• Compliance, innovation, documentation – we must do it all

    One of the unique characteristics of military life is that so many of the rules are provided for us. The big picture is laid out in our core values and we get specifics from Air Force Instructions, major command guidance and local policy. We've got standards addressing our conduct on the job and

  • Lorenz on Leadership – The intellectual resource

    Today, we are approaching nine years of sustained combat operations. Many could even argue that our Air Force has been involved in continuous combat operations since the original Gulf War in 1991. Even more challenging, today's combat operations are being conducted while the rest of the nation

  • Your internal voices carry important messages

    Yes, I must admit that I've been hearing voices in my head for quite a while now. They start in the morning and persist throughout the day, constantly telling me what I should or shouldn't do. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I don't -- but regardless, I just can't seem to make the voices stop. For

  • Bystander training pays off for Colorado Airman

    It was around 2:20 a.m., May 8, and my friend and I had just exited a club in Denver and began walking three blocks down the street looking for a taxi.We came across a young woman who had her back to us, but I noticed that she was surrounded by four men and was up against a brick building. Keep in

  • Figure out a way to say 'yes'

    When it comes to doing your job and supporting the customer, find a way to say yes.I was recently on leave due to a death in the family, so I left no-notice. I had an enlisted performance report I needed to sign and unfortunately I did not remember to bring a common-access-card laptop with me.My

  • Looking back over the past four years

    June marks four years for my family and me here at Vance AFB. It also marks the month of my reassignment to the Pentagon. Having served as the director of operations for the 25th Flying Training Squadron, the DO for the 8th Flying Training Squadron and then the commander of the 8th FTS, I consider

  • 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;