At All Cost

The bleak mongrels would have you feel that all is hopeless, but, keep pressing towards your goals, build beneficial relationships and networks--keep striving!

It's in the Steps That We Take

With today's technology it is easy to say a lot about yourself and/or someone else, but, with a little homework most of the propaganda we encounter has little truth behind it or is not the whole story. So, with that said, try not to take every thing as face value unless you simply don't care what you buy. If you do care take the steps necessary to discover the truth or whole story--especially in politics.

Citizenship Equals

Citizenship = Active participation and contribution to the country to which you reside. It requires a constant attempt to improve oneself, the community, and the country as a whole one person at a time--that is you.

The Downside of Goal Achievement

Sometimes I am so hard pressed to set and obtain goals on a regular basis that I feel symptoms of withdrawal upon completion. I have yet to set new goals since completing Air Command and Staff College ahead of schedule in February.

Moving Forward

Seasons on earth are similar to seasons in the mind and in order to continue to move forward with our goals we must be aware of these changes and adjust accordingly. I say this because I notice the effects of seasons on my level of motivation--I am highly motivated in spring and summer!

Zlogically Speaking: The Game

Zlogically Speaking: The Game: The Federal Executive Forum: Strategic Leadership Navigating a Sea of Change 11-13 August 2010 Branson, MO was a great experience and I shou...

Pipe Dream Economy

The U.S. debt has almost doubled since my last blog in 2006, I have no clue about the subject beyond gut feelings, but, I know what I see going on in the country: greed is out of control. The very fabric of our society is subjected to digitally controlled price mongrels who up the prices on gas as you pump, digitized prices on the shelves of stores to automatically sync with losses identified in accounting programs to change prices and keep profits out of the black...bottom line we are losing time between price hikes, while smaller measurements of food, cheaply made products that cannot survive the store cause us to buy it more frequently than in the past and for higher cost which adds up to higher spending and loss of saving power. To top it off soon Christmas decorations and sales will go up in June because we are not spending enough in November to keep up with greedy S & P 500 elites who cannot afford for the general populace to gain a buck. Walmart recently discovered that its tactic to get people to use credit cards failed so now they are returning LayAway again during Christmas period to regain that lost profit in a tanked economy filled to the brim with brainwashed fanatics I mean shoppers http://www.federalbudget.com/. I ask you what changed? The game of greed in a higher technological supported scheme to drive the middle class which is the American Dream to clicks on Apps and straight out of our pockets. Reality check because someone's smoking a pipe: $8+ trillion to $14+ trillion dollar U.S. debt since 2006!

The Game

The Federal Executive Forum: Strategic Leadership Navigating a Sea of Change 11-13 August 2010 Branson, MO was a great experience and I should have blogged sooner. So with that said I will return with more info, but, for now I leave the following from IMPAQ on the A-Loop for accountability:

5 Steps from Issue to Breakthrough

1. Identify the Situation
2. Clarify the Intention
3. Where are you on the Accountability Model?
4. What can you do Differently?
5. Take Action

Personal Accountability Model

Accountability Loop:
-Intention--Situation Occurs and you Choose to
1. Recognize
2. Own
3. Forgive
4. Self-Examine
5. Learn
6. Take Action

Victim Loop:
-Intention--Situation Occurs and you Choose to
1. Ignore
2. Deny
3. Blame
4. Rationalize
5. Resist
6. Hide

A great book to read about the organizational game is "Empowering Yourself" by Harvey Coleman. I participated in this great seminar last year to which he was a part. Google him, and if you have time check out the link Blacksgonegeek.org/documents/empowering%Yourself.pdf

Progress Check--It's been a Few Years

I can't believe it's been a few years since I last posted a comment. I've been busy since I graduated from Webster. Shortly after graduating I competed in 2009 and was selected to participate in a great leadership program for one year, graduated in 2010; followed by Squadron Officer School (SOS) by correspondence which I also completed in 2010; finally I enrolled in Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) by correspondence to complete my Intermediate Development Education (IDE) requirements by 2012 as a Category II Department of the Air Force Civilian (DAFC). After ACSC I most likely will compete for a higher position. My ultimate goal is to make a significant difference in the lives of those who serve in uniform by ensuring tip-top policies are in effect. It's been a long tough few years, but, I've grown so much that I cannot complain--taking on challenges that I never thought I would simply by setting goals and trying. It's a trait that developed in me during my time in uniform, but, I'm just now reaping the benefits. The only fear I have is the fear of not trying. Oh one more thing I have been picked up by a great senior executive mentor. Some say I'm his science project--they have no idea LOL. In closing I enjoy relating with people at all levels; most of all because of the intangible value we contribute to each other. Well that's my progress check for now.

Graduate Degree Complete

Finally I have arrived at my ultimate academic goal. On 9 May 2009 I walked across the stage to snatch what I had doubted I could do a few years ago, but I kept stepping, writing, and testing and I achieved it. Master's in International Relations, Webster University.

