Commentary Search

  • Family: what sets us apart

    When I talk with family, friends and our active-duty counterparts about the Reserve, the topic almost always comes around to how we are different than the active duty. In many ways, we are no different, especially here at an associate unit like the 513th. We fly and maintain the same E-3s (albeit at

  • March Madness

    This past month, basketball fans have been afflicted with "March Madness," college basketball's unpredictable playoff season. The 513th Air Control Group has experienced its own form of March Madness with the announcement of the proposed FY 15/FY 16 defense budget. I know we as a team were shocked

  • Enlisted force development is the future

    Today's digital age has brought a huge advantage in career advancement opportunities that were not available in years past. I want all of you to know the leadership of the 507th is committed to providing you the tools necessary to succeed.My focus in writing this is to ensure all of you are fully

  • Keep your "tricycle" balanced

    Several years ago I used to look to the sky, see a small aircraft flying by and tell my wife, one day I'd like to have that kind of freedom. That year I received flying lessons as a birthday present from my wife and mother. While learning how to fly, I realized that although you do have certain

  • Mustache March, Air Force Heritage and you

    So it's March and what's the first thing you think about in this glorious month...Mustache March of course. Maybe not, but this year Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh issued a challenge to the force for this March."I don't think we've ever had an all-in Mustache March, have we?" Welsh said

  • Looking into the eyes of a Vet

    Looking into the bright eyes of a World War II Marine Corps vet, I intensely listened as he described his experiences during the war. His voice cracked a bit as he detailed those days so many years ago.The gentleman was in his 90's but still was able to vividly describe to me what being a veteran is

  • Get 1 now program helps bring quality Airmen to the reserves

    Whether you know it or not, you are a recruiter. We all are recruiters. Every day you wear the uniform, talk about your job in your community, or visit your children's school you are highlighting the Air Force. It may be a story you told your son's friend years ago or a discussion you had with a

  • Farewell Okies, It’s been an honor and privilege serving with you

    It has been an honor to serve with you. This is the best wing in AFRC and its all due to your efforts to make this unit the best it can be. Bringing our guard and reserve members together to form "Team Oklahoma" was an amazing accomplishment that set the bar for all future Air Reserve Component

  • It's not just the destination, it's also the journey

    The 507th Air Refueling Wing has been on a journey since the unit stood up in 1944 as a Fighter Group. Through the years, each new mission, aircraft, and person has added to the whole. From 16 enemy aircraft kills in WWII to being awarded full designation as a "Wing" in 1961, our history is rich in

  • Fear and loathing on the Tinker trails

    The drive down Reserve Road is fairly long and slow, leaving lots of time for us to glance at the running trails. For many of us, there is a good deal of fear and loathing at the thought of running those trails, or running anywhere for that matter. Running at any time or any place tends to bring