• Perimeter FP construction begins

    Team Vance -- Gott Road extension is a reality on Monday! As some of you may have heard, we officially break ground on the first step of our force protection efforts on the base's northern perimeter, the Gott Road extension. You'll recall that many Team Vance members (Col Fred Cheney, John Cole,

  • Reservist 'proud to serve' in civilian, military organizations

    As a member of the Air Force Reserve, I lead what you may call a "double life." On Monday, I was a civilian flying for a major airline. Today, I'm an Air Force officer commanding the 5th Flying Training Squadron. As you might imagine, managing the demands of these two jobs can be hectic. Someone

  • Team Vance -- take care of each other

    Team Vance -- Keep an eye on your Wingman! I'm writing this week's article from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, where I am attending the 19th Air Force Commander's Conference/Air Education and Training Command Health and Wellness Center (squadron commander selection board) and of the many important

  • The strength of tradition: the United States Marine Corps

    Hold the traditions which ye have been taught. II Thessalonians Marine Corps Order 5060.12D directs that on Nov. 10, the graves of deceased commandants of the Marine Corps be visited. At a minimum, a field grade officer, an NCO and a bugler, attired in dress blue uniform, visit each commandant's

  • VAFB grows with new construction projects

    Team Vance -- just look at how we've grown! As we enter late October and the beginning of fiscal '05, you'll note we continue through construction projects to upgrade our base's facilities and infrastructure. Of note are our new enlisted homes and the opening of Gott Road. If you haven't noticed,

  • Good leadership is leading, integrity, caring

    Quick, somebody give me a definition of leadership. No, don't go running for Webster's Dictionary. I don't want the "book" answer. I want to know what leadership means to you. What exactly is good leadership? How do you define it? What makes one person a better leader than another? Was General

  • Fall Fest, care packages bring VAFB smiles

    Team Vance -- we are blessed to have a proactive logistics readiness squadron! It was great to see so many Team Vance families at Wednesday's Fall Fest. The LRS, along with several volunteers, put together a great array of sponsors and food that put a smile on everyone's face I saw (despite the

  • A little recognition goes a long way

    If you read my last article, you may recall I discussed my opinion on loyalty and commitment to our military and our nation. In a nut shell, my feelings are, if you give one day or 30 years, and gave 100 percent during that time fulfilling whatever service commitment you incurred, you are a great

  • Accidents happen to anyone

    Greetings Team Vance! Having read all the articles about safety and driving, I never expected an automobile accident to happen to me, but it did. It can happen to you too! On Sept. 26, while Colonel Callan enjoyed NFL football, I took the girls on an adventure to a friend's house southeast of

  • Got a problem? -- Attack it with optimism

    Secretary of State (and retired Army general) Colin Powell once said, "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." Seeing what happened in the Persian Gulf under his watch, this statement couldn't be truer. History is full of examples of how optimism played a key role in the successful achievement of