2 Sep 2009

Consider the dangers of file sharing

Most of us are familiar with online file sharing programs such as Limewire, Kazaa, BitTorrent and Napster. These programs, also known as "peer-to-peer" or "P2P" programs, allow users from around the world - complete strangers most of the time - to share files on their personal computers. Most people mistakenly believe that these programs are easy

27 Aug 2009

Holistic approach to ORI prep

Operational readiness inspections, or ORIs, evaluate and measure a unit's ability to perform wartime, contingency or peacetime force sustainment. Inspections require the capabilities and limitations of our people, equipment and procedures be tested, practiced and exercised in order to defend our country and American way of life. Being ORI ready

21 Aug 2009

The Area Defense Counsel--Your advocates in times of need

You might have seen our photos or read the posters, "the Area Defense Counsel works for you, not the command." But who are we? And what do we do? As you might have guessed, we are active-duty attorneys and paralegals. But unlike the legal professionals at the base legal office, we don't report to or work for anyone on base -- except you. The Area

17 Aug 2009

Air Force pride

Last week I had the privilege to attend a retirement ceremony for an Airman that had just completed two decades of service. It was during this ceremony that I reflected on why I am so proud to serve my country in the armed services and why the Air Force is such a great place to spend 20 years of service. The first thing that came to mind during my

14 Aug 2009

Pardon our mess

Construction projects worth more than $80 million are currently underway at Offutt. This much of construction activity causes a lot of mess. We ask that you bear with us as we repair base roads, renovate facilities, build new facilities and demolish others. Our in-house crews are actively repairing pavement across the base. Pot hole filling, crack

7 Aug 2009

Discipline on, off duty: key to successful career, happier life

Shortly after coming on active duty, I attended a commander's call in which one of the guest speakers was a legal officer. I still remember the opening line of his briefing. He said, "The four things that get Airmen in trouble more than any other are: checks, sex, drugs, alcohol and failure to go." I've never forgotten that statement and have

3 Aug 2009

After 33 years of service, ACC vice commander bids farewell

Teammates, it has been a sincere privilege to have served with you on this, my last and culminating chapter of service. I have learned so much from all of you, and have taken great pride in how selflessly and tirelessly you all have worked as a team in some challenging times to support our boss, our Airmen and our Air Force. I know we have faced

31 Jul 2009

ORI prep made easy

Nervous about the upcoming Air Combat Command Operational Readiness Inspection? Sure, this event is an important measuring stick of our wing's mission readiness. Yes, ORIs don't come around too often, so our related knowledge and skill sets often atrophy and require some intense training and practice. A little nervousness is to be expected,

31 Jul 2009

You Send Them...We Mend Them

You've often heard the medics holler this cheer at awards ceremonies and promotions ... but for many, it's much more than just a chant. As a recently deployed medic to Iraq, I witnessed events which gave me a more profound understanding and appreciation of Air Force health care. As force multipliers, medics do a phenomenal job of providing

17 Jul 2009

Rabies in Nebraska

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system transmitted from infected animals to people and other animals through a bite or a saliva-infected scratch. Unless preventive treatment is promptly given, rabies is almost always fatal. Many warm-blooded mammals can harbor the rabies virus. Reptiles and birds are not known to carry