• Staying persistent

    Over the years, I've received a lot advice on how to be successful. I want to share with you the one piece of advice that has given me the most payoff: "persistence" or the act of persisting, especially in spite of opposition, obstacles or discouragement.As an Airman, I set goals for myself, wrote

  • Veterans Day: The real heroes

    Veterans Day is coming. I remember marching in the Veterans Day parade in San Angelo, Texas, last year. And I remember my feelings as if that parade was yesterday. As my formation wound its way along the route, I was amazed to see the size of the crowds. It seemed the entire town came out to honor

  • Insight to the assignment system

    I've been involved with the Air Force assignment system for more than 20 years and I want to share a few tips to help prepare you for your follow-on assignment after Kunsan Air Base or increase your chances for your dream assignments later in your career. Follow these tips and your assignment

  • The new ACE

    In this ever-slimming Air Force, we see force reductions in many different ways. To succeed, we must thrive in our jobs and as Airmen. We should strengthen our force by highlighting members who rise above others. As Airmen, we are not afforded many opportunities to put ourselves out there and show

  • Standards? What standards?

    Recently, I was asked the difference between a good NCO and a great NCO. Well, I answered the question as best I could but failed to mention "standards." You see, a good NCO sets his sights on just "meeting" standards, while a great NCO is continually trying to "exceed" standards and motivates his

  • Look beyond the bullet

    Have you ever heard someone say, "You should do that; it would make a great bullet"?Bullets on an enlisted performance report can be daunting when the pressure to go the extra mile replaces the motivation for self-improvement and a dedication to serve.Last time I checked, the Air Force motto wasn't

  • Heat adaptation: Preparing the human weapon system

    The summer season is in full swing here at Kunsan Air Base. Along with the good times associated with this time of year comes a host of human performance threats to include heat stress.In the last two years alone, the 8th Medical Group has treated 14 heat-illness cases. There are some variables we

  • The perfect Airman

    I'm the perfect Airman ... let me explain.Throughout my career, I've always come in to work on time. Well normally anyway. My uniform always looks sharp, though sometimes I could use a haircut and I might miss a spot shaving.I have a spotless record, unless you consider that I have received a few

  • Nutritional supplements: Buyer beware

    In January 2011 a dietary supplement company based out of Southern Florida announced a recall of one of their weight loss supplements. The reason for the recall was the supplement contained a Food and Drug Administration regulated drug, commonly used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, but

  • Commentary: Spot the Heroes

    While over-the-top villains and superheroes steal the spotlight, others, the real heroes, shy away from it. It is the reason most people know names like Tony Stark, Peter Parker, and Bruce Wayne, yet they do not recognize the names of Tech. Sgt. Tony Whitley, Airman 1st Class Alex Tilling and Airman