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  • Desire, dedication, determination: the 3Ds

    "It was my first marathon, and I had to stop a bunch of times to take my leg off and adjust it, almost every one to two miles after mile 10, but at least I felt great afterwards, no real bad soreness either." A former squadron-mate, Lt. Col. Juan Alvarez, spoke these words to me. He had completed

  • Career Focus: Decisions are your call

    Have you ever had an idea get stuck in your mind for days? It happened to me this past week while I was attending a first sergeant seminar here. During several of the lectures, a recurrent phrase from the instructors kept appearing: "It's your judgment." I heard this phrase during the family care,

  • Career Focus: There ain't any chance of me staying

    A few days ago, I completed my 19th year with the Air Force. This milestone was especially significant because I was the smart-alecky and arrogant Airman who many thought would never complete one enlistment. I had a propensity for speaking my mind, questioning orders and testing my boss' patience. I

  • Commander's Corner: Remember holiday safety, upcoming NSI

    Holiday safety - I don't think it's ever possible to hit on it enough. I know that many of you will be leaving the area before my next Commander's Corner is put to print, so let me hit on it some more before you take off. We need every one of you to return from the holidays safe and sound. If you're

  • Management and labor union focused on mission and people

    Last week the Nucleus printed a photograph of Francisco Smalls, American Federation of Government Employees Local 2263 president and me signing the new Labor/Management Partnership. Although the photograph was great, it failed to adequately portray the significance of the event. This agreement is

  • Career Focus: The holidays are a great time for giving, investing

    A few weeks ago, I participated in a gift wrapping fundraiser at the base exchange. Our booster club worked diligently and cheerfully while assisting holiday shoppers. Thanks to our efforts and our customers' generous donations, we earned some money to help fund our squadron's holiday party. More

  • Seen and unseen Rockers make it happen

    It's hard to believe that another year has passed by so quickly. With Thanksgiving behind us and a new year ahead, it's a perfect time to reflect upon past accomplishments and establish future goals.This past year, I've had the privilege of meeting and helping scores of people, but I couldn't have

  • We understand; we won't forget

    Each year as Veterans Day approaches, I revisit the childhood memories of my mother gathering me and my 10 siblings to go see a Veterans Day parade. My mom was a true patriot and showed it every year by marching every mile with the parade.She would point to the soldiers who served in World Wars I

  • A roar of thunder and a thousand silent thoughts

    Team Kirtland rarely ceases to impress me. Last weekend, I had the privilege of carrying Alaska's flag as part of a parade of state flags at the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial. I was joined by dedicated Airmen representing not only their states but every unit on Kirtland. Each volunteer braved the

  • Warrior ethos in PME ... are you kidding me?

    For at least the past two years, the Air Force's senior enlisted officials have communicated the need for people to step outside of their comfort zone and experience new things: whether it's being a TI, a recruiter, a professional military education instructor, career assistance advisor or a first