Podcasts about air force materiel command

This episode of The Contracting Experience dives into the evolving landscape of data utilization within the Air Force, featuring Jon McGugin from the Air Force Materiel Command's Contracting Digital Division and Teresa Frank, the Cost and Economics Division Chief in AFMC's Financial Management Directorate. Jon and Teresa explore the advancements of the Contract Data Specialist position, building on its introduction in Episode #47, and discuss the parallel development of similar data-focused roles in the financial management community. They highlight the strategic importance of leveraging acquisition data for data-driven decisions and discuss the training initiatives supporting these roles. They also touch upon the collaborative spirit fostered through initiatives like the Financial Management Data Analytics Steering Group. The conversation focuses on how data and technology drive efficiency and improve decision-making. The success of the ULO tool within PMRT showcases linking contracting and finance data. Jon highlights the role of the Digital Acquisition Tools Environment in showcasing and sharing digital tools. They also discuss leveraging NIPRGPT, AcqBot, and the Contracting Robotic Process Automation Bot Warehouse. Tune in to discover how the Contract Data Specialist and Financial Data Analytics initiatives are reshaping the Air Force's approach to acquisition and financial management. Learn how these data-driven strategies are empowering the workforce, streamlining processes, and ultimately, contributing to a more effective and efficient Air Force. The episode also explores the innovative tools and technologies being leveraged, including AI and RPA, and offers insights into how these advancements are paving the way for a digital transformation across the entire Department of the Air Force. Digital Tools and Resources (CAC Required): PMRT: Project Management Resource Tools https://pmrt.cce.af.mil/portal/login Home of PKnowledge Board, ULO Tool, AFBIT, and more! ULO – Unliquidated Obligations AFBIT – Air Force Business Intelligence Tool DATE: Digital Acquisition Tools Environment https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/AFCC/Centralized_Tools/Lists/Existing%20Tools/NewAll.aspx Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Warehouse https://usaf.dps.mil/teams/AFMC-Contracting/PK/SitePages/RPA.aspx NIPRgpt - https://niprgpt.mil/ AcqBot - https://acqbot.niprgpt.mil/ If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

In this episode, we dive into the Test and Evaluation Technologies for Ranges, Armaments, and Spectrum (TETRAS) contract, a $20 billion MA-IDIQ from the Air Force Materiel Command. With 46 anticipated awards and an unrestricted competition, this contract presents a massive opportunity for businesses specializing in test and evaluation, range modernization, and spectrum technologies.We'll break down the scope, eligibility, and key strategies for positioning your company ahead of the anticipated RFP release in August 2025. Whether you're a seasoned government contractor or exploring new defense opportunities, this episode will equip you with the insights needed to stay competitive and win big.

$505M Opportunity – 711th HPW Mission Support Services MA-IDIQ!The Air Force Materiel Command has announced the 711th HPW Mission Support Services Follow-On contract, a $505M MA-IDIQ set aside for 8(a) businesses, with up to five awards expected. The RFP is anticipated in Q3 2025What does this mean for your business? How can you prepare a strong, compliant proposal?Tune in to our latest podcast for expert insights and strategies!Contact ProposalHelper at sales@proposalhelper.com to find similar opportunities and help you build a realistic and winning pipeline.

Adam chats with Tom Ruby in this bonus episodeIn this episode, we discuss:The natural virtue of living on landWhat is localism?How can localism help with evangelizationThe importance of having and being a mentorThe beauty of hospitalityAbout the guest:Tom Ruby is CEO of Bluegrass Critical Thinking Solutions, a business and leadership consulting firm. He is a retired Air Force Colonel who served 26 years on active duty in positions from Squadron Intelligence Officer, to Chief of Special Programs for the Air Force Materiel Command where he oversaw a $3 Billion annual portfolio of classified programs. He was Associate Dean of the Air Command and Staff College where he developed exchange programs with the NATO School, the French École Militaire, the German General Staff College and Poland's National Defense University. He served on General Petraeus' Joint Strategic Assessment Team as well as in three combat deployments. He earned a PhD in Political Science from the University of Kentucky, and actively mentors graduate students and aspiring business leaders. He is widely published and speaks globally on topics from critical thinking, to leadership, to strategy, to morality in warfare.Download the Exodus 90 app today and join us for the January 20th, 2025 start date!Support Us on PatreonBecome a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10-part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank-you gifts for supporting the show!Click here to joinJoin Our 2025 PilgrimageSelect International Tours in the best in the business. We are planning on a 2025 pilgrimage. Click here so you won't miss it. Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy PlaceOur new book is available for pre-order from Ascension Press!“I love this book. It provides wise counsel with beautiful simplicity. So, if you are looking to safeguard your family life from the wiles of the enemy and encourage your spouse and children to become the saints God is calling them to be, this is a book for you.” – Fr Gregory PineHome life can be difficult and busy, and it's easy to get distracted from the point of it all: raising a family of saints.In Living Beyond Sunday: Making Your Home a Holy Place, two married couples share what has helped them make their homes a place of encounter with God–a place where saints are being made.Want to help The Catholic Man Show?By giving us a rating on iTunes, it helps others find the show.Want to say up with The Catholic Man Show? Sign up for our mailing list: Click HereLooking for a prayer to pray with your wife? Check this blog out.Are you getting our emails? Sign up for our newsletter where we give you all bacon content – never spam.SIGN UP HERE:

In this episode, we partner with the Small Business Directorate, Air Force Materiel Command, and welcome our Small Business Co-Host, Marcy Bain, as we interview Francine Morris, Director of Government Contracting, Small Business Administration. Morris helps us understand the basics of our small business programs, SBA resources available to both the government and small businesses, and the type of work that she is doing every day in her role to help all in the acquisition world meet our mission while also encouraging maximum opportunity for small businesses. Tune in to learn about the Small Business Administration, the various small business programs, the streamlined certification process for small businesses, some myth-busting, and a plethora of resources available for both government and small businesses. SBA – Small Business Administration DoD – Department of Defense AFICC – Air Force Installation Contracting Center PCR – Procurement Center Representatives CMR – Commercial Market Representatives HubZone – Historically Underutilized Business Zone 8(a) Business Development Program- Federal contracting and training program for experienced small business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged RFP – Request for Proposal RFI – Request for Information SOW – Statement of Work PWS – Performance Work Statement SBIR – Small Business Innovation Research GDP – Gross Domestic Product Additional SBA Resources: 1. SBA Website: https://www.sba.gov/ Includes market research and competitive advantage tips, writing business plans, calculating start up cost, and a road map to launching your business. 2. SCORE Business Mentoring: Connect with an expert through the nation's largest network of small business mentors. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/score-business-mentoring 3. Office of Small Business Development Centers: The Office of Small Business Development Centers promotes entrepreneurship and small business growth through its national network of centers. https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-small-business-development-centers 4. APEX Accelerators: APEX Accelerators (formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers) provide technical assistance to businesses interested in selling products or services to federal, state, and local governments. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/federal-contracting-assistance#id-apex-accelerators 5. First Wednesday Training for federal and DoD contracting and program offices personnel, which will provide education on the latest SBA programs, which is crucial in disseminating information and regulatory guidance to prospective small businesses that are desired to do business with the federal government. POC: Darryl.Williams@sba.gov If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

The US Air Force is conducting simultaneous, ambitious programs to build aircraft, missiles, and other systems, all while reoptimizing for great power competition. The head of Air Force Materiel Command, General Duke Richardson, gets into the details, including Sentinel news. And the week's headlines in airpower. Powered by GE!

In this episode of The Contracting Experience, we sit down with Tom Wells, a retired member of the Senior Executive Service with over 35 years of Air Force acquisition experience. Wells has held positions such as Director of Contracting, Air Force Materiel Command, and Director, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory. Currently, he serves as Vice President and Senior Associate at Dayton Aerospace, providing senior-level support and acquisition training for both government and industry professionals. Wells shares his insights from both sides of the negotiation table and offers a glimpse into his training methods that promote win-win arrangements. He discusses the evolution of government acquisition, the importance of strategic thinking over individual credit, and the mutual understanding needed between government and industry. He also emphasizes the value of professional organizations like the National Contract Management Association and addresses the true meaning of the phrase, "good enough for government work." Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation. AFMC: Air Force Materiel Command CFCM: Certified Federal Contract Manager NCMA: National Contract Management Association If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

Today's Story: Empowering Small Businesses

This episode of The Contracting Experience features a discussion with Robin Harrah, the new Contracting Technical Director at the Air Force Materiel Command. Harrah discusses her previous contracting assignments and explains her new role as the Technical Director. As the former Chief of Contracts for Special Projects, Harrah shares her passion for working in the vault and clarifies several misperceptions about working in a controlled environment. Harrah also offers some solid career advice for contracting professionals, regardless of the current stage of their career. Acronyms: AFMC – Air Force Materiel Command AFRL – Air Force Research Laboratory ASC – Aeronautical Systems Center CLP – Continuous Learning Point CONS – Contracting Squadron DAF – Department of the Air Force ELDP – Executive Leadership Development Program FIAR – Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness GFP – Government Furnished Property PCO – Procurement Contracting Officer PME – Professional Military Education TD – Technical Director If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

