Commentary Search

  • Service members stick together through a-'mazing' foreign market

    On a cultural-day trip to the Jaam el Fna market, Morocco's largest market square, I got to see monkeys. My luck didn't end there as the group of airmen and soldiers I traveled with for the 2012 Aeroexpo Marrakech were by my side at this market, and looked out for one another as we all veered toward

  • It's What You Do Right Now That Makes a Difference

    Every day throughout their careers, Airmen are faced with making decisions related to multiple personal and professional issues. Sometimes these choices are simple; about coming to work on time, wearing the uniform appropriately, following proper work procedures, using alcohol responsibly, being

  • Common bonds transcend language barriers

    Language barriers present a unique challenge to communication efforts.I cannot speak Turkish, and the Turkish air force Airmen with whom I ate lunch March 9 only spoke English with difficulty.The Airmen are students in an English learning center and have been enrolled for about eight months. So, I

  • What the FY13 Budget means to USAFE

    Since the first Gulf War, the U.S. has been engaged continuously in combat operations and U.S. Air Forces in Europe have played a critical role. Not only have we deployed thousands of our Airmen and assets, we have also served as an essential support platform enabling the long-term projection and

  • Nowhere to run: pay customs, courtesies

     I like running, especially outside. So, I decided to go on a run after work on a typical cold, dreary day here. I also forgot several items for this run like socks, but I was determined, so I bought new ones. While shopping, I spotted something that was not hard to miss -- an obnoxiously bright

  • CSAF reading list: Combining TED, Hollywood and the written word

    Over the last few years, I've become incredibly aware of the vast amount of information scurrying across my desktop: frequent fleeting e-mails, vexing electronic staff summary sheets, appointment requests and copious article suggestions. There is one bit of information, though, that I'm looking

  • MFLCs aid resiliency

    If you have been in the military for any length of time, you know that Mental Health and the Chapel are outlets for you to talk to. In my 15 years of military service I have heard countless supervisors, leadership, first sergeants and chiefs express their open door policy. Yet, who wants to walk

  • 86th VRS offers winter safety tips

    The recent dip in temperatures is a good indication that snow and ice is on its way.Some may not know the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron is charged with maintaining all of the installation's snow and deicing fleet -- a unique mission essential to ensuring the roads and runway on base are clear when

  • The Captain is an idiot

    Imagine you are part of a crew on a classic sailing ship.You are navigating rough seas, violent storms, and trying your best to stay afloat and reach your next port. Your crew works below deck.There are no windows below deck. The little light produced by the old copper oil lamp only adds to the

  • Readiness from a spouse's perspective

    As a key spouse within the 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron, I experience every day what it means to be part of a leading team in this always changing world of an Air Force spouse. Air Force spouses have a vocabulary of acronyms only few people understand--PCS, TDY, OHA, COLA and ORI--just to name