9 Aug 2013

Team Maxwell-Gunter prepares for consolidated unit inspection

Thirty days and a wake-up! That's the number of days left before Team Maxwell-Gunter receives its 2013 Consolidated Unit Inspection, or CUI. The 42nd Air Base Wing has been preparing for the big event for the last 13 months under the philosophy of steady-state mission readiness. Our team has been focused on the day-to-day operations that allow us

23 Jul 2013

Rabies: What you need to know

Rabies is a deadly viral infection that is mainly spread by infected animals. This potentially fatal virus is transmitted to humans by an infected animal's saliva through a bite wound, contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. The virus travels from the wound to the brain, where it causes swelling or inflammation, and this inflammation leads to

21 Jun 2013

Assaults impact mission readiness

Thank you for keeping up with this series aiding us as we prepare Team Maxwell for our consolidated unit inspection in September. Last month's commentary was focused on you: self-assessment and the roles and responsibilities you have as a military professional. I want to continue with that focus, but in a different and very serious way. I would be

7 Jun 2013

Families can work together to stop childhood obesity

Most physicians feel uncomfortable addressing the problem of obesity in a child. Many parents feel guilty about letting a child's weight get out of control, while others feel a weight problem is something their child will surely outgrow with time.I have even encountered anger from parents who don't see weight as a pertinent medical issue to be

21 May 2013

Character Lost and Found

If you know me personally, you know there are times I question character and the ways people treat each other. I mean, there are signs all over that people are treating others with less and less respect and compassion. The news is often full of examples.Within the last few weeks alone, we had the Boston Marathon bombing; two teenage girls committed

10 May 2013

Inspections: What about YOU?

The base inspector general's office continues to prepare Team Maxwell for the consolidated unit inspection, or CUI, in September. Steady-state mission readiness is a significant point for consistently and continuously demonstrating "excellence in all we do."But how do you know? What do you do to verify that you are living that principle? What do

22 Apr 2013

Confessions of a rookie instructor

Chances are had you told me a year ago that I would be an instructor at Squadron Officer School I would have called you certifiably crazy. I was so focused on being a C-17 Globemaster III pilot and presumed my career would lead to a staff tour at U.S. Transportation Command or Air Mobility Command where I could use my expertise to excel. The last

5 Apr 2013

CUI preparation -- who conducts the inspection

In preparation for the consolidated unit inspection, I want to articulate to you who the inspector general is and who to expect here in September.The inspector general of the Air Force is the top dog in the arenas of inspection and complaints resolution for the Air Force. According to the official homepage, the IG independently assesses the

1 Mar 2013

Practicing fiscal responsibility

The continually increasing debt is the biggest threat we have to our national security." These were the words of Adm. Michael Mullen, former chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff. With sequestration looming and a national debt that tops $16 trillion, there is no question that the United States military will be forced to drastically cut spending in

15 Feb 2013

‘Why do I continue to serve?’

When you think of the words "Airman" and "warrior," do they resonate with you? On Feb. 27, Squadron Officer School will showcase two wounded warriors that embody the terms "Airman" and "warrior," in an effort to persuade company-grade officers that these terms are not just buzzwords. SOS presents Warrior Symposium as a capstone event, designed to