General Pringle discusses her experiences as a cadet, including unique firsts. and she highlights the challenges she faced in her career and the lessons she learned. ----more---- SUMMARY Retired Major General Heather Pringle '91 shares her journey from the Air Force Academy to commanding the Air Force Research Laboratory. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and being the best wingman. General Pringle discusses her experiences as a cadet, including unique firsts. She highlights the challenges she faced in her career and the lessons she learned. General Pringle also provides advice for other leaders, emphasizing the value of honesty and feedback. She encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.   OUR QUOTE PICKS "The mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert it the success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders." "Everyone has a story. And so if someone's a supervisor out there, I would say job number one is to listen and know your team, listen to their stories." "I would just say, don't think about me, you know, just go for it. And if you need help, call me. So that's it, that I just said, go for it. There's nothing should be stopping you."   SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  EMAIL   CHAPTERS 00:00:  Introduction and Teamwork 01:06:  General Pringle's Journey 03:22:  Cadet Life and Experiences 04:22:  Unique Firsts and Exchanges 05:41:  Impressions of Today's Cadets 06:08:  Indoctrination Day and Early Memories 07:30:  Involvement in Clubs and Groups 08:19:  Challenges and Lessons Learned 09:39:  Transition to Air Force Research Laboratory 12:32:  Commanding Air Force Research Laboratory 14:46:  Transition to Civilian Sector and Nonprofit Work 19:05:  Advice for Supervisors and Taking Care of Your Team 20:30:  Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failure 23:49:  Lessons from Mentors and Leaders 24:46:  Being the Best Wingman and Team Player 25:12:  Commanding Air Force Research Laboratory 27:33:  Transition to Civilian Sector and Nonprofit Work 30:25:  Lessons Learned and Being True to Yourself 34:36:  Final Thoughts and Encouragement   TAKEAWAYS FOR LEADERS AND ASPIRING LEADERS - The importance of teamwork and being a good wingman in achieving mission success. No one person carries the burden alone. - As a leader, it's important to listen to your team's stories to better understand and support them. Everyone comes from a unique background. - Facing challenges and setbacks are an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't get discouraged by failures or non-selections - keep pursuing new opportunities. - It's important to be honest with yourself and others for personal and professional development. Be open to feedback to improve. - Focus on serving others through your work and giving back to your community through service and leadership. - Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams and passions. With perseverance, you are capable of more than you realize.  - The success or failure of a mission is not on one person's shoulders; it requires a whole team working together.  - Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning.  - Be true to yourself and embrace your unique story and background.  - Take care of your team and listen to their stories; everyone has a unique perspective and contribution to make.  - Don't be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback to improve as a leader.   BIO Major General (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91 Gen. Pringle retired as Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command, Dayton, Ohio, and Technology Executive Officer, supporting both the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. She led a $2.5 billion science, technology and innovation enterprise in accelerating the discovery and development of solutions for Airmen and Guardians. She was responsible for formulating a comprehensive technology portfolio that anticipates future warfighter needs, while promoting risk-taking and problem solving across her 6,000-member government workforce. She accelerated the delivery of cross-domain solutions through partnerships with industry, academia, and international allies, and executed an additional $2.3 billion in externally funded research and development. Through the laboratory's technology and functional directorates, AFWERX and the 711th Human Performance Wing, her team produced a deep technical and medical bench, pushed the boundaries of modern technology and improved the science for tomorrow. Prior to her last assignment, Maj. Gen. Pringle served as the Director of Strategic Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. - Copy and image credit:  www.af.mil     ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!          FULL TRANSCRIPT   SPEAKERS Our Host is Naviere Walkewicz '99 | Our Guest is Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91   Major Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91  00:09 The mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert. The success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders. Just like being a cadet isn't just on the cadet's shoulders. There's a whole team of folks out there who, if we are the best wingman that we can be, then the mission will succeed.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:00 My guest today is retired Major General Heather Pringle, a 1991 graduate of the Air Force Academy. General Pringle's journey from in-processing day to her current role in the nonprofit sector spans 32 years. Along the way, she served in education, warfighter support, research, innovation and global leadership roles culminating in the command of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command. There is a unique first from her days as a fourth degree that stands out. And it makes me wonder how that affected the trajectory of your Air Force career. We'll talk about that with the general and much more. General Pringle, thank you for being here today.   Gen. Heather Pringle  01:36 Thanks for having me, Naviere. And please, call me Heather.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:39 So Heather, let's kind of go back a little bit, you know, to some early days. Back to the beginning. Let's talk about what you were like as a kid where you grew up, about your family?   Gen. Heather Pringle  01:50 Well, I grew up in a small town in Idaho. And I guess before we really dig in, I do want to say, thanks so much for having me here. It's yes, it's an honor to be able to talk to your audience and share some stories. And if there's any way I can be of help, that's what I'm all about.   Naviere Walkewicz  We love that. Thank you.   Gen. Heather Pringle  So, growing up in small town in Idaho, it's well known for the place where Evil Knievel jumped the Snake River Canyon, but he did not land on the other side, or the part of the canyon where I grew up. But the excitement surrounding it really enthralled me. And you asked what I was like growing up, and I love to challenge. I'd love to learn new things. And maybe that was a little difficult on my parents. But boy, they did a such a great job of instilling values in me and always doing my best and working hard and trying to make a difference for others.   Naviere Walkewicz  You grew up, you moved to Idaho.   Gen. Heather Pringle  I'm the oldest of three and my sister served in the Air Force as a nurse and my younger brother, also known as “Zoom”, also served in the Air Force as well. He was a pilot, and yes, so he was a pilot. There you go.   Naviere Walkewicz  03:11 That's awesome. And another long blue line graduate of the Air Force Academy.   Gen. Heather Pringle  03:15 Absolutely. He was class of 1996.   Naviere Walkewicz  03:18 Is that something? Did you know you wanted to go to the academy? How did that come about?   Gen. Heather Pringle  03:22 My aunt and uncle live on a ranch in Wyoming. And that's where I spent my summers. So that part about hard work and doing chores and you know, dawn to dusk type stuff. They taught me a lot about working to make a contribution. And my aunt was a high school teacher. And as part of her curriculum, she went on a trip to Annapolis. And she came back and she said if she had her life to do over again, she would go to a service academy. That was the first I'd ever heard of a service academy. I'm so grateful to my aunt and uncle. And I did my own research and found out about the Air Force Academy in Colorado. And it had an exchange with France…   Naviere Walkewicz  Okay.   Gen. Heather Pringle  …which was really fun. That intrigued me as well. So, I just worked hard and did my best and I got lucky.   Naviere Walkewicz  So did you get to go on an exchange?   Gen. Heather Pringle  While I was a cadet?   Naviere Walkewicz  Wow.   Gen. Heather Pringle  Yes, I did. And I used to joke that it was my favorite semester at the Academy. But there were a lot of great semesters out the Academy, but France was a unique one that is so unique. Yeah, we do. My brother and I have a unique distinction that we're the only brother sister at least couple years ago that was true. The only brothers sister combo that went to the French exchange. Naviere Walkewicz  Oh my goodness. That's cool.   Gen. Heather Pringle  It is kind of cool. But I'm sure today's cadets have already surpassed that milestone and many more.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:02 The level of talent coming in and just how smart they are. I don't know that I would have made it in today's…, for sure where I was, you know, back, you know, in '95.   Gen. Heather Pringle  05:13 I completely agree. It's mind blowing. And I'm just so impressed by the cadet population and their talent and their selfless drive. It's amazing. And I'm very honored. They make me look better than I am. And they're, just fantastic. And the future is really bright. And we're in great hands.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:39 I think that's true. They make they make us look good, because really they represent the long blue line from you know, from years before and as we move forward. So, talk about that a little bit more the cadet life. I know you graduated from five were you always in Vandy? What was Cadet life like for you?   Gen. Heather Pringle  05:55 So Cadet life was, oh, I don't even know how to describe it. But let's see, I started we're…   Naviere Walkewicz  06:03 You're not military at all, like no exposure. So that was it. You literally showed up? Let's talk about just ID (induction day) what was that? Like? Let's start there, indoctrination day.   Gen. Heather Pringle  06:10 Okay, I have a couple of memories. So, the first one is I was on the plane, and my parents shipped me from Idaho to Colorado Springs. And I'm sitting next to somebody on the plane who has this little gold book in front of him. And I'm looking and I said, “Well, hi. I'm Heather.” And it turns out the individual was going to the Academy and had this book. He said, “Well, we have to memorize quotes.” And so that was the first part and then the bus ride from the airport to at the time, that was the Bring Me Men” ramp. It was dreary, it was raining. It was a rare rainy day here in Colorado. And so, you know, the ambiance started to sink in. And the weight of what I was about to enter started hitting me and I started getting worried. And could I cut it? Was I good enough? And all I could do was try. And the other funny memory that I have new here is they take you around on indoctrination day and you get measured for boots, you get measured for uniforms, etc. And they cut your hair.   Naviere Walkewicz  07:27 Yes. I remember that vividly.   Gen. Heather Pringle  07:28 Yes, and I had my hair cut before I went because I was going to be as prepared as I could. And immediately after getting my hair cut, they hand you the little placard to hold it under your chin and they were going to take your military identification photo. And I had the biggest grin because I was just proud and happy to be a part of the cadet corps and loving life. And then immediately after that, an upperclassman came around and definitely trained the smile right out of me. It was the last one for a little bit.   Naviere Walkewicz  08:02 Oh my goodness. So that was definitely a memory for sure. Let's talk a little bit more about while you're at the Academy. I know you, going before the Academy, you dabbled in different things and challenges. What were some of the experiences that you got involved with, or maybe clubs or groups that you can get involved as well while you were at the Academy?   Gen. Heather Pringle  08:19 Oh, that was, that was so fun. And the clubs really helped build that feeling of connection and camaraderie and family in addition to your squadron, right? I was a walk-on the track team. I was a hurdler.   Naviere Walkewicz  Wow.   Gen. Heather Pringle  Not great. I'm really, really not great. I was definitely the walk-on. But there's something for everyone. And that's, that's the goodness of it. And it just was really great. And I'm still friends with some of my track colleagues. And I'm really lucky to make some great friends during that time. I thought I'd mentioned as well, it wasn't all roses, as you can imagine. And in high school, I really liked physics. And I thought, you know, maybe I'll do physics. And I did not do well on the test that I had. So, I pretty quickly dropped physics as a major. And that's a tiny little regret that I have. Human Factors, which is no regret whatsoever. I loved it. And I loved the opportunity to combine technology and the human side of it. And it's it really worked out very, very well. At the time though I was a little disappointed that I didn't quite cut it but that's one of the thoughts that I had might be of interest is don't give up on your dreams when you're going through the Academy. And I'll say that even when one door closes a window opens and you're right, Human Factors, was the best thing ever. I loved it, I pursued it as a scientist and met many great people. And I leave the physics to the really, really talented people, which is there are so many out there.   Naviere Walkewicz  10:14 Well, that really speaks volumes, because so many listeners I think are at, you know, different points when you come to a crossroad. And you kind of wonder which way do I go. So, I think that's a really great story that you shared there. Because sometimes the path that you're not even seeing is the one that you should be going on. And that's kind of how you, you approached it. So, at the Academy, were there any particular leaders that really spoke to you and shaped you in a way that you knew was going to kind of make a difference in your career after the academy?   Gen. Heather Pringle  10:43 You look to so many around you. I leaned on so many people from my roommates along the way to faculty. I was really drawn to the academic side. And I had a lot of faculty that I looked up to, and they encouraged me. My academic advisor, for example, made a friendly bet with me once that I should get a particular grade point average. And, you know me, I love a challenge. So, I didn't just meet the challenge, but you know, that's a little, that's my personality. Unfortunately, yes, well, it can get in the way sometimes, too, but, um, you know, and then my AOCs. I still have my Cadet coin from 5th Squadron from 1991. I just can't believe how many people are dedicated to helping cadets succeed across the weighing across the base. I mean, we can't forget all those folks that are keeping the dorms warm, and ensuring that, you know, all the grounds are kept up to speed. And I, if I could say thank you to all of them for the lack of thank you's that I said at the time, I would love to do so now.   Naviere Walkewicz  12:14 So, I did want to touch on this unique first that your class experienced. So, you know, your class was amongst the first cadets to receive desktop computers. Let's talk a little bit about that. Because, you know, I can think a lot of firsts that cadets have, but this was game changer for the Academy. How did that kind of, what did that look like for you, and did it, you know, shape anything for what you wanted to do in the future?   Gen. Heather Pringle  12:38 The freshmen had computers and the sophomores, but not the juniors and not the seniors. Interesting, very fascinating tool differential. So, I do remember getting the computer during basic training and trying to figure out how to stick the floppy in to boot up the computer and use it right. And we also had an intranet at the time. And I would say that our class got very, very good at coordinating spirit missions using our computers, and the juniors and seniors were none the wiser. And so, we would say, you know, we had to be pretty good about doing that. But we could never pull the wool over the eyes of our sophomores and they were always right there to get us. But I even remember a couple of upperclassmen requesting services, for example, in terms of entering papers into the computer so that they would have a document because I had it and they didn't, rather than handwriting or typing right on a typewriter.   Naviere Walkewicz  13:47 So, just share, do you have a particular spirit mission that still stands out into your mind that you remember?   Gen. Heather Pringle  13:54 Oh, I don't even know if I should get into those.   Naviere Walkewicz  13:58 Fair enough? I think we all have those. Those spirit missions are li those just stay with us.   Gen. Heather Pringle  14:03 Yeah. Let's just say, you know, I really bonded with my classmates. Yeah. And I'm really grateful for having those friends over the years as well. So yeah, there. We, I'm sure, we weren't the best, or the worst. But yeah, we made our mark.   Naviere Walkewicz  14:22 I think of all, every class, I think, feels like they either had the toughest or they had the best spirit mission.   Gen. Heather Pringle  14:29 So, you know, yeah, we're probably right in the middle, right in the middle.   Naviere Walkewicz  14:33 Well, maybe we can shift a little bit to your career. But before we do, for those listeners that are thinking about the Air Force Academy or kind of, you know, lessons that you learn, if you can go back and talk to Cadet Heather, you know, what would you say to her?   Gen. Heather Pringle  14:46 Oh, I would say just keep going for it and enjoy it because it's over too quickly. And I think I didn't really realize how many people were there to help me and I don't think I asked for help enough when I needed it. So, I would say that there are people that want you to succeed. And they're there to help cadets succeed. So that would be my message.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:16 Let's talk about this 32 years of amazing leadership in the in the Air Force, and I know that you're very modest.   Gen. Heather Pringle  15:24 (It) spans two centuries. So, I think it's not all that remarkable. And I have to say, you know, even given that the long blue line, there are so many leaders to look up to, like Heather Wilson, David Ogilvy and Mark Welsh, so many great leaders to look up to. It's very humbling just to be a part of it, and to help someone else make it better and follow in their great footsteps.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:55 Yes, well, I think that's part of what makes us so special is because I think every, you know, person that shares their experiences when it comes to their, like leadership lessons, or just some of the trials, tribulations, successes, someone that's listening on the other end can pick something from that and say, like, that really, that really spoke to me. So, you know, we'll talk about your career. Maybe you can just share just off the bat, you know, you're a mom?   Gen. Heather Pringle  16:19 I am a wife…   Naviere Walkewicz  16:20 You are also you know, you did 32 years and leadership positions. What's that like, juggling all of that? How did you do that?   Gen. Heather Pringle  16:27 I don't know that I did it very well. You know, you just do the best you can. But first is having a great husband who supported me along the way and made sure that the kids were fed. And yeah, I'll say they had dirt on their faces, or, you know, my daughter dressed in mismatched, you know, whatever. But it was just, it was just a great life. And I'm really grateful that he was helping me through the ups and the downs. It's hard to be a mom and to be active duty, and it gets harder over time. It's especially hard when they're little juggling. And you kind of feel like, wow, I'm failing at being a mom, I'm failing at being an officer, and how do you manage both? And I would just say, give yourself a break, and be the best you that you can be. I once tried to be something or meet a standard that I thought was the right thing to do. But once I decided, you know what, I'm Heather, I'm from Idaho, and not many of us are, and I'm a mom, and I just kind of owned that as part of my leadership. I was happier. And I don't know if I did better, but I was able to go further because of it. And I was much more comfortable in my skin. And, you know, you take the highs and the lows, and you just keep going.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:10 No, that's wonderful. I think there's young officers that feel that pressure at both moms and dads. And so I think that's, it's nice to hear those who have done so well to admit, you know, hey, it's tough at times, and sometimes you gotta lean on your network, and your network can be a lot of different things. So thank you for sharing that.   Gen. Heather Pringle  18:28 Yeah, well, you, you might end up going to work once in a while was spit-up on your shoulder, or, you know, kind of being a little, you know, or late to a soccer game. And you don't have to, I guess that's what I'm really saying, is you don't have to be perfect. Across the board. Just be you.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:49 I think that's a great nugget for those that are listening that maybe are feeling some of those pressures. What advice might you give to supervisors that maybe have some, some members in their, on their teams that you might say, maybe consider giving grace? Or what does that look like to you that you might share?   Gen. Heather Pringle  19:06 Well, this is something that I learned from General Mark Walsh, and he said, everyone has a story. And so, if someone's a supervisor out there, I would say job number one is to listen and know your team, listen to their stories. And every individual in the military is serving and comes from all these unique, amazing backgrounds. And they've conquered their own challenges, whether it's past or present. And so, when supervisors understand that, then they can better meet the individual in the middle. Of course, the mission has to get done and you want it to be done. Well, national security is an imperative and we're depending on our uniformed members, so I'm not worried about our military letting us down. I just want to make sure that we're living up to what our military needs. And so, listen, learn, and see if we can meet in the middle.   Naviere Walkewicz  20:12 I mean, it goes back to taking care of your people. And then I think that you just said, you couldn't have said that any better.   Naviere Walkewicz  20:20 Maybe you can share some of the challenges that you might have experienced. You talked about, you know, being a mom and being a leader. Talk about just in leadership in general. What was maybe one of the most challenging things you've experienced? And how did you overcome that?   Gen. Heather Pringle  20:34 I had a variety of challenges. Throughout my career, I'll say I didn't have necessarily a straight line in the way that I went. And I think that's great. And I didn't know if I was, you know, I applied to a lot of different opportunities, you know, there's so many, and I, you know, I didn't get half of them or more. I wanted to be a Squadron Commander down at Air Education and Training Command down at Lackland. And I didn't get selected. That's okay. It like, it's, I kept going and doing other things, and other doors opened, and so you just, you just don't give up. That would have been an amazing opportunity. And what they do down at Lackland is phenomenal. But, you know, that's just one example of, you know, something I tried and didn't pan out. But what do you do, you just keep going and try something new, or work on those skills and learn from it. The worst thing I could have done, or the worst thing anyone could do, is to let that you know, non-selection define them as an individual or feel like, you know, all hope for the future is lost. That's not, couldn't be, couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, all learning comes from failure. And that's something we need to embrace, to improve, to adapt to change, and to keep getting better, right? And to grow as leaders to grow as a leader. So, I love a challenge. So, I took those failures as a challenge. All right, what am I going to learn what I'm going to do next?   Naviere Walkewicz  22:23 And it probably even helped in your, you've probably mentored others, you know, that are going through similar challenges that actually like let's look at it this from a different vantage point. And because you kind of went through those different experiences, you're able to be even more impactful in their lives.   Gen. Heather Pringle  22:35 It is important to be honest and give feedback that helps individuals grow. And so, another thought maybe for supervisors is we don't do them any favors if we don't tell them honestly, where they're strong, but where they need to work. And so, we all want to improve, and we all want to be the best that we can at whatever job that we've been given. So, I welcome that kind of feedback. And I'm currently learning about what I need to do. And so, I've got a lot to learn. So, I'm all ears every day all day long.   Naviere Walkewicz  23:14 I think there's a, I don't know that it's not a direct quote, it's certainly not in contrails. But there's something that talks about I think, truly being kind is being honest, you know, being truthful with people. And I think that's some of the best ways we can be kind is by just being honest and truthful with others. So sure. Now, that's wonderful. So you had mentioned that some of the best things that, you know, advice you can give to someone is ways that they can improve. Was there any particular mentor leader that just gave you something that really stuck with you, aside from general wells that maybe you've taken with you in your career as a growth opportunity?   Gen. Heather Pringle  23:45 A lot, I honestly, I really have so many people that I'm grateful for leaving a mark on me. You know, I learned or watched from afar, General Laurie Robinson and she would always say, “Be the best airman you can be, but also be the best wingman that you can be.” And I think that is another area where not only trying to improve yourself but uplift your teammates. And the mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert. And the failure, the success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders. There's a whole team of folks out there who if we are the best wingman that we can be, then the mission will succeed.   Naviere Walkewicz  24:44 Right, now teams are where it's at. And you had the opportunity to lead an incredible team at AFRL. And what's so, I think, so cool about that is you were at a time when you were supporting both Air and Space Force. Let's talk a little bit about that and talk about what was it like when you found out you're going to be commanding, you know, Air Force Research Laboratory? How did that feel and maybe just kind of share some of those moments with us.   Gen. Heather Pringle  25:08 Well the Air Force Research Lab, which you know, don't get confused about Air Force in the name, because it's there for the Space Force too, and provides a ton of amazing technologies for guardians. That was the honor of a lifetime, a huge privilege, because that team is eye-wateringly smart, and brilliant, and innovative. And they are, every day focused on solving problems for warfighters. What can be a higher calling than that? I, I just enjoyed getting to know them, helping them succeed. And they're doing some amazing things for, you know, they shoot lasers, they build robots, they blow things up. They code like crazy, right? It's just they love it, they love it. And they're great at it. They're the best in the world. And I'm forever grateful to have had that opportunity. And I know they continue that mission, even today. That's the other beauty of the military. So even when you have an opportunity, you're always moving, right. And now I know that the research lab is in wonderful, amazing, great hands of a test pilot, and doing even better things. And so it keeps getting better and better. Just like those cadets were better than we were back in the day. AFRL is better today than it ever was. And it's going in the right direction. And I would encourage anybody who's listening to go look up the research lab, because it's pretty inspiring, and they don't get the credit they deserve. That's for sure.   Naviere Walkewicz  27:00 Well, that is good for people. I think people always want to know, like, how do we get to some of these technologies that are doing all of these things and supporting our guardians, our Air Force, or you know, what does that look like? And I think that's cool that you said, “Hey, go check it out.” And part of that is maybe that journey will take them there as well.   Gen. Heather Pringle  27:15 Yeah. So that'd be great.   Naviere Walkewicz  27:17 How did you find out, so talk about just I think that's such a wonderful opportunity to like you said, you know, chance of a lifetime. How did you find out when you were selected for that?   Gen. Heather Pringle  27:26 Oh, I don't even remember. It was probably a blur. I was pretty incredulous though. I'll say this when I graduated in 1991. So last century, I never would have dreamed that I would have had such an opportunity or such a wonderful, yeah, opportunity to be a part of a team like that. So, as I said, my trajectory or my path may have been weaving, and I got so lucky to be there. And now they're doing great things. I just remember trying to relish every moment and trying to relate to the team that what they did mattered. And they're in it for the long haul. So, when they're solving problems, it's not a two-day problem. It's a problem for 10 years from now. So, it can be a little discouraging, but that's where you kind of have to have that you're in it for the long game. So, I don't really remember it was kind of a blur.   Naviere Walkewicz  28:33 Just the whole experience was itself just amazing. Yeah.   Gen. Heather Pringle  28:37 And it was also COVID. So that was a bit of a tricky wicket to navigate and figure out, well, how are you going to lead a distributed, diverse organization like that?   Naviere Walkewicz  28:57 Yeah, that's cool. That is, was there a particular capability that under your leadership, and with the team with you that you could, you know, just share about that you're proud of that kind of was accomplished during your tenure?   Gen. Heather Pringle  29:08 Well, they did it all. So, all the credit goes to the 10,000 professionals who do all that problem solving. They were focused on everything from, oh, the Battle Network, JADC to, to all this space technologies which are so exciting, and also the collaborative combat aircraft was a big one. And the other thing, I'll mention it here, too, even in that organization, it was important to think about who else is contributing to that mission. So, all of those technologies were collaborative efforts with acquirers and Air Force Materiel Command and the program offices with the warfighters, who were helping us understand what is needed on the battlefield and everyone in between. So, none of that work gets done without the whole team contributing.   Naviere Walkewicz  30:16 Was there any moments that you remember that you were surprised? Were there any particular people that just really kind of stood out to you that you were just so incredibly happy that you were able to be a part of their team? While you're there?   Gen. Heather Pringle  30:29 I used to say that if I, if I'm not surprised every single day, then the Air Force Research Lab isn't doing its job. Over the course of a couple years, there were plenty of surprises and lots of opportunities to learn, right? Say that in quotes. So, you were asking before the show, what are unicorns? Yeah, and I may have overused the phrase, but I always thought of the team at the research lab as unicorns because each one was unique. We had opera singers and fiction writers and band players. And, by the way, the world record for pumpkin chucking in a trebuchet is held by an AFRL team. Everyone had a unique story, they came from such amazing backgrounds, and here they were dedicated to serving the nation through technology.   Naviere Walkewicz  31:30 So that is how you catch unicorns? Well, let's talk a little bit about your transition from the military side to the civilian sector and nonprofit work. What does that been like for you?   Gen. Heather Pringle  31:42 Well, it was, it was hard to say goodbye to the team. And but, you know, like all things, you know, life goes on, and they're doing amazing, which is, I'm so proud of them, and so happy for them. And that's what you love to see. And that's truly the beauty of the military. And coming to being a retired person I love being called Heather. So that's probably, and mom, actually, I love mom first. And I get that a lot more than, you know, when I was full time military. And I have found that a lot of the things that you learned those gifts that you pick up through your military career are valued by the civilian sector. So having a mission focus, thinking about, you know, what is it you're trying to accomplish, and then focusing all your efforts on that. And you can't forget, it all starts with the team and who they are and the leadership that permeates everything. So, no mission gets accomplished, without the team there behind it. So, I've spent time getting to know this new team, that I'm a part of learning their unique contributions and understanding what the mission is. And then again, relying on that whole external teamwork, that external group of partners and stakeholders who also want success for that mission, and you find it's not lonely, you're not alone in accomplishing that, that so many people want you to succeed. And that's, that's what I want for your listeners. I want them to go conquer the world, make it better, you know, sweep up all that broken glass that me and my troubled classmates made and it's a little change, you know, you I'll say I have more to give and so that spirit of service before self, if that isn't in my blood, I'm, I am really hoping to continue to serve my family, my community, and my team and so I've got more to give and the Academy gave me those foundational skills to give more.   Naviere Walkewicz  34:18 I mean, well, starting with your family to your time as a cadet to your time in the military, and now the civilian, this new journey. What are some of the most important lessons that you've learned? Maybe in leadership and maybe just in you know, being a successful servant?   Gen. Heather Pringle  34:35 Oh, well, you know, and it's not always success. It's going through setbacks, learning more and trying to be more honest and sometimes those learnings are hard, too. And I had to, I had, there were times when I had to think long and hard about okay, what does this really mean? Am I being truly honest with myself and uh, you know, I'm not, I'm far from perfect. But, you know, I guess just, you know, being the best person that you are. Own whatever unique story that you are. Don't try and be something you're not. You know, I'm from Idaho, you're from Nebraska, we can do that. And it makes the solution so much better. And the more we help each other, the more successful our world will be. I guess the one thing I haven't mentioned really is take time to be with your family and know that they're making your service possible. And now I'm giving back to them.   Naviere Walkewicz  35:46 I mean, you've given so many incredible nuggets about yourself, and I think that people can really relate to that are listening. What's something that you really want them to remember about you?   Gen. Heather Pringle  35:57 I would just say, don't think about me, you know, just go for it. And if you need help, call me. So that's it, that I just said, go for it. There's nothing should be stopping you. And you know, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and I bet you are so much better than you even know that you are. So go for it.   Naviere Walkewicz  36:21 I think that was a great boil down nugget there. Well, I do want to just make sure we're there anything that I didn't ask you that you would really love for our listeners to hear?   Gen. Heather Pringle  36:32 No, I just want to say thanks for having me. I hope it's been an enjoy. It's I've enjoyed the conversation. So very much. Yeah. You know, it's it's important to be part of this community and give back and thanks for doing these kinds of podcasts to spread the word and get people excited. Yes, about coming to the academy and serving our Air Force in our space force. There is so much out there to do really is and we need great people and there's a lot of us out there rooting for you.   Naviere Walkewicz  37:11 Thank you very much. Thanks so much and Heather you have a wonderful day.   Gen. Heather Pringle  You as well.     KEYWORDS team, Academy, cadet, great, Air Force, mission, Air Force Academy, work, military, love, leadership, unique, amazing, Idaho, serving, challenge, learn, opportunity, Heather, mother, mom, leader, succeed       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation

