Commentary Search

  • Every Airman is Important!

    Operation Desert Storm kicked off in January 1991. Ever since then, for over 25 years, the United States Air Force and the Air Reserve Components, working side by side with Joint and Coalition Forces, have been involved in just about every region of the world. These components have been providing

  • Be Vigilant!

    Later this year will be the 15th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.  We have been formally fighting the War on Terrorism at home and abroad since the towers fell in New York and I do not see an end to it.  To put that in perspective, some of you may be teaching a child to drive this year as

  • I never thought this day would come

    I never thought this day would come ... retirement.  Some days I looked forward to it, and others, I felt it was coming too fast.  I have to say, though, after "practicing" retirement while on terminal leave, I highly recommend it!  Everybody should get to do this; everybody who has served our

  • Nuclear Deterrence

    "Nuclear deterrence is the United States Air Force's number one mission set." We have all heard this quote. At times it can be difficult to believe in light of the overwhelming demands from the Global War on Terrorism.  Some say that the Air Force walk doesn't match the talk. In perception, this may

  • The Base Honor Guard - A Great Way to Serve

    As we begin yet another year with our nation involved in active combat operations, there are thousands of brave American men and women doing incredible things every day to ensure our freedoms and protect our way of life at home and abroad. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to each of them as

  • The Next Generation of Air Guardsmen

    When I look at the Air National Guard today, compared to years past, many of today's airmen look at joining the ANG, get their college paid for, meet their original commitment and move on vs. looking at their enlistment as a part time career and investment. Today, the ANG has a huge retention gap in

  • Be Prepared; Now, More Than Ever

    As I look back over my 33 plus year career in the Air National Guard I have seen a lot of changes in the world and in our military.  In November 1989, the Iron Curtain fell and the Soviet Union disintegrated a couple years later.  Since that time, the U.S. military has been downsized in both

  • Who Are You?

    It is a great question. For us old-timer's, it's the title of a popular song composed by Pete Townsend and became the title track of The Who's 1978 album, Who Are You.So, who are you? What defines you? What identifies you? When you tell someone you're in the Air National Guard, what does that mean?

  • 117th Intel Squadron Streamlines Processes

    The Intelligence Squadron at the 117th Air Refueling Wing executed a plan this weekend to clean up, organize much needed space and work more efficiently.Capt. Brian Baltz, Assistant Director of Operations and Officer in charge of Systems at the 117th Intelligence Squadron recognized a need to

  • 117 ARW MEOC Supports Alabama Department of Public Safety

         After countless hours spent on training, exercises and testing, the 117th Air Refueling Wing Mobile Emergency Operations Center, or MEOC deployed for its first real world assignment.   On October 16, 2014, Emergency Management personnel from the 117 ARW was tasked to support the Alabama