Commentaries

Oct. 6, 2023
Commentary: Leadership lessons from my deathbed

On August 15, 2022, I asked to relinquish command after only 15 months in the seat. My commander, having watched my health rapidly decline over the past few months, to include losing large chunks of my hair, agreed.
Feb. 4, 2021
Desert Storm veteran influences daughter’s call to service

The 30th anniversary of Desert Storm was Jan. 17, 2021, and I have come to the quick realization that my biggest motivation for joining the military in the first place was my father, former Staff Sgt. Larry Shanes of the U.S. Marines.
June 9, 2020
Commentary: Transforming the Civilian Defender Program

U.S. Air Force leadership declared 2020 as the Year of Integrated Base Defense, or IBD, focusing on how every air and space professional fits into a layered defensive network. IBD is greater in scope than any single career field. It requires active participation between all Air Force specialty codes
Dec. 5, 2019
Depression can offer opportunity for reconnection

Depression can be spurred by a range of factors such as a change in life circumstances, a change in lifestyle behaviors, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or even loss of hope. The antidote for depression often begins with talking to people.
Aug. 25, 2019
Keeping cool over Salt Lake

Capt. Jonathan Lowell recounts his story and lessons learned after experiencing an integrated power package failure while flying a F-35A Lightning II.
May 3, 2018
Lupus Awareness Month: Being visible for an invisible disease

But, I am sick. I have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, an autoimmune disease, which mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. It can affect the skin, joints, brain, and other organs. In my case, it is attacking my kidneys.
Nov. 30, 2015
Dealing with holiday stress

The holidays can be stressful, here are some tips of how to deal with finances, family and coping with sadness.
Oct. 13, 2015
The in-house recruiter

As difficult as it may be to supervise our Airmen, we must always strive to endear them while we endure them because, after all, we were once them.
Oct. 5, 2015
Balance

Whether we're talking about our life, family, or career, it boils down to balance. Having a healthy balance is the only way that we can sustain effectiveness. I can recall times as a young officer when working 14 hours a day was common. There are times when the mission will drive us to work extended
April 28, 2015
General courts-martial for sexual assault: How do they work?

Support for military sexual assault victims and the number of reported offenses have increased in recent years, resulting in more investigations and courts-martial involving sexual assault charges. This article describes the general court-martial process and some of the unique aspects with regards