Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., AMC commander, makes stop at Little Rock Air Force Base Jan. 11-12
By Capt. Joe Knable
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air Mobility Command, visited here Jan. 11 – 12 to meet the Airmen behind the largest and busiest C-130 wing in the Air Force, the 19th Airlift Wing.
General Johns was joined by his wife, Diana, and Chief Master Sgt. David E. Spector, AMC’s command chief master sergeant, for a full itinerary of meetings and events ranging from a tour of base housing renovations to a town hall meeting with Little Rock Airmen.
The 19th AW has already flown more than 5,000 sorties this fiscal year and 57 percent of AMC’s total C-130 hours last year.
The wing is fully invested in the fight, with nearly 650 warfighters currently deployed in support of ongoing operations and another 600 Airmen tasked to deploy soon.
At Little Rock General Johns, joined by leaders and representatives from the base and the wing, received a mission briefing from Col. Greg Otey, the commander of the 19th AW. Leadership of the 153rd and 302nd Airlift Wings, in Wyoming and Colorado respectively, were also in attendance to represent the 19th AW’s two geographically separated squadrons – the 30th and 52nd Airlift Squadrons.
During the mission briefing, Colonel Otey highlighted several of the 19th AW’s accomplishments, such as the base’s seven RODEO 2009 trophies, including best C-130 wing, the 19th Airlift Wing; the AMC 2009 Maintenance Excellence Award winner, the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; and the thousands of convoy vehicles the wing has helped remove from the dangerous roads in the deployed environment by providing combat airlift.
“These awards reflect how you’re treating each other and what your commanders, chiefs and supervisors are doing with the resources you’ve been given,” said General Johns. “It’s you who are making a difference for these Airmen.”
General Johns lauded the Airmen on their proven ability to provide combat airlift support. “Your airdrop and airland is keeping this operation going,” he said.
“Out of more than 60 countries that fly C-130s, no one does it better than you,” General Johns said during the commander’s call. “You are the very best C-130 operation in the world. You’re making a difference, and no one does it better than you.”
Thursday, January 14, 2010
COMMENTARY>>New year…Fresh look
By Chief Master Sgt. Richard Turcotte
314th Airlift Wing command chief
Isn’t it funny how the New Year brings excitement, new challenges, a sense of renewed purpose and an opportunity to make a fresh start? It’s like setting the game clock back to zero for the chance to win.
For most of us, 2009 brought many challenges and success stories in and around our Air Force. However, I believe most of you will agree that as the premier Air, Space and Cyberspace force, we can and must do better. In my opinion it’s a simple
“resolution” of maintaining discipline. No, I do not mean discipline in the derogatory sense. I am referring to discipline as Airmen.
More specifically, we need to maintain discipline in the three P’s – personal, professional, and performance. As Airmen, we sometimes get sidetracked in our day-to-day lives completing the mission. We may settle for a minimum passing score on our fitness test. We may put off completing that Community College of the Air Force degree for another semester. We may overlook someone’s substandard performance. We may forget to provide valuable feedback to those we lead. We may take for granted the metrics we follow to ensure performance. We may even find an excuse to delay a class start date for professional military education because we are busy with other things but at what cost? In my opinion, the cost is exponential.
As we enter 2010, we must continue to develop our personal discipline and hold ourselves accountable. Every time we fail to accept or execute our duties, fail to follow an instruction or technical data, or fail to correct conduct or behavior that places ourselves or others at risk we jeopardize our mission success. With regard to professional discipline, we must excel in and demonstrate those items that reinforce and validate our institutional and occupational competencies.
An example is by following instructional guidance, completing career development courses with an above average score for that respective Air Force specialty code or securing PME within the required time. We must seek out opportunities for growth and not become complacent in our roles. We must continue to see every challenge as an opportunity to succeed. Performance discipline will only happen after deliberate repetition of known and accepted skills. Accepting these disciplines will drive performance and ensure our success as the premier Air, Space and Cyberspace force.
Our strength comes from our people, not our technology. My challenge for 2010 is simple. Embrace the three P’s. Strive for personal discipline...get in the books and know what is expected, grab a friend and get to the fitness center and be the standard for others to emulate. Increase your professional discipline by completing that CCAF degree within your Air Force specialty code, taking the time to train and educate the force, and always thirsting for development opportunities.
