20 Charleston C-17s fill the sky

Lightning in sky for first time

Eglin performs largest 'cook-off' test ever

No one does cook-offs bigger than the members of the 46th Test Wing here. Members of the 780th Test Squadron suspended a rocket motor Dec. 14. over a 2,622 square foot pan full of approximately 28,000 gallons of jet fuel and lit it on fire, which is called a fast cook-off test.This test, which took

Army-led breast cancer vaccine study shows promising results

An Army-led breast cancer vaccination study is offering hope to breast cancer survivors. Early study results suggest a 50 percent reduction in disease recurrence for vaccinated women. Col. (Dr.) George Peoples, Brooke Army Medical Center surgeon and principal investigator for the study, released the

Published Roll Calls to resume next week

Roll Call, a one-page print product that is posted online each Friday, will return Dec. 29 after the Christmas holiday. Roll Calls are found on the Senior Leader Viewpoints page in the Library section of Air Force Link. Each Roll Call covers one or two topics and is designed to help supervisors

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Ayoca Peters

Senior Airman Ayoca Peters knows better than anyone that the Air Force mission does not take a break during the holidays. While others will be opening gifts or spending time with family and friends, she will be continuing to do her job to ensure Air Force aircrew members can continue to dominate the

Pep rally heightens excitement for Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

Team spirit was evident throughout the streets of the downtown area here known as Sundance Square. Whether it was the wearing of school colors of two teams ready to take each other on in a gridiron challenge or the uniform pride of armed force members, there was no doubt this was an all-American

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Mario Williams

While many Airmen are preparing to head home for the holidays, many others will be on duty working at home stations and deployed locations across the world. One particular MacDill Airman won't be heading home, but he will be together on Christmas with a member of his family -- sort of. Staff Sgt.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 23

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 23.In Afghanistan Dec. 22, an Air Force Predator and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted strikes against Taliban extremists near Bagram. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile and the A-10s expended a general-purpose,

Warren team, Colorado road crew join forces in rescue

A missile facility manager and security forces team from Warren, along with a Colorado state roads and grounds crew came to the aid of a man Dec. 21 whose vehicle was engulfed by four-foot drifts of snow for 13 hours. The Logan County Sherriff's Department requested ground search and rescue

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Matt Hodges

Senior Airman Matt Hodges is an air traffic controller with the 52nd Operation Support Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Airman Hodges ensures all aircraft coming in and out of the base land and depart safely. The job requires strict attention to detail and many, many hours of staring into

Serving through the season: Capt. Kris J. Person

Many Airmen throughout the world will be spending time away from home during the holidays fighting for America's freedoms. One such Airman is an F-15C pilot stationed here. Capt. Kris Person, an 18th Operations Support Squadron electronic combat officer flying with the 44th Fighter Squadron, will be

Volunteers complete annual Operation Christmas Drop

More than 150 volunteers helped complete the world's longest running humanitarian airdrop Dec. 19, commemorating the 54th Annual Operation Christmas Drop that reached more than 50 remote Pacific islands. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, 36th Wing commander, kicked off the operation with a ceremony that

Blizzard fails to derail NORAD Tracks Santa operations

Despite being pounded by the holiday blizzard of 2006, North American Aerospace Defense Command remains on alert for the nation and ready to track Santa Claus, according to NORAD officials. "NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center is schedule to begin operations as scheduled at 2 a.m. Christmas Eve,"

Antarctica joint task force medevacs two

Thirteenth Air Force's Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica Operation Deep Freeze took on an emergency short notice mission late on Dec. 23 (Antarctica time) to medevac two patients: a 74-year-old female passenger from the Russian cruise ship Kapitan Klebnikov, and a seriously ill resident of

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Mark Kreul

Senior Airman Mark Kreul is hoping his Christmas this year is a lot like his Thanksgiving was. "There are a lot of awesome people around here; people you don't even know. They just open their arms for you on the holiday," Airman Kreul said. He is a member of the South Dakota Air National Guard's

