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  • How to prevent turkey-related fires

    From 2007 through 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to 156,600 home cooking fires on average per year. These fires caused an average of 400 deaths, 5,080 injuries and more than $850 million in property damage annually, according to www.nfpa.org.Adhering to the following safety tips will reduce the risk of fire when cooking holiday meals:

  • Synthetic Marijuana: What Parents Should Know

    Last year, 11 percent of high school seniors reported use of synthetic marijuana, also called Spice, according to the 2012 Monitoring the Future Survey, which measured drug, alcohol and cigarette use among U.S. adolescents. Spice refers to a wide variety of herbal mixtures which produce experiences similar to marijuana, said Capt. Shannon Branlund,
  • Chief Master Sgt. Scott Doremus, maintenance superintendent of the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stands by an EC-130E Commando Solo on loan to the Carolinas Aviation Museum in Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 19, 2013. The EC-130E has been in service in the Air Force for more than 50 years and among its many distinguished combat missions flew during Operation Eagle Claw, an attempt to rescue U.S. citizens held hostage in the U.S. embassy in Iran in 1980.

    Saving a C-130: Aircraft 1857

    She wasn't just any C-130. Throughout my 20 years with Aircraft 1857, I was always aware of her vast history. Not only did she fly more than seven years during the Vietnam War, but she also actively participated in Operation Eagle Claw as "Republic 5."This past year was her final operational year. She was due to retire in June to the boneyard at
  • (U.S. Air Force graphic/Staff Sgt. John Bainter)

    Poisoned by my own hand

    It was 2011, three-and-a-half years into my Air Force career at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. My day started like any other... I woke up to shower and brush my teeth to get ready for work. However, everything changed when I looked into the mirror. Something was wrong: the whites of my eyes were slightly yellow.Little did I know this would be the
  • Special Tactics candidates hold up items for inspection after completing a 12-mile ruck march in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Sept. 13, 2013. The Special Tactics candidates had four hours to complete the ruck march, which is one of the final tests they must pass before graduating technical school. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Krystal M. Garrett)

    Father, son journey to Black Beret

    When my children were very small, I took them to an air show featuring the Thunderbirds. This was the first time they were formally introduced to the Air Force.As the Thunderbirds went through precision drills, my eyes filled with tears as my life as an Airman flashed before me. I looked down, and my son looked at me with such reverence and
  • Christopher Columbus discovered the New World Oct. 12, 1942. Although most of the U.S. has celebrated Columbus Day since 1937, he has a mixed legacy due to misconceptions which have developed over time, according to the History Channel. (Courtesy photo)

    Misconceptions in history: Columbus Day

    Columbus Day became a federal holiday in 1937 to celebrate Christopher Columbus' landing in the New World Oct. 12, 1492. In some places, special church services, parades and large events are held for this holiday. Most celebrations are concentrated around the Italian-American community. However, Columbus Day is not actually a public holiday in
  • (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Naomi Griego)

    I'm pretty tired; I think I'll go home now

    "He sure is a running fool," "Run Forrest Run," "Momma always said you have to put the past behind you to move on."These were the words that played over and over in my head during my four months of training leading up to the Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 21. Can you tell I'm a Forrest Gump fanatic? As silly as
  • Several different types of wildlife share the base with the residents and personnel at Hurlburt Field.(courtesy photo)

    Alligator and snake sightings on the rise

    Snakes and alligators, just like other wildlife, are always present here at Hurlburt Field. However, the chances of encountering one of these cold-blooded creatures are greater than normal due to the increased levels of rain and flooding the area has faced recently.Below are a few facts about alligators and snakes, some tips on how to prevent
  • Senior Airman Joe W. McFadden, a photojournalist of 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs, salutes the Air Commando tablets at the Airpark at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 13, 2013. The stones bear the history of the 1st Air Commando Group dating back to the chindit flyers in Burma-Indo-China in 1943. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Christopher Callaway)

    The meaning of being an 'Air Commando'

    "Having Hurlburt Field on a set of orders does not make you an Air Commando-- you have to earn it." I wasn't sure what to make of that phrase when Vincent Milioti, former director of the Combat Aviation Advisor Qualification Course, told me it in October 2009. I was fresh out of technical school and reported here, my first duty station, a few weeks
  • (Courtesy photo)

    1st SOMDG offers school physicals

    In response to provider and parent feedback, the 1st Special Operations Medical Group will soon be providing individual appointments for children with their primary care provider for their annual wellness and school physical visits. The question you should be asking is whether or not your child needs a 'school physical' this year. This article will
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