9 May 2008

Ellsworth commander reflects on Airman's memorial

Editor's Note: The 28th Bomb Wing Commander shares his thoughts after the May 8 memorial for Senior Airman Jonathan Yelner. A grateful nation mourns for this valiant warrior, Senior Airman Jonathan Yelner, who was lost in a noble, life-saving cause. We gather to express our most sincere condolences for a man who paid the ultimate sacrifice for a

9 May 2008

An opportunity to remember

During National Police Week, spanning May 11 to 17, communities across the country will come together to remember and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind. This year, the names of 358 fallen officers are being added to the National Law

8 May 2008

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 run into a difficult problem, the best course of

30 Apr 2008

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, especially for a fee, can seem daunting. However, like most

25 Apr 2008

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; however, this article is about how alcohol-related

21 Apr 2008

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 being, I put it out of my mind. It wasn't too

18 Apr 2008

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 Eligibility Reporting System under two

15 Apr 2008

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 ways. My job was to come here and inspire you to dream

3 Apr 2008

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, the only noise present is the sound of the tape

3 Apr 2008

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 tax returns to determine eligibility and calculate