7 Jun 2007

Dress Right, Dress

Recently I participated in an open-ranks inspection with our commander. As I was standing in formation, I noticed many people walking by and staring at us. I could tell they were wondering what we were doing, but nobody stopped to ask, although some did take the time to watch. Standing there and taking all of this in, I felt proud that we were

29 May 2007

Ride the iron horse with respect for yourself, the machine and environment

I have enjoyed motorcycle riding ever since owning my first "Iron Horse," a Honda Nighthawk, back in 1983. There's just something exhilarating about riding - the tough-guy image, the carefree feeling and the intoxicating rush of invincibility. But in all my years of riding, I have always kept focused on three life-saving elements - respect for

16 May 2007

Memorial Day - A time of reflections

The senseless tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, stirred the spirit of patriotism and unity in the hearts of all Americans. Some of us remember how deep our emotions ran when we heard those powerful words, "United We Stand" and "God Bless America." We rallied around military personnel and their families, hugged strangers, wore patriotic T-shirts, proudly

14 May 2007

"Cross into the Blue"

You may see this phrase as one part of a U.S. Air Force advertising campaign, but it's much more than that. It applies to all Airmen: active duty, Guard and Reserve, and is a state of mind. The Air Force is not just another job; it's a profession and a way of life. Whether you give four years or make it a career, only you can decide whether you're

17 Apr 2007

Stand up against sexual assault, make a difference

April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise awareness and promote prevention of sexual assault. The 2007 Department of Defense theme, "Stand Up Against Sexual Assault - Make a Difference," asks us to help cultivate an atmosphere that fosters respect and makes evident our intolerance for sexual assault of any kind. One element of

30 Jan 2007

Picture me rollin'

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit in a $380,000 Italian sports car? I had the amazing opportunity to sit in a Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster Jan. 24 at the 2007 Washington Auto Show. This hand-made machine does zero to 60 in 3.4 seconds, goes more than 200 miles per hour and felt like it was made just for me. As I entered the

26 Oct 2006

Do you have faith in the system?

Major corporations pay thousands of dollars a year to identify shortcomings in organizational structure and personnel development. If they fail to do so they may lose their competitive edge. In the Air Force, if we fail to do so we risk our freedoms. If you've ever taken a moment to study "The Little Blue Book," United States Air Force Core Values,

28 Sep 2006

316th Wing expands the AFDW

I am delighted to have the honor and privilege to welcome Col. Paul Ackerley and the rest of the members of the 316th Wing into the Air Force District of Washington's rapidly expanded family.On behalf of your teammates at the 11th Wing at Bolling, the 79th Medical Wing at Andrews AFB, and the newly redesignated Air Force Pentagon Communications

28 Sep 2006

To 'Sir,' with much love and respect

In January 2004, a new wing leader took his seat as 11th Wing commander here in the command section on the 3rd floor.Shortly, after then Col. Duane A. Jones' arrival, it was very apparent to many that we had received a special "gift" from the vice chief of staff's office.In his opening remarks at his change of command as the new 11th Wing

28 Sep 2006

Bolling ready for showtime

We have successfully navigated the reactivation of the Air Force District of Washington and our various homeland-defense organizations and roles to the point where we can say with strong confidence: We are ready for the events ahead.Starting today, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche starts his last week at the helm. His farewell