) can be found on our Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/56fwpa/albums

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-28 Jun

Thunderbolts time for some #SummerSafety reminders! Even though we only hit 110 degrees 5 times so far in June (compared to 11 times from 2015-2017) it’s still hot enough to need to hydrate and wear your SPF every day. 🔥🔥🔥 What else do you do to stay cool?

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-27 Jun

Today Luke Air Force Base completed our 20,000th #F35 sortie! We continue to build the future of airpower with an amazing total force, partner nation and industry team! Congrats to all who played a part! 🇺🇸🇦🇺🇮🇹🇳🇴🇯🇵 944th Fighter Wing Air Force Reserve Luke AFB F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office F-35 Lightning II

U.S. Air Force
Luke56thFW-27 Jun

Last week Thunderbolts climbed dirt hills and dove into muddy waters as they took on the Jump in the Mud 5k. Learn how one Thunderbolt got out of her comfort zone and got more than a good workout from it. #mudrun #5K #thunderbolts LukeEvents

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-21 Sep

Thunderbolts - 2 closures that may impact your weekend plans! Plan accordingly! https://t.co/EwcvlWJeHH

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-21 Sep

RT @usairforce: #ICYMI, Ms. Brie Larson, star of the upcoming feature film "Captain Marvel," joined #Airmen from across the NCR and local #…

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-21 Sep

RT @GenDaveGoldfein: This #POWMIARecognitionDay, a toast to honor the service & sacrifice of America's POWs, those who remain missing & the…

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-20 Sep

Our @LockheedMartin #wingmen work tirelessly alongside our maintenace #Airmen to prepare safe and reliable #F35s to… https://t.co/gUqmxsNA4c

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-19 Sep

Chiefs from across @AETCommand gathered at Luke last week to learn how we are changing the Air Force with innovativ… https://t.co/oAxvhQteJT

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-18 Sep

RT @AF_Academy: The #CaptainMarvel trailer is finally here. Now, we're not saying we make superheroes but she's not wearing a @WestPoint_US…

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-18 Sep

We build the foundation of MultiDomain Ops by training Command and Control warriors in the 607 Air Control Squadron! https://t.co/6lVelWPxme

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-18 Sep

RT @AirmanMagazine: Currently the @usairforce has 312 operational squadrons. Looking forward, @SecAFOfficial says to implement the National…

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-17 Sep

The designation of #ace is one of the greatest in fighter pilot culture. It is reserved for those who have shot dow… https://t.co/AcngQirssA

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-17 Sep

Cheering for our #Airman’s to be named the winner at #ASC18 👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/mnxcuDcPpv

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-17 Sep

RT @usairforce: .@SecAFOfficial: The #USAF we need to implement the National Defense Strategy has 386 Operational Squadrons. #ASC18 https:/…

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-15 Sep

Congrats to 56 SFS defender SrA David Hightower on earning 2nd place out of 56 USAF and partner defenders for “Top… https://t.co/VqPAiPUJUo

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-14 Sep

Later that day, Luke’s sq received another tasking. Luke made the attack w/Wehner providing cover. After Luke hit t… https://t.co/7eWcccDV6R

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-14 Sep

The morning of Sept 14 1918, Luke and two others strayed from formation pursuing an Observation Balloon. Through a… https://t.co/SziIIXDOuM

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-14 Sep

The next chapter of Lt Frank Luke Jr’s #18in18 legacy includes his best friend Lt Joseph Frank "Fritz" Wehner. Beca… https://t.co/dcjjfFKz66

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-14 Sep

We're so proud of SrA Hightower! Only 6 individual awards given for all who participated and he grabbed one! https://t.co/gwbdiAUc1r

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-14 Sep

RT @DeptDefence: .@Aus_AirForce pilots & maintenance personnel have undergone munitions loading training for the F-35A joint strike fighter…

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-13 Sep

Our pilots have a lot to worry about when they step to their jet. The Aircrew Flight Equipment #Airmen make sure ea… https://t.co/53sEkgE9u1

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-13 Sep

We're thinking of everyone on the east coast impacted my Hurricane #Florence. Stay safe! https://t.co/4MtJkOM7cL

U.S. Air Force
@lukeafb-12 Sep

Thunderbolts - plan accordingly for traffic diversions next weekend! https://t.co/jYiDMG8npE

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F-35 Heritage Flt Team

F-35 Heritage Flight Team