Commentaries

  • It would not have happened if not for our veterans

    This past Tuesday, nearly 120 million Americans went to the polls to choose our next president. In the midst of war and serious economic challenges, Americans voted for new leadership and elected the first-ever African-American president. It was a historic election that will rightly be talked about

  • Safety, knowing hazards can prevent chainsaw accidents

    With fall already upon us, it is again time to start preparing for the colder temperatures of winter. Many of us enjoy a warm fire in our fireplace or a bonfire at our campsite. Gathering or cutting firewood can be made much easier with the use of a chainsaw as it can save you a lot of time and

  • ACT-ing out can be a key to safety

    Remember when acting out in school would get that stern look from the teacher or a trip to the principal's office? I certainly do. I made plenty of long walks down the hall. However, the good news is that ACTing out may get you out of some sticky situations. Consider this scenario: You are driving

  • Sheppard firefighters urge everyone to prevent home fires

    Sheppard's Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Prevention Association Oct. 5-11 to urge base residents to prevent home fires during Fire Prevention Week. This year's campaign focuses on preventing all the leading causes of home fires - cooking, heating and electrical equipment, and

  • Lifting something doesn't have to be a pain in the back

    Lifting doesn't have to be a dangerous activity, even when it's done regularly at work or at home. As long as you know the facts about correct lifting and bending techniques, you can protect your back from unnecessary stress and possible injury. Everyone puts a lot of stress on their backs every day

  • Exercise your right to vote

    My wife was born and raised in Thailand before immigrating to the United States. When I met her, she was a citizen with resident alien status (she had her green card) and had lived in the United States for several years. She had married her first husband, given birth to three children, owned her own

  • Voting as easy at 1, 2, 3

    The Department of Defense has named Aug. 31-Sept. 7 Armed Forces Voting Week, a time to raise voting awareness among eligible voters. During this week, all of Sheppard's Unit Voting Assistance Officers will make a concerted effort to contact all military service members about voting. On Nov. 4,

  • Have a Safe 4th!

    I know you are looking forward to a great Fourth of July weekend--perhaps one of our finest American traditions. What better way to celebrate the birthday of our democracy than by exercising the very freedoms that we have sworn to defend? As you spend time with friends and families this weekend,

  • Freedom Fest 2008 - Be Here!

    Next week is going to be a big, patriotic week for Sheppard, and I wanted to take the time to highlight a couple of key events. First, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, one of our two U. S. Senators from Texas will be visiting the base on Thursday. Col Dave Petersen and I will be showing off part of our

  • What just happened to our Air Force?

    Much has been written about the recent decision of the Secretary of Defense to ask for the resignation of the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Although Secretary Gates made it clear his decision was driven by the Air Force's failure to responsibly carry out "its most sensitive