Commentary

“History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower USAFE has been entrusted with an incredible responsibility – to defend freedom and democracy.  We’ve performed this mission flawlessly for more than 60 years and continue to rise to the occasion.  […]

Ten years ago, the Air Force embarked on an unprecedented community
campaign to prevent suicides. The following 11 initiatives of the Air
Force Suicide Prevention Program focus on our core value that every
Airman is a wingman and responsible for taking care of each other.

Q Last week I was driving toward the West Gate to
leave the base. It was almost dark. I was coming around the curve.
There was a bicyclist riding in the right lane bottlenecking traffic.
There was a bicycle path parallel to the road just on the other side of
the curb. The rider was wearing a yellow reflective belt. However,
because the rider was bent over, the belt was barely visible. This
created an unsafe situation for the rider, a traffic hazard for the
motorists, and a traffic slow-down.  I realize that a bicycle is a
vehicle and has certain rights on the road. However, if there is a
bicycle path parallel to the road, shouldn

This past February, in my Letter to Airmen addressing our three USAF
Core Values, I shared these thoughts on Service Before Self:

As USAFE Wingmen, we rely on each other every day to make responsible
choices when faced with hazards on and off duty. Our military community
depends on this culture to preserve our war fighting capability. Every
action is weighed against a desired benefit. When we weigh risks, we
must honestly appreciate the full value of our health and lives. In
USAFE, we must assume risk. Our daily training and execution efforts
involve a necessary level of risk that we assume for an important
benefit: mission accomplishment.
Uncontrolled hazards and unsafe acts represent an unnecessary risk to our team and our mission.

Perfecting leadership skills is a challenge for everyone, independent
of rank. Every Air Force member is a leader and all of us can use a
little help every now and then. Over the years I have instilled a
simple formula for staying ahead of the power curve. I call it OPAL for
Observe, Prioritize, Anticipate and Listen. 

This past month the KMC has experienced multiple driving while
intoxicated incidents. Fortunately, no one has lost his or her life.
The Air Force does a remarkable job providing for its members and
provides a platform for success. Training and education are routinely
made available, not only in our professions, but also for lifestyle and
safety. Our part of the deal is to use that knowledge for success,
growth and service. Sadly, not all take advantage of the opportunities
provided and often find a more difficult road to follow that is
sometimes filled with lost careers and even the loss of human life.