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U.S. Air Force News

  • Mullen accepts award on behalf of armed forces

    Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen accepted the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award from the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress March 24 on behalf of all members of the U.S. armed forces."Tonight, there are thousands upon thousands of young men and women answering our

  • T-38 completes 50 years of service

    Officials commemorated the T-38 Talon supersonic jet trainer's 50th service anniversary in a ceremony here March 17.The T-38 was first deployed in March 1961, and has served as a training vehicle for multiple generations of pilots and pilot instructors throughout its five decades of service.Col.

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen respond to the massive earthquake and tsunami that have left much of the east coast of Japan in ruins. Plus, a new Air Force satellite program designed to aid in missile warning and defense takes one step closer to completion. And, in honor of Women's

  • Doughboy's burial marks end of era

    Americans recognized the end of an era March 15 as they bade a solemn farewell to Army Cpl. Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving U.S. World War I veteran. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery here with full military honors.President Barack Obama paid tribute to Mr. Buckles as he

  • Lakenheath pays tribute to fallen Airman

    More than 500 Airmen and family members gathered in Hangar 7 here March 11 to honor the memory of Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden.Airman Alden, a 48th Security Forces Squadron senior patrolman, was killed March 2 in a shooting at Frankfurt International Airport.The service painted a picture of a

  • Chief Etchberger honored at Air Force Memorial

    Air Force leaders joined the family of Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger at the Air Force Memorial here March 11 to honor the war hero with the unveiling of his name on the memorial's Medal of Honor recipient wall.Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A.

  • Kaiserslautern community remembers, celebrates fallen Airman

    Members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community and local host nation leaders gathered here March 10 to pay respect to one of their own during a memorial ceremony in Hangar 3.People from throughout the KMC joined Airmen and local nationals in the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron to bid farewell to

  • Teams search for missing Americans in China

    Cooperative efforts between the United States and China for accounting of Americans missing from the Korean War broadened last month with the arrival of a specially trained archeological team in Guangdong province.The group from the U.S. Joint Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command

  • Air Force Academy's enlisted Airmen go 'back to basics'

    A group of the Air Force Academy's enlisted Airmen observed retreat in formation for the first time in the Academy's recent history March 3.Chief Master Sgt. Todd Salzman, the Academy's command chief master sergeant, organized the event to acknowledge Air Force heritage and enlisted

  • Army to assume responsibility for Pope Air Force Base

    Pope Air Force Base became Pope Field March 1 as it transitioned to be an Army operated facility supporting Air Force operations.Several Air Force units were redesignated or inactivated, marking a significant moment in Air Force history.The signing of a proclamation marked the handover of

  • Frank Buckles, last known U.S. Doughboy, dies

    Frank Woodruff Buckles, who lied about his age to enlist in the Army in 1917 and became the last known U.S. veteran of World War I, died Feb. 27 at the age of 110. Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery."We have lost a living link to an important era in our

  • Tuskegee Airman shares his story of serving with distinction

    During World War II, the U.S. military was racially segregated, reflecting American society and law at that time. An experiment in the Army Air Forces, however, showed that given equal opportunity and training, African-Americans could fly in, command and support combat units as well as anyone.James

  • World War II hero receives medals after 65 years

    A safety NCO here helped a veteran receive recognition for his service during World War II.Tech. Sgt. Wayne Herold, a 22nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety technician, helped Gordon Ballagh, a 90-year-old veteran and prisoner of war during World War II receive four medals: the Prisoner of War Medal,

  • Exhibit features work of Tuskegee Airman turned artist

    In the 1930s, a teenage boy paid 50 cents for a "barnstormer" flight aboard a Ford Trimotor plane that carried him across the sky of rural Pine Bluff, Ark.That boy was Roy LaGrone, and the flight sparked his passion for aviation. Mr. LaGrone would go on to serve as one of the original Tuskegee

