Commentary Search

  • CHAPLAIN'S CORNER: It's the little things

    Ever notice how the many little things in our lives can take up so much of our time?  They can build up to an overwhelming number, draining us physically, emotionally and mentally.  Because they're little, we find it easy to put them off.  They seem so minor, but then they multiply and, together,

  • A grim reality met with compassion

    By I received the call late on a Friday night before a Reserve drill weekend. "Hi Sergeant St. Pierre," said my first sergeant. "How fast can you get to base?"There was a C-17 Globemaster III inbound to March Air Reserve Base from McChord Air Force Base to pick up rescue equipment for the earthquake

  • A year at March

    As we roll through the early spring, I look back on my first year serving the wing with great satisfaction and look forward to new challenges still waiting to be overcome. Last year, our focus was obviously the compliance inspections and NORI, which were highly successful. While we were planning and

  • March Minutes - A view from the top

    0546:  Wake up my two girls (twins) for breakfast before going to the sitter's house. 0547:  They say, "We have to get up early again?" My reply, "Only if you want anything to eat between now and lunch."0630:  Drive to the tower. It only takes 15 minutes, but I like to be early for the briefing so

  • Candid Comments - How do you support children?

    We feature Candid Comments on the back page of The Beacon on a regular basis.  April is the Month of the Military Child, so we asked Team March members what they did to support their child or children.  Here are the answers we published.  Master Sgt. Michael Maple, pictured with his wife, Malee, and

  • 63 Years of Air Force Reserve

    On April 14, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed legislation formally establishing the Air Force Reserve as a separate organization. He envisioned a program whereby reservists would stand ready to serve as replacements for regular Air Force members during wartime. President Truman's vision of a

  • March Minutes - What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas

    2045 :  Just got home from spending all day shuttling daughter to and from her middle school performances of "Glee." Great shows! Exhausted and need to make cakes for two office birthdays.2047:  Walk into house. Met by hubby who says, "Pack your bags, we're going to Vegas to have a baby!" Isn't it

  • Channels of conflict resolution

    I encourage Team March members to utilize their command chain when they perceive there are issues that need to be addressed by leadership. There are also a number of organizations, such as the Wing Advisory Council, Company Grade Officers Council, Rising Six, etc., that also provide direct input

  • Are you who you think you are?

    Accurate self-perception and managing your expectations are two of the most important components of a successful career, but they are also two of the most difficult to achieve. Let's start with the basics. First, perception is reality. Second, everyone has their own perception; therefore, their own

  • The ultimate trust fall

    Have you ever played the "trust fall" game? You know, the one where you stretch out your arms, lock your knees, fall backward and trust someone to catch you before you hit the ground? It's a scary feeling, isn't it? For me, trust isn't something that comes naturally, even in normal, everyday