Commentaries

Teamwork Yields Success
July 19, 2013 — As the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission has now completed repair of a failing water main without interrupting service to this area, I can't help but be impressed with the way we all came together to prepare for what could have been a serious crisis.The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and all of our public utility servants have work... MORE

Joint exercise through a new Airman's eyes
July 2, 2013 — "The drop is in 12 minutes!" shouted a crew member, struggling to be heard over the roar of the mighty C-17 Globemaster III's four engines, each putting out approximately 40,000 pounds of thrust. Quickly I made my way down the ladder from the flight deck and started the perilous walk toward my seat at the very end of the C-17's massive fuselage. I... MORE

Senior Airman Brett Clashman, 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs photojournalist, takes photos from the back of a C-17 Globemaster III during the Joint Forcible Entry exercise May 31 over the Nevada Test and Training Range. During the exercise, C-17s dropped service members and heavy equipment into simulated contested drop zones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Kleinholz)

Hey, there’s some dirt on your lip!
March 14, 2013 — Yes, I too hear this howl from my compadres in the Operations Support Squadron ... but it is Moustache March! I've heard Airmen opine that it is a practice attached to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball's "March Madness." They would be wrong. Many Airmen throughout the world observe Moustache March and have for decades for one... MORE

Master Sgt. Brett Hopkins, 437th Operations Support Squadron First Sergeant

'Domestic violence can't happen to me' -- yes it can
February 19, 2013 — Too many people believe that domestic violence can't happen to them. In fact, perhaps even you may be a member of that group.I am referring to those who prefer to think they are different from the rest of the pack: smarter, more aware and somehow protected from unhealthy people who might otherwise target and injure them. I will admit that I was... MORE

A lesson in love for Valentine’s Day
February 4, 2013 — As Valentine's Day approaches, couples may be busy planning a special dinner or romantic getaway. Singles may be thinking about who to ask out or perhaps reevaluating their love life. The first century philosopher Ovid said "to love, one must be lovable." One may ask, "aren't we all lovable?" The answer is emphatically yes. However, it is much like... MORE

Is it Time for a Tune-Up
January 29, 2013 — When I work with couples who are preparing to get married, one of the things I tell them is a marriage is like a car. I explain that in order to keep cars running properly, you need to perform routine maintenance. Proper vehicle maintenance includes checking the fluid levels, replacing the oil and filters, and checking the tire pressure. In... MORE

Retired On Active Duty
January 23, 2013 — Retired On Active Duty, or R.O.A.D , is an acronym most of us are familiar with; and chances are you have even met someone meeting this definition. Many of us may picture an aging senior noncommissioned officer who is close to retirement and has elected to sit back and do as little as possible until they are officially retired. The title R.O.A.D... MORE

New Year's decisions
December 28, 2012 — As we ring in the New Year, it is a time of expectancy and thoughtfulness. Some relish making New Year's resolutions, such as losing weight or eating healthy. Others set goals and plans, such as going back to school or making a commitment in a relationship. Also, there might be a pertinent question lurking in one'smind like "Will there be a PCS or... MORE

When in Israel...
December 28, 2012 — I had an amazing experience recently on my two week trip to Israel; my first visit in thirteen years and my first visit as a rabbi. I spent the first week just breathing in the air, visiting holy sites, attending services and, classes, and taking my time in the bustling, ancient city of Jerusalem. I shopped in the sprawling outdoor market and in my... MORE

Poetry of Religion
December 28, 2012 — Last week I gave an invocation at a base holiday party that prompted the following question from an Airman: "Did you have to study poetry in any of your seminary or chaplain training programs?" He said he felt there was a poetic dimension to the invocation and wondered whether it was due to some formal training, or simply a personal interest on my... MORE