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  • (Courtesy Photo)

    Candle Safety

    Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of homefires and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.‘Candle with care’• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall

  • Patriotism meets Commercialism

    Originally published July 18, 2013Some Americans may not know this, but in the past, criminal penalties were imposed on individuals who knowingly mutilated, defaced, physically defiled, or trampled upon any flag of the United States. However, on June 11, 1990, the Flag Protection Act of 1989 was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.
  • Robins firefighters Daniel Zytowski and John Whitson extinguish a car fire during a training exercise Jan. 10. The exercise scenario involved a two-car accident involving one vehicle on fire with an injured person outside of the car and two injured passengers in the second car on Beale Drive near Bldg. 10.(U. S. Air Force photo/Sue Sapp)

    Car fire safety

    Cars can catch fire for many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames, or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.What to do if your car is on fire- Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so.- Be sure to use your signal as
  • Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, Air Force Reserve Command commander

    From the Top: Getting to know the new commander

    (Editor's note: In lieu of a traditional commentary, following is a series of questions and answers designed to introduce Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller to members of the Air Force Reserve and provide a little personal information about the new Air Force Reserve Command commander and chief of Air Force Reserve.)Q: What is your hometown?A: I am from the
  • Commentary by Senior Master Sgt. Shane Hickman, 6th Air Refueling Squadron

    Keep finding, feeding motivation to stay focused

    As I reflect on the Fourth of July festivities that took place a few weeks ago, I found myself pondering my service to this great nation and why I have continued to serve over the years. My family is no different than many families today. We are your typical red-blooded American family that loves our nation, its flag and all it stands for. We have always been patriotic and proud of the values and principles our country represents.
  • Nature's Hazards

    Nature's hazards: poisonous plants

    State parks and woodlands are favorite places for many people who enjoy outdoor activities. Unfortunately, contact with poisonous plants can make these outings a miserable experience.Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac all contain the plant oil urushiol, which can cause severe skin rash when any part of the leaves, stem or root is touched.
  • Lt. Col. Robert Rayner, 921st Contingency Response Squadron commander

    What inspires you?

    My family and I recently completed a cross-country permanent change of station – Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, to Travis Air Force Base, California. We took the long route, visiting friends, family and several national parks along the way. There were two cars, two kids with two iPads, 3,700 miles, four national parks, 21 days, a few meltdowns (kids mostly), and countless family memories (good and bad).
  • (Courtesy photo)

    Mission first, people always

    “Mission first, people always.” This saying, or some variation of it, is common throughout the Air Force as a direction for good leadership. I admit, as a young NCO I often scoffed at it. I tend to look at things mathematically. If I’m going to dedicate myself 100 percent to the mission, how can I always do what’s right for my people and their families 100 percent of the time? The answer is, of course, you can’t, but as I have progressed through my career I have gained a progressively better understanding of this phrase and how to apply it.

  • The Dangers of Energy Drinks

    Energy drinks are a multibillion dollar industry, and their consumption is very popular among young adults. It is estimated that 34 percent of adults age 18-24 consume energy drinks. Energy drinks promise to increase stamina, concentration and mental alertness. Energy drinks have become very popular in the military, and many young adults are consuming energy drinks as if they were soft drinks, sports drinks, or water. In 2014, Monster energy beverages were the top selling cold beverages in Army and Air Force Exchange Service locations, and 3.3 million monster beverages were sold in AAFES stores in 2013.

  • Child custody considerations for military members

    Many service members have custody of, or visitation rights with children whose other parent is not the service member’s current spouse. A parent's military service can present a number of issues related to child custody. Deployments and frequent relocations may require service members to give up custody temporarily. Upon their return, service
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