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  • Practice makes perfect

    "I guarantee that a nuclear weapon will be exploded on the territory of the US in the next 10 years if more is not done to prevent it," said Gen. Charles Horner, former U.S. Commander of Allied Forces, Gulf War. "There are still thousands of warheads loaded on operational systems and standing on high states of alert on virtually hair-trigger

  • Everyone plays important role in mission

    "Who here has not contributed to the death of Anti Iraqi Forces today?" asked Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe, from the 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault, at Fort Campbell, Ky., every week at the Division Main Operations Center while we were stationed in Iraq. It was a great question, and no one ever raised his hand, ever. First, because Sergeant

  • A season to remember: College student shares experiences as summer hire

    Every year, if funding is available, the summer hire program at McConnell allows numerous students from the area to apply for jobs around base. Approximately 100 students applied this summer, and only 37 were selected for positions. As a civilian, with no affiliation with the military, I heard about the program through a close friend. After

  • Are you ready to be expeditionary Airmen?

    Our Air Force is changing. Certain communities in the Air Force have historically deployed more than others, but the need for expeditionary Airmen has grown, and the request for able-bodied men and women of all specialties is a constant. However, not everyone in the Air Force has changed to meet the need for expeditionary Airmen. I ask you to

  • The Air Force Family Benefit

    This commentary is dedicated to the Air Force family. The men and women we've had the honor and privilege to serve alongside during our careers. I often hear Airmen discuss their military benefits; free medical coverage, opportunity for travel, education, 20 year retirement and more. However, how about our "Family Benefit;" the family and friends

  • Venturing into the unknown

    In my 19 years in the Air Force, I have been awarded nine distinct Air Force Specialty Codes and served in more than 20 positions that required skill sets from aircraft maintenance and manpower to navigating the KC-135 Stratotanker. Of those 20 positions, I was formally trained in only four. The rest I learned via on the job training. My journey

  • Presidential election time approaching, prepare to vote?

    Politics is a topic that should intrigue every individual in the military. After all, it directly affects everything we do - from our pay, which is periodically debated, to the status of the base at which we work, to our health care and benefits, to the military engagements we enter. All these things are decided in the political arena. Though it

  • Stay safe this Fourth of July

    To my fellow Airmen celebrating this July Fourth holiday around the globe, thank you for your sacrifice. Two hundred and thirty-one years ago, brave patriots, very much like you, created our nation -- the land of the free. As you proudly wear those broad stripes and bright stars on your uniforms, you serve as a beacon of hope to those in need and a

  • America celebrates Independence Day

    In the past 231 years, since the Declaration of Independence was signed and democracy was born from a mother known as the United States, servicemen and women have fought and continue to fight to establish and maintain personal liberty. Just as important, these patriots continue to bring the comforts and opportunities to citizens many people may

  • It’s all about ability, motivation, attitude

    Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do, and attitude determines how well you do it. An Airman's ability is developed and honed through basic and technical training, career upgrade training, Professional Military Training and beyond. The Air Force provides all required ability training and knowledge to become a
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