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…

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…

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Alabama — The U.S. Air Force is sitting at a nexus in which the world is becoming increasingly dangerous and complex. Our nation is asking us to do things that keep us busier now than ever before, yet we have fewer people now than at any point in our history —…

As an Airman at a new base, it can be confusing to figure out how to meet new people, develop yourself in your career and get involved. Luckily, Luke Air Force Base has many organizations that can help you navigate through not only how to develop yourself professionally, but help you network and make new…

I walked into a recruiter’s office looking for a change in my life on Feb. 11, 1999. What I knew about the Air Force was very little except what my two older brothers had told me. It all happened fast as I started my first day of Basic Military Training 14 days later. Once I…

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Throughout our military careers, we often talk of being a volunteer force, a subset of our culture that has volunteered to serve our country in the profession of arms. Without disrespect to anyone currently in uniform or those that have served before me, I have always been in conflict…

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — While I’ve decided to live a childfree lifestyle, the Air Force, in its infinite wisdom, saw the need to issue me two kids. They are both straight out of technical training and brand new to the Air Force — and one is still too young to accept an adult…