CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — It has been said that “you can’t know where you’re going without knowing where you’ve been.” For some, this quote may not mean much, but for the women of the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, who provide the Air Force’s largest remotely piloted aircraft enterprise with support, this statement…

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — We’re living in an age of hyper-connectivity. With sensors everywhere and supercomputers in our pockets, there’s a wealth of information available to everyone, whether it’s a review of a restaurant, an updated Air Force instruction or the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow (African or European). There are unofficial…

In the Air Force, Airmen are constantly waiting on results. Weighted Airmen Promotion System tests, promotion boards, officer packages, award packages and many other opportunities to advance are in the minds and goals of almost every Airman. The cold reality is only a certain number of people will get the news they want. For those…

At a prior assignment, I had the pleasure of putting together a leadership course for the medical group’s company grade officers. The focus was to help our young officers improve their leadership abilities and work on areas that needed improving, which we can all benefit from to some degree. In preparation of this course, I…

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — We are asked to internalize the Air Force core values from the onset of our careers. And as we progress throughout the ranks, despite what life puts in your path, we are again reminded to not only internalize, but epitomize the core values. Regardless of your status as a…

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va.—In March 1983, I was 16 years old and a senior in high school. I had a sister who was 17 and a brother who just turned 19. Through interesting circumstances, we were all seniors together. On March 4, 1983, my brother committed suicide. That was a tough time for our…

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — From the moment we’re born, we need human interaction and crave to be understood. It can have a profound effect upon our personal lives by making us feel empowered or conversely by making us feel powerless if those needs are neglected. It also extends into our professional lives. In…

One of the things I value from a leadership perspective is the ability of a leader to follow. Have you ever heard of the phrase, “too many Chiefs; not enough Indians?” This phrase refers to a group of people with a common goal who all appear to be leaders, yet progress is difficult to achieve….

Have you ever wondered, “Why are we doing this?” “What does this have to do with the big picture or overall goal?” “Why is this important?” These concerns, although completely natural, can usually be mitigated by taking the time to understand your Mission, Vision, and Priorities (MVPs) and then working to figure out how what…