4th Air Force Commentaries

“I’m Still Here”

Candy Knight — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 23:29:00 GMT

My name is Candy Knight and I am also one of the many individuals who suffers from clinical depression, social anxiety, and anhedonia. Every day, I fight a never-ending battle not to give up; to find the strength to keep going, and to keep living.

Change For The Better

Staff Sgt. Rachel Murray — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 18:32:00 GMT

I hope my story can inspire some to change, because if my family from a tiny town in Ohio can change, then we can change things anywhere.

We Bleed the Same Blood

Staff Sgt. Xavier Lockley — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 16:28:00 GMT

I truly thought that I’d never bring this day up but in light of recent events, I think its time to explain how we’re not all equal in the eyes of everyone even if we want to believe we are.

Facing unconscious bias head on, key to healing

Maj. Audric Bills — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:00:00 GMT

The Air Force’s stance on unlawful discrimination, specifically racism is “zero tolerance.” But this is only relevant if the situation is substantiated. From the Equal Opportunity perspective, racism is difficult to prove because people, generally speaking, shy away from the conversation.

Share Your Story: My reflections on race, the military, and moving forward

Staff Sgt. Mary Andom — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 19:55:00 GMT

As a Reserve Citizen Airman living in Seattle, I watched thousands march against racial injustice. Peaceful demonstrations spiraled out of control. Then cities burned. Civil unrest erupted across the country as America was forced to reckon with its past and present. Frankly, I was exhausted.

Adapting to Full-Time Telework

Senior Master Sgt. Jacob Frohreich — Tue, 12 May 2020 13:53:02 GMT

Full-time telework can be a blessing; however, it can also prove to be a source of great consternation.

Message from the 4th AF Chaplain Team: Stay strong, resilient

Chief Master Sgt. Adam P. Swift — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:15:00 GMT

Words of encouragement from the Fourth Air Force Chaplain Team

From the Commander: Happy New Year

Maj. Gen. Randall A. Ogden — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:48:00 GMT

Maj. Gen. Randall A. Ogden, Fourth Air Force commander, shares New Year greetings

Commentary: Go Get My Axe

Maj. Wayne Leneau, Jr — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 13:02:00 GMT

Somewhere in a small city where there are far more trees than there are people, there is a man who woke up with his back against the wall. He woke up to the sobering reality that he had a number of goals to accomplish and a limited amount of time to do so.

Leading Out Without Fear

Col. Scott L. McLaughlin, 349th Air Mobility Wing Commander — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT

I encourage all of our LGBT members to lead fearlessly and to take advantage of your right to be honest with your fellow airmen. I know this may still be difficult for some, but I can tell you first hand that serving openly is truly a liberating and enriching experience— one that makes you a better leader and the Air Force a better place to serve.

A Millennial's Take on Joining the Air Force

Senior Airman Will Brugge — Thu, 02 May 2019 13:37:00 GMT

Senior Airman Will Brugge, 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, gives his take on being a Millennial in the Air Force.

Build Resilience, find your “Happy Place”

Chief Master Sgt. Patricia Kawa’a — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Chief Master Sgt. Patricia Kawa’a, 349th Medical Group, shares her thoughts on resiliency and finding your "happy place."

That is how one learns we are a team

Col. Meredith A. Goodwin, commander — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 23:43:00 GMT

When I started at the 349th Air Mobility Wing as a non-prior service Airman more than 15 years ago, I really had no idea what being in the Reserves was all about.

Preparing for the unknown

Col. Joel Safranek, 436th Airlift Wing commander — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 15:59:00 GMT

The phrase “Full Spectrum Readiness” has been identified as a priority by our senior leadership extensively this last year…but what does it really mean?

Diversity for Creativity: Deliberately Cultivating Innovation

Lt. Col. James E. Roberts — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:47:00 GMT

Developing creative solutions to emerging problems is exciting business! Cultivating an environment where creative solutions are fostered and groupthink is mitigated takes deliberate work. Those familiar with organizational decision-making processes are likely aware of the groupthink theory. This theory speaks to the potential for poor or limited decisions resulting from conformist members of an often homogenous group. The same pitfall that can hamper the boardroom is just as likely to stall a brainstorming session.

Watching out for lost wingmen

Col. (Dr.) Bruce K. Neely, 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 19:51:00 GMT

I make it a point to ask, remind and encourage everyone to take care of the people around them, in the squadron and in the wing. That is part of being a good wingman. But, there’s another part to being a good wingman.

Cheering for the real heroes

2nd Lt. Zach Anderson — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:23:39 GMT

In downtown San Antonio, the air was thick with anticipation.The throng of excited fans waited

Are you involved or committed?

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Wong — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:49:02 GMT

I recently heard an analogy involving a common breakfast meal, Ham and Eggs. "With Ham and Eggs, the

Keeping morale in the crosshairs

Maj. Paul Cruz — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:02:58 GMT

I distinctly recall a conversation with one of my squadron mates who had just returned from a

Having a safe summer

Lt. Col. Randall Honke — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:33:44 GMT

The upcoming Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of the 101 critical days of summer campaign,