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  • Mentorship – A Different Perspective

    In my former travels as a first sergeant and in my current tenure as a chief, I've had several junior and senior enlisted members tell me that they've never been mentored. Comments were usually along these lines: "I don't know what to do shirt. If I'd only been mentored I might be better prepared to

  • Changing with the Air Force

    The U.S. military and the Air Force are going through drastic changes as we deal with the war on terrorism, budget crunches and changing mission requirements. Look at this as an opportunity to lead from the front, define change and set the pace for others to follow. Don't become a nay-sayer and

  • Effective communication comes in more sizes than one

    I am fascinated by the number of times in a day when I think I've communicated with someone, and then subsequently find out that I was never really heard and understood. This inability to communicate adds stress to my daily life, and can make me either feel like I'm responsible for multiple failures

  • Mentoring vital to every Airman's success

    The first few years of an Airman's career are the most vital. During this time, Airmen have to learn a new job in a new place with a new lifestyle. This can be a very stressful time in an Airman's life, and that's why mentoring is so important. In my first year as an Airman, I went through difficult

  • Customs, courtesies show respect to unit, fellow Airmen and country

    Why do we have them? Customs and Courtesies are acts of respect when dealing with other people. They have evolved as a result of the need for order, as well as the mutual respect and sense of fraternity that exists among military personnel. Military customs and courtesies go beyond basic politeness.

  • Balance important to Liberty member's lives

    We've all had weeks where we worked exceptionally long hours with little time for ourselves. We end up feeling tired, lethargic and even angry as a result. Unfortunately it's sometimes an inevitable part of being a member of our U.S. Air Force. We ask a lot of our people; deploy and spend valuable

  • The secret to becoming a great leader

    I recently read an inspirational book by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller entitled "The Secret - What Great Leaders Know - And Do." The title certainly caught my eye as the answer to this question is something leaders in all walks of life are continually striving to figure out. Are great leaders born

  • Reaper Rules to Live By

    In most squadrons, the in-processing checklist calls for at least one meeting between the new guy and the old guy , the commander. Most commanders I know look forward to this opportunity to meet the incoming Airman and share a little bit of philosophy. In the 493d Fighter Squadron, the commander's

  • Cultivating the can-do attitude

    After 21 years in the Air Force, nothing impresses me more than an Airman with a can-do attitude. The success or failure of every venture and mission you undertake is impacted by those you work with and depend on to get the job done. How and if the job gets done is all a matter of attitude. To

  • Spring travel safety part of 101 Critical Days of Summer

    The weather is warm, the sun is shining and many of you are in the mood to explore England and Europe. Spring is a great time to see the sites of our host nation and Europe, but it is also a time for extra precautions on the roads. For those of you who didn't read my commentary last week, which