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  • Officials seek O'Malley Award nominees

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. The O'Malley Award annually recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force and the local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive

  • DOD report urges increase in guard's civilian technicians

    Department of Defense officials recently submitted a report to Congress recommending an increase in the current legal limits on the number of civilian technicians who provide support to National Guard members and their units.About 52,000 technicians are spread across the across the U.S., while about

  • 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference kicks off

    More than 1,000 attendees were on hand for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition on Sept. 13 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. During the ceremonies, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Officials seek Spirit of Hope Award nominees

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2011 Spirit of Hope Award.The award recognizes a military member, civilian or an organization that epitomizes the values of Bob Hope: duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication.Each major command, field

  • DOD to reduce fuel, water consumption

    Defense Department officials plan to reduce the military's water and fossil fuels consumption by more than 20 percent in the next decade, under an Obama administration plan to make government agencies better stewards of the environment.Ashton B. Carter, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition,

  • Medics showcase patient care concepts to Afghan airmen

    Air Force medics introduced some of their patient care concepts to Afghan airmen Sept. 8 here.For the first time, 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility Airmen oriented four Afghan airmen to methods used to secure patients and load and move

  • Iraqi Air Force Academy opens its doors

    More than 150 cadets from around Iraq began class at the newly re-built Iraqi Air Force College here Sept. 1. The inaugural class's arrival was marked by an Iraqi C-130 aircraft, flown by Iraqi pilots, picking up the students from New Al Muthana Air Base, Baghdad, and transporting them to

  • Pakistan flood aid tops 5 million pounds

    U.S. military aircraft supporting Pakistan's flood relief efforts achieved a significant milestone Sept. 11, exceeding 5 million pounds of relief supplies delivered since U.S. military relief flight operations in Pakistan began Aug. 5.To date, U.S. military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have

  • Kadena's conservation efforts net federal award

    For the second consecutive year, civil engineers here have been awarded a federal energy and water management award for their aggressive conservation efforts on Okinawa.In 2009, the 718th Civil Engineer Squadron was honored for having one of the best 2008 energy efficiency and energy programs within

  • First Lady urges 'National Day of Service'

    First Lady Michelle Obama issued a statement Sept. 10 urging Americans to participate in a "National Day of Service" on the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.Here is the first lady's statement:Nine years ago, nearly three thousand Americans lost their

  • 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

  • Air Guard 400 race to determine NASCAR's top 12

    Better known for its airpower than its horsepower, the Air National Guard will sponsor the Air Guard 400 at Richmond International Speedway Sept. 11.The 400-mile NASCAR race will include the Air National Guard-sponsored #26 car driven by Jeff Green and owned by Latitude 43 Motorsports."With NASCAR

  • More focus needed to end suicides, Mullens say

    A silent killer is rapidly infiltrating the military, claiming lives at an alarming rate each year.It does not discriminate, taking aim at the young and old, male and female -- from the battle-hardened Soldier to the new recruit."It's an area that can't get enough focus right now," said Navy Adm.

  • Air Force's top uniformed leaders visit Shaw

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen from across the installation here during a base visit Sept. 7 and 8.After touring areas and meeting with representatives of the 9th Air Force, Air Forces Central and the 20th Fighter

  • Air Force firefighters honored by DOD officials

    Airmen took home more than half of the trophies presented at this year's Department of Defense Fire and Emergency Services Awards ceremony Aug. 27 in Chicago. DOD nominees are submitted from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Defense Logistics Agency consisting of more than 20,000

  • Officials extend spouse career program deadline

    Officials have extended a spouse employment program enrollment deadline to allow more military spouses to take spring semester classes.Effective Sept. 13, spouses currently enrolled in the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program, commonly known as MyCAA, will be able to request financial

  • Political dos and don'ts during campaign season

    With the 2010 elections coming up, television newscasts and newspaper articles are filled with the latest news about the candidates running for various offices. While exercising a right to vote is the duty of all Americans, military and civilian federal employees should understand the laws and

  • Valiant Shield exercise begins at Joint Region Marianas

    Air Force bombers, fighters, tankers and support aircraft from the Pacific theater are arriving and making preparations for Valiant Shield 2010. The U.S. Pacific Command exercise, which runs Sept. 12 through 21, and will be conducted near Guam."Valiant Shield 2010 exercises the military's ability to

