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  • An Airman's journey: The longest year

    Traditionally … and scientifically … and all of the adverbs … a year consists of 365 days, but in the case of my operational Air Force career, I would say my first year took approximately 1,500 days to complete.It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Most importantly, it was the most

  • Be proud of your heritage

    As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, let’s commemorate the contributions that unify our legacy to our great country’s rich history and our beloved Air Force’s mission success. Hispanic culture champions diversity and inclusion, as we are a multi-ethnic and multi-racial group. We have become

  • Commentary: Go Get My Axe

    Somewhere in a small city where there are far more trees than there are people, there is a man who woke up with his back against the wall. He woke up to the sobering reality that he had a number of goals to accomplish and a limited amount of time to do so. 

  • Your piece of the puzzle matters

    Through my work I’ve had the chance to see that what every single one of you do matters and that without your puzzle piece, the mission could not be accomplished.I hope you can see it too. And whether you serve because it gives you a sense of purpose, or because it gives you opportunities you

  • “Opportunity” doesn’t call ahead, make sure you have a plan

    When opportunity knocks, it usually doesn’t call ahead of time to schedule an appointment. At least it never did for me.For me, the opportunities came suddenly and out of nowhere. Whether it was making the transition from active duty to the Air Force Reserve, landing a position at Air Force Reserve

  • Watching out for lost wingmen

    I make it a point to ask, remind and encourage everyone to take care of the people around them, in the squadron and in the wing. That is part of being a good wingman. But, there’s another part to being a good wingman. In the flying community there is a term called lost wingman. That call is made

  • We can choose resiliency

    Often in my work as the director of psychological health and I encounter Airmen seeking assistance in dealing with major life changes. Some of these changes include divorce, medical issues, financial issues and unwanted career changes like medical board separations and retirements.Typically, in

  • Team building frames security forces sendoff of top enlisted leader

    From birth to death – we join together before starting new chapters.Parents host baby showers, teachers hand out diplomas and communities erect memorials.These celebrations and observances provide us with an essential sense of resolution, which allow groups to move forward.However, some of our most

  • Passing on a few of life’s important lessons

    Commentary by Chief Master Sgt. Mark E. Barber . It is no secret that I like quotes. In the past, I have used them at our wing’s Newcomer Orientation, with recruits from the Developmental and Training Flights, and even at our Commander’s Call.

  • Transitions: Reserve helps Airman find balance she craves

    As I sat in the lobby of the military personnel section at Travis Air Force Base, California, waiting for my active duty career to wrap up, my mind was filled with competing emotions.On one side, there was disappointment in myself for not continuing with my career. The Air Force had provided me with