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  • Cross-training fitness rewards resolve

    Two and a half years ago, I deployed to Kuwait and was subsequently forward deployed to Afghanistan.During my time away, my personal goal was to improve my physical fitness.  I planned to do this through running. However, the bases that I was assigned to weren't conducive to my plan, and I hated the

  • Prevent ghosts in the machine with cybersecurity

    With Halloween approaching, while we all recognize the ghosts, goblins and ghouls of All Hallows' Eve as benevolence garbed in costumes of malevolence, such masquerades should serve as a reminder that the reverse can be very real indeed, especially within the digital domain. Truly, there are things

  • The power of one

    Our shared Air Force history is replete with examples of a single Airman making a difference.  At Travis Air Force Base, we celebrate the achievements of visionaries such as Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, a reservist, who envisioned and executed the daring raid on the Japanese mainland in April 1942. On

  • In my first few months

    More so than most professions, Airmen face constant change in personnel and leadersThis time, I was the change as I took command just two years after my predecessor had done the same.  I received a note at my change of command ceremony that said, "Congratulations ... start strong, stay strong and

  • DGMC professionals can help with dark thoughts

    I'm an Air Force psychologist, and I'm writing this short message with the hope of chipping away at the stigma we've placed on suicidal thinking.Both as a provider to my patients and as an Air Force gatekeeper, I want you to know that reporting thoughts of suicide or self-harm will absolutely not

  • Thanks to those at heart of Airmen

    As I've gone through 27 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, there are many things that I have placed in my memory banks.  But over the years, the ones that stick with me the most are the memories of the sacrifices my family has made supporting my service.I first thought of this back in December

  • Airmen must hold themselves to high standard

    A few years ago, Air Force Contracting published five guiding principles for the workforce. Serving as a quasi-oath, they urged each professional to stand up and do the right thing to ensure the integrity and fairness of the procurement system.Never award a contract at the expense of integrity. Know

  • Embracing change

    Over the past 27 years in the Air Force, I have seen my fair share of change. From the days of the Military Airlift Command, Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command, the Consolidated Base Personnel Office, and Quality Air Force through Fatigues, Battle Dress Uniforms, Airmen Battle Uniform

  • Back to basics: Living by Air Force's core values

    Air Force Instruction 1-1, "the little blue book," should be part of our uniform. Whoever we are and whatever we do, we fit on the Air Force team. Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do is our bond.This is the basic tenet of why we are in the Air Force. It's what we are and

  • Reaffirm core values to stay committed

    The men and women of 18th Air Force, Air Mobility Command and the Air Force serve our nation on the foundation of our core values; integrity, service and excellence. Those who have come before us have taught us there is no replacement for virtue, character, dignity and respect. This holds true for