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  • Avoid holiday blues

    When I was 18 years old, having just graduated from high school, I enlisted in the Army. Until that time, I had never stepped foot out of my home state of Texas, except for an occasional trip to a Mexican border town for some shopping and lunch with my family or friends.I vividly remember my first

  • You and your wingman matter

    As we approach year-end, I invite every total-force Airman, civilian and Air Force contractor, to consider the extraordinary accomplishments of our Air Force over the last year. Together with the Joint Force, we've defended America's interests from every corner of the world, meeting incredible

  • Quit smoking today

    The average smoker tries to quit 20 times before succeeding. Some people are motivated to stop smoking to improve their health. Others say they stopped smoking "cold turkey" for personal reasons. Whatever the reason, the bottom line is that it's not easy to quit. You probably already know that

  • Leading at the MUNSS

    Before coming to the 701st Munitions Support Squadron in 2010, I had heard of a MUNSS and geographically separated units but knew nothing of them. Most do not know the 52nd Fighter Wing has four munitions squadrons attached to it, and the one I am a part of is in Belgium. We are classified as a

  • Success: What it takes

    I was asked recently what it takes to become a successful NCO. My response was simple. Don't abdicate your role. In other words, don't give up the authority, the respect and everything else meaningful that comes with wearing the uniform, regardless of your rank or position. Don't become irrelevant.

  • How to keep smiles healthy through Halloween

    As Halloween draws near, your child's head is most likely swirling with thoughts of ghostly ghouls, creepy costumes and gigantic treat bags. The potential risk for candy-coated cavities is likely the last thing on their minds.Cavities can be just as scary and real.Cavities occur because of repeated

  • The value of a good NCO: Priceless

    This is my second time being assigned to the 606th Air Control Squadron. As I considered the direction I wanted to take in my career, I knew I wanted to come back to an air control squadron. When friends and colleagues asked me why, the answer was easy - because of the NCOs.Experience has led me to

  • Trick or treat safely

    To many Americans, Oct. 31 is known as a time to break out your best zombie costume or gorilla suit, or ruin your best bed sheet by making a ghost costume. However, to insurance companies and emergency responders, Halloween is known as the deadliest night of the year for pedestrians.According to the

  • How to follow up after host-nation medical appointments

    Ever wonder what to do after a visit to a host-nation emergency room or a host-nation medical provider? What happens next? How will your doctor know about your medical concerns and how will the information get into your medical record? Patient liaison officers at the four local host-nation hospitals

  • A “roof” is kind of a big deal

    On May 17, 2012 my life changed--or let's just say my life in the Air Force began to change, because I was notified that I would soon get a "roof," my promotion to master sergeant.I was ecstatic; however, once the initial excitement wore off, I started to analyze this life-changing event and asked