Commentaries

Taking leave to support the mission
July 31, 2012 — As always, the weeks and months of summer seem to be moving along quite rapidly. As the clock ticks, also comes another season full of folks who are PCS-ing to and from Andrews. Summer reminds us of yet another important season, that of family vacations or depending on your budget, stay-cations (vacations while still at home). If you are like most... MORE

Forgiveness
July 23, 2012 — Forgiveness may be explained in many different ways. I would like to say that forgiveness is letting go of anger, bitterness, resentments, thoughts of revenge and hurt. By embracing forgiveness, we welcome peace and hope. The truth is that nearly everyone has been hurt by the deeds or words of another. These wounds can leave us with lasting... MORE

My job is prosecuting sexual assault
July 23, 2012 — Here's a simple truth...sexual offenders reject our core values of integrity, service and excellence, in favor of following their own base, undisciplined, criminal desires. Most sexual assaults committed by Airmen are "blue on blue," or Airmen victimizing other Airmen. So in addition to rejecting our core values, these undisciplined Airmen reject... MORE

Leaders: Adapt or weaken
June 20, 2012 — As a commander, every day I speak to people about their work, their lives, what's good and what's not so good. Recently, with all the talk surrounding budget cuts and doing more with less, one thing is clear, we need to adapt or accept weakening of our leadership effectiveness.Time and time again I hear concerns from leaders [at all levels] about... MORE

Importance of 'Flag Day'
June 14, 2012 — Each year, Americans can enjoy four special days set aside specifically to honor our veterans and comrades in arms. Sadly, too many of us often overlook these opportunities to pay our respect and recognize the sacrifice and service of these individuals. These four days are intended to, in some small way, express the sentiments of a grateful nation... MORE

Don't just show up
June 8, 2012 — As I exit the ranks of our active duty military, I want to encourage each of you to run your race with precision, dedication and unbridled passion. The bottom line is that life is not a dry run and you only get one chance to have a lasting impact. Our nation demands that each one of you who serve in uniform or civilian attire in the defense of our... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews command chief, delivers his remarks during his retirement ceremony June 8, 2012. Brinkley served more than 28 years in the Air Force, many of which were as a First Sergeant. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Torey Griffith)

It's not like I'm Captain Planet or anything
March 28, 2012 — I stopped to pick up a candy wrapper, one sunny afternoon in the park. No big deal, it's not like I'm Captain Planet or anything. Just picked up some trash.Then I saw a discarded straw.And a piece of paper.I picked them up and tossed them in a nearby bin. My middle daughter, who is thoughtful and wise beyond her 6 years, saw me and stopped playing... MORE

"Recycling is an excellent way to get the most out of our resources, keep our surroundings clean and enjoyable and avoid putting tons of garbage into the ground at landfills," said Senior Airman Torey Griffith

How I Bounced Back
March 2, 2012 — "The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun." - Napoleon HillOne Andrews Airman has much in common with that struggling oak tree. Contrary to logic,... MORE

Stay Resilient to Save a Life
February 9, 2012 — I still remember every detail of that night. The clock on my night stand read 10:04. I had taken over as the public affairs on-call photographer that afternoon and the alert cell phone was charging on the floor next to my bed. My feet had just slid under the covers when my personal cell phone started ringing and the name of one of my coworkers... MORE

More than a bun
February 3, 2012 — During my junior year at Virginia Tech, an Air Force lieutenant colonel gave me his personal expectation of females in his military. He said to me, "Our female Airmen are examples of every military member. With their hair perfectly pinned back, without a single strand of it misplaced, they showcase our military with each step they take."While I... MORE

Air Force Instruction 36-2903 provides female Airmen with the Air Force’s regulations and standards concerning hair buns, length and color. Consult your AFI if you have any questions regarding the Air Force’s grooming standards and policies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Nichelle Anderson)