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COMMENTARIES

  • Sept. 17: A day for Constitutional conversation

    September 17, 2012, marks the 225th anniversary of the signing of America's Constitution.As federal employees, we commemorate that anniversary with Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Specifically, this day was established to ensure all federal agency employees have the opportunity to learn more

  • 10 Leadership Tips from 'The Bear'

    Since 1971, I've been able to attend nearly one football game a year at the University of Alabama with my father and brother. As an impressionable 4-year-old, I even had the opportunity to meet legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant while signing copies of his autobiography. In his book, he described

  • Air Force core values should extend into our personal lives

    The Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do provide excellent guideposts on how to conduct our professional military lives. Because they are so closely associated with the Air Force, their application often stops there. In actuality, they are great

  • There's no time like the present

    Time is a very, very precious thing. It is a limited and valuable resource. Time "flies by" when you are having fun, it is "of the essence" when you have something that needs to be done and it often "marches on" despite our best efforts to manage the pace of daily activities. Need proof? There are a

  • ‘There I was...’ The quiet experts

    Deployments are a part of every Airman's life, from the day they in-process at their first duty station until the day they leave the Air Force. At one point or another, virtually every Airman is on, returning from or preparing for a deployment. Last year, I joined the ranks of these deployed

  • Never forget: More than a black flag

    The flag is all black with the letters "POW" and "MIA" above a white disk located in its heart. It features the silhouette of a man's profile looking down, a watch tower with guard on patrol and a strand of barb-wire. But, it is more than a flag. It is a symbol of a nation's promise.From the dead

  • To vote or not to vote

    The year I turned 18, I voted in my first presidential election. This November's election will be my tenth.I remember the first one. It was during a time of great turmoil in our country. Recession, unemployment, increasing gas prices and inflation...I think I've voted in every presidential election

  • Have a plan and work it!

    "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will."- Vince LombardiNo one ever said life was easy or fair, but most would say hard work and a plan will get you there. Today, everyone is distracted with the upcoming

  • Service organization delivers during time of need

    I'd like to share a quick story about a few, true patriots. One summer day this past July, I received word one of our deployed 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron members was returning stateside on emergency leave. His father-in-law was rapidly declining in health, and he was on his way home to

  • T.H.I.N.K. before you speak

    There are some of us who were born with a foot in our mouths--kind of like the stock boy at the grocery store...A lady approached the young man asking, "Can I buy a half of lettuce?" Let me check said the boy. So the stock boy walked back to ask the manager, not realizing the lady was walking right