CENTAF chaplain visits Djibouti orphanages

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces command chaplain visited Camp Lemonier July 10 to 13 to meet with servicemembers and spent time at two local orphanages where he and members of the Alaska Air National Guard joined the boys in a basketball game.Chaplain (Col.) Gregory Tate also looked at the

Airmen cross into Navy blue

The Philippine segment of Pacific Partnership on the USS Peleliu was completed July 7 with the help of some unlikely "Sailors." Air Force medical professionals joined the four-month humanitarian mission and according to them, have adjusted well to their new nautical working environment. "It's very

Airmen lead multinational effort for Iraqi bombing victims

Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here coordinated and carried out a multinational effort to receive and airlift 21 injured Iraqi civilians for treatment in Turkey July 8. The civilians, ethnic Iraqi Turkmen, were victims of the July 7 market bombing in Tuz Khurmato, Iraq, which

Recruiter receives 2007 Pitsenbarger Award for heroic, selfless act

The Air Force Sergeants Association named Staff Sgt. Robert Payne, an Air Force recruiter at Bala Cynwyd, Pa., as its 2007 Pitsenbarger Award recipient recently. The AFSA's Pitsenbarger Award annually recognizes Air Force enlisted members who perform heroic acts, on or off duty, that result in

Medics bring relief to Senegal

Airmen provided medical care to more than 4,400 people here as Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers formed Task Force 225 and conducted joint training during Exercise Shared Accord June 16 to 28 in Senegal. Fourteen Air Force Reserve Command medics teamed up with a battalion of Marine reservists

Medical element helps Honduran village

Approximately 40 American and Honduran servicemembers from the medical element at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, provided medical care for more than 1,000 people during a two-day Medical Readiness Training Exercise in the village of El Horno, Honduras. Airmen and Soldiers of the medical

Training mission results in real-life rescue

A series of coincidences and an alert helicopter crew from Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here saved the life of a 66-year-old Florida man. Several miles off of the coast of Florida's Daytona Beach, Lt. Col. Paul Nevius and his crew were piloting an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter back to

Fairchild rescue flight saves woman

A four-man crew from the 36th Rescue Flight here saved a 19-year-old woman June 30 after she was bucked off of a mule in rough terrain near Sherman Pass, Wash.After receiving a 3 p.m. call for search and rescue support from Air Force Rescue Coordination Center officials from Langley Air Force Base,

Child becomes first missileer for a day at F.E. Warren

Two special children got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to "launch" intercontinental ballistic missiles June 11 from F.E. Warren Air Force Base.  Ariana Ruskey-Moffett and her family visited F.E. Warren AFB to participate in the base's first Missileer for a Day Program, where sick or disabled

8 year old pulls drowning toddler to safety

It was a fun-filled day among friends recently on Lake Ouachita, Ark., that nearly turned tragic if it wasn't for the courageous, extraordinarily quick thinking of an Air Force reservist' 8-year-old daughter. Sarah Ellingwood, daughter of Senior Master Sgt. Darren Ellingwood from the 917th Wing at

Japanese commend Airman for volunteer efforts

The Japanese government recently recognized a 730rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron officer in charge for his community volunteer efforts and charitable ways at a ceremony at the Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. During the 57th Annual Spring Zenkokai Commendation Ceremony, Capt. Chad Oba was

Summer lab gives cadets engineering experience

A group of Academy cadets are spending their first weeks of summer getting their hands dirty to gain practical engineering experience. The three-week Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory exposes cadets to several aspects of civil engineering, including heavy equipment operation, steel bridge

Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week in Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. At Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, Lt. Col. Kimberly Bradley carries away an oxygen tank after helping a patient during an emergency trauma situation. Colonel Bradley is

Eglin partnership helps endangered fish

In another example of how the Air Force works with state and federal agencies on environmental issues, a project is under way here to aid the federally endangered Okaloosa darter, a fish species only found in six streams in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Construction continues on a project at the

Precision airdrops deliver directly to battlefield

Water, food and ammunition are only useful if they make it to the people who need them. Fortunately for battlefield Airmen, Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan these supplies are flown in using the Joint Precision Airdrop System. C-17 Globemaster IIIs at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing are

Saving servicemembers' lives one flight at a time

Some might say doctors don't make house calls anymore, but that's exactly what the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, do on a daily basis. They bring the hospital to the wounded. A typical aeromedical evacuation, or AE, crew turns

