• Memorial Day -- Our most sacred holiday

    Oliver Wendell Holmes called Memorial Day "our most sacred holiday" and urged that "we not ponder with sad thoughts the passing of our heroes, but rather ponder their legacy - the life they made possible for us by their commitment and pain." Words are so inadequate when trying to convey the meaning

  • Celebrating National Police Week

    It's hard to believe another year has come and gone as peace officers around the world celebrated National Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, and National Police Week, May 10-16. In 1962, President Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 marking the memorial week, which was amended in 1994 by President

  • Be prepared to execute and impress each and every day

    During feedback sessions with troops or when I'm out and about talking with Airmen I'm often asked, "What do I need to do to get your job?" or "How do I get to be a flight commander or senior NCO?" My first response is normally, "Grow where you're planted." In simple terms -- be the absolute best at

  • Lorenz on Leadership -- Greeting Carmen

    If you haven't seen the Air Education and Training Command headquarters building, you're missing out. It is a grand, historic building, nestled under age-old oak trees, that was built in the 1930's. Although initially used as an academic hall for new Air Force aviators, the building has had many

  • When the unimaginable happens, be ready to respond

    Many people wonder why base exercises are important. A good reason occurred on April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City. Figured it out yet? I'm referring to one of the largest domestic terrorist acts seen to date when two assailants placed an improvised exploding device, and ignited it, next to the Alfred

  • Living the dream – as you define it

    Last month I was blessed to officiate the retirement ceremony of a fellow officer upon the completion of 22 years of service to the U.S. Air Force. Despite some untimely nasty weather, the room was packed with active duty and retired military, friends from the local community and numerous family

  • Having a high viewpoint helps you keep your bearings

    I like the feeling of knowing where I am. When I first came to Vance, almost three short years ago, I could quickly get my bearings by looking up and finding our landmark water tower. Have you ever given directions to a new person on base and started by pointing to the water tower and saying "first

  • Lorenz on Leadership - Today's Airmen

    Recently, I had the distinct honor to attend the Airman's Coin Ceremony at Lackland AFB. It is always a privilege for me to meet the terrific men and women who train and are trained in what seems like a timeless setting. That day, the crystal blue sky melted into the field of blue-suited trainees

  • The power of proper feedback

    "You're doing a great job!" Instant, on-the-spot, positive feedback is critical to nurturing a healthy human psyche. If overused it reduces credibility and meaning; similar to saying "how are you" to a stranger you pass on the street. Do you really care, or are you just being polite? Performance

  • Reflections at retirement: Proud of every day I put on the uniform

    Next week marks the 26th anniversary of my enlistment in the U.S. Air Force. You'd think after that length of time I would have some prophetic words to pass on as my retirement draws near. Sorry, I do not. What I offer are a few thoughts that have served me well. The first are three axioms Chief