Hurlburt Airmen grant Honduran Christmas wish

A group of Airmen here are taking a break from their holiday hustle and bustle to make a special trip and grant Christmas wishes for others. More than a dozen Airmen from the 6th Special Operations Squadron, 15th SOS and 73rd SOS travel Dec. 11 to La Ceiba, Honduras, to carry out Operation Christmas

Space shuttle on way to space station

Space Shuttle Discovery successfully launched from Cape Canaveral at 8:47 p.m. EDT Dec. 9 and is on its way to the International Space Station. Mission STS-116 carries a crew of seven, three of them Sailors, and is Discovery's 33rd mission. The shuttle and its crew will deliver another truss segment

New features available on myPay

Defense Finance and Accounting Service officials announced several improvements have been made to myPay providing customers continued ease for on-line transactions. A new feature has been added for military service members on the Savings Deposit Program that allows service members serving in

Four more F-16s to be delivered to Poland

Four more F-16s are scheduled to arrive in Poland Dec. 14 as part of a second wave of a 48-aircraft delivery and a $3.8 billion program executed by Aeronautical Systems Center and the Air Force Security Assistance Center here.The F-16 deliveries are part of the Poland Peace Sky Program, a Foreign

NATO team ensures safe sky during Riga Summit

While Airmen around U.S. Air Forces in Europe were gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving, duty called for more than 450 other Airmen in seven European countries to support the NATO Riga Summit in Latvia. Called Operation Peaceful Summit, the military effort enhanced ongoing Baltic Air Policing

General talks to next greatest generation

The four-star general looked into the crowd of eager-eyed cadets -- the next generation of Air Force leaders looked back at him. General Paul V. Hester, the Pacific Air Forces commander, visited Houston for the strategic outreach plan "Air Force Road Show" and took time to talk with the University

General briefs Air Force mission to Houston group

Ken Scott and other members of the Houston Forum were briefed about the Air Force Mission by General Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, Dec. 7 here at a JW Marriott hotel auditorium. Mr. Scott owns a public relations and communications company in Houston and he knows how hard public

2006 suicide numbers not start of trend

The number of suicides among Airmen in fiscal 2006 rose about 14 percent above a ten year average for the service, but the increase is not likely the start of a trend, an Air Force official said. "The suicide rate for 2006 is most indicative of the random variations year-to-year of suicides," said

Air Force allergy doctors win FIT competition

A 59th Medical Wing allergy team won the 15th Annual American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Fellows-in-Training Bowl held Nov. 6 in Philadelphia. Allergy specialists Maj. (Dr.) Stephen Scranton and Capt. (Dr.) Chris Calabria, with the 759th Medical Operations Squadron at Wilford Hall

4 Airmen vie for GEICO awards

Four Airmen have been chosen to represent the Air Force to compete for the 2006 Government Employee Insurance Company Military Service Awards. Their records will compete against those of other members of the armed forces in four categories. Master Sgt. Shawn Ricchuito of Robins AFB, Ga., will

Luke community rallies to support downed pilot's family

A Luke AFB pilot killed in action Nov. 27 in Iraq was remembered by Air Force leaders and friends as a warrior-patriot who made a difference in everything he did in a ceremony Dec. 6 here. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert's F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed while flying a combat mission in support of ground forces

Football: Hennings inducted into college hall of fame

A former U.S. Air Force Academy football player was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame Dec. 5 in New York City. Chad Hennings, a 1988 academy graduate, was inducted into the 2006 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class at the 49th Annual Awards Dinner. A unanimous first-team

Air War College receives joint Phase II certification

Air War College, the Air Force's senior service school, located at Air University here, received Joint Staff J-7's recommendation for Joint Professional Military Education Phase II certification at the culmination of a visit by a certification assessment team in late November. The recommendation

IMAs, units to share Reserve personnel reductions

Faced with eliminating 7,700 personnel authorizations, Air Force Reserve Command officials have decided to divide those cuts between individual mobilization augmentees and unit reservists. "To do our part in the Air Force's recapitalization and modernization efforts, as well as participate in

Air Force launches new television program

A long-format, weekly news show titled "Today's Air Force" is now available. The new program, which first aired Oct. 30, was introduced to help tell Air Force stories in a more in-depth manner. "We have daily news programs, but they don't provide enough time to get deep into a subject and provide

Air Force Week locations selected for 2007

Air Force officials announced Dec. 5 the six locations to host "Air Force Week" in 2007. They are Phoenix from March 19 to 25; Sacramento from June 4 to 10; St. Louis from July 2 to 8; New England from Aug.18 to 26; Honolulu from Sept. 10 to 16; and Atlanta from Oct. 8 to 14. The inaugural Air Force

Fighter pilot balanced tactics, safety, effectiveness

I'd hate to see an epitaph on a fighter pilot's tombstone that says, "I told you I needed training"... How do you train for the most dangerous game in the world by being as safe as possible? When you don't let a guy train because it's dangerous, you're saying, "Go fight those lions with your bare

