17 Dec 2013

Past remembered, honored

Another year has come and gone. For some, the year felt like it took forever; others felt like it flew by. But, no matter how long it felt, did you have time to get it all finished? By "it," I mean those New Year's resolutions. We make them with such conviction and enthusiasm, don't we? As if there were nothing that could stop us from getting them

11 Dec 2013

COMMENTARY: Service members: Be proud to serve, stay honor-able

As if life in the military isn't tough enough, it seems that lately there have been a lot of negative themes being trolled out in front of us; messages that seem to imply in one way or another that we're not doing a great job.I, for one, am not biting on that baited hook.My two cents? Let me quote the 101st Airborne Division's acting commander when

3 Dec 2013

COMMENTARY: Tips for holiday survival

The winter holiday period, now until New Year's Day, is a wonderful time. Usually, people spend quality time with loved ones, celebrate traditions and enjoy being with each other. Conversely, those who have recently joined the military or moved overseas may find the holidays a lonely time. If you will be spending the holidays away from family -

27 Nov 2013

COMMENTARY: Keys to success

As a chief, the question I've been asked the most is, "What does it take to make chief?" Every time I've answered it, my response has been slightly different because there really isn't one secret formula. The only known method is actually pretty straightforward: make staff sergeant, then technical sergeant, then master sergeant, etc. You get the

14 Nov 2013

COMMENTARY: High performing organizational behavior

Since arriving at RAF Mildenhall in June 2013, I am nothing short of amazed by the professionalism and performance level of the Bloody Hundredth and Team Mildenhall. I hear very few complaints from our Airmen, civilians and host nation teammates, so much so that I wonder, "Is there something just under the surface that I am missing?"The metrics and