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U.S. Air Force News

  • AF leaders remind force to be safe this summer

    With Memorial Day kicking off this year's Critical Days of Summer Safety campaign, Air Force senior leaders have asked Airmen to be as intense about safety as they are about accomplishing the mission.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Mark Welsh, and the Chief Master

  • VA, veteran groups announce initiative to reduce claims backlog

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion today announced a new partnership to help reduce the compensation claims backlog for veterans.The effort, called the Fully Developed Claims Community of Practice, is a key part of the VA's overall

  • Obama emphasizes concern about sexual assault in military

    The crime of sexual assault undermines the trust needed for the U.S. military to do its missions, President Barack Obama said after meeting with his military leaders May 16.Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, the service secretaries, and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and the rest of the Joint Chiefs of

  • TV announcements illustrate signs of suicide risk

    Officials at the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have produced three public service announcements to help families and friends recognize the signs of potential suicide in veterans and service members.The television announcements have aired since April on the Pentagon Channel and American

  • Royalty visits Academy, provides awareness for Warrior Games

    British royalty was on hand to kick off Warrior Games and to have a bit of fun with cadets here May 12.His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, also known as Prince Harry, made a stop in Colorado Springs and the Academy during his week-long visit to the United States to raise awareness for Warrior

  • Transit Center honors fallen heroes

    Friend and colleague. Mentor and role model. Son and daughter. Husband and wife. Mother and father. Airman and hero. These were just some of the words used to describe three fallen warriors. Service members gathered for a memorial service May 9, 2013, at Transit Center at Manas here to honor and pay

  • Wife of Air Guard Airman selected as Military Spouse of 2013

    The wife of an Air National Guard Airman who created support groups for military families and businesses has been selected as the 2013 Military Spouse of the Year.Alicia Hinds-Ward, the spouse of Tech. Sgt. Edwinston J. Ward of the 113th fighter wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md., was chosen among more

  • Pediatric patients eligible for messaging health application

    The Air Force Medical Service is now registering children in its web-based secure messaging health application, MiCare.MiCare allows beneficiaries to communicate securely and privately with their health care teams anywhere and anytime. The secure tool is now available to more than 70 percent of Air

  • Airmen behind the scenes of Ironman 3

    Would it be the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat? This was the question on the minds of a select few members of the 916th Air Refueling Wing here as they waited in dark theaters this weekend to see if their faces graced the silver screen in "Iron Man 3," predicted to have the second largest

  • Airmen learn to cope with homesickness

    First term Airmen are put into a unique position when they are stationed at a base overseas, with some struggling to find ways to overcome adversity from loneliness, learning to live on their own and trying to communicate with family and friends stateside. "Instead of being only 300 miles away from

  • Official warns of predatory businesses, offers Airmen finance tips

    Holly Petraeus, the head of the Office of Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, discussed predatory business practices and personal financial tips with the military community here May 6.Petraeus visited Yokota AB to hear first-hand of service members' financial hardships

  • Funny car champion added to Wall of Achievers

    National Hot Rod Association Funny Car champion Jack Beckman was added to the U.S. Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall's Wall of Achievers May 2 at Gunter Annex here."Fast Jack," as he is called by fans, is a former Air Force sergeant and avionics technician on the F-111D Aardvark. Beckman joins a

  • Community celebrates life of general, wife

    A memorial service was held May 1, at Fort Lesley J. McNair for a general and his wife who recently passed away.Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Brown, IV, who served as the commandant for the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, National Defense University, and his wife, Sue,

  • Official urges planning, offers resources for fiscal fitness

    It's important for children to learn financial life skills early on to maintain financial security and avoid woes in adulthood, a Defense Department official said.Barbara Thompson, the director of DOD's office of family policy and children and youth, said in an interview with American Forces Press

  • Dover Airman in 'fight of his life'

    Sometimes a headache is just a headache. Other times it can be the sign of something much worse.Just ask Maj. Shawn Boyle, an Individual Mobilization Augmentee reservist with the 436th Airlift Wing/Judge Advocate office. Boyle, who lives outside of Pittsburgh, Pa., was experiencing what he thought

  • First Lady announces certification plan for veteran jobs

    First Lady Michelle Obama today unveiled the new Information Technology Training and Certification Partnership to put thousands of service members to work with industry-recognized IT certifications in hand before they leave the military.Obama, who made the announcement at the White House Forum on

