By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing Command Chief
Some of the people I admire the most are the ones who have the ability to keep moving ahead despite setbacks in their lives.
I believe if you live long enough you will see challenges along the way; and if you don’t believe me, just keep on living. But my question is: “Do you let your setbacks stop you, or do you keep pressing toward excellence?”
This question is typically answered by how each person views failure. Some look at failure as the end of a quest, or validation that their efforts were in vain. If this is your outlook, then there is a chance you will never reach your full potential. Yet others view failure as opportunities to learn and improve for the next attempt at a particular goal. I’ve heard the term to “fail forward,” and it captures the mindset to retool and refocus while viewing setbacks as setups for your comeback.
If you talk to any inventor, great athlete, leader of industry or military tactician, there will be a common chord. I believe they will all say their successes were built on the lessons learned through their failures or others they have witnessed. The key is understanding that learning is a continuum and not a destination, so with that in mind, never forget there will be a few potholes along the way.
Imagine if the first time your child took a step and you saw them fall you never let them attempt to walk again. Well, as ridiculous as that sounds, there are many who stopped chasing their dreams due to a small stumble along the way. Each of us have a chance to help encourage and develop those around us. So let’s continue to push each other to explore new things with the understanding that failure is just a learning opportunity... and we’re all learning.
Remember, failure only turns into defeat when you quit, and we’re not quitters. We’re Americans; not Americants.
Combat Airlift!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
COMMENTARY>>When will new teen center open?
Q. When will the new teen center open and how far in advance can someone make hourly childcare reservations at the Child Development Centers?
A. Childcare and helping Airmen take care of their families is critical to readiness and among the command’s top priorities.
We had hoped to have the new Teen Center open by spring break, but the contractor ran into difficulty completing upgrades to the mass notification system in the facility.
This system is required to ensure the safety of the teens who will use the new center.
Our civil engineering and contracting squadrons are working to complete the upgrade in time for the new center to open before the school year begins.
In the meantime, the 19th Services Squadron continues to offer the same fantastic programs for teens at the former teen center (by the Thomas Community Activities Center) and many youth center programs are also open for teens. For information, check the Services insert in the paper weekly or call 987-6355.
The Department of Defense offers top notch childcare for children 6-weeks to 6-years-old in our CDCs.
At Little Rock, we don’t have a waiting list for childcare.
Since March 2009, Services has invited families to take advantage of hourly childcare opportunities at the CDC. Reservations may be made seven days in advance by calling 987-6130.
This is a great service for our base and I encourage you to take advantage of this benefit.
A. Childcare and helping Airmen take care of their families is critical to readiness and among the command’s top priorities.
We had hoped to have the new Teen Center open by spring break, but the contractor ran into difficulty completing upgrades to the mass notification system in the facility.
This system is required to ensure the safety of the teens who will use the new center.
Our civil engineering and contracting squadrons are working to complete the upgrade in time for the new center to open before the school year begins.
In the meantime, the 19th Services Squadron continues to offer the same fantastic programs for teens at the former teen center (by the Thomas Community Activities Center) and many youth center programs are also open for teens. For information, check the Services insert in the paper weekly or call 987-6355.
The Department of Defense offers top notch childcare for children 6-weeks to 6-years-old in our CDCs.
At Little Rock, we don’t have a waiting list for childcare.
Since March 2009, Services has invited families to take advantage of hourly childcare opportunities at the CDC. Reservations may be made seven days in advance by calling 987-6130.
This is a great service for our base and I encourage you to take advantage of this benefit.
TOP STORY > >Crime in base housing drops, thanks to cops, vigilance
By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
An increase in crime at Little Rock Air Force Base had been plaguing servicemembers living in base housing from January to June. Most of the crimes were reported in March and April.
“Recently there was a spike in personal property thefts at Little Rock AFB’s housing area, which affected more than 20 families losing high value items out of their vehicles, including the theft of a vehicle,” said Capt. Robert Shaw, 19th Security Forces Squadron operations officer.
Security forces statistics show a total of 25 thefts reported in base housing this year, which is unusually high compared to past years.
