Commentary Search

  • Master Sgt. Patricia Vaca Rescues Stranded Students

    On Master Sgt. Vaca's way home she was informed a Fultondale school bus was stuck. Vaca was able to get to the bus and pick up her grandchildren and other children and bring them home. After contacting the principal of the school Vaca found 61 students were stranded at the school. Vaca helped 21

  • Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Dependence

    Alcohol abuse can be described as unhealthy and dangerous. Individuals that drink every day or drink too much at a time can be labeled alcohol abusers. This behavior puts a person at risk for many negative things to happen in their life. Alcohol abuse can ruin relationships, negatively impact job

  • Where are you now? Are you ready to take the next step?

    Recently I was in my office trying to think of a topic for Team Talk. As I looked around and pondered different subjects to write about there was a chart titled "Promotion Requirements," staring back at me that prompted me to start writing. Where are you? Are you ready to take the next step?

  • A Look Ahead...

    As I write this article during a typical time of reflection in the middle of December (wondering if Santa thinks I've been naughty or nice), I think back on our accomplishments. Without a doubt, the 117th Air Refueling Wing had a very successful 2013 by any measurable criteria. Whether it was

  • VA Disability for National Guard Veterans

    Since my active duty service at Andrews AFB and when I attended the Transition Assistance Program, the rules for ANG/NG service members being able to draw a VA disability while drilling have changed. Since the mid 2000's the rules have changed for traditional guardsmen being able to draw their drill

  • Preventive Medicine

    Health promotion in the military has been an important topic for a long time. Servicemember health readiness is a critical success factor in accomplishing the various DOD missions as our country's total fighting force experiences ever increasing demands. Health promotion in our workplace is an

  • Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking

    Every organ system in the body is harmed from smoking. This habit or addiction accounts for nearly 500,000 deaths per year in the U.S. More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than all deaths combined attributable to HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle accidents, suicides and

  • Benefits of a Health & Fitness Lifestyle

    Habits are difficult to change. There are people that will never be able to adopt a more disciplined approach to life due to a lack of resolve and desire. New USAF fitness standards have certainly created a need for many of us to make changes in our diets and levels of exercise activity. Even

  • Recent Changes

    Every individual on this earth has their own moral code. Moral codes represent the ethics and values of individuals. As a blended society of different cultures, moral codes tend to differ between individuals. These codes may be rooted in Christian values, secular standards or even from a violent

  • From War to Peace

    As I have recently taken command of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, I see a tremendous task ahead of our military. Many of us have been at war since we entered the military and do not know what peacetime looks like. Every day, we hear the major media outlets echo our nation's leader's direction for