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  • Visit to BMT reminder to lead Airmen to greatness

    One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been returning to basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, for a visit. Notice that I said "visit." No one who personally experienced BMT as a trainee would want to go back for anything other than a visit. During my trip, the

  • Don’t get crazy in the social media craze

    I spend much of my off-duty time volunteering in a local organization that works with youths ages 11 to 17. They are generally well-behaved and smart. Their styles range from skaters with skinny jeans and hoodies with skulls on them to ones who look like store-front models, with the trendiest

  • Integrity defines people, Airmen

    Integrity - What is this core value that we in the Air Force embrace as our most essential? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines integrity as "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values: incorruptibility." But is that all? Is it truly just a moral code or the practice of

  • Airmen rise to challenge in any area

    While deployed to the Jimmy Doolittle Center at the 612th Air and Space Operations Center located at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in picturesque Tucson Arizona, I've had the opportunity to reflect on current world news, following a devastating earthquake and Tsunami that struck the island of Japan

  • Leaders can make a lasting impression

    As I see it, mentoring is one of the most invaluable actions we undertake as Airmen and should be applied in every aspect of our daily lives. Sure, our primary, day-to-day Air Force mission "to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace" has not changed, but I believe we also have another

  • Comprehensive Airmen extends to civilians

    As the Air Force sets new parameters to tackle the health and wellness of our Airmen, the following discussion will not solely focus on the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness paradigm. Rather, I'd like to dig deeper into the color and make-up of our Airmen across the board and discuss much deeper issues

  • You, Me, and the Mission

    Recent events and interactions here at Travis Air Force Base stressed the importance of marrying what you and I do on a daily basis - executing our dual-hatted mission - with the greater Air Force mission. Conversations with Travis warriors during the recent Operation Readiness Exercise as well as

  • Carry Our Nation’s Flag Proudly

    Every so often, I am reminded of what it means to be an Airman in today's Air Force ... what it means to step up and carry our nation's flag. It is not an easy job, it is not always glamorous and the fact is we are a nation at war. However, when we volunteered, we all swore an oath in front of our

  • Modern Airman making history

    First, let me express my heartfelt appreciation to our Team Travis warriors for continuously answering the nation's call to serve. Over the past six months in command I've had the pleasure of meeting so many of you, and in our short conversations, I am reminded of the tremendous sacrifices you and

  • Team Travis rallies to help family in need

    Senior Air Force Leadership has designated July 2009 through July 2010 as the "Year of the Family." This concept of the "Air Force Family" means focusing on relationships both with your family - near or far, and with your fellow Airmen. As we reflect on families, the sign of any strong family is not