19 Mar 2007

The bottom three: Leaving your mark

I recently came across a series of questions, the origin of which is somewhat sketchy. I take no personal credit for them, but I think they offer an excellent opportunity for all of us to reflect on our roles as leaders. The questions posed here are not direct quotations, but capture the essence of the argument. Regardless of rank or position, I

9 Mar 2007

Retirement ceremony fitting end to AF career

Today, Lt. Gen. Christopher Kelly, Air Mobility Command vice commander will retire a great Airman, Col. Chris Coley, the 62nd Airlift Wing director of staff. His retirement has made me reflect on the many retirement ceremonies I've attended and presided over throughout my years in the Air Force. Retirements are unique ceremonies, different from any

9 Mar 2007

‘Airmen first’ concept reality for changing Air Force

Putting on your uniform and wearing your stripes is not something to be taken lightly. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley said it best: "Serving as an Airman is an honor that thousands of young Americans want, but do not attain ..." There are currently more than 38,000 enlisted Airmen serving in more than 100 career fields in

9 Mar 2007

The U.S. Constitution: A document worth defending

"We the people ..." You probably recognize these words. They are the first three words on the document we swore to support and defend -- the Constitution of the United States of America. "In order to form a more perfect union ..." Almost 230 years ago, on Sep. 17, 1787, 39 sons of liberty signed this historic document establishing our basis of

2 Mar 2007

Testing for promotion requires dedication, determination

How badly do you want that next stripe? Testing for promotion should not be taken lightly. Planning, concentration and determination are the keys to successful test-taking. The material covered in both the promotion fitness exam and skill knowledge test require the individual's complete understanding. It's your responsibility to prepare yourselves.

2 Mar 2007

MOBEX will train Airmen to meet AF needs

Next week, the wing will undergo an initial response exercise, testing our ability to get our Airmen out the door and to the fight, wherever it may be. With nearly 600 Airmen currently deployed from McChord, we are proving our ability to bring the fight to the frontlines of freedom everyday. While deploying may seem second nature to us now, so many

2 Mar 2007

Women aviators: Role models for Airmen

It's that time of year when we celebrate the accomplishments of some of my favorite people -- women. With Women's History month approaching, I thought I'd take this opportunity to introduce you to someone who should figure as a role model for any of us in the airlift business and add to your understanding of Air Force history as a whole. Her name

23 Feb 2007

Improvements, innovation require every Airman

These past two weeks, Team McChord was honored with visits from a number of Air Force leaders. We welcomed Gen. Duncan McNabb, the Air Mobility Command commander; Maj. Gen. James Hawkins, the 18th Air Force commander; and Maj. Gen. Scott Gray, the Air Mobility Warfare Center and Rodeo commander. Throughout the course of their visits, McChord Airmen

23 Feb 2007

Top enlisted members become influences for success

Tonight we will recognize seven of McChord's new chiefs and chief selects. Planning for the responsibility of a promotion is not limited. It's an ongoing mission that continues all the way to our highest enlisted tier, including the promotion to chief. Assuming the highest enlisted grade is a big step. You must be prepared to distinguish yourself

23 Feb 2007

Presidents Day provides perspective to Airmen

We paused this third Monday in February to celebrate Presidents Day, a day set aside to principally honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, both born in February. Their contributions are timeless, and each overcame obstacles that set our country on its path to greatness. But, Presidents Day has evolved to celebrate all presidents, and