30 Oct 2007

Air Force values and driving while drunk

The Air Force Core Values are no secret: integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do. We have also heard many times "do not drink and drive." We've heard that mantra so many times that we've probably become numb to it and stopped listening. We begin to believe "that will never happen to me." Yet, arrests for driving under the

22 Oct 2007

When to lead, when to manage

Whether you are in a leadership position or acting in a follower capacity, one of the most introspective discussions is the difference between being a manager and being a leader. In the military, leadership is stressed in every situation as "the way ahead" and all too often management is assumed to be an associated element. Today's Air Force

15 Oct 2007

OPSEC -- needed more than ever

As life becomes more and more involved in the "electronic" world, the ability to protect information along with the vulnerability to attack increases greatly. When sending an e-mail, submitting a form, or shopping online, it can't be guaranteed where information goes or how it's protected. Military operations have significantly increased in

2 Oct 2007

AF Portal – one-stop shop for local information

When the Air Force Portal was first introduced many servicemebers believed it was not user friendly. Airmen could not easily find the information they sought. Additionally, servicemembers had to still log into various Web sites, such as the Assignment Management System, Leaveweb or virtual Military Personal Flight, to conduct any online business.

27 Sep 2007

Alcohol can change your life

(ACCNS) -- I didn't think. I didn't do the right thing. I threw it all away. Respect, trust, integrity ... ... all washed away with each tip of the bottle. It happened all because I decided to drink the morning of May 28 and tried to go to work while I was legally drunk. I made it worse by trying to drive a government vehicle while still under the

25 Sep 2007

Is it time for purple ECS?

Expeditionary combat support is the foundation upon which the Air Force projects power around the globe. Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing and the Air Force continue to support operations abroad. Airmen not deployed stay trained and ready to deploy at a moments notice to anywhere on the globe. ECS consists of units specializing in engineering,

30 Aug 2007

Ellsworth conserves for brighter future <br> Shining a light on EO 13423

President George Bush issued Executive Order 13423 tasking federal agencies to be an ecologically responsible example through the execution of their missions in an "environmentally, economically and fiscally sound, integrated, continuously improving, efficient and sustainable manner." The global economy is burning through non-renewable energy

13 Aug 2007

Start out right

In my 29-years of service, I've experienced many changes resulting from the Air Force constantly evolving to adapt for the future. Each evolution came with fast-paced decisions to deal with sudden change. But one thing remained constant: the need for junior leaders to stand-out -- engrained with the pride to fulfill "basic leadership 101." This may

9 Aug 2007

Don't judge a book by its cover

Hundreds of motorcycles flanked me from front to back during the military appreciation ride to Sturgis Aug 7. I got a sinking feeling as my 1978 Suzuki GS750 sat unresponsive on the entrance to Interstate 90. The bike came from the base resale "lemon lot" but is in great condition except for a minor electrical glitch that surfaced a couple days

7 Aug 2007

Yes we can

These days, I hear a lot of our hard-working professional men and women voicing some very valid concerns on the amount of taskings we have and the things we're being asked to do. We're being asked to deploy more than ever. We're told we have to continue to exercise and validate for the headquarters inspector general some things this wing has been