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  • Live Well and Not In Fear

    Today we find ourselves in a very negative charged media environment, coupled with a worldwide pandemic and not to mention right in the middle of a season that causes stress for many. So what do we do?I want to share with you just a few encouragements from a book titled; “Riding the Dragon” by

  • WARRIORS: Who Are People of Faith Must Be a Refuge In The Midst of Fear

    I would like to share some words to encourage you today. The passage of scripture above speaks to sustaining the weary, and many have become weary in these what seems like uncertain times. The news media pounds us with all the sickness, death, school cancelations and basic supplies running short. As

  • A Thanksgiving Message

    As we enter the season of Thanksgiving I would like to share some words from President Ronald Regan in 1986:THANKSGIVING DAY, 1986 — “Today let us take heart from the noble example of our first President. . . . And let us ever be mindful of the faith and spiritual values that have made our Nation

  • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

    Wow, what a terrific year 2018 has been.  The 117th is on an awesome trajectory into 2019.  Last year was full of challenges that YOU met and dominated.  Our flight plan was and still is: Warriors Back on Mission, Taking Care of People and Developing Tomorrow’s LeadersYou are fulfilling each of

  • Setting Goals

    As I prepare to retire from the military at the end of this year, I thought about what to say in my last Commander’s Column article.  I decided I didn’t want to make it about me or my military career.  I decided to instead try and impart a little bit of wisdom from what I have learned over the

  • There Is No “I” In Team Or Is There?

    There used to be a question asked at board interviews. Who is the most important person or what is the most important function on this base? Consider the Air Force mission and an answer might be that it is the pilot that flies our airplanes. Afterall, when I am engaged by the public while pumping

  • Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude, How 100 Feet Saved My ANG Career

    I was in the fifth year of my first enlistment when I came to the first major crossroads of my career.  I was already a full-time Active Guard Reservists on the flight line and had been very fortunate in my career up to that point.  However, there had been a recent shakeup in leadership and with

  • The Base Honor Guard – We Need a Few Good Airmen!

    Are you looking for a way to serve the 117th Air Refueling Wing in addition to your specific Air Force Specialty Code?  Do you have a desire to represent the Alabama Air National Guard and the United States Air Force in a positive manner to the community?  Do you want to become a member of something

  • Driving While Tired or Sleep Deprived

    We’ve all done it. I’ve done it. You’ve done it. And, for the most part, most of us have gotten away with it. It just always seemed that we could tough it out or we would be fine and push through. I’ve heard it a million times, and so have you. “That won’t happen to me. I’ll be fine. I can make it.”

  • The Time Has Come

    It’s hard to believe that my military service is coming to an end. Just a couple more months and I’ll be hanging up my boots. As I look back to October 1983 when I raised my right hand and took the oath at age 25, I never really thought much about how long I would serve. Retirement didn’t even cross