• New year brings January challenge, renewed commitment

    Welcome back Team Vance! I hope you are recharged -- mentally, spiritually and physically -- for a fantastic new year. Now is the right time to lean forward. What's your vision for balance and success this year? How are you going to keep your mental tools sharp? How are you going to strengthen your

  • I should have joined the Air Force

    In February of 2008, I was the executive officer at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR ZERO (HSL-40) based out of Naval Station Mayport, Fla. One day, about mid-morning, my detailer called and offered me a command position at a "VT" squadron at Vance AFB in Oklahoma.Once I heard VT, the

  • Maintaining the human weapons system

    It all started during an Elmendorf staff meeting. Seeing a major I didn't know, I introduced myself. In reply she spoke a sentence that still echoes in my mind. "Hello Chief, I'm Maj. Jennifer Halter. I am a crew chief on the human weapons system."Puzzled, I asked for clarification and she replied,

  • Lorenz on Leadership – Jessica’s legacy

    There are certain times in our lives where a single moment or significant event causes us to pause -- and reflect. These moments can catch us after both happy times and sad -- after accomplishments of our own or those of others.Sometimes they catch us off guard, by surprise. More often, though,

  • Warrior philosophy, pilot training -- attitude matters

    I am absolutely sure that the Air Force produces warriors and not technicians. I am that sure because I have faith in my leaders and because I live by a certain warrior philosophy. This philosophy forms the bedrock of my behavior as an officer, and I truly believe that it was catalyzed during my

  • A blessed year for a very special team

    We're coming to the end of a year that held many blessings. Although we had a brief stumble during the labor dispute this past summer, the men and women who are the strength and spirit of Team Vance came through in style.We carried on our fine tradition of making dreams come true - every three

  • None of us can do this alone

    None of us can do this alone. Along with our Wingmen, we get the mission done every day. And behind the scenes are our families, encouraging us, cheering us on, praying for us and loving us no matter what.In the thick of the holiday season and during the Air Force's Year of the Family, is a perfect

  • Time honored traditions maintain discipline, effectiveness

    Military customs and courtesies are time honored traditions. These observances aid Air Force personnel in maintaining discipline, promoting and improving the conducting of affairs in the military establishment.Proper customs and courtesies have resulted in good order, mutual respect and a sense of

  • Lorenz on Leadership -- Spotting disasters

    "I can hear that train coming down the tracks." If you're like me, then you've heard people use this analogy to describe an inbound issue or challenge. We all face challenges each and every day -- they are nothing new. The challenges range in significance and in ability to impact our

  • Use judgment, heart when sending season's Tweetings

    The holidays are fast approaching and social media offers us wonderful ways to connect with people around the world. On major holidays, my phone lights up with batch text messages of well wishes, and if it proves hard to get cards out the door every year, those free E-cards with graphics and holiday