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  • Learning key to mission success

    Last week, I conducted an out-processing interview with one of my brightest young staff sergeants who is separating at the end of her first enlistment. Curious as to why she was separating at this point in time, I listened as she described her well formulated plans for the future. Having already

  • Book teaches five things every leader must know

    Airmen have needs. Whether you are in charge of loading an aircraft, expediting maintainers on the flight line, leading a detail of defenders or supervising med-techs in the hospital, in order to be an effective leader, you must understand what motivates humans.Abraham Maslow wrote a book in 1954

  • What's trending, developing tomorrow's leaders

    During my tenure as the 349th MSG superintendent, I have had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with our organizations and, with very few exceptions, I have noticed a trend developing. As support operations shrink and operations tempo grows, some things have begun to slip. I am aware of

  • Leading more than barking directions

    Travis has provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to be a squadron commander for a Security Forces unit with more than 300 people for more than seven months. This experience has given me many keen insights, but there are two in particular I want to share - ownership and leadership. Ownership

  • Proud to be Airmen

    I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my Nation's call.We often recite these familiar words from our Airman's Creed, but have we really considered the significance of its meaning as it relates to us at Travis?Gen. Michael Mosley, former Air Force chief of staff wrote in his 2007

  • Thank you for your service

    "Daddy, do you know that man?""No, son, I don't.""Why do people always come up to you and say thank you?"This is a conversation that occurred between my son and I as we were leaving our last base. We were staying in a hotel off base because lodging was full, and periodically people would see me in

  • When disaster strikes be prepared

    It's been heartbreaking to watch the news over the past several months. The devastation of the communities hit by tornadoes is fierce and complete. They are coming together as a community and freely expressing their gratitude over being safe, alive and having their families intact. There are very

  • The paper test for all Airmen

    Just the other day I had the opportunity to sit on a chief's panel during the Senior NCO Professional Enhancement Seminar. What an impressive group. As I sat there I wondered how many of them would pass my basic leadership test. When asked about how I measure leadership I always apply the same

  • Practice motorcycle safety this summer

    Isn't the weather beautiful during this season here in Northern California? At times it can be a little hot, but for the most part the weather's great and it's the perfect time to ride a motorcycle. Most know motorcycles can be very dangerous though. They do not offer as much protection to the

  • Clear expectations guide Airmen, squadron

    In the season of change of commands I'm reminded of when I first was a Mission Support Group executive officer and my group commander provided his "commander's intent." At that time I was a brand new captain and I'd never had a commander provide to me in writing what his expectations were. I liked