17 Sep 2010

Friendly competition, fierce cooperation

One of the first things we learn in the Air Force is that we achieve more working together as a team than we do as individuals. Whether in an office, among flights in a squadron, between squadrons, or even across military service lines, teamwork at all levels is what makes us successful. Critical components of any winning team include a competitive

15 Sep 2010

Pride in Ownership

"You have the best salute," I said while coming through the gate a couple of weeks ago. The Airman standing behind the salute, Senior Airman Kimberlee Davis from the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, replied with words that have stayed with me ever since."I take pride in my salute," she said. Those simple, yet powerful words have turned

23 Aug 2010

What does Respect mean to you?

To me, respect is one of the most important words in the English language. It means many different things to many different people, but the fact remains, it is most often used as a term of honor towards someone or something.Webster defines respect (verb) as: 1) regard highly; think much of, 2) to regard with special attention; to regard as worthy

20 Aug 2010

What category of deployed person are you?

In deployed environments, we all have the pleasure of interacting with personnel from across the entire spectrum of the Air Force. The people may be military, civilian, contractors, government employees or non U.S. personnel. No matter what status a person is, they usually fit into one of four categories and from just a brief encounter, you can

10 Aug 2010

Do you know your Air Force credit score?

I am often asked by young Airmen, "why do individuals that do the same crime get different punishments?" I tell them it is because of the person's Air Force Credit Score. So I ask you do you know your Air Force credit score?From the first day that you enter active duty to the day you leave the Air Force or retire, everything you do reflects either

23 Jul 2010

It is how I serve

The National Anthem is playing, the Honor Guard lowers the American flag, and I think about my past. I miss the camaraderie of those who wear the uniform and serve a higher purpose. I miss being part of something that is bigger than just me. I miss the esprit de corps. However, I quietly watch from the side lines, paying my respect and then go

19 Jul 2010

Maintaining our edge: everybody is significant to the mission

A few days ago, I received a frantic call from one of my Airmen. She had not received her paycheck and, when she called to inquire about it, learned that she had been administratively separated because she had not reenlisted. My Airman was understandably upset and confused, because she had turned in her reenlistment paperwork weeks earlier.

5 Jul 2010

Military members form a true winning team

I remember when I was growing up in New York, I used to play baseball in the summer and I pretended that I was Reggie Jackson or when I played basketball I used to think I was Julius Erving (Some of you younger folks may not know who these sports icons are but you can substitute your favorite athlete). In addition, I used to watch sports on TV any

2 Jul 2010

Years have changed the look of the 380th

I have always liked coming to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. More than just a change in geography, it always seemed to be a change in mind set. The tent cities and lack of lights, coupled with flying and maintenance operations spread out from the Lima fingers to the hammerhead gave the place a real expeditionary feel. It was almost like living

23 Jun 2010

Core values are the key to all we do.

Having Integrity is knowing when to do the right thing all the time and Service before self you just do your job for your country and not being selfish to your needs. Most of all Excellence in all that we do is about doing and being your best all the time and ensuring you are a good wingman and helping others strive to be a good wingman. Being a