Orientation program highlights best practices

Air Mobility Command mission support group commanders recently traveled to five AMC bases to learn about and evaluate best practices as part of the annual Excellent Installation Orientation Program. Commanders visited MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; McGuire AFB, N.J.; Grand Forks AFB, N.D.; Fairchild

Families receive $178 million in retroactive benefits

Base-level casualty assistance representatives around the Air Force have been instrumental in identifying eligible families to receive more than $178 million in retroactive death benefits. The payments, made by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, come from recent changes enacted by Congress

Afghan reconstruction team brings supplies to orphans

The Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team paid an unexpected visit to a girl's orphan school Nov. 27 to donate three trailers full of supplies, including items to help with the approaching winter. The staff of Rosantoon Orphan Girl's School in Mehtar Lam City welcomed the team and helped

Florida teaching certification to benefit CCAF instructors

Qualified instructors from the Community College of the Air Force can now take a state-issued subject-knowledge exam to meet requirements for K-12 teaching certification in Florida, negating the need of additional schooling, after Florida legislators recently amended their educator certification

Moody maintainers take initiative with AFSO 21

A handful of Moody AFB maintenance professionals brought Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to the forefront during a meeting Nov. 20 and 21 that reflected on improving inspections for the HC-130P. Sixteen Airmen from the 723rd Maintenance Squadron, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and

Thrift investment board ups '07 TSP contribution limits

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has announced a $500 increase in regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions to $15,500 for 2007 elective deferral maximum contributions. "TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan, which everyone should consider," said Janet Thomas, a human resources

Next generation: A-10C arrives at Davis-Monthan

The A-10C Thunderbolt II made its official roll-out debut here Nov. 29, revealing its transformation and its enhanced capabilities under the Precision Engagement program.The Precision Engagement program will offer the A-10 the most significant modifications it has ever received in its 30-year

Sibling tanker pilots connect 7,700 miles from home

Being in different services, they never thought their military paths would cross, but two Kaysville, Utah, brothers are sharing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Torbensen family learned Marine Corps Capt. Jason Torbensen and Air Force 1st Lt. Dustin Torbensen would serve together at a

Kunsan F-16 fleet prepped for 'Falcon STAR'

The Block 30 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron here are set to enter upgrade in the Air Force's Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program aimed at extending the service life of the aircraft. The improvement to the fleet follows previous air-to-ground dominance to

Moment of silence Dec. 1 to honor CAP 65th

Civil Air Patrol members and advocates nationwide plan to honor the volunteer organization's 65th anniversary with a nationwide moment of silence Dec. 1 at noon Eastern time. The moment of silence is part of the yearlong celebration of CAP's anniversary, punctuated with events both national and

Stepping out of the blue for Army green

Change is good, as one Airman in the 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron here finds out as he changes from "Into the Blue" to "Army Strong." Senior Airman Mike Goldman, 16th EWS journeyman, will become Specialist Goldman Dec. 28, as he enlists into the Army through the "Operation Blue to Green"

Career fields meld expertise in recovery missions

Airmen from three career fields have worked for the past five years to bring the guardian angel weapon system, or GAWS, online for the Air Force to provide rapid recovery of servicemembers. Made up of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, pararescue jumper called PJs, and combat

Region Air Force commander visits Kadena

The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peace-keeping efforts in the Pacific region were key topics of discussion by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force during his visit here Nov. 15. Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, visited the base for an in-depth

PRT delivers supplies to Afghan schools

Soldiers and Airmen from the Methar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered nearly a ton of much-needed supplies to two schools Nov. 21in the capital city of Laghman Province of Afghanistan.The PRT distributed 1,300 backpacks, teacher's kits, hygiene products, soccer balls, notebooks, pens,

Blood donation

Technology transfers benefit warfighter, first responders

The Defense Department's technology transfer program, which shares newly developed DOD technologies with civilian first responders, benefits both communities in cost effectiveness and mission accomplishment, the DOD official in charge of the program said here Nov.21. Congress mandated the technology

Pentagon Channel 'Recon' program focuses on military children

"I send him off with a kiss goodbye, although I understand that he may die." Those are words from a poem written by a third-grader named Gloria who lives with her family at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She concludes her poem this way: "I serve too." That child's sentiment is the subject and title

Dirt runway testing increases C-17 safety, agility

In an effort to expand the capability of the C-17 Globemaster III, about 40 people from the C-17 Integrated Test Force are in the midst of a four-phase test program to determine the C-17 takeoff and landing performance on non-paved surfaces. Engineers and pilots are testing the aircraft in extreme

Operation Homecooking offers a taste of home

Going through basic military training is always difficult on trainees, especially over the holidays. That is why for the past 31 years, Operation Homecooking has tried to serve up the flavors, family and feelings of the Thanksgiving holiday to hundreds of the Air Force's newest family members --

Air Force training makes Airmen safer, more aware

Staff Sgt. Jason Lowery knows that preparing for combat duty is something many Airmen do not know much about. But training Airmen to be safer and more aware of the dangers they face around the world is not a new concept. Air Force Combat Skills Training is just the newest method of providing today's