The Contracting Experience Podcast partnered with the Air Force Materiel Command's Small Business Directorate to interview two business leaders of women-owned small businesses who have successfully entered the Department of the Air Force market and demonstrated their capabilities and commitment to the Air Force mission. They are Jaqueline Gamblin, Chief Executive Officer of JYG Innovations, and Lisa Coker, Chief Executive Officer of Infinite Management Solutions. The Department of the Air Force and Air Force Materiel Command have a phenomenal small business program setting new records of small business spend, significantly exceeding the small business goals established for both. This is excellent news as we collectively work to strengthen our industrial base and leverage small business innovation to meet mission need. Yet, one area we historically struggle in is the number of women-owned small business and spend – or in contract terms – the number of contract awards and obligations. Women-owned small businesses have successfully entered and performed in the Department of Defense marketplace. In this conversation, we discuss what challenges these women owned small businesses have faced in doing business with the government and how the acquisition community can partner with women-owned small businesses to better collaborate and execute Air Force missions. ***This podcast episode and the mention or appearance of external links does not constitute or imply official endorsement on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Air Force or Department of Defense. The Department of the Air Force does not endorse any non-federal entities, companies, products, or services. Moreover, the Department of the Air Force does not exercise any responsibility or oversight of the content at external link destinations mentioned during this podcast. The views expressed within this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. Acronyms: WOSB – Women-Owned Small Business RFI – Request for Information RFP – Request for Proposal Guests: Jaqueline Gamblin Chief Executive Officer JYG Innovations https://www.jyginnovations.com Lisa Coker Chief Executive Officer Infinite Management Solutions https://teamims.net If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

