12 Jun 2012

Sacrifices of the fallen keep aviators aloft

Sacrifices of the fallen keep aviators aloftOn May 28th, in the year 2012, in the small towns speckled along the eastern edge of Minnesota and the western edge of Wisconsin, people honored the marked events that changed the world. On that day a solider stepped off an amphibious landing vehicle into the water off the shore of Normandy. On that day a

15 May 2012

LeBlanc settles in

As I settle in for my second assignment here at the 934th some things have changed, some stayed the same, and some are still up in the air. Last time I was here (97-02) I was the Logistics Group commander. LSS was part of the group and we had 10 pristine C-130Es. The old lodging building was still there, the Major Dan Anderson building had not been

30 Apr 2012

Just when you thought it was all over

Perhaps the greatest fear these days is the fear of losing a job. After all, the consequences can be devastating. The trickle-down effect from a single event often results in the loss of a home, loss of retirement savings and even the loss of a relationship. Amid uncertain economic times, draw downs looming on the horizon and a shrinking civilian

11 Apr 2012

Happy birthday to you!

Seeing that I'm currently deployed, it seems as if one day runs right into the other. Your focus is on getting the mission done and getting home. The only way I can keep the days of the week straight is to see what's being served on the DFAC's Main Line. However, there are some days and dates that one doesn't forget; some good (Dec 25th, July 4th)

30 Mar 2012

What is an IG?

If it's wrong, let's make it right. It sounds simple enough, but what does that mean in practical terms? Well, the primary job of the Inspector General is to "sustain a credible Air Force IG system by ensuring the existence of responsive complaint investigations, and FWA programs characterized by objectivity, integrity, and impartiality while

21 Mar 2012

Never saw this coming; Lessons learned in trying times

I had the world by the tail: U. S. Air Force Academy graduate, Air Force pilot, six-time commander, 30-year Air Force career, and two stars; fit, healthy and strong. But subtle problems appeared out of nowhere: occasional vertigo, mild persistent headaches, cognitive challenges, having to stop during a hard run.I went to see the flight surgeon and

14 Mar 2012

Inspirational

Inspirational ... After a lot of thought, I have decided this is the only word which truly captures my experience at this year's Women in Aviation International Conference, which I, along with five other members of the wing, attended in Dallas, Texas, last week. For those of you who know me, this may come as somewhat of a surprise, for I'm not

7 Mar 2012

Don't worry it away

"I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened" ― Mark TwainI have always loved this quote from Mr. Twain. How often do we worry about an event or situation only to realize at some point in the future, there was nothing to stress over at all? Worry, anxiety, stress...whatever you want to label the emotion, can steal so much

14 Feb 2012

The Importance of Black History Month

The recognition of Black History Month can often be a controversial topic. Some opinions are that we should not have a month of recognition for one particular racial group, which excludes the recognitions of others. On the opposite side of the spectrum, some African-Americans may find it insulting that Black History Month is celebrated in February,

7 Feb 2012

How are those resolutions doing?

We are one month into the New Year.  How are your New Year's resolutions? Mine? Well, let's just say I'm off to a mixed start. As I do most years, I made a promise to address what Google says are the top two New Year's resolutions - eat healthier and exercise more. Those two resolutions are on my usual bumpy road. But I added a third resolution