15 Nov 2010

Admiral and Mrs. Mullen speak on veterans' challenges

With Veterans Day around the corner, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and his wife, Deborah, sat down with reporters to raise visibility on issues important to military families and veterans.The Mullens' interview Nov. 3 with the Pentagon Channel and other news broadcasters were the latest in the couple's frequent discussions

10 Nov 2010

Paper or Plastic? My job ROCKS!

Cashier: Good afternoon sir, how are you?Customer: I'm fine...nowCashier: Now? Why's that?Customer: I just got off work ...Cashier: Oh! I just started my shift ...Customer: I'm so sorry ...The customer didn't just give an obligatory "sorry." He said it as if the cashier just lost a loved one in a tragic accident. Why did he come across that way?

4 Nov 2010

Debt to veterans can never fully be repaid

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Despite the rhetoric and divisiveness we witnessed during this election year, there is one topic where Congress historically votes with one voice: supporting our military and our veterans.In early October, Congress approved the Veterans Benefits Act of 2010. This comprehensive bill encompasses a wide

28 Oct 2010

During the ORI--you're in charge

You're in charge! Not the words most of you hear every day, but our Inspector General teams start arriving today to put Team Hill through the paces for our Operational Readiness Inspection. Though not actual combat, it is not unlike a major military operation: Colonels and generals develop an elaborate plan, the plan falls apart upon first contact

27 Oct 2010

My feelings for you are forever

Because days come and go but my feelings for you are forever. Fans of the rock band Papa Roach probably recognize those words due to their hit song Forever but this article has nothing to do with the band. The words remind me of my feelings for a person I spent two years of my life with over two decades ago. Who had such an effect on me? Many would

27 Oct 2010

Commentary: Debt to veterans can never fully be repaid

Despite the rhetoric and divisiveness we witnessed during this election year, there is one topic where Congress historically votes with one voice: supporting our military and our veterans. In early October, Congress approved the Veterans Benefits Act of 2010. This comprehensive bill encompasses a wide spectrum of benefits -- from the rights of

26 Oct 2010

History holds the key for success during ORI

What you are about to read may sound like a history lesson. But after reading various accounts of the Revolutionary War, I've found it is amazingly applicable to the next two months as the 419th Fighter Wing and its Team Hill counterparts prepare for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection.It's a common misperception that the colonists won

26 Oct 2010

CFC is your opportunity to be part of something big

Team Hill: I am delighted to serve as vice-chairwoman of this year's Hill AFB Combined Federal Campaign, and I'd like to share a few thoughts with you about the campaign and why it makes me happy to be a part of it. The CFC is a shining star of a government program. The largest and most successful philanthropic fundraiser in the world, the CFC is

26 Oct 2010

Let's go out and win one for the Gipper

Thanks in part to President Ronald Reagan, the phrase "win one for the Gipper" has become a permanent fixture in American society. As you may know the often quoted phrase was taken from the real life story of George Gipp, University of Notre Dames' legendary football player. The phrase has served for numerous motivational speeches and is applicable

23 Sep 2010

A colonel tells, 'Why I serve'

I have lived around the military my entire life, having grown up in an Air Force household, and as I reflect back upon the 25 years I've spent on active duty I've often thought about "Why I Serve."We regularly talk about our "Air Force Core Values," and as important as those are, I trace my continued service back to the Declaration of Independence