16 Oct 2007

World-class leaders in Safety through Voluntary Protection Programs

Voluntary Protection Programs are cooperative compliance programs initiated by Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1982 to encourage companies to exceed minimum federal safety requirements by emphasizing the importance of excellence in occupational safety and health programs.    Since first taking root in the California, VPP has saved industry

27 Sep 2007

Yes, it can happen to you

I've always been told "if you ride a motorcycle, it's not if you'll crash, it's when."    I've always hated that statement, but this morning, it happened. It was a simple case of information overload.    A little background first.   I've been riding steady since 1995 and teaching and coaching the Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses since that same

25 Sep 2007

Crossing into the blue

I'm not certain when my blood actually turned Air Force blue.    Every chance I get, I tell our staff and anyone who will listen that we serve in the world's greatest Air Force, defending the freedom of our nation and those who have not yet experienced the many blessings we all take for granted.    I have had the honor to serve around the world

21 Sep 2007

Lean metrics: Red is good, green is worthless

I remember back in my Navy days having a boss who managed under the mantra, "If you aren't measuring it, you aren't managing it." We had metrics for everything, and we briefed them on a regular basis.    I remember countless long hours trying to figure out how to explain and justify the metrics in the "red." I could just see my fitness report and

7 Sep 2007

Combined Federal Campaign: Tinker has history of record-breaking giving

I'm proud to have this opportunity to address the upcoming 2007 Combined Federal Campaign.    One of the top priorities of the Air Force is caring for our Airmen and their families. By fulfilling this promise, we all become stronger ... as a service, as a nation and as individuals. We can show that same spirit of dedication and service before self

7 Sep 2007

Commentary: Tinker legacy: Warfighters depend on you

I have served this country on the ground, in the combat zone in two wars, 30 years apart.    In both of those wars, whenever I heard or saw an aircraft, my pulse rate would go down a few beats, my blood pressure would drop a little, and my breath would come a little easier.    I was actually able to relax a little. "Why would that be?" you might

30 Aug 2007

Sharpen the Sword

As vice commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, I am honored to serve beside each and every one of you as we constantly strive to get "better." Our ALC plays a vital role in sharpening the swords of our warfighters. This means ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed and helping guarantee our victory in the global war on

28 Aug 2007

Thinking about safety

I have been thinking a lot about safety recently...I hope you have, too. Safety is part of my daily cross-check for the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.    The OC-ALC recently started a "Safety Heroes" program. These heroes are employees who identify and help us correct deficiencies and processes in the workplace that could lead to mishaps.

16 Aug 2007

CMSAF enlightens local command chiefs

In late July, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley brought together career field managers, professional military education commandants and command chief master sergeants for the first-ever Senior Enlisted Leaders Summit at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gunter Annex.    In previous years, the CMSAFs hosted a Worldwide Command Chief

3 Aug 2007

Proud to serve: I am an American Airman

While assigned to serve Airmen of the Air Force Honor Guard, I continue to note one of the most humbling experiences in my 26-year tenure, the opportunity to stand on the grounds of the Air Force Memorial.    Like most experiences, they only become important when we assign and retain meaning to them. The memorial itself is of the finest quality.