COMMENTARY SEARCH

  • Sentimental journey: An Airman's perspective on Heritage to Horizons

    As a veteran attendee of more than 50 air shows, I can honestly say that our recent Luke Days was one of the best I've ever attended. Without a doubt, my favorite aircraft on display was the B-17G Flying Fortress. Sadly, only a handful of flyable B-17s remain from the 12,726 built by three

  • Spikes, enduring band of brothers

    The 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit maintains the oldest F-16s in the Air Force inventory while safely generating sorties to produce the greatest fighter pilots in the world. It's an incredible feat and the maintenance professionals in the unit do it with pride and distinction each and every day. The

  • Thunderbolts support GWOT

    The 56th Fighter Wing routinely has approximately 300 Airmen deployed around the world in support  of the global war on terror. Though this number represents only about 5 percent of our total active duty force at Luke, the various missions performed by our Airmen down range are critical to the

  • Character of America serves to protect

    The 56th Fighter Wing continues to deploy Airmen as we do our part infighting the global war on terror. I was proud and genuinely moved a few weeks ago when the Medical Group deployed our latest team of  warfighters. A medical administration team consisting of two officers and four enlisted

  • Work, family balance critical to mission success

    The warriors assigned to Luke -- Airmen, civilians, active duty and Reservists -- have the distinct honor of defending our great nation. Our mission is vital and accomplishing it comes at no small price in blood, sweat and tears. We earn every bit of the compensation our country gives us, both in

  • Being thankful for everyday life

    Today, a Sunday morning, I went for a long run throughmy neighborhood in Litchfield Park, walked into my home and took a long hot shower with clean water. I just read the Sunday newspaper and an editorial page where differing views were offered -- all while enjoying a hot cup of homebrewed coffee

  • Be prepared for the unexpected

    What do you want to be remembered for? If you passed away unexpectedly, what would your obituary say? Would your family be taken care of financially with a plan for the future? If you are single, will the state you are residing in decide where your belongings go? Or are you prepared and taking care

  • Every Airman a wingman

    Between staff meetings, answering taskers for the boss and drafting 1206s, I had noticed one of my young officers was more reserved than usual. I inquired of this supervisor if there had been any change in the lieutenant's job performance.I learned that while no major problems had arisen, his

  • 56FW/CC, wife bid farewell to Thunderbolts

    Fellow Thunderbolts - it's been my highest honor to serve with each of you in Fighter Country these past two years! Trust me when I say, it's very difficult for Kim and I to say good bye to such an extraordinary group of warriors, fellow Air Force active and civilian wingmen, and wonderful community

  • Family lies between lines of core values

    Upon taking command of the 56th Security Forces Squadron more than two years ago, I shocked myself by stating publicly that when it comes to core values, particularly the one about service before self, that the Air Force had it wrong. At my first commander's call, I told the squadron that it should