Commentary Search

Commentaries

  • Veterans – Ambassadors for Life

    This past summer we dedicated the Atterbury Memorial Park and Pacific Legacy Pathway on Hickam Air Force Base as a tribute to the many Pacific Airmen who graced these skies over the last 90 years. As we celebrate Veterans Day, we honor not only the contributions of those enshrined throughout this

  • A warrior’s story supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom

    "The small arms fire was directed all around us and I did not return fire since we were being escorted by the M1117's armored security vehicle which had thermal sights...The rocket propelled grenade strike was behind me, in number seven, whereas I was ahead of it in number five with a "bobtail"

  • Veterans Day...gratitude to those who serve

    As Veterans Day approaches, we will undoubtedly read numerous messages from our Department of Defense and Air Force leadership. These messages of gratitude for your service to our great country are well deserved. With the ongoing war on terror, the sacrifices made by all those in uniform have been

  • Just win, baby...but what does it mean to win?

    Politicians, executives, and coaches all talk about it, you can buy books about it, and motivational speakers make money teaching you how to do it. What is it, you ask? Winning! Recently, Tiger Woods joined the legions of pundits touting the positive effects of winning when approached about the

  • The Air Force family taking care of each other

    I have been a member of the Air Force family for over 47 years. That family was there to take me to school when I missed the bus as a kindergartner and decided to walk the two miles to school instead of bothering my mom. There were four young Airmen, probably on their way to Vietnam, which

  • Airmen, we have an opportunity...

    "Airmen, we have an opportunity..." My Airmen know that these five simple words often mean more work for them. The fact they readily accept the challenge is what sets them apart and makes a difference in our Air Force. We are all faced with daily obstacles and demands made upon us, stretched thin in

  • No need for first sergeants

    I've always said and always will say, "There wouldn't be a need for first sergeants if first-line supervisors would do their supervisory duties." Just stop and think about this statement for a second. What is the difference between an involved first-line supervisor and a first sergeant? Both can

  • The ties that bind our core values

    Integrity, service before self, excellence in all we do. Airmen know these concepts as our Air Force core values. Personally, I think the concepts embodied by these values are extensions of each other and build upon one another. Let me show you what I mean. Integrity. Webster's dictionary says

  • A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

    September 11, 2001, was a defining moment in American history. On that terrible day, our Nation saw the face of evil as 19 men barbarously attacked us and wantonly murdered people of many races, nationalities, and creeds. On Patriot Day, we remember the innocent victims, and we pay tribute to the

  • Core Values – A Reminder

    The United States Air Force adopted the core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do January 1, 1997 - barely 10 short years ago. At that time, Secretary of the Air Force Sheila Widnall wrote: "Core values make the military what it is; without them, we cannot