26 Feb 2014

Keeping the bond throughout deployment

Deployments are different after you have a kid. I just never realized how different deployments would be once I became a parent. This deployment I am a mother. Sometimes I wonder how a mother could leave her 1-year-old baby like I have done, as if I am abandoning my child in some way, but then I remember the reason why I do it. I do it not just for

25 Feb 2014

My force shaping journey

In 2007, when given the opportunity to voluntarily separate from the Air Force, I was faced with one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Having started as a 17-year-old cadet in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and having served nine years on active duty, I didn't even know what it was like to work full time outside the

15 Feb 2014

Airman's donation saves sister's life

I've always known my sister Cassie and I were alike. We looked like twins growing up even though we were four years apart. But, I didn't realize how alike we were until the day I found out I could save her life.I was finishing my junior year in college the first time I heard the "C" word...Cancer. Cassie was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma

20 Sep 2013

Half - marathon teaches the value of patience

"Just keep running, just keep running," was all I could think of to get me through the final 5 miles as I ran the United States Air Force Marathon, Sept. 14, 2013 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. This remake of a line made famous by Disney's Finding Nemo character Dori, replayed in my head. Only, I wasn't swimming, I was running. As

16 Sep 2013

Safeguard Your Marriage

Extra-marital affairs are a significant problem in American society. Research suggests that 50 percent of all couples will break their vows of sexual or emotional exclusivity during their relationship. Research also suggests that 25 percent of wives and 44 percent of husbands are unfaithful at some point in their marriage. Anecdotal evidence

12 Sep 2013

CFACC: 9/11 Message to Airmen

September 11th is a time to reflect on the fateful day twelve years ago that forever changed our nation. We must never forget the nearly 3,000 innocent people who lost their lives; nor should we ever forget the countless family members, loved ones and friends whose lives were forever changed. We are compelled to remember the spirit of resolve,

10 Sep 2013

The value of Air Force programs to civilian employers

How valuable are Air Force training programs to civilian employers? Numerous Fortune 500 companies have programs to hire veterans from almost any career field. Several of these companies have strategic plans and mission statements giving numerous reasons why they want to hire veterans including leadership, teamwork, accelerated learning curve,

16 Jun 2013

380 AEW commander bids farewell

Hey team, well done! In a few days from now the wing will get a new commander in Brigadier General Kevin Schneider....I'll be heading off to the staff at Pacific Air Forces Command, but before I go I'd like to tell everyone thank you. Thank you for your service and thank you for your sacrifice. Everyone should be very proud of their service, for

21 May 2013

Support for those affected by disaster

Being deployed comes with its own set of unique challenges and stressors. We learn how to adjust and cope with these stressors by employing a variety of coping skills that are in our scope of control. Typically, these coping behaviors are effective in reducing our anxieties and help us become resilient to the daily stressors we face. However, when

7 May 2013

Airman loses 40+ pounds, scores 99.8 on fitness test, wins Biggest Loser during deployment

 Editor's Note: Master Sgt. Shane Sullivan, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Equal Opportunity officer, lost more than 40 pounds, scored a 99.8 on his fitness test and won the Wing's "Biggest Loser" competition during his deployment here.You want to get in shape during your deployment, but what does that mean? Do you want to lose weight or score better