Be a factor in driving positive performance instead of chasing negative indicators, and by all means have fun doing it.
314th Airlift Wing command chief
Isn’t it funny how the New Year brings excitement, new challenges, a sense of renewed purpose and an opportunity to make a fresh start? It’s like setting the game clock back to zero for the chance to win.
For most of us, 2009 brought many challenges and success stories in and around our Air Force. However, I believe most of you will agree that as the premier Air, Space and Cyberspace force, we can and must do better. In my opinion it’s a simple
“resolution” of maintaining discipline. No, I do not mean discipline in the derogatory sense. I am referring to discipline as Airmen.
More specifically, we need to maintain discipline in the three P’s – personal, professional, and performance. As Airmen, we sometimes get sidetracked in our day-to-day lives completing the mission. We may settle for a minimum passing score on our fitness test. We may put off completing that Community College of the Air Force degree for another semester. We may overlook someone’s substandard performance. We may forget to provide valuable feedback to those we lead. We may take for granted the metrics we follow to ensure performance. We may even find an excuse to delay a class start date for professional military education because we are busy with other things but at what cost? In my opinion, the cost is exponential.
As we enter 2010, we must continue to develop our personal discipline and hold ourselves accountable. Every time we fail to accept or execute our duties, fail to follow an instruction or technical data, or fail to correct conduct or behavior that places ourselves or others at risk we jeopardize our mission success. With regard to professional discipline, we must excel in and demonstrate those items that reinforce and validate our institutional and occupational competencies.
An example is by following instructional guidance, completing career development courses with an above average score for that respective Air Force specialty code or securing PME within the required time. We must seek out opportunities for growth and not become complacent in our roles. We must continue to see every challenge as an opportunity to succeed. Performance discipline will only happen after deliberate repetition of known and accepted skills. Accepting these disciplines will drive performance and ensure our success as the premier Air, Space and Cyberspace force.
Our strength comes from our people, not our technology. My challenge for 2010 is simple. Embrace the three P’s. Strive for personal discipline...get in the books and know what is expected, grab a friend and get to the fitness center and be the standard for others to emulate. Increase your professional discipline by completing that CCAF degree within your Air Force specialty code, taking the time to train and educate the force, and always thirsting for development opportunities.
Be a factor in driving positive performance instead of chasing negative indicators, and by all means have fun doing it.
COMMENTARY>>Excellence is a state of mind
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief
After a busy day on the job recently, I decided to go by Anthony’s Pizza and take a break. I was then overwhelmed by the pride displayed by Sherry and Carmen. These two ladies were working behind the counter and inspired me with their commitment to excellence. I quickly began to internalize the concept that excellence is conceived in your mind and then birthed through your actions.
These two ladies told me they produced the world’s best pizza. Now you can debate this matter if you’d like, but I took it to understand that they took every task associated with making pizza personally. I’ve eaten my share of pizza, and I’m partial to New York style, but I have never seen an attitude in a pizzeria such as theirs. My question to you is, do you look at each opportunity personally and professionally as reflections on your attitude on excellence? Excellence is simply not accepting mediocrity when you have it within you to do better.
It has to be a state of mind, because there are many parts of our profession that aren’t glamorous, yet they are is vital to our mission. So how do you handle the tasks that may not appeal to you? Excellence demands that each task isn’t looked at differently, but approached with the same positive attitude coupled with dedication. Sherry and Carmen have internalized the concept of excellence of mind.
Whether it’s sweeping up, prepping a pizza or greeting a customer there was no change in attitude or energy. I think we can all learn from these two ladies. So do you need a check up from the neck up, or is your mind in the right place at all times?
As I enjoyed my slice of pizza, I must admit, they did a great job preparing it. So never forget that excellence is a state of mind.
Combat Airlift!
19th Airlift Wing command chief
After a busy day on the job recently, I decided to go by Anthony’s Pizza and take a break. I was then overwhelmed by the pride displayed by Sherry and Carmen. These two ladies were working behind the counter and inspired me with their commitment to excellence. I quickly began to internalize the concept that excellence is conceived in your mind and then birthed through your actions.