Sacramento Rivercats host Air Force Week event

Sweaty palms. That's how Staff Sgt. Raymond Hardson described how he felt as he waited to throw the first pitch to start a Sacramento Rivercats baseball game here June 4. The game, which took place at Raley Field, was the first of many events organized to honor military members and their families as

Airmen save lives in Africa with medical team visit

For residents of two remote Kenyan villages where common colds and cuts can have deadly outcomes, a mobile U.S. military medical team recently brought more than just healthcare -- it brought life. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa servicemembers conducted a Medical Civic Action Program in

New service allows transportation for whole family

Traveling to Misawa Air Base is a long flight from the states for families, but now members of the 35th Services Squadron here have started a new service so pets can ride a special bus with their families once they arrive in Japan instead of getting onto another plane.For people being stationed at

Air Force repatriates remains from Libya

Air Force officials recently returned from Libya with the remains of 72 deceased Americans, believed to be family members of Airmen once stationed at Wheelus Air Base located outside of Tripoli, the nation's capital. Mark Blair, the chief of Air Force Mortuary Affairs, was one of the experts called

Week In Photos features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: In Africa, Staff Sgt. Myla Baker and Senior Airman Jacob Buckley give school supplies to teachers and students at the Gisimba orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda.

Airmen support Rwandan Defense Force troop rotation

Ramstein Airmen returned from Kigali, Rwanda, May 15 after supporting a two-week airlift mission in the Darfur region of Sudan. Airmen provided logistics and training support for the Rwandan Defense Force troop rotation. Approximately 2,200 Rwandan peacekeepers were airlifted into and out of Sudan

DOD humanitarian projects help fight HIV epidemic

One of five volunteer counseling and testing centers aimed at mitigating the effects of the HIV virus opened here May 9. Two U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen assisted with this project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Defense Cooperation Humanitarian Assistance Program. Tech.

Airmen strengthen Kyrgyzstan ties with construction project

Airmen from Manas Air Base volunteered their time May 11 to fill in potholes and other hazardous road safety conditions in and around Oktyabrskoye improving the quality of the roads for the Kyrgyzstan village. The Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 376th Expeditionary

Military, civilian emergency communications tested

A two-week national-level exercise involving local, state and federal government agencies is proving the capabilities of a system designed to provide effective communication and organization between different emergency responders. Being tested at Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007, the Incident

Joint team helps save 2-year-old boy in Pacific

When Airmen from the 13th Air Force's Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center here received a request in early May from a Saipan pediatrician requesting critical assistance for a 2-year-old suffering from pneumonia with subsequent organ system failure, unit members understood time was critical

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

In this week's edition of "Today's Air Force" see how Airmen are in the fight against terrorism, filling Army "In-Lieu-Of" requirements, and how these Airmen warriors are helping meet the immediate demands of the surge in Iraq. Also, when people think of the Air Force they think of aircraft and

Teen becomes 'Pilot for a Day' at Fairchild

It isn't every day a 13-year-old boy gets to pilot a KC-135 Stratotanker destined from Washington for Hawaii, but one teen flew the mission May 3 as Fairchild Air Force Airmen helped one local youth become a Pilot for a Day. Dylan Nickerson experienced a day in the life of a pilot with the

'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Senior Airman Andrew Caro and Staff Sgt. Dustin Maglinti take aim at a target during a training exercise. They are

Predators ready to aid Missouri flood victims

MQ-1 Predators are on standby to launch and help with search, rescue and recovery efforts over the areas of Missouri devastated by floods. Four of the unmanned aerial vehicles and the Airmen who launch and recover them await U.S. Northern Command orders to deploy to a location near the affected

National Guard cleaning up devastated Kansas town

It's hard to describe the immensity of the destruction in Greensburg, Kan. State and FEMA officials say 95 percent of the town is destroyed; gone as well are 961 homes, and 136 businesses have major damage. Standing in the center of town and looking in all directions is an endless scene of disaster:

DOD helps prepare U.S. for pandemic flu outbreak

The Defense Department is teaming with other federal agencies to prepare the nation to deal with a potential pandemic outbreak of influenza, a senior official said May 8 here. "Right now, we're as ready as we can be at this point," said Richard Chavez, director of chemical, biological, radiological

Offutt volunteer represents Air Force for Spirit of Hope Award

Air Force Personnel Center officials recently announced a member of the Air Force Weather Agency here as the Air Force nominee for the 2007 U.S. Armed Forces Spirit of Hope Award. Master Sgt. Lou Pell, NCO in charge of the Weather Agency's training branch, was selected as the Air Force