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 24

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 24. In Afghanistan Dec. 23, Air Force B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad and Qalat. In total, 37

Deputy defense secretary named Great American Patriot

Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England was presented with the first Great American Patriot Award Dec. 23 at a halftime ceremony during the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Secretary England, a Fort Worth resident, said he was very humbled by the award. "Also in a way

Bowl game pays tribute to servicemembers

The game may have been all about football, but the overall event was a tribute to 1.2 million very special people -- the men and women of the United States armed forces. The Universities of Utah and Tulsa took to the field Dec. 23 at Amon G. Carter Stadium for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 25

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 25. In Afghanistan Dec. 24, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad.

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class John Alkire

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Airman 1st Class John Alkire will be manning his post and turret for the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, he would rather be at home with his family -- not halfway around the world. "I have been

Kandahar Airman receives Purple Heart

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Douglas Hicks

Senior Airman Douglas Hicks, deployed from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., misses his wife, Yolanda, and his teenagers, Troy, 16, and Olivia, 15. But he knows he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and he accepts his volunteer status gracefully. After all, this is not his first deployment, but it is

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Hector Rosado

Defending freedom has no bounds and the ground support provided by Senior Airman Hector Rosado helps to keep the airlift mission in Afghanistan in the right perspective. Deployed from the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, Airman Rosado is serving as an aviation resource manager for the 774th

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 26

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 26. In Afghanistan Dec. 25, 11 close-air support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally, eight Air

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Lara Koler

If Staff Sgt. Lara Koler had her 'druthers, she'd be taking hay rides and singing carols with her parents and other relatives during traditional holiday activities in Wendell, Idaho. Instead, the Eugene, Ore., native will be watching radar tracks dance across her computer screen at the Western Air

Refuelers keep mission going Christmas Day over Afghanistan

'Tis the season for giving and receiving. In the skies over Afghanistan, every day of the year could pass as Christmas Day. Refueling aircraft give up their fuel to the receiving aircraft which carry out the mission of air supremacy and ground support for Operation Enduring Freedom. Christmas Day

Cyrogenics is a cold business

Task force on future of military healthcare established

Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England announced Dec. 22 the names of the 14-member future military healthcare task force; the task force will evaluate and recommend alternatives to ensure the stability of military medicine over the long term. As directed by Congress in the National Defense

Holloman forces trained, ready for possible shuttle landing

Space Shuttle Discovery landed safely at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Dec. 22, bringing the shuttle's mission to a successful end. Though it did not land at White Sands Missile Range, the emergency response team from Holloman stood ready to launch into action. Questionable weather at the primary

Ground radar techs enable control of tactical air battlespace

Precision and attention to even the slightest detail is crucial when you're responsible for maintaining ground radar systems. Providing 24-hours-a-day support, Airmen in the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron's ground radar shop ensure Balad's ground radar systems work flawlessly. "Our job is

Pentagon Channel documentary focuses on storied 'Old Guard'

They are the very public face of ultimate military discipline. They wow stadiums packed with football fans with their complex rifle drills. They honor fallen comrades with solemn processions. They guard the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock at Arlington National Cemetery. And on Dec. 15, they

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Christina Grable

Not egg nog or deviled eggs. Just the basics. Sizzling eggs mixed with tomatoes and ham. That's how Airman 1st Class Christina Grable celebrated her Christmas, by cooking eggs at the Samurai Cafe here. For Airman Grable, spending the day over the skillet was nothing new; spending Christmas Day over

Balad leads from front in season of giving

No matter what holiday you celebrate -- Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other -- this time of year is generally regarded as the season for giving and a time to share. One might wonder, then, why the spirit of this season isn't observed all year. But it is here at Balad, where many Airmen

Air Force dining facility in Baghdad honors hero

While many Americans removed bows and pulled back ribbons from neatly wrapped presents, Airmen here unveiled a tribute to a fallen hero, stressed the importance of airpower and cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the first Air Force dining facility in Baghdad. Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Charles Gillman