These two ladies told me they produced the world’s best pizza. Now you can debate this matter if you’d like, but I took it to understand that they took every task associated with making pizza personally. I’ve eaten my share of pizza, and I’m partial to New York style, but I have never seen an attitude in a pizzeria such as theirs. My question to you is, do you look at each opportunity personally and professionally as reflections on your attitude on excellence? Excellence is simply not accepting mediocrity when you have it within you to do better.
It has to be a state of mind, because there are many parts of our profession that aren’t glamorous, yet they are is vital to our mission. So how do you handle the tasks that may not appeal to you? Excellence demands that each task isn’t looked at differently, but approached with the same positive attitude coupled with dedication. Sherry and Carmen have internalized the concept of excellence of mind.
Whether it’s sweeping up, prepping a pizza or greeting a customer there was no change in attitude or energy. I think we can all learn from these two ladies. So do you need a check up from the neck up, or is your mind in the right place at all times?
As I enjoyed my slice of pizza, I must admit, they did a great job preparing it. So never forget that excellence is a state of mind.
Combat Airlift!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
COMMENTARY>>379 ELRS in-theater distribution saves lives, money
By Senior Airman Michael Matkin
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA – The missions of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing are broad and diverse. One of these missions is to be a hub for Air Force personnel, Department of Defense civilians and contractors deploying downrange. Before they leave the 379 AEW they typically must make a stop at the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron expeditionary theater distribution center to receive personal protective equipment.
Before PPE was housed and distributed in-theater, the cost of excess baggage for deploying Airmen was in excess of $51 million. It was determined that using ETDCs was the solution. The redistribution of PPE saves millions a year in excess baggage charges, aircraft fuel expenditures and movement costs. Master Sgt. Calvin Webb, 379 ELRS ETDC noncommissioned officer in-charge, deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., said that the 379 AEW ETDC saves the U.S. Air Force more than $7 million a year alone.
The 379 ELRS ETDC is the largest in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Its mission is to manage, issue and account for the more than $4,700 worth of required individual protective equipment per person according to the reporting instructions of Air Force personnel, Department of Defense civilians and contractors supporting Air Force missions. They also maintain all reporting instructions so they can ensure personnel receive the required equipment they need for their deployment.
“It is important to ensure everyone gets the proper equipment, which is another reason we have a distribution center in the AOR. This allows for AOR redistribution and reach-back capability within theater versus going back to the [Continental U.S.] for equipment. This is important not only to help defray the costs, but also to support more than 25 forward operating bases,” said Tech. Sgt. Marcus Wilson 379 ELRS EDTC, issue tent noncommissioned officer in-charge, deployed from Holloman AFB, N.M.
More than 3,000 personnel deploying to these FOBS come through here and one of their first stops before continuing downrange is the issue tent, Sergeant Wilson said.
The issue tent operates out of two large conjoined Alaskan shelters. Although the tents are relatively big, because of the amount of the gear they issue, there are limits to the amount of personnel they can process, Sergeant Wilson said. However, officials adjusted the process and have streamlined the configuration of assets in the tent to increase flow, thus enabling customers to process more than 60 personnel at a time.
All of the personnel who process through the issue tent and are issued items must return the ETDC issued assets to an EDTC return center before redeploying.
“Everything issued [from the 379 ELRS ETDC] is accounted for and must be returned upon redeployment,” said Tech. Sgt. Tina McCabe, 379 ELRS ETDCreturn center noncommissioned officer in-charge, deployed from Langley AFB, Va.
Regardless of the equipment’s condition, it must be returned for accountability purposes as well as tracking the respective shelf life, Sergeant McCabe said.
“We ensure the equipment hasn’t expired and is still serviceable,” said Senior Airman Kelli Mitchell, 379 ELRS ETDC return center journeyman, deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. “Every piece of equipment has a shelf life with a date. Anything due to expire within the deployment timeframe will not be issued, and that item will be replaced in the bag.”
One of the steps personnel must go through when returning their gear is reconstituting their helmets. However, sometimes personnel do not understand why they are required to clean them, Sergeant McCabe said.
“It can be challenging. We know they are tired and are just looking forward to going home, so we brief them when they first come in as to why it is required,” Sergeant McCabe said. “We tell them they are not just doing it for themselves, they are doing it for the next person who will be wearing that helmet. Once they hear this, they are pretty good about getting it done.”
