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  • It is not about you, but it is all up to you

    I recently took command of the 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and as I was going through the transition I finally discovered my personal definition of "Service Before Self." When placed into a position of influence it is very easy to start to think that everything is about you. Whether you are

  • Airmen's message to those who lead

    Last week I was fortunate enough to be asked to serve as a member of the Airmen's panel at the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Professional Enhancement Seminar. I was excited to speak beside two sharp Airmen to a group of soon-to-be senior NCOs who wanted an Airman's perspective on their role as

  • Team, Time, Train

    If you are like me and you enjoy participating in any of myriad events and ceremonies throughout Team Dover, you have probably observed that many organizations have outstanding cheers and chants that they bellow to recognize their members in public forums. It is quite easy to notice, for example,

  • Be ready

    How do you know if you are ready to command or lead? There is no foolproof checklist, manual or an Air Force Instruction that gives you a step by step instruction on how to be an effective leader. But what you can do is prepare yourself. To prepare myself to command the Comptroller Squadron, I

  • Your most important job

    Throughout my career I have heard many people say, "the most important job you will have in the Air Force is ..." Some officers say squadron commander, others say group commander. Enlisted leaders will sometimes say being a first sergeant or a squadron superintendent. Others say, "It's the job you

  • Fourth of July holiday safety speak

    Every summer, folks pause to remember and celebrate the birth of our nation. We pay tribute to those who risked their lives in order to create a free society. Additionally, many of us recall those who have gone before, since the final signature was written on that declaration 236 years ago. This

  • The Courageous 56

    When 56 courageous patriots put their signatures to a single piece of parchment 236 years ago, the course of world history changed in an instant. Although we celebrate the fourth day of July as Independence Day, it should not be lost on us that those signatures were the culmination of months of

  • Service to country is more than patriotism - it's helping others

    "Daddy, why did you join the Air Force?" All three of my sons have asked me this simple, yet difficult-to-explain in a short answer, question. My simple responses have always alluded to the fact that I love this nation of free people and how serving in the military is more than just a job, as it

  • Leaders: born or made?

    Let me start by saying that if I had the real answer to this question, I wouldn't look at Powerball winners with envy. I'd be buying countries with "straight cash, homie," as San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss would say.In its rawest form, the only thing required for one to be considered a

  • This Memorial Day remember those who served and make safety a priority

    Each and every day of service you give to our Nation, you are honoring the men and women who have given their lives in defense of freedom. With the Memorial Day weekend upon us, please pause a moment to reflect on those who came before us. Courageous men and women whose selfless devotion secured the