Commentaries

Excellence is not optional
August 27, 2026 — Thank you all for being here today to witness this historic moment. Today is about much more than an assumption of command. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Air Force rotary-wing history. And to the Airmen of the Fifth Helicopter Squadron, the FIVERS. What an incredible privilege it is to stand before you today. I accept command with immense humility, but also with tremendous excitement...

Lessons in leadership for new supervisors
August 29, 2025 — I had the honor of serving as class mentor for Airman Leadership School Class 25-Foxtrot, and I was guest speaker at their graduation on Aug. 28, 2025. Watching these dedicated Airmen complete their first level of professional military education was both inspiring and humbling. ALS is a milestone in every career, but more importantly, it marks the beginning of greater responsibility -- the responsibility of leading others...

Prioritizing safety during summer activities
August 28, 2025 — Summer is a time for relaxation, connection, and enjoying the longer days, but it also brings seasonal risks that shouldn’t be overlooked. At Andrews, safety remains a top priority, especially as temperatures rise and activity levels increase both on and off duty...

Continuing the mission: Honoring military veterans in law enforcement
June 13, 2025 — The following are remarks given by Lt. Col. Tim Marriner, 316th Security Forces Squadron commander, at the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Military Service Appreciation Luncheon, May 22, 2025. The remarks have been edited for length and clarity. ...

Upholding our customs and courtesies: The importance of Reveille and Retreat
November 13, 2024 — As the command chief of the 316th Wing here, I am constantly struck by the dedication and professionalism of our Joint Base Andrews community. Every day, you all do amazing, hard work... and you all make it look so easy! Despite how unique our base is, we are connected to something bigger: The U.S. military. No matter what base you serve at, we are all uniquely shaped by our shared traditions, from saluting to marching. These traditions are part of our collective identity, and shape who we are as a group and how we behave...

Reducing holiday stress
December 19, 2018 — While the holidays are often filled with joy, additional stress is also likely. Time is valuable and the added holiday shopping, parties, entertaining, and sometimes being separated from loved ones can be challenging.If the stress becomes overwhelming, you may begin to feel sad, become disinterested in previously enjoyable activities, feel tired or...

'Be There' for someone: Suicide Prevention
September 28, 2018 — September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It’s an opportunity to increase public awareness about the warning signs of suicide and provide information about the resources available to aid someone in crisis. Furthermore, this month will show how individuals, organizations, and communities can work together to save lives...

Preventing suicide - starting with myself
September 6, 2018 — There is rarely a day that passes when I do not think of ending my own life.Some days, my depression is an overwhelming weight to bear and it takes nearly everything I have just to push the thoughts away and get on with my routine.Other days, and even on good ones, the thought creeps up out of nowhere – an insidious sense of doubt. Of worthlessness...

Thank you JBA community
July 9, 2018 — As my time here at Joint Base Andrews winds down, I’ve been thinking about the great things we've been able to accomplish together with our amazing community partners. As I leave this incredible place, I want to use this last opportunity to thank our friends outside the gate for your enduring support of our Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines over these last two years. ...

America's Airmen
July 6, 2018 — Two years ago, at my incoming change of command, I used the term “America’s Airmen” to describe our amazing force in the 11th Wing and at Joint Base Andrews. I used the term as an aspirational statement for an organization who serves and represents not just a unit, but a wing, a base, a service, and our great nation. As I settled into my role as...