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Commentary Search

  • Civil Air Patrol: A foundation for leadership, education

    After I finished my duty day recently at the 421st Combat Training Squadron building here, I could hear the echo of enthusiastic chants from the cadets of the New Jersey Civil Air Patrol encampment hosted by the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center. These chants brought forward my own memories as a

  • Anyone have an IDEA?

    Thirty-four years ago, the Beatles appeared on U.S. television for the first time. This new medium exponentially increased their popularity and success. Their triumphs as well as countless others were, in no small part, due to such pioneering ideas. Just as the Beatles employed new ideas and

  • McGuire's moments of truth

    Yes -- the "s" on "moment" is intentional. You may have assumed that this article was going to be a discussion about "The Moment" next summer when we showcase our "Can Do" excellence to the Air Mobility Command Inspector General inspectors for the Operational Readiness Inspection, but it's not.

  • Marching among heroes

    "Left. Left. Left-right-left." It was the first time I wore a flag harness and I didn't quite realize how much the heat would affect me while wearing my Airman Battle Uniform. Hovering at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity is somewhat unusual for this area of the Upper Midwest of the

  • McGuire AFB: A center of excellence, a learning organization

    Every center of excellence may superficially be understood as the organization's ability to realize its vision, accomplish its goals and solidify its reputation consistently. However, a deeper understanding shows every center of excellence to be an organization that values learning. A center of

  • Core values of noble cultures

    Every now and then, we'll read a book that has an impact on us. I recently read "A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. It described an ancient and noble culture from thousands of years ago called the Toltec. They were known throughout southern Mexico as

  • Four more years of honor

    Every time I cite the words, "to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States," I am reminded of what an honor it is to serve in the military. I said those words for what most likely will be the last time during my reenlistment ceremony here in front of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary

  • Tobacco, oral health, military readiness

    I'm amazed at the numbers of active-duty patients who use tobacco despite increased awareness of the risks and increased leadership emphasis! More than 28 percent of McGuire personnel smoke, use smokeless "spit" tobacco or use both, a statistic that has not changed much over time. The Air Force goal

  • It's all because of dad

    This past Father's Day, when I opened cards and gifts from my children and grandchildren, it showed me how appreciated I am to those I'm lucky enough to call my family. Growing up, however, I had a model and a mentor to whom I've never publicly given a lot of credit to but I believe is one of the

  • When reducing energy use, knowledge is power

    Here at our "center of excellence," the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, we impart knowledge to our students so they may be better able to perform their mission. Hopefully we are also absorbing the knowledge that is flowing all around us. Recently, during an Air Force Week in Philadelphia event