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  • Strength in Diversity: It's all black and white, isn't it?

    Diversity is a celebration of the differences we have from each other. Air Force policies provide for equal opportunity and treatment for all members irrespective of their race, color, religion, national origin or sex.It has not always been this way. In fact, when our Air Force story began, we

  • From one Airman to another: Thank you

    Editor's Note: Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden served as a co-emcee for the 67th Anniversary Air Force Ball at Club Eifel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 13, 2014. The following letter was read during the Ball. It is based on McFadden's day of reporting on two World War II-era Airmen's visit to

  • How I learned to stop worrying and love the beat

    Europe has been known to suffer horribly depressing winters and it comes to no surprise that many inhabitants look forward to the glorious relief of summer. Why is summer so fantastic in Europe? What makes it so magical? After nearly completing my tour here I believe I have found the answer: summer

  • Lessons of the past lead to stable future

    The car bumped and bounced along the road peppered with loose rocks and potholes. Buildings flew by, both new and old, that symbolized national struggle and a commitment to rebuild. It was hard to believe that nearly 75 years ago, the road leading to and from Gniezno, the former capital of modern

  • Courage is born of encouragement

    There was a point in my life when I didn't see a future, but I found comfort through different base agencies. Adapting to our military lifestyle is not just difficult for our significant others and children, but also for those of us who joined.As a career assistance adviser, I've had the distinct

  • The secret to success is TAP

    The Transition Assistance Program class I took from April 14 - 18 was an eye-opening experience. As the Manpower & Personnel Flight Chief for Spangdahlem Air Base, I see the "behind the scenes" of all of these Force Management programs that have been in effect so far this year. Now, as an officer

  • After the Battle: The return home

    Editor's Note: This is the sixth in a six-part series about medical response capabilities for deployed service members from start to finish and the various milestones for care and transportation of combat-wounded troops throughout Afghanistan.I have spent more than a year telling the story of our

  • Who told you 'You can't vote?'

    Voting - it is a vital right we in the Armed Forces defend every day. By exercising your right to vote, you are letting your voice be known and telling your civic leaders that you care what decisions are being made. As Andrew Lack, CEO of the Bloomberg Media Group, said, "Bad officials are elected

  • Difficult force shaping calls made tougher by undeserved 'Firewall 5's'

    I was not a very good Airman in the early days of my Air Force career. I was passably good at my job and very bad at the Air Force. Here is an actual quote from one of my early Enlisted Performance Reports: "Improved responsibility in off-duty affairs would quickly set this top-notch performer above

  • Step up, step in to eliminate iniquities

    A few weeks ago, I was watching my favorite show and a popular Armed Forces Network commercial came on featuring Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa commander, and Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, USAFE command chief. At the end of the commercial were the words "Step Up,