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  • Each generation can add to Air Force strength

    Each generation plays a valuable role shaping our Air Force.If a generation includes a decade of Airmen, then it's feasible for three generations to work together at any one time. The oldest generation provides strategic direction, the middle leads service functions and the youngest executes the

  • Adapt, bloom where planted to make a difference

    There is no perfect roadmap to success. It requires excellence on all levels and determination in every role and position in which you are placed. As Airmen in this great Air Force, we can't always choose the cards we are dealt, but we can learn to play them.  Sometimes, we have to make the best of

  • Setting record straight on volunteerism

    Recently, there has been a video making the rounds on social media where Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark Welsh is seen stating, "Promotion is not about who volunteers."He goes on to say that the big Air Force is not driving this, so it must be coming from the units."If there are local

  • Temporary shirts can face myriad of challenges

    Every so often, the first sergeant will ask "can you hold the phone?"  Or in other words, can you fill in as the acting/temp shirt or T-shirt.To be honest, sometimes, when I hear the question I cringe a little at first, but then say, "Yes, of course."  I don't hesitate because I don't want to

  • Three-slide spotlight boosts morale

    Nine months into my first command, I still come to work every day excited by what my squadron does and the people who do it.Having the honor to command a squadron of more than 300 people has its challenges, but I get back so much more than I put in. I have an amazing support team that sets me up for

  • Look beyond career field to see perspective, bias

    In October 1999, going through tech school, our instructors drilled in our heads our career field motto, "Com Nav, we're better than you." It was meant as friendly competition with the other career fields in maintenance and to build pride in your career field.  It was a bias that set in early and

  • Trusted care relies on communication

    In the Feb. 12 issue of the Tailwind, Col. Rawson Wood introduced the concept of high reliability and the Air Force medical service's journey toward Trusted Care, with David Grant USAF Medical Center at the lead.To recap, high-reliability organizations operate in high-risk environments with a high

  • Change is the only dependable constant in life

    How many times have you heard the statement "the Air Force isn't what it used to be" or "this isn't the Air Force I joined?" Stop, take a step back for a minute and look around. What has changed?  What is different?  How did the Air Force get to where it is today?  I ask that as you read on, you

  • Spur Airmen to develop their knowledge

    Gen. Mark Welsh III, Chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, said we all have a story to tell. Here is mine.January 15, 1997, is a day I will never forget.  I remember the solemn 2 a.m. bus ride to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and the "greeting" provided by the Military Training Instructors. Upon

  • Clean closets of mind, life with springtime

    Spring is fast approaching and it is time to "clean your closets" by reflecting on past accomplishments and refocusing your future goals.Many people set goals.  Historically, goals are designed to set you on a path to what you will change or what you will improve upon. What goals have you set?