Commentary Search

  • The eagle-turkey continuum

    Did you happen to read CMSgt Thorpe's editorial in the June issue of the Patriot comparing thoroughbreds and pack mules? If not, take a look. It's true. If we take the time to care for our people and allow them to learn from their mistakes, they will develop into their full potential. Pack mules can

  • Face your challenges head-on

    Welcome to the Summer of 2013! Be sure to take time to enjoy it while we continue to adapt to new challenges and accomplish our mission in an excellent manner. Sequestration and furloughs have become a reality and the pace of work does not show any sign of slowing down, but the work ethic and the

  • Thoroughbreds vs. pack mules

    I recently finished an organizational theories class. One of the lessons I studied was how managers treat their people, and it caught my attention. "Managers should try to ensure that people feel they are rewarded fairly in comparison to others in regards to responsibility and challenges. But some

  • Marathon bombings: What emerges from the rubble

    There was a race, before the smoke and blood. At 11:50 a.m., my wife Deb and I watched the wheelchair racers turn from Hereford St. onto the home stretch of the Boston Marathon. A wave of cheering slid down Boylston Street.My son's fiancée Katie was running for the Mass. General Hospital Children's

  • Commander addresses Patriot Wing about upcoming furloughs

    Men and Women of the Patriot Wing,The Pentagon announced yesterday that furloughs for up to 11 days are scheduled to begin in early July. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel stated that - "After required notifications, we will begin the furlough period on July 8 at the rate of one furlough day per week

  • Stop and smell the roses

    Why does it happen all too often that it takes a tragedy or a life-changing event for us to realize what's most important? Trust me, I've been there. In the winter of 2004, I had to make the decision to take my father off life support. What carried me through was my faith in God and the support of

  • "If it isn't you, it's the person next to you."

    "Hey sexy... you single?"I turned to see a fellow Airman in training; standing about five foot eight, dark hair and eyes. Over the next four months, I heard my fellow classmate repeat the same line more than a couple dozen times. It wasn't just me that he had an eye for; it was a handful of my new

  • Thriving in stressful times amid sequestration

    As you know, sequestration has been enacted. Flying hours are being cut, tuition assistance has been suspended, conferences are being cancelled, and Department of Defense civilian employees must plan on being furloughed without pay for one day a week beginning in late April. These cuts will affect

  • Questions and answers on Sexual Assault Awareness Month

    EDITOR'S NOTE: The Air Force has designated April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Maj. Carrie Baker, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for Westover, provided answers to these questions.Q. Why is April Sexual Assault Awareness Month?A. This largely resulted from work done in the 1990s by the