• Do you know your people?

    In the medical profession, it is a basic rule to know who you are treating. This is done by lab tests and physical examinations; however, the bulk of the information is derived from the patient's medical history. The medical history gives pertinent details that may relate to the patient's present

  • Leaders connect

    During the American Civil War, Gen. Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate Army, was known to pass through camp on nights before a battle in order to personally connect with every soldier he possibly could. Because of his commitment to look every troop in the eyes and offer an encouraging word

  • Real change

    Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, once said, "Real change requires real change." Flexibility is the key to airpower, and we're demonstrating that flexibility in amazing ways to maintain our dominance in air, space and cyber realms despite a challenging fiscal and

  • Honoring Hispanic WWII soldier for bravery

    Seven years ago, I was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. I remember going to a Spurs basketball game at the Alamodome. During the halftime ceremony, former Defense Secretary William S. Cohen was present for a tribute to Medal of Honor recipients from Texas. One of those

  • Education is fundamental

    Education is fundamental. It is the passage we make as children into adulthood. It is also the passage that sets us apart and helps to determine our next step. Time after time, people with skills and abilities have been passed over for promotions and job opportunities because they lack the basic

  • Beat the cold-- Nip the frost

    As you know, the cold winter season is upon us. The risks of two dangerous conditions increase with colder temperatures: hypothermia and frostbite. To prevent these conditions from occurring while exposed to cold temperatures, it is imperative that you stay alert and become familiar with the warning

  • Vance accomplishes mission through teamwork

    Although embracing our constantly changing environment and being an agent for productive change is something I mentioned in my last commentary, this week I'd like to talk about something that hasn't changed -- the mission of the 71st Flying Training Wing. Our mission involves training pilots for our

  • Get physically fit, save resources using human-powered transportation

    Billions of dollars are spent on aids to lose weight, yet more than 60 percent of adult Americans are overweight and future statistics are expected to be higher, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Two weeks into my 30-day personal behavior-modification prescription, I am continuing to

  • Make physical training priority for health, AF career

    There are many Air Force standards that I just don't really like. Shaving is probably the biggest one. I hate the irritating feel of shaving day after day. There are others I'm not real fond of, but this is the one gets me. Despite this, I still do it everyday before coming to work. There is no

  • What's Your Excuse?

    As a new squadron commander, I've frequently found myself looking back over my career in an effort to recall the many life lessons I've learned and how I can apply them to my new challenges. While the lessons learned along my journey have been abundant, there are a few events I remember as