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  • A big smile and professional courteous attitude can go a long way

    As I am nearing the halfway point of this deployment, it seems not too long ago I was returning from my last one stranded in Detroit Michigan after 40 hours in airplanes and airports from East Africa trying to get back to Offutt AFB Nebraska. Cranky and tired I let this lady push her way in front of

  • Finally home: one man's pure desire to serve his adoptive nation

    It's amazing how sometimes you get just what you need, right when you need it. More than five months into another deployment, I was tired. Tired from the challenges faced in a new job, a new place. Tired from the long hours and pressure of trying to be the best. Tired of being away from my wife and

  • Find the positive

    When I told my family, friends, and co-workers about my upcoming deployment to Kandahar Airfield, I got the reaction I figured I would. They'd crinkle their noses and make that face that just says "ewww." My Facebook friends (yes even us old guys have Facebook) replied with those all too common one

  • Be Benevolent

    The morning I left home to start my deployment journey to Kandahar Airfield, I was greeted by the airline desk attendant with a "good morning!" I replied with a "hello!" and small talk consumed our brief encounter until I departed to continue processing through the Spokane International Airport.

  • Little wins equal bigger successes

    The question that I am most often asked when I am speaking on professional military education, holding enlisted calls, or just out walking about is "How do I become a Command Chief?" Now, to be quite honest with you the first time I was asked this question I was stumped and had absolutely no answer.

  • Living 'The Little Brown Book'

    The date was June 30, 2011. I walked out of the dining facility at 11:50 p.m. and over to our multi-stop van to get a new airman battle uniform top hanging off the fan vent. As my watch struck 12:01 a.m. July 1, I took off my top and put on the one hanging in the van. The difference between these

  • Iraqi Kids Day brings it all into perspective

    Iraqi Kids Day at Joint Base Balad started with U.S. servicemembers from the Air Force, Army and Navy forming a receiving line fit for a celebrity, welcoming about 200 children from local villages. They all had big smiles on their faces and were shaking every body's hands, they all were so happy to

  • Commentary: "Works in progress"

    Last week, the list of technical sergeant promotees was released. Some were chosen for promotion and some were not. For those selected for promotion, you should be proud that the Air Force saw fit to state on paper you were capable of and demonstrate those qualities expected at the next level. For

  • Getting over the hump

    It's seems like yesterday, I was gazing at the "Welcome to Kandahar" sign hung on the wall of the inbound pax terminal. I remember thinking to myself the challenges that lie ahead and what my future would hold for my tour. I made a pact to stay focused on the mission at hand, be patient and

  • Re-Deployment!

    At some point in time we all must leave this great place we know as Kandahar and head back to our families and co-workers at home station. The transition from deployed life back to family/home station life can be difficult for some but before I get into that lets make sure we get out of the AOR on a