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  • 'Have some guts'

    All calls. We've all been to them, standing in a hangar or auditorium listening to someone with much more rank than us often because it was a mandatory function rather than because of a burning desire to hear the speaker's words of wisdom. Any Airman can probably give the top two or three takeaways

  • Confession of a chaplain: "I shouldn't be here"

    My secret is I shouldn't be here. I was disqualified from becoming a chaplain. Now that I have that off my chest, let me share with you why that is helpful to know. The Enlisted Force Structure, AFI 36-2618, says that Airmen must be spiritually ready to accomplish the mission.Spiritual readiness is

  • Leading at the MUNSS

    Before coming to the 701st Munitions Support Squadron in 2010, I had heard of a MUNSS and geographically separated units but knew nothing of them. Most do not know the 52nd Fighter Wing has four munitions squadrons attached to it, and the one I am a part of is in Belgium. We are classified as a

  • Leaders are built with strong foundation

    Since being stationed at Aviano Air Base, I have enjoyed running and biking through many old towns and areas of historical and cultural significance. On one occasion, when running through a small town, I started thinking about the construction of its ancient structures. The buildings continue to

  • Make readiness a personal experience

    Recently the world watched in shock as U.S. embassies in multiple countries came under attack and we suffered the first death of a U.S. ambassador in office, in more than 20 years. These events serve as a reminder to Airmen everywhere on how quickly and unexpectedly the call for help can come and

  • Lakenheath begins Energy Action Month with initiative

    October is Energy Action Month and I would like to take the opportunity to stress the importance of energy and water conservation. The 2012 theme is "I am Air Force Energy." With that, we need to look inward at ourselves, our equipment, our usage requirements and our processes.To start this year off

  • Priority three: building partnerships

    Strengthen and leverage partnerships with Air Force, joint and international partners. The third of our wing's priorities directs us to embrace the synergy that comes from forming dynamic partnership opportunities with our fellow Airmen within our wing and outside our wing, and with our many joint

  • 48th MDG responds in my darkest hour

    I want the nightmares to stop!That's one thing I told Dr. Jeffery Peterson, a 48th Medical Operations Squadron clinical psychologist, when I went to see him last year. I admit the visit wasn't voluntary.Just before leaving Afghanistan in May 2011, I had to accomplish an online post-deployment health

  • Flashbacks of War: Remembering Red Sand

    Like many, I was prepared to lay down my life for my country each time I shipped off to war. There were a few times when I genuinely believed the cost would be my life, but, sadly it's turned out to be much more.The sacrifices paid in combat can't be quantified in dollars or time, but are counted in

  • My job is prosecuting sexual assault

    Here's a simple truth...sexual offenders reject our core values of integrity, service and excellence, in favor of following their own base, undisciplined, criminal desires. Most sexual assaults committed by Airmen are "blue on blue," or Airmen victimizing other Airmen. So in addition to rejecting