Lessons Learned Outside of the Classroom

I have been busy with family, work, and school. I start my final class (seminar) in a few weeks, and graduate in May shortly thereafter. It has been a lot of work, but I also met a lot of good people along the way in school. Work wise I have overcome a few obstacles and making progress. Family life has changed a lot, but I'm adjusting to my kids growing up on me, and my wife and I are spending more time together, too, so that's great. When you reach a summit in life and look ahead it seems impossible to get there, but you must keep stepping forward--looking back only reminds you of what you have done, but remember that when you have that same or similar opportunity later--make it better--lessons learned. Now that I have reached all of my long term goals set a few years ago I have to sit down and think about what I want to do now. I've been around the world, had a great career and a new one, but the question now is what journey will satisfy me---shall I go to Washington? I can see it from where I am standing :)

Whew! I see My Educational Summit

I will graduate in May of 2009 from Webster University's International Relations graduate program. I don't believe I will pursue a PhD; however, the decision is not final...there are more than one summit to conquer.

Technical Sergeant Zamounde Allie's Air Force Retirement

Technical Sergeant Zamounde S. Allie, Jr. presented a high level of leadership, and as such, provided excellent support to the airlift mission worldwide. He served as the NCOIC, Contingency Verifications, Global Readiness, and as Channel Mission Manager for Global Channel operations at the 618 Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC), Scott AFB, Illinois, prior to retiring from active duty after 20 years of service in 2007.

Sergeant Allie grew up in Detroit, Michigan and joined the U.S. Air Force in June 1987. He has performed various duties in civil engineering and air transportation. His other assignments included two CONUS bases in South Carolina, and one in Arkansas. He also served three overseas assignments in England, Korea, and Germany to include temporary duty to Africa to upgrade two runways in support of Cold War operations, Germany for an explosive demolition project, and Italy in support of Operation Joint Guard.

EDUCATION:

1990 Air Force NCO Preparatory school
2000 Air Force NCO Academy
2003 Associate Applied Science in Business Administration & Management/Transportation Mgt, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
2005 Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development,College of Education and Human Services,Southern Illinois University,Carbondale
2006 Enrolled graduate student/ Masters of Art in International Relations, Webster University, St Louis, Missouri

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Jun 1987-Aug1987, trainee, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas
2. Aug 1987- Sep 1987, student, Pavement Maintenance Apprentice course, Shepherd AFB, Texas
3. Oct 1987- Jun 1990, specialist, 819 RED HORSE Squadron RAF Wethersfield,
England
4. Jun 1990-Jun 1994, crew leader, 437th Civil Engineer Squadron, Charleston, South
Carolina
5. Jun 1994- Jun 1995, crew leader, 554 RED HORSE Squadron, Osan Air Base, South
Korea
6. Jun 1995- Jun 1996, crew leader, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron, Sumter, South
Carolina
7. Mar 1996– May 1996, student, Air Transportation Apprentice course, Lackland AFB,
Texas
8. Jun 1996-Mar 2001, shift supervisor, 314th Transportation Squadron, Jacksonville,
Arkansas
9. Mar 2001- Apr 2003, shift supervisor/training manager, 723 Air Mobility Squadron,
Ramstein Air Base, Germany
10. Apr 2003- Jul 2007, NCOIC/Manager, 618 TACC, Scott AFB, Illinois

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

Air Force Meritorious Service medal
Air Force Commendation medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement medal with three oak leaf clusters

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:

1990 3rd Air Force Distinguish Graduate NCO Preparatory School
2004 TACC/Global Channel Operations NCO of the Year

2006 Huyser Chapter: Airlift/Tanker Association Award for Contribution to Air Mobility NCO of the Quarter

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:

Airman Dec 22, 1987
Airman First Class Oct 22, 1988
Senior Airman Jun 22, 1990
Staff Sergeant Jun 1, 1994
Technical Sergeant Feb 1, 2001

Dr. Wright's School Real Men Read and Career Day

I was invited to speak to groups of children at Dr. Wright's elementary school in East St Louis. A lot of strong men turned out including the mayor. We had a photo opportunity, and was escorted by a student to our perspective classrooms. I must say that it's been a while since I've been to that level of school to speak. I loved the children enthusiasm and the hundreds of questions that poured from their hearts and minds. It was an honor that drilled deep in my heart to be able to reach out to the young and give them an inside look at life beyond school. I told them a story about people asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up but never telling me how to achieve it. I spoke to them about setting goals,and never giving in to so-called failures because life is one big test. The main point I wanted to address was how to pick careers, lay out a course of action e.g. classes, scholarships, and schools etc...I read to them, spoke about my obstacles and how I refused to accept no from anyone when I knew in my heart that I wanted to do something. I gave examples of my books published etc. I spoke about doors of opportunity and how hard it was to get a key if you did not study life, and read about and find mentors or people who have already done what you want to do. I told them about my travels around the world and how people were the same no matter what color or race. I told them about the man lying in the street near the subway entrance that everyone passed by without notice in New York and in Paris, France. I'm blabbing but after speaking to three classes for 45 minutes each or so and having all the children give a mission statement and announce who they are, where they are from, what they wanted to be, and what they were going to do to achieve it I prepared to leave. I ended with stating that life is a test and they will have to study and read to win. The students applauded me, however, my heart applauded them. We have hope for the future--let's not forget that it takes each and everyone one of us doing our part "each one-teach one".

