13 Oct 2009

Character Corner: Ways of being

Leading and teaching are two prominent activities at the Air Force Academy,and they embrace some similar and very important ideals. Modeling a sense of being and authenticity is one of those common ideals. Parker Palmer, author of "The Courage to Teach," recently gave a speech in Denver exhorting teachers, like leaders, to model and encourage a

5 Oct 2009

Character Corner: Why CCLD?

Thursday, the Center for Character Development became the Center for Character and Leadership Development. This change is more than skin deep -- the new center has new capabilities, new focus areas, a new mindset, and eventually a new building. These are all designed to help all at USAFA become more effective at our fundamental mission --

28 Sep 2009

Character Corner: Break the habit

"It's only a lot of reading if you read it all." This line, spoken by a prep school exemplar, predictably drew strong applause from the school-weary audience. Another line, often greeted with chuckles and nods, comes far more frequently and usually from more mundane speakers: "You only get in trouble if you get caught." Both of these truisms are

26 Sep 2009

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year around this time I'm approached by people with the same question. "Hey, Chief," they say, "why do we have to have Hispanic Heritage Month? Aren't we all Americans?" I never argue that a bit, but there's more to it. I'm sure you know we celebrate African-American/Black History Month in February, Women's History Month in March,

15 Sep 2009

Character Corner: Who's watching

Several years ago, a young man who had grown up in our church was receiving a very special professional honor.During the service,many people looked on in admiration as he,who had grown from a child to a young man in their midst, was showing that he had pursued a high calling and had been recognized in his pursuit of service. Afterward,he went up to

11 Sep 2009

Eight years later, a tragedy remembered

It's been eight years exactly since the fateful day when 19 men with hearts full of hatred flew airliners into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pa., eight years since our nation lost its innocence. Eight years later, I have a hard time finding words adequate to express the nation's emotions on that day and the days

4 Sep 2009

AOG welcomes Class of 2013

On behalf of the Association of Graduates, I'm honored to extend congratulations to the Class of 2013 upon completion of Basic Cadet Training -- the first hurdle in your cadet careers. Approximately 42,000 graduates before you have endured the rigors of this beginning tradition. It is one of the many cadet experiences that will bond you as a class

4 Sep 2009

Prep school welcomes all for Parents' Weekend

On behalf of the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School staff and faculty, I would like to welcome you to Colorado Springs and your United States Air Force Academy, the premier center of excellence in developing Leaders of Character in service to our nation. Your son or daughter is demonstrating outstanding commitment and determination

4 Sep 2009

Superintendent welcomes parents, guests

Welcome to the Air Force Academy and congratulations on your cadet's outstanding achievements since he or she arrived as a member of the Class of 2013. History has proven ongoing support from family and friends plays a huge role in fostering an overall successful cadet experience at the Academy. This weekend is for you. It will reveal the life of

28 Aug 2009

Slow down for final denial barriers

You find yourself driving home from work on a Friday afternoon. You can't wait to hit the local restaurants with family and friends, but what is this ... you have to slow down from 45 mph to 25 mph, and then all the way to 20 mph? What are these gate barriers all about anyway? The final denial barriers are part of USAFA's Antiterrorism Plan and a