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Combat Skills Training prepares Airmen to operate on the streets of Afghanistan and Iraq, and how the Air Force's highly trained Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, or SERE, instructors provide Airmen the skills to survive alone in a

Airman's Creed, military health care on CSAF's Scope

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues are the new Airman's Creed and military health care. General Moseley introduced the new creed to replace all the various specialized

Air Force medics provide medical relief in Guatemala

Thirteen Airmen from various Air Force Space Command bases returned April 30 from 10 days in Guatemala where they provided much needed medical care to the people there -- services that would have been otherwise nonexistent. From their home base in Salama, the team of Airmen, which included

AF Recruiting Service announces American Spirit Award winners

Air Force Recruiting Service announced the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts and the Manchester (N.H.) Wolves of the Arena 2 Football League as winner's of the command's prestigious American Spirit Award May 1. The American Spirit Award is Air Force Recruiting Service's highest form of

Airmen provide humanitarian aid for African Lion

More than 3,700 Moroccans were treated by 37 American military members as part of an April 15 to 30 humanitarian assistance visit to Morocco called African Lion 2007.Airmen of the 944th Medical Squadron from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and other active duty and Reserve members of sister services

Reservists take medical care to Guatemalans

Journeying as much as 10,000 feet above sea level, a group of 31 Air Force Reserve Command medics treated more than 8,000 patients as part of New Horizons 07 April 14 to 28 in the mountainous region of San Marcos, Guatemala. New Horizons is a joint chiefs of staff-approved, U.S. Southern

Manas outreach program saves lives, one heart at a time

Since its inception in 2003, the Manas Air Base Outreach Society through the Children's Heart Fund has saved 76 children born with holes in their hearts. Sixteen children alone have been saved since January. "It's a great help," said Gula Tolkonbek, mother of 10-year-old heart surgery patient Nazik

PACAF to test humanitarian relief response package

Air Force officials recently developed an innovative, stand-alone humanitarian medical package to support contingency disaster-response efforts. Now, more than ever before, Airmen have the tools and techniques to put the right stuff in the right place at the right time with the Humanitarian Relief

Hawaii kicks off Military Appreciation Month

"Ohana" or family is a concept that runs deep in Hawaii. Ohana includes not only one's personal family, but also their community. In Hawaii, ohana extends to the military.For the 22nd year in a row, Hawaii's business and government leaders came together to thank U.S. servicemembers during the

Airman uses Air Force knowledge to save life

While shopping at a grocery store outside of Ellsworth Air Force Base the evening of April 23, an Airman watched a man walking in front of him let out a gasp for air and fall to the floor. "My instincts kicked in," said Senior Airman David Perry, an Air Force Financial Services Center

Spangdahlem Airmen take part in World Day of Peace

Every year the oldest city in Germany hosts the World Day of Peace -- a festival dedicated to prayer and services focused on healing the rifts between cultures. Military members from Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United States attended a prayer service April 26 led by the

'Dumpster diving' raises awareness about recycling

During a dumpster diving experiment here May 1, elementary students found that residents at the base don't make the grade when it comes to recycling their trash. Fifth grade students and teachers from Yokota Air Base's West Elementary School sifted and graded refuse. Collecting the empirical

Airmen continue humanitarian efforts in Djibouti

Nearly 200 hundred Airmen deployed to Africa provide airlift support for humanitarian aid to the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa mission. Providing peace and stability to the region is the main objective for the CJTF-HOA mission and the services try to accomplish this by winning the hearts

Child becomes pilot for a day at Charleston

A 3-year-old boy became the youngest honorary pilot for the 17th Airlift Squadron as unit Airmen held a Pilot for a Day program April 20 at Charleston Air Force Base. Zachary Moore was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 18 months and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Medical

New Horizons closes out with ceremony

New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007, a $7.5 million humanitarian and training exercise, officially ended April 27 with a closing ceremony, but the strengthened friendship between the United States and Nicaragua has not. "We will cherish the friendships we've made here in Nicaragua," Lt. Col. Aaron Young,

Girl Scouts give thanks, cookies to deployed servicemembers

Girl Scouts near Spokane, Wash., finished their third year of collecting cookies for deployed troops through Operation Troop to Troop April 23 and will be sending approximately 9,600 boxes of cookies to servicemembers fighting the war on terrorism. More than 2,200 Scouts canvassed more than 52,000

