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Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians

Commentaries

  • Mission first, people always

    Over the years I’ve watched many leaders -- officers, chiefs, NCOs, and Airmen alike -- take our organization to ever higher levels of achievement. Like you, I have studied those I considered to be outstanding leaders and I’ve watched others struggle with the challenges of leadership. But I

  • Helmet wear: Rider’s choice? Not in my Air Force!

    After more than 26 years of motorcycle riding and 21-plus years of service, I’ve given up wearing my helmet. It’s not that I don’t see any value in it. I just happened to sell my bike. Had you for a minute, didn’t I?Well, some of our Air Force folks seem to think they can just hang their helmet up

  • What do you do when no one is watching?

    When you think of the expectations you have for your organization, superiors, peers and subordinates, what comes to mind? What core belief, beyond any other, are you adamant on to the last stand?Of course, many of us would be able to rattle off the Air Force core values without a thought or extra

  • Future Total Force: benefits outweigh growing pains

    It has been six months since the chief of staff of the Air Force announced the Air Force Reserve Command's 419th Fighter Wing would become an associate wing with the active duty 388th FW here under the Future Total Force initiative.Since this announcement came as a surprise to the Airmen in each

  • Faith and tolerance at the Air Force Academy

    As a longtime professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, I know I can't keep politics out of my job. No matter how hard I try, political winds breach the ivory tower and chill my classroom.But with the national spotlight upon us, the winds threaten to become a hurricane. If that happens, all

  • Liberty and justice for all -- in due time

    “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with …”On Sept. 16, 1996, I spoke those words along with 3,000 other immigrants. As I cradled my 6-week-old daughter in my left arm, I held up my right hand

  • Confronting conflict and marriage

    Domestic violence is a continuing plague in homes across America.Unfortunately, Air Force homes are not immune. There is some indication that domestic violence is increasing among our Airmen. Undoubtedly, the stress of numerous deployments has fueled the increase. That need not be the case,

  • Suicide video hits home for SNCO

    Over my 19 years of military service, I have continuously been briefed about the importance of identifying and assisting my fellow Airmen who portray the classic signs of suicide.However, it was during the making of an Air Combat Command video that the message finally became clear to me, as I now

  • A place to call home -- defining your roots

    “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.” -- Hodding Carter, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.My parents are in the process of moving. That is not exactly earth-shaking news for most middle-aged American men, but this is the

  • Dealing with the fudge factor

    “Daddy, can I have a box?”It was a hot summer day near Chanute Air Force Base, Ill., and I was unpacking from the first of many permanent change of station moves in my career. I turned to answer my five year-old daughter who was looking up at me with big brown eyes."What do you need the box for?” I