“Twenty one break-ins were reported throughout March and April 2009 alone,” said Captain Shaw. “Over the past seven years, the base has averaged 3.5 thefts in March and five in April.”
The thefts were investigated by Rodney Kizzia and Adam Neely, 19th SFS investigators and Jacksonville Police Department due to civilian involvement in the crimes.
“Two of the three suspects were non-military affiliated and were brought on base by family members of servicemembers,” said Investigator Kizzia.
As a reminder to base personnel, the current sponsorship age is 18 and servicemembers must be aware of whom they and their dependents are sponsoring onto base. The responsible military member is held accountable for all actions of their dependents and guests.
“Due to the 19th SFS arrests and help from base housing residents, property theft trends have dramatically reduced,” said Captain Shaw. “There was only one reported property theft in May and none in June.”
Any visitor requesting a visitor pass must present a valid driver’s license, state-issued registration and either personal or corporate-issued liability insurance. No visitor will be issued a pass without the sponsor present. Passes may be issued for up to five days. If the pass is needed for longer than five days, the sponsor and visitor must report to the pass and registration office at Bldg. 1255 with their pass issued from the visitor’s center.
According to the Security Forces investigation team, even with the downward trend in property thefts, Airmen should remember to secure their personal items and lock their homes and vehicles to deter criminals from targeting them.
“It’s extremely important for everyone to remain vigilant and lock up valuables as this will deter most property thefts,” said Investigator Kizzia.
They should also report suspicious activity to the law enforcement desk at 987-3221 or crimes in progress to the crime stop line at 987-6600.
“Everyone can do their part to prevent crime and keep members of Team Little Rock safe,” said Captain Shaw.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
An increase in crime at Little Rock Air Force Base had been plaguing servicemembers living in base housing from January to June. Most of the crimes were reported in March and April.
“Recently there was a spike in personal property thefts at Little Rock AFB’s housing area, which affected more than 20 families losing high value items out of their vehicles, including the theft of a vehicle,” said Capt. Robert Shaw, 19th Security Forces Squadron operations officer.
Security forces statistics show a total of 25 thefts reported in base housing this year, which is unusually high compared to past years.
“Twenty one break-ins were reported throughout March and April 2009 alone,” said Captain Shaw. “Over the past seven years, the base has averaged 3.5 thefts in March and five in April.”
The thefts were investigated by Rodney Kizzia and Adam Neely, 19th SFS investigators and Jacksonville Police Department due to civilian involvement in the crimes.
“Two of the three suspects were non-military affiliated and were brought on base by family members of servicemembers,” said Investigator Kizzia.
As a reminder to base personnel, the current sponsorship age is 18 and servicemembers must be aware of whom they and their dependents are sponsoring onto base. The responsible military member is held accountable for all actions of their dependents and guests.
“Due to the 19th SFS arrests and help from base housing residents, property theft trends have dramatically reduced,” said Captain Shaw. “There was only one reported property theft in May and none in June.”
Any visitor requesting a visitor pass must present a valid driver’s license, state-issued registration and either personal or corporate-issued liability insurance. No visitor will be issued a pass without the sponsor present. Passes may be issued for up to five days. If the pass is needed for longer than five days, the sponsor and visitor must report to the pass and registration office at Bldg. 1255 with their pass issued from the visitor’s center.
According to the Security Forces investigation team, even with the downward trend in property thefts, Airmen should remember to secure their personal items and lock their homes and vehicles to deter criminals from targeting them.
“It’s extremely important for everyone to remain vigilant and lock up valuables as this will deter most property thefts,” said Investigator Kizzia.
They should also report suspicious activity to the law enforcement desk at 987-3221 or crimes in progress to the crime stop line at 987-6600.
“Everyone can do their part to prevent crime and keep members of Team Little Rock safe,” said Captain Shaw.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
COMMENTARY>>What motivates you?
By Chief Master Sgt. Richard Turcotte
314th Airlift Wing command chief
Motivation doesn’t always come easy. You see it from time to time, you expect it from others and sometimes you look deep within yourself to find it. For me, it manifests itself within my children, when I put on the uniform or when I witness a selfless act.
