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  • Preventing sexual assault in the Air Force is our enduring responsibility

    As we begin Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, clear signs point to the progress we have made in combating sexual assault. We can cite encouraging numbers in the areas of prevalence, reporting and convictions; however, this serves as only the beginning of an enduring effort. This effort

  • The Battle of Okinawa: 70 years later

    On the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, Peace Prayer Park serves as a reminder of that historic battle. It is an experience of contrasts for those who visit southern Okinawa. It is acres of monuments to a great battle, scenic vistas, towering sea cliffs and solemn storytelling. But to

  • Tohoku earthquake and tsunami: Four years later

    Four years ago today - on March 11, 2011 - I was sitting in my office on Misawa Air Base, on the northern tip of the main island of Japan, when a massive magnitude-9 earthquake rocked the island nation.It was 2:46 p.m. and I was finishing up my shift as a Stars and Stripes reporter. It was a slow

  • The economics of time

    I would rather have a dollar stolen from me than a minute. Time is more valuable than any other asset. With time a poor man can become rich, and a fool can become wise.  We must guard our time - it is our most precious commodity. Others will try to steal it - we must not let them. Likewise, we must

  • Season's greetings from 18th Wing commander

    Greetings Team Kadena,Thank you. Thank you for your extraordinary service, for all the hard work and sacrifices you have made in support of our mission; you've all helped make this a tremendous year.  Our success would not be possible without each and every one of you, and our family and friends. We

  • Team Kadena races toward wingmanship

    What is resiliency? And how do people cope with serious life issues? Over the last few months these are questions I have asked myself over and over again.Recently undergoing several major personal challenges myself, to include the ending of a marriage and a very close family member being diagnosed

  • 'The Not-So-Innocent Bystander'

    I was accused of sexual assault. Even after 21 years, it's still not easy to admit that.It was 1993 and I was a young airman basic at Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado. I was in technical school, learning how to be a U.S. Air Force photographer.My class consisted of eight male Airmen and Marines, and

  • Suicide Prevention Month Part 1: Something's up with Smith

    Senior Airman Smith is a model Airman. A fixture on the "Airman of the Month" board, he shows up for work every day with a smile on his face and a determination to be the best aircraft maintainer he can be. He is known around the shop for being a positive and friendly guy who is always ready to

  • Suicide Prevention Month Part 2: Smith's acting strange

    Editor's note: This is the second installment in a four-part series on suicide awareness and prevention.Senior Airman Smith has not had a very good month. He recently found out that his girlfriend of two years, to whom he planned on proposing later this fall, rekindled the romance between herself

  • Suicide Prevention Month Part 3: Smith seeks assistance

    Editor's note: This is the third installment in a four-part series on suicide awareness and prevention.Senior Airman Smith is feeling more like himself these days. Once a good friend sat him down to ask how he was feeling, he realized he was in a dark place he wouldn't be able to escape without