  • Undersecretary visits Wilford Hall Medical Center

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton visited Wilford Hall Medical Center here Sept. 3 to learn about the Air Force's premier health care, medical education, research and readiness wing.Ms. Conaton met with Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas W. Travis, the 59th MDW commander, and other senior leaders

  • Former CMSAF offers Airmen words of wisdom

    The fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor visited Ramstein Air Base Sept. 6 through Sept. 10 offering words of wisdom to Airmen along the way.Chief Gaylor's primary reason for his trip was to speak at the noncommissioned officer's graduation ceremony, but he also wanted to

  • Researchers developing analysis tool to track anomalous behavior

    Researchers in the Anticipate and Influence Behavior Division's Behavior Modeling Branch, part of the 711th Human Performance Wing's Air Force Research Laboratory, also known as 711th HPW/RHXB, are developing an analysis tool that will help military specialists discover and track unusual behavior in

  • 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

  • U.S., Philippines host Asia-Pacific military nursing symposium

    Officials from the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines co-hosted the 4th annual Asia-Pacific Military Nursing Symposium for more than 200 nurses from 13 countries in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, Aug. 29 through Sep. 4. The conference, hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Office of

  • Department joins in call for innovative solutions

    Defense Department officials are putting some of their most vexing challenges on the Internet for the public to help solve as part of a new initiative to invite creative solutions to government problems.Pentagon officials submitted four challenges to the Challenge.gov website that launched today.

  • Deployed air refueling unit helps fuel the Afghanistan surge

    On Dec. 1, 2009, President Barack Obama announced that an additional 30,000 troops would be sent to Afghanistan to help stabilize the country. Whether in support of airlift missions or combat operations, aircraft fuel delivered by members of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here is

  • Tricare officials encourage military kids to "move" on childhood obesity

    During the month of September, Tricare officials continue their strong commitment to the battle against childhood obesity. By observing Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Tricare representatives are active participants in the Let's Move! program for military kids. The national Let's Move! program

  • Army, Air Guard officials prepare for flu season

    With the flu season approaching quickly, Army and Air National Guard officials have released guidance for their 2010-2011 vaccination campaigns, and will start shipping vaccinations to the U.S. for immediate distribution.Army Maj. Gunnar D. Kiersey, a medical readiness officer with the Army Guard

  • Vandenberg fire department best in DOD

    Edging past more than 500 fire departments, the fire department here was named the 2009 Department of Defense medium-unit fire department of the year at the annual DOD Fire and Emergency Services Award Banquet in Chicago Aug. 27.The DOD award for the medium-unit fire department of the year is a

  • Nonprofit groups step up to help military families

    America's support of our troops and their families has been a welcome theme during this past decade of war. The stories of support are abundant, from top leaders encouraging Americans to salute troops to neighbors pitching in to help a deployed family.Some people have taken this support even a step

  • Pope senior NCO wins interservice chess tourney

    A senior NCO assigned to Pope Air Force Base recently defeated top chess players from each service to take home the top prize during the 2010 Interservice Chess Championship. Master Sgt. Dan Ranario, of the 3rd Aerial Port Squadron, will join the U.S.-led team participating in the 2010 NATO Chess

  • Medics train with Armenian military

    The Armenian military deployed its only rapid response medical package for the first time during a recent medical field training exercise here. Joining them in Armenia were medical professionals from the 3rd Air Force and the Kansas Air National Guard who watched the expeditionary medical support go

  • NCOs still needed to retrain

    Airmen have until Sept. 17 to voluntarily retrain as part of the 2011 NCO Retraining Program before the program's involuntary Phase II begins. Air Force officials identified 1,061 opportunities for Airmen to retrain out of their current career field under NCORP. Airmen can volunteer during Phase I

  • 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

  • C-17 conducts flight test with biofuel

    The Air Force's ongoing alternative fuels certification efforts reached a new milestone Aug. 27 when a C-17 Globemaster III from here flew on all engines using jet fuel blended with a combination of traditional petroleum-based fuel, or JP-8, biofuel derived in part from animal fat, and synthetic

