An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Commentary Search

  • Earth Day 2011: Everyday decisions impact planet

    I love the feeling of the cool breeze brushing against my face as I drive to work with the windows rolled down on a nice crisp summer morning. At the pool or beach, the warm sunlight reflects nicely on the blue water and makes me feel good to be alive. I guess I've just always enjoyed being able to

  • Study history, learn from hatred

    One person may not have been responsible for the Holocaust, but we are each individually responsible and accountable for putting an end to hatred. This hatred may be present in our lives, workcenters or during a deployment. Examples of hatred include racial slurs, insensitive comments, insulting

  • Back to basics?

    In a speech at a recent Air Force Association convention, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Norton Schwartz noted our Air Force needs to pursue a "back to the basics approach for what we do" by "returning to the basics of precision and reliability." In simpler terms, the CSAF is saying we

  • The ABCs of being an Airman

    I'm often reminded of a speech I heard during a SNCO induction ceremony, the speaker talked about the ABCs of being an Airman. A for Attitude, B for Basic military training, and C for Core Values. It has stuck with ever since and it is something that I reflect on and pass on to fellow Airmen every

  • A Pair of Wings, A Handshake, A Coalition Formed

    As a past-deployed USAF Air Advisor I had a unique opportunity to see the fruits of my labor on 11 March 2011 when I pinned the silver wings of an Army Aviator to Abdul Hadi Paigeman, Lieutenant, Afghan Air Force. Lt Hadi along with graduates from Pakistan and Germany received the coveted wings in a

  • Stick with it

    I remember having a conversation with my supervisor when I first came to Kandahar about working out. He said "Marcus, I'm going to the gym everyday and you're invited to go with me." Initially, I was excited about going. I had never lifted weights before so this new experience was exhilarating.

  • What's next

    Looking back over the last 20 years and into the next 20 years, it strikes me that it's never been more important for America to have a force of flexible Airmen that can quickly adjust and react across a broad spectrum. You only have to look back at the last couple of contingencies and humanitarian

  • Surviving the Deployment

    The 380th Expeditionary Wing is my first deployment and it is a marathon twelve months. I am absolutely grateful for this opportunity but a year is a long time away from family, friends, and the freedoms of home. The following techniques made my first five months of deployment not only tolerable but

  • Your Friendly Neighborhood SARC

    April is finally here! This marks a significant month for the sexual assault prevention community as we prepare for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. There are two themes out there which highlight the need for our own personal involvement as Airmen. The DoD theme "Hurts one. Affects all...Preventing