  • AF uses innovative tactics to tackle sexual assault

    As part of an innovative initiative to reduce sexual assault across the Minot Air Force Base has partnered with the Gracie Academy to certify 100 men and women of the U.S. Air Force in the Gracie Women Empowered program, April 15 to 19. In 2012, the U.S. Air Force saw a 30 percent increase in sexual

  • Family servicemembers' group life insurance benefit changes

    Service members married to other service members are no longer automatically enrolled in the Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program, Pentagon officials said.The change was effective Jan. 2, and to date affects about 4,500 service members, Coast Guard Cmdr. Kristen Martin, who heads the

  • Eielson AFB youth show 'Purple Up' pride

    Students at Robert M. Crawford Elementary School celebrated Purple Up Day April 19, honoring military children who make unique sacrifices in support of their active-duty mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. Alaska state officials adopted Purple Up Day last year to show support for an estimated

  • Official discusses Transition Assistance Program at House hearing

    The Defense Department, in concert with the military services and interagency partners are successfully implementing the department's revamped Transition Assistance Program, a senior DOD official told a House Armed Services Committee subcommittee here April 24.Dr. Susan S. Kelly,  the principal

  • Langley selected for 'better foods, better bodies' pilot

    The "Better Foods, Better Bodies" campaign recently selected Joint Base Langley-Eustis as a pilot base for its promotional initiative. From how Airmen shop at the commissary, to the meals they choose to eat, this movement is designed to help service members and their families make healthier

  • Air Force, Italian medics simulate joint patient care

    Members of the 31st Medical Group at Aviano Air Base and the local Italian hospital in Pordenone, Italy, came together April 17 to discuss the results of the region's first international patient care simulation.The collaboration, which took place in early March, encompassed all levels of care needed

  • Warrior Games camp prepares Air Force team

    Athletes representing the Air Force during this year's Warrior Games participated in a week-long training camp here April 14-20.The Warrior Games, held May 11-16 at the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Olympic Training Center, are a sport competition for sick and injured service members and veterans.

  • VA expedites decisions for long-standing claims

    The Veterans Affairs Department is expediting compensation claims decisions for veterans who have waited one year or longer, VA officials announced today.Effective today, VA claims raters will make provisional decisions on the oldest claims on hand, officials said, which will allow veterans to begin

  • AF observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month

    At installations around the world Airmen are working together to increase awareness, prevent and care for the victims of sexual assault, with a variety of events underway in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.From the commander in chief to the

  • Program launches to educate communities on family needs

    A new publication series designed to educate civilians on the specialized needs of military and veteran families in their neighborhoods launched here April 15.Charles E. Milam, the acting assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, spoke at the launch event at the

  • Airmen fight hunger through 'Food for Kidz'

    Global hunger took another hit today by Luke Air Force Base service members and their families April 13 as they worked alongside community organizations to build "Food for Kidz" boxes.Approximately 165 volunteers from Luke AFB spent about six hours packaging 105,000 meals, which will be sent to

  • Dempsey lauds honorees at Military Child of the Year gala

    Compassion, faith and patriotism earned five youths, each representing a service branch, acclaim from senior leaders during the 5th Annual Military Child of the Year Awards Gala at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Pentagon City here April 12.Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of

  • VA funding reflects commitment to vets

    Emphasizing that a nation's budget reflects its core priorities, a senior Veterans Affairs Department official said the proposed 10 percent fiscal year 2014 budget increase for VA and the fact that the department is specifically sheltered from sequestration demonstrate America's unwavering

  • DEERS streamlined for better efficiency

    A modification in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is expected to streamline personal records for better efficiency, the director of the Defense Manpower Data Center said here yesterday.In an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Mary Dixon said

  • Travel Channel brings 'magic' to Airmen

    Even with all that goes on one at Tyndall one of the last things expected to be seen here is magic tricks.The Travel Channel' s street magician, JB Benn, visited Tyndall on March 29. He and his crew filmed for their TV show "Magic Man," which focuses on Mr. Benn stunning the average by stander on

  • TRICARE expands assistance to reduce tobacco use

    The Defense Department is committed to helping troops, their families and all beneficiaries of the TRICARE health care plan reduce their reliance on tobacco products, a TRICARE official said here today.During an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Paul Fitzpatrick,

  • Stressed parents get help with new program

    With April designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Defense Department is highlighting its commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect among military families, especially through the Family Advocacy Program, and providing those who need it with counseling.The FAP focuses on strengthening