Artist honors Air Force medical field with 20-foot mural

A mural, which pays tribute to the Air Force's medical readiness mission, from entering the military here at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to an actual deployment, was unveiled in a ceremony held here at the 59th Medical Wing. "The mural is dedicated to every deploying Air Force medical member,

Medical civil affairs team 'ambassadors of goodwill'

Because of the war on terrorism, many military members carry weapons for self-defense. But their mission is really one of peace, to improve the life of those who exist in a harsh environment. The 350th Functional Specialty Team, which includes four Air Force medical specialists and nine U.S. Army

Air Force firefighters help to put out Georgia fires

As forest fires continue to rage through rural Southeastern Georgia, base firefighters are on-scene providing vital assistance to help contain the blaze. Moody Air Force Base's involvement in the disaster-relief efforts have been continuous since crews received the call for support April 17. "Our

Making Iraq's future brighter: Operation School Supplies

No more pencils, no more books ... literally. Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here are doing what they can to put these and other needed supplies back in the hands of Iraqi children. Operation Iraqi School Supplies is a program where school supplies are donated to local Iraqi students

Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

Six fallen Airmen were honored during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial held April 21 at Eglin Air Force Base's Kauffman Annex. "It's an honor to be here and pay our respect to fallen warriors and families who gave so much," said Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg, the Air Force civil engineer,

Air Force, Navy deliver firetrucks donated by Baltimore

The first of two aircraft fire and rescue trucks bound for Kabul International Airport in Northern Afghanistan was loaded into the cargo hold of a C-17 Globemaster III by members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Expeditionary Logistics Squadron April 19. The vehicles are 1988 Oshkosh trucks

Air National Guard crew flies its 1st C-5 to Djibouti

The C-5 Galaxy's red-striped tail cut across the African sky April 10, flying a first for one Air National Guard unit. The West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing, recently gaining the Galaxy, flew the massive airframe to Djibouti to deliver two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and

'Sew Much Comfort' founder visits patients in Germany

As wounded servicemembers were loaded onto stretchers in preparation for their medical evacuation mission to get underway, a special visitor provided pillows and blankets to make their journey a little more comfortable. One of the patients she attended to was a Soldier wearing a bulky metal halo

USAFE medics treat Ghanaians for Navy study

A team of six U.S. Air Forces in Europe medics worked side by side with Ghanaian military doctors and saw 250 patients in seven hours April 10 in the jungle village of Taviefe, Ghana. The medics are in Ghana for a weeklong joint medical mission providing care to locals on Lake Volta as part of

Airmen visit Nicaraguan orphanages, deliver donations

Thirty-six Camp RED HORSE members collected more than $500, more than 80 books and more than 100 toys and donated it all to two orphanages here April 7. Delivering the donations and spending time with the orphans was one of the volunteer projects of New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007, a humanitarian

Iraq PRTs to double in number by year's end

Plans are under way to double the number of provincial reconstruction teams now operating in Iraq by the end of the year, a senior U.S. official said April 9. "We will both double the number of PRTs and we will double the number of individuals who are working in the PRTs," said Rick Olson, chief of

Air Force begins environmental cleanup of Guam dumpsite

The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence at Brooks City-Base, Texas, is managing the project to clean up a 62-year-old dumpsite near Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. AFCEE contractor Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc., has begun the two-year-long job of removing waste from the Urunao

Airmen help Djiboutians learn English

Airmen are building good working relationships with Djiboutians by teaching English to them six nights per week in downtown Djibouti City. "The English discussion group is basically a way for us to interact with the Africans and be able to establish a community relations program," said Senior Master

AFA Team of the Year features medical Airmen

They saved lives performing miracles in the sky, on the ground and outside "the wire" during missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Senior Airman Robert Zuniga from the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, helped save the lives of 120 people injured in car bombs and mortar

Manta Airmen donate much needed supplies to burn center

Volunteers from the 478th Expeditionary Operations Squadron here recently donated a truckful of items to a local burn center. The items were collected by members of the Air National Guard's 186th Air Refueling Wing based in Meridian, Miss., who are assigned to the 478th EOS during their two-month

Coast Guardsmen thank Air Force ECMO team

The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are in the business of saving other people's lives. It is not very often that someone has to save the life of one of their own. But, on July 22, 2006, Airmen from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, came to the rescue of one Coast

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's "Today's Air Force" focuses on Airmen in Afghanistan fighting alongside Soldiers, Sailors and Marines combining unique capabilities to the joint fight; how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century seeks to decrease waste in daily operations; and the passing of one of the famed

