11 Jan 2011

I am an officer first

I am an officer first. Have you heard this expression before? Do you understand what it means? You can replace the word officer with petty officer, noncommissioned officer or simply Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine. To me, simply put, it means that I put my oath foremost in my decision making process. I have had many designations or titles

6 Jan 2011

No deposit…no return

If you're familiar with the phrase "no deposit, no return" then chances are you first read it off the side of a glass soda bottle like I did, nearly 40 years ago. I was pretty well-versed in the principle as an 8-year-old kid in Hawaii.Way back then, in 1971, we lived with my uncle for a few months in Hauula on Oahu's north shore. Because Hauula

6 Jan 2011

Get tough, solve problems, take pride in what we do

Here I am again, trying to figure out how to use this opportunity to say something useful. This is my last commentary before I depart this summer.In previous articles I've talked about never walking past a problem, how we can't do this mission without the support of our families and figuring out a way to say yes. This time I want to discuss getting

13 Dec 2010

AETC commander wishes a joyous, safe holiday season

As Airmen and their families all around Air Education and Training Command pause to celebrate, Teresa and I wish each of you a joyous and safe holiday season.Many of us are blessed to be with our family and friends this time of the year, but I ask you to remember the sacrifices our deployed Air Force and sister service members are making for our

13 Dec 2010

Take a ride

Have you ever wondered if your military service is truly valued? Do the citizens of this great country understand and appreciate the sacrifice that you and your family make on a daily basis?We are a nation that has been at war for the past decade. Has the length of our involvement resulted in an emotional numbness throughout the American populace?

8 Dec 2010

It’s more than just a job

I hear voices and they're saying, "What is the Air Force doing -- a civilian, as a squadron director (commander)." Well, that's exactly what has happened.Those same voices are saying, "Military squadron's are to be commanded by active duty military members." Some authors have even stated the civilian-military gap is so large civilian leadership is

30 Nov 2010

Make fitness part of your holiday celebration

I don't have to tell you how challenging it can be to do well on the new Air Force fitness assessment. In fact, it can be difficult especially if you try to "spin up" at the last minute to pass. The key to meeting the new requirements is establishing a solid fitness regimen and then maintaining your program throughout the year. The problem is "life

10 Nov 2010

Veteran at heart with pride in leadership

Many of us think of veterans as retired military members that reminisce about past war stories or tales of long time friendships from several decades ago. In reality, a person is a veteran from day one of military service until the day they die.We must always remember that it requires strength, dedication, and a sense of service to take and uphold

8 Nov 2010

Lorenz on Leadership – Thank you

This month I will officially retire and end my time as an active duty Airman in our beloved Air Force. Forty-one years ago I stepped off of a bus at the United States Air Force Academy - although it feels like only yesterday. Every day since then has been a true joy - a chance to share adventures and tackle challenges with each of you. When I

26 Oct 2010

All the way!

Whether it is a military mission, attending to relationships or our own wellness - commitment can make all the difference.Whenever I drive by the Aerospace Physiology Unit I am reminded of going to the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. When I was a cadet there, the Air Force was still using C-123's and C-141's.During the first week we