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  • Drone returns to Holloman

    Airmen from the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron's air transportation flight returned a 1,000-pound piece of Air Force history to the base here Jan. 28.The piece of history, a Q-2 Firebee drone, had been loaned to the New Mexico Museum of Space History from the Air Force museum at Wright-Patterson

  • Stuck in the mud

    Airmen from the 506th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron here worked with their counterparts from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing to remove a mail cargo plane that taxied off the Kirkuk taxiway and sank almost three feet into the mud. The plane was stuck between two taxiways for almost four

  • Contracting officer experiences frontline action in Iraq

    First Lt. Ed Ruckwardt was in his office, wrapping up some contracts he had worked on the previous few days.It was typical of the lieutenant's duties. There was nothing extravagant or special about the contracts. He was doing his job.The quietness of the day was interrupted by a loud explosion

  • Re-enlistment marks milestone for accident victim

    It was a red-letter day for Tech. Sgt. Hector Barrios when he re-enlisted in the Air Force recently.While a re-enlistment itself is not an unusual event, getting there was for the 96th Security Forces Squadron dog handler.On July 15, 2003, Sergeant Barrios was deployed supporting Operation Iraqi

  • Plan reduces risk for truck drivers in Iraq

    Recently 250 additional U.S. truck drivers per week were removed from the dangerous roads of Iraq because of expanded air operations that deliver cargo directly from the United States to airfields in Iraq. This, combined with existing air operations, now removes about 1,280 convoy drivers per week

  • Air Force names EEO winners

    The winners of the 2004 Air Force Distinguished Equal Employment Opportunity Awards were announced recently by the Air Force deputy chief of staff for personnel.The awards recognize individuals for outstanding support and contributions to the objectives of the Air Force civilian EEO and affirmative

  • Military organizations work together to form 'CSI' teams

    Television today is inundated with shows on forensic science. Programs like “CSI” and “Dr. G., Medical Examiner” have piqued the public’s interest in how forensic experts find answers to questions surrounding a death.But what happens if that death takes place on an Air Force base? Who has

  • Falcon basketball team falls to Colorado State, 63-42

    Colorado State University shot more than 68 percent from the field in the second half to pull away as the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team lost to the Rams, 63-42, here Feb. 3. The Falcons drop to 6-13 overall and 1-5 in the Mountain West Conference, while Colorado State improves to 13-6

  • Tops in Blue seeks musicians

    There are lots of words that spring to mind when you think of Tops in Blue, the Air Force’s premier entertainment group, said Jeri White, Tops in Blue production coordinator at Air Force Services Agency here.“You think of ‘high energy,’ ‘world renown,’ even ‘expeditionary,’” she said. “You think of

  • History project looking for basic-training photos

    It is not often when someone has a chance to peer into the past, present and future at the same time. Fortunately, the vision of an Air Force historian has done just that with the creation of an online repository of Air Force basic training flight graduation photos.Tech. Sgt. Tracy English, a 37th

  • Cope Tiger roars over Thailand

    The sky here has been alive with the sounds of military aircraft from Thailand, Singapore and the United States supporting exercise Cope Tiger 05.“Every year there are challenges that you deal with,” said Col. George Daniels, exercise director from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. “The exercise players

  • Policy change may affect promotion board release dates

    A recent policy change may result in officers waiting an additional two to six months for promotion board results.The policy will not, however, affect actual promotion pin-on dates.The Senate Armed Services Committee previously confirmed promotion lists within three months of the board, regardless

  • U.S. military transitions tsunami relief efforts

    The U.S. Military support effort for tsunami relief is nearly complete.Combined Support Force 536 officials announced Feb. 3 that the remaining U.S. military units in the region affected by the Dec. 26 tsunamis will begin redeployment.On Feb. 10, the country headquarters known as Combined Support

  • DOD seeks people with language skills, regional expertise

    If you speak a foreign language or have the desire and aptitude to learn one, Uncle Sam wants you.Defense Department officials are looking for people with language skills to support not only current operations, but future ones as well, said Gail McGinn, deputy undersecretary of defense for plans.And

