Commentary Search

  • Why we fight

    On July 9, 1776, Gen. George Washington had the Declaration of Independence read to his troops in New York City in order to explain why they must fight. During World War II, military leaders at all levels were directed to explain the reasons "Why We Fight" to their troops on a regular and recurring

  • Letter to the commander: Wingman attitude brings gratitude

    I'd like to thank the following people for being there for me and my grandchild during a horrible experience. On July 10, approximately 7:55 a.m., I got out of my car to take my granddaughter (17 months old) to swimming lessons. Needless to say, I locked the keys in my car with her still in it.

  • Culturally diverse, environmentally aware

    Part of our mission, as it is for all Air Force bases, is to be conscientious stewards of the land and its resources and I believe we are doing an excellent job of caring for our environment. We are required to adhere to the same environmental regulations everyone has to follow regarding the tools

  • Career Focus: Beyond material compensation

    Today, I received a letter from our accounting and finance office with the heading: Personal Statement of Military Compensation. This letter reported the annual value of my direct compensation from basic pay, allowances and bonuses. It also reported the value of indirect compensation from medical

  • Commander’s Corner: DVs visit; 101 days of summer kicks off

    Whew! To say it's been a very busy week for Team Kirtland would be a huge understatement! Over the past seven days, Kirtland opened its gates to many distinguished visitors. Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo of Guam honored us as the guest speaker for the Asian Pacific American Heritage banquet last

  • Career Focus: Blue Star Mothers give every Airman a hero’s welcome

    I am always amazed at how quickly time passes. It also amazes me to think of the thousands of wonderful people I've met serving as an aircraft maintainer, instructor, career advisor and acting first sergeant. Truly, I have been blessed to work with great people in my career. I am reminded of this

  • Commander’s Corner: Get out, experience Team Kirtland

    One of the most repeated comments heard after Air Force members attend in-residence Professional Military Education is that the best thing about the course was the chance to interact and learn from their Air Force teammates. Our new Airman's Creed reminds us of all that binds us together as Airmen.

  • Career Focus: Key spouses have connection power

    Have you ever thought about the number of people who make Team Kirtland's missions happen? Airmen are launching fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and training to be, or serving as aircrews. There are pararescuemen learning and practicing warrior and healing arts. There are brilliant scientists

  • Commander’s Corner: Save our TDYs, turn down your thermostat

    When you turn your thermostat down at work, you wouldn't think the energy that you're saving could translate into more temporary duty assignments for yourself or other Airmen. However, that's exactly the thinking that's taking place at Kirtland and across the Air Force right now. It's no secret that

  • Career Focus: Make the right decision for yourself and family

    On the last Wednesday of every month, I conduct a Right Decision Seminar for first and second term Airmen who are 12 to 15 months away from the end of their enlistments. This briefing provides information to help Airmen make an informed re-enlistment decision. The briefing begins with speeches from