"To be honest, you never get used to being away from family and friends during the holidays. What helps me the most is that they understand why." The sentiments of Staff Sgt. Charles Gillman, a missile security controller with the 341st Security Support Squadron who has been in the Air Force for six

President and Mrs. Bush saddened by passing of former President Ford

In a written statement, President Bush said, "Laura and I are greatly saddened by the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford. "President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country. On August 9, 1974, after a long career in the House of Representatives and

Misawa base news goes online

As the end of 2006 rapidly approaches, a significant chapter in the history of the Northern Light closes with this issue as it heralds its transition from newsprint to a cyber-space news source. "This transition is in line with Air Force Smart Operations-21," said Brig. Gen. Sam Angelella, 35th

Serving through the season: Maj. Joni Clemens

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Maj. Joni Clemens will be a true angel of mercy as she tends to America's finest in their hour of need. Of course, like other Airmen serving their country in the far corners of the globe, she would rather be spending time with her family -- not on the

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Fredric Rosario

Airmen here toil through all kinds of weather, situations, and exercises. Sometimes the simplest job becomes difficult when you know what you are missing out on: holidays with your family and friends. Having to work on a holiday is nothing new to Staff Sgt. Fredric Rosario of the 724th Air Mobility

Ford helped U.S. recover from Watergate

Americans will remember former President Gerald R. Ford as a man with the courage to heal a nation.President Ford, who died at his California home Dec. 26 at age 93, assumed the presidency at a grim time in American history. In the midst of a distinguished career in the House of Representatives, the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 27

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 27.In Afghanistan Dec. 26, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy targets.Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided

Ellsworth continues record of excellence in environmental compliance

Region 8 of the Environmental Protection Agency announced the deletion of portions of the Ellsworth Air Force Base site from the National Priorities List on Dec. 4. "This milestone is a result of a tremendous amount of hard work by some highly dedicated professionals not only at Ellsworth, but at

Special visitors spread cheer to Airmen in Afghanistan

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander visited Airmen deployed to Afghanistan to thank them for what they do. He also brought along the USAFE popular music band Direct Hit to spread holiday cheer. The high-quality blend of rock, pop, and rhythm and blues delivered right on target, but Gen. Tom

Officials select civilians for leadership program

Sixty nine Air Force civilians were selected recently for a new leadership development program that provides a total force development vision for Air Force civilians in the GS-15 grade, preparing them for senior roles in the Department of Defense. The civilians were selected from 115 candidates by a

Letter exchange cheers Airmen away from home

Since Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here can't be home for the holidays, a group of elementary students from Florida have been sending season's greetings by exchanging letters."It started with 10 letters, and the school in Orlando called up, asking if we could get 10

Chief of staff visits hero at Malcolm Grow

National Civic Outreach Program keeps public informed

The mission of informing the public about the military can be a difficult task and one of the tools of the trade is the base tour. The focus of the tour can be local or national. Capt. Rob Lazaro, deputy director of the Air Force National Civic Outreach Office, said that national tours are a bit

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. April Brown

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Staff Sgt. April Brown will be watching the skies over Iraq, ensure routing of aircraft over northern Iraq. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, she'd rather be home with her family, and not deployed half way around the world. "I

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Terry Roberts Jr.