  • Flu shots mandatory where available

    Flu shots are mandatory for all active-duty, Reserve and Guard Airmen, where the supply is available, Air Force medical officials said.Because of low supplies, flu shots were previously limited to deployed Airmen, those preparing for deployment and others identified as "at risk." As supplies have

  • AF changes, removes info given to officer promotion boards

    Air Force officials are making changes to what information will be kept in selection briefs for officers facing promotion boards this year.Starting with active-duty promotion boards through the rank of colonel in 2005, all self-initiated academic education information, including bachelor's degrees,

  • Teets to build on core competencies

    Peter B. Teets will focus on core competencies to take the Air Force through a transitional period that includes the fiscal 2006 budget process and the quadrennial defense review.Mr. Teets has served as undersecretary of the Air Force since 2001 and became the acting secretary of the Air Force

  • AAFES has been in every major conflict since World War I

    With the birthday cake in place and candles lit, Regina Koenig and a few other Army and Air Force Exchange Service employees sang “Happy Birthday” to a 21-year-old colleague at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.Halfway through the song, a 127 mm rocket exploded on the other side of the main store. As the

  • F/A-22 on track to go operational

    The F/A-22 Raptor, the Air Force’s next-generation air superiority fighter, performed well in recently completed operational testing and is on track to go operational in December, the director of the program’s combined test force said.Speaking prior to a lecture he delivered at the National Museum

  • General Moseley testifies for raising death benefit

    The Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony Feb. 1 from senior service leaders about a proposed boost in payments to survivors of military people killed in combat.Vice Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley testified on behalf of the Air Force.Under the Pentagon's plan released Jan. 31, a

  • Engineers receive Black Engineer of the Year awards

    Two Air Force Research Laboratory engineers have won Black Engineer of the Year awards.Dr. Chandra Curtis, a digital avionics systems engineer for the munitions directorate at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., has been selected for the “Most Promising Engineer in Government” award. Dr. Curtis is

  • DOD sets Combined Federal Campaign pledge record

    Cigars and roses were just part of the thanks handed out here Feb. 1 by Combined Federal Campaign National Capital Area officials after Defense Department employees raised a record-setting $14.9 million in pledges in the 2004 campaign.The $14.9 million figure far surpassed the campaign's goal of

  • Fire destroys Patrick club

    More than 70 firefighters and public safety officials from here and several surrounding civilian communities responded to a fire that destroyed most of the officers club Jan. 31. Everyone was evacuated safely at about 7 p.m. when workers noticed smoke in the building. First responders from the base

  • Super Bowl goes super blue

    An Air Force F/A-22 Raptor will be a highlight during pre-game festivities at Super Bowl XXXIX where the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles face each other Feb. 6.The other military services will also take part, but Airmen will play a leading role in one of the nation's premier sport

  • F/A-22 passes initial operational test, evaluation

    The results of a recently released Air Force study bode well for the future of the F/A-22 Raptor, officials said.The Raptor demonstrated “overwhelmingly effective” warfighting capability according to the initial operational test and evaluation report released by Air Force Operational Test and

  • Airmen train firefighters to saw through aircraft parts

    A call for assistance rang out from the fire department here recently, but it was not to battle a raging fire.Firefighters asked 653rd Combat Logistics Support Squadron Airmen for some hands-on training on a K-12 cut-saw, a piece of equipment both agencies use in their lines of work.The training

  • Joint STARS duo reaches troops on the ground

    One is active duty straight out of technical training; the other served on active duty and is now in the Air National Guard. One is male, the other is female.Yet despite their differences on the surface, Tech. Sgt. Thomas Bloomberg and Airman 1st Class Emily Leece, could not be any closer.“We

  • ‘Line of Sight’ test brings out tactical side of X-45A

    Joint-unmanned-combat-air-systems test team officials here successfully demonstrated a transfer of command and control using line-of-sight capabilities on two unmanned X-45A aircraft Jan. 27.The test followed the successful Dec. 9 sortie that transferred control of the aircraft to a control station

  • Pentagon, Senate seek doubling of G.I. survivors' benefit

    Pentagon leaders and Capitol Hill legislators want to increase the current available combined government death benefit for families of fallen servicemembers by about $250,000.If enacted, the proposed change essentially would double the $262,000 now available to families of servicemembers killed in

