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

  • Semper Gumby

    What started out as a "typical" flight out of Baghdad International Airport on March 3 turned out to be anything but routine. As it turns out, just about any flight out of New Al-Muthana Air Base has the potential to be a stomach-churning, white-knuckle, flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants adventure.

  • The most selfless chief

    Today, I witnessed what I believe is the best chief master sergeant in the Air Force. He is a most selfless Chief; one who truly cares for his Airmen.It's still fresh in my mind, and I'm writing this so I may never forget. On February 26, my traffic management office team processed weapons for

  • Forgiveness: Your choice bitter or better

    Last week I went to my friend's pod to get a haircut, while I was there he put on the movie 'Faster'. As I sat there getting my haircut and watching this movie, I was wondering why Dewayne Johnson had so much anger. Without telling you what the movie was about, all I can say is some people do some

  • Another Perk for Being in Kandahar: Patience Bonus

    If you're an optimist who enjoys looking at your half full water bottle each day, you've probably already tallied all the benefits you have for being here at Kandahar Airfield. There's the hostile fire pay, the family separation allowance, the $3.50 per day per diem and the tax free status. All

  • Opportunity knocked, did you answer the door?

    On 21 May 2010, opportunity knocked on my door - and when I opened it, I was facing the Army of One slogan. My Unit Deployment Manager just left my office after advising me that I was the lucky recipient of a 179 day deployment. This golden opportunity was extra special because I was destined to be

  • Take time to rest

    A story is told of two men. One had been a lumber jack for 40 years and the other served in the same capacity for one year. The younger lumber jack was known around the town as one of the fastest tree cutters in the area. He had broken every record in the business, except the record that was held by

  • GOD or George Washington: Inspired by Madison "Mad-Dog" Shaw, age 5

    "Dad, who invented water bottles" an inquisitive 5-year old asks her father. "Why, Madison, who do you think invented them?" With all the serious and conviction a 5-year old can muster: "It was either GOD ...or George Washington." Dad, who invented refrigerators? Who do you think? God or George

  • Fitness is Free

     Fitness is more than just taking the PT tests twice a year or participating in unit exercises. Fitness is a way of life. New Year's resolutions and post holiday plans are great but only if you stick to your plan. Every year the gyms become packed right after New Years with people swearing they are

  • New wing, new mission, new opportunities

    The 447th Air Expeditionary Group can hang a new shingle for 2011--mentor and advisor. The Group, now assigned to the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing, has taken on an additional mission in recent months, which is in-line with the wing's dual-role.The Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron has led the

  • American Airman -- body, mind, and spirit

    I would like to take a moment and visit with you about what it means to be an American Airman -- body, mind, and spirit.Our spirit as American Airmen come from our touchstones. Our touchstones are our Air Force Core Values, Air Force Standards, and the Airman's Creed. The Core Values of integrity