  • CSAF, CMSAF visit Global Strike Command Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody and their spouses were at Barksdale Air Force Base April 2-3 to visit with Airmen and see the Air Force Global Strike Command mission firsthand.The visit included mission briefings, tours and meetings with

  • Military children express sacrifices through art, writing

    Life through the eyes of military children through their paintings, drawings and writings was on public display at the Education Department here today to celebrate the Month of the Military Child.Since 1983, the Defense Department has officially recognized military children for the support they

  • DOD works to ensure access for special needs families

    Defense Department officials are working to standardize a program designed to help service members get care for family members with chronic health issues or special needs who otherwise might face forgoing an assignment or having to cut short a deployment because of an inability to find such care.The

  • Airman, wife make a difference

    When this Airman dons his uniform, he flies a C-17 Globemaster III on missions transporting supplies and Airmen to where duty calls. But when he takes his uniform off, he still finds ways to make a difference in the world. First Lt. Joey Brewer, 16th Airlift Squadron pilot, and his wife, Tori,

  • AFR/ANG announces 2013 teen leadership summits

    The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard officials announced the 2013 AFR/ANG Teen Leadership Summit locations. This year's summits will be held in Dahlonega, Ga., and Estes Park, Colo. The teen summits combine high-adventure activities with leadership classes to allow teens to tap into their

  • Air Force's top enlisted leader visits Spangdahlem AB

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader visited here March 25-26. As part of the tour, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody met with leaders of Spangdahlem Air Base's private organizations, held an Airmen's call and took briefings about fighter wing operations.First, he had lunch with the

  • Airmen shoulder the load in remembrance of fallen comrade

    Special tactics operators from across Pope Field, N.C., took part in a six-mile walk around the flightline carrying a log dedicated to a fallen comrade March 15. The log, carved in honor of Staff Sgt. Andrew Harvell, has an estimated weight of 1,250 pounds. Harvell's nickname "Big Andy" is carved on

  • Not too soon for spouse's job hunt before moving

    As service members start to receive their orders for summer moves, it's time for working spouses to update resumes, start networking for job opportunities and contact career counselors at their new locations, a Pentagon official recommends.In an interview with American Forces Press Service and the

  • Efforts continue for spouse professional license portability

    Defense Department officials recognize that an unemployed spouse can affect a service member's retention, so efforts continue to allow spouses' professional licenses to transfer from state to state as military families move from one duty station to another, a Pentagon official told American Forces

  • Children need routine environment during moves, official says

    Service members and their spouses who will travel to new duty stations this summer might face the added concern of keeping life routine for their children, the director of the Pentagon's office of family policy and children and youth told American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel."Just

  • DOD announces pilot sites for Healthy Base Initiative

    Thirteen pilot sites will participate in the Healthy Base Initiative, a demonstration project for the Defense Department's Operation Live Well, Pentagon officials announced March 18.Among the 13 chosen were Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Yokota Air Base,

  • Plan early for household moves

    For many military and federal government workers, spring signifies not only flowers in bloom and warmer weather, but also a good time to get the jump on peak moving season, which typically runs from May to August.Mitch Chandran, an Army Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command spokesman,

  • College grants available for children of deceased combat vets

    Maj. Kevin Wilkins died of an illness that resulted from his military service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.This left his wife, Jill, wondering how she was going to handle being a single parent and how she was going to pay for her son and daughter's college education. Then she found out about the "Iraq

  • Troop financial readiness important to force, official says

    "It's never too early to start saving for retirement no matter how young you are," said a top Pentagon official, reminding those in uniform of how important it is to act now to ensure long-term financial readiness.The message from Barbara Thompson, director of the Pentagon's office of Family

  • Like Airman, like son: the Harper family legacy

    It's often said families fight, laugh and cry together, but it's not too often they deploy together.Father and son, Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Harper and Capt. Michael J. Harper, are serving their third deployment together, or fourth depending on a person's definition of deploying together.In

  • 'Mi Rey:' A deployed Valentine story

    It was a cold January evening in a little town called Muzquiz, in Coahuila, Mexico. Despite the chill in the air, she and a friend decided to go to the local dance hall. It was the kind of close-knit town where everyone knew each other, and dancing was a way to let loose on a Friday night.Her long,

  • Vance AFB air traffic controller selected for direct appointment to Academy

    Approximately 2 percent of enlisted Airmen who apply to the U.S. Air Force Academy are selected each year for direct appointment. This year, one of the air traffic controllers here is among them.Airman 1st Class Sage Keltee, from the 71st Operations Support Squadron, will be leaving for the Academy

