Commentary Search

  • African Americans in the military

    Black History Month is a time to reflect on the numerous accomplishments African Americans have made to our nation. African Americans have been integral to the success and continued prosperity of the United States and have made positive contributions to every aspect of American life. As a member of

  • The beginning of Black History Month

    Every year about this time I start hearing the question: why do we have Black History Month? Everyone may not realize the struggles our African American brothers and sisters have gone through. Others may ask the question out of hatred or jealousy. February is the month designated to learn about and

  • Welcome home, Warriors

    Home. For those returning from a long deployment, coming home can have many meanings. It could mean returning to the loving arms of family and friends. It might mean getting life back to normal. And unfortunately, for some, coming home may mean entering into an environment of conflict and change. No

  • Keeping the motivation

    Once a year, all Air Force members must complete the Air Force Fitness Test. Although some test just to achieve 75 percent, there is a small percent of individuals who try and push themselves beyond Air Force standards. I have been stationed here for 2 and a half years. Although it's not what most

  • 0-0-1-3; a New Year’s resolution

    It's hard to believe that 2006 is behind us and we are now well into the New Year. Did you make any New Year's resolutions for 2007 and, if so, how is it going so far? Did you know that over the last five years, the Air Force averaged 5,300 alcohol-related incidents per year? The adverse effects of

  • Being aware to protect ourselves

    The military is notorious for developing its own "secret" code word. When it comes to Air Force language, "For your SA" or "FYSA" are common ways to say "For your situational awareness." Many of us have probably received an e-mail from our superiors or subordinates that had FYSA affixed to the

  • Driving safely: coming and going

    Sometimes our busy schedules get the better of us. We get in a hurry and try to squeeze in 12 hours of activity into an eight-hour day. With all this hustle and bustle, we tend to take shortcuts and lose our situational awareness. Before you know it, you’re in a minor traffic mishap that could have

  • Thoughts from ‘over there’

    Memorial Day was especially significant for me this year. I’m currently deployed with dozens of Airmen from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., many of whom have deployed several times since 9/11. Although we didn’t have the day off on Monday, the sight of a combat-damaged Humvee in our cargo yard on

  • A look back, ahead

    I recently had the honor of participating in the retirement of two master sergeants who, after already vowing to spend their lives together, celebrated their service together. Their personal stories were about honor, integrity and living our Air Force’s core values. They were stories about shoes

  • Drinking and driving, not worth the risk

    Recently, I was awakened by a 5 a.m. phone call. Unfortunatly, the subject was all too predictable. “Sir, this is a notification from security forces. Senior Airman Snuffy has been picked up for DUI after crashing his car downtown. We’re awaiting further details.” Most of the time those details