Over the years, the United States Air Force “Thunderbirds” have thrilled and inspired many across the globe. While serving on the team, many team members form tight bonds and lifelong friendships. To support the team and its alumni, the Thunderbirds Alumni Association (TBAA) was formed. Specifically, the TBAA exists to promote camaraderie between past and present members of the Thunderbirds and operates under the “Once A Thunderbird, Always A Thunderbird" mantra. Team members, once they complete their Thunderbirds assignment, have the option of joining the TBAA. More information on the TBAA is available at http://www.thunderbirdsalumni.org/thunderbirds-about.php. Additionally, for those looking to see the Thunderbirds perform, the 2018 and 2019 show schedules are available at http://afthunderbirds.com/site/show-season.The author, Brigadier General (retired) Carl Buhler, is a lifetime member of the Thunderbirds Alumni Association. Carl Buhler was the team’s maintenance officer during the squadron’s 1997 and 1998 seasons and is currently the CEO of Buhler Consulting, LLC.
Shoppers looking to buy their first computer o replace their current computer can narrow down their options by considering several important questions before heading to the store. Generally, the most important features a computer buyer should look for will depend on the primary use of the computer. Buyers should rank computer features from most to least important depending on their individual or family’s needs. Some users may want a laptop, while others desire a desktop computer. Gamers may be willing to pay more for faster processing speeds and higher pixel displays, while students may prioritize battery life and portability. Further, before buying a new computer, shoppers should think about the type of operating system that will best suit them. Most computers come with one of three operating systems preinstalled: MacOS, Windows, and Chrome OS. A buyer’s level of comfort and knowledge of an operating system is an important factor to consider when buying a computer.The author, Carl Buhler, has served 28 years in the Air Force and has held several logistics-related positions. During his free time, he enjoys working on computers.
A passionate football fan, Carl Buhler forsees a bright 2018 season for his favorite National Football League (NFL) team, the Washington Redskins. For the Redskins' quarterback situation, for the first time in three years, the Redskins will begin the season without Kirk Cousins as its starting quarterback. A Michigan State alumnus, Cousins signed a three-year, $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings on March 15, but the writing was on the wall in regard to his future in Washington. That is because, in February, the Redskins agreed to a trade to acquire veteran quarterback Alex Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for cornerback Kendall Fuller and a third-round draft pick. Generally regarded as one of the best deep-ball passers in the NFL, Smith joins the Redskins after a relatively quiet free-agency period. The trade was made official on March 14, the day before Cousins signed in Minnesota. Cousins stated the Redskins were open to bringing him back, but he was willing to wait out the free agent market a little longer than Washington was willing to wait, because the team believed they had to act quickly to find their quarterback for the 2018 season. In addition to Smith, who had a league-best 104.7 passer rating last season, the Redskins acquired Kevin Hogan from the Cleveland Browns. Hogan is expected to compete with Colt McCoy for the backup quarterback role, which may be a position of higher importance than last year, as Alex Smith has missed a few games during his career due to injuries. The author, Carl Buhler is in the Air Force.