  • Cadet collapses, dies after fitness test

    An Air Force Academy cadet died here Jan. 31 after collapsing following a physical-fitness test. The cadet was taken to the academy hospital where he was pronounced dead.Officials are investigating the cause of the cadet’s death.The cadet’s name is being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin

  • Murray launches inaugural edition of Airman handbook

    If Airman Basic Rachel Redel ever forgets who presented her with one of the first two copies of Airman, Air Force Handbook 1, she can find the answer under “Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force," on Page 15, "Gerald R. Murray.”If the 23-year-old basic trainee is curious about what her

  • Jumper presents Purple Hearts to Baghdad bombing victims

    Two Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents were presented Purple Hearts on Jan. 31 in a ceremony at the Brooke Army Medical Center at nearby Fort Sam Houston.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper presented the medals to Special Agents Therese Frentz and Todd King, who are still

  • Falcon wrestlers down South Dakota State, 37-12

    Backed by seven individual wins, the Air Force Academy wrestling team picked up its fourth consecutive dual-meet victory, as it downed South Dakota State University, 37-12, here Jan. 29.Although the Falcons opened the match with a loss at 149-pounds, when South Dakota State’s Chad Herrbolt won by a

  • Operation Deep Freeze sees end of C-141 Starlifter era

    The gateway to the highest, driest and coldest continent on earth remains wide open and actively engaged by Airmen deployed supporting Operation Deep Freeze.Since late August, Air Force LC-130 Hercules equipped with skis have flown more than 330 sorties supporting the U.S. Antarctic Program which

  • Academy men gymnasts stumble against 4th-ranked Sooners

    Despite posting the best team total of the season, the Air Force Academy men’s gymnastics team dropped a 218.700-188.000 match to No. 4 University of Oklahoma here on Jan. 28. The 188.000 is the Falcons’ best score of the season by nearly 3 points. Air Force also posted top team scores on the

  • Falcon women gymnasts narrowly fall to Alaska twice

    The Air Force Academy women’s gymnastics team fell less than a point shy of the University of Alaska at Anchorage on Jan. 28 and 30.Despite posting their best team score of the season, the Falcons fell 190.575-190.400 on Jan. 28 and 189.875-189.625 on Jan. 30 to the visiting Seawolves.In the Jan. 28

  • A mission of compassion

    The large bus weaved through the twisting roads of the countryside here, eventually, finding the end of the pavement and dashing off onto a small dirt road leading to a countryside grade school. In front of the school, hundreds of people gathered, many taking advantage of free haircuts being given

  • Academy hoopsters fall to UNLV, 76-51

    A huge second-half run by the University of Nevada at Las Vegas Lady Rebels proved the knockout punch as the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team fell, 76-51, here Jan. 29.The Falcons fall to 6-12, 1-4 in the Mountain West Conference, while the Lady Rebels improve to 11-8, 2-3 in the league.The

  • Falcon men second at Wyoming Triangular; women third

    Air Force Academy Falcons Makisi Haleck and Erin Richardson took first-place honors on the men’s and women’s pole vault, while a group of their teammates picked up numerous top-five finishes at the Robert Shine Track and Field Invitational here Jan. 29.Haleck and Richardson captured top honors on

  • Air Force works to meet QDR challenges

    Air Force strategic capabilities are already working to meet the challenges outlined in the Quadrennial Defense Review, officials said.Every four years Department of Defense officials conduct a thorough review, as requested by Congress, to ensure that each service has the right mix of people,

  • Fighting Falcons tackle 'DEAD' mission

    The CJ model of the F-16 Fighting Falcon offers cutting-edge war-time fighting capabilities. Three new upgrades have helped the aircraft here transform from suppressing enemy air defenses to destroying enemy air defenses.“With the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, the targeting pod and the Link

  • Airman returns home to Thailand

    Military exercises like Cope Tiger 2005 -- involving the United States, Thailand and Singapore -- serve to highlight close relationships between countries, but for some servicemembers involved, the link hits even closer to home.Tech. Sgt. Siamrad Maher, a public health technician and translator is

