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COMMENTARIES

  • Through a survivor's eyes

    Why don't you like sleepovers anymore?" asked a curious girl in my pre-teen dance class.This was a question I was asked frequently, so I gave the response most people wanted to hear, that I don't like being away from home.When I was 16, I offended people when I quickly jerked away and almost bolted

  • To be a better Airman, be a brave lobster

    While on the Internet last week, I came across two videos I think illustrate important lessons for every Airman. The first video was of a speech by Dr. Ken Robinson. Robinson, an educator and author, told this great story about his son's school nativity. Most of us are familiar with the nativity and

  • Reversing roles: military spouse to military member

    "It's only two months, I'll be fine. It's such a short time, no need to cry," I kept telling myself over and over again.I put on a brave face and kept my emotions in check as I gave my fiancé, Landon, one last hug and kiss before he went through airport security to fly out to Air Force basic

  • Future of Contingency Response: the D-E-V-I-L is in the details

    How will the Air Force utilize the contingency response mission in the future? What capabilities will be required to execute that mission? What are the future conditions we will be required to operate under?These questions and many more were at the heart of a recent Contingency Response Commanders

  • A first sergeant's pride

    It was about 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2016, when I decided to get up from behind my desk and do something for my maintainers. It was a chilly day, so I figured hey, why not bring them something to keep them warm on this very cold morning. I grabbed some hand warmers to hand out to them while

  • Analyzing failure, realizing success

    The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, Defense Department or the U.S. Government."We have an issue. I'll call him in and figure out why he failed to..." said the supervisor who walked into my office

  • Finding strength, resiliency through Air Force family

    I joined the military to provide for my family, but I never would have expected the challenges my family would face and how we would evolve.When I enlisted in the Air Force I joined another family without intent. This family has been with me ever since, especially during my family's darkest

  • Staying safe, remaining vigilant

    If you've been watching the news lately, you've undoubtedly seen the tragic results of terrorism in Paris and other parts of the world; and you may have even heard about threats in the U.S.Should all of this concern us? Sure, to an extent. While running around scared there's a terrorist hiding

  • WWII WestPoint grad's perspective on terrorism, ISIL

    With the last surviving members of World War II averaging in their mid-nineties, I often wonder what thoughts these heroes may have about the evolution of war since the 1940s and the rise in terrorism.In the 70 years since WWII, America has fought in multiple wars and operations. It's safe to say

  • Exercise Ultimate Reach up close

    I have been part of the Air Force for five years, and I've seen numerous C-17 Globemaster III's in the air or heard them while spending time with my family. However, I never really thought about where the plane was heading or what was inside.After experiencing exercise Ultimate Reach 16-1 and