TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Seeing the newly selected staff sergeants recently brought back memories of when I was selected for staff sergeant. Actually, my thoughts went to the night I graduated Airman Leadership School. As I crossed the stage after receiving my completion certificate, my co-workers gathered to congratulate me and shake my…

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. — This commentary is not about aircraft, vehicles, or even any mechanical components. It’s about our Airmen and how we manage their care and development throughout their careers. The maintenance versus repair concept is borrowed from the maintenance community and speaks to how maintenance managers plan, coordinate and execute scheduled…

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Here’s a simple truth…sexual offenders reject our core values of integrity, service and excellence, in favor of following their own base, undisciplined, criminal desires. Most sexual assaults committed by Airmen are “blue on blue,” or Airmen victimizing other Airmen. So in addition to rejecting our core values, these undisciplined Airmen reject the…

(AFNS) — I was recently picking up a few items at a local retail chain at lunchtime; everywhere I walked, someone wanted to shake my hand or say, “Thank you for your service.” It made me proud to be wearing the uniform of the U.S. Air Force. While waiting in the checkout lane, I noticed…

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — I’m not certain how many of you had an opportunity to watch Chief Master Sgt. James Cody’s, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, recent comments regarding the enlisted performance report, but I strongly recommend you take a minute to visit the Air Force Portal and check it out. Our…

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. — Over the last year I’ve been on a quest to identify and highlight simple success strategies that, if followed, will increase career success. Where does one start on the path to becoming successful? Some would say, “habits,” but it goes farther than that. Habits are repeatable actions that we…

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — You’ve seen us in your family’s doctor’s office, in your local emergency room, and perhaps even in the operating room. When that smiling medical provider introduces themselves as a physician assistant, or PA, who and what exactly are you meeting?  The PA is a nationally certified, state-licensed medical professional that traces…

The Week of October 6: 1683 – The first Mennonites arrived in America aboard the Concord. The German and Dutch families settled in an area that is now a neighborhood in Philadelphia, PA. 1847 – “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte was first published in London. 1848 – The steamboat SS California left New York Harbor…