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  • Keep others in mind during Thanksgiving

    Sacrifice has always been a hallmark of our great nation. Around the globe thousands of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are standing watch to ensure our freedom and way of life are preserved. Take time during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday to remember all those who serve in

  • Veterans Day: Walking in the shadows of great Airmen

    At 1100 on the 11th day of the 11th month, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms" at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. As a bugler plays “Taps,” a presidential wreath is laid as a tribute to our military veterans, those who have committed

  • Retired P-51 Mustang pilot dies as hero in hearts of family, friends

    My family suffered a great loss this year, the death of Harry W. Lewis. I wasn’t able to attend the funeral due to time constraints, but my family sent me photos of the ceremony. An honor guard team performed full military honors for the World War II pilot who was my grandfather.His death was a

  • Lowest common denominator

    My daughter caught me napping the other day, and with all the enthusiasm a 10-year-old on a mission can possess, asked me to help her find the lowest common denominator of the four fractions on her paper.For those of you, who like me, might be a little fuzzy on the concept, the lowest common

  • Rosa Parks took a seat so our nation could stand up

    In October, I was in Texas for a journalist’s workshop when I learned that Rosa Parks, often dubbed the ‘mother of the civil rights movement,’ died at age 92.Though the news took my breath away, it was then that I realized a hero doesn’t necessarily wear a military uniform or a red cape. This

  • Involvement is key

    It happened more than 25 years ago. A woman, walking in an urban neighborhood was brutally attacked. Bleeding and with critical injuries, she cried out for help.Her cries fell on deaf ears and she died. Investigators knocked on doors seeking information and discovered a tragic truth. While more than

  • The importance of roll calls

    Roll Calls, why do we have them? Do we have roll calls because they are a formality? Do we have them because it has always been done that way? Do supervisors have roll calls to entrap subordinates reporting late?Bill Cowher, coach of the Pittsburg Steelers, sat down and talked with his team before

  • Embracing the change of 'lighter and leaner'

    The author Eric Hoffer once wrote, “In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”What an elegant way to tell us that people who embrace change will continue to move forward while those who don’t

  • The importance of leadership

    On June 9, 1968, Air Force Sergeant James D. Locker was killed in action during an attempted rescue of a Marine Corps A-4E Phantom pilot. Sergeant Locker was a highly decorated pararesueman who was awarded the silver star three times, a distinguished flying cross, two purple hearts and eight air

  • On hallowed ground

    As an Air Force fighter pilot in England, I’ve been afforded a special perspective of America. Yes, America. On every mission I fly here I am literally surrounded by our American history. What I see are beautiful green fields, small English villages and hundreds of airfields. It is truly an amazing