Tour de Cure Follow-up

Whew! That 50-mile ride was treacherous but fun up in Grafton, Illinois near the Mississippi River. There were some hills that showed me just how conditioned I was for the ride (70%). I managed to pull through well until around the 40th mile when my legs locked up, but fortunately there was a scheduled resting point up the hill: I ate a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, an orange and drank some more water. I was good to go the rest of the final 10 miles. Our team finished in under 5 hours which was good considering we were fighting prevailing winds and hills throughout the ride. We topped 20 MPH on straight-away's, but bogged down to 5 MPH on most of the hills. The final down hill had us a 34-37 MPH which was a reward for the hours of paddling. After the ride we tried to sit and eat hamburgers etc, but the wind had picked up a lot more due to an incoming storm system across the Mississippi so we headed back home. Our total contribution to the American Diabetes Association was roughly $3000.00, and 2,000 plus calories burned. We registered a 5 person team; however, only three of us rode together. One rode the hundred miles, and the other moved out of town prior to the ride. It was all for a good cause plus it gave me a chance to get ready for the next few 25/50 mile rides. The next one in Missouri in August is a tough one that I rode last year (one hill steeply climbs for a straight three miles--you run out of gears and are brought to a walking pace at one point) I hope to do a lot better on that hill this year. I need to turn in my bike though to have it tuned up. The gear that I needed the most slipped out during this ride. Until next year's Tour de Cure...ride hard.

Senator Barack Obamas' Response to my Letter on Economic Development Etc in East St Louis Illinois

Dear Zamounde:

Thank you for contacting me regarding economic development in East St. Louis. You raise some important concerns.

I agree with you that our government needs to devote more time and resources to help communities struggling with unemployment, sprawl, blight, and other ills associated with lagging economic development. I also take sincere note of your point about the effects of underdevelopment on my friends in East St. Louis and the Metro East area.

I am a strong supporter of federal efforts to improve the lives of my hard working constituents in the Metro East, including the many good folks I've met in East St. Louis. I have encouraged the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) to focus more of its efforts on blighted and underdeveloped communities, and I am a strong supporter of federal job training efforts that would help displaced individuals find new employment. Further, I've voted against legislation such as the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) that was slanted too far in favor of corporate interests but ignored the needs of many of my constituents, including families in East St. Louis. I also secured record levels of funding in last year's national transportation bill that will help individuals in Illinois find good-paying jobs in transportation-related industries.

I will continue with my efforts to fight for working families in the days ahead. As this process proceeds, I will certainly keep your concerns closely in mind. I believe our government has a responsibility to help individuals like you, who are looking to recapture the cities of their youth after a long career spent outside of Illinois. America is certainly a land of opportunity, but we still have much work to do to make sure that the full breadth of that opportunity extends to communities like East St. Louis.

Again, Zamounde, thank you for contacting me. I wish you the best on your coming retirement, and encourage you to contact me again in the future.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama
United States Senator


P.S. Our system does not allow direct response to this email. However, if you would like to contact me again, please use the form on the website: http://obama.senate.gov/contact/

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My Midterm

Well I had to write a 10 page response to two questions for our midterm exam. The instructor seem to like it a lot, and wants me to compete for money. If I can find the time I may consider the offer. You'd think I could find the time, but it's hiding between family, work, school, and sleep; I may find the time in my dreams LOL.

Tour de Stooges and Bike Rides

Well I rode in the annual Tour de Stooges bike ride held out in Lebanon, Illinois at Mckendree College although my rode bike had a bad tire. I chose to ride regardless and picked up my heavy mountain bike--that 19 miles in 1 hr 20 minutes was a workout. I better get my bike fixed so I can go further next time. My next major ride will be 50 miles in the Annual Tour de Cure just outside of St Louis--our team has raised $3000 plus for the charity.

I Don't Have Time for Games!

I'm busy like a tree--you think that I'm just standing here blowing in the breeze.
You don't see my roots working. I don't have time for games!

Queen Latifahs' Last Holiday-Movie Review

Great movie--Last Holiday! I've always loved Queen Latifah's style and candid ways even when she was only in the music industry producing rap/hip-hop songs. This movie demonstrated her range as an actress, and I must say without a doubt that I truly enjoyed it, and was happy to add it to my DVD collection. The movie mixed comedy and serious life issues with grace and clarity; with a slight pinch of hope and aspiration that was able to keep this hardcore action film watcher seated for the duration. What more could I say--I bought it.