Commentaries

The founding of Charleston Air Force Base
April 19, 2017 — JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. - On December 10, 1941, only three days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, The Army Air Force’s 56th Pursuit Group based at Charlotte, North Carolina and its 61st Pursuit Squadron arrived at the Charleston Municipal Airport. The squadron’s P-39 Airacobra and P-40 Warhawk aircraft provided coastal defense operations for... MORE

Nothing taken for granted
April 19, 2017 — My comments here are directed towards the 2,200 members of the 628th Mission Support Group. It is no small feat to consistently and effectively keep a military installation running smoothly, especially a joint installation. Yet the women and men of the 628th MSG do it every day, usually behind the scenes, without fanfare. Unfortunately, in our... MORE

NNPTC continues supporting Day of Caring
April 5, 2017 — As is the case in many military commands, Naval Nuclear Power Training Command is an extremely demanding environment for staff and students alike. The level of knowledge and technical expertise required for success necessitates a time commitment beyond anything many have experienced. Such a commitment to professional excellence can limit the time... MORE

Recommendation to enhance service member’s financial stability
April 5, 2017 — Personal financial management is difficult. Personal financial management while serving in the military is daunting. The financial demands placed upon military families are constantly increasing which causes a loss of resiliency and long-term financial uncertainty amongst service members. Serving in the military is a noble occupation, yet as an... MORE

Keep swinging away
April 5, 2017 — Springtime. I love this time of the year ; mild temperatures, leaves are blooming in different shades of green, perennials sprouting from the ground, longer daylight hours, and above all, opening weekend of Major League Baseball! It is fun to watch your favorite team (Go Cardinals!) hoping they start their season with a victory and set the tone... MORE

NNPTC continues support of Day of Caring
March 31, 2017 — As with many military commands, Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC) is an extremely demanding environment for staff and students alike. The level of knowledge and technical expertise required for success requires a time commitment beyond anything many have experienced. Such a commitment to professional excellence can limit the time we have... MORE

Government employee gift restrictions
March 31, 2017 — Government employees are often approached by contractors or community leaders with gift offers; some modest and some not so modest. As a government employee, you may not accept gifts from someone who does or who is seeking to do business with the federal government. Nor are you allowed to accept gifts given because of your official position. Both... MORE

Why I serve
March 15, 2017 — I recently surpassed 28 years of military service and I'm often asked, "What has kept you in the service this long?" or "Why do you continue to serve?" I've pondered these questions on numerous occasions and my response often revolves around the annual Personal Statement of Military Compensation we all receive on myPay. This statement outlines... MORE

JB Charleston coworkers feeling the heat
March 1, 2017 — This past Presidents Day I watched from the entrance of my garage while my wife and son drove away to a doctor’s appointment. As I turned back to finish the project I had been working on, my Mom, who was visiting for the weekend, called out, “Ethan is getting out and running back. He must have forgotten something.” Then I heard him shouting,... MORE

Never give in
March 1, 2017 — In the last few weeks, most high school wrestling seasons concluded with an individual state wrestling tournament to determine the best wrestler in each weight class and school classification. In my hometown of Cary, North Carolina, a young man named Kobe Early, a wrestler in the 106 pound class, had one of the best seasons a Cary High School... MORE