  • Dyess cantonment honors Airman

    Airmen and family members of Staff Sgt. Ray Rangel, a 7th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection craftsman, gathered at the cantonment area here, for the unveiling of a sign renaming a piece of Dyess Air Force Base after the fallen hero Dec. 14.The cantonment area, used to host exercises and

  • Legends Panel links past, present communications Airmen

    Air Force Network Integration Center Airmen had a unique opportunity to meet with and ask questions of some of the organization's past commanders and members of the Communications and Information Hall of Fame during the AFNIC Legends Panel session here Jan 26.The panel was part of a two-day heritage

  • Officials announce Sijan Award winners

    Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2010 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award.The Sijan Award annually recognizes four Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities. Officer and enlisted honorees are chosen in senior and junior categories.Lt. Col. Tony Millican of Nellis Air Force

  • F-15E pilot selected to receive Jabara Award

    An F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and 2004 graduate of the Air Force Academy was selected Jan. 25 to receive the 2011 Col. James Jabara Award for Airmanship.Capt. Michael Polidor, a member of Air Force Global Strike Command, distinguished himself through heroic actions in an Operation Enduring Freedom

  • Photo Essay: Missing Airmen laid to rest

    Honor Guard members from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, participate in the funeral ceremony for Col. James Dennany and Maj. Robert Tucci Jan. 14, 2011, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. More than 41 years ago, Colonel Dennany and Major Tucci were escorting an AC-130 gunship on a night strike

  • KC-10 marks 20 years of deployment, nearly 30 years of operations

    Jan. 17th was a special day for the KC-10 Extender community. It marked the day KC-10s, aircrews and maintainers have been on continuous deployment for 20 years -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year -- to Southwest Asia in support of combat operations.Facts show the KC-10 will pass a

  • New vice chief of staff takes office

    Gen. Philip M. Breedlove took over as vice chief of staff of the Air Force Jan. 14, succeeding Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler who held the position since August 2009.General Breedlove most recently served as the Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, a position he

  • Air Force leaders commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. birthday

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy issued the following message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:This year, on what would have been the 82nd birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., let us pause

  • 2010 Year in Photos

    2010's Year in Photos highlights the top moments from Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This yearly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force. View the slideshow.

  • EOD technicians run 5K in bomb suits for good cause

    Explosive ordnance technicians in 85-pound bomb suits and their supporters are off and running in a 5 km race Dec 31, 2010, at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan. The purpose of the run was to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation and the EOD Memorial at Eglin Air

  • Remembering Linebacker II: It's about the heroes, not the missions

    A ceremony to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of Operation Linebacker II took place at Arc Light Memorial Park here Dec. 17.Often referred to as "the 11-day war," Operation Linebacker II was conducted from Dec. 18 to Dec. 29, 1972, after peace talks between the U.S. and

  • Americans, Japanese pound mochi, strengthen bonds

    Col. Michael Rothstein, the 35th Fighter Wing commander, pounds mochi Dec. 16, 2010, during the annual mochi pounding ceremony at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force gym on Misawa Air Base, Japan. Mochi is a type of rice cake made by using a large wooden mallet to pound steamed glutinous rice in a

  • Commander retires after 41 years of service

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen bid farewell to Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander since 2008, who retired Dec. 13, as the longest-serving Air Force officer currently on active duty. "Being the commander of USAFE is really something; it just doesn't get much better than this," General Brady

  • NMFA honors military families, names family of the year

    An Air Force family was named the National Military Family Association's 2010 Family of the Year Dec. 7, for selfless service to the nation and the community.The association honored a family from each service before announcing that the Mullin family, of Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, had earned the

  • 'Portraits in Courage' Vol. V highlights Air Force heroes

    The latest "Portraits in Courage" released Dec. 10 highlights 18 Airmen who demonstrated bravery and heroism in the crucible of war as they repelled air and ground enemy fire, led convoys through perilous terrain and assisted injured comrades.The stories describe ordinary Americans who accomplished