The ETDC doesn’t just store and account for its own equipment, it also provides courtesy storage for personnel who are going home on emergency leave or rest and relaxation, Airman Mitchell said. In addition, if someone received gear from another base, but are returning home through the 379 AEW, they will take their equipment and ship it back to where it was received.
Whether someone is deploying or redeploying the ETDC ensures mission success by ensuring all personnel have the correct, serviceable equipment to accomplish the mission no matter where they may be deploying to, as well as accounting for those items so they are available to protect the personnel replacing them,” Sergeant Webb said.
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA – The missions of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing are broad and diverse. One of these missions is to be a hub for Air Force personnel, Department of Defense civilians and contractors deploying downrange. Before they leave the 379 AEW they typically must make a stop at the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron expeditionary theater distribution center to receive personal protective equipment.
Before PPE was housed and distributed in-theater, the cost of excess baggage for deploying Airmen was in excess of $51 million. It was determined that using ETDCs was the solution. The redistribution of PPE saves millions a year in excess baggage charges, aircraft fuel expenditures and movement costs. Master Sgt. Calvin Webb, 379 ELRS ETDC noncommissioned officer in-charge, deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., said that the 379 AEW ETDC saves the U.S. Air Force more than $7 million a year alone.
The 379 ELRS ETDC is the largest in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Its mission is to manage, issue and account for the more than $4,700 worth of required individual protective equipment per person according to the reporting instructions of Air Force personnel, Department of Defense civilians and contractors supporting Air Force missions. They also maintain all reporting instructions so they can ensure personnel receive the required equipment they need for their deployment.
“It is important to ensure everyone gets the proper equipment, which is another reason we have a distribution center in the AOR. This allows for AOR redistribution and reach-back capability within theater versus going back to the [Continental U.S.] for equipment. This is important not only to help defray the costs, but also to support more than 25 forward operating bases,” said Tech. Sgt. Marcus Wilson 379 ELRS EDTC, issue tent noncommissioned officer in-charge, deployed from Holloman AFB, N.M.
More than 3,000 personnel deploying to these FOBS come through here and one of their first stops before continuing downrange is the issue tent, Sergeant Wilson said.
The issue tent operates out of two large conjoined Alaskan shelters. Although the tents are relatively big, because of the amount of the gear they issue, there are limits to the amount of personnel they can process, Sergeant Wilson said. However, officials adjusted the process and have streamlined the configuration of assets in the tent to increase flow, thus enabling customers to process more than 60 personnel at a time.
All of the personnel who process through the issue tent and are issued items must return the ETDC issued assets to an EDTC return center before redeploying.
“Everything issued [from the 379 ELRS ETDC] is accounted for and must be returned upon redeployment,” said Tech. Sgt. Tina McCabe, 379 ELRS ETDCreturn center noncommissioned officer in-charge, deployed from Langley AFB, Va.
Regardless of the equipment’s condition, it must be returned for accountability purposes as well as tracking the respective shelf life, Sergeant McCabe said.
“We ensure the equipment hasn’t expired and is still serviceable,” said Senior Airman Kelli Mitchell, 379 ELRS ETDC return center journeyman, deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. “Every piece of equipment has a shelf life with a date. Anything due to expire within the deployment timeframe will not be issued, and that item will be replaced in the bag.”
One of the steps personnel must go through when returning their gear is reconstituting their helmets. However, sometimes personnel do not understand why they are required to clean them, Sergeant McCabe said.
“It can be challenging. We know they are tired and are just looking forward to going home, so we brief them when they first come in as to why it is required,” Sergeant McCabe said. “We tell them they are not just doing it for themselves, they are doing it for the next person who will be wearing that helmet. Once they hear this, they are pretty good about getting it done.”
The ETDC doesn’t just store and account for its own equipment, it also provides courtesy storage for personnel who are going home on emergency leave or rest and relaxation, Airman Mitchell said. In addition, if someone received gear from another base, but are returning home through the 379 AEW, they will take their equipment and ship it back to where it was received.
Whether someone is deploying or redeploying the ETDC ensures mission success by ensuring all personnel have the correct, serviceable equipment to accomplish the mission no matter where they may be deploying to, as well as accounting for those items so they are available to protect the personnel replacing them,” Sergeant Webb said.
