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  • COL ELTZ Official Photo

    I learned about leadership from that

    It was May of 2003. I was TDY to Nellis, having dinner at Gordon Biersch with my friend Jack. I hadn’t seen Jack in about 5 years, since we were Lieutenants together at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. In the 90’s, I was a communications officer, trying desperately to get into pilot training, and Jack was working in the test world at Eglin. He had already graduated pilot training and was going to fly the F-16, but was sent to Eglin with the promise of an F-16 training slot at some future date. The Air Force was just ramping back up pilot production after the post-Desert Storm drawdown, and Jack had a fresh set of pilot wings but no guarantee of ever flying again. Jack was a good friend and mentor to me and I sought his advice often; he inspired me to pursue my goal of flying.
  • Cpt. Kurt Gallegos, Air Combat Command, 12th Air Force West Coast F-16 demonstration team F-16 pilot, stands at parade rest during an air show at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. (Courtesy photo)

    Blue skies and tail winds

    Rays of the sun beat down on the ramp. It was high noon and time for the gray bird to take center stage. I cannot recall the crowd, but I can still vividly picture the Cuban Eight at takeoff and the jet piercing through the sun with the roar of the engine and the fire of the afterburners. It was the day my dream soared, and hopes were instilled. I
  • 140108-F-JZ558-129

    Stop the disease

    I try not to repeat my messages to you but this one is so important I’m going to break my own rule. I will be short because this is real simple.April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s theme is ‘Prevention is Possible.’ Some people argue prevention is too lofty a goal as the problem is too pervasive, so this year we have boldly posed

  • Paying tribute to the many who have fallen

    Fourteen years ago today marks the anniversary of an event in United States history which many of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing and none of us should forget.The September 11 attacks are one of the darkest moments in our history and it stand as a reminder to all of us to pay tribute to the many that have fallen and
  • A signed personalized Christmas card to an Airman handed out on Dec. 24 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The cards were from local communities and schools thanking a service member and wishing happy holidays. (U.S. Air Force photo taken by Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.)

    Paying it Forward

    As the holidays approach, often we don't think about those service members who aren't able to spend time with their families.Around this time four years ago, I was in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.  I won't ever forget that feeling of loneliness I had during that holiday season. Although, I had the privilege of being surrounded
  • (courtesy image)

    When The Holidays Aren't Happy

    It's the most wonderful time of the year! At least that is our hope. However, situations in our lives can occur that take some of the happiness out of the Holiday Season. We all suffer hardships at some point in this life. If you are facing some hardships this season, please remember that your military family cares. There are many resources
  • Bolling Air Force Base has joined the social media world with the creation of a Facebook community page. (U.S. Air Force photo by Thomas Dennis)

    Social Media is Honey and Vinegar

    People are more connected today with the world around them then anytime in history. We have computers, tablets, and smartphones that allow us to see what is happening around the world, where our friends are at any given time, and tweet about the lunch menu from our favorite celebrity. This revolution of instant information is changing the world

  • Commitment to yourself and the Reserves

    Ask 10 people what commitment means to them and you will most likely get 10 different answers. When it comes down to it, commitment is what transforms a promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions to yourself and others and the actions which speak louder than words. It is making the time when there is none. It is
  • Comprehensive Airman Fitness which defines four practical, measurable components, or pillars, of a person’s overall fitness: Physical, Mental, Social and Spiritual. (Courtesy)

    What does being resilient mean to you?

    Resiliency continues to be a hot topic across the Department of Defense as we wrap up what is unfortunately a year with record-breaking suicide rates in the military. You have likely heard the word "Resiliency" several times over the past year in the context of suicide prevention, Wingman Day activities, or in preparation for or returning from a

  • The Goose Story

    Teamwork is defined as an action by a team to achieve a common goal. A team is comprised of more than one person and each member of the team normally has various duties and responsibilities. This is true in the Air Force Reserve and I see it every weekend as I walk with my commander throughout our squadron and the wing.I encourage leaders to
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