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  • Mouth guards: Sports equipment that protects smiles

    It's easy to take some things for granted until they're suddenly gone. Have you ever thought about how it would feel if you lost one or two of your front teeth? You'd probably avoid smiling. It would be uncomfortable talking with someone face-to-face. It wouldn't be easy pronouncing certain words.

  • Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

    It's been almost 13 years since I joined the Air Force. To this day, I can still remember sitting at the Military Entrance Processing Station in San Juan, Puerto Rico, waiting to be taken to the airport. Little did I know that my six-year plan would turn into one of the best decisions I've ever

  • Flu season is around the corner

    If you have ever had the flu, you know it can knock you out, with family members, friends and co-workers not far behind. Today, it's more important than ever to have the correct facts about the flu and the vaccines available to prevent this dangerous respiratory disease. Every year, more than

  • Lead overexposure concern in the local area

    When people hear of lead overexposure, most think of children exposed to contaminated toys and old paint. Some people may also think of industrial workers who handle hazardous chemicals. However, a potential lead poisoning threat also exists in some of the hobbies we enjoy. One hobby, in particular,

  • Planning for extreme sports

    Extreme sports such as bungee jumping, parasailing and sky diving have become more popular among Airmen in recent years. For many Airmen, the lure of extreme sports correlates to some of the same reasons for joining the Air Force. The common personality traits include spontaneity,

  • On the other side of 'Bundles for Babies'

    A few months ago when I first arrived at Whiteman, new to the Air Force and new to the Public Affairs career field, I was tasked with writing a few short stories on the programs available for Airmen and their families.One such program was Bundles for Babies. I was excited; I've always thought babies

  • Protect yourself, your family from whooping cough

    In 2012, Missouri had an increase in confirmed and probable cases of pertussis. It is a year-round disease that typically peaks in the fall and winter during cold and flu season.Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable, respiratory disease that can be passed easily

  • To will, or not to will?

    During the 131st Bomb Wing's annual training week, I had the opportunity to visit with Lt. Col. Jason Klumb, 131st Bomb Wing staff judge advocate, and Master Sgt. Erika McFarlane, the unit's superintendent, to discuss what services the JAG office provides. While the legal office provides counsel to

  • Are your kids ready for school?

    Where has summer gone? Is it already time to get ready to go back to school? The answer is "yes." Unfortunately, the upcoming school season is upon us! That being said, you may need to add Immunizations to your checklist of things to do as a new school year will be here before we know it. Parents

  • Air Force Association: What’s in it for me?

    On a World War II bombing mission to Bremen, Germany, in December 1943, radio operator Tech. Sgt. Forrest Vosler was hit twice by 20 mm shrapnel after taking the place of one of the gunners. Despite his injuries, he managed to tend to the wounded tail gunner, repair the damaged radio equipment and