  • Airmen assist BLM during wild horse round-up

    Members of the 366th Operations Support Squadron and 266th Range Control Squadron recently supported the Bureau of Land Management during its emergency gathering of 198 wild horses after a wildfire charred the land the animals usually roam. To perform this rescue mission, BLM officials needed access

  • AF transfers northern airspace to Iraq

    The Air Force handed over the Kirkuk sector of airspace, 15,000 feet and above, to the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority Sept. 1. The Kirkuk sector of airspace consists of the northern 1/3 portion of Iraq, which previously had been controlled by the Air Force out of Kirkuk Air Base. "Tonight marks a

  • Air Force undersecretary gets close look at nuclear enterprise

    The undersecretary of the Air Force made her second visit to an Air Force Global Strike Command wing when she received a firsthand view of the ICBM nuclear deterrence and global strike mission Aug. 26 at the 341st Missile Wing here.Erin C. Conaton first visited AFGSC headquarters and the 2nd Bomb

  • Activation of space operations group feted at Tyndall

    Members of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here held a ceremony Aug. 21 to commemorate the activation of the 101st Air and Space Operations Group.The 101st AOG, which is a Florida Air National Guard unit, provides the manning for the 601st AOC to fulfill their mission of defending the

  • Airlift moves mountains for Afghanistan surge

    During a recent commander's call, Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air Mobility Command, may have best cited the importance of airlift to today's military when he said, "One mission can change the world."As one of AMC's core capabilities, airlift remains a staple in getting the "beans and

  • Airmen train in Arctic Circle

    More than 200 Airmen from here arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 20 and 21 to participate in an exercise with some of the Air Force's most advanced operational fighter squadrons.The 209 members of the 391st Fighter Squadron and aircraft maintenance unit will spend

  • Academy firefighters win DOD awards

    Two Air Force Academy firefighters received Department of Defense awards during the Defense Fire and Emergency Services Annual Awards Banquet in Chicago Aug. 27.Senior Airman Jessica Morehouse was named the 2009 DOD military firefighter of the year, and Deputy Fire Chief Ken Helgerson received the

  • Officials temporarily centralize PCS orders approval

    Airmen receiving permanent-change-of-station orders in September will have their orders approved at a centralized location as officials here begin implementing procedures to close out the fiscal 2010 PCS budget. Active-duty Airmen with assignment report dates or a date eligible for return from

  • Combat, hardship pays remain for troops serving in Iraq

    The change from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn does not affect the pays and entitlements troops serving in Iraq receive, a Pentagon spokeswoman said Sept. 1.Servicemembers deployed to Iraq will still receive hostile fire/imminent danger pay, hardship-duty pay and incidental expenses.

  • Air Force sergeant honored by American Legion for community service

    A sergeant stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., received The American Legion's Spirit of Service Award Aug. 31 in recognition of his extensive volunteer efforts in the community.Staff Sgt. Edward L. Perez, who serves as an airfield systems installation technician with the 688th Information

  • Pacific Endeavor builds partnerships among Asia-Pacific nations

    Sixteen Asia-Pacific militaries attended the 7th annual Pacific Endeavor at Changi Naval Base, Singapore Aug. 16 through 27. Pacific Endeavor is a humanitarian communication workshop sponsored by the Singapore Armed Forces and U.S. Pacific. At the workshop, military communication technology experts

  • U.S. forces transition to Operation New Dawn

    The United States military marked a historic milestone Sept. 1 as it made the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn. This transition signifies a formal end to U.S. military combat operations and reaffirms the U.S. military's commitment to the Iraqi Security Forces and the

  • New Tricare Overseas Program contract begins

    Beginning Sept. 1, the new Tricare Overseas Program contract goes into effect, giving beneficiaries easier and greater access to health care outside the United States. International SOS Assistance, Tricare's overseas contractor, is partnering with military treatment facilities to give Department of

  • Compass Call squadron departs 386th AEW as a result of drawdown in Iraq

    The last EC-130H Compass Call assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing departed here Aug. 29 for deployment to another U.S. Central Command base, capping a 6.5 year tour of duty in which Compass Call crews flew some 23,300 combat hours in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.The 43rd

