2 Jul 2009

Reflections on a command tour

As I clean out my office and pack for another permanent change of station, or PCS, I cannot believe two years as a commander here at Maxwell have past. The opportunity to lead two Air Force squadrons, one here at the 42nd Medical Group, and another while deployed to a trauma hospital in Iraq, has provided the leadership lessons of a lifetime.  I

29 Jun 2009

Lorenz on Leadership - The art of objective decision-making

Making decisions is something we all do each and every day. Most decisions are made without much thought, almost unconsciously and, in many cases, automatically. Others, however, are decisions that involve time and thought, and can impact more than just ourselves. These are the decisions where the process is an art - it defines who we are as

26 Jun 2009

Let's revitalize the Air Force 'family'

When I joined the Air Force, 19 years ago, I expected to integrate into a family. I was raised as an Army "brat," spent most of my memorable childhood overseas, and saw my parents share their lives with other military families.  Those in uniform became my aunts and uncles, and their kids were like cousins. Truthfully, I was closer to them than

19 Jun 2009

The toughest assignment of my career

I've been an Air Force journalist for more than decade and have covered everything from combat Purple Heart presentations in Iraq to a memorial service for two Airmen killed fighting terrorism in the Philippines, but this past Memorial Day weekend was by far the most difficult assignment of my career... I wasn't too excited when I first got news

13 Jun 2009

Keeping an eye on customer service

You know that feeling you get when you receive great customer service? It really makes you feel special and valued. Equally as important, a negative customer service experience can leave a lasting impression - one that quickly frustrates and encourages you to spend your money and time elsewhere. Experiencing both good and bad customer service helps

5 Jun 2009

Deployment: Are You Prepared?

What would you do if you were told you had to deploy on a rapid response contingency? Are you prepared? This is what happened to me on Dec. 27, 2004 while traveling home from work.  On Dec. 26, 2004, a massive underwater earthquake triggered a series of devastating tsunamis along the coasts of most landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean, inundating

3 Jun 2009

Develop Your Vision

Imagine, if you will, an adaptive training environment that sits inside a bare room. This environment can be manipulated to simulate any task - from simple to complex. With the flick of a switch or push of a button, the bare room transforms into a living, breathing, interactive experience. Sounds and smells abound, people appear and interact, and

29 May 2009

Investing in our Air Force future

Can I interest you in an investment that is guaranteed to generate a positive return?  It's a low risk high reward investment proven to produce tangible long term rewards and personal satisfaction.  Over the last 20 years I've been an aggressive participant.  The return on my investments has been personally satisfying and professionally

14 May 2009

Take time to recharge your batteries

Today's high ops tempo in the Air Force demands that all individuals be mentally and physically fit and ready to accomplish the mission. The stressors and demands are unrelenting and our ability to survive and cope in this fast-paced environment is directly related to our internal energy reserves. Just like a battery, when we are "fully charged" we

30 Apr 2009

Medical commander lists anchors of leadership

With just a little over 20 years in the Air Force, I recently had an incredible opportunity to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As the 455th Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron Commander at Bagram Airfield, I was responsible for the Emergency Department, Operating Room, Inpatient Units, Outpatient and Dental Clinics, Public