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  • Seek out forks in the road during your career

    As I prepare for retirement later this year, I have been reflecting on my career and how I got where I am. As I look back along my path, I find numerous distinct forks in the road that had direct impact on my Air Force journey.Every fork in the road that I approached and the path I chose led me to

  • Teamwork needed to encourage Airmen

    Recently, one of our Travis Airmen asked me what I had learned in my first year in command. I thought about it and answered by stating how little I actually accomplish on my own, how much I rely on my team and how impressive my teammates are.This entire topic may be over simplistic to many, but one

  • Perspective important amid sea of changes

    This month, we remember how acts of terrorism have affected our world, country, family and friends.We take a moment to reflect on those we lost and thank those everyday people who became heroes in a split second. We also remember those who are or were prisoners of war or missing in action.Here at

  • Effective negotiating vital to AF career

    When was the last time you negotiated something? Most likely buying a new home or vehicle, right?In reality, nearly every aspect of life is negotiated, regardless if money changes hands. Children negotiate extra TV time, spouses negotiate vacation plans and employees negotiate advantageous work

  • Remembering 9/11, when military business changed

    "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve," Former President George W. Bush.9/11 was one of the darkest days in American history.I remember it like it

  • Technology challenges Airmen to improve

    Advances in technology have driven our military capability to unprecedented levels during the past three decades. Leaders can now communicate their message to the force faster and more clearly than ever before and that message can be sent directly to each Airman across the entire service. 

  • Four F's essential to life in military

    I have had a lot of my non-military friends ask me the question, "How have you made it for 24 years in the military?"  Looking back, I realized that I already had a form of what the Air Force now calls Comprehensive Airman Fitness:  Mental, Social, Spiritual and Physical Fitness. I call it, the four

  • Doing right thing improves lives around us

    If nobody is watching, will you always do the right thing?  That's the key part of integrity. We all do things throughout the day that may or may not be seen by other people.  When it comes to the mission of Travis Air Force Base, California, it doesn't matter.  We are all called upon to do the

  • Reorganization looks to strengthen CRW

    Earlier this year, major changes were made with the re-organization of the 621st Contingency Response Wing, creating a more streamlined and efficient combat organization.At the same time, two historical events happened with the creation of two new Air Force units, the 621st Air Mobility Advisory

  • Remember past to help inform present

    Like myself, I am sure most of you have heard the saying, "Don't forget where you came from."Several years ago, as I was looking through some boxes of my military memorabilia, I ran across a thank you note from Gen. Stephen Lorenz, who at the time was a lieutenant general and the commander at Air