944th Fighter Wing Commentaries https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil 944th Fighter Wing Commentaries RSS Feed en-us Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:00:00 GMT Wed, 20 Jan 2021 05:02:38 GMT How to survive parenting and keep your sanity https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2462070/how-to-survive-parenting-and-keep-your-sanity/ Being a parent is one of the most beautiful blessings we will ever receive.  Parents are experts at<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jan/04/2002559959/82/55/0/210104-F-QY236-001.JPG' alt='How to survive parenting and keep your sanity' /> <br /> Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:00:00 GMT Dr. Julie Reese https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2462070/how-to-survive-parenting-and-keep-your-sanity/ How to handle holiday stress https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2455600/how-to-handle-holiday-stress/ The holidays can bring a lot of stress along with the merriment. Take note of some ways to help reduce your stress so you can enjoy the festivities.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Dec/22/2002556537/82/55/0/201222-F-QY236-002.JPG' alt='Handling holiday stress' /> <br /> Wed, 30 Dec 2020 13:00:00 GMT Dr. Julie Reese https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2455600/how-to-handle-holiday-stress/ Managing finances during the holidays https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2455591/managing-finances-during-the-holidays/ The holidays are a time of celebrating and gift-giving, but can bring with it financial challenges if we are not careful. Learn some tips for managing finances during the holidays.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Dec/22/2002556535/82/55/0/201222-F-QY236-001.JPG' alt='Managing finances during the holidays' /> <br /> Wed, 23 Dec 2020 13:00:00 GMT Dr. Julie Reese https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2455591/managing-finances-during-the-holidays/ Remembering our Heritage: One Airman’s inspiration for service https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2377994/remembering-our-heritage-one-airmans-inspiration-for-service/ Every year since 1968, by presidential proclamation, September 15th through October 15th has been set aside to honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans. During this period of time each year we recognize the Hispanic population's significant achievements and contributions.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Oct/09/2002514809/82/55/0/201009-F-PA944-001.JPG' alt='Every year since 1968, by presidential proclamation, September 15th through October 15th has been set aside to honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans.' /> <br /> Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:00:00 GMT Master Sgt. Perla Tapia https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2377994/remembering-our-heritage-one-airmans-inspiration-for-service/ Serving Servicemembers’ children to start the school year https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2335059/serving-servicemembers-children-to-start-the-school-year/ The start of the 2020 school year is unlike one students, teachers, and parents have ever encountered before. School supplies and school shopping has taken on a completely new meaning, with most first days happening in living rooms through virtually learning.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/02/2002490208/82/55/0/200803-F-XK427-006.JPG' alt='The start of the 2020 school year is unlike one students, teachers, and parents have ever encountered before. School supplies and school shopping has taken on a completely new meaning, with most first days happening in living rooms through virtually learning.' /> <br /> Thu, 03 Sep 2020 00:58:10 GMT Staff Sgt. Tyler Bolken https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2335059/serving-servicemembers-children-to-start-the-school-year/ Blaming Victims - Comforting Ourselves https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2315440/blaming-victims-comforting-ourselves/ Victim blaming is not exclusive to sexual assault or even crime. You may hear of a friend’s home being burglarized and think, they should not have bought a house in that neighborhood, but you may also have heard of an acquaintance passing away in a car accident and rationalized that they probably fell asleep at the wheel. Again, these thoughts comfort us with false control over our own lives. However, sexual assault victim blaming can be especially heinous as many victims find themselves targets of bullying, ostracism, and reprisal. <br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Aug/17/2002478806/82/55/0/200111-F-BH151-0200.JPG' alt='Victim blaming is not exclusive to sexual assault or even crime. You may hear of a friend’s home being burglarized and think, they should not have bought a house in that neighborhood, but you may also have heard of an acquaintance passing away in a car accident and rationalized that they probably fell asleep at the wheel.' /> <br /> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 20:11:08 GMT 1 Lt Joleen Dedmon https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2315440/blaming-victims-comforting-ourselves/ The Founding of America https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2244029/the-founding-of-america/ The words that open the Declaration of Independence are some of the most profound and inspiring words that have been written on behalf of a revolution. The American War for Independence was one of the first of its kind to be fought against a mother nation. <br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/04/2002390080/82/55/0/200704-F-PA944-0101.JPG' alt='Declaration Signing' /> <br /> Sat, 04 Jul 2020 11:00:00 GMT Jessica Lawson https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2244029/the-founding-of-america/ Resilience https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2201919/resilience/ Resiliency is the ability to cope and quickly bounce back from setbacks and challenges that arise, displaying a higher level of strength than before.