  • GPS Wing accepts first specialized GPS receiver cards

    Officials at Rockwell Collins successfully delivered 21 developed prototype ground-based GPS receiver application module modernized receiver cards developed under the Global Positioning Systems Wing's Receiver Card Development program. These GB-GRAM-M receiver cards recently have completed the

  • Six installations test consolidated food service operations

    Air Force Services Agency officials are slated to begin testing a re-engineering of Air Force food services this fall with a pilot program at six Air Force installations across the U.S. The pilot program, called the Food Transformation Initiative, will test a food delivery model aimed at improving

  • Joint aviation coordination cell established to aid Pakistan flood relief

    A number of Pakistan, U.S. and international organizations, both military and civilian, gathered at Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala, Pakistan, Aug. 28 to form a joint aviation coordination cell aimed at streamlining air operations supporting Pakistan's flood relief efforts. After torrential rains

  • VA secretary addresses traumatic brain injury conference

    Recognizing the longstanding, integrated collaboration shared by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Department, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki gave the keynote address at the fourth annual Traumatic Brain Injury Military Training Conference Aug. 30 here."We -- DOD and VA -- simply

  • Toolkit helps separating servicemembers land jobs

    Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines separating from the military can get extra help in finding a job from a new Defense Department resource.Specialists in the Pentagon's Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy Office, part of the Office of Personnel and Readiness, recently developed the Career

  • Officials moving forward with cleanup at Tyndall

    Air Force officials announced plans to continue with environmental cleanup efforts in place at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, directed that the work move forward expeditiously and within the framework

  • Airmen 'lean' on AFSO21

    Senior leaders from the 37th Training Wing spent a day learning how to reduce waste, maximize resources and improve efficiencies by using the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program.AFSO21, a standardized approach for improving work processes and combat capabilities across the Air

  • Inactive ready reserve muster a success

    Officials from the 459th Air Refueling Wing hosted the second inactive ready Reserve muster of this year  to check the eligibility status of IRR members within 150 miles of the base and inform them of all their current Reserve benefits Aug. 21 here. Musters serve as an opportunity for inactive

  • AFMC leaders told to seek efficiencies, get back to basics

    Challenging times ahead and developing efficiencies to accomplish the mission were among the key topics highlighted at the semi-annual Air Force Materiel Command Senior Leaders Conference here Aug. 23 through 25.AFMC Commander Gen. Donald J. Hoffman led his center and wing commanders, along with

  • Enlisted force development initiatives approved

    The Force Management and Development Council members approved an initiative that will change the way the Air Force grows the next generation of senior enlisted leaders. The initiative originated with the Enlisted Force Development Panel and will enable the enlisted force to move forward in

  • Airmen deploy to Pakistan to assist with flood relief

    Approximately 40 Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing arrived in Pakistan Aug. 28 to support Pakistan's flood relief operations here. The Airmen will work at Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala, Pakistan, in partnership with Pakistan government and military officials to support humanitarian

  • Virtual high school opens 'doors' to learning

    The Defense Department's newest high school is devoid of walls or windows, but yet has opened its "doors" this year to students throughout the world. The DOD Education Activity's virtual high school is an accredited distance learning program for military students, whether they're geographically

  • Senators weigh in on renewable energy at Nevada Forum

    Two senators addressed Nevada Forum attendees here Aug. 25 to laud the Air Force for its leadership in green initiatives and offer support in finding safe, compatible ways to continue renewable energy without impeding military training missions.During the second day of the three-day forum,

  • Air Force officials urge operations security vigilance

    Fraudsters continue to hijack accounts on social networking sites and spread malicious software, FBI officials said. One technique entices users to download an application or view a video that appears to be sent from users' "friends", giving the perception of being legitimate. Once the user responds

  • Airmen respond to Pakistan relief efforts

    Active duty and Reserve aircrews assigned to the 62nd and 446th airlift wings departed here Aug. 23 for Pakistan humanitarian relief operations.Officials said the U.S. has responded immediately and generously to Pakistan's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that started

  • Operation Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka concludes

    Representatives from the U.S., Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mongolia concluded Operation Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka Aug. 14 through 22 here after providing humanitarian civil engineering and medical aid to people living in the Anuradhapura and Puttalam communities.Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka medical teams

