15 Dec 2020

Appreciating cultural differences strengthens respect, mission accomplishment

Diversity is more than just various races and ethnicities. It is appreciating the uniqueness of each other. It is recognizing our inherent differences. It is an opportunity to understand other perspectives and opinions.

19 May 2020

Helping Airmen – first sergeants make a difference

I became a first sergeant to help Airmen and to make a difference in their lives.

7 Apr 2020

Staying connected while social distancing

With modern technology we have the ability to stay virtually connected with our family and friends while social distancing.

16 Sep 2019

Mission-ready has become mission-first at any cost

During the Resilience Tactical Pause in August, I had the chance to reflect on resiliency and the state of today’s Air Force. To me, it seems our status of always being ready turned into the mission coming first at any cost.

6 Aug 2019

Boy Scout Troop 11 tours Vance, learns about mission up close

Boy Scout Troop 11 toured Vance Air Force Base, Wednesday, July 31.

28 Jul 2019

Extending base-community ties through art, technology

The “Vance experience” is often described as being similar to a remote tour, just stateside. That definition alludes to the strong relationships that are formed at Vance.

18 Mar 2019

Deployment -- It is what you make of it

Since joining the Air Force, I have often heard the saying, “it is what you make of it.” The base is what you make of it. The job is what you make of it. And most recently, a deployment is what you make of it.

4 Nov 2018

Seen it done before (3 of 3) - Pride

The day was bone chilling with a foot of snow. A three-day-old bull calf was bawling, stuck in a ravine, his leg broken. Momma cow, ears perked, was anxiously pacing and ready for any threat. Dad was there, but I was 18 years old and had seen it done before.

22 Oct 2018

The sound of freedom: Is it louder than usual?

Since 1941, the roar of military aircraft in the sky has been a part of daily life in Enid, Oklahoma. An increase in the number of student pilots training at Vance Air Force Base and seasonal weather patterns may make that roar seem even louder lately.

21 Sep 2018

Seen it done before (2 of 3) – Proficiency

The day was balmy with huge cumulus clouds. My Angus show steer at the local county fair outweighed me 13:1. As I led him front and center to receive a Reserve Champion ribbon he was startled by applause from the crowd. My Dad has always said, “Hold onto that lead rope no matter what!”