COMMENTARY>>Yacht club reunion
By Lt. Col. Charles Brown
62nd Airlift Squadron commander
Airborne assault and resupply operations have proven to be an indispensible asset to combatant commanders, dating back to the development of the Parachute Test Platoon at Fort Benning, Ga., in 1940.
Airborne forces proved their merit during successful WWII operations in the Sicily and Italian campaigns, but it was the invasion of Normandy that brought the value of these forces -- and their airlift brothers -- to the forefront. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower implemented the invasion of France, codenamed Operation Overlord, in June 1944, with a key supporting operation named Operation Neptune, providing the insertion of airborne forces behind enemy lines. Comprised of 925 aircraft and six regiments of paratroopers from the 82nd and the 101st Airborne Divisions, more than 13,000 men took off from England to conduct what would be the first night-time airborne insertion of troops. Included in this mass operation were 18 C-47 aircraft, 78 commissioned officers and 241 enlisted men of the 314th Troop Carrier Group, 62nd Troop Carrier Squadron, operating out of Saltby Field, England.
On Dec. 4, the 62nd Airlift Squadron hosted its annual “Yacht Club” reunion. Originating in 1971 as a means to bring the members of the 62nd TCS together, it has since opened its alumnus to the men and women of the 62nd AS who have participated in combat and contingency operations, ranging from World War II to Korea, Vietnam and up through and including current operations, including the Airmen whose current mission is to produce the finest legacy C-130 combat airlift aircrews in the world.
It was a distinct pleasure to see the warriors who laid the foundation of combat airlift regale the newest generation of airlifters with their memories of flying in Operations Overlord, Neptune, Market Garden and in support of the airborne resupply of surrounded allied forces in the Battle of the Bulge, named for the bulge in the allied line created by the German advance. In turn, the newest generation explained to these heroes how the lessons, tactics, techniques and procedures, developed during the past 69 years, evolved with technology to enable the aerial delivery of supplies from more than 10,000 feet with a delivery precision of up to 50 meters through the advent of GPS guided parachutes. Listening to the various generations of airlifters compare notes, it became apparent technology was the only difference in the ability to provide time-critical supplies to airborne forces whether they were surrounded by the German army in the Ardennes forest, or U.S. Special Forces operating in remote locations in Afghanistan.
The heritage of the United States Air Force, though in its infancy compared to sister services, is one full of warriors, tales of bravery, and as shown by the gathering of six brothers of the 62nd TCS who travelled as far as 1,000 miles to gather with Combat Airlifters of the past, present and future - a testament to the profound legacy and importance of the mission of tactical airlift.
We extend a special thank you to Jack Downhill, Bill Hyden, David Mondt, Chester Ross, Ben Setliff and Ted Walters - original members of the 62nd TCS who made the trip to spend time with the men and women of the 62nd AS. Lastly, a special thanks to Rosie Thompson, daughter of a local establishment near Saltby Field, who claimed the 62nd TCS as their own while they conducted combat operations out of England. It was a true honor to host such a fine group of warriors, friends and guests who travelled great distances to not be thanked, but to say “thank you” for allowing them to be a member of the Yacht Club.
62nd Airlift Squadron commander
Airborne assault and resupply operations have proven to be an indispensible asset to combatant commanders, dating back to the development of the Parachute Test Platoon at Fort Benning, Ga., in 1940.
Airborne forces proved their merit during successful WWII operations in the Sicily and Italian campaigns, but it was the invasion of Normandy that brought the value of these forces -- and their airlift brothers -- to the forefront. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower implemented the invasion of France, codenamed Operation Overlord, in June 1944, with a key supporting operation named Operation Neptune, providing the insertion of airborne forces behind enemy lines. Comprised of 925 aircraft and six regiments of paratroopers from the 82nd and the 101st Airborne Divisions, more than 13,000 men took off from England to conduct what would be the first night-time airborne insertion of troops. Included in this mass operation were 18 C-47 aircraft, 78 commissioned officers and 241 enlisted men of the 314th Troop Carrier Group, 62nd Troop Carrier Squadron, operating out of Saltby Field, England.
On Dec. 4, the 62nd Airlift Squadron hosted its annual “Yacht Club” reunion. Originating in 1971 as a means to bring the members of the 62nd TCS together, it has since opened its alumnus to the men and women of the 62nd AS who have participated in combat and contingency operations, ranging from World War II to Korea, Vietnam and up through and including current operations, including the Airmen whose current mission is to produce the finest legacy C-130 combat airlift aircrews in the world.
