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  • Clinic offers disabled veterans new outlook on life

    Sitting in a kayak, gliding across the water, Richard Worlitz was at peace. Here, there were no boundaries, no limitations. And limitations are something he is very familiar with. An Air Force veteran, Mr. Worlitz is both visually and physically handicapped. He lost his vision six years ago and,

  • German partnership enhances mission, saves JTACs money

    From energy conservation practices to Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives, Airmen are looking for more efficient ways of conducting business. One task that has Air Force leaders here thinking outside the box is continued support for joint terminal attack controller training

  • Veteran recalls battle leading to Medal of Honor

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

  • AETC: Fatality free Critical Days of Summer

    Air Education and Training Command officials announced the command ended its Critical Days of Summer campaign with no fatalities.This year was AETC's first fatality free Critical Days of Summer since 1960.The Air Force campaigns for safety every year from Memorial Day to Labor Day to encourage

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

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

  • Family prepares for Medal of Honor

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

  • Technology improving veterans' access to health, benefits information

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are launching a multi-year initiative called Veterans Relationship Management, or VRM, that will greatly improve veterans' access to health care and benefits information. "VRM will transform veterans' interactions with VA by using innovative 21st century

  • DOD supports military children in public schools

    Department of Defense Education Activity officials are sharing resources and training tools with public schools supporting military families, particularly those heavily affected by deployment, an education official said."Our goal is to reach military children who attend public schools," said Kathy

  • Reservists win first place in international medical competition

    A team of Reserve officers earned first place in the Combat Casualty Care competition during the Interallied Allied Confederation of Reserve Officers annual Congress and Military Competition here.USA Team 3 pulled top scores based on their ability to react quickly and assess and treat wounded

  • New York National Guard members participate in South African air show

    More than 70 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard are participating in the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition 2010 from Sept. 21 through 25 in Cape Town, South Africa.The event is held at Air Force Base Ysterplaat and features aircraft from 35 countries and 135 manufacturers.The

  • Servicemembers escort veterans to local fair

    Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., escorted residents of the Washington State Soldiers Home to the Puyallup Fair Sept. 15, giving the active duty members a chance to connect with veterans."It is truly amazing to see the connection formed between the veterans

  • New computer chip cuts costs, adds efficiency to space systems

    Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate officials partnered with Xilinx, Inc. five years ago to design new field programmable gate arrays that would reduce costs, increase effectiveness of their satellite circuitry and withstand the damaging effects of radiation in the

  • U.S., Bangladesh airmen team up for Cope South 2010

    More than 40 Yokota Air Base Airmen and two C-130 Hercules deployed to participate in Exercise Cope South 2010 with the Bangladeshi airmen at Kurmitola Air Base, Bangladesh.During the exercise, the nations' airmen will exchange airlift, airland and airdrop delivery techniques that will deepen

  • NCO trains for mixed martial arts fight on base

    The first thing a visitor to the FIT NHB Fight Gym in downtown Albuquerque, N.M., notices is the steady series of staccato thumps echoing off the walls. It's the sound of solid blows landing squarely on padded targets. In this converted warehouse, fighters train in mixed martial arts, practicing

  • Defense Department officials launch annual CFC drive

    The Defense Department's 2010 Combined Federal Campaign kicked off here Sept. 20, offering federal civilians and military members the opportunity to contribute to any of more than 4,000 pre-screened charities.Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III launched the department's annual CFC drive in

  • Medal of Honor recipients speak at AFA conference

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

  • Outstanding Airmen honored at dinner

    Air Force Association officials held a formal dinner honoring the 2010 Outstanding Airmen of the Year was held at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14 during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition."This is a proud moment for our honorees," said

  • Global Hawk arrives in Guam

    Airmen here celebrated the arrival of the RQ-4 Global Hawk to Guam during a ceremony Sept. 20.The Global Hawk brings significant capabilities to the Pacific theater, which will benefit the 36th Wing, Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Command, and regional partners, said Gen. Gary North, the

  • Falcons scare Sooners in comeback, fall short 27-24

    Meeting for only the second time in school history, the Air Force Academy Falcons posted 351 rushing yards against the nationally-ranked Oklahoma University Sooners in a close 27-24 defeat at Sept. 18 at OU's Memorial Field. The Sooners took an early lead with a touchdown by running back DeMarco

  • Air Force Marathon sets attendance record

    A record field of 12,000 runners registered for 2010 Air Force Marathon events Sept. 17 - 18 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This year's race participation shattered the previous 2009 Marathon record of 9,969 runners, and by Sept. 14, had completely sold out at the pre-determined race cap

  • President sends birthday message to Airmen

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

  • Officials seek nominees for AFA awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for both the 2011 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year and the 2011 Verne Orr awards.The Air Force Association sponsors both awards annually.The Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award honors the significant contributions made by non-military spouses of Air

  • Combat Air Force Airmen integrate into new plan

    Combat Air Force officials released the 2010 CAF Strategic Plan Sept. 15, a document that focuses on the development, planning and employment of integrated combat capabilities."The Combat Air Force is a group of eight major commands and the Airmen that work in those commands across our Air Force;

  • Altus responders save chief's life

    Airmen and staff at the fitness center here saved a life Aug. 9.Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Zahn, with the 97th Operations Group, was on a treadmill at the gym when he collapsed. Airmen in the cardio room with him and staff members at the fitness center quickly responded."I was riding the recumbent bike

  • AFPC officials keep families of missing personnel informed

    One of the most difficult personal hardships for families is not knowing how their deployed Airman is doing. When an Airman is declared "unaccounted for," that hardship becomes agony.This was especially prevalent during the Vietnam and Korean wars where more than 1,400 Airmen were declared missing

