Commentaries

Privacy with social networking
February 24, 2012 — Social Networking services are internet programs such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Twitter that allows people to connect to one another through internet or mobile devices. These sites allow you to engage in social networking activities and keep in touch even from forward-deployed locations. However, you should always keep in mind anyone with... MORE

50/30/20 budget: It’s easier than it seems
February 17, 2012 — I always thought the expression, "It's not in my budget," was just a figure of speech -- a way people say they aren't interested in participating.Turns out, they were serious.Nobody ever told me that I need to budget. Why am I finding out about this now? I never learned about budgeting in school, I never learned about budgeting from my parents. So,... MORE

Joint basing can be hard
February 9, 2012 — Joint basing is hard. The Services often have different regulations, ways of conducting business and different cultures. They have different missions, shifting priorities and are competing for the same finite resources. As individuals, we want to be in our comfort zone and frequently refer to "the way it worked at our last base." We sometimes get... MORE

Mental injuries, illnesses are killers
February 8, 2012 — What would you do if you suffered a broken leg tomorrow? Chances are, you would go to an emergency room, see a doctor, have your leg x-rayed and placed in a cast and get a set of crutches. You wouldn't be back to 100 percent right away, but you could at least function.Now, what would you do if you suffered a broken mind? That answer's not so... MORE

Patriots on point with professional development
January 12, 2012 — As a result of the pace of operations over the last ten years, one can argue the Army has experienced a loss in some of its core competencies and training skills. In many units, officer professional development programs have significantly diminished due to the urgency of immediate tasks and responsibilities. We are combating that trend at the 174th... MORE

Landing Zone safety officers expand reach of the CRW
January 4, 2012 — The 621st Contingency Response Wing has a history of resurrecting airports ravaged by earthquakes, floods or war, and turning them into air mobility hubs where personnel, supplies and equipment rapidly flow to where they are needed. From Bagram to Baghdad, Haiti to Pakistan, the "Devil Raiders" have worked wonders getting warfighters to the front... MORE

Capt. Mike Modesto, 621st Contingency Response Wing landing zone safety officer, watches a C-130 Hercules land at Pinon Landing Zone, Colo. during a training exercise Nov. 3, 2011. Modesto was part of a small group of CRW officers being certified to select, inspect and mark landing zones for day and night operations in remote terrain away from established airfields. These skills will increase the number of areas where CRW forces can operate safely. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Mike Modesto) (Released)

Now is the time for leadership
January 3, 2012 — Life as an Airman in service to our country is honorable and rewarding. There is no higher calling than to be a part of a group of Americans who pledged their lives in our country's defense. This choice is definitely not for the faint of heart. It takes an exceptional person just to earn the title of Airman - officer or enlisted - and the demands... MORE

AMC commander: Celebrate the holidays; reflect on accomplishments
December 21, 2011 — As we celebrate the holidays, it's time to reflect on one of the most extraordinary years in our nation's history. Chief Kaiser and I look back with admiration on the amazing things you've done, and we thank each and every member of our active, Guard, Reserve and civilian team for your hard work and sacrifices. From the Arab Spring to the end of... MORE

Two uniforms, one mission: Army ground liaison learns about AF 'front lines'
December 16, 2011 — The thunderous and dominating sounds of Army artillery fire would not be heard tonight. The king of battle for this exercise was obviously the Air Force, and it was my privilege to be there training as an aircraft parking ramp coordinator with the 818th Contingency Response Group, a part of the 621st Contingency Response Wing "Devil Raiders" based... MORE

Holy cow, Batman! Learning is forever
December 16, 2011 — I was recently reminded by my two sons about how nervous they were to start first and second grade at a new school after a fun-filled summer of swimming lessons, camp and a family vacation. The younger one spoke for both of them and boldly asked his mother and me, "How many grades do we have to attend and how much homework do we have to do before... MORE