There is an ancient saying in Latin that reads “Carpe Diem” or in English, “Seize the opportunity.” It’s a saying that is often used in the business world, but is equally essential in every-day life. The scriptures relate many instances of people taking an opportunity that was not only risky but also one filled with…

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. — Often times when we hear terms like diversity and inclusion, we think of them more as buzz words or a way to hold someone accountable for not doing the right thing. However, what does diversity actually mean to us in the Air Force? To me, it’s simple: place the right…

It’s that time of year when holiday parties and late night celebrations begin to fill our calendars and we look forward to spending time with family and friends to celebrate our own special reasons for the season. Every Christmas Eve, I celebrate my life, and I give thanks for being able to share the holiday…

The definition of humility is “the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people.” This is not a trait we commonly attribute to our leaders. In fact, when we think of a leadership role we often imagine one who is telling others what to do and how to do it with…

“Sometimes you have to look reality in the eye and deny it.” ~ Garrison Keillor</b? American writer and entertainer Garrison Keillor is a master story teller. He, of course, is the creator of the mythical town of Lake Woebegone, Minnesota, (circa 1950s and 60s). A place where “all the men are good looking, all the…

There are three meetings I attend every week, and they’re the most important meetings in my current job. The first is wing stand-up held three days a week where we cover the status of our aircrew, pararescuemen, all 81 combat aircraft, the airfield, communications and logistics. Our mission is simple — deliver precise combat power…

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — Sometimes there are things in life that happen to you that are so unexpected you fail to comprehend their inherent value. Such was the case for me in my assignment to Officer Training School. OTS was an assignment that I was not expecting and had entirely no interest in….

“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” ~ Aesop As the father of three I love telling Aesop’s Fables to my children. One such story is the simple yarn entitled “The Dog and His Reflection.” The story goes that a dog with a bone in his mouth was crossing a bridge. When he looked into…

Your first thought to the commentary’s title was probably “what do you mean?” Merriam-Webster defines locus as “a central or main place where something happens or is found.” So it basically means center. Now add the words “of control.” Locus of control is a lesson that first sunk in for me when I went to…