Cadets help build dream over spring break

Spring break can be a time to travel, relax and catch up on sleep, but not for students at the U.S. Air Force Academy.  A group of cadets are building a home this week as part of Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge program. The Collegiate Challenge is a year-round program that allows

Iraqi aircrew provides humanitarian relief after bombing

The Iraqi Air Force delivered humanitarian aid to Tal Afar, a community north of Mosul struck March 27 by an insurgent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack that killed 80 Iraqis, wounded 140 more, and destroyed more than 20 homes. "Al-Qaeda in Iraq elements once again displayed their

Djibouti air ops

New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 finishes MEDRETE missions

Medics from California Air National Guard's 144th Medical Group treated 7,899 patients to complete the third and final Medical Readiness Training Exercise March 28 for New Horizons Nicaragua - 2007. New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 is a $7.25 million joint military humanitarian and training exercise

Cannon volunteers lend helping hands in wake of disaster

With residents of Clovis, N.M., reeling from the destruction and devastation of a March 23 tornado, base members here stepped up to offer help to their host city in a time of need. The tornado was one of 13 confirmed tornadoes to thunder across the eastern New Mexico plains that night, said James

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's "Today's Air Force" includes features focusing on retention, the first Air Force Week of 2007 and what products are used for AF Strategic Communications.The long-format, weekly news show tells Air Force stories in more depth. The program is made up of three segments and each runs

Bagram PRT rebuilds Afghanistan one school at a time

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team attended a ceremony March 26 marking the first day of class at a high school in Kapisa Province. The PRT also donated approximately 3,000 pine and fruit trees and boxes of school supplies. Both gestures were in support of the Afghan New Year

C-17 crew plays part in Marine homecoming

Having left Germany hours earlier, the Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, C-17 Globemaster III, "Spirit of Go for Broke" made the longest journey of her one-week trip to and from Iraq, chasing the setting sun in a 14-and-a-half hour trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Camp Pendleton, Calif. About four

Barksdale couple donates fuel for Afghan women

Thanks to a donation by two Airmen from here, Afghan women received 1,500 liters of heating fuel critical to help them through the winter.The donation was made by Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Melahn and Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Melahn, who is deployed as the Afghan National Army Embedded Training

Joint forces volunteers donate time, goods

Volunteers made a community relations trip to a refugee camp on the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital city and successfully distributed clothes and toys. More than 40 U.S. and coalition servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians donated their time and effort to distribute the goods to

Medics deliver aid in Uganda

A four-person team from around the command delivered medical expertise and therapy to the African country of Uganda in early March. Led by Lt. Col. (Dr.) Parker Plante from Ramstein's 435th Aeromedical Squadron, the team set up camp about two hours from the capitol city of Kampala in an austere

Skeletal remains discovered during dig at Mildenhall

As the archeological team from Suffolk County Council was in the middle of a routine dig in the RAF Mildenhall officers' housing area in Beck Row March 12, they knew they'd stumbled across an interesting find when a shovel hit something solid. That  "something solid" turned out to be the skull of a

Manas Airmen reunite sister cities Bishkek, Colorado Springs

Airmen from the base, representing the city of Colorado Springs, Colo., paid a visit March 14 to the mayor of its sister city, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The meeting, which included Marie Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, took place as a renewal of cultural ties established between the

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

The "Week In Photos" Web featured on Air Force Link provides visitors photos that feature the Air Force's missions.Staff Sgt. Irene Noriega assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., pedals 'til it burns as she participates in a cardiovascular workout spin class March 9 at

'In lieu of' Airmen learn Soldier skills at Fort Bragg

Several hundred Airmen from varied skill sets are in the midst of three months of training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in preparation for a future deployment to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan. The training is designed to teach basic Army ground maneuver skills. The Airmen from around the

General discusses options for growing USAFE mission

As the Air Force evolves to meet and defeat future challenges, the Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are also expanding their mission toward the future. During a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gen. William T. Hobbins discussed expanding operations in Africa and new NATO countries. "The

Air Guard crew flies mission to save Soldier's life

They flew at night and into the next day from Iraq nonstop to the United States. Fifteen hours and 10 time zones later, they handed over their precious cargo in Maryland: a Soldier who had been wounded in combat. Then, to the hum of jet engines, they packed their gear and returned to fly similar

Senior Air Force medics provide testimony

Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense March 7, two Air Force leaders provided key testimony, informing the Senators on how the service takes care of its people. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Maj. Gen. Melissa Rank, assistant

