Commentary Search

  • Toeing the line on standards

    For the past four years of my career, as a first sergeant, I have heard the words, "but Shirt, he's a good guy" far too many times. Whether it was for a failed physical training test or substandard performance of noncommissioned officer responsibilities, the same statement would pop up time and

  • The Oath of Enlistment, what does it mean?

    The other day I was reviewing Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards, when I came across the Oath of Enlistment. Immediately I thought to myself, the oath is a major part of who we are in the military. It forms the bedrock of what we stand for and are willing to fight for. But I wonder if

  • Teamwork affects us all

    Imagine you're deployed. Your base has been mortared and you are leading a post attack sweep team. The very lives of your team depend on the collective actions of each team member. Think about what would happen if one person acted alone.Now, imagine you are recalled and standing in a deployment

  • Balancing your personal and professional lives

    There's no doubt that service members face their own unique set of trials. Airmen face significant challenges in integrating their career, spouse, children, friends and self into their daily routine. Although there's no sure-fire way of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, there are a variety of

  • Sic transit gloria mundi

    All the senior airmen in my office nervously huddled around a single computer as we nervously awaited the staff sergeant promotion results to be released. No one moved - no one even breathed. We were all transfixed as the audible mouse click echoed throughout the room, signifying each time the

  • A moment on the lips will surely delay trips

    There is nothing more satisfying than holding my husband in a long embrace after six-months of separation. Even after several deployments, it just doesn't seem to get old.While our significant others are gone we have this sense of pride - a right to brag about where they are and what they are doing

  • Choose life because YOU matter

    You can't concentrate and your decision-making capabilities have been taken over by a dark fog. You're just so unbelievably weak and tired because you've lost that spark for life. You try desperately to smile to appease everyone around you, but it hurts. The guilt and incredible sense of

  • Doing the right thing

    Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all we do.These are the U.S. Air Force core values. From the day a person swears in, he or she is expected to incorporate these ideals into work, study, and even play. They are expected to embed these values in their hearts. They are expected to

  • Acceptance...do you have what it takes?

    No one person is alike. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders and have different views on religious, political and sexual preferences, and they are judged unnecessarily because of it. You may not agree with someone's preferences, but the thing is that you don't have to agree. You do,

  • Who sets the first impression for your unit?

    Recently, I was at the Tucson International Airport returning home from a TDY when I noticed a very young airman basic; who from all appearances was arriving at his first-duty location. We were both at the luggage claim area at the same time and I took note that he was lugging around basically