Commentary Search

  • Nature's hazards: poisonous plants

    State parks and woodlands are favorite places for many people who enjoy outdoor activities. Unfortunately, contact with poisonous plants can make these outings a miserable experience. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac all contain the plant oil urushiol, which can cause severe skin rash when

  • Independence Day is a day of gratitude

    The Fourth of July is a day of celebration. Whether with parades, fireworks, backyard barbecues or enjoying a baseball game, we Americans will soon celebrate our nation's birthday.Our founding fathers' vision of a free nation was commemorated in 1776 in the Declaration of Independence. They believed

  • Dialing 911 from cell versus landline affects call route

    Eglin is a little piece of paradise enjoyed by thousands of military personnel, civil service employees and contractors.Amongst many of Eglin's characteristics making it one of the most unique military installations, to include its impressive 724 square miles of land and award-winning environmental

  • Nature's hazards: Mosquito-borne diseases

    Mosquito bites can be annoying, but they can also cause serious viral diseases, such as Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya and Dengue. If an infected mosquito bites a bird or mammal, including humans, it can transmit the illness to them.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West

  • Registering, requesting absentee ballots

    To register to vote in the following states, visit FVAP.gov now to complete a registration application and request an absentee ballots for the presidential preference primaries (P), federal primaries (F) and State primaries (S).  Here are some important dates for individual states.*July - 30 Day

  • Memorial Day a time to honor the fallen

    For many of us, Memorial Day kicks off the summer season.  Families will gather for cookouts, go boating or swim at the pool. While you enjoy these activities, please be mindful of your safety. But as we spend time with friends and family, let us be reminded of the most important meaning of this

  • Absentee voting info ahead of NC primaries

    North Carolina holds a congressional primary June 7. This election date represents a change in the election calendar due to court challenges with the existing redistricting plan. The June 7 primary ballot contains North Carolina state supreme court candidates and U.S. House of Representatives

  • Children's online activities include cell phones

    When considering children's online activities, the cell phone is as equally important. Cell phones have evolved from simple communication devices to mobile, miniature computers.For example, smartphones have operating systems similar to computers that allow users to download programs or "apps." These

  • Facts about partisan political activity

    As the 2016 presidential election draws near, it's critical all service members and federal civilian employees understand the rules about partisan political activities.  The most important is all personnel are strictly prohibited from engaging in any partisan political activity in the