• The importance of mentorship

    When I worked at U.S. Africa Command, the organization took steps to connect its member countries and cultures, to include referencing local proverbs during meetings.The most frequently mentioned saying was; "If you want to travel fast, travel alone; if you want to travel far, travel together."This

  • A goal without a plan is just a wish

    A wise commander once told me that you miss 100 percent of the shots that you do not take.He was not referring to basketball games or golf, firearms or call of duty.Can you imagine what professional basketball would be like if Michael Jordan had given up on playing when he was cut from his high

  • How to be a Great Wingman: A fighter pilot's perspective

    I recently had the privilege of hosting a couple of squadron tours for some of Vance's youngest enlisted Airmen from the 71st Medical Group because of the outstanding initiative of Tech. Sgts. Dave and Jennifer Dibello. While briefing these young Airmen, I correlated what it means to be a fighter

  • The Power of Influence

    As a deputy director of a force support squadron, it has become very clear to me that mentoring is the key to an organization's success. My mentors have shown me that being a mentoring leader and not a dictator, builds unity, loyalty and dedication to the mission among your followers. In other

  • From D-Day to today: Spiritual health remains key

    VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Comprehensive Airmen Fitness is a combination of programs and activities designed to make Airmen resilient so they can make good life choices.CAF is composed of physical, mental, social and spiritual components or pillars. Numerous agencies on base are available to

  • Is there enough time to go back and do it over?

    In today's fast-paced world we all feel pressure related to time. At any one time we are all tackling projects, tasks and other obligations in both our professional and personal lives that place demands on the precious hours and minutes in our 24-hour day. Add in the time we want to spend with

  • Anniversaries are a time for reflection

    New Year's, anniversaries, birthdays, sunrises, sunsets, etc...we have an almost instinctive desire to measure time, and significant moments in time are often when we stop to reflect. Did we get everything accomplished today? Are we where we want to be in life? Have we met our goals? Do we have

  • Share your story, help an Airman

    Public speaking is most people's worst fear. I've seen many good Airmen fail to earn their Community College of the Air Force degree because they did not want to take Public Speaking, a course necessary to transition from a technician to a leader.A bigger fear is sharing an embarrassing mistake from

  • A dash: that little time in between

    Have you ever given thought to what a dash can represent? It meant little to me until Dec. 26, 2010, when my Dad lost his battle with cancer.As the oldest child, I was charged with coordinating funeral arrangements, to include writing his obituary. Summarizing my Dad's short, but rewarding life,

  • Are you ready to transition out of your uniform?

    Leaving the military is not as simple as staying home the day after your service commitment is up.Almost 23 years ago, after a summer vacation that lasted less than 48 hours, I showed up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with about 1,000 of my new closest friends.Fast forward to the present, and it is