  • AF Teen Council plans 2013 growth, development events

    How many times have you said, "Man, I'm so bored."? If you said it once, you've said it too many times. The Air Force Teen Council has many events planned this year that will get you on your feet, including four projects, collectively known as the 2013 Teen Movement Project. Designed to benefit

  • Senior NCO used lifesaving skills during parade tragedy

    To some, Self-Aid and Buddy Care is just another training course but to others, it has meant life or death during their career. One Airman proves just how important this course was in last year's Hunt for Heroes parade tragic accident. Master Sgt. Christopher Doggett has served in the Air Force

  • Medical team achieves cutting-edge patient transfer

    Marking a first for military medical care in the United States, an Army and Air Force team successfully transported a critically ill woman using a special form of heart-lung bypass from San Antonio Military Medical Center to New York City in January 2013.This mission marked the military's first

  • Air Force Hoops promotion tips off March 1

    Air Force bowling centers and golf courses will host an Air Force Hoops promotion during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Men's Basketball Championship Tournament from March 1 to April 8.Air Force Hoops, a free scratch-off game, gives participants the opportunity to win

  • Fallen pilot's family issues statement

    The following statement is released on behalf of the Gruenther family with their permission:"It is with great sadness that we announce that the body Capt. Lucas Gruenther was found in the Adriatic Sea this afternoon. A compassionate husband, a loving son, and a devoted brother; Luc leaves behind a

  • DOD, USDA partner in 'win-win' distance learning program

    A new education program offers a "win-win" approach to helping military community members further their careers while aiding the Defense Department's family support and child and youth development services, a Pentagon official said.Barbara Thompson, director of DOD's office for family policy,

  • DOD to begin review of family, military community programs

    A new task force will start work next month on a 120-day review of all family and military community programs across the Defense Department to determine their effectiveness and identify gaps and potential efficiencies, a senior defense official said.Charles E. Milam, acting deputy assistant

  • From tragedy comes triumph: Wounded warrior shares his story

    The first bullet struck him in the hip. But it was the second shot, the one that hit Staff Sgt. Kristoffer Schneider in the forehead, which forever changed his life nearly two years ago.Schneider and his wife, Amanda, shared his story of surviving the 2011 terror attack at Frankfurt International

  • Families make unit stronger

    The harsh reality of leaving family behind is common for service members, what is not so common is being deployed with them.The 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron understands the significance of family bonds and they should -- they have five pairs of related Airmen."We have great camaraderie

  • Military kids website also helps parents, educators

    The Defense Department website for military children has added new features to help parents and educators explain difficult topics of the military lifestyle to children.Since its launch in January 2012, MilitaryKidsConnect.org has served more than 125,000 visitors and won five industry excellence

  • Star-powered kids' inaugural concert salutes military families

    From the opening notes of Grammy winner and multi-platinum recording star Usher to the final thanks of singer Katy Perry, military families all over the world were treated to a special thanks here last night.First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, hosted a

  • Examination fee implemented for pets shipped to Europe

    An examination fee of 55 Euro per pet will be implemented Feb. 1, for all non-EU citizens who import a pet to Germany.The Kaiserslautern County Administration implemented the European Union Ordinance #998/2003, which regulates the importing of dogs, cats and other pets into or throughout the

  • Team of Airmen to attempt Mount Everest climb

    Four Air Force Academy graduates may be busy preparing to climb the world's highest peak in May, but they haven't forgotten where mountaineering first began for them: here, climbing Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks as cadets. A team of six seasoned Air Force mountaineers; currently stationed in

  • AF's highest ranking African-American shares ties to civil rights movement

    On April 23, 1951, more than 450 students collectively walked out the front doors of the all-black, R. R. Moton High School in Farmville, Va., and marched to the home doorsteps of school-board members in the community.Among the students who walked out that day was Selma Gaines, now Selma Spencer,

  • DOD focuses on financial health of military families

    Since it can directly affect force readiness, the financial health of service members and their families is a high priority for the Defense Department, and a senior DOD official emphasized that January is a great time for military families to take stock of their financial situation.As part of a

  • Air Force duo design smart phone application for Inauguration Day

    Two Airmen with the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region Public Affairs created a free, public cellphone application that allows users to stay informed about the 57th Presidential Inauguration.The program, called "Inauguration," was released Jan. 14 and compiles news and other material related

