Oct. 27, 2009

Korean War veterans: I'm here because of you

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — I realized today that without our Korean War veterans, I would not exist. I was one of three Langley Airmen who volunteered to represent the Air Force at the Korean War Memorial in Virginia Beach. All military branches were represented at the service; all in service dress. Every seat in the ballroom was taken by a Korean War veteran, their spouses,

Sept. 23, 2009

Don't lead me on, just lead me!

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — "The Air Force is built upon the hard work and dedication of its Airmen." "Young Airmen are the future of the Air Force." We've all heard these statements before, whether at a change-of-command ceremony, a commander's call, or any other official Air force function. Those who have made these statements are valid in their convictions; young Airmen

Aug. 26, 2009

Take a breather

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — Within the military culture of standardized procedures, protocols and regulations are people with characters and quirks. Although every Airman wears the same uniform, they remain the owner of their individual, unique personality. Remaining professional is pivotal, but it's also important to maintain who you are, and not let the stresses of work get

Aug. 12, 2009

Saving now pays later

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — Between filling up the gas tank, keeping clothes on my back and buying the occasional movie or game, I barely have enough money to put away in order to establish a worthy savings account balance. It's a pretty expensive world we live in. I had thought that perhaps "being broke" is just a sign of the times; however, after some careful thought and

Aug. 11, 2009

First-duty-station blues be gone

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — At your first duty station and feeling overwhelmed? A lot of Airmen feel this way because their first year in the Air Force is filled with change. Lifestyle, dress, appearance, attitude and location changes begin the day they step off the bus at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The transformation continues from basic military training to technical

Aug. 4, 2009

Don't be 'decibel delinquents'

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — It's a Friday night, and Langley Airmen are kicking back, basking in the end of the work week and the arrival of the weekend. The gazebos are full of laughter and jokes, and the dormitory grounds resonate with life. Then there's the music. The droning, thumping music. Music that is simply too loud. Many of us enjoy the excitement of the weekends,

Aug. 3, 2009

Airmen should focus on new PT program

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — The sweltering August sun loomed high in the sky, and the air was thick with moisture. Every time I inhaled, it felt almost like I was breathing in mist. The heat and humidity, a staple of Hampton Roads' summer climate, weighed down on me hard, wicking the sweat (and the energy) right out of me as I ran along the running trail that encircles the

July 21, 2009

Friends don't let friends get scammed

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — A friend recently fell victim to the latest credit card scam, callers posing as Visa and MasterCard representatives in an attempt to obtain credit card personal identification numbers. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself. The scam works like this: Caller: "This

June 8, 2009

Energy and sports drinks: friend or foe?

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — Do you work full time, go to school, play sports, or do you just crave some oomph in your life? Energy drinks are readily available and seem to be a fast way to get your fix. They are popular in today's society for increasing your stamina and giving you that bright-eyed, bushy tail appearance. Unfortunately, energy drinks and sports drinks do have

May 18, 2009

Giving thanks

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — There are so many special moments that occur throughout our lives that we often take them for granted and fail to take time to truly appreciate them.  We sometimes let those moments pass without giving thanks to those who made them possible. I will be forever thankful for each and every moment I spent with my husband, Col. Jim "Strapper" Gilstrap,