Jun 10, 2019

Reflections of a loyal heretic

For the past two years as commander of the 517th Training Group and Assistant Commandant of Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, America has entrusted thousands of its sons and daughters to my care. The previous Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, emphasized the importance of these service members in the 2018 National Defense Strategy stating, “The creativity and talent of the American warfighter is our greatest enduring strength and one we do not take for granted.” Our obligation as leaders of these warfighters is best captured in a single phrase, “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

Jun 17, 2019

Words Matter

Many of us have heard the phrase “words matter,” or at least I have. On multiple occasions throughout my career, I was gruff and blunt with expressing my opinions to junior and senior members alike.

May 14, 2019

Resiliency Toolkit: The power of a positive thought

Many of you have probably been in a situation where nothing seems to be going right and every step you move forward, something hits you in the face, knocking you two steps back. In these moments, your biggest adversary becomes your own mind.

Apr 5, 2019

The Importance of a Growth Mindset

In her March 2019 article, Chief Master Sgt. Shae Gee, 17th Mission Support Group superintendent,

Mar 5, 2019

Do You Lead by the “Right” Example?

We are taught throughout our careers in the Air Force to lead by example, be competent, have a

Jan 24, 2018

The Leadership Laboratory

Leadership seems to be the answer to everything! When things go right…to some extent a person would say, “it was because of great leadership.” However, if something was to go terribly wrong, it is ultimately the responsibility of leadership, hence, their fault. And how would you fix or repair a problem? Of course, with good leadership!

Apr 9, 2018

Being Awesome Airmen

I don’t claim to be awesome. My authority to write on this topic is owed to the great honor and

Apr 18, 2018

Professional Development: Every Airman has a role

The Oxford Dictionary defines professional development as “the development of competence or

Jun 13, 2018

The birth of an army

On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress formally established an American Continental

Jun 27, 2018

In five seconds

What can you do in five seconds?  In five seconds, the average person blinks once.  Every five

Jul 9, 2018

Is it worth it?

As a 20 year officer and three time commander, I have had my share of highs and lows during my

Aug 7, 2018

The Key to Greatness

If you attended Stars and Stripes last week, you heard Chief Kirkpatrick’s closing words about

Oct 4, 2018

An Aspiration to Serve

Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m., Chief Stein and I walk into the Event Center to greet Airmen newly

Jan 9, 2018

Balancing fair and equal

The fundamental goal of a Command Team should be to establish an organizational climate that is