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  • Future of service mandates feedback, leadership

    I was a horrible junior Airman. Yes, a chief master sergeant is publically admitting this fact knowing that there will be gasps and open mouths upon reading this scandalous affirmation. I am mentally prepared for this and the knowing glances because despite my woes, I think I turned out all right. 

  • Active listening lifts conversation's quality

    Admit it.  You've zoned out while sitting in that 45 minute class lecture, daydreaming about the weekend or lost track of what was going on in staff meeting, doodling in your notebook about random thoughts. Who hasn't been accused by their significant other of having "selective" hearing, when you

  • Change comes to enlisted reviews

    One thing that we all know for sure is that change is inevitable and constant.The time has come for one of the larger procedural changes to occur and it is one that most have been rallying for and waiting on: the evolution to the Enlisted Evaluation System. Most importantly, this change will ensure

  • Mentorship vital to future of Air Force, nation

    Travis, I hope this article finds all of you in good standing personally, professionally and spiritually. So far, 2015 has been another outstanding year for this amazing installation as we consistently answer our nation's call to provide global air refueling, global reach and move countless active

  • Air Force needs every Airman as leader

    Does every Airman truly need to be a leader?  The short answer is yes. Obviously, there are various levels of leadership within the Air Force, but even an airman basic is a leader in the community by virtue of wearing the uniform.The civilian population looks to members of the uniformed services for

  • Character, citizenship help make good Airmen

    Many Airmen ask, "How do you become a chief?" But I would rather they ask, "How do I become the best Airman I can possibly be?"Our Air Force provides many roads to a successful career, but the foundation of any role or responsibility we will ever hold builds upon our character.  Character is defined

  • 'One to a Full Stop:' A Reflection of Service

    Today, I am retiring after more than 20 years of active-duty Air Force service.It has been an incredible journey that has taken me to more than 40 countries. I have been immersed in cultures, taught countless leadership lessons and shown that people are people. Most have the same desires for their

  • Sacrifice necessary as part of service

    The nation's appreciation for its military past, particularly the events of World War II, have been informed by the likes of the popular television series "Band of Brothers" and more personal accounts such as "Unbroken," Laura Hillenbrand's account of WW II POW Louis Zamperini.A recent conversation

  • Squadron commander confesses rookie mistake

    Having just reached one year in command, I have to confess, I wish I could start over.The squadron was in great shape when I took the reins and we continue to excel at the Contingency Response mission, but I can't help but think about how much more effective I could have been for the Airmen in my

  • Leadership at all levels is art of balance

    In our Air Force, we speak of the importance of leadership every day, but to what are we really referring too? Throughout the years, I have had the good fortune of attending numerous leadership presentations from senior leaders of organizations within the military, academia, government and