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  • Combat brothers reunite at inauguration with new roles, common mission

    I've heard that Marines share a special bond, rivaling that of any other branch of the service. Last week, I witnessed the depth of it first-hand. It was the seventh anniversary of their 2010 mission in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. David Nichols, now a Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman with the 193rd

  • Chief Burke: 'Focus on being the best you can be each day'

    Q:  Could you describe your job at the 193rd Special Operations Wing?A: I am the 193rd Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron Supply Superintendent.  We provide supplies and parts, from paper and personnel mobility gear to highly technical electronics for the Commando Solo mission. I always

  • Son's birthday wish honored

    My daughter recently turned 9 years old. For months prior to her birthday, she explained to her mother and I what she wanted. Her requests ranged from a bunny to the weaver loom, to a cell phone, to an iPod cover. That's just a few of the items she wanted.Tech. Sgt. Ryon Gingrich, 193rd Special

  • Leading by example: The road to chief master sergeant

    (The following interview with Chief Master Sgt. Sue Thario is the second in a series that explores the responsibilities, challenges and opportunities associated with attaining the rank of chief master sergeant. The first article appeared in the February 2013 edition of Scope.) Q: How would you

  • The 28 miles that changed my perspective

    When I first saw an ad for the Second Annual Pennsylvania National Guard March for the Fallen, I thought, "I've run two marathons; I can enter the personal challenge division and walk 28 miles." A few weeks later, however, I was talking to a fellow Airman about the event and he encouraged me to

  • 'We fear no evil'

    When will our enemies realize that acts of terror do not break our will? In fact, evil acts perpetrated against us as a nation have historically strengthened our resolve. As the video of the attack on the Boston Marathon spectators is replayed on the news, I hope terrorists are disappointed by the

  • Do you know proper military funeral etiquette?

    A military funeral is a solemn and memorable way to commemorate the lives of those who have served their country. The purpose of a military funeral is to be a formal and respectful event, which includes proper military etiquette on the part of the mourners. During a military funeral, members of the

  • 'Showing up' half the battle

    The American spirit is alive and well. You need look no further than a previously unknown Spc. Zachary Boyd, 19, of Fort Worth, Texas, who reminded us not only that our latest generation of combat veteran carries the grit and perseverance to succeed on the battlefield, but that service before self