Inside the Military's Fight Against Drug Use: Origins, Myths, and Insights Into The Drug Demand Reduction Program with Expert Steve Callon 1. Introduction In a recent HeroFront podcast episode, host Josh White engaged in a compelling conversation with Mr. Steven G. Callon, the Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager for the Air Force Materiel Command stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Their discussion traversed the landscape of drug demand reduction, leadership, military life, and the transformative evolution of drug testing within the military. Drug demand reduction stands as a pivotal component of military culture, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a drug-free environment to uphold readiness and safety standards. 2. Steven G. Callon's Background Steven G. Callon boasts an impressive military career, culminating in his current role as the Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager. His journey includes serving as a dedicated drug and alcohol counselor, offering vital support to service members grappling with substance abuse issues. 3. Leadership and Military Retirement Mr. Callon's insights into leadership are informed by his extensive experience and enriched by his reflections on military retirement. His recommended leadership books provide timeless wisdom applicable both within and beyond the military context. Transitioning from military service to civilian life remains a significant milestone, underscored by the importance of maintaining connections within the Air Force community. 4. Unusual Experiences in Drug and Alcohol Counseling In the realm of drug and alcohol counseling, Mr. Callon shares intriguing anecdotes of navigating unexpected situations during counseling sessions. These experiences underscore the complexity and sensitivity required in addressing substance abuse issues within the military. 5. Evolution of Drug Demand Reduction Programs Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Callon highlights proud moments and mentorship experiences that have shaped his approach to drug demand reduction. The evolution from traditional interdiction strategies towards a more nuanced emphasis on demand reduction underscores the military's commitment to holistic approaches in combating substance abuse. 6. Drug Testing Procedures in the Military The intricate process of drug testing within the military involves meticulous protocols, including random selection processes and stringent notification procedures. Mr. Callon provides insights into the comprehensive testing process, encompassing sample collection, analysis, and adherence to regulatory standards. 7. Drug Use and Consequences in the Military The ramifications of drug use within the military are profound, potentially culminating in separation from service. Mr. Callon delves into the legal procedures and available options for individuals confronted with positive drug test results, emphasizing the gravity of maintaining a drug-free environment to uphold military readiness. 8. Seeking Help and Support Seeking help for drug addiction is paramount, particularly for individuals occupying positions of authority within the military hierarchy. Mr. Callon shares personal narratives and reflections on overcoming challenges, underscoring the importance of resilience and support networks in navigating professional and personal endeavors. 9. Leadership, Mentorship, and Legacy As Mr. Callon expresses gratitude towards his mentors, he reflects on their enduring impact on his journey. In conclusion, he offers poignant insights into the essence of leadership, mentorship, and the enduring legacy cultivated through dedicated service within the military.

Brig. Gen. Brian Moore, commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker Air Force Base, joins Mark Hybers, 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs, for the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast. The Tinker Talks Podcast is a podcast dedicated to the latest events and happenings on one of the largest Air Force bases, “Tinker Talks” features various perspectives from the 5,600-acre installation. Moore began his career in the United States Air Force in the mid-90s. He has held positions at the wing, major command, air staff and joint staff levels, to include squadron, group, and wing command, and the vice commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command. In this podcast, Moore discusses his priorities, the future of the OC-ALC and what is behind 24 by 2024.

Open your mind to new ways of operating that will help you feel lighter.  I use throwing out my to-do list as an example, but you can apply your new way of thinking to anything in your life that isn't helping you get where you want/be who you want to be in your life. B'joyed Podcast is the podcast for ambitious women who want to get free from limiting beliefs, create more balance, and connect with their confidence so they can thrive in work in life. If you are ready to clear out self-doubt, perfectionism, and overwhelm from non-stop productivity and achievement, you're in the right place.  I'll teach you how to master your mind and work with your body, so you can feel more peace, presence, and joy to make a positive impact and elevate your life. Go to my website https://www.bjoyed.com/ to sign up for my free newsletter and receive a gift.  You will get more connection with me and the best life strategies that I share with my clients. Remember, you truly matter and you are a light in this world. Keep choosing joy, Amber   Amber Pecoraro is a Certified Life Coach guiding ambitious women to retrain their subconscious mind so they can get free from limiting beliefs, create more balance, and connect with their confidence to thrive in work and life. Amber has 15 years experience in Government Acquisition for the United States Air Force. She established Leadership Coaching capabilities with Air Force supervisors and expanded the program to all six Centers within Air Force Materiel Command. Amber founded B'joyed Coaching to help her clients master their mind, work with their bodies, and elevate their lives so they can thrive personally and professionally. When Amber is not helping others through coaching, she loves to walk outside in nature and spend quality time with her family.

In this episode, we are talking about what's really holding you back from getting what you want in your life.  You don't want to miss the breakdown of how your subconscious mind is impacting and influencing you.  Once you know this, the sky is the limit! B'joyed Podcast is the podcast for ambitious women who want to get free from limiting beliefs, create more balance, and connect with their confidence so they can thrive in work in life. If you are ready to clear out self-doubt, perfectionism, and overwhelm from non-stop productivity and achievement, you're in the right place.  I'll teach you how to master your mind and work with your body, so you can feel more peace, presence, and joy to make a positive impact and elevate your life. Go to my website https://www.bjoyed.com/ to sign up for my free newsletter and receive a gift.  You will get more connection with me and the best life strategies that I share with my clients. Remember, you truly matter and you are a light in this world. Keep choosing joy, Amber   Amber Pecoraro is a Certified Life Coach guiding ambitious women to retrain their subconscious mind so they can get free from limiting beliefs, create more balance, and connect with their confidence to thrive in work and life. Amber has 15 years experience in Government Acquisition for the United States Air Force. She established Leadership Coaching capabilities with Air Force supervisors and expanded the program to all six Centers within Air Force Materiel Command. Amber founded B'joyed Coaching to help her clients master their mind, work with their bodies, and elevate their lives so they can thrive personally and professionally. When Amber is not helping others through coaching, she loves to walk outside in nature and spend quality time with her family.

B'joyed Podcast is so happy to be back in your earphones.  In Season 3 of the podcast, we are going deeper to help you live life YOUR way. B'joyed Podcast is the podcast for ambitious women who want to get free from limiting beliefs, create more balance, and connect with their confidence so they can thrive in work in life. If you are ready to clear out self-doubt, perfectionism, and overwhelm from non-stop productivity and achievement, you're in the right place.  I'll teach you how to master your mind and work with your body, so you can feel more peace, presence, and joy to make a positive impact and elevate your life. Go to my website https://www.bjoyed.com/ to sign up for my free newsletter and receive a gift.  You will get more connection with me and the best life strategies that I share with my clients. Remember, you truly matter and you are a light in this world. Keep choosing joy, Amber   Amber Pecoraro is a Certified Life Coach guiding ambitious women to retrain their subconscious mind so they can get free from limiting beliefs, create more balance, and connect with their confidence to thrive in work and life. Amber has 15 years experience in Government Acquisition for the United States Air Force. She established Leadership Coaching capabilities with Air Force supervisors and expanded the program to all six Centers within Air Force Materiel Command. Amber founded B'joyed Coaching to help her clients master their mind, work with their bodies, and elevate their lives so they can thrive personally and professionally. When Amber is not helping others through coaching, she loves to walk outside in nature and spend quality time with her family.

It's the 16th episode of The 1796 Podcast and we are extremely thrilled to be joined by General Duke Richardson. General Richardson is the commander of Air Force Materiel Command. The General will tell us all about Air Force Materiel command, what they do, and all the people that provide warfighting capabilities and equipment. He will fill us in on how Materiel Command delivers integrated capabilities while amplifying a warfighting culture. He will give us his leadership advice and… tell us what brought him to Tennessee. Don't miss episode 16 of The 1796 Podcast. Join co-hosts Lt. Col. Marty Malone and Capt. Taylor Hall as they bring you inspiring interviews and exciting news from the Tennessee Military Department.

