Commentary Search

  • The devil inside: deployment, divorce, attempted suicide

    Editor's Note: This article is part one of a three-part commentary depicting the struggle of an Airman with returning from deployment, divorce and attempted suicide. The names of individuals have been changed or removed to protect the identities of those involved.Any service member who signed up

  • Serious trash talking: Installation commander tackles KMC-wide issue

    Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office recently had the opportunity to sit down with Brig. Gen. Jon. T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, to discuss the serious issue with irresponsible disposal of trash in Air Force Family Housing areas throughout the Kaiserslautern Military

  • Mighty 86th concludes successful year, looking forward to a bright 2016

    Not unlike previous years, 2015 was a dynamic time for the Mighty 86th and Team Ramstein.  We experienced operations, exercises, challenges and shifts - some planned, some not - while generating and employing air mobility, enabling theater and strategic airpower and operating key Air Force power

  • Aftermath of a DUI: Who's really affected?

    I used to wonder if people would look at me different if they knew.  Would they whisper about me? Would they tell others what happened? Does anyone actually have the guts to ask me what happened? Are they looking at me as the girl who's related to a child killer? I'm sure they were. I'm sure they

  • Stories from the road

    As another year approaches its end, it's time to reflect on the accomplishments and opportunities we have had  this past year.I couldn't help but reflect upon all the amazing "stories from the road" that have been shared with me over these past few months.  When I took command of the 86th Aircraft

  • How do you define success?

    I read the book Start with Why, by Simon Sinek, a couple years ago. His thoughts on achievement vs. success particularly resonated with me.When talking about our careers, we often ask each other, "What do you want to be?" or "What do you want to do?"  Although those are good questions, I believe the

  • Cybersecurity is everyone's business

    We live in an environment that is made up of ones and zeroes.  It is more connected now than ever before. The Internet touches just about everything around us whether we realize it or not. Your computer, mobile and home phone, TV, game console, watch, car, music player, refrigerator, security

  • Feedback is essential to AF integrity

    I was going through some old files, and I found a few notes that were written to me by the comptroller of a major command on several different occasions. One letter conveyed his best wishes on my birthday.  A second one thanked me and my unit for our hospitality during his recent visit to the base. 

  • Wanted: Innovators for a 21st Century Air Force—Apply Now!

    U.S. Army General George S. Patton said, "Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results."The late Patton's simple but powerful statement on leadership remains relevant to 21st century Airmen.  The message serves as a call to innovate and as a

  • Safety in the AOR: 8th EAMS's safety initiatives decrease mishaps

    After 24 years of continuous combat operations in the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations, Airmen have become accustomed to the stressors of deployed environments. We are experts at meeting mission requirements even through the challenges of increased ops tempo, lack of resources, and less than