Commentaries - Page 5

"IPs" for the 21st century Air Force
December 5, 2016 — "IPs", or instructor pilots as they are referred to outside the U.S. Air Force flying world, are the most important mentors pilot-candidates will interact with during their quest to earn "silver wings." Only those pilots who have demonstrated an unequivocal mastery of flight are selected to return or stay on at the school house to shepherd future...

Communication is key
November 8, 2016 — Effective communication is probably one of the most important life skills we need, especially in professional relationships...

He DESTROYED that commentary!
October 13, 2016 — If you are like me, your social media stream is littered with articles that use words like “destroyed,” “obliterated,” etc., always in capital letters, to entice you to click on that link. This technique is used across the political spectrum, usually by authors who have little to no new or compelling information to offer in their article. I would...

Courtesies to the Flag
October 4, 2016 — Everyone who works, visits and lives on Joint Base Andrews has the opportunity to pay respects to the American flag twice a day as it is raised and lowered. Regulations and courtesy to the flag are topics for continuing education. "All who are on Joint Base Andrews are expected to properly honor our nation and our flag during reveille, retreat, and...

Taking Care of People
September 23, 2016 — Throughout my military career, I have had the honor of meeting several military members' extended family. Many times, these family members would arrive at base due to hospitalizations or other hardships. One thing that continues to catch me by surprise is how shocked the families are at the level of care within our units. The non-military family...

Avoiding tsunamis of malfeasance
August 31, 2016 — In a September 2015 New Republic article, ethicist Edward Queen rails against Volkswagen for its recent “unmistakable malfeasance.” He describes their actions in the following way: “This was an intentionally designed and executed violation of the law in both its letter and its spirit. It also was an ethical violation of the highest level.”...

Command: No Greater Honor
May 26, 2016 — Since commissioning I have desired to lead Airmen. I believe, commanding Airmen is the greatest honor any commissioned officer can achieve. The privilege and honor of being responsible for the successes and failures of American patriots serving something bigger than themselves, in the noblest occupation known to man, is unprecedented.That said, the...

JBA commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 14, 2016 — As a nation, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on the third Monday in January. In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. This is the only federal holiday that honors a person that is not a president. It is a given that most people have heard or know of Dr. Martin...

Purpose: Examining the Pillars of Fitness
April 10, 2015 — "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." -Friedrich NietzcheA man, wearing a green t-shirt and blue slacks, sits on a crème sofa against yellow walls, the windows behind him peering into the black. The scene is filtered yellow like a 1990's sitcom.The man looks through the local newspaper. He's bored with the brightly-colored meteorology...

Careful with that morning commute
March 3, 2015 — Imagine crossing a frozen overpass, hearing the ice crackle as you begin to spin out of control. You frantically pump the breaks and crank the steering wheel. But, like death beckoning you, the railing gets closer by the second.Between blurred visions through an icy windshield and panic-induced rushes of adrenaline, you strive to make sense of...