9 Apr 2015

Blisters for Bataan

Editor's note: This is a follow-up to the Training for the Bataan Death March article that was published March 20, 2015.The sun slowly showed itself over the horizon and revealed the breathtaking mountains to the west at White Sand Missile Range, New Mexico. More than 5,600 military members, civilians, volunteers and veterans gathered March 22, to

7 Apr 2015

Preventing sexual assault in the Air Force is our enduring responsibility

As we begin Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, clear signs point to the progress we have made in combating sexual assault. We can cite encouraging numbers in the areas of prevalence, reporting and convictions; however, this serves as only the beginning of an enduring effort. This effort must continue without pause and we must not lose

6 Mar 2015

Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives

March is the month we Americans set aside to highlight and celebrate National Women's History.Since 1987, when National Women's History Week was expanded to include the entire month of March, there has been much progress in the effort to recognize women's contribution to our great nation. This year, the theme for Women's History Month is "Weaving

11 Feb 2015

Commentary: Miles to go before we sleep

Editor's note: This is the first article in a two-part series that highlights the experiences of American Airmen who grew up in different areas, and how joining the Air Force gave these Airmen an alternative perspective on embracing diversity. The opinions expressed below are of the author and do not reflect the views of the Air Force or Little

10 Dec 2014

Maintenance verses Repair... of our Airmen!

This commentary is not about aircraft, vehicles, or even any mechanical components. It's about our Airmen and how we manage their care and development throughout their careers. The Maintenance versus Repair concept is borrowed from the maintenance community and speaks to how maintenance managers plan, coordinate and execute scheduled maintenance

4 Sep 2014

Why I became a Victim Advocate for fellow Airmen

Editor's note: This is the story of one Airman's experience with sexual assault. Be mindful that no two sexual assault stories are the same. If you are anyone you know has been or is currently a victim of any sexual crime, contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or a victim's advocate at (501) 987-7272.When I was in college I had an

24 Jul 2014

What awaits in the darkness

Screeching tires. Loud screams. Exploding glass. Thoughts of confusion filled my mind. I could not begin to take in what had just happened.Two days after Christmas, my girlfriend, Brittany, and I were coming back from having dinner with my mom when the unimaginable happened. We were on an interstate in Missouri, headed to Brittany's house. We were

2 Jul 2014

Exercise your right: 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 you're telling your civic leader(s) that you care what decisions are being made. As Andrew Lack said, "Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote." For such an important right, there are a

19 Jun 2014

Pride: Time heals all

Hiding who you are is a painful and difficult task to undertake. Lying to yourself, your family and your friends is unhealthy and causes stress in your personal and professional life. Living a lie is what I did for years. When I finally decided to tell my family who I was, a homosexual, I lost everyone who I thought cared about me. They abandoned

17 Apr 2014

Get out, get involved: Managing social stress

Leaving the comforts of home behind and arriving at your first duty station can send one's stress through the roof. You may not know anyone at work or anyone in your living quarters, and you're still learning where places are around base. You may even get lost on your way to work. A couple of ways new Airmen can lower their stress level is by