Commentary

In order to clarify my intent and expectations with respect to military justice, I offer the following thoughts to the Airmen of the 86th Airlift Wing and KMC as a whole.

There was a point in my life when I didn’t see a future, but I found comfort through different base agencies. Adapting to our military lifestyle is not just difficult for our significant others and children, but also for those of us who joined.

If you had to wear your service dress uniform tomorrow for an official picture, to meet a dignitary, for a retreat ceremony, a memorial or to report to the commander, would your uniform be ready?

I have spent more than a year telling the story of our nation’s wounded warriors as I followed their transport from the mountains of Afghanistan to their medical care at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

The events of Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy, 70 years ago hold a special place in the hearts of many people, especially those who experienced it for themselves or knew someone who lived through it. Remembering D-Day is as important to them as it is for those of us wearing the uniform today.

The Air Force has provided mission, vision and priorities. Transforming vision into executable policy requires charismatic, energetic, inspirational yet humble leaders focused on Airmen and the mission. It is important to remember that being a leader is not tied to rank or position and it’s not about rewards. Leadership is about taking care of the people who complete the mission.

As I entered technical training in 2005, the first words I heard were, stay fit-to-fight. Listening to our instructor gather opinions and discussing how the physical fitness examination changed from what we experienced through our different commissioning source was definitely a conversation point.