Commentary Search

  • 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

  • Memorial Day: Remembering our heroes

    Airmen and their families who live and serve in the Pacific are surrounded by tangible reminders of the legacy of preceding generations. Our command's headquarters still bears the scars left by enemy weaponry during the attack on Hickam and Pearl Harbor that brought America into World War II. On

  • AF safety officials launch Critical Days of Summer campaign

    S is for Summer ... and Safety too!It's that time of year again! Spring is here in full force, summer is right around the corner and that can only mean one thing: time for Air Force safety officials to kick off the Critical Days of Summer safety campaign, May 28 through September 7. As much as you

  • Children deserve our full attention

    April is Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month. You probably know by now that 2010 is also the Year of the Air Force Family. That's a lot of recognition of children, isn't it? Maybe that's because we realize the children of today are the parents, teachers and leaders of

  • How to wear pride

    It was day like any other day, but on this day around noon a young airman was standing in line at an automated teller machine. In a sharp voice from behind, someone called out "Airman!" The Airman turned to face the voice, at once he realized it came from a colonel. The Airman snapped to attention

  • Retreat; everyone is responsible for paying respect

    It is not only part of our military customs and courtesies for members of the Armed Forces station in Japan to honor both the American and Japanese Flags during retreat, it is a requirement governed by Air Force Instruction. The proper action for military members in uniform is to come to attention,

  • Didn't your Mama tell you

    I remember this popular American Forces Network commercial that has Mother Earth standing in a forest, and at the end of the commercial, she adopts a New Jersey accent and says "Now, pick up after yourselves, ya hear." It's a great message that seems to fall on deaf ears.So, you may be asking