In trying times, small things become more special; a single photo, a favorite hat, or a kitschy souvenir from a dear friend. Those small things are like treasure for the soul.
By those measures, California Air National Guard Lt. Col. Patrick Cichon found a treasure trove in his father’s old trunk. However, these valuables only held value an ocean away.
Cichon, 129th Medical Group commander, stumbled upon letters, memento pieces, pictures and more from his dad’s time in the military during World War II. The language was foreign yet familiar; it was Japanese, the language he now shared after decades spent with his wife.
Cichon is dedicated to empowering and building relationships within the Japanese-American communities in...
In celebration of Pride Month, the 163d Attack Wing honors its diverse Airmen, highlighting the importance of authenticity and inclusivity. Tech. Sergeant Cecelia Slough, a cyberspace operations specialist, shares her journey of understanding Pride Month and its significance in the military. Reflecting on the history of LGBTQ+ rights within the Air Force, from the restrictive policies of the past to the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," she...
The essence of military service, emphasizing the profound question of why individuals serve in the armed forces. It highlights the exceptional dedication of those who grasp the intricacies of their mission, emphasizing the U.S. Air Force's crucial role in prevailing in the modern landscape of Great Power Competition (GPC). Command Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams stresses the importance of strategic understanding and adaptation, urging...
Staff Sgt. Angel Mora, 163rd Operations Support Squadron information analyst, takes that idea of “systems” to it’s most basic, yet most complicated, form: programming systems for the Air Force, writ large.
Upon enlistment, many Airmen set out to accomplish one goal or another. Attaining rank, going to school, or seeking healthcare for family all come to mind; alongside the honor of service to state and country. But what happens when the ride is nearly over? Accolades and success are boon companions, and the end of service date looms ever closer. What do the final days afield look like? For California Air National Guardsman Tech. Sgt. Erik...