  • Eagles soar for last time at Hickam

    Pilots from the 199th Fighter Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, completed their last training mission with the F-15 Eagle from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii Aug 25.The HIANG is upgrading to the F-22 Raptor, a fifth generation fighter, and received their first two Raptors in July.The ANG

  • Talking it out -- getting through deployment

    "The hardest part of my deployment was being away from my wonderful and beautiful wife," said Senior Airman Daniel Bolt, a 28th Munitions Squadron aircraft armament systems journeyman. Airman Bolt was part of a group of Airmen who returned home July 28 from a deployment to Southwest Asia in support

  • New York civic leader earns highest Air Force public service award

    The secretary of the Air Force awarded a public relations pioneer with the highest public service award given to a civilian here Aug. 24. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented Chester Burger the Distinguished Public Service Award for his 15 years of volunteer service as an Air Force

  • Reservists support Pakistan relief efforts

    Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing responded to Pakistan's call for assistance following the devastating floods that began July 29. Four C-130 Hercules crews, along with two aircraft from the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and eight members of the 908th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here

  • Air Force officials announce changes to space functions

    Air Force officials announced the realignment of some Headquarters Air Force space functions Aug. 26, following the recent completion of a review of Headquarters Air Force space management and responsibilities, which was directed by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley in December 2009. In a

  • Airmen, aircraft showcased in Times Square

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Afterburner Monster Truck were two exhibits parked in the middle of Times Square here Aug. 26 as part of Air Force Week New York.Various Air Force exhibits were spread over two blocks of Times Square to help educate citizens of New York about Airmen and the Air Force

  • 13th AF concludes Asia-Pacific civil engineering summit

    A 13th Air Force-hosted civil engineering subject-matter expert exchange that included officers from 14 Asia-Pacific countries concluded here Aug. 22.The exchange allowed mid-level officers from regional Asia-Pacific partner nations to exchange views related to civil engineering operations, to tour

  • Air Force officials discuss training, energy compatibility at Nevada Forum

    The undersecretary of the Air Force and representatives from government, industry and the Department of Defense kicked off the three-day Nevada Forum here Aug. 24 to brainstorm ideal ways to blend military missions with renewable energy projects.Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton, the

  • Brothers in arms

    Two lieutenants from the 742nd Missile Squadron here contributed to a once-in-a-lifetime event by pulling their first and last alert together Aug. 19.What made this alert so unique is the fact that the two officers are brothers, and the scheduling factors aligned to allow a joint alert. An alert

  • Airmen help beautify New York landmark

    More than 30 Airmen helped clean up one of New York City's well-known military memorials as part of Air Force Week here Aug. 25.Despite rainy weather, Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst donned gloves and ponchos while they beautified the 11-acre Grand Army Plaza. This plaza is the opening

  • Kaiserslautern team takes on Little League World Series again

    The 11- and 12-year-old Kaiserslautern Military Community All-Star team made its second consecutive trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., after winning the Europe Region Tournament Aug. 3.This is the sixth time a team from Ramstein Air Base has earned a spot in the tournament

  • Language program application deadline nears

    Air Force officials are accepting application packages through Sept. 13 for officers interested in participating in the Language Enabled Airman Program, which offers an opportunity to develop a foreign language skill throughout an Airman's career.Launched earlier this year by Air Force Culture and

  • Ramstein Airmen train with sister wing in Poland

    Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Contingency Response Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, traveled to the 33rd Air Base here Aug. 13 through 19 for combined training with Polish military forces. Operation Screaming Eagle, the weeklong off-site training, aimed at sharing knowledge,

  • Direct communication between Airmen key to suicide prevention

    More than a decade in the making, the culture of the "wingman" approach to suicide prevention is still evolving as risk factors and causes of suicide are becoming more widely understood. The wingman concept should be very familiar to most Airmen. Suicide prevention training has been incorporated

  • Former professional baseball player says Air Guard is his winning team

    When Staff Sgt. Trevor Harvey lights the candles on the altar before Mass on drill weekends, he favors the hand that once pitched to Ken Griffey Jr. "During one game I pitched, he hit a ball over 500 feet," said Sergeant Harvey, who now serves as the chaplain's assistant with the Arizona Air

