Commentary Search

  • “A Day on, not a day off”

    With the New Year already here, Jan. 17 is approaching fast.Some may recognize it as just another federal holiday; for others it is a day to celebrate much more. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the holiday recognizing one of America's greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who is often

  • Sacrifice #384

    It was one of the coldest mornings of the winter season thus far, when we gathered at the Black Hills National Cemetery. The temperature was a scant 14 degrees and the winds made it feel sub-zero. I was one of hundreds who sacrificed the warmth of his or her home on this Saturday morning to honor

  • Lesser-Known UCMJ Offenses

    Some Airmen, somewhere in the Air Force, destroy promising careers almost daily; and it's not always because they are caught stealing, using drugs or misusing their government computer. Having served, in the past, as a prosecutor, defense attorney and military judge, I've seen people lose their

  • Attitude for success

    Anytime someone tries to initiate change or look for a better way to do things, inevitably they face naysayers--the "road blockers" who try to stop you. They say "it can't be done" or "there's an Air Force regulation that says we can't do that". Many don't even try to think outside the box.As author

  • Fox Meadow Transition: a smooth transition with minor bumps

    It's hard to believe that at this time last year we were beginning the transition process from Dakota Ridge to Fox Meadow. The homes in Dakota Ridge were being leased from the Rapid City Defense Housing Corporation. On Sept. 30, the 20-year lease expired and residents were given the choice to either

  • ORI, a spouse's view

    Twelve-hour shifts, weekend duty, increased aircraft overhead, alerts and announcements over the loud speaker known as "the giant voice." These are experiences we all have grown accustomed to while stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. In October, however, we endured an increase in these

  • Large, small donations impact lives

    I used to give because I could. I used to give because it was the right thing to do. And I used to decide who to give to without much thought.Then in January I lost my mom to acute lymphocytic leukemia - she was 53. Giving to charity is a personal experience and preference. My family's contribution

  • October: Domestic Violence Awareness month

    We hear the phrase domestic violence quite a bit, especially during October- which is Domestic Violence Awareness month.We tend to think of domestic violence as a couple getting into a physical argument and ending up with an injury. This type of case is clear: it involves a couple and involves a

  • Communication with the "Spirit of Kansas"

    At some point in our careers we have probably had an event or person that has drastically changed our lives. The event I am about to share opened my eyes to the lines of communication needed to effectively conduct our mission and just how much another squadron or group's mission helped me complete

  • Political activity restriction reminder

    As the 2010 elections approach it's important for all Department of Defense personnel to keep in mind the limits on political activities they can engage in. The provisions for federal employees are published in the 5 U.S.C. 7321, "The Hatch Act", Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 and Air Force