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  • Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs photojournalist, displays a tattoo of “Rosie the Riveter” to showcase how she became who she is today. The history of “Rosie” shows that with dedication and effort, anyone can do anything. Many women opted to take on male-dominated trades to support their families while their husbands fought in World War II, an era in which they typically held positions as housewives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow/Released)

    Commentary: Rosie the Riveter and me

    As we recognize Women's History Month this March, I am struck by the thought that heroes and role models do not have to be one single person but, in fact, can be several people. For me, this truth is especially relevant.During World War II, many women opted to take on male dominated trades to support their families while their husbands fought in

  • Sexual assault prevention: Own it!

    When we talk about preventing the crime of sexual assault, we are talking about before the crime happens. We've all participated in sexual assault education through mass auditorium in-person programs, smaller focus group discussions and one-on-one interactions with your local Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC). Keeping that type of
  • Airman 1st Class Ozzie Galvin, 90th Force Support Squadron, poses as a softball pitcher on a baseball field on F.E Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Feb. 9, 2015. Galvin demonstrates the focused attention of a pitcher. (U.S. Air Force illustration/Lan Kim)

    "Hit it out of the park"

    As America's pastime sport quickly enters its new season, baseball pitchers across America prepare for the season in hopes of making it to, and winning, the World Series. This can also be said about the Air Force and their preparation to be inspection ready.In order to be successful in both, it takes evaluation and preparation. As we started the

  • Trading pain for a purpose

    Every time I run a marathon, I cringe just a little bit as I contemplate the back half. I think about the back half a lot, and by back half I mean miles 17-26.2. I'm just an average runner, but marathons have taught me almost as much about spiritual growth as seminary training.In a marathon, the first 13.1 miles are somewhat euphoric if you have

  • Overcoming failures

    You will fail. The question is, how will you respond? This reminds me of a parable of the carrot, egg and coffee.A senior irman was distraught when he learned he did not make Staff Sgt. after his first time testing. His staff sergeant supervisor saw a teaching opportunity and the next day he filled three pots with water and placed each on the
  • The Power of Airmen

    Equipping our Airmen

    When I entered the Air Force 16 years ago, my father-in-law, who is retired Army, shared a bit of service rivalry with me. He said that it's well known the Air Force "mans equipment" while the Army "equips men."For those of us in blue, it's an insulting idea. When I look in the mirror though, I have to admit that there is some truth to it. We need

  • Make smart, responsible choices

    When I was a child, my grandfather picked me up from school every day and would always ask me the same thing, "What did you learn today?" and no matter what my responsewas to his question, it would always trigger the same comeback from him, "Think, think, think!"It would anger me every day, not clearly understanding what he meant, but that speech
  • Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, commander, Air Force Global Strike Command (U.S. Air Force photo).

    Veterans Day: Service, professionalism, sense of duty

    As Strikers we have a proud heritage, one that each of you are a part of through your service. You carry on the great responsibility that Strategic Air Command dutifully accepted more than half a century ago: stand as a force to deter America's enemies and assure America's allies, exhibiting our strength through peace.SAC stood watch over the

  • Suicide prevention: The Wingman

    Editors note: this is the first article in a series of stories focusing on suicide prevention.Suicide prevention is a high priority in the Department of Defense, focusing on the numerous resources available to those with suicidal thoughts. What we sometimes fail to discuss is how we can be there for others and how we can use our core values to help

  • The Real Unsung Heroes

    In the fast paced tempo of today's often high operations environment, I often find myself thousands of miles away from home due to temporary duties, deployments or training. As I am off doing what I have loved for over twenty-five years in these various locations, I often find myself stopping to ask; "Do I thank my spouse and family enough, or even
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