Commentary Search

  • Challenges and opportunities

    Team MacDill, on March 1, the Department of Defense and our great Air Force entered a new phase of operations that requires the entire team to unite and find solutions to tough problems. As the full effects of sequestration become evident, it is important that our team stays together and ensures we

  • Where do we go from here?

    It is official...to many people's disappointment and to some a relief, AirFest 2013 has been canceled. We are entering a fiscally challenging time, with or without sequestration. Canceling this year's show is economically necessary and I am happy to have had the support of the base commander, Col.

  • Preserving our 'brand'

    If you haven't heard, we may not be executing an AirFest this year due to budget constraints. AirFests aren't just about touring the different aircraft and being thrilled by aerial demonstrations. More importantly, AirFests provide the Air Force and other services a focused opportunity to recruit

  • "'There I was...': keep the mission moving"

    I was tasked to deploy to the Combined Air Operations Center in Southwest Asia as a distinguished visitor planner. After completing my pre-deployment training at Hurlburt Field, Fla. and through home station mobility events I was ready to go. I had deployed several times before, but this was the

  • You earned ‘em, wear ‘em!

    Earlier this month, the Base hosted an American patriot. Born and raised in the great state of New Jersey, he served his country in World War II, retired from the service in 1969 and went on to a second career as a civil servant. Retired Tech. Sgt. George Watson is one of the last remaining Tuskegee

  • Safely taking care of your Airmen – ‘opportunities to excel’

    Nearly 22 years ago when I was a young second lieutenant just out of the Air Force Academy, another lieutenant welcomed me to the squadron. After getting me settled into the unit, the lieutenant later presented me with an "opportunity to excel." That lieutenant was moving to another job and wanted

  • There I was...: A real learning experience

    There I was, on a plane to Southwest Asia for a six-month deployment. When it was over, it ended up being one of the most rewarding deployments thus far.During my deployment I filled a functional manager position at Air Space & Air Field Operation Division. I maintained oversight for five airfields

  • The essential element, leadership

    ESPN sports hosts posed a thought-provoking question on a recent broadcast in reference to the NFL football playoffs. They asked whether it was the process (system) or the players in the process that makes a team successful. I gave it some thought, asked others' opinions and concluded the two are

  • If it's in the air...

    If you've been to a wing event recently, such as an award, promotion or graduation ceremony, you've probably heard folks shouting, "If it's in the air...MXG put it there!" It's the 6th and 927th Maintenance Groups' motto. Occasionally when it's shouted, I've heard disparaging remarks from others.

  • 'There I was...': Perspective

    We have been conducting near-continuous operations in Southwest Asia since Operation Desert Shield began in 1990. Operation Enduring Freedom has been going on for more than 11 years. As a result, most of our Airmen have deployed so many times to Southwest Asia that it has become somewhat of a