Commentaries

316th Wing commander says farewell and thank you
June 7, 2010 — Today, I join the few and proud ranks of "former 316th Wing commanders" and "former Andrews Air Force Base commanders." Looking back over the last 21 months, I am deeply grateful to have been entrusted with the honor of leading this world-renowned base that serves as ambassador to the world and guarantor of the support and defense of the National... MORE

316th Wing Command Chief says farewell and thanks
June 1, 2010 — Wednesday marked my final day as the 316th Wing Command Chief. During the last couple of weeks leading up to this day I have had several moments of reflection of my time here at Andrews, now Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve beside some great Americans, whom I call "America's sons... MORE

The Next “Greatest Generation” – Millennials
June 1, 2010 — "Wired Magazine", February 2010 edition, relays the story. The situation was desperate for the Broncos. On the first Sunday of the NFL's 2009 season, with only 28 seconds left in the game, they trailed the Bengals 7-6 and had the ball on their own 13 yard line. On second down, Broncos quarterback, Kyle Orton, threw the ball downfield, only to see a... MORE

Attitude is a force multiplier … or divider
May 25, 2010 — Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "To different minds, the same world is a hell, and a heaven." Whether serving in a formal or informal leadership position, or working in a subordinate role, there are numerous attributes contributing to your level of success in that position. Job knowledge, energy, selflessness and discipline are just a few. Without... MORE

Fat Albert Airlines: The ride of my life in the belly of the beast
May 25, 2010 — After pounding the pavement on the flightline at Joint Base Andrews as a public affairs specialist escorting media, taking photos and updating new media sites during the three-day 2010 Joint Service Open House, I was ready for anything. People in my office at the 316th Wing hooked me up with a seat on a flight in the mammoth Blue Angels C-130 "Fat... MORE

It could happen to you: Reflections of a Wounded Warrior
May 25, 2010 — Two weeks ago, I had the honor of joining fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines on a rehabilitative bike ride from Washington, D.C., through the streets of Baltimore, from our very own Joint Base Andrews to Annapolis, Md. We finished 104 miles over four days of riding. The ride was meant to instill confidence in the wounded warriors and... MORE

Sedentary lifestyles impact health in adverse ways
May 25, 2010 — Many people are overweight in the United States today and suffer health problems because of this. Fast-paced lifestyles and hectic schedules are a few of the excuses for this predicament. With this issue comes the realization that individuals as well organizations are suffering. The increased workload and doing more with less is taking its toll on... MORE

Building partnerships to emphasize Total Force
May 7, 2010 — In April, when President Barack Obama and 47 international leaders converged upon Washington for a nuclear summit to discuss methods of safe-guarding nuclear materials, it was the largest gathering of Heads of State since 1945 when Franklin D. Roosevelt gathered world leaders to form the United Nations. The president impressed upon the delegation... MORE

Innovation as close as the youngest Airman
April 16, 2010 — Our Air Force was born out of innovation; we now need to reinvigorate that innovative spirit - we need Airmen who continue to press the envelope. Over the course of my career, I have noticed a gradual change within our Air Force -- we don't look within anymore. The reasons leaders and supervisors shy away from the Airman with the great ideas are... MORE

Air National Guard - proud to be members of Team Andrews
April 9, 2010 — On the northeast side of the base sits a large, two-building, four-story complex called the Air National Guard Readiness Center (ANGRC - you've seen it on the signs). What was once a purely militia force (oneweekend a month, two weeks a year) has transformed into an operational component with our own four-star general: the director of the ANG. My... MORE