  • AIRMAN magazine needs military brat stories

    Are you a military brat?AIRMAN magazine is working on a feature to highlight past and present military children and is looking for a few good 'brats' to share their story. "Our goal is to create a product that provides a window into the life of a military child," said Preston Keres, the AIRMAN

  • Air Force names Lance P. Sijan Award winners

    Air Force officials recently announced the winners of the 2012 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award.The Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award recognizes Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities.The senior officer category winner is Lt. Col. Nathan C. Green, who is assigned to

  • Air Force advocate on House Armed Services Committee passes away

    A retired Air Force colonel and one-time Thunderbirds air demonstration team pilot, who was an important Air Force advocate as a staffer with the House Armed Services Committee, has passed away.Douglas C. Roach passed away Jan. 11 from complications due to cancer at the age of 70. "The Air Force

  • GI Bill education transfer incurs 4 years for all Airmen

    When initially implemented, the Post-9/11 GI Bill education transfer program was phased in to enable Airmen nearing retirement to accept a 1-, 2-, or 3-year active-duty service commitment. That phase-in period expired July 31, 2012 and all active-duty Airmen now incur a 4-year ADSC, said Bruce

  • Academy Band conductor nominated for regional Emmy

    The commander and conductor of the Air Force Academy Band may soon be clutching an award statuette from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.Lt. Col. Don Schofield was nominated for a regional Emmy award this year for his 2011 production of "Holiday Notes from Home" and will attend

  • Officials announce TRICARE Prime service area changes

    Active-duty service members and their families will be unaffected when long-delayed reductions to areas where the TRICARE Prime option is offered take place Oct. 1, TRICARE officials said Jan. 9.But as TRICARE seeks to synchronize service area shifts once staggered by contract delays, some military

  • New resource helps troops, families plan deployments

    The Defense Department launched a new resource to help troops and their families plan for the "before, during and after" of deploying.Barbara Thompson, director of DOD's office for family policy, explained "Plan My Deployment" during an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press

  • From Tennessee to S. Korea - a woodworker's selfless act of love

    When Ed Wares heard about Airmen from the Air Force Technical Applications Center who were sponsoring an orphanage in South Korea, he knew he had to reach out and offer his support.That support, however, didn't come in the way of clothes, food, or even money. Instead, his donation came from his

  • Air Force Marathon has record opening day registration

    The Air Force Marathon filled a third of its 15,000 runner slots on the first day of registration, breaking last year's registration opening record. More than 5,100 runners registered for the 2013 event on Jan. 1, taking advantage of special New Year's Resolution discounts that were available only

  • DOD heightens training, prevention to target human trafficking

    To spark awareness and vigilance against a growing global human rights crisis, President Barack Obama has proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.Linda Dixon, the Defense Department's program manager for combating trafficking in persons, told the Pentagon

  • Air Force Fire Chief leaves legacy of service

    After 46 years of service, the Air Force's top firefighter stepped down.Donald Warner, chief of the Fire Emergency Services Division in the Air Force Civil Engineer Center Readiness Directorate at Tyndall AFB, Fla., retired  Dec. 29, ending a career in firefighting that has spanned six decades."When

  • Kunsan AB, Hurlburt Field Airmen unite to spread holiday cheer

    Despite more than 7,000 miles and at least 10 time zones between them, the junior enlisted forces of Hurlburt Field and Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, teamed up to comfort the widows of former Airmen. Members of Hurlburt Airman's Voice and Kunsan's Airmen Committed to Excellence signed, sealed and

  • Academy firefighters recognized for Waldo Canyon Fire efforts

    More than 50 firefighters with the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron here received Air Force Achievement Medals and Air Force Civilian Achievement Awards in a pair of ceremonies Dec. 19-20 for their efforts in containing the Waldo Canyon Fire, which burned 12 acres on the Air Force Academy in June but

  • Alaskan NORAD Region keeps Santa safe, on schedule

    Children around the world know the role the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, plays in tracking Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world. What many don't know is the role an organization in Alaska plays in ensuring Santa makes his deliveries.U.S. and Canadian servicemembers of

  • Panetta orders review of child care hiring practices

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has ordered a review of hiring practices at Defense Department child development centers.Army officials announced yesterday an immediate investigation into hiring procedures at its child development centers nationwide after identifying potential problems with