It was a distinct pleasure to see the warriors who laid the foundation of combat airlift regale the newest generation of airlifters with their memories of flying in Operations Overlord, Neptune, Market Garden and in support of the airborne resupply of surrounded allied forces in the Battle of the Bulge, named for the bulge in the allied line created by the German advance. In turn, the newest generation explained to these heroes how the lessons, tactics, techniques and procedures, developed during the past 69 years, evolved with technology to enable the aerial delivery of supplies from more than 10,000 feet with a delivery precision of up to 50 meters through the advent of GPS guided parachutes. Listening to the various generations of airlifters compare notes, it became apparent technology was the only difference in the ability to provide time-critical supplies to airborne forces whether they were surrounded by the German army in the Ardennes forest, or U.S. Special Forces operating in remote locations in Afghanistan.
The heritage of the United States Air Force, though in its infancy compared to sister services, is one full of warriors, tales of bravery, and as shown by the gathering of six brothers of the 62nd TCS who travelled as far as 1,000 miles to gather with Combat Airlifters of the past, present and future - a testament to the profound legacy and importance of the mission of tactical airlift.
We extend a special thank you to Jack Downhill, Bill Hyden, David Mondt, Chester Ross, Ben Setliff and Ted Walters - original members of the 62nd TCS who made the trip to spend time with the men and women of the 62nd AS. Lastly, a special thanks to Rosie Thompson, daughter of a local establishment near Saltby Field, who claimed the 62nd TCS as their own while they conducted combat operations out of England. It was a true honor to host such a fine group of warriors, friends and guests who travelled great distances to not be thanked, but to say “thank you” for allowing them to be a member of the Yacht Club.
COMMENTARY>>Looking ahead, not back
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief
As I tried to utilize some of the exercise equipment at the fitness center, a couple of thoughts came to mind. First, I noticed I was surrounded by many unfamiliar faces in the fitness center. I guess they figured out that they had packed on a little too much fat reserve for the winter hibernation and were trying to make an adjustment.
Secondly, many people spend this time of the year looking back at what they accomplished last year. Some even say that because they broke their commitments from the prior year they won’t set any goals for this year. My response to you is that your past doesn’t have to be an indicator of what your future can be. So this week, I want you to look ahead to doing things, within your control, that will help you improve personally.
The first thing is to look inward, and not focus on what others are doing. Sometimes we accuse others of things they are not doing while excusing ourselves of the same thing.
Take the time to do an honest self assessment to see if you are putting your best foot forward each day.
Once you have done that, then you must simply hold yourself accountable to meeting your goals. I don’t like to run a great deal, yet I understand the positive attributes of running. I also detest running in cold weather, so those are two reasons that I could avoid activities associated with running this winter. To hold myself accountable, I purchased a treadmill and have been putting it to good use. Accountability may not feel good, but it produces great results.
My challenge to each of you is to look ahead to be better in 2010. Don’t blame others, don’t make excuses and hold yourself accountable. Your goals are your goals and let this be the year that you start and finish strong.
Combat Airlift!
19th Airlift Wing command chief
As I tried to utilize some of the exercise equipment at the fitness center, a couple of thoughts came to mind. First, I noticed I was surrounded by many unfamiliar faces in the fitness center. I guess they figured out that they had packed on a little too much fat reserve for the winter hibernation and were trying to make an adjustment.
Secondly, many people spend this time of the year looking back at what they accomplished last year. Some even say that because they broke their commitments from the prior year they won’t set any goals for this year. My response to you is that your past doesn’t have to be an indicator of what your future can be. So this week, I want you to look ahead to doing things, within your control, that will help you improve personally.
The first thing is to look inward, and not focus on what others are doing. Sometimes we accuse others of things they are not doing while excusing ourselves of the same thing.
Take the time to do an honest self assessment to see if you are putting your best foot forward each day.
Once you have done that, then you must simply hold yourself accountable to meeting your goals. I don’t like to run a great deal, yet I understand the positive attributes of running. I also detest running in cold weather, so those are two reasons that I could avoid activities associated with running this winter. To hold myself accountable, I purchased a treadmill and have been putting it to good use. Accountability may not feel good, but it produces great results.
