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    Focus on PEOPLE - not promotion

    The new U.S. Air Force promotion and stratification process is a hot topic concerning our Airmen. When addressing recent chief's and shirt's panels, I have found it best to emphasize and encourage our Airmen to establish and follow a proven leadership philosophy. Too often our Airmen are focusing on the end result or the next promotion and not the
  • Mental health issues and factors that lead to suicide are no respecters of rank, job, gender or age. We cannot fool ourselves into thinking there’s a demographic that’s “safe” and to whom we don’t need to pay attention. Every Airman matters and we need to care for each other accordingly by investing time and building relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Capt. David Liapis/U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy/Released)

    Follow up - it can be a matter of life and death

    She was a hero. She was someone who had the courage to act when it mattered most. She was a true wingman. She saw the warning signs of depression and suicidal ideations in a friend, she made the right calls, made the right decisions and her friend's life was saved. This Airman knew the warning signs well, because she had been there before.I had the
  • (L-R) Airman 1st Class Aaron Oden, 92nd Air Refueling Wing administrative apprentice, Col. Brian McDaniel, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Commander, and Retired Lt. Col. George Swagel cut the cake during the Air Force Ball Sept. 18, 2015, at Spokane Wash. Oden was the youngest Airman at the event and Swagel was the oldest. Fairchild Air Force Base members celebrated the 68th birthday of the U.S. Air Force.

    Airmen ... get involved in your Air Force

    Being a new Airman, at a new base, in a whole different part of the country can be challenging. Starting a military career, in-processing and attending the First Term Airman Center program can maximize stress levels. On top of having to establish one's self in the operational world, there are events to attend, volunteering to do and then maybe a
  • (U.S. Air Force graphic/Airman 1st Class Nicollo Daniello)

    Money, manpower and minutes

    I'm about to make a big statement, so pay attention.I believe anything physically possible can be accomplished with the right amount of money, manpower and minutes. That's right. Anything. Just look at some of the amazing architecture and technology devised by the Romans, Egyptians and others throughout history. Look at where technology was 20
  • Carlton Everhart II, Lieutenant General, USAF, Commander

    18th AF Letter to Airmen

    Mobility Airmen,It was just over a year ago I assumed command of 18th Air Force, and it has been a humbling and challenging, but also gratifying, experience. Looking back at this past year, I am thoroughly impressed and amazed by what you have been able to accomplish every day. Thank you for your continuing diligence and excellence as you carry out
  • Contracts are formal documents requiring your John Hancock, but can be as simple as a verbal agreement between a person trying to get the mission done and a vendor who doesn't know the contracting process. Airmen are reminded that only contracting officers who have been delegated the appropriate legal responsibility are permitted to actually bind the government into contractual agreements. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Airman 1st Class Nicolo J. Daniello)

    Don't be a rat!

    The word "rat" carries with it many meanings and connotations, such as in "I'm gonna rat you out," "you dirty rat," "rat race," and, of course, "aww, rats!" Regardless of the meaning, I think we can all agree that most uses of the word are negative (no offense intended to all the loving pet rat owners out there).There's one usage of the word that
  • (U.S. Air Force graphic/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

    Challenge yourself: Never give up, never quit

    I once read that newly created cells in our bodies do one of two things: they either begin to decay or they become more vital.These cells choose their path based on what we demand of them. If we are sedentary, our brains signal our cells to decay; but if we exercise, our cells get the signal that we need them to be strong and healthy. Likewise,
  • (U.S. Air Force graphic/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

    Leading the way: Acceptance, inclusion in today's military

    Inclusion and acceptance is an ongoing battle in today's Air Force.  It's something frequently highlighted in the media and by the general public.  Acceptance and inclusion is also something that is very special and held dearly in the United States and its military branches.  It's what sets us apart from other countries and their armed forces.When
  • Carlton Everhart II, Lieutenant General, USAF, Commander

    Letter to Airmen - The Core Values

    "To understand, accept, and internalize the Core Values, our people must be allowed and encouraged to engage in an extended dialogue about them and to explore the role of the values at all levels of the Air Force."                  - United States Air Force Core Values, 1 January 1997Mobility Airmen,The statement above mentions engaging in an

  • Are you MAD or SAD?

    There are two distinct types of Airmen who serve: those who are here to Make a Difference (MAD) and those who are Selfish and Distracting (SAD).  Each of us was equipped to be MAD once we graduated initial military training and our various technical training schools; we had the basic skills in our respective career fields to be successful Airmen. 
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