MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. — I joined the military to provide for my family, but I never expected the challenges my family would face and how we would evolve. When I enlisted in the Air Force, I joined another family without intent. This family has been with me ever since, especially during my family’s…

Aug. 9, 2015, marked the 50th Anniversary of Singapore’s Independence. The 425th Fighter Squadron is an operational squadron comprised of elite U.S. Air Force and Republic of Singapore air force personnel designated by an agreement between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore as PEACE CARVIN II. December of 2013 marked the 20 year anniversary of…

Following force reductions in 2014, career fields around the Air Force likely experienced manpower strains in daily operations – the 56th Security Forces Squadron was no exception to these cuts. In September 2013, the squadron was authorized 185 active-duty members. By October 2014, the unit was reduced to a mere 136 active-duty members. With these…

You will fail. The question is … how will you respond? This reminds me of a parable of the carrot, egg and coffee. A senior airman was distraught when he learned he did not make staff sergeant after his first time testing. His staff sergeant supervisor saw a teaching opportunity and the next day he…

“You have to be willing to do more than the minimum. You have to be willing to sacrifice your rest and your free time to constantly improve.” ~Retired Lt. Cmdr. Rorke Denver As long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by, and obsessed with, the special operations units in our military. Recently I…

Growing up I was a big fan of Muhammad Ali. He was the world heavyweight-boxing champion and unashamedly referred to himself as “The Greatest.” I vividly remember a reporter asking Ali, “When did you know that you were ‘The Greatest?’” Before Ali could answer, the reporter offered, “Perhaps it was when you knocked out George…

Writer, professor, human rights activist, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel wrote: “The most important question a human being has to face … what is it?  The question, ‘Why are we here?’”  His question points to the existential nature of our lives; we wonder why we are here, we search for meaning and significance…

Flat rate per diem explained What is it? The flat rate per diem rule changes for long-term temporary duty went into effect Nov. 1, 2014, and apply when government lodging and/or meals are not available at the TDY installation. Who is affected? Anyone assigned to a TDY of 31 days or longer is subject to…

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” ~Maya Angelou We live in a fast-paced world.  As airmen we operate in a competitive environment where high performance and expertise is required both for mission accomplishment and for career development.  The older I get, as family and work…