This month we talk to special guest Charlson Gaines, PH.D., and Capt. Gabriel Malasig, the Tinker Air Force Base Deputy Sexual Assault Response Coordinator about sexual assault awareness and prevention as well as empathetic leadership, emotional intelligence, burnout and self-care. Dr. Gaines spoke to three separate audiences about these topics as part of Tinker's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Dr. Gaines is a retired Air Force veteran. He has authored a book and speaks to various groups including Air Force units. The views and opinions expressed by Dr. Gaines are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the United States Air Force. This podcast does not endorse Dr. Gaines or products and services offered. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TinkerAirForceBase and Twitter @Team_Tinker

Amber Pecoraro comes on the show to discuss  "The Contracting Experience" podcast - Amber works for the Air Force Materiel Command's Contracting Directorate, and will discuss what the show is about and how it would benefit all Contracting Professionals to listen in - give the show a try - over 2200 current subscribers and 84,000 downloads during its 4 year run, so far.Find the podcast at your favorite podcast location.  Here are some links:Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (dvids):  https://www.dvidshub.net/search/?filter%5bunit%5d=AF-MC&filter%5btype%5d=audio&sort=date  Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-contracting-experience/id1439350579?mt=2  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mOAoOK6GV8R3XSwOYfAVK Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contractingContracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting/Pages/Default.aspxIf you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsAApple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225  

In this episode, we sit down with two Air Force Contracting professionals leading the adoption and transition to CON-IT. Jay Olson comes to us from SAF/AQCI--Air Force Contracting Business Systems, and Dan Parish is from the contracting directorate at Headquarters, Air Force Materiel Command. The guests outline the top three things teams should be doing to prepare for the transition to CON-IT. They also talk about recent successes on the program and opportunities for e-business at the strategic level. If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to the rollout for our newest research paper: The Next Frontier: UAVs for Great Power Conflict – Part I: Penetrating Strike by Caitlin Lee, Senior Fellow for UAV and Autonomy Studies and Mark Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments and a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. Maj Gen Scott Jobe, Director of Plans, Programs, and Requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command; Brig Gen Dale R. White, Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Materiel Command; David R. Alexander, President, Aircraft Systems Group General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.; along with Steve Fendley, President, Unmanned Systems Division at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions join the discussion moderated by Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.) Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

If you're an Airman in maintenance, logistics readiness, civil engineering, or force protection, you can't miss this episode! We sat down with Lt. Gen. Tom D. Miller, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection. We talked about mentorship between officers and enlisted, the Basing and Logistics Enterprise Strategy, and how we must prepare for the future. Lt. Gen. Miller is responsible to the Chief of Staff for leadership, management and integration of Air Force logistics readiness, aircraft, munitions and missile maintenance, civil engineering and security forces. He is also responsible for setting policy and preparing budget estimates that reflect enhancements to productivity, combat readiness and quality of life for Airmen. He has served in a variety of leadership positions and has commanded maintenance squadrons in the United States and Iraq, a maintenance group in Afghanistan, a nuclear wing, an air logistics complex, and has served on the Air Staff and the Joint Staff. Before his current position, he was the Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

AC and Tres interview Tom, the nicest guy on twitter, about his homestead, localism, distributism, as well as his mentorship with Tres. Tom Ruby is CEO of Bluegrass Critical Thinking Solutions (www.bgcts.com), a strategic planning and leadership development consulting company geared to small businesses. Tom was born in Belgrade, Serbia, in January, 1964. His parents escaped the country in 1965 and arrived in Los Angeles in 1966 where they settled. In 1982, Tom received an appointment to the US Air Force Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science in Humanities. A 1986 USAFA graduate and three-time football letterman, Colonel Tom Ruby served 26 years on active duty in positions from Squadron Intelligence Officer, to Chief of Doctrine for the AF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Enterprise at the Pentagon, to Chief of Special Programs for Air Force Materiel Command where he oversaw a more than $4 Billion annual portfolio of over 100 highly classified programs. He earned a Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Kentucky and is widely published and speaks globally on topics ranging from Morality in Warfare, to Leadership, to strategy, to localism and Distributism. Tom is a Board Member of the Society of GK Chesterton and has served on 3 non-profit boards. He mentors students from high school through graduate school, as well as individuals looking to change direction in life. He and his wife, Laura, live on 15 acres in Central Kentucky where he practices land management, reforestation, gardening and building a strong local community. They strive to live a Chestertonian Distributist life. They have three daughter and a son and five grandchildren. So far... Anarcho-contrarian @anarcontrarian is a nostalgia-poasting Twitter Anon who is passionate about the resiliency of rural places. Tres Crow @dogeatcrow is a writer, podcast host, occasional thinker, and the President and co-owner of Roots Down, an environmental education startup that's revolutionizing the landscaping industry from one of the dirtiest industries in the US to a powerful force for positive change.

  Tim Moss & Bill Wall talk with me about their book - Complexities and Challenges: Clinical Perspectives in Combat Veteran Treatment and the Unique Needs of Military & Veteran Families. This is episode 517 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Lt Col (retired) William Wall is a combat veteran and CEO for The Center for Life Stress and Psychotherapy. He is a 30-year veteran of the Air Force and Army and an internationally recognized leader in the field of disaster and military-related clinical traumatology. During his Air Force career, he served as the mental health deputy flight commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the chief of behavioral health for Air Force Materiel Command. He was deployed in 2004-2005 as a combat stress team commander for Operation Iraqi Freedom and learned firsthand the dynamics of combat stress and its relation to PTSD. He served as social work ambulatory programs coordinator and manager for the Freedom Center, Dayton VA's Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom Post Deployment Clinic from 2007 to 2017. He holds a Master's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University, and is board-certified licensed clinical social worker/trauma therapist. He serves as mental health team member and former clinical director for the Southwest Ohio Critical Incident Stress Team. He is currently an Adjunct Instructor at Wright State University, and lectures nationally on the subjects of mental health, trauma recovery, organizational leadership and development. Dr. Timothy Moss is a decorated combat Veteran, author, psychotherapist, leadership consultant, motivational speaker and CEO of Breakthrough Leadership Consulting. He is a veteran of the Air Force and Army, and an internationally recognized leader in the field of behavioral health and military-related clinical traumatology. During his Air Force career, he served as a senior mental health and family advocacy officer. He served as combat psychotherapist and clinical traumatologist for the Freedom Center, Dayton VA's Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom Post Deployment Clinic from 2008 to 2017. Dr. Moss holds a Master of Science degree from the Ivy-league Columbia University, New York and a Doctorate of Counseling, from Logos University. He is a Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), and Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress (BCETS). He is the past-President and Chairman of the Board, National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Chapter and served as an adjunct professor, Saint Leo University. He is the author of “Clear Vision in a Dark Place” and “Can I Just Have Jesus?” He lectures nationally on the subjects of organizational leadership and development, mental health, trauma recovery, spirituality and community development. We are focused today on their book - COMPLEXITIES AND CHALLENGES: Clinical Perspectives in Combat Veteran Treatment & the Unique Needs of Military & Veteran Families. Awesome book! Awesome conversation! Thanks for joining us! Make sure that you thank a veteran for their service. But wait... The new intro and outro music was written and performed by Brian K. Buffington. Connect with Brian at briankbuffington@gmail.com or go to his website at  https://briankbuffington.com/ He is an awesome musician, comedic power, teacher, trainer, technology guru, and overall creator of all that is cool. Thanks, Brian! Oh, yeah... Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open the podcast app that you are listening to me on and would you rate and review the podcast? That would be Awesome. Thanks! Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? That would so awesome! Thanks for sharing! Thanks for listening! Remember our veterans! Connect & Learn More: williamandmary77@gmail.com  drtimmoss@gmail.com www.Drtimmoss.com Complexities and Challenges (Amazon) Length - 02:08:11

Today's Story: Powering Possibility

Today's Story: Powering Possibility

On this episode of Tinker Talks we talk about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. What to look for, how to help weapons safety and more. This is a very important topic and this episode has a lot of valuable information and resources. Make sure to download our AF Connect App. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TinkerAirForceBase and on Twitter @Team_Tinker. Until next time, take care of one another and stay safe.

Welcome to this edition of Tinker Talks. General Duke Richardson, the Air Force Materiel Command, commander sits down with us during his immersion of Tinker Air Force Base to talk about a host of topics. Please remember to check out our socials: Facebook and Instagram - @TinkerAirForceBase Twitter - @Team_Tinker Website - www.tinker.af.mil

Today's Story: A New Leader

In this episode, we feature another great Air Force Materiel Command podcast. It is Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's podcast, The AFLCMC Leadership Log. The podcast has over 75 episodes and covers a variety of topics like, what's happening at the Rapid Sustainment Office, Civilian Developmental Education, cyber resiliency and perspectives from Air Force Leadership. In this episode, we feature the Leadership Log's episode #40 on Digital Engineering. It is important for acquisition professional to understand what digital engineering is and how the Air Force can use it. This episode does a great job of breaking it down in an easy and understandable way. When you're done listening, go check out the AFLCMC Leadership Log Podcast on your favorite podcasting app or at the DVIDs link in the show notes. Acronyms: AFMC – Air Force Materiel Command AFLCMC – Air Force Life Cycle Management Center AFLCMC Leadership Log Podcast on DVIDS: https://www.dvidshub.net/search?q=aflcmc+leadership+log+podcast&view=grid If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

In this episode of Tinker Talks, 2nd Lt. Leyinzca Bihlajama sits down with Maj. Jason Bond of the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron and Flight Lt. Simon Bracewell, an exchange officer from the Royal Air Force serving in the 552nd Operations Support Squadron, during Red Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

Gen. Larry Spencer, USAF (Ret.) was born and raised on the Horseshoe—a tough inner-city street in southeast Washington, D.C. Both parents lived in the rural south under Jim Crow and “separate but equal” laws. Spencer's father was a career Army soldier who lost his left hand during the Korean War, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, and worked two jobs. His mother completed tenth grade, had no driver's license, and was left alone during the week to raise their six children. In 1990 he took command of a squadron that won accolades and awards for their performance during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Spencer went on to serve at the White House, and then successfully commanded a Group and a Wing before being assigned as the chief financial officer (comptroller) for Air Combat Command, the largest command in the Air Force. During that assignment, Spencer was promoted to brigadier general and was tasked to set up a new Directorate at Air Force Materiel Command. Spencer later returned to the Pentagon where he led Air Force Budget. He ultimately became the Air Force's thirty-seventh vice chief of staff, making him one of only nine African Americans promoted to four stars. For Col. Spencer's full biography and to order Dark Horse: www.usni.org/press/books/dark-horse Read on to learn about Col. Spencer's latest challenge, as President of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA). FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.afba.com

In this episode of Tinker Talks, we sit down with Master Sgts. Daniel MacPherson and Kim Van Wormer, career assistance advisors from the Team Tinker Professional Development Center, and Airman 1st Class Lovely Mouton from the 72nd Force Support Squadron to talk about the importance of having a mentor, especially when it comes to retraining. This episode is full of valuable information Airmen need to know when they're thinking of retraining. Please don't forget to stay up-to-date with Tinker news and information: www.tinker.af.mil Facebook and Instagram - @TinkerAirForceBase Twitter - @Team_Tinker

This episode features Air Force Materiel Command's Commander's Initiatives Group Director Kimberly Norman, and Procurement Analyst Barbaralee Mariano Kelleher, who discuss the AFMC CDX office and how it is accelerating innovation initiatives. They talk about what CDX's mission is and the progress that has been made through the AFMC We Need initiative. In addition, the ladies share how the AFMC workforce can engage with CDX to get additional resources and help solve problems out in the field. Acronyms: AFMC – Air Force Materiel Command If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

Air Force Materiel Command's Connect program is an initiative to focus on building relationships. This month, we invited Chaplain (Maj.) Chris Reeder from the Tinker Chapel to join us on this episode of Tinker Talks to discuss the topic of Hope. The purpose of AFMC Connect is to help units invest in their collective success by providing the time, tools, and resources to enhance personal and professional performance. AFMC Connect allows leaders at every level to have active and sustained engagement with their people. This is not a “one size fits all” initiative, but rather it provides a standardized message with accompanying tools and resources to better assist in successful engagement. This is a holistic approach to strengthen resilience, reinforce protective factors and reduce unwanted behaviors through deliberate and meaningful personal and professional development. Focusing on our mission, building a shared purpose, and strong connections will aid in assisting our most vital resource, our people and create the AFMC We Need!