It’s been said that if you want to make things happen the ability to motivate yourself and others is a crucial skill. At work, home and everywhere in between, people use motivation to get results. It requires a delicate balance of communication, structure and incentives.
Leaders motivate using several different techniques and tools. Some use performance recognition, kindness, deadlines, short and long term goals, constructive criticism and some, as a last resort, use consequences. There really is no limit to what motivates someone to perform.
As supervisors and leaders, it’s our responsibility to identify both strengths and weaknesses; not only within ourselves, but in those we wish to lead. This isn’t a simple task and it requires a great deal of communication, commitment and honest feedback on the part of the leader and those they serve.
We owe it to each and every Airman to create an environment that is challenging, rewarding and fulfilling. Seek out feedback and get excited about what you do for our Air Force. Find out what motivates you and look for ways to exploit that response daily. You will be surprised at how contagious motivation and enthusiasm can be when others see you at your best.
314th Airlift Wing command chief
Motivation doesn’t always come easy. You see it from time to time, you expect it from others and sometimes you look deep within yourself to find it. For me, it manifests itself within my children, when I put on the uniform or when I witness a selfless act.
It’s been said that if you want to make things happen the ability to motivate yourself and others is a crucial skill. At work, home and everywhere in between, people use motivation to get results. It requires a delicate balance of communication, structure and incentives.
Leaders motivate using several different techniques and tools. Some use performance recognition, kindness, deadlines, short and long term goals, constructive criticism and some, as a last resort, use consequences. There really is no limit to what motivates someone to perform.
As supervisors and leaders, it’s our responsibility to identify both strengths and weaknesses; not only within ourselves, but in those we wish to lead. This isn’t a simple task and it requires a great deal of communication, commitment and honest feedback on the part of the leader and those they serve.
We owe it to each and every Airman to create an environment that is challenging, rewarding and fulfilling. Seek out feedback and get excited about what you do for our Air Force. Find out what motivates you and look for ways to exploit that response daily. You will be surprised at how contagious motivation and enthusiasm can be when others see you at your best.
COMMENTARY>>Get outside and experience Arkansas
By Lt. Col. Philip Everitte
714th Training Squadron commander
As we approach the Fourth of July weekend we should all feel fortunate to have so many opportunties for fun and exploration in our backyard.
Arkansas has 52 state parks; many national parks including Hot Springs, the Buffalo National River, a portion of the Trail of Tears National Historical Trail; numerous nature centers, waterfalls and waterways for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
One of my favorite activities includes a canoe or kayak trip on the Buffalo River. The Buffalo can be challenging or relaxing depending on which stretch of the river you pick and it is a great way to deal with the heat, which has just begun to demonstrate its presence for you folks new to the area.
The White River, Little Red River, and other area rivers also offer welcome respite with cool water generated from the bottom of dams at Bull Shoals Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, and Lake Ouachita. If you are into boating or fishing these areas may be for you.
Within a few minutes of the base is the new Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center, located along the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock. The center is a great introduction to the sportmans’ paradise which abounds in the state. More examples of fun waiting to happen here in Central Arkansas include hiking at Pinnacle Mountain or biking/hiking on trails in Burns Park or the 15 mile river trail that includes the Big Dam Bridge. If you want to venture a little further, Petit Jean Mountain, Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo also offer great hiking and camping with outstanding views of the Arkansas River Valley.
Your career in the Air Force can offer unique opportunities to get outside and find out what many areas have to offer and a chance to be a part of those experiences.
I say get outside and enjoy them while in Arkansas.
714th Training Squadron commander
As we approach the Fourth of July weekend we should all feel fortunate to have so many opportunties for fun and exploration in our backyard.
Arkansas has 52 state parks; many national parks including Hot Springs, the Buffalo National River, a portion of the Trail of Tears National Historical Trail; numerous nature centers, waterfalls and waterways for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
One of my favorite activities includes a canoe or kayak trip on the Buffalo River. The Buffalo can be challenging or relaxing depending on which stretch of the river you pick and it is a great way to deal with the heat, which has just begun to demonstrate its presence for you folks new to the area.
