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  • A fighter pilot's perspective on control

    Regardless of the badge or rank, as Airmen we all decided to put the needs of our country above our own. We work in high-pressure environments where we compete with peers for jobs, schools, and promotions. Yet we still need to function as cohesive teams to achieve each of our squadrons' missions. If

  • Your service has value

    We live in a "me first" culture. Although crises like 9/11 can bring Americans together to rally around national imperatives, many of our countrymen live their daily lives focused on "looking out for number one." Your service--to your unit, to Misawa Air Base and to your country--sets you apart from

  • Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll: Works for Rock Stars, but Airmen? Not So Much

    Sex, drugs and rock and roll ...This way of life might work for some civilians, but for Misawa Airmen it proved to be nothing but a hangover in the closing months of 2010. Misconduct has cost Misawa Airmen many stripes, lots of money and significant freedom during these months. These failures in

  • The Strength of Change

    "Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely," said author Karen Kaiser Clark.  As I reflect on my 28-plus years in the Air Force, I frankly wonder how I've endured. After all, in just the past 10 years, my family and I have moved seven times, I've been stationed at a remote base one time and

  • 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 far

  • 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

  • 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

  • Where's your salute?

    So there I was -- brand new to the base without a car. Anywhere I had to go, I got there on foot. On a hot, humid Misawa summer day, I walked past Risner Circle on my way to the dining facility and saw a strange, important-looking vehicle approaching. As my tensions rose and a drop of sweat trickled

  • 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