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  • The basic steps to keeping Dover AFB strong

    Lt. Col. Darrell Smith said in the Dec. 7 Airlifter's article, "there is something special here at Dover..." and I couldn't agree more! Since my arrival this past summer, I've thought the very same thing and have told countless people that "Dover feels good." I was not sure how to articulate why I

  • Respect Your Fellow Airman

    It has been almost 14 years since I raised my hand and was sworn in to serve this great nation as a commissioned dental officer in the Air Force. I have learned in that time that we all work for someone, and we all have customers. The customers come in all shapes and sizes, some wear suits and

  • Good old fashioned initiative

    One of the most rewarding things I have been able to do as a commander is sit down with many young Airmen and officers and mentor them. One common question I get is "what is the key to success in the military?" Well as you can see in the title I've already tipped you off on what one of my responses

  • "I am Air Force Energy"

    October is Energy Awareness Month. This year's theme is "I am Air Force Energy." As the theme implies, whether you are a military member, civilian or contractor, your ideas are vital to improving efficiency. In the last 6 years, Airmen in Air Mobility Command have reduced aviation fuel consumption 4

  • How do you derive your self-worth?

    Growing up I never gave much thought to what I valued and the things I let define me as a person. As a child and teen I had a laser-focus on getting through school and earning a college scholarship. Given my family background, I also knew I wanted to serve as an Army officer; more specifically, gain

  • No connection like the bond made with fellow Airmen

    Twenty-four years ago, I would have told you I was joining the military, specifically the Air Force, because a close church family took me to an air show at Dobbins Air Force Base, Ga., when I was 12 years old and I was immediately captivated. The beautiful base, the shiny aircraft, the uniforms and

  • A day of service

    In 2009, Congress designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day, I think it is fitting that we remember and honor the innocent lives taken during that vicious attack by renewing our commitment of service to our Nation. As the son of an Air Force NCO, I grew up

  • Two rules

    Today's Air Force isn't that much different than it was 23 years ago when I entered the Air Force. Our uniforms have changed, but one thing remained constant: we've never had enough people, money or time. Granted, back then, we had more people, but we also had more bases and airplanes. Not having

  • Lessons from a true Wingman

    August 3, 1992, the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and the hopes of a nation rest on the shoulders and legs of Derek Redmond. Derek Redmond held the British record for the 400-meter sprint and had won gold medals in the 4x400-meter relay at the World Championships, European Championships and the

  • A letter to 18th Air Force Airmen

    To the Airmen of our great global mobility enterprise: thank you!Last week I had the honor of becoming your 18th Air Force Commander. I can honestly say there are few experiences more rewarding and humbling than command, and even more so when it is command of our Air Force's largest Numbered Air