  • Ask the question

    When Tech. Sgt. David Bales got the call that an Airman he supervised was drunk and talking about "ending it all," he immediately drove to the dormitory. He'd been around too many successful and attempted suicides to just attribute "ending it all" to a case of drunken rambling. As an intelligence

  • Air Force Research Lab conducts second successful robot refueler test

    The test of a robotic refueling system by researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate in late July 2010 marks the second successful test of technology that could dramatically change the way the U.S. military services its aircraft.The prototype device

  • Air Force encourages employees to cash in on ideas

    Highlighting a new Department of Defense-led program designed to produce money-saving ideas that improve the way the DOD operates, Air Force Undersecretary and chief management officer Erin C. Conaton is encouraging civilian and military employees to share their ideas online at

  • Mental health clinic works to help Airmen, families

    Members of the 673rd Medical Group Mental Health Flight here have been working hard to meet the mental healthcare needs of military members and their families.The military life can be a stressful one, said Maj. Alexsa Billups, a member of the 673rd MDG. "It's up to the individual people to come to

  • Air Force chief of staff thanks Airmen, families in accepting award

    The Air Force's highest ranking officer was awarded one of the Air Force Sergeants Association's top honors during the organization's Professional Airmen's Conference and International Convention here Aug. 18.In pre-taped remarks, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz accepted the 2009

  • Shinseki says VA's home loan program continues to stay strong

    Mortgage loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to have the lowest rate for serious delinquency and foreclosures in the industry. "The continued high performance of VA loans is due to the dedication of VA's loan professionals, the support of our partners in the mortgage

  • Air National Guard aircrews aid with Pakistani flood relief

    Air National Guard aircrews have been working to provide relief supplies to areas affected by the flooding of the country of Pakistan since the beginning of the operation in late July.Col. Greg Nelson, the deputy director of mobility forces for Air Force Central Command, is a member of the

  • Renovated heritage museum reopens

    Air Force officials reopened a newly-named and renovated enlisted heritage museum here Aug. 12.In addition to spending $730,000 to renovate a building that has housed the museum since 1956, the name was officially changed from the History and Traditions Museum to the USAF Airman Heritage Museum.Gen.

  • Air Force family, strategic balance among top SecAF priorities

    At the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 18, the Air Force secretary emphasized his commitment to Airmen and their families, and a focus on strategic balance to best support current and future operations.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed

  • Commissary eggs unaffected by recall

    As of Aug. 19, military commissaries are not affected by the massive Wright County Egg voluntary recall, Defense Commissary Agency food safety officials reported. Although the commissaries may carry some of the brands mentioned in the Aug. 13 recall action, the eggs sold in military stores are not

  • AFI 36-2301 outlines new developmental education guidance

    Air Force Instruction 36-2301, establishing policy and responsibility for developmental education, has undergone substantial revision, officials said Aug. 13.In addition to language governing attendance, eligibility, selection and removal criteria, the revised instruction provides procedures for

  • Center seeks paperless Air Guard, Reserve records

    Employees at the Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver are working to securely convert thousands of paper and microfiche personnel records to an electronic format for Air National guardsmen and Air Force Reserve Airmen. "These records represent reservists' careers from the moment they are gained to

  • U.S. mission in Iraq officially changes Sept. 1

    A fundamental shift will take place at the end of the month in the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq, a Pentagon official said Aug. 19.The change in mission from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn reflects the improvement in conditions in Iraq and officially will end the U.S. combat mission

  • Keeping social networks free-speech friendly

    So, you think Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are just for fun and games? Think again. Since Department of Defense officials authorized military personnel to use these sites, social networking has become serious business. With every new freedom comes new boundaries and more opportunities to get into

  • U.S., Sri Lankan engineers begin repairing dilapidated school

    A team of more than 20 U.S., Sri Lankan, and Mongolian civil engineers started repairing a dilapidated school here Aug. 16, as part of Operation Pacific Angel-Sri Lanka. The engineers dug trenches, laid water lines to the outdoor restroom facilities and built classrooms at a local school. As the