11 May 2007

Show a spirit of service: volunteer

A spirit of service runs deep within those who choose to wear our nation's uniform. Many of you have served our country on distant shores, placing yourselves in harm's way so that others might know peace, freedom and a better way of life. It's important to remember that you can bring that same profound change to people living in your local

4 May 2007

Serving overseas: An often overlooked benefit of military service

Wow, what a wonderful two weeks we just had. My family and I just returned from leave in Germany, and I don't think we've ever had a better vacation. We took long peaceful walks through thick forests, had coffee in a 700-year-old village, cruised on the Rhine River and crawled through tunnels under what was once one of the mightiest castles in

4 May 2007

Education leads to success in more ways than one

Today, we'll recognize the hard work of those who've earned their degrees during the combined college graduation ceremony. Education not only opens the doors to opportunity, but the process of learning also encourages you to explore your full potential. This is a reward no one can take. I just completed two of three classes that I recently signed

4 May 2007

Education vital to better future

Today, I have the honor of presenting military and civilian graduates from several colleges, local and national, including the Community College of the Air Force, their diplomas.The diplomas are more than pieces of paper; they are symbols of months and years of hard work and dedication in the pursuit of excellence. From the day each Airman enters

30 Apr 2007

Remembering fellow Chief Master Sgt. Paul Pritchard

It's very rare in the Air Force to lose someone who's still on duty after serving more than 30 years. This week, I want to pay respects to a fellow chief, Chief Master Sgt. Paul Pritchard. While we mourn his loss, I want to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments of his life. Chief Pritchard was the flight chief of the Blue

30 Apr 2007

Making correct decisions prevents future problems

Recently, I mentioned to my first sergeant that I was scheduled to write an article for the Northwest Airlifter, but didn't have any good ideas.My first sergeant, being a pretty smart individual, suggested I write about people taking the time to make good decisions. Humans make wrong decisions about work, finances, family issues -- the list goes

27 Apr 2007

Airmen help each other through teamwork

Recently, Team McChord concluded its Air Force Assistance Fund campaign. Thanks to the generosity of McChord Airmen and the hard work of our campaign volunteers, we reached our goal of 100 percent contact and exceeded our dollar goal for donations, with a greater percentage of our Airmen contributing than at any other base in Air Mobility Command!

20 Apr 2007

Why he serves: Foreign born Airman fulfills lifelong dream

Recently, I recognized one of our medics as a squadron quarterly award winner. That same week in a staff meeting I was publicly congratulating that Airman who had just been sworn in as a U.S. citizen. Intrigued by his successes, I wanted to learn more and spent some time speaking with this remarkable young man. He has been in the Air Force less

20 Apr 2007

Air Force’s success depends on each Airman’s attitude

Over the years, through a combination of experience, leadership training and empowerment, the Air Force has developed highly effective enlisted leaders. These Airmen are not only responsible for ensuring mission success, they are also charged with the professional and personal development of those they supervise. Although this is a demanding role,

20 Apr 2007

Marking milestones to excellence

Monday, our inspectors from Air Mobility Command congratulated the 62nd Airlift Wing for a job well done on our Nuclear Surety Inspection. Out of five areas of inspection, we received four "outstandings" and one "excellent." This level of excellence is what I've come to expect from the men and women of McChord, and you never disappoint me. I want