Commentaries

  • Minutes of Success

    While there are numerous differences between active duty and the Reserve, the most difficult hurdle for me has been the consolidated timeline I have to be a successful and effective leader. As a supervisor while on active duty, I had my Airmen eight to 12 hours a day, five to six days a week. As a

  • It started with mom

    When I think of Mother’s Day, I am reminded of a quote from Gaspard Mermillod, “A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.” Wow! For me, that quote captures the enormous impact, importance and significance mothers have in our lives. We depend on our

  • Why Mother’s Day Will Always Be Special to Me

    We celebrate Mother’s Day during the month of May. For many, Mother’s Day is a time to reflect and show gratitude to our mothers who have been caregivers and ultimately helped shape us into who we are. Also, for me, Mother’s Day is a chance to show my loving mother how much I appreciate her. My

  • Commentary: Advice for the next generation of Airmen

    In a few days, after a quarter century of commissioned service to our country, I will be laying down the authorities, rights, and privileges of what wearing the uniform of our military symbolizes.  Therefore, I come with a message of leave-taking and farewell, and to share a few final thoughts with

  • On an island, leading adaptive Airmen…ready to execute

    My leadership philosophy wasn’t developed overnight; it is rooted in my parent’s investment in my childhood, sharing in my father’s 30 years of service to the Air Force, nurtured with my own life experiences and mentored by a handful of fine general officers.

  • Unplug to re-charge…you need it!

    All too often I see Airmen taking their laptops home with them over the weekend or while heading out the door on leave. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard phrases such as “I’m just on local leave, so call me if you need anything” or “I’ve got my phone/computer with me if anything comes

  • Aloha mai kākou!

    The U.S. Air Force has granted me and my family many opportunities to travel and experience various cultures, history and foods. At the same time, we have been able to share our own culture, history and foods with others. I’m here to share my Aloha and Mana’o with anyone who will open their heart to

  • Why does my kid’s school need to know we are military?

    Disclosing your military affiliation to your children’s school will not solve all of your family’s educational challenges, but it will help. The school and teachers will know more about their students and be better prepared to address their needs. Additional money will be available from Federal