# Air Force Link Commentaries

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- Commentary: Leadership lessons from my deathbed On August 15, 2022, I asked to relinquish command after only 15 months in the seat. My commander, having watched my health rapidly decline over the past few months, to include losing large chunks of my hair, agreed.
- Breaking silence: Shattering the taboo of mental health As members of the Air Force community, it’s important that we prioritize our mental health and encourage others to do the same. 
- Air Force Memorial turns 16 Honoring the service of the personnel of the United States Air Force and its heritage organizations, the U.S. Air Force Memorial turns 16.
- Intentionality is key: Perspectives from a first-time JWLS emcee Tech. Sgt. Joan Olmo served as master of ceremonies during the Air Force portion of the 33rd annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium in Norfolk, Va.. July 10-13.
- A day in the life: CMSAF Bass visits Robins AFB Staff Sgt. Terrell McWilliams, 78th Comptroller Squadron Commander Support Staff noncommissioned officer in charge, shadowed Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass for a day while she visited Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
- Meaningful mental health panel works to end minority stigma The Hispanic Empowerment and Advancement Team’s Mental Health Real Talk: Mental Health and Minority Communities panel featured mental health professionals across the Department of the Air Force with one common characteristic: they belong to a minority group, which provides them with a unique perspective on mental health and resiliency within the minority community. 
- A culture of inclusion is key to success In recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility, AFMC’s LGBTQ Initiatives Team highlights the importance of inclusion for transgender people across the mission and how individuals can support the command and Air Force-wide inclusion efforts.
- For the talking circle: Celebrating a journey, looking to the future In the Department of the Air Force, the Indigenous Nations Equality Team (INET) is working to further that sharing and increase awareness of our cultures and what we bring with us when we become part of the Air Force and Space Force.
- Zero Discrimination Day is an opportunity for inclusive leadership, taking action Zero Discrimination Day provides an opportunity for our Airmen and Guardians to leverage inclusive leadership, to have conversations about the importance of ensuring equitable treatment that enables our total force to give their most to accomplishing the Department’s missions.
- A Culture of Modernization is a mindset, not a buzz phrase While our Air Force’s weapon systems and the way we fight have evolved through the years, our adversaries have continued to find ways to match our capabilities. The challenge of navigating government bureaucracy – with decades of institutional inertia – threatens our ability to innovate and modernize the Department of the Air Force across the enterprise; from weapon systems to business systems.
- What is 'purpose?' In a recent study, 57% of younger Americans said when developing their career priorities, the most important is to do work that is enjoyable and meaningful, as this is what keeps them most engaged.
- CMSAF Bass highlights 17th TRW achievements I was anticipating the arrival of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass and Team 19. For the past three years I have been assigned to 17th Training Wing Public Affairs, I have documented many Goodfellow Air Force Base moments, distinguished visitors, and events, but this visit was different.
- It’s okay to ask for help This commentary reflects one Airman’s personal experiences seeking mental health treatment throughout his time in the Air Force, and the positive impact it has had on his life and career.
- The summer before 9/11 The year 2001 represented change for the nation. In January, President George W. Bush took office and began selecting his cabinet. However, the controversy over the Florida election returns, and “hanging chads,” delayed the appointment of defense officials even more than in previous years.
- Empowered Airmen accelerate change in Air Force training Last August, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force provided his marching orders: Airmen must be prepared to accelerate positive change and have the courage to question the status quo. Senior Airman Gabrielle DeQuire, 17th Operational Weather Squadron weather journeyman, was given an incredible opportunity to do so.
- I am part of Team 19 Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass and her team visited Offutt Air Force Base to visit with Airmen, the sixth chief master sergeant of the Air Force and to learn more about their mission.
- A short history of integration in the US armed forces The 514th Air Mobility Wing Historians Office, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., presents a paper on the integration of the U.S. armed services. This discussion investigates the numerous examples of Black military service, with Black Americans fighting in every United States conflict from the American War for Independence to present day. It also explores how the military valor of African Americans helped end limited martial involvement and segregated military service.
- Where does responsibility start? The Air Force teaches us as Airmen three core values that are ingrained into our minds from the first “... I solemnly affirm .... So help me God” of our oath to this country: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do. These core values guide us and give us a foundation for leadership, decision-making and success; but (and there’s that pesky word again) what if you lack personal responsibility?
- Warrior braids and the Air Force Women’s Initiative Team – the invisible labor behind diversity, inclusion, and institutional change Cast your gaze across the faces of U.S. Air Force servicewomen in the days after Feb. 10, 2021, and you cannot help but notice the joyous reaction to the service’s recent change in its hair standards for women.
- Raised on resiliency: How military parents shape their child’s experiences As a military child, I didn’t realize what I was facing wasn’t what other children my age were experiencing. Now, I am a brand-new mother and a dual military spouse. My husband, Brendan, and I grew up as military children in two very different ways, but both of us came to understand what it meant to be resilient.