Waiting for the call he hopes doesn't come is what Airman 1st Class Terry Roberts Jr. will be doing this holiday season. A firefighter with the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron here, the young Airman is spending his first year in the Air Force overseas and away from family. Of course, the Albuquerque,

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Kayne Brady

The holidays are a time of celebration, sharing and spending time with family and friends. The security forces who work at the installation gates on Christmas keep those family members and friends moving safely along to their destinations. Airman 1st Class Kayne Brady knew it was his turn to work on

Rumsfeld remembers Ford as patriot

Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld remembered Gerald R. Ford as a patriot who led the United States through difficult days and helped restore confidence in its government."President Ford was a man of great decency and towering integrity," Rumsfeld said in a written statement released Dec.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 28

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 28.In Afghanistan Dec. 27, Air Force B-1 Lancers and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Space Command civilian volunteers to deploy down range

In January, a civilian from Air Force Space Command will be going down range in support of the war on terrorism. The volunteer, assigned the Logistics and Warfighting Integration Directorate, stepped up to fill a base-level planner position for the Air Force. Michele Kantak, a wife and mother of

Military tradition to be evident in Ford funeral events

Military tradition will be evident throughout the events associated with the Dec. 26 death of former President Gerald R. Ford, as the services join the nation in bidding farewell to their former commander in chief. Ford's three-stage state funeral will begin Dec. 29 with the former president's

Globemasters galore

Nearly 4,000 servicemembers to support Ford's funeral

Almost 4,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members are gearing up to support the national farewell to former President Gerald R. Ford that will span a seven-day period with events in California, Maryland, the nation's capital and Michigan."This is DOD's way of showing respect

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Christopher Boitz

Each holiday season, photos grace Air Force Link highlighting Airmen working. Rarely shown, however, is the one working behind the lens -- the photographer. Airman 1st Class Christopher Boitz, a still photographer with the 5th Communications Squadron, worked Christmas Day. "I'd like to be home with

Bush notes progress on Iraq plan, praises troops, families

After a three-hour meeting with his national security team today, President Bush noted progress in defining the way forward in Iraq and praised servicemembers and their families for their sacrifices. Bush said input provided by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Jacob Chavez

Training the men and women of the Air Force is a huge responsibility for military training instructors at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.Staff Sgt. Jacob Chavez takes on this responsibility every day, devoting a majority of his time, including holidays, to mentor and teach trainees the importance of

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Renika Adams

Senior Airman Renika Adams has always been about helping people. Ever since she was very young, the ambulance services technician with Incirlik Air Base's 39th Medical Group has wanted to be a nurse."There's always someone hurt, there's always someone sick, and we're here if anybody needs us at any

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 29. In Afghanistan Dec. 28, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban

Airmen present the flag

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Eggel

Elizabeth Eggel has one more helmet and survival vest to inspect before she can call it a day. But, she'll do the same thing tomorrow and during the rest of the holiday season, ensuring the aircrew equipment is ready to go at a moment's notice. The staff sergeant would like to be at home with her

Latest Roll Call focuses on enlisted career development

This week's Roll Call features an on-line enlisted career development tool designed to provide standardization in every aspect of career progression. My Enlisted Development Plan, or MyEDP, can be accessed from anywhere that Internet service is available. Once an Airman has established an account --

Patient-loaded C-17 from Iraq 1st to try Ramstein's low-vis landing system

On Christmas Day, a C-17 Globemaster III departed Iraq carrying 14 patients requiring medical care at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. Due to a low-ceiling visibility, the C-17 requested the first-ever CAT II instrument landing system approach to a Ramstein runway, just three days after

Upgrading the warfighter

Airmen who wear glasses or contact lenses know how difficult it can be to deploy to an environment riddled with sand and dust. The Wilford Hall Refractive Surgery Center is offering to fix this problem, giving Airmen the chance to surgically correct their vision, with no wait. "If you look at an

Serving through the season: Master Sgt. Greg Curtis

Master Sgt. Greg Curtis may be serving in America's Southwest desert this holiday season, but his plans for the Christmas weekend still included some time on the ice.As the first sergeant for Task Force Yuma, a component of Operation Jump Start, Sergeant Curtis organized a Morale, Welfare and

Airmen to provide support for Ford's memorial services

Airmen from the Air Force Band and Air Force Honor Guard will be involved over the next five days with the memorial services planned for former U.S. President Gerald R. Ford who passed away Dec. 26.Bandmembers from the Air Force Band of Flight out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and the

In memory of President Ford

NCO awarded $10,000 for money saving IDEA

A New Hampshire Air National Guard sergeant came up with an idea that saved the Air Force thousands of dollars and earned him some cash, too. Tech. Sgt. Frank Stephens was awarded $10,000 through the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness, or IDEA, program on Nov. 21. The

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Adam Tisher

Like the members of any fire department, military or civilian, firefighters are tasked to be on duty 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, including Christmas. But also like the firefighters of any fire department, the members build a close bond with their co-workers; most become their second families.