  • Combat rescue officers celebrate 10-year anniversary

    Officials celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the combat rescue officer career field Dec. 8."Our personnel recovery forces need to be organized, trained and equipped to operate across the full range of military operations, including humanitarian operations, irregular warfare and

  • 18th Air Force, Expeditionary Center restructures

    Air Mobility Command officials announced plans Dec. 7 to restructure some command and control functions, commonly referred to as C2, effective Jan. 7, 2011. The command's 18th Air Force will focus on C2 of air mobility, contingency response and en route operations, including the 618th Air and Space

  • Final tanker leaves Grand Forks AFB

    The final KC-135 Stratotanker departed from here Dec. 4, signaling the end of the KC-135 air refueling mission here.The plane was piloted to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., by Lt. Gen. Vern M. Findley, the Air Mobility Command vice-commander, and Col. Don Shaffer, the 319th Air Refueling Wing

  • Helicopter pilot receives Cheney Award

    An HH-60G helicopter pilot received the Cheney Award from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz here Oct. 15 for the rescue of two critically injured Marines in Helmand Valley, Afghanistan. Maj. John G. Mangan, the assistant director of operations for the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air

  • Air Force, Park Service to commemorate Wrights' first flight Dec. 17

    Air Force and National Park Service officials are planning a public ceremony at Wright Memorial Hill here Dec. 17 to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C. Col. Stephen Goeman, the commander of the 445th Airlift Wing here, will

  • School of Aerospace Medicine classes move to Ohio

    Instructors with the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine will begin teaching classes near here Dec. 6 as part of the Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure process. The school is re-locating here from Brooks City-Base in San Antonio. The classes will be conducted at a temporary

  • Officials announce new Air Force museum director

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 2 the assignment of Senior Executive Service member and retired Lt. Gen. John "Jack" L. Hudson as director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, effective Dec. 16. He will replace Senior Executive Service member and

  • Cheyenne Mountain receives 9/11 artifact

    A steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center arrived here Nov. 19 to be built into a memorial to commemorate the people who died Sept. 11, 2001.About 100 servicemembers and civilians gathered for the arrival of the beam, which was released by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials

  • The sound of Japan-U.S. relations: Joint Concert 2010

    Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Packard, a member of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia, performs with the Akishima Youth Brass Band Nov. 23, 2010, during a Japan-U.S. joint concert in Akishima, Japan. Officials with the North Kanto Defense Bureau hosted the concert to enhance bilateral relations among

  • Photo essay: Airmen participate in German national ceremony

    Americans from nearby Spangdahlem Air Base  and German military representatives participated in a ceremony to remember victims of war and tyranny during the German National Day of Mourning here Nov. 11. It is observed two Sundays before the first Sunday of Advent.View the slideshow.

  • World's largest military aviation museum launches virtual tour

    Air Force history buffs now can walk by JFK's Air Force One or the Presidential Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force from their living rooms. Museum officials recently launched the first phase of an interactive, 360-degree virtual tour available on the museum's website. Users now can

  • Taking Jared's flight

    As one of his young Soldiers lay defenseless on a mountain path, Army Staff Sgt. Jared Monti dropped his radio and stepped in front of the enemy forces pinning down his unit -- exposing himself to a barrage of small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades as he attempted to pull his wounded comrade

  • AETC commander to retire after 37 years of service

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command, Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, will retire in the grade of general effective Jan. 1, 2011, Air Force officials have announced, culminating more than 37 years of commissioned service. His retirement ceremony is Nov. 17.Among his many accomplishments as

  • Photo essay: Little Rock honors veterans

    The honor guard here participates in the Veterans Day retreat ceremony Nov. 10. The retreat ceremony serves a two-fold purpose, signifying both the end of the official duty day, and providing an opportunity to pay respect to the nation's flag. View the slideshow.