What began out of a tragedy has turned into a triumph for the young military members stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. Pam Kloiber, executive director and co-founder of the Team Tinker Home Away From Home program, recently sat down with Tinker Talks to discuss the program that pairs young service members with civilian host families to help alleviate the anxiety of being alone and far from home, often for the first time. On an icy Christmas Eve in 2011, two Airmen from the 552nd Air Control Wing were killed in an automobile accident in Oklahoma City. After a conversation with then-552nd ACW Commander Col. Greg Guillot, Kloiber had her marching orders and set out to create a program modeled after a similar one at the Air Force Academy. Over the last 10 years, more than 1,000 first term Airmen and Sailors have taken Kloiber up on her offer and actively participated in the program. Service members can become part of HAFH through several different avenues, Kloiber said. In addition to being linked with a host family, service members can attend a monthly life skills class through the “Empowerment, Enhancement and Education” initiative. Airmen looking for something to do over the holidays are welcome to reach out to Kloiber through the channels listed below. No commitment to join the program is necessary. For more information on the program, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TeamTinkerHomeAwayFromHome/ or their website at www.teamtinkerhomeawayfromhome.org. Airmen interested in the program can reach out to the career assistance advisors at the First Term Airman Center at 405-736-4959 or tinker.ftac@us.af.mil.

Air Force Materiel Command recently put out its updated telework policy. The document outlines how airmen and civilians can take advantage of new remote options. The command is also thinking about how moving to a more hybrid environment will impact its employees and the physical office space it inhabits. Federal News Network's Scott Maucione talks with Tammy Lyons, chief of Air Force Materiel Command's personnel support division, and Director of AFMC's Manpower, Personnel and Services Bill Snodgrass.

In this episode of Tinker Talks, we sit down with the Misty Feller, Tinker's new domestic abuse victim advocate to discuss domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “Domestic abuse does not discriminate,” Feller said. “People of any age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, education level and economic status can be a victim, or perpetrator, of domestic abuse.” If you are a victim of domestic abuse, call the Family Advocacy 24-hour hotline at 405-256-2825.

Today's Story: Supporting Airmen Assigned to Space Force

In this episode of Tinker Talks, we discuss diversity and inclusion with Jose Milan, chief of Tinker's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility office. Air Force Materiel Commander Gen. Arnold Bunch Jr. has said he wants AFMC to lead the Air Force in having a diverse and inclusive workforce. That's where Milan's DEIA team comes in. This episode is full of valuable information on how to make our workspaces more inclusive. Like General Bunch said, diversity, equity and inclusion are critical to the success of the command. Please give it a full listen and tell a friend to listen. Please don't forget to stay up-to-date with Tinker news and information: www.tinker.af.mil Facebook and Instagram - @TinkerAirForceBase Twitter - @Team_Tinker Until next time, thanks for listening, thanks for sharing and stay safe out there and respect one another.

Air Force Materiel Command's Connect program is an initiative to focus on building relationships. We invited Jae Grinston from the Diversity & Inclusion Office and Wakita Oliver from the 72nd Force Support Squadron to join us on this episode of Tinker Talks to discuss the topic of Outlook. The purpose of AFMC Connect is to help units invest in their collective success by providing the time, tools, and resources to enhance personal and professional performance. AFMC Connect allows leaders at every level to have active and sustained engagement with their people. This is not a “one size fits all” initiative, but rather it provides a standardized message with accompanying tools and resources to better assist in successful engagement. This is a holistic approach to strengthen resilience, reinforce protective factors and reduce unwanted behaviors through deliberate and meaningful personal and professional development. Focusing on our mission, building a shared purpose, and strong connections will aid in assisting our most vital resource, our people and create the AFMC We Need!

In this episode of Tinker Talks, host April McDonald sits down with the 72nd Air Base Wing and Installation Commander, Col. G. Hall Sebren Jr. Col. Sebren took command just a few short months ago, but has hit the ground running. He discusses his leadership approach and warrior mindset as well as top priorities. Remember to subscribe to this podcast and leave us feedback! And, how about a rating? Let us know how we're doing. Check out our social media sites: Tinker Air Force Base on Facebook and Instagram @Team_Tinker on Twitter www.tinker.af.mil

The COVID-19 crisis has forced so many of us to remote work, including the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center. The center's mission might be different than the one at your workplace, but the center's workforce proved the mission can be accomplished anywhere during the pandemic. The crisis has led the center leadership to rethink the nature of work, prompting the launch of the Office of the Future project. Colonel Kevin R. Mantovani is the  Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center vice commander at Air Force Materiel Command in Texas. He joined the podcast to discuss the Office of the Future project and the ways that the Air Force is evolving.

Gen. Mark D. Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command visited Tinker Air Force Base for a second time recently. This time around we had a chance to sit down with the General for a discussion on the 552 Air Control Wing, the critical missions performed by the men and women of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex and more.

Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland, commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, recently sat down with Tinker Talks to discuss his Air Force career and his time as the leader of the AFSC.

Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland, commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, recently sat down with Tinker Talks to discuss his Air Force career and his time as the leader of the AFSC.

Air Force Materiel Command's Connect program is an initiative to focus on building relationships. We invited Wakita Oliver, a master resiliency facilitator with the 72nd Force Support Squadron, to join us on this episode of Tinker Talks to discuss the topic of Character. Oliver teaches Profession of Arms Center of Excellence, or PACE, classes that concentrate on people leading themselves or others and on professional development. She said many of those classes encompass character as a whole. “Character, for many of us, is about talking straight,” Oliver said. “It's about having those difficult conversations when we need to have them.” Being respectful, showing transparency, admitting when you're wrong and making that wrong right and being someone who is loyal are all a part of what's learned through PACE and all have aspects of character in them, she said. The purpose of AFMC Connect is to help units invest in their collective success by providing the time, tools, and resources to enhance personal and professional performance. AFMC Connect allows leaders at every level to have active and sustained engagement with their people. This is not a “one size fits all” initiative, but rather it provides a standardized message with accompanying tools and resources to better assist in successful engagement. This is a holistic approach to strengthen resilience, reinforce protective factors and reduce unwanted behaviors through deliberate and meaningful personal and professional development. Focusing on our mission, building a shared purpose, and strong connections will aid in assisting our most vital resource, our people and create the AFMC We Need!

Hello and welcome to Tinker Talks. This episode we talk to the Navy's Strategic Communications Wing ONE commander, CAPT. Cedrick Jessup. While we don't get into the mission very much due to it's sensitive nature, we do get to hear from the commodore about a host of other topics to include what it's like being a Navy commodore on an Air Force base. This is a great total force episode and CAPT. Jessup has a great story of how he found his way here. Follow our total force partners on Facebook at CSCW1 Also remember to subscribe to Tinker Talks on Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify. Please remember to leave a review. Keep up to date on our social media - Facebook and Instagram @Tinker Air Force Base and Twitter @Team_Tinker Tinker's website is www.tinker.af.mil Leave us feedback about this episode and our podcast. Let us know what you think and want to hear.

Welcome to another episode of Tinker Talks. This episode we are talking about the Air Force Assistance Fund. Hardships happen to everyone and often times when it's least expected. The AFAF is a fund designed to directly give back to our Airmen. The fund raising drive is almost finished, but anyone can donate and give back year round. Information on how to donate through the website and text message will be found on Tinker's website: www.tinker.af.mil and also on the Facebook page - @tinkerairforcebase. also check us out on Instagram - tinkerairforcebase and Twitter @Team_Tinker Don't forget to subscribe and download. It helps this podcast reach more people to get the word out.

Welcome to Tinker Talks. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and on this episode we sit down with former guest, Ali Kern of the 72nd Medical Group Family Advocacy Office. She breaks down statistics on various forms of child abuse and gives valuable signs of what to look for and how to help. Please share the word on this podcast. This is a very important topic that deserves wide attention. It's packed with valuable information and resources and is sure to keep you listening until the very end. Don't forget to check out Tinker's social media: Facebook and Instagram - @TinkerAirForceBase Twitter - @Team_Tinker and our website at www.tinker.af.mil. Until next time, stay safe, treat each other with respect and have a great week.

On this episode of Tinker Talks, we sit down with Ali Kern, Family Advocacy intervention specialist, to discuss Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Every February, young people and their loved ones join together to bring awareness about the issues related to teen dating violence. The month-long campaign focuses on education to end the abuse before it starts. Teens who experience dating abuse are subject to long term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and violent behaviors. Statistics show that 1 in 3 teens will experience some sort of abuse before they reach adulthood. That abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Resources are available to learn more about combating teen dating violence. Visit loveisrespect.org, text LOVEIS to 22522 or call 1.866.331.9474. You can also visit teendvmonth.org or call the Tinker Family Advocacy Program at 405-582-6604. Don't forget to check out our socials: Facebook and Instagram - @TinkerAirForceBase Twitter - @Team_Tinker Web - www.tinker.af.mil Stay warm and safe out there, treat each other with respect, and have a great week!

On this episode of The Contracting Experience podcast, we welcome Maj. Randall Mullen to share his experiences with deployments in support of the United States military. Mullen discusses what he did to prepare for deployments and what missions he supported. He also shares tough challenges he faced, successes he had with his teams, and how his deployments have shaped his outlook as a leader in the Air Force. Acronyms: OCSIC – Operational Contract Support Integration Cell CJTF – Combined Joint Task Force If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

Hello and welcome to another episode of Tinker Talks. This is a special episode as we turn the microphone over to Tinker Air Force Base Installation Commander, Col. Paul Filcek to have a conversation with a COVID-19 survivor. Mr. Anthony Baumann, Director of the Air Force Sustainment Center Contract Directorate. Mr. Baumann shares the details of his battle with this disease, to include a 10-day stint in the hospital. He was a perfectly healthy person who worked out five days-a-week and talks about the warning signs he missed and had it not been for five very important people in his life, he may not be here today to tell us the story. Please listen and share Mr. Baumann's powerful story. Col. Filcek and Mr. Baumann's conversation is a must listen. This episode will also be offered in video format. Please check Tinker Air Force Base Facebook page - @TinkerAirForceBase to find all the links to view this podcast. Also don't forget to check us out on Instagram @TinkerAirForceBase and on Twitter @Team_Tinker. Please leave feedback, we'd like to know what you think. Don't forget to subscribe so you get all future episodes of the Tinker Talks Podcast.

Welcome to Tinker Talks. He went in to see the doctor about a shoulder pain that was not going away and it turned into a life saving trip and a valuable lesson of men's health. November is Men's Health Awareness Month. We sit down and have a conversation with Ken Lafayette, a cancer survivor. He talks about how he found out, treatments and survival. He also tells us about the impact this had on his family. During his visit to the doctor at the 72nd Medical Group the Capt. that did his examination noticed that his PSA had not been done for a few years and recommended that he get the blood work done. That might have been a life or death suggestion. Don't take your health for granted. Not everyone will be so lucky. Get your yearly examinations done - especially as you grow older. This is a great conversation with a great outcome. Thanks for listening and make sure to share this podcast. Please subscribe to our podcast on this site, or Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Also, follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram - @TinkerAirForceBase Twitter - @Team_Tinker. Until next time...stay healthy, treat each other with respect and have a great week.