The White River, Little Red River, and other area rivers also offer welcome respite with cool water generated from the bottom of dams at Bull Shoals Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, and Lake Ouachita. If you are into boating or fishing these areas may be for you.
Within a few minutes of the base is the new Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center, located along the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock. The center is a great introduction to the sportmans’ paradise which abounds in the state. More examples of fun waiting to happen here in Central Arkansas include hiking at Pinnacle Mountain or biking/hiking on trails in Burns Park or the 15 mile river trail that includes the Big Dam Bridge. If you want to venture a little further, Petit Jean Mountain, Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo also offer great hiking and camping with outstanding views of the Arkansas River Valley.
Your career in the Air Force can offer unique opportunities to get outside and find out what many areas have to offer and a chance to be a part of those experiences.
I say get outside and enjoy them while in Arkansas.
COMMENTARY>>Slow down to get there faster
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing Command Chief
This week put into perspective that being the first out of the gate doesn’t guarantee finishing on top in a race or in our professions. In our give-it-to-me-my-way-and-give-it-to-me-now society, we end up repeating things we should only have to do once. This typically happens because we are in such a rush to finish versus providing the best product possible.
As we continue to operate in various parts of the world, executing at the proper pace while following correct procedures will determine our ability to project Combat Airlift. A good friend of mine would often say to me, “where there is heavy traffic, there will soon be an accident.” This was his way of telling me that, if not careful, moving too quickly or without proper preparation can lead to problems.
There are many ways to slow down to ensure all of us arrive together at our destination. One is to take an interest in those around you. Investing time in people may slow you down initially, yet the investment in them will yield great results. If we slow down to get to know those we see daily, maybe they may slow down and think when they are performing a task on-or-off duty. Can you recognize a person who may be having personal stress or are we too busy to notice the signs?
Many motorcycle fatalities are a result of people moving at excess speeds. I just got a sobering briefing today on a 21-year-old Airman who recently died on a motorcycle where excessive speed was a factor.
As teammates, are you aware of those around you who may be involved in activities that could put them at risk? Ironically, when we rush to do things and they don’t go as planned, we end up stopping to assess the damage. So let’s all endeavor to slow down to get there faster in regards to how we live, work and play.
Combat Airlift!
19th Airlift Wing Command Chief
This week put into perspective that being the first out of the gate doesn’t guarantee finishing on top in a race or in our professions. In our give-it-to-me-my-way-and-give-it-to-me-now society, we end up repeating things we should only have to do once. This typically happens because we are in such a rush to finish versus providing the best product possible.
As we continue to operate in various parts of the world, executing at the proper pace while following correct procedures will determine our ability to project Combat Airlift. A good friend of mine would often say to me, “where there is heavy traffic, there will soon be an accident.” This was his way of telling me that, if not careful, moving too quickly or without proper preparation can lead to problems.
There are many ways to slow down to ensure all of us arrive together at our destination. One is to take an interest in those around you. Investing time in people may slow you down initially, yet the investment in them will yield great results. If we slow down to get to know those we see daily, maybe they may slow down and think when they are performing a task on-or-off duty. Can you recognize a person who may be having personal stress or are we too busy to notice the signs?
Many motorcycle fatalities are a result of people moving at excess speeds. I just got a sobering briefing today on a 21-year-old Airman who recently died on a motorcycle where excessive speed was a factor.
As teammates, are you aware of those around you who may be involved in activities that could put them at risk? Ironically, when we rush to do things and they don’t go as planned, we end up stopping to assess the damage. So let’s all endeavor to slow down to get there faster in regards to how we live, work and play.
Combat Airlift!
TOP STORY > >Delivering humanitarian airlift
By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Airmen from the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron are key components in Little Rock Air Force Base’s Herculean mission crucial to wartime and humanitarian Combat Airlift efforts.
