• Teamwork: Key to successful end-of-year fiscal close out

    You've heard the old saying that money makes the world go round. That's also true for Air Force bases. U.S. Air Force operations would quickly come to a halt if money wasn't available to pay for salaries, equipment and services. It takes a strong financial team with synergy to plan, manage and

  • Reflection - a key to improvement

    An interesting event happened to me the other day. While taking a long road trip I had some time to myself and I realized how long it had been since I took time to think.Without the ringing of the phone or another pop-up e-mail message -- having only the hum of the tires on the highway -- I really

  • Election 2008 – get out and vote – be a part of history

    This year's presidential election presents us with an opportunity not only to pick our next president, but to be a part of history. For the first time, we have an African-American candidate running for president on a major party ticket. In addition, a woman is running for vice president for only the

  • Giving Airmen proper feedback is crucial first step

    It all starts with feedback. "While giving our Airmen proper feedback is a crucial first step, it is vitally important to follow through and provide an accurate evaluation of performance, abilities and potential on enlisted performance reports," stated Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J.

  • A reputation takes years to perfect but only seconds to destroy

    My primary duty is to provide legal advice and counsel to base leadership. Sometimes, what I have to say on an issue may not be very popular but it's part of the job. So I'm starting this opinion using me as an example only, but this article is meant to apply to everyone. In my case, do I soften my

  • Self-licking ice cream cones serve only themselves

    Self-licking ice cream cones. Huh? Yeah, self-licking ice cream cones. Picture it for a moment. A self-licking ice cream cone stands only for its own enjoyment; no one else's. So what good is it? The Double-Tongue Dictionary defines a self-licking ice cream cone as: n. a process, department,

  • Qualities for a successful career must be practiced daily

    What qualities or traits help make for a successful career in the military? I do not know if there is a magic combination, but reflecting back on my 23-year career there seems to be some qualities that have resonated with me. Many of these qualities I have learned during my upbringing and most have

  • Straight Scoop: Unhappy with the Pharmacy

    The Straight Scoop action line is your direct link to Col. Mark C. Nowland, 71st Flying Training Wing commander, for comments or suggestions to improve Vance Air Force Base. Although the Straight Scoop is available, you should always try to resolve problems at the lowest level possible, then follow

  • Pay for performance

    According to Wikipedia, pay for performance is a motivation concept in human resources in which employees receive increased compensation for their work if their team, department or company reaches certain targets. For the last eight years both public and private companies, as many as 75 percent in

  • Never give up - bring attitude and confidence to the fight

    How can you not be impressed with our American Olympic athletes! Their talent and skills are simply awesome. They have practiced and trained for years and years. Their stories are replete with 5 a.m. wake-ups, three-a-day practices, non-traditional schooling, extended stays away from home, family