  • Airman’s love of competition fuels rehabilitation

    Competition more often than not brings out the best in people. Simply put, all parties involved must raise their effort levels to a point where they outperform the opposition; otherwise, they will fail.The only difference for Senior Airman Brian Fenton, a 28th Operations Support Squadron air

  • C-model A-10 takes first flight

    The newly designated C-model A-10 Thunderbolt II, modified with precision engagement technology, was flown for the first time here recently by a 40th Flight Test Squadron pilot. Precision-engagement technology allows the Air Force’s premier close-air support aircraft to also use smart weapons such

  • Help available for troops facing adjustment issues

    The Defense Department's senior medical adviser said that troops redeployed from combat zones should suffer no stigma for seeking help for emotional problems.Some troops who have returned from duty tours in Afghanistan or Iraq are experiencing symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder,

  • Officials launch 'Healthy Choices for Life' program

    Defense Department officials are launching a new preventive health-care program called "Healthy Choices for Life," the department's senior medical adviser said here Jan. 26.The purpose of the Tricare-managed program is "to put information in the hands of individual servicemembers and family members

  • DOD tsunami-relief efforts in transition

    Department of Defense tsunami relief efforts are "transitioning to something different," the assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs told a House subcommittee here Jan. 26."A lot of what the U.S. Department of Defense has provided may not be as necessary as it was, and

  • Academy wrestlers down Western State, 29-14

    A major decision by Brenden McLean at 197 pounds clinched the Falcon victory as the Air Force Academy wrestling team downed Western State College of Colorado, 29-14, here Jan. 27. The win moves the Falcons to 3-3 on the season, while the Mountaineers, ranked 15th at the Division II level, fall to

  • Academy captures first conference win at San Diego State

    Letricia Castillo scored 15 points and led the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team to its first road win in the Mountain West Conference, defeating San Diego State University, 48-44, here Jan. 27. The victory moves the Falcons to 6-11, 1-3 in the conference, while the Aztecs fall to 6-10, 1-3

  • Practice makes perfect for flamenco-dancing Airman

    When an Airman here leaves work, she does not go home and sit in front of the television. She gets her second wind and dashes off to flamenco dance classes.After a full day as an administrative Airman for the 66th Mission Support Squadron, Airman 1st Class Jackqueline Raastad heads to a dance

  • Staying in the Reserve after separation can pay off

    Should I stay or should I go? For those in uniform, it is a question they face each time they come to the end of their enlistment. To many, deciding to stay on active duty or switch to the civilian sector seems to be their only options. Air Force Reserve officials beg to differ.Tech. Sgt. Michael

  • Officials redesign recruiting Web site

    Finding information on the Air Force’s official recruiting Web site is easier since Air Force Recruiting Service officials recently redesigned the site.The site also features a new “See What It’s Like” section in which visitors can see what active-duty Airmen do on and off duty.The Web site,

  • Airmen help bring donations to Uzbek orphanages

    Airmen, Soldiers and civilians supporting Operation Enduring Freedom from here brought donated toys, clothing, shoes, food and a variety of other products to local Uzbek orphanages Jan 17 and 22. The Jan. 17 visit went to a baby orphanage in Qitab, and the Jan. 22 visit was to an orphanage in

  • Officials reschedule OTS boards

    Because of fiscal 2005 Air Force force-shaping efforts, the nonrated (both non-technical and technical) portions of the March 28 and May 10 Officer Training School selection boards will now meet in August, Air Force Recruiting Service officials announced Jan. 27.The rated panels for these boards

  • EOD Airmen destroy explosives

    Heat, shock and friction were key ingredients in the controlled detonation of more than 1,000 pounds of explosives Jan. 23.The 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal Airmen spent close to six hours, three miles off base, preparing for a less-than-one-second blast,

  • Wolfowitz salutes military health-care providers

    Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz praised the worldwide efforts of military doctors, nurses, medics and other care providers Jan. 26, saying they are "maintaining the health and the effectiveness of America's defenders."President Bush, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and the entire

  • Parts kit extends service life of F-16 Fighting Falcon

    Defense Supply Center Richmond officials are working on a billion-dollar, multiyear project that will extend the service life of the Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcons.The F-16 Structure Augmentation Roadmap, or "Falcon STAR," program uses parts kits to strengthen the aircraft’s structure, officials

  • Air Force gets new lab for testing airborne networking

    The Air Force Communications Agency here has received its first aircraft since its flying mission ended in 1987-- at least most of an aircraft. A DC-9 fuselage, minus wings and tail, arrived on a truck Jan. 25 to be permanently parked behind the agency’s technology and interoperability facility.

