Commentaries

  • Make responsible decisions

    One of the hard things about being a chief master sergeant or other senior leader, is that you have access to information like, security forces blotters, investigation reports and fatality briefs. Often times it will document when things don't necessarily go well and even describes the actions that

  • Will you be a dealer of hope, or despair?

    There are few things we have control over as much as our words, gestures and outlook. They can be used to raise hope and also to reap fear and despair. There is a common saying that hope is neither a plan nor meant for strategy. I disagree. As leaders, it is important to realize how hope - with

  • Holidays away from Sheppard

    A homemade Christmas tree that looks like something out of Charlie Brown's comic, physical training gear adorned with a yellow reflective belt, 12-hour shifts, a talking greeting card and a box with brownies sent all the way from Texas. I'm all set to be home for the holidays. Although I may not be

  • Lorenz on Leadership -- Jessica's legacy

    RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- There are certain times in our lives where a single moment or significant event causes us to pause . . . and reflect. These moments can catch us after both happy times and sad - after accomplishments of our own or those of others. Sometimes they catch us off guard,

  • Don't let tension stress out your holidays

    Holiday tensions can be caused by the travel, expense of seasonal shopping, weather, expectations on the perfect gift, children out of school and family obligations real or perceived. It's important to take care of yourself and reduce your level of stress during this holiday season.Parents can

  • Don't let the 'Holiday Blues' bring you down

    We all know that the holidays are supposed to be the "happiest time of the year," but for some of us, we struggle to just get through it. Holiday depression, or the "Holiday Blues," is as real as eggnog and mistletoe. It can be the result of holiday stress, the loss of a loved one, a recent

  • Holiday shopping: Tips to remember

    The holiday season means gift giving, and that means shopping. Whether shopping is done on the Internet or at the local store, there are a number of ways to run into problems. Keep these shopping tips in mind when shopping this holiday season:ยท Be cautious about financially overextending yourself by

  • Keep your holidays from going up in flames

    For most of us, the holiday season is a time for family festivities and good cheer. What few of us consider is that the holiday season is also a time when there is an increased risk of home fires. Many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of U.S. home

  • Rabies: Wild animal that carry virus common to local area

    Most animals that carry rabies are wild animals that are common to the Wichita Falls area such as bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. Rabies is a potentially fatal virus that is normally spread by the bite of an infected animal. This year, more than 20 skunks in Wichita Falls have tested

  • Safety, VPP a culture, not another program

    Safety is key to the success of the Air Force mission, whether that mission is putting bombs on target or training highly-skilled, combat-ready Airmen. Our mission may be compromised if our folks aren't proactive in ensuring a safe work environment. Every military and civilian employee at Team