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Commentary Search

  • Air Force Enlisted Village: Not just a place to live, a place to call home

    I first visited the Air Force Enlisted Village as a young first sergeant in 2009, when I was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. I went to visit with the Tyndall Active Airmen's Association, Tyndall's E-1 to E-4 Professional Association, and was amazed at what I saw.This was also the first

  • It started just like any other day

    It was June 2001 and there I was walking down the stage ready to receive my diploma. I was excited to graduate just like anyone else, but deep down inside I was scared. I didn't have any plans as to what I was going to do now; here comes the real world. Many of my friends joined the armed forces or

  • From Airman Leadership School to Afghanistan

    On Sept. 11, 2001, I was stationed at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey as a senior airman. At the time I had a line number for staff sergeant and was attending Airman Leadership School. After one of our exams, the ALS superintendent walked into our classroom in a very casual manner and stated, "Someone

  • A photojournalist's perspective of an AFSOUTH mission

    There I was lying in bed. My eyes slowly opened and I was instantly irritated, because my alarm hadn't gone off yet. I hate waking up before I have to. For a moment I forgot where I was. The bed was too comfortable, the room too clean and there was food in the fridge, so obviously I was not at home.

  • When keeping it real goes wrong

    It's Tuesday, and after a long day at work I'm reminded that I have an intramural league basketball game tonight. After arriving home and quickly changing I make my way back to the base gym to avoid the scrutiny of my coach and team mates. As I begin to search through the maze of a jersey bag to

  • The impact of a simple email

    It's been a long day. I'm tired, worn out. It seems like the emails just won't stop. Review this, update that, and the ever dreaded tasking that was due yesterday. One after another they attack my sanity, chipping away a little at a time. Just when I think the day couldn't get any more hectic from

  • To a Generous and Grateful Nation, Thank You

    More than a decade has elapsed since the U.S. deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Since then I have gone on several deployments, I am still awestruck at the generosity of our countrymen and women. Each and every year our countrymen and women have never failed to send a taste of home

  • A love-hate relationship

    It's 10:40, and the smell of floor cleaner and body funk welcomes me as I enter into the Haeffner Fitness Center. The Airman working the desk gives me the customary welcome nod as I walk by. It has just occurred to me that I have become one of the lunch time regulars.I enter into the locker room.

  • War Surgery and Patient Movement: Partner Nations collaborate to save lives

    Like other countries in Central and South America, Perú is fighting a guerilla insurgency. The enemy is ideological and fierce, hiding in the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM). The Peruvian military has taken the fight directly to these insurgents, and in the process, casualties