  • Hardship withdrawal rules relaxed to help victims of Hurricane Sandy

    The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board announced it has made temporary changes to the Thrift Savings Plan hardship withdrawal rules to help victims of Hurricane Sandy pursuant to the guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service on Nov. 16.The TSP will treat any Financial Hardship

  • Q&A: AF chief information officer on Cyber Summit

    Air Force leaders held a Cyber Summit in November at Joint Base Andrews, Md., to discuss the Air Force's role in cyberspace and to ensure the mission needs of the Air Force and joint warfighter are being met going forward.More than 30 senior leaders, including the secretary and chief of staff of the

  • 'Today's Air Force' reviews rescue at sea, Thunderbird memorial restoration

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on Dec. 10.On this episode's "Straight from the Top," acting Undersecretary of the Air Force, Jamie Morin speaks about the importance of technological and organizational advances the Air Force has made in space. Next, viewers join

  • Airmen pay tribute to past heroes in Dec. 7 remembrance ceremony

    On Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941 at 7:55 a.m., the largest airborne attack force ever assembled by the Imperial Japanese Navy struck Oahu's military installations and plunged the United States into World War II aiming to cripple the U.S. fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor and prevent American involvement

  • Cadets soar to 8th straight national championship

    Air Force Academy cadets soared to their eighth straight national sailplane racing championship and their 14th in 18 years, the Soaring Society of America announced Dec. 5.This year's team posted more miles than any other in Academy history with more than 30,700 miles, nearly twice as many miles as

  • New program helps develop holdover Airmen at BMT

    Airmen placed on hold in the 324th Training Squadron here are benefiting from a new program established earlier this year.Typically, Airmen in a hold status have already completed basic training and are awaiting orders or assignment to technical school. There may be medical reasons for a hold status

  • Vandenberg continues 53 year holiday tradition

    While some families were busy with the normal holiday hustle and bustle that can come with the beginning of December, hundreds of Vandenberg Airmen were checking backpacks, schedules and presents to ensure local, underprivileged children were afforded a traditional holiday experience.The 53rd annual

  • NORAD provides website, apps to track Santa

    Children of all ages will be able to track Santa Claus on his annual journey, thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.The "NORAD Tracks Santa" website at http://www.noradsanta.org is up and running. The site features a holiday countdown, games and daily activities, video messages from

  • Deployed father controls airspace over son in Afghanistan

    Maj. Christopher Gering worries like any other parent whose child deploys downrange. It can be gut wrenching knowing his child operates outside the wire, working to clear and dispose of improvised explosive devices.Since August, this proud parent has had an advantage most parents are not afforded

  • 2013 Scholarships for military children opens Dec. 3

    In 2012, the Scholarships for Military Children Program celebrated a major milestone as it reached more than $10 million in scholarships awarded to 6,742 students from around the globe.Applications for the 2013 Scholarships for Military Children Program will be available starting Dec. 3 at

  • Language Enabled Airman Program announces selections

    Foreign language experts from around the Air Force recently met at the Air Force Culture and Language Center at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., part of Air University's Spaatz Center for Officer Education, to select the latest participants for the Air Force's Language Enabled Airman Program. More than

  • Capitol Christmas tree makes pit-stop

    The 2012 Capitol Christmas tree arrived on the west lawn this morning after spending the night at McConnell Air Force Base, Kans., Nov. 16, 2012, on its way from Colorado.The Capitol Christmas tree has been a tradition since 1964 when a live tree was planted on the west lawn of the Capitol. The

  • New Medical Clinic Opens Doors Strengthening U.S. Kyrgyz Partnership

    Service members from the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, in partnership with representatives from the U.S. Embassy Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Health and residents of the Nizhne-Chuysk Village gathered on Nov. 15, to celebrate the grand opening of the village's new medical clinic. The

  • U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard to perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Day

    The United States Air Force Band and Honor Guard will be traveling to New York City to perform a featured patriotic tribute, "This is My Country," in the 86th Annual Macy's Day Parade® on Thanksgiving Day 2012.Marching 200 strong, these premier ceremonial units from the 11th Operations Group will

  • Kadena Special Olympics allows kids to be heros

    Thousands of volunteers, supporters and special-needs athletes and artists from all over Japan, came to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17 to participate in or support the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics."This is an opportunity for the two communities to meet in joint service to the athletes and

  • Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force visits Alaska

    Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin visited with Airmen from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska,  Nov. 13 during his first trip to the region. "It's great to be here," Morin said. "It's great to have the opportunity to hear from some of the folks out in the wings and to