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Commentary Search

  • A Final Farewell: The Untold Story Behind Hursey Gate

    Having recently arrived on Eielson Air Force Base, I was curious about the story behind Hursey Gate. I drive in and out of this gate every morning, but I knew only scant details about its namesake. I wanted to know more. After speaking to the Airmen who were there 54 years ago, as well as

  • Making it full-circle

    When I enlisted in the Air Force 14 years ago, a seasoned master sergeant told me, “You’ll see a lot of things change in your career, and if you stay in long enough, you’ll even see some of those things go back to the way they were when you first came in.”But it wasn’t until I in-processed at the

  • Beyond a shadow of a doubt

    On March 21, I had the awesome opportunity to join my fellow Icemen during the inaugural 354th Fighter Wing Shadow Program at the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. During our tour, we got up close to an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft as they ran various checks on its components. For many Icemen, this

  • Singing loud for all to hear

    With the holiday season in full swing, I always like to take some time to reflect on the past year, and the one I’m heading into. What did I accomplish this year? What do I need to improve on next year? Do I have long-term goals to set up, or did I meet any short-term goals?The biggest one I reflect

  • The Youngbird’s Denali Adventure

    On the eve of the Air Force’s 69th birthday, I was able to travel to the highest peak in North America: Denali. I was hesitant in my usual optimism about the trip because of the logistical stress that long-distance travel brings to my family of nine. Now that I have visited Denali National Park and

  • Showing compassion to a world in disarray

    “If compassion was the motivating factor behind all of our decisions, would our world not be a completely different place?” –Sheryl CrowIn my opinion, everyone needs compassion, but few people show it. Being in the military, we are taught not to show weakness. Don’t cry, push through pain, conceal

  • Autism Awareness Month

    Autism Awareness Month holds a special place in my heart. When my cousin was two years old, he was diagnosed with Autism. It breaks my heart when people treat those with autism differently. Yes, having autism comes with challenges and behavioral differences, but that doesn’t mean they should be

  • A year behind me

    The decision to join the Air Force came after a long family discussion and personal reflection.My husband, Mitch, joined the Air Force in 2013. We were engaged before he decided that the Air Force would provide him opportunities to learn new things, make money and provide for us.After we moved to

  • Why I wear teal: To take care of them

    Editor's note: this story is part of a series featuring Victim Advocates across the 354th Fighter Wing. To view the previous story, click here.Sexual assault used to be something that was foreign to me. It was this myth; a mystery that leadership talked about--at least I thought it was.When I was an

  • Honoring veterans past, present this Veterans Day

    To the men and women of Pacific Air Forces and to veterans across the services, I offer my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your dedicated service. As you know, this Wednesday commemorates a significant date in our nation's history, a day in 1918 where a signed armistice marked an end to World