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Commentary: Why we should be thankful for those around us
Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
December 9, 2010
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Around every Thanksgiving, we look to find the reasons we are thankful. It may be about what we have in life -- or for someone like me -- we are thankful for the family who surrounds us.As a near 19-year veteran of the Air Force, my family has always been a military family since it began in the same year I joined the service -- 1992. Through all those years, we've... Read more


Commentary: DoD seeks to do better at assisting disabled employees
Terri Moon Cronk, American Forces Press Service
December 9, 2010
WASHINGTON --The Defense Department employs about 45,000 workers with disabilities, but needs to boost awareness of a program to support, hire and retain them, the DoD’s director of disability programs said Dec. 7.On the eve of the 30th annual Department of Defense Disability Awards ceremony, "Talent Has No Boundaries," Stephen King said the Defense... Read more


Commentary: Air Force leaders release Diversity Strategic Roadmap
Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
December 2, 2010
WASHINGTON --- Striving to remain a leading competitor in the search for talent to carry out the Air Force mission, the service's senior leaders released the Diversity Strategic Roadmap in the nation's capitol Nov 17.In a collaborative effort, members of the Air Force Diversity Operations Division authored the living document's priorities to "institutionalize diversity throughout the Air Force... Read more


Commentary: National Native American Heritage Month
Master Sgt. Sonya Hildebrand, Ogden Air Logistics Center Equal Opportunity Office
November 24, 2010
"There was a time when our people covered the whole land as waves of the wind-ruffled sea cover its shell-paved floor." -- Chief Seattle of Duwamish tribe, 1855 (Maxwell, ed., 1996)What do you know about Native Americans and their history? Did you know the Alamo Scouts, a top secret reconnaissance unit in the southwest Pacific during WWII, were recognized by the Army as the forerunners of the... Read more


Commentary: More Airmen responses needed for Air Force climate survey
Staff Sgt. Steve Grever, Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs
November 24, 2010
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 130,000 people have participated in this year's Air Force Climate Survey, but more are needed to participate and provide their feedback to Air Force commanders and senior leaders before the survey closes Sunday, Nov. 28.The climate survey assesses the opinions and perceptions of active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian members on several key factors... Read more


Commentary: Time to check up on seasonal wellness
Col. Don Hickman, 75th Medical Group commander
November 18, 2010
As Hill's "Top Medic," I was struck by the particular relevance of Admiral and Mrs. Mullen's recent commentary in the Nov. 10th issue of the "Hilltop Times". Their comments on stress, risky behavior, substance abuse and suicides across the military force sound all too familiar at Hill Air Force Base. Our deployment ops tempo, exercise and inspection schedule and our aircraft production and... Read more


Commentary: Learn more about base photographers
Kim Cook, 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs photographer
November 18, 2010
I am so lucky to be able to get around to several locations a week, shoot events and visit with some incredible people. Once they see we are nice people with big toys they want to ask questions. Some of the most commonly asked are here.What kind of camera is that?The Department of Defense has a long history using Nikon cameras and we currently use the Nikon D3. They are fast, hold up well under... Read more


Commentary: Admiral and Mrs. Mullen speak on veterans' challenges
Lisa Daniel, American Forces Press Service
November 11, 2010
WASHINGTON -- 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 about how to prevent or address some... Read more


Commentary: Debt to veterans can never fully be repaid
Gen. Donald Hoffman, Commander, Air Force Materiel Command
November 4, 2010
By Gen. Donald HoffmanCommander, Air Force Materiel CommandDebt to veterans can never fully be repaidWRIGHT-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... Read more


Commentary: Energy initiatives, space capabilities top priorities for Air Force
Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes, Defense Media Activity San Antonio
November 4, 2010
COCOA BEACH, Fla. -- When the Air Force saves energy, it also saves money, the environment and possibly even lives, according to Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton.Conaton discussed ongoing service energy initiatives, as well as Air Force space programs, during a visit Oct. 27 for Air Force Week Cocoa Beach 2010."Every gallon of fuel that we have to take over to Afghanistan is one... Read more