Commentaries

Intel Airman reflects on his time at JBER
February 4, 2020 — Against the clouded sky, a large, metallic, circular structure transforms the beautiful Alaskan landscape near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. At a diameter of 1,433 feet and 137 feet tall, this structure is a relic of the Cold War. It is known officially as the AN/FLR-9 circularly disposed antenna array, or “Flare-9,” and was decommissioned in May 2016. The 40-acre footprint and 120-foot tower height dimensions is referred as a tongue-in-cheek name: the Elephant Cage. One could be forgiven for assuming as the Flare-9 passed into history, so too would the presence of the National Security Agency at JBER... MORE

Project Healing Hearts
January 31, 2020 — The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson dental laboratory is a hidden gem in the Air Force Dental Service, capable of fabricating sports guards, retainers, dental crowns, and even maxillofacial reconstructive prostheses for injured warfighters. Our primary mission is ensuring the dental readiness of the Department of Defense warfighters, as dental emergencies account for 15 to 20 percent of all disease and non-battle injuries... MORE

Air Force Optometry History in 2020: "The Year of Optometry"
January 31, 2020 — Air Force optometry came into existence around the same time the Air Force Medical Service stood up on July 1, 1949, and has been caring for the vision of aviators and warfighters ever since. Prior to that, even during World War II, enlisted hospital corpsmen without any formal training were providing limited vision care using crude equipment. Between 1950 and 1960, the Air Force saw great improvements in the type and quality of equipment available for optometry services, and commissioned optometrists were added to the Medical Service Corps. ... MORE

Operation Colony Glacier: Feel Good Story or Something Greater?
June 12, 2019 — Ever wrestle with the right response when a civilian walks up to a service member and says, “Thank you for your service”?... MORE

Remembering Boston Marathon tragedy inspires patriotism in one 477 FG runner
January 19, 2017 — As I prepare for the 2017 Boston Marathon, pounding the payment in 0 degree temperatures, on snow and ice covered trails, my mind is often drawn back to my first Boston Marathon, the 2013 marathon and my journey getting there, and the catastrophic ending to the event. Although I was not a victim physically, the events that day certainly had an impact on me and my family and altered my perspective on many things... MORE

What are the keys to FA success?
November 29, 2016 — Maintaining fitness and weight standards is a way of life in the military--that's not telling you something you don’t already know. So here's the scenario, I know my Fitness Assessment is around the corner; how do I plan for that day? If you are like me, you have questions:-What should I eat? -What shouldn’t I eat? -What is the best exercise... MORE

Drinking Water Quality on JBER
June 3, 2016 — JBER's drinking water missionA water utility seldom takes the opportunity to tell its customers about all they are doing to produce exceptional quality drinking water in conjunction with the myriad of additional things the utility does to ensure public safety. All too often, we concentrate only on our mission of producing water that goes through a... MORE

Chaplain's Corner: Do you have a rally point established in your life?
May 23, 2016 — The "Chaplain's Corner" offers perspectives to enhance spiritual/religious resiliency in support of Air Force and Army Comprehensive Fitness programs. Comments regarding specific beliefs, practices, or behaviors are strictly those of the author and do not convey endorsement by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the... MORE

Chaplain's Corner: People remember when you quit; it becomes a "negative resume."
May 11, 2016 — The "Chaplain's Corner" offers perspectives to enhance spiritual/religious resiliency in support of Air Force and Army Comprehensive Fitness programs. Comments regarding specific beliefs, practices, or behaviors are strictly those of the author and do not convey endorsement by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the... MORE

Chaplain's Corner: I want to be rich-filthy, stinking rich!
May 5, 2016 — My dad used to tell me an old story about a man named Fred.One day Fred was speeding down the highway in his brand new Porsche. Fred was so excited about the speed and power of his new car that he started to zigzag through traffic in order to feel the acceleration.It wasn't long before he saw flashing lights behind him, and he pulled off to the... MORE