• Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Estes in Silver Talon Spotlight for December

    Hometown: Poplar Bluff, Mo.Organization: 71st Medical Operations Squadron Duty title: NCOIC, Bioenvironmental Engineering Time on Silver Talon Team: 15 months What has been the best part of serving on the Silver Talon team? "Seeing Oklahoma! You get a chance to travel all over and see some of the

  • Are you legally ready to deploy?

    None of us would ever deploy to a combat zone without a flack vest and helmet. Why? These items provide us with protection . . . and a little peace of mind. Likewise, most of us are willing to take the pain associated with the various inoculations providing protection from biological attack. While

  • Watch FAT during the holidays

    When you hear the word fat, many people think of the body and physical fitness. Now I want you to think about self-care and emotional health: Feelings, Actions and Thoughts. These are three main areas that need your attention not just during the holidays, but daily. The holidays bring stress to the

  • Medical corner: Food handling safety for the holidays

    American tradition calls for food, and lots of it, during the holiday season. The following are tips for safe food handling so your holiday will be filled with healthy good cheer. Wash hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and after using the restroom,

  • Check your lines: Proper wear of headgear

    This week, I ask you to check your lines on hats. Examine your own and check your Wingman. We all have the basics of headgear down solid. If you are outside, have a hat on your head unless you are on the flightline or in specific no-headgear areas. If you are indoors, take off your hat. When it

  • Check your lines: Sunglasses in uniform

    This week, I ask you to check your lines on the wear of sunglasses in uniform. Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultra-violet radiation, cut down on glare and generally make a sunny day more enjoyable. When in uniform, the only place you can display sunglasses is across the bridge of your nose.

  • Medical corner: Effects of alcohol

    Countless people use the common drug alcohol, in the form of adult beverages, to socialize, celebrate and even relax, not realizing the damaging and life changing consequences. To understand the effects of alcohol, one must look at how it directly affects the human body, both mentally and

  • Medical corner: Tobacco effects – in case you need a reminder

    I know a doctor that always asks his patients who smoke, "how is your cancer medication treating you?" He claims to get a profound response nearly every time. In my experience, I find that people know the most significant risk of tobacco usage - cancer -- and get defensive when a health care

  • Check your lines: Customs and courtesies

    This week, I ask you to check your lines on some customs and courtesies. What messages are you sending people with your actions, or inactions? What example are you setting for others? Don't forget what you were taught in your initial military training. If a senior-ranking officer is within the

  • Check your lines: Proper carry of backpacks, purses

    As promised, (http://www.vance.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123123807), I want Team Vance to check its lines. This week, I ask you to check your lines on bags. Examine your own, and check your Wingmen. From our dress and appearance guide, AFI 36-2903, there are two main points to remember. If you are