Commentary Search

  • Leadership on duty, balance in life

    Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State Colin Powell once remarked that, "Leadership is the Art of accomplishing more than the Science of Management says is possible." As this statement indicates, the difference between leadership and management is not simply semantic,

  • Sequestration: How USAFE-AFAFRICA may be affected

    As we approach the automatic budget cuts slated to go into effect on March 1, I would like to share some of my thoughts on how our command may be affected and how we will respond. Our outstanding team of resource managers has tirelessly planned for these cuts, and we are prepared to implement them

  • VRS keeps responders rolling

    When you call an emergency number, such as 112 here in Germany, how would you feel if they told you to call back later due to first responder vehicles, such as police cars and ambulances, not being serviceable? Fortunately, there is a robust process in place to make sure that does not happen. Here

  • Virtus Perdurat

    Our wing motto, "Virtus Perdurat," which translates to "enduring courage," exemplifies our commitment to the combat airlift ethos -- there is no Airman, Soldier, Sailor or Marine ever alone while we are on duty. It defines the excellence we expect of our Airmen and reminds us of the proud heritage

  • Commander focus: building sustainable readiness in 2013

    The New Year provides an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and focus our priorities in 2013. The 86th Airlift Wing and Team Ramstein had a monumental year in 2012. We were continuously engaged in operations in the U.S. European Command, Africa Command and Central Command areas of

  • Every Airman a Sensor

    I would like to have a few moments of your time to tell you something of great concern to me. I have had the privilege of serving in the Air Force for 35 years and there is nothing more important to me as your commander than your safety and your welfare. I recently began visiting your wings and many

  • Make readiness a personal experience

    Recently the world watched in shock as U.S. embassies in multiple countries came under attack and we suffered the first death of a U.S. ambassador in office, in more than 20 years. These events serve as a reminder to Airmen everywhere on how quickly and unexpectedly the call for help can come and

  • Priority Five: Eliminate non-value added activities

    Editor's note: This is article No. 5 of 5 in a series highlighting the priorities of the 86th Airlift Wing. Over the past four weeks, you've read about our wing's strategic plan - our mission, vision and five priorities. The last of our wing's priorities is to "eliminate non-value added activities

  • Integrity means more to those of us who serve

    This is one of my favorite times of the year; college football has returned. I grew up in Ohio and naturally became a fan of Ohio State University. You may have heard of them; their football team has drawn some negative attention over the last few years. They had one of the most respected coaches in

  • Priority four: provide exceptional quality of life for KMC

    Editor's note: This is article No. 4 of 5 in a series highlighting the priorities of the 86th Airlift Wing.We've all heard the phrase, "If Momma ain't happy, nobody's happy." Put another way, trouble on the homefront or family struggles often directly impact the ability of the Airmanor Soldier to