  • Guard senior enlisted advisor celebrates history of American fighting women

    Women who served in the Women's Army Corps, the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Services ... were not always considered equals, but they continued to voluntarily serve in defense of their nation ... they continued to prove their mettle, the senior

  • All Americans owe thanks to veterans, Biden says

    Vice President Joe Biden honored servicemembers and veterans at a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Nov. 11, saying 100 percent of Americans owe their gratitude to the 1 percent who serve in the all-volunteer force."Collectively, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who served and

  • Chairman works to bridge military-civilian gap

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the eve of Veterans Day Nov. 10, asked the civilian world to reach out to veterans returning home from the wars.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, speaking as part of the Bernard Brodie Distinguished Lecture Series at the UCLA campus here, said he is concerned that

  • Airmen participate in St. Louis Veterans Day parade

    Airmen from the Air Force Network Integration Center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., march in formation down Market Street in downtown St. Louis as part of the city's 27th annual Veterans Day parade Nov. 6, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. G. Shawn Lowry)

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force command brings focus to nuclear enterprise

    Over the past 15 months, Air Force officials have built from scratch a model new command that will sustain and modernize U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile wings and the nuclear-capable bomber fleet, said the general who leads the new command."Some people have likened that to trying to build an

  • Air Force leaders send birthday messages to Marine Corps

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy salute the Marine Corps on its 235th birthday Nov. 10. Secretary Donley wrote a letter to the secretary of the Navy stating:"Congratulations as you celebrate

  • Air Force Medal of Honor recipients highlighted on AF.MIL

    The Medal of Honor is the highest award for heroism in military action that this nation can bestow. It is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. A special Web section has been developed on AF.MIL to recognize U.S. Air Force recipients

  • Thunderbird maintainers keep show running behind the scenes

    Throughout its 57 years in existence, the Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration team has never canceled a performance due to maintenance issues. When you factor in the Thunderbirds' most recent air show performance Nov. 6 and 7 during AirFest 2010 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, continuing the

  • Retired Guardsmen preserve war history, camaraderie

    At the Jackson Barracks Military Museum here, Wednesdays are a time for reminiscing and restoration for the members of the 122nd Bomb Restoration Squadron Unit.The unit is a group of volunteer retired Guardsmen who help to restore old military aircraft and cannons for the museum, and the members

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force museum director to retire

    Air Force officials announced Oct. 28 that retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf will retire as director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force effective Dec. 31.General Metcalf will retire after 14 years as the museum's director. Prior to joining the museum, he served for nearly 36 years on

  • Communications and Information Hall of Fame to stay at Scott AFB

    Air Force Space Command officials announced this week that the Communications and Information Hall of Fame will remain at its current location at the Air Force Network Integration Center on Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Furthermore, the nomination and selection process remains unchanged from last year.

  • Expeditionary Center Airmen honor Air Force's first female chief

    Every Airman should know the name Grace A. Peterson. She is the first woman to ever hold the rank of chief master sergeant.For the 200 people in attendance at the Expeditionary Center here Oct. 18, the first woman to be promoted to chief master sergeant 50 years ago sat in the front row of the hall

  • Honor Guard exhibits excellence, represents service

    For Airmen assigned to the United States Air Force Honor Guard here, excellence isn't a trait to be desired, it's expected. "We are in the public spotlight day in and day out," said Staff Sgt. Eric Allen, the media librarian for the USAF Honor Guard. "So every time we do our job we have to make sure

  • Air Force chief of staff honors retirees, praises Airmen

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer honored retirees and praised today's Airmen during a dinner here Oct. 22.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was the guest speaker at the annual chairman's dinner at Air Force Village, an officers' retirement community here, in celebration of its 40th

  • Air Force Week is here! Take advantage!

    Designed to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of all American Airmen, Air Force Week kicks off Oct. 23 in Cocoa Beach, Fla. With more than 35,000 Airmen currently deployed across the globe in support of contingency operations, the theme of this Air Force Week is Honoring Hometown Heroes. Free

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force. View slideshow.

