445th Airlift Wing Commentaries

Flu season around the corner

Col. Hans Otto — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 13:46:12 GMT

In addition to our concerns with COVID, the flu season is fast approaching and we want everyone to be protected as soon as possible. There have been significant national delays and cost overruns with flu shots this year. As such, I would like to remind all wing members that they can get their flu vaccines with their local provider, pharmacy or civilian employer ASAP, if desired and able.

Updated: 445th plans in-person July UTA

Col. Raymond A. Smith, Jr. — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 19:48:00 GMT

We are now days away from the first in-person Unit Training Assembly since March 2020. We look forward to seeing each of you in person. As you prepare to come back to the base, some of you may have questions or concerns about what to expect when you return.

445th plans in-person July UTA

Col. Raymond A. Smith, Jr. — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:16:00 GMT

We are diligently planning and looking forward to restoring a somewhat normal Unit Training Assembly in July.

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

Mastering time; bring balance to home, work, personal lives

Senior Airman Stefan Alvarez — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 22:07:00 GMT

The enlisted military occupation has been consistently ranked as one of the most stressful jobs in America with factors ranging from pay, long hours, hard deadlines, and a lot of time spent away from home and loved ones.

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

Mess Up, Screw Up, or Fudge Up

Major Eric Kowalski — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 15:13:00 GMT

Something that I have heard often since I’ve been in the Air Force – and realize I repeat every time I meet a new Defender in the squadron – is that mistakes aren’t punished but crimes are. Failures are the best way to learn the right way to do things, but speaking from a career field that has been accused of “eating its own,” sometimes the distinction is lost (especially if you’re receiving paperwork). How can an individual fail in a “no fail” mission while still learning and moving forward? Rather than try to figure this out on my own, I did what I’ve been raised to do – ask a SNCO. Thankfully, there was an answer from one of my SMSgts who summed it up as, “You succeed, mess up, screw up, or fudge up,” (to paraphrase A Christmas Story, he didn’t say “fudge”). I propose that we change the way we look at failures, and use this framework – “Mess Up, Screw Up, and Fudge Up” – to judge how bad a failure really is.

Cyber-attack security – helpful tips, safe tricks

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 13:58:00 GMT

While cyber-attacks are always happening and tensions are on the rise, everyone needs to keep in mind the best practices to counteract these types of measures in their daily duties. Individuals frequently tell themselves, “it can’t happen to me.” However, statistically, this is not the case. Below are a few ways users can minimize their own vulnerability from phishing or spam emails, which is one of those most common methods of compromise.

One decision—terrible consequences –moving forward

Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 19:04:00 GMT

Have you ever wished you could change something you did in your past? If you had the ability to do so, what would it be and why?

December Fitness Tips

Michelle Walker — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 07:55:00 GMT

It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday season. But the feasts and parties that mark it can tax the arteries and strain the waistline.

A Thanksgiving Message

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Daryl Hamaker — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:24:00 GMT

As we enter the season of Thanksgiving I would like to share some words from President Ronald Regan

Thanksgiving fire safety tips

Fire Prevention Office Staff, USFA & NFPA — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:40:00 GMT

More than 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an average of 5 deaths, 25 injuries and $21 million in property loss.

Not too late to serve; why a single 38-year-old mother enlisted in the Air Force Reserve

Airman 1st Class Erin Zimpfer — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 13:09:34 GMT

Nearly 16 months ago, a single mom raised her right hand and swore the oath of enlistment, solidifying a 20 year old dream to join the military, just 23 days before the birthday that would make joining impossible.

Overcoming life’s curves, my resilience story

Col. Bryan Runion — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 20:00:29 GMT

Resilience. That word is getting a lot of attention now. Why? Unfortunately, suicides in the Air Force and in society as a whole, are increasing. Resilience is being seen as something that can help address this epidemic and perhaps prevent it. What is it? It’s basically the ability to bounce back.

'Thanks for all your hard work over the past year'

Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 14:22:00 GMT

Heroes of the Air Force Reserve:Last month marked my first anniversary as commander of this amazing

Cybersecurity at Home: Defending the Family

By Tech. Sgt. Matthew R. Fisher — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 14:48:00 GMT

In today’s increasingly connected world, citizens must be vigilant with which devices they and their families use and how they connect to the web. These devices include standard desktops, laptops, tablets and phones, which are commonplace in almost every American home and office but also include many new “smart” technologies that are becoming more prevalent in society.

‘Reaching out is invaluable’: All Airmen have role in preventing suicide

Capt. Robin Morris — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 13:45:00 GMT

Preventing suicide starts with concern, reaching out.

Resiliency begins with good psychological health

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT

In these times of uncertainty and constant change Airmen may find themselves struggling to find the resiliency to cope with all that is unfolding before them. Resiliency is how we “bounce back” from a difficult situation.

Women’s Equality Day: On the road to women’s right to vote

Senior Airman Kara Williams — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 15:48:00 GMT

Women’s Equality Day is August 26 and commemorates the proclamation of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920. The 19th Amendment states "the right of citizens of the United States shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex." Women's Equality Day gives not only women, but everyone, the opportunity to reflect on many of the obstacles women have faced to get where we are today.

Volunteering opportunity becomes lasting memory

Airman Erin Zimpfer — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 13:42:00 GMT

They say those that volunteer their time to serve others often end up feeling as much or more blessed than the ones they serve. This was my experience the night I got to act as an escort for an extraordinary gentleman the evening of June 20, 2019.