New ANG Director

Lt. Gen. Stanley E. “Sid” Clarke III, commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force, has been confirmed by the Senate to be the next director of the Air National Guard.

Airman's Call

ecretary of the Air Force Michael Donley talks to Airmen during an Airman's call at NAS Sigonella, Dec. 27, 2012. Donley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited Sigonella as part of a multi-base tour to meet with Airmen and deployed service members within the European and Central Command areas of responsibility. (Photo/Machinery Repairman 1st Class Gary W. Spence)

Armed Forces Bowl

Rice running back Charles Ross is dragged down during the 2012 Armed Forces Bowl by a host of falcon defenders, including defensive backs Brian Lindsay, bottom, and Chris Miller, right. The bowl game was held December 28 in Ft. Worth, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sarah Chambers)

Airman's call

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy (front) and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley answer questions during an Airman's call at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Dec. 27, 2012. Donley and Roy visited Sigonella as part of a multi-base tour to meet with Airmen and deployed service members within the European and Central Command areas of responsibility. (Photo/Machinery Repairman 1st Class Gary W. Spence)

FOR THE CHILDREN

(U.S. Air Force Graphic by/ Robin Meredith/ photo by/ Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert

Space Fence

A graphic depicts resident space objects surrounding Earth. The Space Fence program will provide the ability to detect, track, identify and characterize orbiting objects. (Courtesy image)

Sun and snow

Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton (back right), Chief Master Sgt. Herman Moyer (back left) and children from the 45th Space Wing enjoy real snow during the holiday party at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 14, 2012. Cotton is the 45th SW commander and Moyer is the 45th SW command chief. (Courtesy photo)

Have a merry Air Force Christmas

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, and Air Force District of Washington commander Maj. Gen. Sharon Dunbar pose with U.S. Air Force Band commander Col. Larry Lang, U.S. Air Force Band members, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and elves after the band’s holiday concert at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., Dec. 9, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aaron Stout)

Oh Christmas tree

Taijae Mohlke, a student from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Elementary School, and Brig. Gen. Theresa C. Carter flip the switch to light the Christmas tree at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Nov. 30, 2012. Carter is the commander of Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua T. Rodriguez)

Conversation with Santa

One-year-old Oscar Clausen, son of LeAnn Clausen, the 55th Force Support Squadron’s Outdoor Recreation director, gets a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus while attending the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Nov. 29, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Josh Plueger)

Operation Christmas Drop

Loadmasters from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, prepare humanitarian aid bundles destined for remote islands within the Micronesian Islands Dec. 11, 2012, during the 61st anniversary of Operation Christmas Drop. Operation Christmas Drop is a non-profit organization powered by volunteers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and the local community. Each year OCD provides aid to more than 30,000 islanders in Chuuk, Palau, Yap, Marshall Islands and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This year is the 61st anniversary of OCD, making it the longest running humanitarian mission in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Samuel Morse)

Wedding photo smiles

Senior Airman Erin Carpenter, left, smiles for a wedding photo with her husband. Both were married in ??? (Couresy photo)