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/17/2002196667/82/55/0/190924-F-KV675-0003.JPG' alt='To help Airmen who may be struggling or those who just need to talk, the 944th Fighter Wing’s Director of Psychological Health is at the ready to address mental health concerns faced by these Airmen and their families.' /> <br /> Fri, 05 Jun 2020 14:00:00 GMT Dr. Julie Reese https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2201919/resilience/ Power of Play https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2155064/power-of-play/ While practicing social distancing, parents/caregivers are now wearing the hat of teacher. For some, this has raised concerns of inadequacy, frustrations with properly presenting academics and being a “good” mom or dad as defined by spending enough time teaching to ensure their children do not fall behind in their learning.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/17/2002196667/82/55/0/190924-F-KV675-0003.JPG' alt='To help Airmen who may be struggling or those who just need to talk, the 944th Fighter Wing’s Director of Psychological Health is at the ready to address mental health concerns faced by these Airmen and their families.' /> <br /> Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:00:00 GMT Dr. Julie Reese https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2155064/power-of-play/ Spiritually Quarantined https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2130774/spiritually-quarantined/ What a time to be alive! I know you are wondering, “What the heck are you talking about, Chap?” We<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2014/Jun/25/2002272075/82/55/0/140622-F-PB969-027.JPG' alt='A U.S. Air Force Airman looks at his bible during a service at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 22, 2014. The Chaplain’s priorities here are to enhance Airmen’s readiness by preparing them with spiritual resiliency, engaging them through ministry of presence and spiritual care and ensuring worship and religious education opportunities are available to all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez/Released)' /> <br /> Mon, 20 Apr 2020 19:30:00 GMT Chaplain Azariah Terrell https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2130774/spiritually-quarantined/ Adapt and Overcome https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2130493/adapt-and-overcome/ One of my favorite courses in school was photography. This course taught me various lessons about<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Mar/30/2002271973/82/55/0/180422-A-LK885-405.JPG' alt='Col. Michael Canon, a chaplain from the 200th Military Police Command, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, prays at a church service during annual training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, April 22, 2018. On order, the 200th MP Command can deploy as the theater enabling commander for military police operations in support of combatant or joint task force commanders, providing mission command for all MP assets and synchronizing all MP operational planning and support. During such operations, the 200th MP Command is designated as the theater provost marshall and commander of detainee operations. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Elizabeth Taylor)' /> <br /> Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:00:00 GMT Chaplain. Jasmin Luck https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2130493/adapt-and-overcome/ Connect, Invest and Stand https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2130618/connect-invest-and-stand/ Today I looked down to the gold wedding ring on my left hand. I was reminded that the process of<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Mar/30/2002271974/82/55/0/181014-M-PK423-943.JPG' alt='A Sailor reads a bible during Protestant church service aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Oct. 14. Church services allow Marines and Sailors to practice their faith while underway. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gumchol Cho)' /> <br /> Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:30:00 GMT Chaplain Jon Ledbetter https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2130618/connect-invest-and-stand/ Accepting Uncertainty https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2135972/accepting-uncertainty/ During times of uncertainty, it is important to practice tolerance and a steady calmness. Anxiety is common during these times; however, decisions made out of fear tend to be irrational and reactive. Strive for proactivity, positive thoughts and balance, which will counter the urge to perseverate on the “what ifs.”<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/17/2002196667/82/55/0/190924-F-KV675-0003.JPG' alt='To help Airmen who may be struggling or those who just need to talk, the 944th Fighter Wing’s Director of Psychological Health is at the ready to address mental health concerns faced by these Airmen and their families.' /> <br /> Fri, 03 Apr 2020 15:25:50 GMT Dr. Julie Reese https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2135972/accepting-uncertainty/ Perseverance Amid Crisis https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2130402/perseverance-amid-crisis/ We are going through another significant and unforgettable chapter in human history. An event that<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Mar/30/2002271898/82/55/0/191111-Z-GX612-1047.JPG' alt='A bible is seen at Lest military training center, Slovakia, Nov. 11, 2019. Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment, 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 38th Infantry Division, Indiana Army National Guard deployed to Slovakia for Slovak Shield 2019, a joint war-fighting exercise involving six NATO countries. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Jonathan W. Padish)' /> <br /> Mon, 30 Mar 2020 16:29:11 GMT Chaplain Daniel Llorente https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2130402/perseverance-amid-crisis/ Forced timeout equals bonus time https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2115265/forced-timeout-equals-bonus-time/ How a forced time out can provide bonus time for quality of life changes you may not have considered.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Mar/17/2002265931/82/55/0/200113-F-CX918-0003.JPG' alt='Photo of an F-16 day flight with a faded moon in the background' /> <br /> Tue, 17 Mar 2020 22:47:01 GMT Chaplain David Kreis https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2115265/forced-timeout-equals-bonus-time/ Happiness, contentment and positivity https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2093321/happiness-contentment-and-positivity/ Happiness, contentment and positivity are a choice! When times are tough, and stressors are overwhelming, it takes intentionality to look around you and see positivity.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/17/2002196667/82/55/0/190924-F-KV675-0003.JPG' alt='To help Airmen who may be struggling or those who just need to talk, the 944th Fighter Wing’s Director of Psychological Health is at the ready to address mental health concerns faced by these Airmen and their families.' /> <br /> Wed, 26 Feb 2020 15:00:00 GMT Dr. Julie Reese https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2093321/happiness-contentment-and-positivity/ The 307th Fighter Squadron https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2050397/the-307th-fighter-squadron/ While assigned to the 31st Fighter Group, the 307th first saw combat in August of 1942 when they began attacking Germany’s position in occupied France.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jan/03/2002230632/82/55/0/200103-F-PA944-1000.JPG' alt='The 307th found themselves in the thick of the action when they were one of the first American combat aerial squadrons sent to aid the Royal Air Force in their push against Nazi Germany.' /> <br /> Sat, 11 Jan 2020 17:00:00 GMT Jessica Johnson https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2050397/the-307th-fighter-squadron/ Approaching each day with strength and positivity https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2047789/approaching-each-day-with-strength-and-positivity/ As we embark upon the New Year, it is important to focus on individual areas of potential growth and opportunities for strength building. <br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/17/2002196667/82/55/0/190924-F-KV675-0003.JPG' alt='To help Airmen who may be struggling or those who just need to talk, the 944th Fighter Wing’s Director of Psychological Health is at the ready to address mental health concerns faced by these Airmen and their families.' /> <br /> Tue, 31 Dec 2019 15:00:00 GMT Dr. Julie Reese https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2047789/approaching-each-day-with-strength-and-positivity/ How slight the sound of the bells were yet how it gently enlightened my soul https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2045804/how-slight-the-sound-of-the-bells-were-yet-how-it-gently-enlightened-my-soul/ As the microwave beeped and I moved toward my seat, I realized how slight the sound of the bells were yet how it had gently enlightened my soul for a moment. <br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2013/Dec/20/2002228220/82/55/0/131214-F-GV051-147.JPG' alt='A visit with Santa Claus is the highlight of the party at the 26th Annual Parents and Children Fighting Cancer Christmas Party Dec. 14, 2013, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. This event allowed PCFC families to spend the day in a winter wonderland offering food, entertainment, gifts, static displays, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. (U.S. Air Force photo/Aimee Fujikawa) ' /> <br /> Tue, 24 Dec 2019 15:00:00 GMT Chaplain David Kreis https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2045804/how-slight-the-sound-of-the-bells-were-yet-how-it-gently-enlightened-my-soul/ Recognition of the “Goat” or “Anchorman” https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2010181/recognition-of-the-goat-or-anchorman/ The recognition category that caught my attention, was not for being Summa or Magna Cum Laude, or Valedictorian, but rather recognition of the “Goat” or “Anchorman,” the last academically ranked Cadet of their class<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Nov/06/2002207086/82/55/0/191004-F-XA522-0003.JPG' alt='The recognition category that caught my attention, was not for being Summa or Magna Cum Laude, or Valedictorian, but rather recognition of the “Goat” or “Anchorman,”' /> <br /> Wed, 20 Nov 2019 15:00:00 GMT Lt. Col. Hayley Wihongi https://www.944fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/2010181/recognition-of-the-goat-or-anchorman/