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  • Though red pens are often seen as leaving negative remarks on one's career, they are in fact used as tools to help better Airmen. From fixing aircraft to correcting papers, each stroke makes a mark in pursuing excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Phelps/Released)

    Red

    You could say that my Air Force career has revolved around a red pen since I joined in July of 2004. I grew up in the world of aircraft maintenance as an Electrical and Environmental Systems specialist, always with a "red" stuck in my sleeve in order to "break" an aircraft with a crimson "X." Now, as a public affairs officer, I have an "editing

  • Every Airman a Sensor

    I would like to have a few moments of your time to tell you something of great concern to me. I have had the privilege of serving in the Air Force for 35 years and there is nothing more important to me as your commander than your safety and your welfare. I recently began visiting your wings and many have heard me say that every Airman is a sensor.

  • 'Have some guts'

    All calls. We've all been to them, standing in a hangar or auditorium listening to someone with much more rank than us often because it was a mandatory function rather than because of a burning desire to hear the speaker's words of wisdom. Any Airman can probably give the top two or three takeaways from just about any all call, because they're

  • Confession of a chaplain: "I shouldn't be here"

    My secret is I shouldn't be here. I was disqualified from becoming a chaplain. Now that I have that off my chest, let me share with you why that is helpful to know. The Enlisted Force Structure, AFI 36-2618, says that Airmen must be spiritually ready to accomplish the mission.Spiritual readiness is described as "the development of those personal

  • Leading at the MUNSS

    Before coming to the 701st Munitions Support Squadron in 2010, I had heard of a MUNSS and geographically separated units but knew nothing of them. Most do not know the 52nd Fighter Wing has four munitions squadrons attached to it, and the one I am a part of is in Belgium. We are classified as a geographically separated unit as we are a two-hour

  • Leaders are built with strong foundation

    Since being stationed at Aviano Air Base, I have enjoyed running and biking through many old towns and areas of historical and cultural significance. On one occasion, when running through a small town, I started thinking about the construction of its ancient structures. The buildings continue to stand firm and are as precise today as when they were

  • Make readiness a personal experience

    Recently the world watched in shock as U.S. embassies in multiple countries came under attack and we suffered the first death of a U.S. ambassador in office, in more than 20 years. These events serve as a reminder to Airmen everywhere on how quickly and unexpectedly the call for help can come and how often there is little time to prepare. Airmen

  • Lakenheath begins Energy Action Month with initiative

    October is Energy Action Month and I would like to take the opportunity to stress the importance of energy and water conservation. The 2012 theme is "I am Air Force Energy." With that, we need to look inward at ourselves, our equipment, our usage requirements and our processes.To start this year off right, we have chosen three areas to focus on.

  • Priority three: building partnerships

    Strengthen and leverage partnerships with Air Force, joint and international partners. The third of our wing's priorities directs us to embrace the synergy that comes from forming dynamic partnership opportunities with our fellow Airmen within our wing and outside our wing, and with our many joint and international teammates. By uniting our
  • BALA MURGHAB, Afghanistan – A Spanish soldier engages insurgents from an AS532 Super Puma, which flew a four-ship combat patrol over the hills of Badghis Province in northwestern Afghanistan Dec. 19, 2010. The Spanish patrol departed from Camp Arena, Herat, and was part of a multi-national effort supporting the International Security Assistance Force. This photo was originally released Nov. 1, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace)

    48th MDG responds in my darkest hour

    I want the nightmares to stop!That's one thing I told Dr. Jeffery Peterson, a 48th Medical Operations Squadron clinical psychologist, when I went to see him last year. I admit the visit wasn't voluntary.Just before leaving Afghanistan in May 2011, I had to accomplish an online post-deployment health assessment and was flagged by many of my
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