Showing results by author "Bob Vasquez" in All Categories

Rank may have its privileges, especially in the military, but how does one gain the rank and those privileges? And are they worth it? Chief (Retired) Bob Vásquez, has collected stories written by Air Force members, active and retired, who made the choice to gain higher rank and different privileges. Known as “Mustangs,” these members chose to leave their enlisted ranks behind to become officers. Each story depicts a path and perspective of the evolution from Enlisted to Commissioned and whether or not it was worth the journey. They each followed “the yellow brick road” that wound ...

The diverse makeup of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) American Airmen is one of the Air Force’s greatest strengths today. Each of us comes from the powerful and graceful heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) that helped shape who we are today. Our large ethnic groups, diversity of languages, and past struggles unite us together to protect our new country, America. We hope that these real-life stories provide you a small glimpse of our rich AAPI history. --Bob and Phi

Everybody wants to be a Chief! Everybody! We have division chiefs, chiefs of staff, chief operating officers, chiefs of police, fire chiefs, the list goes on. Often, they even call themselves chiefs! Since the author writes from his United States Air Force paradigm, he'll stick to that area of life. Most of the people filling those chief positions aren't chiefs! Many are civilians, or officers, or young Airmen Noncommissioned Officers. See? Everybody wants to be a Chief! But not everyone knows what it takes and less are willing to do what's required, to walk the talk, to be the type of ...

By reading this book, you’re adding to your leadership toolbox. Each cadet leadership story is a hammer, screwdriver, or a duplex rabbet plane. And no, we did not make that last one up! You’ll be thanking yourself later for having read this book when you have all the tools you need to face any leadership challenge life can throw at you. After all, taking the time to build your character is always one of the best investments you can make. So make it!

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) as Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Bob Vásquez, opens his heart and shares a collection of poignant stories. This captivating book is intended to inform, inspire, and ignite introspection for USAFA Grads, USAFA Staff, parents, and family members alike. Picture yourself sitting with Chief, savoring a cup of coffee at Arnold Hall or strolling across the iconic Terrazzo, as he masterfully recounts unforgettable anecdotes. With every turn of the page, readers are beckoned to reflect on their own ...

Every leader who aspires to become a supervisor needs SUPER-vision. This capacity of acquiring SUPER-vision starts with how you see yourself. What you see is what you'll be.How do you see those people entrusted to you? How you see them is how they'll be. And how do they see you? (They are watching; you can count on that!) Vision is important. SUPER-vision is critical!

Here are some thoughts, ideas, stories, and suggestions for becoming a PowerPact Leader from a person who has ALWAYS led, Chief Bob Vasquez!

Join Bob Vásquez, a curious air traveler like yourself, as he shares hilarious and true stories from the world of air travel. From coffee mishaps during turbulence to wardrobe malfunctions at the airport, Bob's entertaining tales will have you laughing out loud. Discover the quirky side of flying and gain some travel wisdom along the way. Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the journey!

So YOU’re gonna talk to The Boss! What Bob Vásquez has captured here are some suggestions on how to do it professionally, respectfully, courteously, and effectively. Yeah, there’s a right way and a wrong way. He’ll guide you on how to do it and survive, maybe even thrive. The purpose of this book is to help you empower yourself to talk to The Boss in such a way that she’ll/he’ll listen to you and maybe even educate you about the issues you bring to him/her. The end result is that things that need to be fixed in the shop will be fixed to make it a better place to work. You ...

In my previously published book, PowerPact Leadership Lessons, Leading ME, I focused on how to lead yourself. In this book I focus on how to lead others. If you’re going to be an Effective, PowerPact Leader you have to start with leading yourself. Whether or not you do that effectively will show up in your daily interactions with your followers. By the way, the only way to be a leader is to have followers. And to be an Effective Leader, you have to lead your followers effectively. I’ll share some thoughts with you on how to do that.

Hispanics have played a vital role in the success of the United States Air Force since its inception in 1947. We are a diverse group of people whose core values match those of the Air Force in many ways. A sense of family, character, and loyalty, are among the virtues instilled in Hispanics from the day we’re born and are observable in our Airmen as we fly, fight, and win for the Air Force and our country. Chief (Retired) Bob Vásquez, has collected stories written by various Hispanic Airmen who have served and are still serving to protect the United States from all enemies, foreign, and ...

The question of whether leaders are born or made has been argued since someone came up with the word “leader.” And we’ll continue to argue that question. One thing we’ll agree on is that leaders can always improve. That’s what this book is about. What I propose to you in the following pages are thoughts and ideas that, surely, will help you empower yourself to be a better leader, whether you’re a born leader or aspire to lead yourself and others.

Excellence in anything you endeavor will always be based on the fundamentals. Whether it’s in sports, in the Profession of Arms, in developing your personal character, or in leading yourself and others, if you don’t know the fundamentals, you’ll fail. I can assure you that what you’re about to read is the fundamental truth to becoming an Exceptional Leader. My hope is that you’ll laugh, cry, and learn as I share some basic leadership ideas with you that will make you an Exceptionally Powerful Lieutenant. Now, go forward! Make this a great day to be an American Warrior.

The book you are about to read is designed to clarify and connect Airmen to their ethos. Using his unique style and humor, Retired Chief Master Sergeant Bob Vásquez helps to unpack the importance of the U.S Air Force Core Values, so they don’t remain on the pages of the Little Blue Book. In doing so, he reminds us why the commitment is worth the sacrifice.

Welcome… to Leaders and Futures! This podcast is about leading as futures emerge, are yet to be realized, or plainly…need to be reimagined. Someone has said that “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Although it’s impossible to predict the future, one thing is certain: You must lead in it! It’s time to think differently about leading. Join us!

Here's A Random Thought from the mind of bob vásquez!

This podcast is the next level of my book, HEIRPOWER! Eight Basic Habits of Exceptionally Powerful Lieutenants. These are interviews regarding each of the Eight Habits.

The older I’ve gotten, the more like Dad I’ve become. I often find myself sitting at our kitchen table doing what Dad used to do. I can see him in my behavior. Now that he’s gone, I don’t mind being a smaller version of him. I know I am and I hope that I’ll be even more like him as I mature. What Dad taught me has made me better than had he not done so. And I want to share those lessons with you as a tribute to him and our family, and hope that these lessons make other families as great as ours. What you’re about to read are not “lessons” from Dad in the sense that he sat ...

This podcast is based on Chief Bob Vásquez's book, So Ya Wanna Be THE Chief?! It consists of interviews with leaders who have experience in each of the twelve areas discussed in the book. Each week, Chief Vásquez and a guest will discuss additional thoughts and ideas (all belong to the interviewees themselves) that will help you empower yourself to become a better leader, a Chief! Good luck! Be GREAT! You ARE!

Dava Flowers and Chief Bob Vásquez share their thoughts on how to create leaders of character based on their very diverse experience and knowledge.