Commentary

Over the course of the past year, my fellow 86th Airlift Wing squadron commanders have provided leadership insight from their experiences in command. I wanted to take this opportunity to build upon their insight and expand it by highlighting the leadership opportunities that are brought forth to the Airmen of […]

As we all reflect back on our own Extremism Stand-down experiences, it is vital that we keep the conversation open. We have to keep asking questions, keep engaging with each other, most important of all, keep learning and growing. I would argue that few, if any of us, have “arrived.” […]

Our society loves buzzwords. Many people often gravitate to speaking the language of the latest trend or fad, while attempting to capitalize on those words in a variety of ways. As I sat with this thought, I began to focus on some of the words that circulate in my circles […]

“What is your leadership philosophy?” This was the question put to me shortly after I found out that I would be taking over as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 86th Airlift Wing. I previously led two small legal offices, as well as teams of legal experts, but never a […]

If you are a tea lover or have been around the tea culture, it should be no surprise to you when it comes to the social significance placed on serving and having tea. Tea symbolizes hospitality, community, and family tradition. Tea connoisseur Mary Lou Heiss once said, “A simple cup […]

“Why am I so sad today?” a leader remarked in the middle of a meeting. We were discussing the updated pandemic restrictions, how to lead in this challenging environment and how to instill some hope. His comment reflected a common emotion; this feeling of sadness and hopelessness, despite that everything […]

When the clock tolled midnight and the calendar flipped to a new year last month, I know I was not alone in my eagerness to say, “Good riddance!” to 2020 — a most challenging and dismal year in many ways. We are all too familiar with the litany of hurdles […]