Elite Air Force unit transports former president's body

Airmen from the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., will transport the body of former President Gerald R. Ford, a U.S. Navy veteran, as his remains are flown between points in California, Washington and Michigan, Air Force military officers based here said. Ford, the nation's 38th

McGuire Airmen to be honored New Year's Eve

Two Airmen from here will be honored guests of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg when the ball is dropped at midnight in Times Square on New Year's Eve. First Lt. Erick Saks and Tech. Sgt. Sonya Bulluck were chosen for their contributions to their country, community and the continuing war on

Wrestling: Air Force concludes Midlands championships

Six members of the U.S. Air Force Academy wrestling team competed in the 44th Annual Midlands Championships Dec. 29 at Northwestern University. Senior captain Bridger Lord picked up the lone Air Force victory. Lord, competing at 149 pounds, began the day with a 4-0 loss to Purdue University's Mark

Michigan Guard prepares for former president's burial

Hundreds of Michigan National Guardsmen are preparing to welcome home President Gerald R. Ford, who died Dec. 26 at age 93 at his residence in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., and will be buried on the grounds of his presidential museum there Jan. 3, after being honored in

Theater distribution center equips Airmen

Entering the 376th Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center's issue and return building correlates to walking into a wholesale outfitters store -- all the gear one needs to get through the mission. "The primary purpose of this ETDC is to outfit all battlefield Airmen going downrange to Afghanistan

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Ricardo Torrez Jr.

He is asked to save lives and property with no hesitation and he does it no matter what the day, no matter where in the world he is located. Airman 1st Class Ricardo Torrez Jr. is a firefighter with the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron here and this year he is spending his holiday knowing what it means

Serving through the season: Air Transportation Specialists

Many servicemembers take some time off this holiday season, but that's not an option for the men and women serving in Central and Southwest Asia.Air transport specialists like Airmen 1st Class Bryne Tiseth and Lance Chafin spend a lot of time on the flightline helping deliver the supplies and

PACAF command chief meets with Japanese airmen

The command chief master sergeant for Pacific Air Forces stopped by Kumagaya Air Base last week to meet with Japanese Air Self Defense Force, or JASDF, members and tour the base.Kumagaya Air Base is home to the Fourth and Second JASDF Technical Training Schools, and serves as their basic training

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Jane Min-Hee Wyatt

Fighting the war on terrorism knows no season and Kadena Airmen such as Senior Airman Jane Min-Hee Wyatt, an intelligence analyst with the 18th Operations Support Squadron, is either out-processing for an upcoming deployment or on her way to a forward location. The Aurora, Colo., native was hoping

Medical team goes extra mile for wounded servicemembers

The importance of the aeromedical evacuation mission cannot be overstated, with aerovac crew members providing advanced life-saving care to wounded servicemembers.Even with providing this care, crew members often go above and beyond to help out their patients. That's how the "Treats for Troops"

Vehicle readiness squadron jumps onboard with AFSO 21

Airmen everywhere are coming up with new ideas to improve their work areas as part of the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program. The Airmen with the 435th Logistics Readiness Squadron here are no different. When Senior Airman Yan Voskanov first came to the squadron, he noticed

Military members support Ford funeral

The Washington portion of the state funeral for former President Gerald R. Ford was held Dec. 30. More than 500 military members supported the California portion of the state funeral for the former president. The military is providing ceremonial service, security and logistical support to honor and

