March 14, 2014 What I wish I knew as a junior officer I received my assignment notification last month, so this will probably be my final opportunity to write an article for the Global Guardian. It makes me reflect a bit, but I've been reflecting a lot on officership lately and what it means to me to serve in the greatest Air Force on Earth. It
Feb. 27, 2014 Airman's Council: Leading on our level The Airman's Council is possibly one of the most influential private organizations at Malmstrom Air Force Base. It is a resource for base-wide and community volunteer events, self-development for Airmen in the pay grades of E1 to E4 and improving the quality of life for Airmen.The 5/6 Alliance
Jan. 31, 2014 First-line supervisors: Be the light Being a first-line supervisor is an awesome responsibility. Not too long ago, I witnessed a pretty cool analogy as to what helps our junior officers and enlisted professionals "make it" as followers in today's Air Force, considering all of the force shaping initiatives underway. Of all places, this
Jan. 24, 2014 Giving good feedback: Essential leadership for growing Airmen Throughout our lives, we have received guidance, teaching, mentorship, grades, punishments and awards. When these things were done as a reaction to things we did (or didn't do) we were receiving feedback on our performance. This collection of experiences has molded us into the people and Airmen that
Jan. 17, 2014 Assessing the Health and Wellness of the Command With the new year comes new changes; as the old saying goes, "out with the old and in with the new." The Unit Climate Assessment as we've known it has been replaced with the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute Organizational Climate Survey. The DEOCS program was launched four years ago
Jan. 10, 2014 Maintain a legacy of leadership through actions The terms leader and leadership are often times used to describe someone in a particular role or position of authority. In the sense, what I am actually referring to is more than just a position or title. I am talking about the kind of person whose actions and words inspire and motivate the people
Dec. 18, 2013 Uncomplicated love: Adoptability of dogs Nails clack against the floor as their tails knock down everything in their path. Tunnel vision leads them straight to the door as a car pulls in the driveway. Tongue ready for licking; they squeal out an excited "woof!" We've just walked through the door after being apart for 10 hours. But for our
Nov. 27, 2013 From musician to Airman I grew up in a very musical household. Music was more than just something to enjoy every now and then with my family; it was a way of life, how my parents made a living and the glue that held our family together. One of my fondest memories as a child, and also one of the most irritating things a
Nov. 27, 2013 Self-defense, self-confidence: A new start As an Airman of the public affairs career field, I'm often exposed to the negative perspectives of the Air Force by people outside the norms of military life - and sometimes within those norms. Unfortunately, it's become part of today's society for media outlets to focus on the negative more than
Nov. 27, 2013 Thanksgiving message from the commander We've arrived at one of the most important times of the year.It's not important because of the worsening weather and all associated safety reminders. Not because of the tree-lighting ceremonies and gift-buying sprees. Not because of holiday parties and time changes. Not even because our team just