Commentaries

  • Air Force everything

    On an average day, I eat, sleep and breathe Air Force.  My family is Air Force, my friends are Air Force, my coworkers are Air Force, my spouse is Air Force, I am Air Force. I bet there are a few skeptics out there who would say it's unhealthy. But to me it is everything and has been everything for

  • Happy to be on-it: One Airman's experience at Offutt

    "Once you get on it, you don't get Offutt."That was my first introduction to Offutt Air Force Base, given to me by a sergeant in my public affairs office at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.It was meant to be a warning - I was trying desperately to get join spouse orders to

  • Hiking Safety

    With scenic views and an amazing variety of ecosystems within a short walk, Tucson is known for its hiking.As with any recreational activity, there are risks with hiking.  Especially in Tucson, the heat and the terrain can be very unforgiving at times.  Even being prepared with everything going

  • A smoke alarm just may save your life

    If I asked you where your smoke alarms are in your home, could you tell me? If you're like many people, you may not pay much attention to where smoke alarms have been installed. However, location matters when it comes to smoke alarms.Smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom, outside each

  • The bad news: It's hurt you already

    When meth first hit the streets several years ago I had the opportunity to see its effects first hand.  It was horrifying.  We put the user in a dimmed trauma bay where he knelt on the gurney and moaned a crazy moan while writhing around for hours - he was unkempt and frightening. What you may not

  • Sexual assault survivor: ‘You are not alone’

    I remember the day like it was yesterday. My heartbeat echoed in my head as I attempted to dry my sweaty hands on my jeans. I was 21 years old, sitting in a Korean court room, waiting to be questioned by prosecutors. How I ended up there was unreal. Just a few months earlier I was happy; I had a

  • Sexual assault prevention: moving beyond awareness

    Every April since 2001, the nation has focused its attention on sexual assault awareness and the impact this crime has on those who have experienced it. This year, the Department of Defense deliberately renamed the annual effort Sexual Assault Awareness and PREVENTION Month. I want to take this

  • Wingman culture key to suicide prevention

    In my job, I often ask people if they have had thoughts of suicide. Many times the response is a question, "Does anyone actually say yes to that?" I get this question because historically, in military culture, it was unacceptable to show emotion. We were afraid to be seen as weak. We told ourselves

  • Cultural change is “chicky”

    I grew up in Tennessee and was raised in a large family. My brothers, sisters, friends and I all had terms of endearment we used for one another signifying the closeness of our relationships. If you know anyone from the South or have visited the South, you will probably agree that it's not uncommon

  • Do What You Can Afford To Do

    "Do what you can afford to do." My first flight chief, a seasoned 24-year veteran senior master sergeant, passed these words on to me almost 19 years ago. A phrase that is simple in its communication, but very deep in its meaning. I have taken this phrase and embraced it as my personal mantra. When