Hello and welcome to another episode of Tinker Talks. This month we sit down with the 552nd Air Control Wing Command Chief, Kenny Mott to discuss violence prevention. Chief Mott shares a childhood experience dealing with violence in the home, how he overcame it and some valuable resources that helped guide him through those difficult days. Chief Mott opens up about this personal experience and resources available as a proactive approach to improving lives and raising awareness to those impacted by domestic violence or abuse. If you find yourself in a position where abuse is taking place, please reach out and seek help. Don't feel like you have to deal with this alone. Your First Sergeant or chain of command is there for support and help. Other resources are available: Military One Source - https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/family-life/preventing-abuse-neglect/domestic-abuse-military-reporting-options YWCA Women's Shelters It's important to remember that violence of any kind is not acceptable. Take the steps to get to a better place. Please listen and share this powerful episode. Chief Mott wants you to know that help is available and your Air Force family cares. You are a valued member of the team. Thanks for taking time to listen to this episode. Be sure to check us out on social media: Facebook and Instagram: @TinkerAirForceBase Twitter: @Team_Tinker Website: www.tinker.af.mil Also, check out the 552 Facebook page @552acw Website: www.552acw.acc.af.mil/ Until next time, stay safe, treat each other with respect and have a great Air Force Day!

Today's Story: Secure Access to the Cloud

In this episode of Tinker Talks, we discuss Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which takes place every September. Last year the Air Force had a resilience tactical pause to focus on rising suicide rates in the Air Force. Capt. Andrea Krunnfusz, the director of Psychological Health for the 72nd Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, joins us to talk about programs and resources available to Airmen in order for them to seek help if needed. She also discusses the importance of coming forward if you're struggling and how to recognize co-workers who might be struggling with stress and try to get them assistance. This episode is full of valuable information, tools and resources. Please give it a full listen and tell a friend to listen. Recommend this podcast episode to a friend or family member. Help is Available 24/7: Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433 Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Option 1; text 741741; veteranscrisisline.net Teen Hotline: 1-800-448-3000 LGBT Youth Hotline: 1-866-488-7386 Transgender Hotline: 1-877-565-8860 Free Crisis Apps: My3, VirtualHopeBox Support is also available through the Medical Group and Chaplains. Contact the Tinker Mental Health Clinic, 405-582-6603, to learn ways to improve your mental health and safety. NOTE: The discussion or posting of any of these resources or third party applications does not express endorsement by the U.S. Government. Please don't forget to stay up-to-date with Tinker news and information: www.tinker.af.mil Facebook and Instagram - @TinkerAirForceBase Twitter - @Team_Tinker Until next time, thanks for listening, thanks for sharing and stay safe out there and respect one another.

Telework on a fairly large scale has settled in for federal agencies, and that includes Defense components learning just how flexible they can be. A case in point is the Air Force Materiel Commend. That's Topic A in this week's edition of the DoD Reporter's Notebook, by Federal News Network's Jared Serbu.

Today's Story: A Milestone for the Jolly Green II

As we mentioned in an earlier episode, based on inputs from the "AFMC We Need Initiative," Air Force Materiel Command leadership made some significant changes to the Department of Defense Civilian Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project, otherwise known as AcqDemo. One of the changes AFMC made to AcqDemo was removing the tiers. In this episode John Slye, who is the deputy program executive officer for Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Presidential and Executive Airlift Directorate, walks us through the evolution of AcqDemo and introduces us to the career path models that are replacing tiers. For more information on AcqDemo and for all things related to AFLCMC visit our website at https://www.aflcmc.af.mil. Follow and like us on our social media channels for the latest information and news from programs across the center. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/aflcmcofficial Twitter: @AFLCMCofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AFLCMCofficial Instagram: @aflcmcofficial

On this episode of Tinker Talks we sit down with four senior leaders to talk about leading through a pandemic, specifically COVID-19. Air Force Sustainment Center Commander, Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex Commander, Brig. Gen. Chris Hill, 448th Supply Chain Management Wing Director, Dennis D'Angelo and 72nd Air Base Wing and Installation Commander, Col. Paul Filcek share thoughts, processes and conversations early in the pandemic and how the leadership team at Tinker has worked through the difficult task of balancing safety of the workforce while continuing our national defense mission. Several Air Force and Pentagon senior leaders have come to Tinker recently to get a first-hand look at how the complex and other units have adapted quickly and managed to prioritize safety while meeting mission requirements. The senior leaders in this episode talk about preparations early in the pandemic, and the critical communication across organizations up and down the chain of command as they prepared for the unknown. Lieutenant General Kirkland is the AFSC commander and is responsible for sustainment operations at Tinker, Hill, Robins and Scott Air Force Base as well as several geographically separated units around the globe. All in all there are more than 40,000 Airman under his command. Brigadier General Hill, the OC ALC commander overseas operations at the largest depot maintenance facility in the Air Force. He is responsible for about 10,000 personnel. The Air Force has warfighters downrange carrying out missions every day and count on General Hill's team to continue delivering assets to them. Mr. Dennis D'Angelo, the 448th Supply Chain Management Wing Director leads a team of more than 3,000 members and is responsible for supply chain operations at several bases and deals with all branches of the service. Keeping the supply chain moving is critical to the complex so that there is little to no disruption to depot operations. Col. Paul Filcek is the 72nd Air Base Wing and Installation commander. Col. Filcek is responsible for all the support functions and services on the base. He is also the decision maker on changes to Health Protection Conditions and what support services remain open, closed or change in operations. Changes or disruptions to support and service functions has an impact on all 30,000 plus active duty, reserve, civilian and contractors who work at Tinker. It also affects veterans and their family members who count on Tinker for services such as commissary and base exchange. Enjoy this episode as these senior leaders open up and share their thoughts and decisions as they lead us through a pandemic. For up-to-date information on the COVID-19 visit www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus Check us out on social media: Facebook and Instagram: @tinkerairforcebase Twitter: @Team_Tinker Until next time stay safe, stay healthy, treat each other with respect and have a great day and better week.

Welcome to Tinker Talks. Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein visited Tinker to see firsthand how the Air Force Sustainment Center is successfully performing depot operations during COVID-19. We also discussed diversity and inclusion in today's Air Force. The general was candid in his comments about where the Air Force stands and what the plan is moving forward. Links to General Goldfein's commentary, his Facebook Live town hall with Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright and PACAF Commander Gen. Charles Brown Jr.'s powerful Twitter message - Commentary: Unrest in America https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2206408/commentary-unrest-in-america/ Town Hall: https://www.facebook.com/USairforce/videos/264465691654314/ General Charles Q. Brown Jr. https://twitter.com/PACAF/status/1268794618461618177 The general also raved about community support, calling Tinker's relationship with Oklahoma the “Gold Standard.” This was a very rare opportunity to have a discussion with the Chief of Staff and one you won't want to miss. Please make sure to download and subscribe to Tinker Talks, leave us a rating and feedback. We really want to know what you are interested in. Check us out of social media - Tinker Air Force Base on Facebook and Instagram and @Team_Tinker on Twitter. Also be sure to see our website for all the latest news on Tinker to include any updated news on COVID-19. www.tinker.af.mil. Until next time, stay safe, be thoughtful and take care of one another. Have a great day and a better week.

Welcome to Tinker Talks. This episode we talk about something that is vitally important, not just to Tinker Air Force Base but to every organization, logistics. Joining us on this episode is Brent Burgess, the 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron director. He's here to talk about how vital this organization is to Tinker and what they have been able to accomplish during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please make sure to subscribe and rate Tinker Talks. It helps us get the word out about all the great things happening here. Also, please leave us some feedback. We want to know what you think and what you want to see in the future. Don't forget to check out our website: www.tinker.af.mil and our COVID-19 site for information: https://www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus/ Also, like us on our social media sites: @Tinker Air Force Base on Facebook and Instagram and @Team_Tinker on Twitter. Until next time, have a great day and a great week and stay safe out there.

The Air Force Materiel Command recently made some changes to the Department of Defense Civilian Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project, otherwise known as AcqDemo. In this episode the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's executive director Kathy Watern sat down with AFLCMC's director of personnel Sherri Artuso for a conversation about the changes and what they mean for the workforce. The two leaders touch on several subjects including AFMC's decision to remove the tiers from AcqDemo. This is the first of several discussions that will focus on helping AFLCMC employees better understand AcqDemo in general, and what we all need to know about the changes made to the program, and how they impact our career planning. If you haven't already done so then please consider subscribing to this series and don't forget to follow and like us on our website and social media platforms. You can also see a video version of this and all of our episodes on our You Tube channel. For more information on AcqDemo and for all things AFLCMC related please visit and bookmark our website at https://www.aflcmc.af.mil. If you have an idea for a future episode on a topic that would interest the AFLCMC family shoot us an email at aflcmc.pa.mediateam@us.af.mil. Until next time---stay strong, stay safe, and keep providing what warfighters need when they need it.

Welcome to another episode of Tinker Talks. We continue our discussion of impacts due to the Corona Virus, specifically financial impacts and some assistance to those who have suffered due to the COVID-19 virus. With millions of Americans out of work, the financial impact has the potential to reach our DoD active duty and civilian personnel. In our first remote recording we sit down with Gia Easley from the 72 Force Support Squadron to talk about assistance if needed and to give some education and information about the Thrift Savings Plan. Please remember, if you are dealing with financial, physical or emotional stress due to the current pandemic, make sure to reach out and get the help and support needed. There are a lot of resources available to our DoD personnel. Please look to our website - https://www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus/ for information and helpful links. Also check out our social media sites: @Tinker Air Force Base on Facebook and Instagram and @Team_Tinker on Twitter.

On this edition of Tinker Talks we talk discuss ways to communicate Coronavirus to your kids. What to say and do and how to keep them stress-free during these difficult times. We also discuss how to cope with anxiety and stress during this time. As this pandemic spreads the effects will likely take a toll on some. We will discuss ways that we can identify and help those in need. Today's discussion is with Capt. Andrea Krunnfusz Mental Health Element Chief, and Clinical Psychologist and Capt. Adrianna Harrell, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Family Advocate Officer in Charge. The Captain's from the 72 Medical Group give some sound advice on how to navigate these difficult discussions and times. This a very value-added podcast. They each gave some resources for everyone to use. NOTE: The posting of links and organizations below does not express endorsement by the United States Government in any way. Helping Agencies: Tinker Family Advocacy Program; Tinker New Parent Support Program (within FAP) Links/Articles: https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/Docs/latest_news/2020/Coronavirus_COVID19__Children.pdf https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/ https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/pandemic-resources https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/10-tips-for-talking-about-covid-19-with-your-kids https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html Fun things: https://loganhealth.org/prod/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/What-to-do-at-home-with-your-kids-during-COVID-2019.pdf Helping Agencies: Mental Health Clinic, MFLC (Military Family and Life Counselors), Chaplains Military OneSource: www.militaryonesource.mil (includes several COVID-19 and mental health related resources, tips, and tricks!) or #800-342-9647 Oklahoma 211: Dial 211, or visit 211oklahoma.org Inpatient Facilities: Oakwood Springs, Bethany Behavioral Health, St. Anthony's Veteran Crisis Line: #800-273-8255, Option1 -or- text 838255 Don't forget to check out our website www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus for all of the latest information you will need. Also check us out on social media - Facebook and Instagram - @Tinker Air Force Base and Twitter - @Team_Tinker

This edition of Tinker Talks focuses on COVID-19 updates and helpful information from our the Tinker Air Force Base 72 Medical Group. Joining us today are 72 MDG Commander, Col. Jennifer Trinkle, Public Health Emergency Officer, Lt. Col. Cindy Graessle, and Public Health Commander, Maj. Trinette Flowers-Torres. They give us some great information about the Coronavirus and Tinker's current status, with regards to health and operations. They also re emphasize the proper procedures and CDC guidelines on cleaning and taking care of yourself and those around you. For all the latest updates on COVID-19 check out our Coronavirus website at https://www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus/ and also stay tuned to our Facebook page. @Tinker Air Force Base. If you have medical questions please call the Tinker COVID-19 Hotline: 405-582-6297. Until next time stay safe out there.

