Commentaries

  • Are your pets and family safe?

    Wichita County has seen an increase in rabid wild animals around Wichita Falls recently. When most people think of rabies, they think of dogs foaming at the mouth and viciously wanting to bite. That is not the entire story. Rabies is also found in other animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes,

  • If we don't remember, no one else will

    As a young officer, Memorial Day was a time to join the aging veterans of World War II, Vietnam and Korea to honor those who died in the wars our fathers and grandfathers fought. Standing at attention with these heroes was a moving experience, but I knew that it meant something to them that was

  • Supporting Military Retirees

    Recently, wing commanders across the Air Force received a letter from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz asking us to make sure we are doing all we can to support our military retirees. He wrote: "Our retired volunteers are a select group of Wingmen. They have gone before us, embodying

  • Summer Sun Safety

    Sunburn will fade, but damage to deeper layers of skin remains and can eventually cause cancer. That's why sun-safe habits should begin in childhood and last a lifetime Everyone's skin and eyes can be affected by the sun and other forms of Ultraviolet rays. People with lighter skin are much more

  • My military mom: Sheppard child wins national essay contest

    Katie Rice, 12, grand prize winner of Quaker Oat's Military Mom Essay Contest, won a 500 dollar gift cerificate to Tiffany's & Co. May 7 for writing the following essay in the national contest: My military mom is strong, and independant. That is half the reason I love her! She cares and comforts us.

  • Prevention key to surviving summer heat

    It's not even summer yet and the local area is already topping the 90 degree mark, though it has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride. Heat related illnesses can strike anyone at any time, but the young and the elderly are especially vulnerable. It is important to recognize the symptoms of heat

  • Incorrect Information Can Result in Loss of TRICARE Benefits

    Keeping information up-to-date in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is essential for maintaining TRICARE benefit coverage. Updating information is simple and will help you avoid the unnecessary headache of losing your TRICARE coverage. DEERS is a worldwide computerized database of

  • Driving drowsy proves extremely hazardous

    Drivers falling asleep at the wheel cause many serious and fatal crashes each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in recent years there have been 56,000 crashes annually in which the driver cited by police was suffering drowsiness or fatigue. Long before a driver

  • Before you ride, you must abide

    As we approach the motorcycle riding season please be sure to be in full compliance with Air Force Instruction 91-207 before hitting the road. The protection of Sheppard personnel is first priority for the 82nd Training Wing Safety Office. Here are the safety rules: Head protection: A helmet

  • MDG recognizes National Patient Safety Awareness Week

    The 82nd Medical Group is joining other leading healthcare organizations in celebration of National Patient Safety Awareness Week March 8-14 to create a powerful team for improved patient safety. This year's theme is "A Prescription for Patient Safety: One Partnership, One Team." The 82nd MDG, a