LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – As a first sergeant I’ve learned some valuable lessons from my commanders. One of them is to focus my efforts on the things I can control and to plan ahead taking into consideration the effects of those actions. This is a pretty simple advice to apply. Maximize the amount of effort…

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Recently I came across an interesting quote from Admiral Togo Heihachiro, Commander of the Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Tsushima in 1905: “If your sword is too short, take one step forward.” Given the environment of reduced budgets, fiscal challenges and potential manpower shortages facing the Air Force, this quote…

It was 2006 and I was on the tail end of a combat tour in Afghanistan where, over the course of the deployment, I flew combat missions employing the Laser Guided Bombs and 30mm in support of Americans on the ground. With my squadron’s tour at an end, we were at a base in the…

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.  – Growing up as a child, I got in trouble for getting a “C” grade for my school work and it reflected on my report card. My mother, actively involved in my childhood development, instilled an ethos: “There is an enemy called average; you are not average and an average score isn’t…

Situational awareness is not a skill only practiced by government officials, private security subject matter experts or highly trained Office of Special Investigation agents. Situational awareness is a MINDSET that should be and can be practiced by any individual in order to quickly recognize an emerging threat. It does not have to be a TERRORISM…

JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, Wash. – If you want the perfect Thanksgiving, remember this: what time you eat doesn’t matter, the table setting doesn’t matter, who wins the football game doesn’t matter, and most importantly, the food doesn’t really matter. What matters are the shared moments with our friends and families, and the warm memories that will…

I was once told that a true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. I…

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do are core values that U.S. Air Force Airmen live by. Although these are important values for the Air Force, every base has their own principles that are essential to accomplishing the mission. Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck, 7th Bomb Wing commander,…