• My expectations are simple - live our core values

    On behalf of my family, I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome we received from the men and women of Team Vance and the Enid community. We are truly humbled to have been given this opportunity and we look forward to meeting and working with each and every one of you!As everyone knows, Vance

  • My career - an exciting, challenging, great ride

    It seems like yesterday when I first enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. The time goes by faster than you think. The majority of my adult life has been as a member of the armed forces. It has been an exciting, challenging and rewarding adventure. My career has been a great ride and I would like to share

  • Vance success has a special ingredient

    Monday morning I'll be leaving what I have often said is the best job in the Air Force - commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance AFB in Enid, America.My bride, Kristan, and I, and our children, Nick, Natalie and Isabella, have had a fantastic and fabulous time during our assignment here.

  • Scott Sather -- striving for excellence, influencing others

    During a recent deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, I had the distinct pleasure of serving with some of our finest Airmen helping to bring peace and stability to that country. During my tour, I had many shared experiences and made many friends I won't soon forget.One experience stood out from the others;

  • Who knew Vance really is a hidden gem

    I was caught off guard when I was told that I had to do a commander's commentary this week. Who knew? Who knew that 730 days, the approximate time a commander leads a unit, would go by so quickly?Who knew when I arrived 680 days ago, I would be wishing I could stay a little bit longer in Enid

  • Lorenz on Leadership -- Sustaining a wingman culture

    On April 20, a 22-year-old man with a history of violence walked into a bookstore in Wichita Falls, Texas, and started shooting. He wounded four women, then drove to a bar and killed an employee outside before he drove home and took his own life. This tragedy sounds like so many we hear about on the

  • Build belief in self, true potential

    Our personal and professional growth stems from not only our inner drive to achieve, but also from the support of those around us. As a leader, it's important that you really get to know those you work with day to day and others you might interact with on a personal basis.Learning the underlying

  • Lorenz on Leadership -- Leading Airmen through force management

    The chief of staff of the Air Force recently announced that our service must reduce its personnel end strength to meet congressionally-mandated limits.Air Force retention is currently at a 15-year high, which is a testament to the tremendous dedication of our Airmen serving during a time of

  • Remember selfless service

    Have you ever sat down and really thought about why you joined the military? Perhaps it was to get education benefits, or to see the world. Or maybe it was to please a family member, or to get away from a bad situation. Many join the military to gain a skill or just obtain a steady job. Whenever I

  • A helping hand isn’t far at Vance

    Have you ever heard a retired Air Force member who is now working as a contractor use the phrase "Oh, I'm just a slimy contractor." Inherent in that statement is a common belief that contractors are not part of the total team because they are working only for the money or a profit. Unfortunately,