Commentaries

  • The Air Force Assistance Fund: Airmen helping Airmen

    Some 15 years ago, I was a new flight surgeon deployed to Europe under bare-base conditions to arguably what would become the largest air refueling base in history. I was in over my head but fortunately, I deployed with an experienced NCO and relied heavily on his knowledge for first several weeks.

  • Strengthening our culture of commitment

    As we sprint into the spring semester, I'd like to expand on one of our strategic imperatives: our Culture of Commitment and Climate of Respect for all at the Air Force's Academy. Lately, I've been citing political theorist Thomas Paine, "What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is

  • Academy to host 2014 Nat'l Prayer Luncheon Feb. 13

    The U.S. is arguably the most diverse nation on earth. Our founding fathers dreamt of a land welcoming diverse cultures, lifestyles and varying world views. Today, people from various ethnic groups representing the seven continents bring their rich, unique traditions to this grand experiment we call

  • A look forward: USAFA Supt. outlines vision for the future

    Happy New Year to each of our cadets, permanent party, graduates, friends and supporters! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful and safe holiday break. As we jump into 2014, I wanted to share my initial thoughts from my first months as Superintendent, how we are handling some of the challenges we are

  • Holiday safety: Mitigating mistakes on the road

    We have all heard the phrase, "To err is human, but to forgive, divine," but I thought I'd throw my own twist on this today: "to err is human, but to learn from other's errors is wisdom." It is true -- we all make mistakes and some of those mistakes can be more costly than others. The best thing we

  • Preventing sexual assault is a 'collective responsibility'

    In the near future, the Defense Department will release its annual report on sexual harassment and violence at the military service academies. The Air Force's Academy will use this feedback to continue to refine and improve our processes regarding sexual harassment and assault, to include

  • Facing the wall: Goal-setting helps us on the climb

    I've lost count of the opportunities the Air Force regularly gives me to set personal and professional goals. As Airmen, we routinely attend briefings, team building sessions and leadership seminars encouraging and helping us achieve our individual and institutional short- and- long term goals.These

  • Safety: the best holiday gift to give

    It's hard to believe the holiday season is once again upon us! While I've only served as your superintendent for a short time, I'm amazed at how much we've accomplished. You've earned some well-deserved downtime this holiday season but I want to take a moment to stress the importance of safety.

  • 10th Air Base Wing to host Wingman Day Thurs.

    To the dedicated Airmen of the 10th Air Base Wing at the Air Force's Academy, please accept my personal invitation to attend our upcoming Wingman Day, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday in Arnold Hall. I invite all leaders to shut-down their functions where possible or go to maintain minimal manning where it is