• ORI battle rhythm -- work hard, play hard

    Battle rhythm -- those events a unit conducts on a recurring basis that set the conditions for success. Translation -- determine what has to get done, prioritize the order in which those events get done, and pack as much into each day as you can, while still providing for the basic needs of your

  • Team Vance provides integrated safety net for deployers

    The most important part of being in the Air Force has always been readiness to deploy where and when needed. The increase in operational tempo over the last few years has only served to emphasize this significant role.It is extremely important that individuals who do deploy realize there is much

  • How’s your attitude been lately?

    More than 20 years ago I served at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, one of the best assignments in the U.S. Air Force at the time. For many, including myself, Clark was the jewel of the orient. The assignment offered great weather and tons of stuff to do off-duty, such as pristine Services and

  • Sow into your community by volunteering

    Wow, we have such a great community in Enid, Okla. There is so much to be involved with and so much we can give back to our community. I wanted to take a brief moment to remind us how fortunate we are to be members of the U.S. Air Force and the blessings that we experience. If you happened to live

  • An honor and a privilege to serve as Team Vance commander

    To All of Our Airmen at Team Vance, It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your commander these last 22 months. I am constantly blown away by the dedication and ability of each and every one of our officer, enlisted, Department of Defense and numbered Air Force civilian and contract

  • The reluctant sailor

    How long have you been a sailor?! All my bloomin' life. Me mother was a mermaid. Me father was King Neptune. I was born on the crest of a wave and rocked in the cradle of the deep. Seaweed and barnacles are me clothes, every tooth in me head is a marlinspike, the hair on me head is hemp, every bone

  • Nineteen died during a night to never forget

    Some dates on the calendar are ones that everyone remembers. September 11, 2001, is a prime example. Some dates are memorable for specific reasons like anniversaries or birthdays. But some dates in history are remembered for a common event encompassing a group of individuals. June 25 is a date the

  • Readiness -- it's a personal issue

    Are you prepared to do your job in order to accomplish mission objectives? Can your coworkers and commander depend on you to get the job done? These are a few questions we need to ask ourselves each and everyday.Being prepared for the rigors of deployment in a new environment is paramount.

  • Greatness begins with personal investment

    Through many heroic efforts by members of the Ghostriders and other Airmen on base, I survived the first fires in the crucible. This article is part observation of what I have seen at Vance in the first year of my command of the 71st Operations Support Squadron and part vector: how I would like us

  • When leadership may not be needed

    Have you ever had a boss that just would not leave you alone? The tasks were decided, training was given and they were still in your hip pocket watching your every move. Have you ever wondered why certain leaders from your past or present would not let you take the reigns and go for the gold? You