Commentaries

Lessons from a youth soccer team
May 29, 2013 — In April, my family and I traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C. to watch my son's team play in a youth soccer tournament. The team played well and earned a spot in the championship game on Sunday afternoon. Just before the game, the parents between the two teams engaged in casual conversation. A father from the other team made an interesting statement to... MORE

Diamond Tip: Who is your first sergeant?
May 29, 2013 — How many Airmen out there know their first sergeant? How many know what he or she can do for you? As I look back over the last 20 years, I've asked myself those very questions on numerous occasions. First, you must know that your first sergeant is a person and not a machine. We have sons, daughters, husbands and wives and yes, even feelings... MORE

Master Sgt. James Kasch, 14th Airlift Squadron first sergeant

The good, bad consequences of my decisions
May 22, 2013 — This past week we celebrated National Police Week. Although there were many events that were educational and fun, there were also solemn ceremonies where we remembered the law enforcement officers, civilian and military, who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was a week of reflection for me and the many choices I have made throughout my career. It got... MORE

What does Memorial Day mean to you?
May 21, 2013 — Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the... MORE

Military Appreciation Month
May 15, 2013 — May is Military Appreciation Month and while it is customary for civilians and military organizations to honor those of us in uniform, I want to take a somewhat different approach and tell you why I appreciate the military I am so fortunate to be a part of. The Air Force has always been a part of my life and although I have only been in the service... MORE

2nd Lt. Leah Davis, 628th Air Base Wing Public Affairs media operation officer-in-charge

When in doubt, innovate!
May 15, 2013 — "The story of the Air Force is a story of innovation. Airmen, using their unique perspective, have long stood for and pioneered innovative ways to win the fight while shaping the future." -Gen. Mark Welsh, Chief of Staff, USAFIt is no secret we are in the midst of a challenging fiscal environment. Recent manning reductions, and now the impacts of... MORE

Resiliency ... make it more than a buzzword
May 15, 2013 — My family and I were watching television this week when a commercial came on promoting resiliency. We commented on how popular that word has become as I have even heard it referred to as the "new Air Force buzzword" during past Wingman day events. But interestingly, I ask every group of newcomers to the medical group if they have ever heard of... MORE

Diamond Tip: A lesson in professionalism
May 15, 2013 — I was recently in a meeting with all of the 437th Airlift Wing leadership. Group and squadron commanders, chiefs and first sergeants were called together to answer tough questions regarding some troubling trends in our Air Force. We were asked two questions. Due to fiscal and manning constraints, what missions or tasks are we no longer able to... MORE

Master Sgt. Jennifer Crerar, 16th Airlift Squadron first sergeant

My uncle got me thinking …
May 9, 2013 — Let me tell you the ending upfront, the 15th Airlift Squadron just returned from a successful 60-day flying deployment to Southwest Asia. It is the recurring deployment that the 437th Operations Group Squadrons here at Joint Base Charleston have been performing non-stop for the past decade. Why do I say that it was a successful deployment? I say it... MORE

What is a good “wingman” to you?
May 7, 2013 — The term "wingman" stems from a time-honored tradition within our Air Force flying community. The second pilot in the formation is called the wingman because he or she protects the lead by watching their back. This is a wingman in battle. If you think about it, we are in a personal battle everyday with making responsible decisions. The role of a... MORE

Master Sgt. Rod Lawless, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Assistant first sergeant