Commentary Search

  • COMMENTARY: Back to school shopping on an NCO’s budget

    It is time for school again, which is a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it means the lazy days of summer are sadly behind us. Instead of sleeping late and arguing about who gets the last Klondike bar, kids in kindergarten through high school will be making the daily commute, on foot

  • I do more than point and shoot

    It has been about a year since I found myself fresh out of tech school and stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida as a public affairs photojournalist. I remember when I first got here, eager and excited.

  • Don’t walk off a cliff while chasing a Charmeleon

    It has recently been brought to my attention that wild animals have been seen roaming the grounds of MacDill. Fortunately, these alarming reports also mentioned how the Airmen stationed on base have been tracking and capturing these feral creatures. However, what came as an even more surprising

  • Lightning Struck Twice

    When I first arrived in Tampa in the summer of 1996…I could scarcely believe my good fortune. MacDill Air Force base was a “dream” assignment, in the best of locations, and I was a young aircraft commander flying the KC-135R around the world assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron – the Bolts.

  • Reversing roles: military spouse to military member

    "It's only two months, I'll be fine. It's such a short time, no need to cry," I kept telling myself over and over again.I put on a brave face and kept my emotions in check as I gave my fiancé, Landon, one last hug and kiss before he went through airport security to fly out to Air Force basic

  • Honoring those who served

    I've been asked multiple times "How do you present a flag and not get emotional," and my response is the same every time "It's not about me, it's about the family."July 9, 2015, was my first day as a member of the MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard. I was both excited and nervous to experience the

  • Is blood thicker than water?

    "Blood is thicker than water," I grew up hearing this all my life in reference to family.What exactly does this mean?For me it means that your biological relatives are going to be there for you no matter what, but in my life I have realized that blood is just something that runs through your veins.

  • Cautious to confident

    I remember one day in seventh grade, my teacher changed the seating chart. The girl next to me, who I had other classes with before, leaned over and whispered, "are you new?"Of course I was aware of how quiet and painstakingly shy I was. I never raised my hand to answer a question, and people would

  • WWII West Point grad's perspective on terrorism, ISIL

    With the last surviving members of World War II averaging in their mid-nineties, I often wonder what thoughts these heroes may have about the evolution of war since the 1940s and the rise in terrorism.In the 70 years since WWII, America has fought in multiple wars and operations. It's safe to say

  • Being Thankful

    Team MacDill,As you prepare plans to gather with family and friends and celebrate this holiday season, I encourage you to reflect on how much we can be thankful for. Holly and I appreciate the sacrifices you and your loved ones continue to make for our Air Force and your continued service and