Commentary Search

  • This ain't rocket science

    I have a friend and mentor who retired a few years ago, and his favorite expression when facing a difficult aircraft maintenance problem was, "This ain't rocket science." Far from belittling the complex and, at times, frustrating job of maintaining modern jets, he was reminding people that when we

  • Saving and investing for your future

    As I polled the young Airmen in my squadron for topics they thought would be useful and applicable in the early stages of their careers, several asked me to address the issue of saving and investing for the future. The multitude of investment options and those people willing to advise you,

  • Beer prices skyrocket!

    Many military personnel enjoy having a few beers with friends during the summer, but those beers can end up costing thousands of dollars. If Airmen plan on consuming alcohol, they need to have a plan before doing so. The safety issues associated with alcohol consumption should be emphasized;

  • A mind changed

    The day I found out I was selected for promotion to staff sergeant, I realized something else - I'd have to go to Airman Leadership School soon. I can honestly say that this was not something that excited me; it was just a hurdle I would have to jump over to get to my next promotion. So for the time

  • Voluntary acknowledgement of paternity

    As of March 27, uniformed service sponsors are now eligible to voluntarily acknowledge paternity of a child born to unwed parents in order to facilitate entitlements of military benefits to children affected by this policy. Previously, these children could only be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment

  • Command Chief bids farewell to Ellsworth warriors

    Warriors of Ellsworth, I want to thank you for making my second tour here the most memorable in my 27-year career. As my wife, Tess, and I depart this great wing, our hearts are filled with happiness that we've had the honor and privilege to serve with you, but we are also sad that we must part

  • Expeditionary potato

    His hands tremble. His mouth has become completely dry. Sweat beads form and quickly pass over his brow and into his eyes; the sting quickly reminds him of his daunting, painful task. Alarm red doesn't sound. The distinct warbling noise of incoming mortars is absent from his environment. In fact,

  • Economic Stimulus Payments

    Beginning in May, the Internal Revenue Service will begin sending economic stimulus payments, intended to boost the U. S. economy, to more than 130 million individuals. The stimulus payments will go out through the late spring and summer based on Social Security Number order. The IRS will use 2007

  • Mission first: Securing our networks

    The Air Force Network Operations Center here has the mission of protecting and defending the Air Force's portion of the Defense Department's network, which is often referred to as the Global Information Grid. We operate under the operational direction of the Joint Task Force for Global Network

  • Esprit de corps <bk> Managing the ups and downs

    The morale on Ellsworth has been the subject of many conversations, and phrases such as, "there is bad morale here," can be heard among Airmen around base. I don't understand. My morale has been high since I joined the Air Force in 1988. I have had bad days and bad months just like everyone else,