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  • Too busy to remember, too tired to care?

    This morning, like almost every other morning, my eyes open after bonking the snooze button at least of five times and finally I'll drag myself out of bed. In an hour or so, I'll climb my way up three flights of stairs, while panting reminding myself that the best is always at the top. I'll plant

  • What will your legacy be?

    While I was on nuclear alert at Juliett launch control center Aug. 29, my granddaughter, Emily, was born in Cameron, Mo. Later that weekend, I watched home-movie footage of my grandparents and their posterity that was filmed in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Watching those movies of my ancestors, and

  • Rock the house; Voting officers here to help

    Once again, it's that time of year -- the time for the best things in life. Fall brings us the turning of the leaves, the start of hockey season and most importantly, election day. Unfortunately, it's also the time of year for too many people to dust off their list of excuses why they don't vote. As

  • A different Air Force; Cultural diversity at large

    The Air Force and DoD's policies promote diversity among their members and demand the use of Airmen based on merit, skills, abilities and performance -- not by the color of their skin, sex or national origin. These policies help the Air Force to become one of the most culturally diverse

  • Faith, family, coworkers help guide 30-year career

    I am near the end of a 30-year Air Force career and I am still amazed that I was "that kid" who, in 1977, told his best friend who joined the Marines, "Man; that has to be the dumbest thing you ever did because I'm not saying 'yes sir' or 'no ma'am' to nobody." Well, I found myself eating my words -

  • Service in our daily lives Do you practice wingmanship?

    One of the Air Force's core values is "service before self," which service members adopt by joining the armed forces. All of us freely chose to raise our right hand and swear to defend our country. This is only the beginning of our service. Many of us will volunteer in either the local community or

  • How to stay safe for Sturgis, everyday riding

    For those of you who are like me, the sound of freedom can come in many different forms: A passing fighter jet or a C-5 airplane landing or the playing of the national anthem. I think of motorcycles. I love when people riding motorcycles get together and ease down the road. All the pedestrians stop,

  • Small-unit leadership a necessity in today’s force

    Dwight D. Eisenhower once said "Generals move the pins on a map, but the front-line troops have to get the job done." That premise is as true today as it was then. Without good front-line leadership, organizations stumble no matter how skillfully the pins are moved on the map. The Mighty Ninety is

  • MISTAKES HAPPEN: How will you handle them?

    I approached Warren's main gate in my vehicle late one night. Just as I've always done, I touched my seatbelt to reaffirm it was there, withdrew my wallet from my back pocket, slowed to the correct speed limit and switched my headlights to only the parking lights. I'm a nice guy. All of these things

  • Are you committed?

    I recently retired from the Air Force after more than 29 years of uniformed service. I distinctly remember being asked by many when I was going to retire after I reached my 20-year point. The thought of retiring never crossed my mind, so my response was always I was making it a career. Why? Because