Commentaries

Wow! What a Ride It's Been! Can We Do It Again?
June 23, 2009 — When I first arrived at Andrews for my assignment as the 316th Wing vice commander, my predecessor, Col. Jenni Hesterman, gave me a pair of running shoes and said, "put these on because you won't stop running until you leave." Boy was she right! As you read this, I have already accomplished my turn over with my replacement, Col. Lee dePalo, and I... MORE

Mentoring for the future
June 5, 2009 — When the commander informed me about writing an article for the Capital Flyer, I began to reminisce. I previously wrote a "From the Top" article about five years ago when I was the acting first sergeant for the former 89th Medical Support Squadron. I discussed 'getting out of your comfort zone.' Instead of choosing a topic to write about, I... MORE

Back to Basics
May 29, 2009 — Earlier this week I had the opportunity to greet Vice President Joe Biden as he departed Andrews on his way to deliver the commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The brief interaction with our Nation's second in command was not only an honor, but one of the unique aspects of serving as a squadron commander at Andrews. Not surprisingly,... MORE

The impact of an outstanding air show
May 21, 2009 — Congratulations Team Andrews! This weekend we completed another successful Joint Service Open House. Although the attendance numbers are not yet official, I estimate the crowds exceeded the 100,000 mark set last year. Great job Team!During this weekend, we thanked the public for the support they show the armed forces, as well as showcased our... MORE

Enjoy the journey
May 8, 2009 — In 1983, college professor William Least Heat-Moon published his instant classic, "Blue Highways: a Journey into America," which chronicled his 13,000 mile journey along the back roads of America in a beat-up old van. Steering clear of the major cities and interstates, Mr. Moon toured 38 states along blue highways, the small state and country roads... MORE

Pride, teamwork make the difference
May 4, 2009 — Every day at Andrews, history happens and you are a part of it. We have a no-fail mission, and the pride and teamwork that you exhibit on a daily basis makes Team Andrews successful. To date, you have probably seen and done more singular achievements here just this year than you ever would have imagined, such as the G20, Inauguration, presidential... MORE

Be the leader you deserve
April 24, 2009 — Leadership is a key skill in most any organization, but it is a must in the military. Key aspects of leadership include setting a good example, followed closely by setting and then enforcing standards. We all know these tenets from professional military education and mentorship that we receive from those we work with daily. There are two additional... MORE

Leadership with "Purity of Purpose"
April 17, 2009 — I have a theory about cats that I like to relay to all of my young officer friends and senior NCOs: Basically, there are three kinds of cats. First, are the cats that never catch mice. Second, are the cats that do catch mice, but they make sure master knows every time they do, eagerly bringing their prize latched in their jaws even to the dinner... MORE

It's Often the Little Things
April 10, 2009 — Often in "From The Top," we write about large concepts like Integrity, Service, and Excellence. While these are important, and serve as the foundation for our service's core values, it is often the little things we do that truly define us as professionals. Recently Col. Clair Gilk wrote in this column about common courtesy and its contagious... MORE

Paying attention to detail: It's the small things that count
April 3, 2009 — Everybody remembers the "big event", whether good or bad - the touchdown pass to win the game, the 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the national championship, the perfect landing in the Hudson River that saved 155 lives, or the fighter that dropped the perfect ordnance and rid the world of some bad guy someplace. We also recall the pictures from Abu... MORE