The Air Force Sustainment Center is big business and on this episode we get an opportunity to sit down with the commander of the AFSC to find out what that means. Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland, AFSC commander joins us to discuss topics such as how we are using innovation to keep our legacy aircraft in the fight and up and coming technologies such as predictive maintenance. This is an information packed episode that you will not want to miss. Please make sure to leave us a message and a rating. Subscribe and download our episodes. Follow us on social media @Tinker Air Force Base on Facebook and Instagram and @Team_Tinker on Twitter. Also for AFSC specific news follow them on Facebook at @Sustainment and their website at www.afsc.af.mil. Have a great day and a better week!

On this episode of The Contracting Experience we welcome back previous guest to the podcast, Joyce Pappas, who is an Industrial Security Program Manager at the Information Protection office, Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters. This episode will look at Industrial Security from a small business and Defense Contractor point of view. Check out Episode 6 to get refreshed on this important subject on the “Industrial Security Explained” episode. Enjoy! Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA): https://www.dcsa.mil/ Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE): https://www.cdse.edu/ Acronyms: DoD – Department of Defense NISP – National Industrial Security Program FSO – Facility Security Officer If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

Weather Flight Commander, Capt. John Martin takes time out of his buys day to sit down with us and talk about weather operations, it's vitally critical role to the mission and what it takes to become an Air Force forecaster. Air Force forecasters help leadership determine flight and base status depending on weather situations. No flight operations occur without a weather briefing to let the pilots and crew know what they can expect when in the air. Tinker Air Force Base, located in Oklahoma provides unique challenges for Air Force meteorologists, making this duty station a top choice. Don't forget to subscribe and download on Apple Podcasts and leave us some feedback. We want to know what you'd like to hear. Be sure to check us out on social media: @Tinker Air Force Base on Facebook and Instagram, @Team_Tinker on Twitter. Also check out the Tinker AFB website for information and stories at www.tinker.af.mil.

Welcome to Tinker Talks. This is a podcast that discusses happenings behind the fence of one of the Air Force's largest bases. This month, we have a guest host on the show. 2d Lt. Ashlyn Paulson recently deployed with the 552 Air Control Wing for training missions around the globe. During a stop in Australia, she was able to sit down for a conversation with Flight Lieutenant Ryan Anderson, a flight Capt. aboard an Australian E7A Wedgetail. They discuss similarities and differences between the two aircraft and how critical training together has become. Enjoy this rare opportunity to gain insight about our partnership with a long-time ally. Please make sure to follow us on our social media sites: Facebook and Instagram @Tinker Air Force Base and Twitter @Team_Tinker. Also check out our web page at www.tinker.af.mil and don't forget to leave us feedback on how we're doing with this podcast.

Welcome to this episode of Tinker Talks. We are talking about energy awareness this week. You think your energy bill is high during the summer months? Imagine opening the bill for the largest industrial complex in the Air Force. Tinker Air Force Base used to be the #1 largest energy consumer in the Air Force. Generally being #1 is something to be proud of, but not in this case. Due to the hard work of many here at Tinker, we are now sitting at #4. That may not seem like much, but in terms of energy usage it's quite a victory. But not one to settle on. There is work to be done. This week we talk to the man who is responsible for energy usage and reduction at the largest consumer of energy on Tinker Air Force Base. Mr. Joseph Cecrle, the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex energy manager has the daunting task of managing and reducing energy at not only Tinker Air Force Base's largest customer, but the largest maintenance depot in the Air Force. Energy might not sound like a fascinating topic, but check out this episode and listen to the passion and innovation by Mr. Cecrle and his team and it might change your mind. As always, please subscribe download and rate Tinker Talks. Leave feedback as we would like to know what you think about the podcast or something you might want to hear. Check us out on the socials - Facebook and Instagram @Tinker Air Force Base and Twitter @Team_Tinker.

Aerospace Medical Association - http://www.asma.org/home Purpose: The Aerospace Medical Association is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. It is the largest, most-representative professional membership organization in the fields of aerospace medicine and human performance. Executive Director, Jeffrey “Jeff” Sventek Jeff Sventek was born March 31, 1954 in Corry, PA and moved to Sherman, NY in 1961. He graduated from Sherman Central School in 1972. Following graduation, Jeff enlisted in the United States Air Force and spent the next 34 years in the Air Force, retiring in 2006 at the rank of Colonel. He holds a BS in Biology (magna cum laude) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and an MS in Physiology from Rutgers University. Jeff is board-certified in Aerospace Physiology and is a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association. During his Air Force career, Jeff served as an AF Aerospace Physiologist and was selected by the Air Force Surgeon General as the first-ever Lieutenant Colonel to serve as the Chief of AF Aerospace Physiology. Jeff held a number of command and leadership positions from 1999 until he retired from the Air Force in 2006 as the Deputy Command Surgeon for the Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and as 14th Chief of the AF Biomedical Sciences Corps. Following his retirement, Jeff served in various government-contractor positions providing human performance expertise for the Department of Defense. In January 2010, Jeff assumed his role as the eighth Executive Director of the Aerospace Medical Association in Alexandria, VA, the first non-physician to hold this prestigious position. Jeff is the son of Joseph and Shirley Sventek of Sherman, NY and is married to Debra S. Jostand of Taylor Ridge, IL. Jeff and Debra have a son, Andrew, and daughter, Meagan, as well as four grandchildren.

This episode is Part II on podcast host Amber Pecoraro's Startup Innovation Fellowship experience. Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, takes the mic and interviews Amber on her fellowship experience. The Startup Innovation Fellowship program is run by the National Security Innovation Network and provides military and civilian employees with 4-15 years of experience an opportunity to embed with a startup company for 6 weeks. Amber was matched with startup Decisive Point in Washington D.C., which works with other startup companies to help them get emerging technologies into the government space. Her focus area was to better understand the challenges startups face in doing business with the government. This conversation focuses on those challenges and opportunities to address them. Amber also encourages the workforce to have more experiential interactions with industry. Acronyms: PCO – Procurement Contracting Officer AFRL – Air Force Research Laboratory AFLCMC – Air Force Life Cycle Management Center EWI – Education with Industry Links: 1. AFWERX Panel Discussion: https://youtu.be/Yv0x3dwxxxA 2. Defense Entrepreneurs Forum: https://defenseentrepreneurs.org/ 3. Procurement Technical Assistance Program: https://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/PTAP/ 4. DoD Small Business Programs: https://business.defense.gov/ 5. Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer: https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/topic/current 6. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Solicitations: https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/companies/cso-solution-brief 7. Federal Business Opportunities: https://www.fbo.gov/ If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

In this episode of Tinker Talks, we sit down with Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex commander, Brig. Gen. Chris Hill and 564th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron deputy Mark Estorga to discuss rising suicide rates in the Air Force. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein mandated that the Air Force will conduct a Resilience Tactical Pause. The RTP, which takes place between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15, 2019, is about finding ways we can do better and giving Airmen time back to connect and break down barriers to getting help. In this episode, Brig. Gen. Hill and Mr. Estorga address the RTP, what we are doing here at Tinker to foster open dialogue and encourage those in need to seek help. They also discuss innovative ways they are trying to reach those on the shop floors and at all levels of the workforce. If you know of someone or are in need of help, please note some valuable resources: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Employee Assistance Program 1-800-222-0364.

Thanks for joining us for another episode of Tinker Talks. This episode features the event coordinators for this year's 911 Run, Walk, Ruck. This year marks the return of the POW/MIA 24 hour vigil. Event coordinators, MSgt. Damont Cooley and TSgt. Hugo Perez discuss the event along with some new additions. This yearly event is in honor of those fallen during the 911 attacks. This year you will want to arrive early. Listen to the podcast to find out why. Please don't forget to download on Apple Podcasts, rate and subscribe. Ratings mean a lot to us - it allows us to determine if you like or do not like what we are producing. Also, we would appreciate any ideas you might have. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Tinker Air Force Base and Twitter @Team_Tinker.

Amidst a sea of aviation history, Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr. assumed leadership of the Air Force Materiel Command during a ceremony at the National Museum of the Air Force, May 31.

SCRM stands for Supply Chain Risk Management. Supply chain risk is not just part of another government acronym. It is a critical risk that needs to be managed as part of our national security. In this episode, we sit-down with Trixie Brewer who is the Mission Readiness Supervisor in Air Force Materiel Command's Logistics Directorate. Trixie provides candid insight into the integral part we as acquisition professionals play in the important job of managing supply chain risk. If you're thinking about skipping over this episode, don't. The information inside is priceless and will make you rethink acquisition processes. Acronyms: IP – Information Protection R&D – Research and Development AFMC – Air Force Materiel Command AFMC/CV – Deputy Commander, Air Force Materiel Command A4 – Installations, Logistics, and Force Protection DoD – Department of Defense DOTMLPF – Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities PK – Contracting FM – Financial Management A1 – Personnel OSI – Office of Special Investigations AFRL – Air Force Research Laboratory OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer CFIUS – Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States POTUS – President of the United States DMS – Diminishing Manufacturing Sources DID – Data Item Description CDRL – Contract Data Requirements List Subs – Subcontractors AFIMSC – Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center To learn more about recent SCRM efforts, check out: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1700969/afmc-capability-roadmap-key-to-evolutionary-supply-chain-risk-management/ If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

In this first episode of “The Contracting Experience,” podcast host, Amber Pecoraro, talks about why the Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Directorate is launching a podcast with Heidi Bullock, the contracting director. Bullock is a member of the Senior Executive Service and leads the diverse team of professionals at AFMC working to provide solutions for Air Force needs. She gives insights into her career experience in the Air Force and addresses the role contracting professionals play in "delivering performance at the speed of relevance," as outlined in the National Defense Strategy. She also talks about how agility and rapid acquisition is communicated across the Command and answers some thought provoking questions from the field! If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit an email to thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Enjoy! Summary of the National Defense Strategy of the United States of America: https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf

Are you a new contracting officer, or are you in the process of becoming a contracting officer? This episode is the first in a series of episodes on notes to new contracting officers. We will talk with seasoned and new contracting officers about what they wish they would have known when they first started out as contracting officers and advice and insights they can share with the folks out in the field. In the first episode of “Notes to New Contracting Officers,” host Amber Pecoraro sits down with Bob Bochenek, Technical Director at the Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Directorate. Bochenek emphasizes the importance of asking questions and being flexible in considering different perspectives. He also shares what he finds challenging about being a contracting officer and what he enjoys most about it. If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Enjoy!

Daniel Parish is the Contracting Systems Branch Chief in the Process Management Division, Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Parish has functional oversight over the contracting business systems and helps to ensure those systems support the nearly 4,000 contracting professionals across AFMC. In addition, he is one of the lead functional subject matter experts in the development of the new contract management system – CON-IT. Parish talks about what CON-IT is and why the Air Force needs it. He also discusses the CON-IT rollout schedule across Air Force locations, available resources and training, and future capabilities planned for CON-IT. If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Rollout!

https://www.wright.edu/news A combat exercise that enabled small businesses to test new battlefield technologies such as laser-protected eyewear and dehydration monitors was staged at Wright State University’s Calamityville as part of a $2.7 million government contract. Taking part in the Sept. 26 exercise at the National Center for Medical Readiness at Calamityville were about 50 military and civilian personnel from Air Force Materiel Command locations around the country, including security forces and roadside-bomb experts. In addition, the exercise drew 20 different companies from around the nation, some of which were testing multiple technologies. “It’s a very, very exciting proposition,” said Lt. Col. David E. Shahady, Tech Warrior exercise commander. “We have a huge array of technologies that are being tested out here. They are trying these things out in a realistic environment.” More at http://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2017/09/26/wright-states-calamityville-hosts-air-forces-tech-warrior-exercise-for-small-businesses/