Vance Air Force Base Commentaries

Get your legal affairs in order before the next deployment

Peter Kezar — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:22:00 GMT

For a military servicemember, deployment can be complex and challenging. There are a variety of factors to consider, from complying with relevant laws and regulations to mitigating potential risks.

Three generations of Air Force pilots -- the Wasserstrom legacy

Capt. Adam Wasserstrom — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 17:46:45 GMT

Capt. Adam Wasserstrom, a first assignment instructor pilot at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is not the first Wasserstrom to be a pilot in the Air Force. Nor is he the second. Wasserstrom is a third-generation Air Force pilot, and second-generation FAIP.

A legacy of hard work, military service, pursuing the American Dream

2nd Lt. Gavin Kim — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:53:00 GMT

I am 2nd Lt. Gavin Kim and this is my story.

Father's experience in IDF shaped lieutenant's sense of service to country

2nd Lt. Jonathan Soferr — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 20:50:00 GMT

My father was born in Israel and served in the Israeli Defense Force for many of his formative years. It was his experience that shaped my sense of service.

Girls Fly Too Airshow re-instills love for the job

1st Lt. Elizbeth Denton — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:44:00 GMT

The Girls Fly Too Airshow reminded me that even on the bad days, this profession is worth it. This airshow changed more than my perspective on my uniform; it changed my mindset. It changed the way I view my coworkers, my peers, and myself. The most memorable moment for me was when a little girl with a unicorn headband walked into my cockpit, climbed into the co-pilot seat, and said, “I want to be a pilot!” Who knew a tiny statement could be so profound. That moment made it all worth it.

Helping Airmen – first sergeants make a difference

Master Sgt. Christopher Boles — Tue, 19 May 2020 21:53:00 GMT

I became a first sergeant to help Airmen and to make a difference in their lives.

Staying connected while social distancing

Airman 1st Class Zoë Perkins — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 16:35:34 GMT

With modern technology we have the ability to stay virtually connected with our family and friends while social distancing.

Mission-ready has become mission-first at any cost

Airman 1st Class Octavius J. Thompson — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 17:17:42 GMT

During the Resilience Tactical Pause in August, I had the chance to reflect on resiliency and the state of today’s Air Force. To me, it seems our status of always being ready turned into the mission coming first at any cost.

Boy Scout Troop 11 tours Vance, learns about mission up close

Staff Sgt. Michael Skehan — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 19:39:00 GMT

Boy Scout Troop 11 toured Vance Air Force Base, Wednesday, July 31.

Extending base-community ties through art, technology

Master Sgt. Tonita Sealy — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 20:11:00 GMT

The “Vance experience” is often described as being similar to a remote tour, just stateside. That definition alludes to the strong relationships that are formed at Vance.

Deployment -- It is what you make of it

Airman 1st Class Taylor Crul — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 15:35:31 GMT

Since joining the Air Force, I have often heard the saying, “it is what you make of it.” The base is what you make of it. The job is what you make of it. And most recently, a deployment is what you make of it.

Seen it done before (3 of 3) - Pride

Lt. Col. Nathan Perry — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 21:07:05 GMT

The day was bone chilling with a foot of snow. A three-day-old bull calf was bawling, stuck in a ravine, his leg broken. Momma cow, ears perked, was anxiously pacing and ready for any threat. Dad was there, but I was 18 years old and had seen it done before.

The sound of freedom: Is it louder than usual?

Capt. Bartholomew Dietrick — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 20:14:00 GMT

Since 1941, the roar of military aircraft in the sky has been a part of daily life in Enid, Oklahoma. An increase in the number of student pilots training at Vance Air Force Base and seasonal weather patterns may make that roar seem even louder lately.

Seen it done before (2 of 3) – Proficiency

Lt. Col. Nathan Perry — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 16:56:50 GMT

The day was balmy with huge cumulus clouds. My Angus show steer at the local county fair outweighed me 13:1. As I led him front and center to receive a Reserve Champion ribbon he was startled by applause from the crowd. My Dad has always said, “Hold onto that lead rope no matter what!”

Seen it done before (1 of 3) - Confidence

Lt. Col. Nathan Perry, 71st Operations Support Squadron director of operations — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 15:41:00 GMT

The day was overcast but breezy. She was struggling to survive in the cold but doing her best. I was only 10 years old but had seen it done before. Covered in mud, I pulled. She pushed. And a baby bull calf was born before my eyes.

Riding a roller coaster with camera in hand

Airman 1st Class Zachary Heal — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 17:13:54 GMT

“I doubt that plane will make me throw up. I have a strong stomach.”

Reflections on an Air Force career

Tech. Sgt. Manuel Feliz — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 20:26:53 GMT

There are many reasons people enlist in the military. Whatever those reasons are, they are usually most important at the beginning. As time passes and one matures, you learn to appreciate many other aspects of military service.

Know that you are ready

Senior Master Sgt. H. Dale Drake — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 19:48:00 GMT

There are Vance Airmen, current and alumni, playing a critical role in the day-to-day fight to decimate ISIS.

The secret to success in the Air Force

Lt. Col. Deirdre Gurry — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:50:00 GMT

What is it that makes an Airman great? It is simply showing up every day with pride and enthusiasm.

Building officers of character

Lt. Col. Pete Hansen — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 18:17:35 GMT

It is easy to get distracted from spending enough time teaching our junior officers how to lead, first themselves and then each other, in preparation to lead the subordinates for whom they will eventually be responsible.