Commentaries

Protocol, it’s not what you think
April 28, 2015 — Since 1995, I have had the opportunity to serve the Air Force in several capacities. As a Reservist and on active-duty; in a support role as an Aircrew Life Support technician and in operations as both a C-5 and C-17 loadmaster. I've attended every enlisted PME available (yep, even the SNCOA!), assisted my commander processing personnel discharges... MORE

Importance of STEM Outreach
April 28, 2015 — The United States' need for a scientifically, mathematically and technologically literate populace is vital, and it will continue to grow in importance - particularly as other nations make rapid advances in science and technology. Once the world leader, the U.S. now lags behind other nations in science, technology, engineering and math education... MORE

Captain Amy Burin, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic commanding officer

Coming to you from the flight deck
April 21, 2015 — Thirty-two thousand feet. Four hundred and fifty miles per-hour. It's 2 a.m., and quiet. The aircrew of Reach 723 is just starting its journey across the Atlantic. Because my commentary deadline for the Patriot is the same week as one of my all-too-infrequent C-17 missions, the flight deck is my "office" for composing my thoughts. Unfortunate... MORE

Lt. Col. Paul Theriot, 17th Airlift Squadron commander

Please don’t thank me for my service
April 21, 2015 — The other day a good friend and mentor, a retired AF Master Sergeant, sent me a message made up of a few simple words. Words that we, folks who wear a military uniform, may be accustomed to ... "Thank you for your service." I don't know about you, but I am very uncomfortable when people thank me for my service. Usually, when it is a face to face... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Hughes, 437th Airlift Wing command chief

It’s all attitude
April 15, 2015 — For as long as I can remember, I have always placed an emphasis on having a great attitude. Let's face it, life throws us a whole lot of curve balls but with the right attitude, you can connect on those curve balls and hit them out of the park. With the wrong attitude you just may strike out. The choice is always yours. We have all been through... MORE

Shutdown inappropriate comments
April 14, 2015 — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and it is critical that we take this time to refocus ourselves on treating all our fellow Airmen and civilians with dignity and respect. Sexual assault is a crime that harms people and degrades unit integrity. We cannot accept this behavior or the inappropriate comments that enable potential assailants to... MORE

Col. John Lamontagne, 437th AW commander

The Opportunity of Failure
April 8, 2015 — There are 86,400 seconds in a day. How did you use those seconds today? What did you learn? What difference did you make? Did you leave an opportunity behind? Over the past 20 months, I have asked myself these questions daily as I leave work. Sometimes I feel very good about the answers to those questions, and some days ... I feel like I have... MORE

Start with asking “why?”
April 6, 2015 — "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." -- President Calvin Coolidge"Every... MORE

The Brig's Mission
April 1, 2015 — The mission of Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston is to ensure the security, good order, discipline and safety of pre-trial and post-trial prisoners, to retrain and restore the maximum number of personnel to honorable service, to prepare prisoners for return to civilian life as productive citizens; and when directed by appropriate authority,... MORE

Commander J. Michael Cole, Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston commanding officer

Soup for your soul
April 1, 2015 — May 15, 2014 was a bright sunny day; the birds were singing; the scent of flowers permeated the air while laughter filled the indoor atmosphere. Regrettably it was a workday. However, the windows were propped open and a slight breeze blew through the office. I was gazing out my office window, taking a few moments to enjoy the splendor. What a... MORE