• Straight Scoop

    The Straight Scoop action line is your direct link to Col. Richard Klumpp, Jr., 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

  • Followership requires determination

    The military and history are full of leadership tales. It's easy to find books, articles, classes and the like on the subject. It's compared and contrasted with management. It's debated whether it's an art or a science. Great and not so great military leaders became legends due to the position they

  • What you don’t know can hurt you

    It is very easy to engage in unauthorized use of your government computer, sometimes without even realizing it. This is just a quick reminder of what you are can and cannot do while using your government computer. You are authorized to use your government computer, including issued laptops, for

  • We are all Airmen

    Several years ago, while serving my squadron command tour, I wrote a base newspaper article on using the term "Airmen." The article started out, "I've been curious for some time now why we can't seem to call ourselves Airmen." You may recall some five to seven years ago, we were just introducing

  • New Year’s resolution: be a positive influence

    Yes, it's that time of year again. It is time to figure out ways to improve your life via a New Year's resolution. Maybe you're thinking about getting back into good physical condition, or perhaps you've decided to read more often and pry yourself away from that marvel of modern hypnosis called the

  • Who do you think you are?

    When you look in the mirror, who do you see? Besides the obvious answer...do you see a successful or defeated person? A person who stands on solid rock or sinking sand? Let me ask another question, who is correct between a person who thinks they're unstoppable and a person who thinks they'll never

  • Wing commander holiday message

    The following is a holiday message from Col. Richard Klumpp, Jr., 71st Flying Training Wing commander: 'Twas the week before Christmas, when all through Vance Base The workload had slowed to a less frantic pace. The Wing Staff planned policy and tried to refine it; In hopes the commander would

  • Thinking beyond Wingman Day

    What does "being a good wingman" mean? We tend to think of it as a defensive measure to prevent something bad from occurring, but what happens when the plan fails? What happens when a subordinate did something wrong? Does the wingman concept end when the police arrive? Once the failure is

  • Take stock in your life by remembering mentors, role models

    "All I ever really needed to know I learned in kindergarten." Robert Fulgham's words are so true. After my recent attendance at this Broadway smash-hit performance at Enid's very own Gaslight Theater, I have taken some off-duty time to reflect on my youth, the important life-lessons I learned and

  • Programs in place to help Airmen, families

    Military life and service can be challenging - not only for military members, but their families too. There are various base family advocacy programs available to help Team Vance Airmen. As servicemembers, we train consistently in order to be ready for anything. Our family members, friends and