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  • Air Force Core Values -- the challenge continues

    On Jan. 1, 1997, Gen. Ronald Fogelman spelled out the United States Air Force Core Values -- Integrity First, Services Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. Presented as "The Little Blue Book," the former Air Force Chief of Staff discussed a "climate of ethical corrosion" within the service which had contributed to highly publicized scandals and

  • African-Americans play role in defense

    Throughout American history, Black Americans have fought for freedom and equality and have worn our Nation's uniform while bravely defending peace and liberty here and around the globe. It is fitting to pay tribute to these great Americans and recognize their accomplishments while observing African- American/Black History Month. From the time of

  • Make mentoring part of duties as AF airman

    As military professionals, none of us enjoy successful careers by relying solely on our own merit or experiences. Even our greatest leaders throughout history have given credit to people who have inspired them and guided their careers directly or indirectly. These people, regardless of whether or not they consciously accepted the role, are mentors.

  • Find routine, learn mission, take classes while deployed

    With Air Expeditionary Force rotations growing longer, Airmen preparing for deployment may wonder just how to make the time away from family and friends fly by. One of the first things to do once you get to your deployed location is get into a routine. You may think a routine will make your four months or more seem very monotonous, but really it

  • Air traffic control training: A day in the life

    It's 5:15 a.m. and the alarm rings, seemingly just a blink of an eye after falling asleep. Reality quickly sets in; exciting work lies ahead. The day starts with academics -- aeronautical terminology, navigational theory and standard operating procedures. Class is quickly followed by the pressure of actually having to translate academic instruction

  • Warrior training prepares Airmen for deployment

    How do commanders keep folks alive in a hostile environment? They train them as well and as realistically as possible. One way our Team Vance members are prepared for deployment is through a rigorous training program called Operation Ready Warrior. Under the motto "train as you fight," Ready Warrior provides hands-on weapons familiarization as well

  • Respect, trust earned by group, shared by association

    Many times I hear people, as a member of the armed forces ask, "What is the importance of being conscientious of everything we do on and off duty?" Why does it matter that we have our hat on when we go to and from our car at home or at work? What does it matter to the Air Force what I do on my own free time? I can tell you that the high level of

  • All forms of recognition pay dividends to all

    Remember when you were in the first grade and the teacher gave you a gold star for behavior, because you finally made it through a week without shooting a spitball at Susie Jenkins? You liked it so much you got another the next week, because you finally turned in your homework. You actually made it through a night without the dog eating it. Your

  • Make holidays brighter for less fortunate

    The holiday season is rapidly approaching and if you are like me, you're focusing on just how special you're going to make it for your loved ones. Now place yourself in the shoes of some of our young military families who are raising their children without the emotional, physical and financial support many of us take for granted. These families are

  • "Do the right thing" -- most valuable advice for all

    Throughout my life, I've received advice from numerous people in various forms...some of it valuable and some of it down right ridiculous. Some advice I've received was just so complex, it actually took years for me to fully understand the point the "advisor" was trying to make. This type of advice most times results in thoughts like, "if only I
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