10 Jun 2020

Expressing what's inside

We are living in a world today that is full of turmoil. Between a global pandemic and issues related to racism and social injustice, people are polarized with their thoughts and emotions. This often leads to increased tensions and difficult interactions.    Fear. Hurt. Frustration. Anger. Sadness. These emotions are often labeled as “bad” or

3 Jun 2020

An Endless Mission

A few weeks ago I was tagged in a post by my teammate, CMSgt Jay Harris to take on the 22 push-up challenge for Veteran Suicide Awareness. The purpose is to bring light to Veterans Affairs studies which show on average - we lose 22 Veterans to suicide each day. This rate is close to double that of the US population. Victims range from all ages and span retired, separated, active duty, guard, and the reserves. Everyday we learn more of how it also impacts those who serve alongside our veterans - their spouses and children.

27 May 2020

Are you getting ready for any opportunity?

In his leadership book, This is Day One, author Drew Dudley identifies three things in life you must have, or one day you’re going to miss out on a cool opportunity:  1) the ability to drive stick, 2) an up-to-date passport and 3) two saved-up vacation days.  These are not societal norms or local laws, but they are important nonetheless.  Why? 

19 May 2020

The Lessons I Live By

When I was first asked to write this article, I was filled with excitement that quickly turned to dread. What can I say that has not already been said? There is no way that in my short time in the Air Force, I have learned the secrets to success. That is when I realized that my experiences, while unique to me, are similar to the experiences to

11 May 2020

Honing Leadership Communications In These Trying Times

It has been said that leaders, no matter how great, must constantly reinvent themselves. In other words, the leadership that got you “here” today will not get you “there” tomorrow. If you are not constantly reinventing yourself, you run the risk of putting your organization and mission in jeopardy. Our current fight against COVID-19 is a perfect

6 May 2020

Be a Great Follower!

I am a follower and I aspire to be a great follower! That is probably something that you don’t often hear from individuals in leadership roles, but it holds true for me. Nevertheless, I believe that we must maintain being followers because it characterizes how we lead.

29 Apr 2020

Work-Life Juggling for Leaders

If nothing else, the past few weeks have shown us that our lives, and those of our families, can quickly be thrust into the unknown.  As military members, the coronavirus and associated COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with many opportunities to serve in a multitude of roles. How successful we are in each of these roles is often determined by how

22 Apr 2020

Coming together through social distancing

We are physically more isolated from each other than we have ever been, but I believe this time of crisis and social distancing is ultimately bringing us together.

14 Apr 2020

Manage stress before it manages you

Stress can be fairly terrifying at times and if not managed properly, it can be overbearing and affect your health.

3 Apr 2020

Helping our Children Cope with COVID-19

A couple months ago who would have ever dreamed how our lives would change. All around us, news of the novel coronavirus dominates the information we take in on a daily basis. Many of our day to day routines have altered dramatically. Anxiety and worry are commonplace as people think about the days ahead. It is no surprise that our children are feeling worried too. Our children take their cues from the adults around them. Therefore, as parents and adult caregivers, we must find ways to reduce our own stress and anxiety. As adults, when we are calm, it is much easier to reduce the fears of our children. Dr. Dawn O’Mally from the National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests the following steps to ease COVID-19 anxiety for families, especially children.