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  • What you can't learn in a classroom

    Today was the day my oldest son, Phil, turned 7. I remember turning 7 very well -- it was the age I was finally allowed to have a Barbie! It was also the year I lost one of my best friends. It was a big year! But, today, Phil learned a little about the world around him, and I watched a bit of his innocence die as I described to him what he was

  • True patriots -- an Asian-Pacific American story

    Every Asian-Pacific American has a story to tell of his or her journey to the states -- and most are quite incredible. My story began with my father back in 1954. He was recruited by the U.S. Navy to become a supply cook on the Philippine island of Mindanao.One day his friend broke the news the Americans were in town looking for applicants who
  • EUROPEAN THEATER -- The 406th Air Expeditionary Wing was eventually redesignated as the 313th AEW following Col. Chad Manske's, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, departure.The tail flashes represent all of the bases supporting the 313th AEW, which is responsible for air refueling in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn and now Operation Unified Protector. (U.S. Air Force Graphic illustration/Tech. Sgt. Shawn Monk)

    No frills needed when establishing short-notice bare base

    It began March 18 with a call from Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, that they needed a site survey to assess all aspects of operations, maintenance and mission support requirements at a Western European installation. The stand up of the 406th Air Expeditionary Wing, now officially the 313th AEW, to support an increase in

  • Sexual Assault Awareness Month

    Sexual assault quite often becomes the elephant in the room -- we all know it exists, but we don't like talking about it. I know hearing the same statistics over and over gets old, but if you take a second to absorb them, it can be quite sobering. "Of female sexual assault victims, 73 percent were assaulted by someone they knew. Thirty-eight

  • Flying with our furry friends: PCS nightmare made easy

    I cannot say that making a permanent-change-of-station move for anyone is ever an easy task; but in my situation, I'm lucky to not have to make arrangements for a spouse, children and an entire household of belongings. I keep it simple - It's just me, a few pieces of furniture and Cooper the Beagle. While the rest of a PCS may be uncomplicated and
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    Hurts one, affects all

    In relationships, sexual and otherwise, respect means listening and carefully considering the other's feelings and wants. Trust means there is confidence and the expectation that one person will not harm the other.U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases are taking part in an awareness campaign in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year's theme

  • Readiness is key in troubled times

    Grim circumstances around the world in recent weeks have served to upset our normal routines and remind us of the role we play as U.S. servicemembers overseas.Whether it's wildfires in Israel, political uprisings in Africa, devastating earthquakes in Japan or even a terrorist attack at Frankfurt Airport, world events have shown us time and again

  • Tragic events at Frankfurt remind us to stay vigilant

    Like the rest of you, Betty and I were deeply saddened by the senseless attack at Frankfurt International Airport that claimed the lives of two of our Airmen and left two others seriously wounded. Our hearts and prayers remain with all those affected by this tragic event. I've been touched by the outpouring of sympathy and support to the victims,
  • An American Flag waves high above the procession route of Airman 1st Class Zachary Cuddeback March 12, 2011 in O’Fallon, Ill. Airman Cuddeback and another Airman were killed March 2, 2011 when a man opened fire on a bus of U.S. Airmen at an airport in Frankfurt, Germany. Airman Cuddeback will be laid to rest next to his grandfather at a cemetery in O'Fallon, Ill. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian J. Valencia)

    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 Airman Cuddeback's arrival route. Upon Zac's arrival on

  • 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 peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a banana, a
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