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  • The power of encouragement

    Never underestimate the power of encouragement.When I enlisted in the Air Force in 1993, I had hoped to go to Officer Training School a year later. After seeing how stiff the competition was with only extremely high Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores being accepted, along with high GPAs, I was discouraged after not making it the first time. I
  • A judge’s gavel rests Aug. 21, 2013, in the legal office at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. The gavel’s banging symbolizes the start of proceedings, a needed recess or to bring order to the court. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau/Released)

    Air Force publishes sexual assault convictions

    In order to raise awareness of and hopefully prevent sexual assault, the Air Force now publishes sexual assault convictions on-line. Anyone can go to the Air Force Judge Advocate Website and review more than 100 sexual assault convictions from across the Air Force, to include viewing them by base. After a few minutes of reviewing the facts of these
  • The American Cancer Association’s Fresh Start program, ran at the Health and Wellness Center, advises that identifying triggers and overcoming them is an important aspect of staying smoke free. Triggers are the moods, feelings, places or things you do in your daily life that ignite your desire to smoke. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Ryan Conroy)

    Don't pull the trigger

    Editor's note: This is the third in a series of related articles on the progression of quitting smoking through the first-hand account of Airman Ryan Conroy. The series takes a look at how anyone with the drive and determination can quit for good with the use of base resources and medical professionals.My hands are shaking. My thoughts are racing,
  • I can’t instill the same motivation I have for training in you. It is something you have to find for yourself. You are the one who will determine how you look, feel and perform down the road. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dana Butler/Released)

    Excuses don't burn calories

    I never thought working out could change someone's life, but it has changed mine. My entire life I'd always been thin, I'd never had to diet or exercise and I could eat whatever I wanted. That is, until I had a baby. I did almost everything by the book--I cut out junk food, ate my fruits and vegetables and exercised throughout my pregnancy, but I
  • Airman 1st Class Robert Maxwell, 31st Fighter Wing command post representative, pours a glass of wine during a responsible drinking event, Oct. 18, 2013, at Gelisi’s Winery in San Quirino, Italy. More than 30 Airmen participated in an evening of free wine, food and round-trip transportation to an Italian vineyard to help understand the affects alcohol can have on an individual. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Ryan Conroy)

    A little goes a long way

    The first thing to go is your judgment. Without judgment, the motives behind our decision making process are flawed. All it takes is three glasses -- apparently. I felt fine throughout the night, enjoying my time, eating dinner, sampling a glass of wine here and a glass there. I certainly felt sober enough to drive and it could have been the last
  • Storm clouds roll in blanketing the sky over Post’l Point April 5 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The storm brought a quick, but heavy downpour of rain to the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

    Rain, rain go away...

    Most people are familiar with the idiomatic concept of storing some cash away in one's pocket for a rainy day. Well, the weather report for today is cloudy with scattered showers. While today's spotty precipitation may only affect certain groups of people, the 30-day forecast shows the possibility of widespread showers and downpours. So, are you
  • Master Sgt. Gloria Wilson’s father Jesus Rosario passed away from cancer. Donating to charities is one of the ways she honors his memory in hopes of increasing awareness, assisting those with illnesses, and helping facilities that search for a cure. Combined Federal Campaign- Overseas allows military members and federal civilians an opportunity to donate to a variety of charitable organizations. The campaign runs from Sept 16 to Nov 15.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicole Sikorski/Released)

    Your actions can save a life

    It's been a rough year for me. In less than 12 months I've been hit with situation after situation that has brought me to my knees.First, I'll mention the deaths.My grandmother died in November, the cousin I grew up with died in December, and my dad - my much missed, loved dad - died in June.All of them died unexpectedly. All their deaths were

  • Airman 'pace-setters' succeed with grit, optimism

    In a Ted Talk video I viewed recently, Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth, an assistant professor of psychology, talked about achievement and why some people do well and some do not. In her research, Duckworth studied many different groups including, school children, West Point cadets, rookie teachers in tough neighborhoods and salespeople in very

  • Recovering from the aftermath

    Editor's note: This is the second in a series of related articles on the progression of quitting smoking through the first-hand account of Airman Ryan Conroy. The series takes a look at how anyone with the drive and determination can quit for good with the use of base resources and medical professionals. When an area has been devastated by an act
  • Gen. Frank Gorenc is Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa, Commander Allied Air Command, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and Director, Joint Air Power Competence Centre, Kalkar, Germany.

    Make it happen, Airmen

    Airmen are no strangers to change. Our Air Force was born from change after an exhausting world war when nations were recovering and healing emotionally, physically and financially.The decades following World War II brought us numerous changes: hot and cold wars, technological and aerospace advancements, and manpower ups and downs. Like some of
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