“This year alone, the Aerial Operations Flight has moved 5,000 passengers, processed 1,250 tons of cargo, serviced 5,162 planes and rigged and recovered 6,874 air drop loads and tactical training bundles in support of Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command and Air Combat Command missions,” said 1st Lt. Francine Kwarteng, 19th LRS Aerial Operations Flight commander.
The Aerial Operations Flight also provides support for the Denton Program, a commodities transportation program authorized by the Department of Defense.
According to the U.S. Aid website, “more than 600,000 pounds of humanitarian goods were sent to 17 different countries through the Denton Program.”
The flight recently supported two Denton program missions requiring humanitarian aid supplies.
The flight palletized more than 3,900 pounds of cargo for transport in May to needy children in Iraq. They also packed a ton of donated humanitarian aid supplies, including eye glasses, wheelchairs and other medical items that departed Little Rock Air Force Base June 24 bound for Honduras.
“The Denton Program allows the use of extra cargo space on U.S. military cargo aircraft to transport humanitarian assistance materials donated by non-governmental organizations, international organizations and private voluntary organizations,” said Lieutenant Kwarteng.
“Other places that have received humanitarian aid from us are Haiti, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands,” said Master Sgt. Javier Holst, 19th LRS NCO-in-charge of aircraft services.
In addition to providing humanitarian airlift, the flight also supports missions such as Joint Airborne/Air Transportation training.
Lieutenant Kwarteng said her flight members hold themselves to high standards of excellence.
“It’s our responsibility to ensure all missions landing and departing from this base receive the world-class support AMC customers have become accustomed to,” she said.
Sergeant Holst attributes his flight’s success to the positive “can do” attitude demonstrated by supervisors guiding Airmen through daily training and taskings. The senior NCO said there is a certain satisfaction from completing missions on a daily basis.
“At the end of the day, it’s satisfying to know that our flight provides training and airdrop loads to the world’s C-130 aircrews because it allows our aircrews the training to ensure both wartime and humanitarian Combat Airlift success,” said Sergeant Holst.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Airmen from the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron are key components in Little Rock Air Force Base’s Herculean mission crucial to wartime and humanitarian Combat Airlift efforts.
“This year alone, the Aerial Operations Flight has moved 5,000 passengers, processed 1,250 tons of cargo, serviced 5,162 planes and rigged and recovered 6,874 air drop loads and tactical training bundles in support of Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command and Air Combat Command missions,” said 1st Lt. Francine Kwarteng, 19th LRS Aerial Operations Flight commander.
The Aerial Operations Flight also provides support for the Denton Program, a commodities transportation program authorized by the Department of Defense.
According to the U.S. Aid website, “more than 600,000 pounds of humanitarian goods were sent to 17 different countries through the Denton Program.”
The flight recently supported two Denton program missions requiring humanitarian aid supplies.
The flight palletized more than 3,900 pounds of cargo for transport in May to needy children in Iraq. They also packed a ton of donated humanitarian aid supplies, including eye glasses, wheelchairs and other medical items that departed Little Rock Air Force Base June 24 bound for Honduras.
“The Denton Program allows the use of extra cargo space on U.S. military cargo aircraft to transport humanitarian assistance materials donated by non-governmental organizations, international organizations and private voluntary organizations,” said Lieutenant Kwarteng.
“Other places that have received humanitarian aid from us are Haiti, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands,” said Master Sgt. Javier Holst, 19th LRS NCO-in-charge of aircraft services.
In addition to providing humanitarian airlift, the flight also supports missions such as Joint Airborne/Air Transportation training.
Lieutenant Kwarteng said her flight members hold themselves to high standards of excellence.
“It’s our responsibility to ensure all missions landing and departing from this base receive the world-class support AMC customers have become accustomed to,” she said.
Sergeant Holst attributes his flight’s success to the positive “can do” attitude demonstrated by supervisors guiding Airmen through daily training and taskings. The senior NCO said there is a certain satisfaction from completing missions on a daily basis.
“At the end of the day, it’s satisfying to know that our flight provides training and airdrop loads to the world’s C-130 aircrews because it allows our aircrews the training to ensure both wartime and humanitarian Combat Airlift success,” said Sergeant Holst.
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