• Proud to serve

    While assigned to serve Airmen of a remarkable unit, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, I continue to note one of the most humbling experiences in my 26-year tenure, the opportunity to stand on the grounds of the Air Force Memorial. Like most experiences, they only become important when we assign and

  • New commander poised for AFDW's future

    Today I took command of the Air Force District Washington. Sharon and I would like to thank everyone for the great welcome. I am thrilled for the opportunity to command AFDW and build upon your accomplishments under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Robert Smolen. I am eager to get out and meet with you

  • The price of freedom is eternal vigilance

    As we look to celebrate our nation's Independence Day, our fellow warriors are serving around the globe to insure America remains strong and free. Each of you, as part of the "Chief's Own," plays a vital role in protecting and preserving our American way of life, ensuring our children and our

  • Time gone bye

    Time flies when you are having fun and it seems like just the other day I accepted the twin guidons signifying the Air Force District of Washington and the Air Force National Capital Region. What an amazing time this has been. We stood the command up at Bolling, reorganized Andrews Air Force Base,

  • Face-to-face communication key in knowing your people

    We have all been ingrained with the definition of leadership. After reading numerous professional military education articles, one could recite a phrase that would probably sound like, "Leadership is the art or the ability of an individual to influence and direct others to contribute toward the

  • Keeping a positive attitude

    As I was driving to work this morning watching the many different people on the Beltway 500, a word stuck in my mind. The word was "attitude." Thinking of this word brings to mind things like how we look at one another, how we act toward one another and how we feel toward each other. Attitude is one

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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,

  • "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