'New Horizons' breaks ground for Belize school buildings

The opening ceremony for New Horizons Belize was held here March 8 with a groundbreaking for a new school building for the village. Airmen and Soldiers from both active and National Guard units will build four more new school buildings in different villages during their deployment to Belize. "This

Veterinary project has big impact on small island

Armed with syringes of multivitamins, a group of U.S. military women recently laid the foundation for a healthier populace on the small island of Socotra through an intense training program developed specifically for the women inhabitants. The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa servicemembers

Airmen hold discussion group with Kyrgyz students

Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing and U.S. Embassy staff visited School 13-Lyceum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 7 to conduct the first English Discussion Group with about 30 students. The purpose of the visit was to establish the program in the school, which focuses on teaching the

PRT turns best practice into Afghan community favorite

A best practice program developed by the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team has become a community favorite here. The program provides construction materials to Afghan locals to complete or repair their own projects. Initially started as a way to encourage villagers to take a more active role

New Bagram hospital offers state-of-art care

In 2006, Army Staff Sgt. Heathe Craig was holding on desperately to a patient as the two were hoisted from a ridgeline by a Blackhawk helicopter. Halfway to the chopper, the line snapped. Sergeant Craig and his patient fell to their deaths. The Craig Joint-Theater Hospital, named for the heroic

Military spouse supports injured heroes with quilts

To help in what may be a war hero's most traumatic life experience, one military spouse uses her love of quilting to give the gift of comfort. Tana Angerman, wife of the 90th Communications Squadron commander, Maj. Scott Angerman, volunteers her time and talents for Quilts of Valor -- an

Airmen complete Nicaraguan medical exercise

Twenty medics finished the first of three New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 Medical Readiness Training Exercises Feb. 28, giving free healthcare to 6,551 Nicaraguans throughout nine days. The $7.25 million joint U.S. and Nicaraguan military humanitarian and training exercise, provides a new school and

Eielson Airmen help keep mushers, dogs in race

Interior Alaska's formidable winter chill couldn't deter the Icemen team from volunteering to help support the local community during Yukon Quest, the 1,000-mile international dog sled race. More than 160 Airmen braved temperatures -- at times dipping below negative 40 degrees -- to help man the

Academy boxer helps battle for life

The boxer keeps his hands up as his feet dance around a heavy bag. He jabs and strikes the bag with his gloved fists, but when this boxer steps into the ring with an opponent, it isn't the only battle he's fighting. Cadet 1st Class Colin LaFavor is a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy's boxing

Staging facility prepares injured warfighters for flight

For warfighters who are injured in Iraq, the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at Balad AB is where their road to recovery starts. The CASF is a staging area where patients are prepared for their flight out of Iraq to Landstuhl, Germany. The CASF is staffed by critical care air transport and

Airman earns medal for lifesaving efforts

An Airman here was presented the Air Force Achievement Medal recently for saving the life of a 7-year-old boy who was choking on candy. Airman 1st Class Kyle Thomas was bowling while on leave in Norman, Okla., after competing six weeks of basic training and six months of technical training when he

Turkish-U.S. airlift effort brings supplies to Afghans

In a joint effort between Turkish and U.S. Air Forces, 94,000 pounds of palletized cargo was transported via two C-17 Globemaster IIIs Feb. 21 to Kabul Air Base, Afghanistan. The 23 pallets and five trailers of cargo consisted of uniforms and equipment for the Afghan army to use in the war on

Airmen continue training for quick response

When a tsunami devastated parts of Southeast Asia in 2005, Airmen from a special Air Force unit were ready to help. It's the job of the Airmen of the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis AFB to respond to crisis situations around the world at a moment's notice. They establish an aerial port,

'New Horizons' mission improves Nicaraguans' lives

The sun pounds the ground as Airman 1st Class Jean Colas wipes his forehead clean of sweat and Nicaraguan soil. He stands, eyes squinted, surveying the fresh concrete he just helped pour -- the foundation for a five-room medical clinic here. He and about 16 other 820th Expeditionary Red Horse

Air Force medics treat Cambodians

Meeting patients' needs in remote Cambodia is a challenge to say the least, but for a team of primary care providers from Brooks City-Base, Texas, it's worth every barrier that is conquered.Members of the Medical Civil Action Program helped those in need Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 in Mondol Kiri, Cambodia.

New command may change USAFE's role in Africa

U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen have played an active role in Africa since the 1970s, but future participation has yet to be defined due to the recent establishment of U.S. Africa Command. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced the creation of AFRICOM Feb. 6, but how that will affect Airmen