Commentaries

  • The Most Important Weapon System: The Human Weapon System

    Per Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th Wing commander, "over the past year, we have continually strived for excellence and compliance, to do things the right way, instead of the easy way. Our hard work and dedication were validated through our performance in 37 inspections, including our astounding 99

  • Leading in challenging times

    Are you ready to lead? You might say, "Of course I am. I've been a leader since I became an NCO or lieutenant or supervisor." I contend our leadership challenges are, with the exception of some contingency deployments, minor compared to what we are likely to face in the coming years. I also contend

  • Discipline…your key to success

    The mission isn't getting any smaller for the 55th Wing and there aren't more people available to get the job done. So how can you succeed as a professional Airman while still ensuring our mission gets accomplished? The answer is discipline.Webster's define discipline as training to act in

  • Remember Pearl Harbor

    The phrase, "Remember Pearl Harbor," mobilized our nation for total war after our Pacific fleet was severely damaged during the surprise attack on Dec. 7, 1941. Today, 70 years later, we honor those who fought that terrible day, but as military professionals we should also "Remember Pearl Harbor"

  • What it takes for promotion or retention

    Have you wondered what it takes to get promoted? Or with Air Force retention at a 17-year high and current manpower exceeding what has been authorized by Congress, what it takes to be retained during the drawdown, reductions in force and selective early retirements? The Air Force is full of highly

  • No Busy Signal

    The weather is changing and Old Man Winter will soon blanket the landscape with beautiful, but dangerous snow. If you have lived or worked at Offutt for just one winter, you know one problem with bad weather is finding out if work has been delayed or cancelled. The 55th Wing Public Affairs office is

  • "Not" in the line of duty

    Over the past few months Air Combat Command and the 55th Wing have experienced unfortunate accidents resulting in injury and death to several of our most treasured resource, America's Airmen. In addition to the physical and emotional pain and suffering of these tragedies and the loss to our Air

  • Mouth guards: Sports equipment that protects the smile

    It's easy to take some things for granted until they're suddenly gone. Have you ever thought about how it would feel if you lost one or two of your front teeth? You'd probably avoid smiling. It would be uncomfortable talking with someone face-to-face. It wouldn't be easy pronouncing certain words.

  • Ask the Sports Doc - Pain Medication

    Hey Sports Doc, I'm an avid runner, putting in 30 to 40 miles a week. I get pain in my hips and knees a lot. I've been in to see my regular doctor for this and other injuries. Every time I go in, they give me Motrin and tell me to rest and ice. Isn't there anything better or more effective for my

  • Last 10 DUIs: 10 Stripes, 20 years of lost Driving Privileges, 2 Discharges

    OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. Driving under the influence crimes has sure left a wake of tragedy. For Offutt Air Force Base, the last 10 adjudicated DUIs have resulted in 10 lost stripes, nearly $7,500 in fines/pay forfeitures, 135 days of extra-duty and 30 days of restriction to base. All 10 Airmen