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  • They stand for Zac

    For two days last week, four Ramstein Airmen traveled to O'Fallon, Ill. We were there to attend the funeral of our fallen wingman, Airman 1st Class Zac Cuddeback. Before we departed Germany, we learned that back in Illinois, the community was placing several thousand large American flags along

  • A good wingman is always 'with'

    I have three small kids and I still haven't been issued a parenting manual. I've changed a lot of diapers and still struggle. You'll frequently see my children in mismatched clothes -- that's because it was daddy's turn to dress them. When I cook dinner, it looks more like a college kid's menu -- a

  • Drawing on the strength of those before us

    When I was in Airman Leadership School, one of my assignments was about an important Air Force milestone. It could be about any person or event. After looking through a mountain of possibilities, I decided to focus my project on notable women in the military, specifically on Chief Master Sgt. Grace

  • Situational awareness got me safely out of Egypt

    This January, I had the dubious distinction of being the only Airman from Incirlik Air Base to be traveling in Egypt when their revolution began. Due to the uniqueness of the situation, I have been asked to write on my experience. When initially planning my visit to Egypt with my parents for

  • 'Alterior' Motives: Adopting a mindset for a fitter future

    (Editor's note: This is the third of a three-part series on healthy habits.)When I was in basic training, exercise was a ritual that never seemed to change; push-ups, crunches, laps around the track; and the occasional Indian run. I can still hear the cry of "last trainee up!"Fitness is no less

  • The Little Air Base that Could

    I'm thrilled every time we are notified that Lajes has earned yet another "Best in USAFE" title for the year 2010. Yes -- 'little' Lajes! Most recently, our chapel was named the Best Small Chapel in USAFE. We add that title to others, including USAFE's Best Small Clinic, USAFE's Best Small Post

  • Deployment Journal: A strange encounter rekindles NCO responsibilities

    The last two-and-a-half weeks were long, as I spent them in the field without a change of clothes or shower. I rectified that within minutes of arriving at Camp Stone, a base nearby my own in Herat Province, Afghanistan.While awaiting a convoy to Camp Arena the next day, I happened across the team

  • The supervisor's role in success

    An organization's culture is the combination of the tangible and intangible factors that determine the long term success of a unit. Examples of these factors include communication, respect, pride, performance and perhaps most importantly morale. Excellent morale can ensure unit cohesiveness and

  • 'Alterior' Motives: Healthy living in a fast food world

    It's an immutable fact of life that no matter if you're an airman basic working on the flightline or the wing commander, everyone must eat.But this often runs into another immutable fact: we here at the 48th Fighter Wing are seriously busy. We're supporting fighter operations, combat search and

  • Refreshing look at 'cola'

    What a great overseas benefit this COLA thing is! Not to be confused with popular soft drinks, the Cost of Living Allowance is a non-taxable supplemental pay allowance designed to offset overseas prices of non-housing goods and services. What does COLA do? Simply put, it generally allows service