  • Air Force box-offs showcase lean, mean card

    The 2005 U.S. Air Force Boxing Championship, known as the box-offs, was on the ropes before the first punch was thrown here Jan. 22.Global operations reduced this year’s boxing trial camp to just 10 available fighters, down two-thirds from 2004. Seven bouts were on the card, which was unofficially

  • Airmen passing relief operation to UN-led team

    The more than 850 deployed Airmen from bases around Pacific Air Forces are preparing to head home. PACAF aircrews, maintainers and mission support Airmen have been here supporting Operation Unified Assistance, the humanitarian effort delivering relief supplies to several countries in Southeast Asia

  • Reservists switch to paperless LES

    Jan. 1 was the deadline for Air Force reservists to start using myPay, the Web-based method for managing pay.Airmen who did not sign up may find it difficult to know how much they are getting paid. The Feb. 1 leave and earning statement is the last paper copy they will receive through the mail.

  • Chu urges renewed focus to reduce preventable accidents

    The Defense Department wants servicemembers and civilians to concentrate on safety whether they are on or off duty, the department's top personnel official said Jan. 24.Each year scores of Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen, as well as DOD civilians, are killed or injured by

  • Professional wrestlers thank Dyess Airmen for service

    When Airman 1st Class Fred Stewart was deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, the services troop improved the morale at the base by asking World Wrestling Entertainment for anything they might like to send to support the troops.“I’ve always been a die-hard wrestling fan,” Airman Stewart said. “A

  • Officials investigate alleged cheating

    Air Force officials are investigating alleged academic cheating here, they said Jan. 25. The investigation involved 20 officers accused of cheating. Seven have been cleared of all allegations, and 13, including an instructor pilot and 12 student pilots, remain under investigation.Officials said

  • Airmen provide Rhein-Main blanket of security

    For the last decade, the end has always seemed near for this historic air base. Now, the scheduled handover to Germany is officially within 12 months. As the closure nears, officials said the base is probably more important than it has ever been. Airmen and aircraft here are sustaining a heavy

  • Cadets to sing at Super Bowl XXXIX

    Air Force Academy cadets will join fellow service academy cadets to sing the national anthem to kick off Super Bowl XXXIX.The 25-voice Cadet Chorale will join with cadets from the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club, West Point Choir and U.S. Coast Guard Academy Choir to perform in Jacksonville, Fla., on

  • Falcons hockey team drops two to Niagara

    The Air Force Academy hockey team was swept by the Niagara University Purple Eagles, losing 3-2 Jan. 21 and 3-0 Jan. 22. The two losses dropped the Falcons to 11-11-2 overall and 3-7 in the College Hockey America league. Niagara improved to 10-13-0 and 5-5 in the CHA. With the sweep, Niagara

  • Hawaii Air Guard participates in Cope Tiger

    Eight F-15 Eagles and 70 Airmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron deployed here Jan. 24 for Cope Tiger 2005. They were here to practice their flying-training skills with Thai and Singaporean airmen, and U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force air and ground support crews.This is the

  • Officials announce promotion selections

    The Medical and Dental Central Selection Board selected 67 lieutenant colonels, 144 majors and 400 captains for promotion. The board considered 1,331 officers. The results and selection statistics are as follows: In-the-promotion zone for colonel:-- 15 dental corps officers were selected from 19

  • Officials announce selections to major

    Air Force officials selected 117 judge advocate general and medical service corps captains for promotion to major.Officials said 139 officers were considered.Because of different competitive categories, officials' project promotion results are to be released for line officers in about May and for

  • Air Force wrestlers take down Adams State, 28-15

    Six Falcon victories, including a pair of forfeit wins, helped the Air Force Academy wrestling team to a 28-15 win over Adams State University here Jan. 22. The victory moves the Falcons to 2-3 on the season, while the Grizzlies, ranked 11th in the nation at the Division II level, fall to 2-3.The

