8 May 2014

‘Adapt or Perish’

If you have deployed to Afghanistan, I suspect you would agree when I say that the motto: adapt or perish; truly captures the general tone of the deployment. Essentially, the phrase provides a level of leadership expectation and guidance as threats of insurgency are real, and failure to adapt could severely impact the mission or have a deadly

7 May 2014

From security forces to ground safety

Thirteen years...That is how long I've spent patrolling the streets as a security forces member. I've written tickets, made arrests and saved lives. I was great at my job.I have always wanted to work in public safety so when the opportunity presented itself to change career fields I knew I made the right choice by joining the ground safety team.

5 May 2014

What can you optimize?

What can you optimize? This month, the Innovate Now Team asks you to take a minute to look at your processes. How can you optimize them? How can you shave off a second or polish every action just a little more? How can you automate small tasks that can add up to time and money savings? I encourage you to utilize different techniques and have others

2 May 2014

Family, standards, teamwork: A trio of balance

Greetings, Sharks! What an honor it is for me to be selected as the 45th Space Wing's command chief, and even more fortunate that my family and I get to remain on Florida's beautiful Space Coast for a little while longer.This is an extremely exciting time for my family and me, and I hope I will have the opportunity to meet each and every one of the

28 Apr 2014

5th SLS: Vital to 45th SW mission success

After almost three years in the 5th Space Launch Squadron I've become well versed on the vital role we are assigned in supporting the spacelift mission of our country. However, in discussions with other members of Team Patrick-Cape, it's evident that many of our Airmen and mission partners are not aware of our contributions. So, here's an attempt

25 Apr 2014

Thanks...it was an honor

What a wonderful assignment! By far the best Emily and I have experienced in our 28 years serving this great nation. It's been an honor and a privilege to have served as command chief for 45th Space Wing and working with the tremendously talented men and women at Team Patrick-Cape. Emily and I enjoyed every moment interacting with the many Airmen

21 Apr 2014

Got novel ideas?

Have you empowered yourself and fellow teammates yet? Have you embraced and fostered a creative way of thinking to bring about extraordinary initiatives? What are you waiting for? The world is constantly evolving and filled with unique individuals who are willing to change our culture for the betterment of the mission. These suggestions need not be

18 Apr 2014

‘Old School’ leadership in a ‘1-click’ world

Tuesdays are an exciting time in the Cole house. Returning home from work, I'm always greeted by a box or two, stacked outside my front door -- the spoils of another weekend of casual online shopping. A book, a flashlight, shampoo, or a bag of potato chips (no joke)...it's all fair game. And it can be yours in two days, shipped for free, with the

17 Apr 2014

In the Arena

As an Air Force, we are facing challenges and change. Whether driven by threats, transformative technologies, or constrained fiscal realities and shifts in theater strategy, our environment remains dynamic and ever evolving. In fact, over the course of my 20-year career, I don't recall our military shouldering as much as we do now. How do we build

4 Apr 2014

April: Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

The 45th Space Wing, along with installations at air force bases in every corner of the world, will be observing Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month throughout April.Here at Team Patrick-Cape, we will be conducting a SAPR Stand-Down Day April 18, designed to increase awareness of this horrific act and to identify those who would do such