15 Oct 2012

Do common things uncommonly well

In my years of service, I have found some common traits to be of great importance to me, not only as a person, but as an Airman and a leader. I will share with you how character, charisma and commitment are traits that we should embody. All of these common traits, if displayed uncommonly well, can increase the likelihood of successful

10 Oct 2012

Domestic Violence Awareness Month presents oportunity to be good wingmen

Team Sheppard,Being a good wingman means taking care of the person next to you, especially when that person is hurting. As many of you know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which presents us all with an opportunity to be good wingmen. We all have a responsibility to look out for each other, especially in instances of domestic

10 Oct 2012

Do your part during Energy Action Month

Energy conservation and energy security are central to all Airmen and their continued mission success. Team Sheppard supports the joint mission while improving resiliency, reducing demand, assuring supply and promoting energy awareness. We must foster a cost conscience culture in order to have assured access to energy. Having reliable energy is a

25 Sep 2012

Living an in-between life

As we celebrate "Hispanic Heritage Month", it has given me time to reflect back on where I came from growing up to where I am today.I grew up in a small town in Texas, living in-between tacos and burgers, country music and ranchero music, a Spanish-speaking household and an English-speaking school. I knew that with my family and family's friends I

9 Aug 2012

Broken laws, broken trust: the aftermath of sexual assault

In the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, our primary mission is victim-to-survivor care. It is easy to become engrossed in the victims' stories as we attempt to enable them on their journey to becoming a survivor. As a new Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, I was recently given the opportunity to attend a court martial at Lackland

4 Jun 2012

Looks can be deceiving

"Do you speak Spanish?" That is something I have heard several times during my time as a bank teller. It never offended me, it's just something I always noticed. While I know by the looks of me it is hard to place my race, (I'm tan with dark hair and dark eyes), it's because I am part of a small minority - Pacific Islander. Growing up I never

15 May 2012

Adversity leads to fitness inspiration

A little over two months ago, my brother completed the Bataan Memorial Death March, a 26.2 mile march through the desert terrain of White Sands Missile Range, N.M.. The amazing thing is that just over a year ago, my brother was told that he would never walk again. At 26 years old, my brother was in a terrible motorcycle accident. He was driving

8 May 2012

May 2012 SARC's remarks

Hello and a big "thank you" to all who helped make this year's Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) events a huge success. While we address sexual assault issues each day, it's our month to focus on ways of bringing this crime to center stage.Secondly, I want to be sure those reading this column understand the definition and meaning of sexual

3 May 2012

Cover up to be sun safe

A 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 lifetimeEveryone's skin and eyes can be affected by the sun and other forms of UV rays. Although people with light skin are much more likely to have sun damage, darker-skinned people,

3 May 2012

So....you want to ride a motorcyle?

It's that time of year where we are seeing an influx of motorcycle riders out on the road. Warm weather brings with it more motorcyclists; some experienced and some not so much. With rising gas prices, a motorcycle looks like an even more promising alternative to a car or truck. So if you are looking around at all of the riders out on the road and