  • Falcon men place second, women fourth, at invitational

    Olivia Korte crushed her week-old academy weight throw record as the Air Force Academy track and field team finished up competition at the annual Air Force Invitational here Jan. 22. The men claimed second in the 10-team matchup with 94.50 points, while the women placed fourth of 12 teams with a

  • Officials release updated transformation flight plan

    Air Staff officials recently updated the U.S. Air Force Transformation Flight Plan, which spells out the transformation strategy of the Air Force. According to the secretary of defense's transformation planning guidance, officials in the office of force transformation use the flight plan and the

  • Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicks off Feb. 14

    The Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign runs Feb. 14 to May 6. Program officials invite Airmen to contribute to any of the Air Force’s four official charitable organizations.The charities benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired servicemembers, surviving spouses and

  • Falcon hoopsters lose to BYU, 75-66

    Despite keeping it close, the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team could not pull off its first conference win of the year, dropping a game to Brigham Young University, 75-66, here Jan. 22. With the loss, the Falcons fall to 0-3 in the Mountain West Conference (5-11 overall), while the Cougars

  • Airmen keep cargo, people moving

    Since Jan. 1, tanker airlift control element Airmen here have been making sure that what comes into the Royal Thai navy airfield gets out.The element in Utapao is composed of Airmen from the 615th Air Mobility Squadron out of Travis Air Force Base, Calif. In one of two buildings they use here, the

  • Deployed fuels technicians keep OEF airlift rolling

    On a busy morning here, fuels technicians in the 416th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron fuels management flight could have between three and five fuel trucks on the airfield topping off a C-130 Hercules or a C-17 Globemaster III.It does not really matter where the planes are going; all that

  • National Nurse Anesthetist Week kicks off Jan. 23

    Whether administering epidurals for women in labor, giving patients minor sedation in the emergency room, or watching over their patients in the operating room, certified registered nurse anesthetists have been working with surgeons, dentists and podiatrists for nearly 150 years to deliver safe

  • President thanks veterans for service during inaugural ball

    President Bush and first lady Laura Bush were greeted with resounding cheers as they made the first stop of their whirlwind tour of inaugural galas here Jan. 20. At the "Salute to Heroes" inaugural ball, hundreds of veterans from across the country, along with their wives and families, greeted the

  • Airmen test new security forces vehicle

    Airmen with the 91st Security Forces Group here are testing a new armored personnel vehicle which may someday replace the ones Minot cops currently use in the missile field.The Lenco Bearcat vehicle has a V-8, diesel turbo engine combined with armored plating, said Tech. Sgt. Kevin McDonald, 91st

  • Bill payment arrives in deployed Airman’s package

    The Elvis Presley song goes, “Return to Sender.” The song came true for a Lott, Texas, woman who attempted to pay a bill which was accidentally delivered to a forward-deployed location here. Like millions of Americans, Mary Morris sent a bill payment via the U.S. Postal Service. Apparently, her

  • Airmen honor president during inaugural parade

    Thousands of people lined Pennsylvania Avenue on Jan. 20, waiting for the passing of the presidential motorcade during the inaugural parade.Two things were immediately apparent to people attending the event. The first was the overwhelming amount of security, and second was the large contingent of

  • AF downed by Utah in basketball conference home opener

    Unable to overcome a 54 percent shooting effort by the Utes, the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team fell, 97-47, to visiting University of Utah here Jan. 20. With the loss, the Falcons fall to 0-2 in the Mountain West Conference (5-10 overall), while the Utes (14-4 overall) remain undefeated

  • Miracle baby joins McGuire family

    A family here witnessed a miracle recently when their baby was born 16 weeks early.Mayra Morales, the wife of Staff Sgt. Freddie Morales Fernandez, gave birth to Ariam Marie Morales at a hospital in nearby Camden.Sergeant Morales Fernandez, a 305th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems

  • Aircrew error caused F-15 midair collision

    Aircrew error caused a midair collision of two F-15 Eagles off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, according to an accident investigation report released Jan. 20.The aircraft both landed safely and neither pilot was injured. They were temporarily assigned to the 12th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at