  • Airmen run miles in memoriam

    For many people, running 26.2 miles may seem like a crazy idea. But, for the nine members of the 55th Force Support Squadron's running team, it's just another challenge to overcome.The team, formed in July, after some members of the 55th FSS expressed interest in running the Rock 'n' Roll San

  • Nellis remembers fallen Airman

    For more than 200 years, individuals have volunteered to serve in the U.S. military. Since 2001 more than 4,900 servicemembers have lost their lives in service to their country. These members took an oath to protect the ideals and freedoms allotted to citizens by the U.S. Constitution and to help

  • Vandenberg officials hold memorial service for fallen Airman

    A memorial service was held for a fallen Airman Oct. 13, at the Base Chapel here. Hundreds of people filled the chapel's pews to pay their final respects to Senior Airman Daniel Johnson, a 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician who was killed in action Oct. 5, west of

  • Memorial held for fallen special forces Airman

    A memorial service for an Airman who was recently killed in action was held here Oct. 8. Senior Airman Mark Forester, 29, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., was killed Sept. 29 while conducting combat operations with his special forces team in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan. "Mark believed with all his heart in

  • Navy celebrates 235th birthday

    As the U.S. Navy celebrates its 235th birthday, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz have sent birthday greetings and congratulated the men and women of the Navy on behalf of America's Airmen."For over two centuries, our nation has been richly

  • Special tactics Airmen walk for fallen comrades

    Fifteen special tactics Airmen carrying 50-pound rucksacks departed from here Oct. 9 on a mission to honor the memories of their fallen comrades.The 860-mile trek, known as the Tim Davis Special Tactics Memorial March, will stretch across five states and will consist of six teams walking 24 hours a

  • Air Force Security Forces Museum exhibit honors fallen Airmen

    There was no hesitation for the mother of a fallen security forces Airman when the invitation was extended three months ago.I'm going, she thought about the memorial run/walk and opening of a new exhibit at the Air Force Security Forces Museum Sept. 28 here. The events honored the eight security

  • 'Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win' to be Air Force motto

    Incorporating extensive inputs from all ranks and career fields in the development effort, Airmen have selected "Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win" as the service's motto. An enduring statement of Airmen's pride in their service, the motto is a two-part expression -- a call to action, with a response of

  • Veterans return home 5 years after Katrina

    Armed Forces Retirement Home residents expected to be displaced for only a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina damaged their facility in 2005. The first 126 veterans returned home five years later to a larger and more lavish facility.The residents lived at the Armed Forces Retirement Home's Washington

  • Education center to enhance Vietnam Veterans Memorial

    A major fundraising effort is under way to build an underground education center next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here that will place faces and stories with the names etched in the smooth, black granite known simply as, "The Wall.""There is magic in that wall with its 58,000 names," said

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow. 

  • Airmen participate in Operation Market Garden anniversary

    Nineteen Airmen along with three C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron traveled to Holland Sept. 16 to 19 to participate in the reenactment of the largest airborne assault in history to date. More than 1,000 Dutch, German, British, Polish and American servicemembers

  • Airman inducted into Pentagon's Hall of Heroes

    Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes in a ceremony Sept. 22 following presentation of the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony the day before."Today, we bring honor to Chief Etchberger's memory and our nation's highest tribute to

  • Veteran recalls battle leading to Medal of Honor

    In 1968, a battle raged where heroes arose only to be unacknowledged for 18 years. Proper recognition occurred during a White House ceremony Sept. 21 when Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after saving three of his men in a battle that failed to make

  • President presents posthumous Medal of Honor to hero's sons

    President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry to the family of an Air Force chief master sergeant killed in action 42 years ago in Laos during a ceremony Sept. 21. "Today, we present the Medal of Honor to an American who displayed such gallantry more than four decades

  • Family prepares for Medal of Honor

    Three men, along with their families and friends, travelled to the nation's capital to take part in an important correction to Air Force history.Steve Wilson, Cory Etchberger and Richard Etchberger attended a ceremony at the White House Sept. 21 where their late father, Chief Master Sgt. Richard

