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  • Simulation lab recieves two amputee trainers

    It's 1400. You and your squad are walking a trail you've traversed 20 times en route to a small village just over the hill. You are in the lead. Suddenly, the air cracks with a massive explosion. After a moment, you regain your bearings and turn to see a giant dust cloud enveloping your team.

  • Contracting -- If you got it, we bought it

    The Air Force contracting motto is, "If you got it, we bought it." But some people may wonder what contracting really is. According to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, contracting is defined as purchasing, renting, leasing or otherwise obtaining supplies or services from nonfederal sources.

  • Reflections on what it means to truly serve

    I'd like you to take a moment out of your day to think about service. What does it mean to you to serve?Most Americans are familiar with the quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." When President Kennedy spoke those words at his inaugural address, it

  • A changing world requires adaptive leadership

    As leaders in today's military, we are challenged with an ever-changing mix of attitudes, personalities and generational beliefs all found within our culturally-diverse young Airmen.How does one approach such a diverse population with such varied and continually changing values and priorities?The

  • 'Domestic violence can't happen to me' -- it can

    Too many people believe that domestic violence can't happen to them. In fact, perhaps even you may be a member of that group.I am referring to those who prefer to think they are different from the rest of the pack -- smarter, more aware and somehow protected from unhealthy people who might otherwise

  • A DIME's worth of fun

    What can you buy with a dime today? You might think, "Not much," but I would argue that you can buy a lot of fun and contribute to mission accomplishment. Every day we come to work with the intention of doing a good job, striving toward our goals and being a true professional in the execution of our

  • Blue, silver, gold stars honor military families

    When I was deployed last year, I learned about a military tradition I had never heard of which pays tribute to military family members whose loved ones are active duty or were wounded or killed in action.If the military member is active duty, then the family is considered "blue star." If the

  • In game of life, 'richest' player really wins

    Many of you may have played the board game "LIFE," which makes real life seem simple. In this game, you designate one player to be the banker and have him or her distribute $10,000 to each player. Then, the banker gives each player a car into which they place a plastic person. On your first turn,

  • Holiday stress reduction begins with you

    Ahh, the holidays. It's the season of twinkling lights and favorite carols, carefully selected gifts and visits with those we love. Unfortunately, for many of us, it's also several straight weeks of stress. Every year I tell myself that next year I'm going to handle the shopping differently -- I'll

  • First sergeants help Airmen succeed in career, life

    A frequent question I'm asked while chairing a first sergeant panel is, "What made you decide to become a first sergeant?" My answer is the same as many others who have chosen this career path -- to help people.I entered the Air Force as an Airman basic in April of 1997 and I have had my fair share