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  • Independence and diversity

    Socrates said, “To find yourself, think for yourself.” To find oneself is to find one’s independence. Independence is our ability to make decisions and live life free from the control or influence of other people. This definition would suggest that independence can be an isolating concept, but in reality, independence can be a valuable and uniting force. For centuries, men and women from around the globe have joined to fight for their right to be valued, heard, respected and equal; to be recognized for their own individuality; and to be independent. Throughout our history and even in our Air Force today, many Airmen feel they have lost their individuality; that they are not seen, heard, valued or respected for who they are; and that they have lost their independence. So how do we fix this?

  • Staying sane: why mental health is important now more than ever

    The thought of ending your own life may seem like an impossibility to some, but others may see it as their only escape. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the issues already existing with suicide awareness and prevention.
  • The 325th Fighter Wing religious affairs team poses for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, March 4, 2020. The team recently received the Air Combat Command Terence P. Finnegan Outstanding Medium Chapel Team Award. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves)

    Social Justice: A chaplain's perspective

    Over the last several weeks I’ve been spending a lot of time, thought, and emotion on the subject of social justice, more specifically racial justice. It has been on my mind and in my heart for years, really, but recent events beginning with the death of George Floyd and continuing with the nation’s response, have brought it more to the front for all of us, myself included.
  • DEOMI’s website, https://deomi.org/ offers a variety of awareness and training items. The Education and Training tab on the main menu provides access to ten E-Learning development modules at: https://www.deocs.net/public/edu-training/e-learning.cfm. Additionally, the Human Relations Toolkit subtabs - Key Topics, Special Observances, Training Media, and Harassment Prevention tabs offer key information and materials for team and individual development.

    DEOMI products available for personal development

    DEOMI’s website, https://deomi.org/ offers a variety of awareness and training items.
  • A photo of a celebration.

    What is Juneteenth?

    What is the significance of June 19, 1865, better known as Juneteenth, and why is it that few know the story behind this pivotal moment in African American history?

  • Flipping the “switch”… Are you really there?

    Stress can and does extend from work to family time and vice versa. What sets people apart is how they approach and deal with this inevitable crossroad. For too long, I was constantly working through my to-do list from the time I got home each night until I fell asleep. While I was physically present for my spouse or friends, a lot of the time I was not fully engaged. I have the most loving wife who understands the stressors and expectations of my job. With that said, she rightly called me out when my mind drifted back to work when it should have been elsewhere. I take pride in the work I do for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and I love my wife and value our time together. I want to ensure both are taken care of. The only way to effectively do this is by flipping that “switch” at the right time.
  • Lt. Col. Davis official photo

    Courage and Compassion in Communication

    The world’s greatest Air Force is nothing without the dedicated Professional Airmen who work to deliver credible, adaptive, and decisive combat power to our enemies at a place and time of our choosing. Any issues that take away our collective ability to deliver that airpower weaken our National Defense Strategy. In order to address issues, we each
  • A person performing the squat exercise.

    Getting back into the gym

    Gyms are opening up again, and exercise-starved Airmen are eager to lift more than furniture or performing endless push-ups/sit-ups. It’s important to be cautious and patient when transitioning back to the gym, in order to avoid injury and reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.
  • Tech. Sgt. Lorenzo Frankin works in the 403rd Wing Equal Opportunity office at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Farrar)

    Be mindful

    As we begin to make strides to return to “normal” functioning we want to keep in mind current events that are going on around the world as they relate to COVID-19, race relations, and the sensitive but important topic of equality and justice.
  • In light of recent nationwide events, Master Sgt. Cederic Hill, 614th Combat Operations Division Combined Space Operations Center theater watch chief, decided to share his story as a black man in America and the military.

    Tough conversations; addressing the past to improve our future

    As I look back on the past 20 years, I realize, of all the mentors I have had in my career only one has looked like me. This is in no way meant to belittle the mentors I currently have because I have the utmost respect for them. I do, however, believe I would have been able to find my voice as an Airman and NCO much faster if I had more people who looked like me to guide me along my path.
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