My challenge to each of you is to look ahead to be better in 2010. Don’t blame others, don’t make excuses and hold yourself accountable. Your goals are your goals and let this be the year that you start and finish strong.
Combat Airlift!
TOP STORY > >HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Nearly 160 Airmen return to base Christmas Day
By Bob Oldham
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Two-year-old Cassandra Guerra received perhaps the greatest Christmas present ever of her young life when her dad, Airman 1st Class Michael Guerra, a 53rd Airlift Squadron loadmaster, returned home Dec. 25 from a deployment in Iraq.
Airman Guerra was one of nearly 160 base Airmen who returned Christmas Day to nearly 200 friends, family, base leaders and co-workers who showed up early Christmas morning to welcome the mobility Airmen home.
“I told (Cassandra) that Santa called me and that (Daddy) was still coming, and he was going to bring presents,” Elisa Guerra said.
Asked if she was happy her daddy was coming home on Christmas Day, Cassandra replied, “Uh-huh.”
The Guerras have been assigned to the base three years, and this was his second deployment.
While the 53rd had the largest contingent of aircrews, it was augmented with aircrews from the 30th AS from Cheyenne, Wyo.; the 154th AS of the Arkansas Air National Guard here; the 50th and 61st AS here, and the 19th Operations Support Squadron.
Airmen were also deployed from the 19th Maintenance Group and the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron, many of which were deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq.
At Balad, Airmen flew nearly 630 combat missions, consisting of 3,740 flying hours. During the 2,624 combat sorties flown, crews hauled 45,700 passengers and nearly 4,100 tons of cargo, according to Lt. Col. Sean Bordenave, 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander. A mission could have several legs or sorties. A sortie is a takeoff and landing.
During the four-month stretch from mid-August to mid-December, the unit’s airlift operations reduced the need for 1,653 convoy vehicles to be on the road, significantly reducing the risk to American and coalition troops on the ground.
“These mobility warriors have done their nation’s bidding, and they’ve done it well,” said Col. Greg Otey, 19th Airlift Wing commander. “For the past four months they’ve proved their mettle in the heat of battle, much like a knight - Black Knight - from years past.”
While these Airmen returned home to their families at a special time of the year, about 600 base Airmen are still deployed to points all across the globe.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Two-year-old Cassandra Guerra received perhaps the greatest Christmas present ever of her young life when her dad, Airman 1st Class Michael Guerra, a 53rd Airlift Squadron loadmaster, returned home Dec. 25 from a deployment in Iraq.
Airman Guerra was one of nearly 160 base Airmen who returned Christmas Day to nearly 200 friends, family, base leaders and co-workers who showed up early Christmas morning to welcome the mobility Airmen home.
“I told (Cassandra) that Santa called me and that (Daddy) was still coming, and he was going to bring presents,” Elisa Guerra said.
Asked if she was happy her daddy was coming home on Christmas Day, Cassandra replied, “Uh-huh.”
The Guerras have been assigned to the base three years, and this was his second deployment.
While the 53rd had the largest contingent of aircrews, it was augmented with aircrews from the 30th AS from Cheyenne, Wyo.; the 154th AS of the Arkansas Air National Guard here; the 50th and 61st AS here, and the 19th Operations Support Squadron.
Airmen were also deployed from the 19th Maintenance Group and the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron, many of which were deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq.
At Balad, Airmen flew nearly 630 combat missions, consisting of 3,740 flying hours. During the 2,624 combat sorties flown, crews hauled 45,700 passengers and nearly 4,100 tons of cargo, according to Lt. Col. Sean Bordenave, 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander. A mission could have several legs or sorties. A sortie is a takeoff and landing.
During the four-month stretch from mid-August to mid-December, the unit’s airlift operations reduced the need for 1,653 convoy vehicles to be on the road, significantly reducing the risk to American and coalition troops on the ground.
“These mobility warriors have done their nation’s bidding, and they’ve done it well,” said Col. Greg Otey, 19th Airlift Wing commander. “For the past four months they’ve proved their mettle in the heat of battle, much like a knight - Black Knight - from years past.”
While these Airmen returned home to their families at a special time of the year, about 600 base Airmen are still deployed to points all across the globe.
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