  • Commanders play key role in accounting for members

    When a disaster occurs, chaos usually ensues. From caring for the injured to cleaning up the damage, it can overwhelm all involved. One of the key challenges for Air Force leaders after a disaster is accounting for all personnel. The Air Force relies on the Air Force Personnel Accountability and

  • Former POW inspires audience with experiences, wisdom

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

  • Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

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

  • Improved weather technology on the way to warfighters

    Officials at the Electronic Systems Center's Aerospace Management Systems Division Weather Systems Branch here are working to provide Air Force decision makers improved weather sensing and viewing capabilities. Officials within the branch are working to bring the Portable Doppler Radar system to Air

  • Air Force leaders discuss challenges, achievements

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted a multi-command panel of generals to address issues from the audience at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15.The panel discussion, which also featured Chief

  • Photo essay: Andersen Airmen train with mines

    Members of the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron prepare for Valiant Shield, a joint exercise which focuses on integrated training and interoperability among U.S. military forces here Sept. 14.View the slideshow.

  • New facility supports C-5 Galaxy software testing

    Robins officials cut the ribbon Sept. 10 to signify the opening of a small but unique facility which promises to make a significant contribution to keeping the C-5 Galaxy flying for many years to come.The C-5 Integrated Aircraft Test Environment is a 2,200-square foot, two-story building that

  • Human trafficking equals modern-day slavery

    Although slavery was abolished in the U.S. nearly 150 years ago, modern-day slavery continues to thrive, making it vital for people to know the signs and avoid becoming facilitators of what is known as human trafficking.Human trafficking is the use of another human being for illegal purposes such as

  • AETC commander addresses innovation through training

    The commander of the Air Education and Training Command spoke on innovative recruiting, training and educational goals used to develop Airmen to meet the Air Force and warfighter mission during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor in Oxon

  • Officials unveil Pentagon POW/MIA exhibit

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

  • McKinley: National Guard is a national treasure

    The National Guard is a national treasure that we need to preserve and protect, the guard's senior officer told attendees at the 2010 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference here Sept. 14. "The dual mission of the National Guard, and its ability to combine and work with local, state and

  • Air Guard a more cost-effective, operational force

    For the Air National Guard to continue as an operational force, it should be fielded concurrently with the same equipment as its active-duty counterparts, the director of the Air Guard said Sept. 13."Now that costs money, but it doesn't cost nearly as much money as trying to maintain an operational

  • AMC commander relates importance of global reach to AFA attendees

    The commander of Air Mobility Command emphasized the national, joint and coalition importance of the support AMC provides to combat and humanitarian operations during the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14.Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr. said

  • Chief Roy shares what's in store for enlisted force

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force shared his perspective of where the enlisted force is heading during a presentation at the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 at Oxon Hill, Md.Some of the key points Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy

  • Air Force dentists bring relief to the Congo

    A medical training exercise gave residents here, including the U.S. embassy staff and families, an opportunity to receive dental care as part of Medical Flag 2010.Three Air Force Reserve dentists treated about 35 patients while training in the DRC as part of MEDFLAG 10."It's been about two years

  • Nuclear enterprise individual recognized during Air and Space Conference

    The Airman with the most significant achievement within the Air Force nuclear enterprise was honored with the newly established Gen. Larry D. Welch award during the 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. on Sept

  • Suicide: Never knowing why

    "I know you'll grieve and wish that I was still here. I am here in the memories you hold dear.  Remember how much I love you and know I took your love with me. I do not wish for you to cry nor feel sad." -- excerpt from Kelvin Burford's poem Gone Away, written for Anthony ArlineAirman 1st Class

  • AFSPC commander focuses on leverage in space community

    The commander of Air Force Space Command detailed challenges of the space community during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 14. Gen. C. Robert Kehler outlined how leverage, integration and innovative thinking can all bring the space community

  • President Obama reaches out to veterans

    President Barack Obama said he wants to make sure veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the so-called "Stop Loss" program get the retroactive pay they deserve."You served with honor," President Obama said. "You did your duty. And when your country

  • Air Guard exterminator handles pests

    As the lone pest management specialist in the Nevada Air Guard, it's one Airman's job to eliminate all of the creepy-crawly nuisances here. Staff Sgt. Damien Falconer of the Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Civil Engineer Squadron, continually works to eliminate insects, rodents, weeds and an

  • KC-10 crew performs humanitarian mission while training

    A flight crew of Airmen from here performed a mission Sept. 3 through 4 that will result in warmer winters for many Afghans. The reservists from the 76th Air Refueling Squadron flew a KC-10 Extender to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., for 10 pallets of winter clothing, blankets and shoes that

  • Cursor on Target conference to feature hands-on challenge

    Officials from the Electronic Systems Center here are slated to the host the Cursor on Target Users' Conference Sept. 22 and 23.The conference will include several presentations, but a scenario-based, 'friendly competition' will dominate much of the event.Officials here are expecting as many as 200

  • Constitution commemoration falls in line with Air Force birthday

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

  • McChord hosts first Joint Skies Seminar

    Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing flight safety office, in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration, hosted the first Joint Skies Seminar Sept. 9. The aviation experts teamed during the seminar to share information and resources in an effort to ensure airspace. "The Northwest has been a

  • Pentagon urges employees to 'leap' into fitness

    Uniformed and civilian Air Force members are encouraged to represent the Defense Department in the presidential fitness challenge this fall as our country continues to focus on health and wellness.The DOD's civilian personnel policy office is sponsoring "Leap Into Fall," a fitness challenge for all

  • Reserve chief proposes closer look at active and reserve force mix

    The commander of the Air Force Reserve Command who also is chief of the Air Force Reserve spoke to a standing-room only crowd about military structure for the 21st Century Sept. 13 at the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2010.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. was

  • 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