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  • Click it or ticket

    While driving to Dallas a few weeks ago my daughters and I saw numerous billboard signs that stated "Click It or Ticket." My 10-year old daughter asked me if "Click It or Ticket" was a game." I replied, "No," and explained that it is a program to remind people to wear their seatbelts. She then asked, "Why do people have to be reminded to wear their

  • Asian-Pacific American Heritage month: diverse leadership for a diverse workforce

    The month of May honors the achievements of Asian-Pacific Americans. You're probably wondering, "why the month of May?" One reason is this month commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese citizens to the United States on 7 May 1843. It also marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on 10 May 1869.

  • Make every year the 'Year of the Air Force Family'

    The Secretary and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force named July 2009 - July 2010 the Year of the Air Force Family. Throughout this time frame, Barksdale has offered numerous YoAFF events to recognize the important role Air Force families play in mission success and to disseminate information about local support agencies, programs and resources

  • What keeps you awake at night?

    What keeps you awake at night? Not long ago during a maintenance orientation I was asked that question. There are a lot of things that could keep me awake at night. Some we don't control: when is the next no-notice inspection, who will get orders; what will happen with the weather? We shouldn't lose sleep worrying about what we can't control. What

  • Paying the proper respect

    So there I was...walking into the Base Exchange after work one day with my son who was five or six years old at the time. As we were walking through the parking lot retreat started to play, so we both stopped and did what protocol directed we do. As soon as it was over, my son's questions came at me fast and furious."Dad, do we have to do that?

  • Heed words from the wise

    My grandfather was a very wise man. Although he never said much, what he did say often caught me off guard and I really never understood the underlying meanings until much later in life. My fondest memories of Grandfather are immersed in this quiet man's actions and the truth in his sayings. On one of my many summer trips to visit my grandparents,

  • Getting it on contract: five principles for success

    As a customer, the contracting process can seem confusing and sometimes frustrating. This can be the case for a customer who is not adequately trained and educated on contracting requirements and the steps leading up to the contracting process. There are many common pitfalls along the way. Most of the time, these pitfalls can be avoided with proper

  • "My role in change"

    The word "change" evokes a range of emotions in individuals and within professional organizations. To some, change can be unnerving. Others see great opportunity during times of change. Today across the Air Force, and particularly here at Barksdale Air Force Base, we are all part of a team that is navigating a number of big changes that affect us

  • 2d MDG implements health care contingency

    We have been hearing a lot lately that times are tough. Most of the time, this comment has been made in reference to the state of the economy, but it can also apply to other areas. For example, the 2d Medical Group will be experiencing some tough times with health care provider manning over the next six months.Due to circumstances beyond our
  • Royal air force exchange officer with 8th Air Force, Wing Commander Mark Barmby

    Life as a RAF exchange officer

    This is part two of a three part series on the occasion of the RAF leaving Barksdale."So what do you do?" - This is probably the question I get asked most often and dread answering the most. Not that I don't like talking about myself, but there really isn't an easy answer.I normally reply that I'm the Royal air force exchange officer at the 8th Air
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