  • 'Pioneers in Blue' highlights Airmen's contributions

    On Sept. 18, the official birthday of the Air Force, Air Force Public Affairs Agency officials launched a project showcasing 38 veterans from different career fields and backgrounds who have contributed to the greatness of the Air Force. "Pioneers in Blue," a series of photographic portraits on

  • Misawa air show highlights 50 years of Japan-U.S. cooperation

    Japan Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. Air Force aviators took advantage of the 2010 Misawa Air Festival to commemorate half a century of the nations' shared pledge to regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.The show began with Maj. Gen. Hiroaki Maehara, the JASDF 3rd Air Wing

  • Medal of Honor recipients speak at AFA conference

    Three Medal of Honor recipients answered audience questions as part of a panel at the 2010 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15.Joe Jackson, George Day and Leo Thorsness all began their military careers as enlisted

  • President sends birthday message to Airmen

    The following message was sent by President Barack Obama to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force:I send greetings to all those celebrating the 63rd birthday of the United States Air Force. As men and women of the greatest air power the world has ever known, you follow in the footsteps of fellow

  • Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off

    National Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off Sept. 15 and will be celebrated throughout the world, giving people of all backgrounds the chance to come together to celebrate unique cultures.This month's theme, "Heritage, Diversity, Integrity and Honor: The Renewed Hope of America," showcases the

  • Former POW inspires audience with experiences, wisdom

    Members of Ramstein Air Base honored prisoners of war and those missing in action at a luncheon Sept. 17 here. Members of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing hosted the event in remembrance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, featuring guest speaker retired Navy Capt. David Hoffman. "Thank you for

  • JCS chairman says 'Happy birthday, Air Force!'

    Gen. Billy Mitchell believed that "in the development of airpower, one needs to look ahead" -- a fitting charge as we celebrate the United States Air Force's 63rd birthday tomorrow.Born in an era of incredible innovation and change following World War II, the United States Air Force has lived up to

  • Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

    The Air Force's top leaders send a message to the total force to celebrate the Air Force's 63rd birthday and to remind them to remember the commitment and sacrifice of all the Airmen deployed around the globe.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Officials unveil Pentagon POW/MIA exhibit

    Defense Department officials dedicated a portion of the Pentagon to military prisoners of war and troops missing in action Sept. 15, honoring one of the military's guiding principles: never leave a comrade behind.Michele Flournoy, the Pentagon's policy chief, hosted the ceremony on the building's

  • Constitution commemoration falls in line with Air Force birthday

    "I ... solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic," are words from the enlistment oath that every Airman has sworn to one or more times.As the Air Force marks its 63rd year Sept. 18, the Department of Defense

  • Members of Kunsan Air Base remember Sept. 11 events

    A quiet and somber crowd gathered here early Sept. 10 to remember the events in America Sept. 11, 2001, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives that day.Airmen representing firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical services, among official guests and others, attended the 8th Fighter

  • New ISR group supports cyber operations

    The 659th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group was activated Sept. 8 during a ceremony here.The mission of the 659th ISR Group, commanded by Col. Peter Lambert, is to provide direct ISR support to the 24th Air Force, which contributes to U.S. Cyber Command's mission. Members of the

  • Post 9/11: This isn't your father's National Guard

    Since the attacks of 9/11, the National Guard has had to make some of the most dramatic changes in its 373-year history, a senior National Guard leader said in a recent interview. "We have evolved and we have changed," said Maj. Gen. William H. Etter, the acting director of domestic operations at

  • Officials seek Service to America Medals nominees

    The Partnership for Public Service is soliciting nominations for the 2011 Service to America Medals. These medals recognize the accomplishments of the U.S.'s best public servants. Nomination eligibility extends to career civilian federal employees. The nominee must have shown a commitment to public

  • Airman to receive Medal of Honor for '68 actions

    An Air Force senior NCO who was killed 42 years ago will receive the Medal of Honor for actions he took after enemy forces overran a clandestine U.S. radar site in Laos.Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. "Dick" Etchberger, 35, died March 11, 1968, after being shot following an overnight battle on Mount