  • Edwards Airmen save man from inferno

    Two Airmen, neighbors in a mobile home park near here, sprang out of their homes and saw a mass of wood and plaster being engulfed in flames.The Airmen had settled down from a long day of unpacking and work, respectively."That was my first night in the trailer," said Tech. Sgt. Jerry Rocovits, a

  • Some gifts cannot be wrapped

    An Air Force Space Command headquarters Airman helped save his brother-in-law’s life here.Maj. Dave Holz, a plans and programs officer, gave a Christmas present that did not need wrapping. Rich Borsuk, Major Holz’s brother-in-law, was diagnosed with type-one diabetes 25 years ago as a 6-year-old

  • Airman’s hobby goes to the dogs

    The barking is deafening, but there is no perpetrator lurking around the property or a violent storm on the way. There is only a woman approaching the dog pen with a fistful of harnesses. The dogs know one thing, they are going to run. Senior Airman Mary Lunde, with the 5th Munitions Squadron, is a

  • Different views of same humanitarian effort

    Maj. Mark Ledbetter briefs his aircrew about the day’s mission and walks with them to their HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter. It is a simple mission, but the enormity of the situation still affects the entire aircrew. Their task it to help feed and supply more than a million people left homeless after

  • The human element of a humanitarian mission

    A.P. Tudor Jayasekera and his wife of 20 years, K. Rupawathi, stand in the ruins of what was once their home. All that remains are bricks, cement pieces and six pieces of wood from their roof, but they said they feel lucky.They were out of their home when a 20-foot tsunami crashed into their

  • Lackland medics support OIF evacuation mission

    The medical mission in Iraq is complex, made up of a variety of Air Force and Army units that provide care for servicemembers and Defense Department civilians and contractors who need help with various ailments -- ranging from minor scorpion stings to serious combat injuries. But patients who need

  • Boom operators provide fuel for warfighters

    Some Airmen spend their work days in office cubicles, but a select group of enlisted fliers work in an “office” 25,000 feet in the air while traveling 500 mph.Boom operators from the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, do not push papers; instead, they push fuel to combat aircraft engaged in

  • Scams target tsunami donors

    The tsunamis that hit South Asia are being hailed as the worst natural disaster in this century. With death tolls topping 200,000 and countless people injured, our brethren in Asia are in need of relief -- shelter, food, clothing and other necessities. Americans opening their purse strings to

  • CMSAF: Our airlift is what makes us a global power

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray highlighted the Air Force’s airlift mission during a three-day visit here Jan. 12.“We could not do what we do in the United States military and as a nation without our great airlifters,” Chief Murray said. “Our airlift is what makes us a global

  • Medical team crucial to avoiding an epidemic

    The tsunamis that devastated southern Asia left a breeding ground for an outbreak of diseases in their wake, which threatens both those displaced by the natural disaster and those involved in relief efforts.Combined Support Force 536, as part of Operation Unified Assistance, is here to help prevent

  • Nominations sought for Guard, Reserve employer award

    The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is accepting nominations for its 2005 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, given for outstanding support of employees who serve in the Reserve and National Guard.The award was instituted in 1996 to recognize the

  • Joint fighting now norm for U.S. military

    Servicemembers joining the military today are not joining just the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps -- they are joining a truly joint force.The American military has reached unprecedented levels of joint operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom, military officials here said."When I joined the

  • AF teams win armed forces bowling championships

    First Lt. Rickie Banister and Master Sgt. Christine Dash led their Air Force teams to the men's and women's team titles in the 2005 Armed Forces Bowling Championships here Jan. 12.The tournament was held in conjunction with the 2005 USA Bowling National Amateur Championships, and the field was cut

  • Deployed C-130Js exceeding expectations

    When the C-130J -- the newest variant of the versatile C-130 Hercules -- deployed for the first time in December, Air Mobility Command officials said they were confident of the aircraft’s capabilities.During the first few weeks of the aircraft's deployment, the J model has met and in some cases

  • Super Bowl broadcast plans under way for deployed troops

    Are you ready for some football? Troops deployed in combat zones will see the Super Bowl live on the American Forces Network on Feb. 6.In fact, one of the questions Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld got during a news conference in Kuwait was whether troops would see the Super Bowl."American