Commentaries

Remembrance, thanks and commitment
September 18, 2012 — To the Airmen of our great global air mobility enterprise: thank you!Today, as every day, I am proud to be an American Airman. I have lived all but 13 years of our Air Force's history and as the son of a Master Sergeant, I developed a love for our Air Force early in my life. It is a love that has never faltered.A short 65 years have passed since... MORE

Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, commander of 18th Air Force, poses with Airman 1st Class Christopher Sims, left, the youngest Airman in attendance, and Airman 1st Class David Brannum, Team Dover honor guard member, after cutting the birthday cake at the Air Force Ball Sep. 7, 2012, at Dover Downs in Dover, Del. The cutting of the cake was part of the celebration commemorating the Air Force’s 65th birthday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chuck Walker)

Leaders issue Air Force birthday message
September 17, 2012 — Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As we celebrate the United States Air Force's 65th birthday, we salute all of the dedicated Airmen who serve or have served in our... MORE

Doris Hernandez models a Khaki Shade 1 Women in the Air Force transition uniform worn between 1947 and 1950. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

A day of service
September 11, 2012 — In 2009, Congress designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day, I think it is fitting that we remember and honor the innocent lives taken during that vicious attack by renewing our commitment of service to our Nation.As the son of an Air Force noncommissioned officer, I grew up among people who were proud to... MORE

Above and beyond
September 10, 2012 — Throughout my daily interactions, I am frequently asked what my "policy" is regarding any number of topics affecting our Airmen and Sailors. Most often, I respond by explaining that I have no policy on the subject because each case is different. Every individual and situation comes with a unique set of circumstances that must be evaluated based on... MORE

Never forget: More than a black flag
September 5, 2012 — (This feature is part of the "Never Forget" series on the Joint Base Charleston website. The purpose is to recognize local Prisoners of War, as well as remember the more than 80,000 Missing in Action servicemembers since World War II)The flag is all black with the letters "POW" and "MIA" above a white disk located in its heart. It features the... MORE

(U.S. Air Force Graphic / Airman 1st Class Tom Brading)

To vote or not to vote
September 5, 2012 — The year I turned 18, I voted in my first presidential election. This November's election will be my tenth.I remember the first one. It was during a time of great turmoil in our country. Recession, unemployment, increasing gas prices and inflation ...I think I've voted in every presidential election since then. I can't be sure, because I was often... MORE

An Iraqi man proudly displays his ink stained finger after voting. (U.S. Army photo/Pfc. William Servinski II)

Have a plan and work it!
September 5, 2012 — "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will."- Vince LombardiNo one ever said life was easy or fair, but most would say hard work and a plan will get you there. Today, everyone is distracted with the upcoming elections, budgets and who will be the next judge on... MORE

YouTube is Educational?
September 5, 2012 — Logging on to YouTube today, the following three videos were listed as some of the most viewed: "Kid on Bike Eats It," "The Angriest Babies in the Whole World," and "Crowd Gets Surprised." Collectively, those videos had nearly five million views.Now I will readily admit that I am one of those five million as I clicked on each of the videos and... MORE

Diamond Tip: Time to vote, are you ready?
September 5, 2012 — Have you voted? Are you going to? Consider this; every four years our nation prepares to select one person to become President of the United States. Millions of men and women head to the polls in a free and open election. The man or woman who is elected will serve as Commander in Chief, our chief foreign policy official, our head of state and the... MORE

Diamond Tips – Just Do It!
August 28, 2012 — After receiving an out-of-office reply from the 628th Contracting Squadron superintendent, I learned the 628th Air Base Wing Public Affairs office was hot on my tail for the Diamond Tip of the Week. Many things ran through my head along with the predominant and overwhelming presence of fear. Fear of not only the unknown; but also the consequences... MORE