Commentaries

Let's make common courtesy common again
March 27, 2009 — The 316th Wing is making great strides in meeting our wing goals of evident pride in ourselves, our wing and our base, presidential respect and support from each all Team Andrews members and their families, and having Airmen fit to fight and win across all spectrums.We have spent much of the last nine months working on improving the pride we have... MORE

Serving others while enjoying our service – a team sport
March 20, 2009 — As units across the base recognize their annual award recipients, we are offered the opportunity to stop and reflect on the tremendous service that these individuals provide to Team Andrews, the Air Force and the United States. By having the opportunity to travel throughout the National Capital Region and the Air Force worldwide, I am repeatedly... MORE

A self-fulfilling prophecy
March 12, 2009 — "Shootin' at the walls of heartache, bang bang, I am the warrior ... and heart to heart you'll win, if you survive." I was listening to this song, "The Warrior" by Scandal, featuring Patti Smyth, on my MP3 player the other day as I was working out. This helped motivate me, because I got to thinking about what I have been through for the past... MORE

Are You a Warrior?
March 6, 2009 — A warrior you say? Just because we don't all shoot guns at bad guys or drop bombs on targets does not mean we aren't warriors. Webster's Dictionary defines warrior as "a person engaged or experienced in warfare." In our military today, you volunteer to serve, and you all have chosen to be warriors! In addition to preparing to defend against more... MORE

A Message to my Airmen: Pride Always
March 6, 2009 — Recently, I was given the opportunity to put my "universal management" badge (otherwise known as a pilot) to the test to lead a very public organization whose mission affects an entire base. Let me say, that at the least, this is an honor and a pleasure for me personally.Working outside of one's career field is a challenge, and you are not always... MORE

Why are you part of the ‘blue’?
March 6, 2009 — Have you ever asked yourself, "Why am I in the military and what keeps me here?" Our squadron secretary has strong ties to the military as the widow of a Naval officer, as well as more than 24 years of government service. When she recently informed me it was time for her to retire, I asked her to look back on her career and offer her perspective of... MORE

Leave it better than when you got here
February 18, 2009 — As a commander, I think the best advice I can share is a message my parents instilled in me as a young boy, one that is lived out by some of my most respected mentors, "Leave it better than when you got here." Now, it may seem like that it is a pretty broad statement, but there is much more to it than meets the eye. If you are wondering what to... MORE

Keep your eye on the ball
February 13, 2009 — Have you ever sat and watched a football game where a kicker walked out and calmly kicked the game winning field goal? Perhaps you've witnessed a basketball game where a player stood tall on the free-throw line and knocked down a pressure shot that made the difference between victory and defeat. How is it that these individuals are able to handle... MORE

Where did the time go?
January 16, 2009 — Thirty-five Years! I was amazed when I realized recently that I have served the U.S. Air Force for over 35 years. I have served on Active Duty, in the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve and now I'm in the 113th Wing. For the first 24 years I served in the enlisted corps; in fact, on the day I was commissioned I was a Senior Master Sergeant... MORE

2009 -- A year of Pride
January 11, 2009 — We have just begun a great year for Team Andrews. We will continue to grow, and once again, we will be at the center of history as we bid farewell to the outgoing President, support the inauguration of the new Commander-in-Chief, prepare for our largest-ever Joint Service Open House, and become the first fully operational Air Force-led Phase II... MORE