HomeNewsCommentaries

Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians

Commentaries

  • The last plane home

    It was still dark on the runway when we gathered. Most of us were standing on an asphalt runway. I was just one more in a milling mass of uniforms. It probably would not be appropriate to say how many are stationed here, but we comprise a small city — about the size of Bethel, Alaska. One thing the

  • Freedom: Having the power to shape our future

    Freedom is a hard concept to define at times. Many would say freedom is yours at birth, that you are born free with the same rights everyone else has. The creator may have wanted it that way but reality is much different. Freedom is something you have to want for yourself. It is something you have

  • Thinking about HIV/AIDS: One day is not enough

    My mother often says that something as important as recognizing mothers deserves more than one day per year. And she is right. Mothers are nurturing, unifying, and pacifying figures throughout the world. At the opposite end of the goodness spectrum lies HIV/AIDS. This global plague destroys, divides

  • Leadership starts with the man in the mirror

    As a general officer, I am frequently in front of audiences talking about leadership. One of my favorite groups to address is an Airman Leadership School class. In my discussions with them -- and every group I face -- I always ask two questions: First, has anyone ever worked for a bad boss or

  • At the core

    The core is the center, the very foundation, the inmost and most intimate part of a thing. The core is heart of the matter. When we joined the Air Force, we became part of a unique culture, and its foundation is our core values, central to all we do and all we are: integrity first, service before

  • Riding my first wave at Minot

    November marked my first year here, my first duty station in the Air Force. Over the span of a lifetime one year is not a long time. But a guy can learn a lot from his experiences in one year. In my opinion, it’s impossible to project or predict an Airman’s future in the Air Force -- whether it be

  • Am I going home for the holidays?

    “I’ve got leave scheduled for the holidays!” “Are you going home for the holidays?” “I can’t wait to get home for Christmas.” These are statements I have heard for the past couple of months. I've heard them on the heels of other questions asked of me a few months ago. “How is your home in

  • Seymour Johnson NCO inspires many

    In November, I accompanied my boss, Chief of Chaplains Maj. Gen. Charles Baldwin, to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where he would speak at a command chaplain’s conference. After reviewing the itinerary, I noticed the conference planners had included a block of free time. Most likely, this time was

  • Celebrating diverse holidays

    While growing up, I loved decorating our Christmas tree and hanging the handmade pinecone wreath my mom, sister and I crafted each December. I also enjoyed lighting the Menorah and eating matzo ball soup at my grandparent’s house during Hanukkah. In the same way my family is comprised of different

  • The Christmas stranger

    It was starting to snow as we headed downstairs to pull out some Christmas décor. While helping me sort through the boxes, my daughter stumbled across a stuffed animal -- a plush, multi-colored donkey. “Mom, this isn’t a Christmas decoration,” she said. As I turned away from the tedious job of