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Commentary Search

Commentaries

  • Green Dot equals do something

    In December 2015, I was notified that I was nominated to be part of a new program related to sexual assault prevention training - Green Dot. Initially, I had no idea what Green Dot was all about. All I knew was that it concerned sexual assault.It wasn't until I went through the training that I

  • Taking off the stripes: a personal look at depression

    Taking off your stripes is a common expression in the military when you're having conversations with people who outrank you -- maybe overused or cliché in the opinions of some. When I say that for this commentary, this isn't as Airman 1st Class Nicholas Emerick; this is as Nick Emerick, a kid from

  • Police week honors security forces legacy

    It was President John F. Kennedy who, in 1962, proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officer's Memorial Day, one of many significant milestones celebrated annually during National Police Week.  As a Security Forces Airman, Police Week provides an opportunity to showcase our unique profession while honoring the

  • Tommy got a toy drone for Christmas, what's next?

    The presents have been opened and the wrapping paper placed in the recycling bin. Tommy is anxious to get outside and fly the new "Invader 700" drone, complete with a 10 times zoom digital camera that sends immediate videos to your new iPad. Wow, you can't wait to get out there with him and fly this

  • The right place, the right time

    Zamami Island is one of the most beautiful locales in the country of Japan, with a population of only 1,000 people at peak seasons when residents of mainland Japan move down to their second homes for the winter. Other than that, it is a quiet little hamlet, a series of three seemingly smaller

  • Belonging--an Air Force journey

    Belonging--the one thing that had eluded me for so many years.I grew up your typical southern girl; raised by great parents, loving God and country, the whole nine yards. It was my parents that provided me with the foundation for my life. They taught me to always be respectful to those in authority

  • Honoring veterans past, present this Veterans Day

    To the men and women of Pacific Air Forces and to veterans across the services, I offer my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your dedicated service. As you know, this Wednesday commemorates a significant date in our nation's history, a day in 1918 where a signed armistice marked an end to World

  • Prescription drug abuse; not a victimless crime

    I never imagined my whole world would be turned upside-down; but seeing my husband escorted away in handcuffs, I felt as if the world was crashing in around me.It was love from the beginning. My husband and I met in technical school, eventually married and we were later assigned to Shaw Air Force

  • 18th Wing, Kadena commemorate Korean War

    On June 25th, members of the 18th Wing at Kadena may reflect on the service of their predecessors in the Korean War.From July 1950 to the ceasefire in July 1953, members of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Group and their colleagues in the 20th Air Force at Kadena AB fought ceaselessly and valiantly in the

  • Excellence in all we do

    In the Spring of 2013, after eight long months in the delayed enlistment program and a tiring day at Baltimore's Military Entrance Processing Station, I was finally presented with an enlistment contract.The contract promised me four years of food, housing and education benefits as well as an annual