• Establishment of values stems from family

    Writing a commentary reminds me of a project that I was assigned when I was "grounded" for not living by the Martin family rules. I was given an "opportunity" by my parents to write three 500 word essays. The subjects of each of these essays were: Integrity, Responsibility, and Obedience. A few

  • Wisdom, Valor and Justice: JAG Corps principles apply to everyone

    It's a given that one of the first things an Airmen should learn about the Air Force and mentally burn into memory are the three core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. These core values are the cornerstones for a distinguished and honorable career. Much has

  • Volunteering for freedom

    Many members of Team Vance are out serving the cause of freedom this 4th of July. Currently, there are 30-plus members of various squadrons deployed around the world supporting the struggle against tyranny in the Global War on Terror. While on vacation in New York City last month, I came across a

  • Take leave...and get outta here!

    One of the toughest things about a writing assignment is thinking up a good topic. After sifting through a number of possibilities, I realized that I have summer on my mind and I don't want to talk about work at all. Instead, let's discuss vacation! I'll be honest; I've been pondering my own summer

  • Risk management, professional conduct important for staying the best

    Growing up as an Air Force "brat" I prayed daily to be an Air Force architect (and, of course, a pilot and stunt driver) with dreams of one day becoming a group commander "just like Jenny's dad." But command was not, as I first thought, about getting to live in a "big" house with a flag in front. By

  • Does the shoe fit? Step up and take the lead

    In our great Air Force there are always opportunities to excel. To put it another way, we can compare our professional growth to that of a child growing into an adult -- each time we gain rank or attain a higher level of expertise in our chosen field, we outgrow our old shoes and try on a larger

  • Vance civilians approach NSPS with cautious optimism

    Vance AFB is half way through the first year under the new National Security Personnel System, and after interviewing a few base civilians it would appear that some of the base's government civilian employees are accepting the new system. To conduct these interviews, I borrowed some of the more

  • How green is your lifestyle?

    If you pay any attention to the popular press, you are aware of the controversy over carbon dioxide and its effect on "global warming." For those of you with your heads firmly buried in the sand, or if you are confused by all the scientific mumbo jumbo, the premise is simple (sort of): humans and

  • Nonjudicial punishment promotes positive behavioral changes

    Commanders use several tools to help them ensure good order and discipline within their units. These tools can range from something as simple as a verbal counseling to more stringent measures such as serving charges for a court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. However, there are

  • Show respect at reveille, retreat

    You probably have heard the music coming over the base giant voice system. In the morning, you hear a bugle rendition of "To the Colors," at 7 and, as the duty day closes, "The Star-Spangled Banner" at 5. Observation during these musical periods, known respectively as reveille and retreat, should