Commentaries

Equipped to serve by the service
June 26, 2013 — After an official trip through the war-devastated nations of Sierra Leone and Liberia in 2011, I was struck by the staggering challenges: corruption, morally-bankrupt leadership, lack of clean water, failed transportation systems and undeveloped resources, but all the while "knowing" my time in the Air Force had equipped me to help. I felt a call... MORE

What is Juneteenth?
June 25, 2013 — Juneteenth is an annual observance of the emancipation of slaves in the state of Texas. Despite the fact that slavery was abolished as a result of the Emancipation Proclamation that went into effect Jan.1, 1863, slaves in the state of Texas did not get to experience freedom until almost two and a half years later. There are many stories in... MORE

Just do it!
June 25, 2013 — I was told by my fellow first shirt peers that it was my turn to share with Joint Base Charleston's finest my 'pearls of wisdom' for this week's newspaper article. Since I'm a little rough around the edges and not much of an inspirational speaker, I would have to say this was one of my most difficult jobs as a recently promoted senior... MORE

Shine like a diamond: How daily pressures can produce shining products
June 19, 2013 — Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth about 100 miles or so below the surface in the upper mantle. This environment is extremely hot, with immense pressure bearing down from the overlying layers of rock. The combination of extremely high temperatures and pressure is what's necessary to form crystals. The substance of these crystal formations is... MORE

Untold stories
June 18, 2013 — As the 16th Airlift Squadron nears the end of its deployment and tenure as the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, I've taken a little time to reflect and think about all the marvelous achievements these Airmen have accomplished. Many of the accomplishments these men and women have performed are headline-grabbing and worthy of awards, while most... MORE

Looking back while looking ahead
June 18, 2013 — This July, I will be saying goodbye to Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic as I report to my next assignment as Major Program Manager for the Communications and Global Positioning System Navigation Program Office, PMW/A 170, at Program Executive Office: Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence in San Diego, Calif. It seems like... MORE

Capt. Mark Glover, SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic commanding officer

Learning from the past: Interwar period
June 12, 2013 — For those who have studied history, the current opinions of the American citizens and Department of Defense budget climate appear to resemble the situation the United States faced during what has been called the "interwar period:" the time in American history between World War I and World War II, 1918 through 1939. I bring this up since the... MORE

Do you have a plan to blow $10,000?
June 12, 2013 — As summer approaches and long days of great weather continue, it is a time to enjoy the company of our fellow Airmen and Sailors, our family and our friends. It's time to hit the beaches and lakes and fire up the barbeque ... good times are to be had.You double-checked your list for your upcoming epic barbeque, complete with every flavor of... MORE

Master Sgt. Eric Brown, 628th Medical Group first sergeant

Education: It's not just an EPR bullet
June 4, 2013 — After two-plus years as a first sergeant, I've seen many Airmen pursuing their education for the sole purpose of earning an EPR bullet. While I won't argue their philosophy, I will argue that the pursuit of education is much more than an EPR bullet. The benefits of an education, while certainly somewhat measurable financially, are often... MORE

Our biggest threat …our role
May 29, 2013 — For decades, the biggest threat to our nation has either been another country, terrorist organization, or cyber-attack on our vital systems. Today the danger is much different and internal to our nation. "The single, biggest threat to our national security is our debt," said retired Adm. Michael Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff... MORE