477th Fighter Group Commentaries

Air Force Resiliency : One Airman's journey to overcome adversity

Tech. Sgt. Brooke Garibay — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 20:02:00 GMT

When I hear the word resilience, I’ve seen that it is often followed by shrugs that seem to say, “Here we go again, another briefing.” The Air Force teaches that resilience is the ability to withstand, recover, and “bounce back” in the face of adversity. I have learned that just because you are resilient enough to withstand one challenging life event, doesn’t always mean you will get through the next one the same way.

Suicide Awareness: The little things

Senior Airman Thomas Karol — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:49:00 GMT

Loss is something some people will experience in their lives. It is a constant part of who we are, and it can sometimes shape our personalities. This is why resilience is so important and can help us to deal with difficult situations. As a person who has experienced loss, I would like to share my experience, how I found my way out and was able to move on from it.

The OSI Today Podcast…2 years later

Wayne Amann — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 19:34:00 GMT

Sept. 30, 2022, marks a significant milestone in podcasting history. Since 2015 it's been observed as International Podcast Day to celebrate the power of podcasts. Here is the current state of OSI Today, the podcast featuring News and Views from around the Office of Special Investigations.

NCO recognized with 2nd volunteer medal – encourages Airman volunteers to apply

Technical Sgt. Justin Heitzmann — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:09:00 GMT

Volunteerism is a staple of the Air Force’s servant culture. For me, giving back to my community is just one way I can show that I care and see myself as contributing member of a shared “backyard”. Volunteering has many benefits for Airmen, but one of the most tangible is the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM). Service members can earn this award for direct, sustained, and consequential volunteerism, and they can earn it multiple times.

Always Have a Plan B

Andrew G. Cosner, AFDW/A6 Cybersecurity Lead — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 00:32:00 GMT

There’s a saying among cyber professionals: “People generally tend to put a good backup plan in

ONE LAST TIME

Lt. Gen. Richard W. Scobee — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:26:00 GMT

Heroes of the Air Force Reserve,Next month, I will relinquish command, surrounded by my colleagues,

IT TAKES A WINGMAN

Chief Master Sgt. Timothy White — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:15:00 GMT

Teammates,As I round the final lap of my career, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the things that

July Chief's Perspective

Chief Master Sgt. Robert McNeal — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 13:53:00 GMT

With the end of a military career that has spanned over 34 years, including four years as the Chief of Security Forces, there have been countless opportunities to reflect on the numerous aspects of my military career that got me here. Still, the most crucial element that comes to mind is my goal of striving to be the leader I would want to follow.

July Fitness Tips

Michelle Walker — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 13:52:00 GMT

How to enjoy some of your favorite summer activities and burn 300 calories having fun!

Juneteenth: A celebration of one of America’s greatest triumphs

Lt. Col. Marcus McWilliams — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:24:00 GMT

Signed into law as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth, sometimes referred to as Emancipation Day, has a long tradition as a cultural holiday amongst black Americans. The holiday officially commemorates the occasion of the last American slaves being set free in 1865 in Texas, following the Civil War.

A Note from Your Chaplain - June 2022 UTA

Chaplain Ben Butcher — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 22:47:00 GMT

Welcome to June UTA,Last month as I visited our units, I asked the question, “What keeps you going

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Dr. Stephanie Grant, Director of Psychological Health — Tue, 31 May 2022 14:50:00 GMT

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a great time of year to bring awareness to mental health issues and available resources. Mental health affects all of us. It has a big influence on our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Creating a culture where seeking help is brave will reduce stigma and increase resilience. Paying attention to early warning signs in our own lives and with our fellow wingman is essential to maintaining a ready force.

Mental health awareness and my story

A U.S. Air Force Major — Tue, 31 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Today the importance of mental health and treatment for mental illness is taken more seriously. Mental illness, like any physical injury, can be healed. Sometimes it can heal on its own like a cut or a bruise, but oftentimes, because of its severity, it takes medical intervention to treat it, like a broken bone. A U.S. Air Force major gives us his insights and shares his personal story to encourage others to get help when they need it.

Staying cyber safe over Memorial Day weekend

Andrew G. Cosner, AFDW/A6 Cybersecurity Lead — Fri, 27 May 2022 15:29:00 GMT

Officially, Memorial Day in the United States is the day we set aside to remember and honor those

CAPACITY, ACCESSIBILITY AND VALUE

Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee — Tue, 10 May 2022 14:09:00 GMT

About six months ago, I had the honor of representing our nation at the annual NATO days in the Czech Republic. The primary focus of my visit was to continue to strengthen military-to‑military relationships across the alliance. Foremost in the minds of our allies was increasing Russian aggression. I also sat on a panel to discuss the role of disruptive technology on the nature of warfare.

EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEADERSHIP

Chief Master Sgt. Timothy C. White Jr. — Tue, 10 May 2022 14:00:00 GMT

As I look back on the past year, we have seen some crises begin to wane. Operation Allies Refuge and Operation Allies Welcome safely resettled more than 70,000 Afghans into the United States. The effectiveness of our pandemic response has enabled nearly all of our bases to return to Health Protection Condition Alpha. A budget has passed, which will enable the stability we need to complete our missions.

Sampson scratches, sneezes and stinks

Dr. Jemma Pipkin, DVM — Sun, 01 May 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Allergies are annoying, especially when Sampson starts licking obsessively at his feet in the middle of the night in your bedroom. Sampson is also annoyed by the itch he can’t seem to get rid of. Fortunately, we’re here to help with knowledge, experience and products during this blooming time of year.

Department of Defense Launches New Cyber Awareness Campaign

Andrew G. Cosner, AFDW/A6 Cybersecurity Lead — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:41:00 GMT

The first email in history was sent in 1971, by a computer engineer named Ray Tomlinson. Later that

After high school: Talking with your young adult about underage drinking

Mr. Matthew Palmisano — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:37:00 GMT

High school students typically graduate in late May or possibly early June. While they’re wrapping up high school studies, high school seniors make important decisions about the rest of their lives. Some choose to pursue a college degree immediately, and others may decide to join the workforce or military or delay college enrollment.

Servant Leaders

Master Sgt. Amy Schwiesow — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 15:40:00 GMT

Many individuals feel that servant leadership is an oxymoron because they do not feel they can serve and lead at the same time: they are incorrect. Servant leaders put the needs of their followers above their own, and in turn their followers continue to grow and prosper in the organization. Servant leaders need to be authentic and truly care about their subordinates. Servant leaders focus on empowering their followers, and sharing in the responsibility of decision making. They accomplish this with honesty and fairness.