Commentary Search

  • Her Story

    “You’re the first woman in this job.”  This was the greeting from one of my now dearest employees when I took over as the Deputy Commander and Staff Judge Advocate of the 426th Air Base Squadron in Stavanger, Norway.  He did not mean it in any judgmental or condescending way—just matter of fact.  He

  • Do your job: The key to mission success

    For me, Coach Bill Belichick’s ask of his players, “Do your job…take care of your responsibility and just do it right,” succinctly defines what is expected of us as Airmen (uniformed and civilian) as we collectively seek victory (mission success) in a game we cannot lose. And, to be fair, while this

  • Accountability builds trust

    In our business there is no commodity more valuable than trust. It is the foundation of the profession of arms, and without it, we fail as an organization. Leaders at all levels have to trust that their Airmen will do the right thing, and Airmen need to trust that their leadership has their back

  • Inspiration From Our History

    Pathfinders—Happy New Year!  As we transition into 2021, I am sure many of us are more than ready to turn the page on 2020.  I’m with you—I cannot wait to finally conquer Coronavirus and get back to something closer to “normal” life.  I am eager to spend time with friends and family, and explore our

  • Living with purpose

    The essence of a healthy and full life is a sense of purpose. Those individuals with a steadfast sense of purpose sustain their positive focus even when challenges and difficulties arise. Pain may visit for a season but purpose sustains resilience during the best and most difficult days. 

  • I am an American Airman, I am a Warrior

    It is a cold, dark morning on the sleepy hollows of RAF Alconbury. As everyone begins to awaken and start their journey to work, the base still seems eerily quiet compared to any other base I have been stationed. I go into work and I see my Airmen starting their day. They are 423rd Communications

  • Never again

    Perspective comes in many ways. When I was at a previous assignment, I thought my 45-minute bus commute to work was horrible, but then I PCS’d and had an hour plus drive to work every day. Turns out sitting on the bus, being able to read, listen to music, or even sleep a little wasn’t that bad. I

  • Perspective

    On a recent trip abroad, we had the pleasure of meeting a humble man from India. He was married with five children and spent the last 18 years separated from his family. He chose this lifestyle so he could financially support his family back home. In terms I could equate to the Air Force, he is