Commentary Search

  • What it means to me to be a first term Airman

    (Editor's Note: All members of each First Term Airman's Center class write a commentary entitled, "What it means to be a first-term Airman." The FTAC instructors select the best commentary, and the writer receives the "Gunfighter Pride" award. The following is the most recent selection.) What would

  • Quiet Professionals

    Often times when referring to the "quiet professionals," we think of Navy Seals and Army Special Forces. However after having been a part of the maintenance career field now for little more than a year I can already see that there is a different breed of individuals in the United States military,

  • The meaning of being a first term Airman

    (Editor's Note: All members of each First Term Airman's Center class write a commentary entitled, "What it means to be a first term Airman." The FTAC instructors select the best commentary, and the writer receives the "Gunfighter Pride" award. The following is the most recent selection.) Her name

  • Air Force's integrity is called into question - what will you do to fix it?

    Despite the dedication and hard work of Airmen worldwide many recent news stories called the integrity of the Air Force and its people into question. According to The Little Blue Book, the Core Values (integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do) are much more than minimum

  • Accountability

    Webster defines accountability as "an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions." In the Air Force, we use this term quite often, and, although it may mean many different things to many different individuals, we typically associate being held accountable with

  • Embracing Change

    Benjamin Franklin once said, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." While this quote holds to be true, it neglects to mention one, clear inevitability - the certainty of change. Change is all around us, and whether it is pleasant or unpleasant; gradual or

  • What it means to be a first term Airman

    As a first term Airman, I've come to realize I'm now responsible for the well being of my family, friends and my country. It fills me with a huge sense of pride. I chose to serve my country at a time of war, which requires a great deal of courage from anyone. As a first term Airman, I also get to

  • Base marriage retreats provide revitalizing getaways

    A few weeks ago, I would tell you I didn't need to go on a marriage retreat. They were only for couples who were having problems. Back then, I wouldn't be caught dead in long, boring classes punctuated by awkward silence.I'm not going to lie. The first time I saw the e-mail advertising the Mountain

  • On that day ... a reminder of why the national anthem plays

    It was a hot Tuesday afternoon. I was leaving Bldg. 402 after updating my base vehicle sticker. As I walked toward the double-glass doors leading to the parking lot, I encountered a small group of people standing just inside the door -- two Airmen, a civilian employee and one captain. As I reached

  • Celebrate great physical fitness

    Have you ever wondered what makes the perfect birthday gift?If your birthday falls in the month of your annual physical fitness assessment, then a passing or excellent score would be it.As a squadron physical training leader for the past year, I've witnessed several 4th Fighter Wing Airmen celebrate