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  • Pull the trigger: Training applies in different scenarios

    Do you remember what you were thinking when you had to go qualify on the M-16 rifle? The things that came to my mind were: I hoped I made it to class on time, I hoped the instruction part went quickly so we could get to the shooting part, I hoped I shot better than the security forces person beside

  • Hold self to a higher standard in uniform

    The other day, as I was driving home from base, I noticed an individual driving erratically, speeding and running red lights-just an ordinary California driver, right? Sadly, I could clearly see that this individual was wearing an Air Force uniform. This incident made me contemplate a few questions

  • Empowering Airmanship within Travis' ranks

    More than a year ago, Master Sgt. Josh Philpott was an element chief in the 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. In spite of his "Magnum P.I." - like mustache, for which he still receives quite a few pokes, he's performed his duties with enthusiasm, loyalty and admiration. Epitomizing standards,

  • Keeping positive, can-do attitude

    One of the frequent conversations I have with people is helping them process their professional frustrations. Everywhere I go, the effects of sequestration, furloughs, downsizing, shrinking resources, reduced funding and longer days are taking a toll on the positive attitudes of folks.In 27 years, I

  • Every Golden Bear counts in challenging times

    On 23 April 1965, Military Air Transport Service Commander, Gen.l Howell Estes Jr. piloted the Air Force's first C-141A Starlifter from Lockheed's plant in Marietta, Ga., across the country to Travis AFB, Cali. A crowd of 3,500 welcomed the newest heavy airlifter that would come to be known as the

  • People, Airmen more than just 'they'

    "They are making it difficult for us get our job done.""They are making a bunch of unreasonable requirements that make it impossible for us to get what we need.""They don't understand what it is that we do."Who's "they?" Why are "they" so intent on making your life miserable?I'm sure that you've

  • Role models grown, not manufactured

    The new guidance for mentoring was recently released in May. Reading through Air Force Manual 36-2643, it struck me that something was missing from the role of mentor. This important role is influential in the career of our Airmen and the new manual does a good job of better defining the

  • What is your integrity worth?

    Would you compromise your integrity for something of no value? Would you give away your integrity for something of little value or a temporary pleasure? You might be thinking those questions are silly, no one would compromise their integrity for such trivial things, or would they?I recently played a

  • Innovate through shared challenge

    We are all aware of the operational constraints that now surround each of us. Fiscal constraints, decreasing manpower and a more difficult approval process for purchasing everything from pencils to training. Senior leaders are aware of these constraints and for the first time they are not asking us

  • Air Force jobs anything but routine

    I step off the crew bus to fly another local. It's a straight forward plan to takeoff, head to the air refueling track, practice contacts and fly back to the Travis pattern for some night transition, assault landings and ground operations. I have done this before, in fact, many times and approach