Commentaries

  • What is 'purpose?'

    In a recent study, 57% of younger Americans said when developing their career priorities, the most important is to do work that is enjoyable and meaningful, as this is what keeps them most engaged.

  • VALUES, CULTURE, VICTORY

    "You didn’t just fly coal to Berlin and keep a city from freezing and the lights from going out. You inspired at least one German boy to be like you when he grew up."- Retired Col. Wolfgang Samuel, USAF, a 13-year-old Berliner during the Airlift

  • Encouragement vs. discouragement: Your pet will love you either way

    January is ‘Train Your Dog’, ‘Walk Your Pet’ and ‘One Health Awareness’ Month. Please observe responsibly. Just like teaching them to sit or play dead wasn’t straight forward, repetition, patience and rewarding at the right times are the fundamentals of dog training, so you’re going to have to

  • Avoiding a no fail mindset

    “In pursuit of great, we failed to do good.” – Viktor, ARCANE Season 1.It’s funny how we can find inspiration in the most unlikely of places (i.e., a TV show). When I first heard this quote, I was taken back at how much it rang true and echoed in every facet of my military career. I’ve had many

  • Professionalism: A tradition that never changes

    With the recent passing of our Air Force’s 74th birthday, I’ve been putting a good deal of thought into how much has changed. In the 25 years I’ve served, I’ve worn three uniforms, seen a number of bases close, and several airframes retired.It struck me that there is one thing that hasn’t and never

  • The rewards of a public affairs career in two military branches

    I have heard it said that journalism is the first draft of history. For the military, public affairs also stands directly at that intersection of current events that become inscribed into history.As someone who has served as a public affairs specialist in two branches of the military, both the Air

  • The hardest months of my life

    I couldn’t believe my husband was about to leave. We were 19 years old, recently married, and had just moved to California. It was hard leaving my parents, but with him by my side, I was optimistic. But there I stood, waiting to say goodbye to my best friend for seven months.