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  • Take care of Airmen, families during summer

    If you have not noticed, it is hot! This is just a reminder to make sure you are looking out for each other to remain cool and hydrated.In a 2013 press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it states, "No one should die from a heat wave, but every year on average, extreme heat

  • Colonel nearing end of 28-year 'great ride'

    There are less than six weeks remaining until I hand over the flag for the 60th Diagnostics and Therapeutics squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California, to a new commander. A few hours later, I will stand on the David Grant USAF Medical Center stage one last time as I retire after 28 years of

  • Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

    On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. It took great courage on the part of our forefathers to stand up for the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

  • Sergeant stands up as example of resilience

    In October, the 6th Air Refueling Squadron will lose a great Airman, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Barber.Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines "resiliency" as the ability to become strong, healthy or successful again after something bad happens. The 6th ARS has an Airman who is the epitome of resiliency.When I

  • Finding motivation in purpose, serving Air Force

    An Airman who was recently in-processing into my unit asked me a question during our newcomers orientation - let's refer to her as Airman Travis. She asked: "After so many years in the Air Force, what keeps you motivated?"Honestly, the question took me by surprise and was difficult to answer at

  • 'Adult Air Force' existed for 571st GMRS

    This is my final commentary as commander of the 571st Global Mobility Readiness Squadron, a unit recently transformed into the 921st Contingency Response Squadron. Normally, the following comments would be reserved for a change-of-command ceremony or going-away gathering, but I wanted to publicly

  • Snapshots from time at Travis remain for officer

    My stay at Travis Air Force Base is coming to a close and I must admit I am at a loss for words.  I don't have words to describe the people I have met, friends I have made and experiences I have lived.For the past three years, I have had the distinct privilege to serve with the finest Airmen in the

  • Airmen are not 'just' reservists

    I am humbled to be part of the Air Force.  To date, I have been active duty, civil service, a traditional reservist and an air reserve technician (ART).  I am blessed and honored to be the chief loadmaster for the 301st Airlift Squadron, in my humble opinion, the best squadron in the Air

  • Take fresh perspective to better force

    During a staff meeting at my last base, the wing commander made a statement that made me pause.  He said that all of us are handicapped. He explained that as a male, he is handicapped in not having a female perspective.  As an officer, he does not have the enlisted perspective.  It made me wonder,

  • Travis must conserve water

    'Rain, rain, go away ... come back another day." Well, rain, that day is now.And we need you fast.For those who haven't read the papers or watched the news, California is in the middle of a historic drought. The state's governor, Jerry Brown, has directed California's State Water Resources Control