Commentaries

  • Share Your Story: My reflections on race, the military, and moving forward

    I couldn’t watch the video. Even repeating the details of George Floyd’s death is difficult to stomach. In the days that followed, I struggled with how to articulate my emotions. Numbness, pain and disbelief washed over me.As a Reserve Citizen Airman living in Seattle, I watched thousands march

  • The Founding of America

    The words that open the Declaration of Independence are some of the most profound and inspiring words that have been written on behalf of a revolution. The American War for Independence was one of the first of its kind to be fought against a mother nation.

  • Faithful to a Proud Heritage

    While the Airman’s Creed holds a special place in our Air Force heritage, the second verse holds a very special place in my heart: “I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor.”     In my office, I have a picture my Grandfather gave to me many years ago before he

  • Celebrating Independence Day safely

    Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays, however, fireworks often cause thousands of injuries each year.The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show.With many professional firework shows being canceled this year, it is important to know that fireworks are

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.