Commentary

Commentary

Remembering D-Day: Reflect on past, live in present, secure future

by Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente
86th Airlift Wing commander

The events of Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy, 70 years ago hold a special place in the hearts of many people, especially those who experienced it for themselves or knew someone who lived through it. Remembering D-Day is as important to them as it is for those of us wearing the uniform today.

June 12, 2014 ×

Commentary

Strengthening the team

by Lt. Col. Troy C. Austin
86th Security Forces Squadron commander

The Air Force has provided mission, vision and priorities. Transforming vision into executable policy requires charismatic, energetic, inspirational yet humble leaders focused on Airmen and the mission. It is important to remember that being a leader is not tied to rank or position and it’s not about rewards. Leadership is about taking care of the people who complete the mission.

June 12, 2014 ×

Commentary

What SAPR stand-down day is all about

by Carmen Schott
86th Airlift Wing sexual assault response coordinator

Ever since I can remember, I enjoyed helping people. It was something that brought me great happiness. Helping support my friends, family and co-workers was always something that I felt was my mission to do. I felt a personal responsibility to serve others and to relieve the pain of those […]

June 5, 2014 ×

Commentary

Personal energy, overproduction

by Capt. Fred Jackson
86th Maintenance Group

As I entered technical training in 2005, the first words I heard were, stay fit-to-fight. Listening to our instructor gather opinions and discussing how the physical fitness examination changed from what we experienced through our different commissioning source was definitely a conversation point.

June 5, 2014 ×

Commentary

It’s about the fairness of the process

by Col. Michael G. Vecera
86th Airlift Wing staff judge advocate

Occasionally, folks around base will ask me after a court-martial, “What do you think about the result?” The question comes up more often when the accused member is acquitted or when the punishment appears to be somewhat lenient. This occasionally causes me to scratch my head a bit. The apparent implication is that I would expect a conviction and a severe punishment in every case brought to court.

May 29, 2014 ×

Commentary

Sick scores, not health

by Airman Larissa Greatwood
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

When I was younger, the thought of joining the military terrified me. When I was 16, my older brother joined the Air Force, and I couldn’t shake the fear I had of him being in a dangerous place. It wasn’t until I turned 18 and all of my older brothers joined that I thought, “Maybe this is something I can do.” I realized the fear I had was me just not knowing enough about the military lifestyle.

May 29, 2014 ×

Commentary

KMC celebrates Asian heritage

by Staff Sgt. Paul Young
86th Logistics Readiness Group

Since the birth of the United States, many Asians have contributed to the success of the nation. From laying train tracks to expand westward, to art, literature, mathematics and science, Asian culture has played a crucial role in American growth.

May 22, 2014 ×

Commentary

College student expands horizon, AF family

by Sara Pavich
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

I like to think I’m pretty good with words. I spent four years of my college career learning how to make them sound nice after all, and for the past four months I’ve been honing these skills at the 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office. None of this valuable work experience, however, has provided me with the words I need to describe what my time working here has done for me professionally and personally.

May 15, 2014 ×

Commentary

May is National Osteoporosis Month

by Maj. Shamana Stevens
86th Medical Group

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the thinning of the bones and affects the lives of many Americans. The word itself actually means “porous bone.” A person with osteoporosis typically has low bone mass, poor bone quality and fragile bones. Approximately 10 million Americans already have osteoporosis, and 34 million are at high risk due to low bone mass.

May 15, 2014 ×

Commentary

Off the Beaten Path

by Maj. Matthew Dooley
76th Airlift Squadron

Some common reasons many of us became interested in the military are the chance to travel around the world, experience new cultures and take on unique responsibilities.

May 8, 2014 ×