Commentary Search

  • Community involvement doesn't have to be local

    As Airmen, we all know staying involved in our community is important. It's part of our performance reports, and a big part of our culture. Our volunteerism benefits the Misawa community -- but does it have to end there?My sister is an eighth-grade English teacher in Manchester, Conn. The town is

  • Fitness focus is on keeping you alive, not downsizing

    It's no secret the Air Force has placed a renewed emphasis on physical training lately. Although we've always had a PT program, the recent revisions are the most significant we've seen in the past few years.Likewise, it's no secret that many Airmen are concerned about keeping up with the revised

  • AFSA membership makes a difference

    What if you could change one thing about the U.S. Air Force?Would it be higher pay? What about the recent proposal to change retirement tenure from 20 years to 25 or possibly 30 (as reported in a recent issue of the Stars & Stripes)? How about keeping the main exchange and commissary on your base?

  • Facebook is not always the answer ... but it's a good start

    I knew it was inevitable. Despite the cries from our cyberwarriors about vulnerabilities, I knew it was coming. No matter how many times the word "OPSEC" was thrown about, I knew it was inevitable that the demand for social media would find its way into the military workplace. Some refer to social

  • Two years across the Pacific with the PACAF Demo Team

    There are two types of servicemembers overseas. There are those who go to work, do their job and then go home while staying well within their comfort zone. Then there are those who get out into the local community, make a difference and leave with experience and memories they'll never forget.I

  • Breaking the habit

    Editor's Note: This commentary is the third in a summer-long series highlighting the progress of Senior Airman Shane Dunaway in his quest to become Team Andersen's "Biggest Loser." To send words of encouragement, or for information on his workout methods and diet, contact him via email at

  • Leaving obstacles in the dust

    Editor's Note: This commentary is the second in a summer-long series highlighting the progress of Senior Airman Shane Dunaway in his quest to become Team Andersen's "Biggest Loser." To send words of encouragement or for information on his workout methods and diet, contact him via email at

  • Your message has impact

    Imagine my surprise, when I scrolled down a computer screen through an online newspaper looking for my "three seconds of fame," just to find out one of my quotes was completely taken out of context. My jaw dropped. I thought I gathered the facts and crafted a thorough, direct response for the news

  • Sometimes when you lose, you win

    Editor's Note: This commentary is the first in a summer-long series highlighting the progress of Senior Airman Shane Dunaway in his quest to become Team Andersen's "Biggest Loser." To send words of encouragement or for information on his workout methods and diet, contact him via email at

  • Giving thanks to America's finest on Memorial Day

    (As a former White House staffer who served in the administration of President George W. Bush, I spent nearly four years commuting to Washington D.C., while my Air Force spouse was answering duty's call outside the Beltway. I wrote these sentiments several years ago while on a flight leaving Atlanta