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  • Education apparently never ends

    One reason I joined the military instead of heading to college after high school was to take a break from all of that learning.It's been 28 years and I'm still waiting.I just completed National Defense University's Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course, which I had sidestepped for a few years despite it being a priority for

  • Don't miss 2012 teen leadership summits

    Have you ever imagined going rock climbing, horseback riding, white water rafting, or scaling a high ropes course? How about waking up every morning for a week witnessing the beauties of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains or the fresh smell of pine and the sound of rushing water of a national forest? If you enjoy having fun, meeting people just like
  • (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries)

    Your momma wears combat boots

    On the small-town playground of my childhood, the comeback quip of last resort after being physically or verbally pummeled was "well, your momma wears combat boots."It was the juvenile equivalent of today's profane four-letter bombs but with bigger consequences. If used, the surrounding crowd within earshot would in unison let out an "aahhh, you're
  • Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., Air Force Reserve Command commander and chief of Air Force Reserve.

    Commander sends holiday greetings to Citizen Airmen

    As we celebrate the holiday season, I want to thank you for all that you have done in 2011 and all that you will do in 2012. Your service as America's Citizen Airmen has, once again, been spectacular, and I appreciate it very much.When an earthquake and tsunami rocked Japan early this year, you were ready to shuttle needed goods and skilled rescue

  • A veteran, a hero

    A few years ago I had the experience of a lifetime.I spent an entire weekend with one of my heroes.And for once the hero actually lived up to the title.Growing up, I had plenty of heroes. Most emerged from the world of sports. The walls of my bedroom were plastered with posters of guys like Michael Jordan, Joe Montana, and Larry Bird. My heroes,
  • Airman 1st Class Crystal Charriere is a public affairs specialist at the 419th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Richard Gonzales)

    A journey to strength

    It's been one year since I was stranded on the side of the highway with a dead-end job and no money for school or gas. As I sat in my car, waiting for my ride to show up, I realized I wasn't going anywhere, and it wasn't only because my gas tank was empty. I pictured myself as a stronger person when I graduated high school, but I was dependent on
  • Senior Airman Bobby Pilch, a reservist with the 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs stands by the entrance to his civilian employer, the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Kevin McManus)

    My first year as a Reservist

    At 34-years-old, most individuals are not thinking of placing their professional civilian career on hold to join the military. However, on May 11, 2010 that is exactly what I did when I enlisted with the United States Air Force Reserve at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. - I have not looked back.I did not take the frequently traveled path to become a

  • No pencil eraser for social media mistakes

    In February 2010, Pentagon officials authorized using social networks on unclassified military computers. They believe the benefits of social media outweigh security concerns. However, operational security has always been a military constant and that has not diminished with the advent of social media. If anything, OPSEC has become more important
  • Senior Airman Bobby Pilch, a reservist with the 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs stands by the entrance to his civilian employer, the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Kevin McManus)

    Breaking the stereotype - my first year as a Reservist

    At 34-years-old, most individuals are not thinking of placing their professional civilian career on hold to join the military. However, on May 11, 2010 that is exactly what I did when I enlisted with the United States Air Force Reserve at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. - I have not looked back.I did not take the frequently traveled path to become a
  • Staff Sgt. Rashard Coaxum represented the 81st Aerial Port Squadron in Stacy Pearsall’s portrait project. (Courtesy Photo by Stacy Pearsall)

    What our reserve force brings to the fight

    As commander of the 315th Airlift Wing here I sometimes wonder how many people actually know what we, in the Air Force Reserve, bring to the fight. We wear the same uniform, we use the same equipment, we maintain the same training requirements and we proudly serve side-by-side on deployments, in times of war and during humanitarian emergencies. We
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