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  • Move away from your computer

    The Air Force Professional Development Guide states, "Subordinate leadership development is one of the most important responsibilities of every Air Force leader. Developing future leaders should be one of your highest priorities. Your legacy and the future of the Air force rest on the shoulders of

  • Leadership is action, not position

    As one of the newest squadron commanders at Ellsworth, one of my first priorities was to educate the members of my squadron on my leadership philosophy. The purpose of this article is to share this philosophy with you. The tenets are basic but sometimes assumed or taken for granted. At the end of

  • Embracing change

    Benjamin Franklin once said, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." While this quote holds to be true, it neglects to mention one, clear inevitability - the certainty of change. Change is all around us, and whether it is pleasant or unpleasant; gradual or

  • Air Force motorcycle policies protect riders, others

    According to the Department of Defense, there have been 50 servicemember fatalities resulting from private vehicle accidents since the beginning of the 2008 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign. Of the 50, only five were from the Air Force, a great reduction from the 19 fatalities our service

  • Are you willing to cross the line - is it worth the risk?

    It's an awesome point in one's life when a young man or woman chooses to take a bold step of faith, raises their right hand and swears to defend our great country against all enemies foreign and domestic. From that point on, whether enlisted or officer, one sets off on a difficult path that requires

  • Increased rains, increased snakes

    In recent weeks, snake sightings have increased throughout various parts of Ellsworth. These sightings, coupled with warm weather, are due to the recent heavy amounts of rainfall pushing the snakes upward from their usual living habitat. The three snakes sighted most often are: the Plains Garter

  • Integrity -- more than just a word

    Integrity First is one of our core values. All Airmen are expected to know and live by this and the other two core values: Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. While raising my three boys, I often thought about what they saw me do. What kind of example would I set for them if I didn't

  • Remembering the cloth and paper

    In late May 1776, three men from the continental Congress, including Gen. George Washington, visited a struggling upholsterer and asked her to sew a flag - Mrs. Betsy Ross took their request to heart. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress declared the flag of the United States would have

  • How, when to begin filling a civilian vacancy

    One way to cut down on the time needed to fill a civilian vacancy is to begin earlier, Air Force Personnel Center officials said recently. "Supervisors can submit a request for personnel action at any time to their local Civilian Personnel Office," said Cathy Smoak, Human Resource Specialist, Air

  • Discipline: Have we lost it?

    Discipline. What does this mean to you? According to Webster's dictionary, discipline means "training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior" or "a systematic method to maintain obedience." All military members receive training throughout their careers regarding standards