Serving through the season: Tech. Sgts. Fernando and Flor Richards

It's a hectic holiday season for many servicemembers, especially for one husband and wife team.Tech. Sergeants Flor and Fernando Richards, mental health technicians at Kadena's Life Skills Center, put their holiday wishes aside for the sake of the Air Force mission. "During the holidays, it's a

Ford's body arrives in Washington

The body of President Gerald R. Ford received a welcoming 21-gun salute at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Dec. 30 as part of final goodbyes that will be made here to the nation's 38th chief executive. Ford died Dec. 26 at age 93 at his residence in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The fallen commander in chief

Basketball: Falcons come back against Weber State 78-73

Led by a career-best 26 points from junior Alecia Steele, the Air Force women's basketball team was able to overcome a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Weber State 78-73 Dec. 30 at Clune Arena here. The Falcons improve to 4-7 on the season, while the Wildcats fall to 5-8. Weber State took

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 30

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 30.In Afghanistan Dec. 29, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Shoppers welcome Operation Holiday Surprise

Spirits are high during the holiday season, but checking accounts do not always follow suit. So when Sheilah Franklin was preparing to pay for a shopping cart full of groceries at the Ramstein Commissary, she was shocked and pleased by a last-second intervention by Operation Holiday Surprise. Under

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Kyna Davis

Tracking Santa's progress from the North Pole was not the only job a Kadena Airman had this holiday season. As a weather meteorologist from the 33rd Rescue Squadron, she was tasked to forecast weather patterns and brief squadron members for upcoming missions. Staff Sgt. Kyna Davis has been in the

Commissaries ring up increased savings

Commissary customers are ringing in the new year with record-breaking savings. "Average customer savings for a family of four have risen to nearly $3,000 annually," said Patrick Nixon, the Defense Commissary Agency director and chief executive officer. "As an agency, we always deliver the message

Serving through the season: Tech. Sgt. Tracey Booth

Having worked in security forces for 11 years, Tech. Sgt. Tracey Booth knows what it's like to work through the holidays. The difference this year is that when his duty hours at work are over, he starts his second job -- playing the role of both mom and dad for four children. Sergeant Booth and his

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 31

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 31. In Afghanistan Dec. 30, Air Force B-1B Lancers and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lashkar

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Ryan Summers

Of all the things he has done, Senior Airman Ryan Summers believes that working Christmas day was an honor like none other. He is a member of the 341st Security Support Squadron. "Because of what we do, people have the freedom to celebrate whatever holiday they choose. I'm proud to be able to

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Jack Smithson III

With security forces' manning levels already low due to deployments to Iraq, Airman First Class Jack Smithson knew he would work at the main gate on Christmas. It's a job he joined the Air Force to do, as he follows in his father's footsteps. "Sitting in a patrol car is easier duty," Airman Smithson

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 1

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 1. In Afghanistan Dec. 31, coalition aircraft flew a total of 39 close air support missions in support of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route

Christmas delivered by air

Santa employed members of Bagram Air Base this year to help him deliver Christmas to troops deployed to austere locations throughout the theater. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, there are thousands of troops living in forward operating bases who receive their supplies through various

Volunteerism at heart of medical evacuation mission

Airmen from the 908th Airlift Wing here have been transporting wounded, injured and sick servicemembers home from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., since September when Air Force Reserve Command took over primary responsibility for stateside aeromedical transportation. Operating from three hubs, located

Cheney lauds Ford's service during ceremony

With military members standing a solemn guard over the flag-draped casket in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Dec. 30, Vice President Richard B. Cheney eulogized former President Gerald R. Ford. By his pardon of Richard M. Nixon, President Ford prevented Americans from experiencing more political turmoil

Airmen build future with present mission

There are many things that go into constructing buildings that servicemembers live and work in while serving in Iraq.In order for offices, dining facilities and dormitories to become a reality, someone drew plans, ordered supplies and constructed every room. That construction responsibility falls on