18th Wing key component in war on terrorism

The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific region were the key topics discussed by the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander here Nov. 15.Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright visited the base for an orientation tour of the wing

Life at Incirlik means getting involved

Incirlik is known affectionately by its residents as "the small community with the big heart." Senior Master Sgt. Raul Ruiz, the 39th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, embraces this small-town environment by being an active member of the community. "My family and I are involved in everything

People should get annual flu shots, DOD official says

All people, particularly very young and older citizens, should obtain an annual flu shot, a top Department of Defense health official said here Nov. 21. The influenza virus is a contagious respiratory illness that annually kills about 36,000 Americans and hospitalizes 200,000, Dr. David N. Tornberg,

Colonel receives Bronze Star during Alabama-Auburn game

An instructor from Maxwell Air Force Base's Air War College was honored at his Alma Mater during the University of Alabama rival football game Nov. 18, against Auburn University Saturday.Col. Duane Lamb was presented the Bronze Star medal by his former commander, Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc, who served

Attorney general speaks to U.S. Air Force Academy cadets

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales told cadets here Nov. 18, that terrorists will not rise to the example of the United States. The judge addressed civil liberties and war on terrorism issues during his lecture to 700 cadets."The United States has rightfully positioned itself in this conflict

First Lady strong advocate for improving quality of life

While primarily known as an advocate for education, First Lady Laura Bush is also an advocate for improving the quality of life for servicemembers. During the stopover in Hawaii on their way back to Washington, D.C. Mrs. Bush used the opportunity to meet with servicemembers, retirees and family

Academy cadets capture scholarship trifecta

Three Air Force Academy cadets have captured the trifecta of prestigious graduate scholarships. Cadet 1st Class Nicholas Shelly has been named a Rhodes Scholar and plans to spend his two years at Oxford University in England studying international relations. He is the academy's 34th Rhodes

11 sing, dance their way to Worldwide Talent Contest honors

Sixty-two active duty Airmen -- singers, dancers, musicians and technicians -- converged on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 5 through 13 for the annual Worldwide Talent Contest. By the end of the grueling week, 11 emerged as the best, taking home "Roger" awards for first place and "Wilco"

USAFE commander reviews past year in command

Allied and coalition relationships, operations south and east, Airmen's accomplishments and improving efficiency were at the forefront during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander's Nov. 20 discussion of the past year in command. Since Gen. William T. Hobbins took command Dec. 5, he has traveled

AFPC to conduct force shaping board in March

The next force shaping board is scheduled to convene March 12 at the Air Force Personnel Center for officers in the 2003 and 2004 year groups. The board will evaluate active-duty line officers in overage career fields in the 2004 accession year group, as well as navigator, air battle manager, space

Officials discontinue Command Responsibility Pay

Command Responsibility Pay, which has been authorized for payment to selected Air Force commanders since 2002, will be phased out by Sept. 30, 2007. "Several factors have contributed to the need to eliminate CRP," said Maj. Gen. Tony Przybyslawski, Air Force Personnel Center commander. "These

Air Force leaders address quality of life issues, changes

Airmen can still expect high-caliber quality of life programs that will take care of them and their families despite the changes being made within the service, leaders here assured recently. "Quality of life continues to be one of our top three priorities," said Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, Air Force

ASC leaders tackle requirements, acquisition processes

Starting new programs correctly, ensuring customers have realistic expectations, and ending the "shoot-the-messenger" mentality were among the initiatives Aeronautical Systems Center leaders considered at a November off-site meeting. Lt. Gen. Jack Hudson, the ASC commander, along with senior leaders

AFRL awards 'MAJIIC' research contract

The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate awarded a $4,840,528 contract to Raytheon Systems Co. of State College, Pa., Nov. 16. The 22-month agreement, "Distributed Common Ground Station Coalition Releasable Enclave," will provide technology that uses MAJIIC -- multi-sensor

Security forces member receives Bronze Star

An Airman from the 18th Security Forces Squadron here was awarded the Bronze Star during a ceremony Nov. 15 for actions while on a 365-day deployment to Al Kasik Military Training Base, Iraq. Capt. Russell Waight, 18th SFS officer in charge of plans and programs, served as adviser at the base

Second C-5M Super Galaxy takes flight

The second fully modernized Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy test aircraft made its first flight Nov. 17 from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. This is the second of three aircraft that will comprise the new C-5M test fleet. "The C-5M represents a true recapitalization program for a critical

Interagency cooperation improves space com

Air Force Space Command and the National Reconnaissance Office put into motion a plan to improve interagency cooperation between space agencies by conducting a senior officer and a senior civilian exchange between AFSPC Headquarters here and the NRO Headquarters in Chantilly, Va. The nation's space

Joint tactical radio system fielded soon

The Air Force is about to enter a new era in communications technology. Officials at the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., have signed a $7.8M contract with Thales Communications, Incorporated, for the delivery of the first Joint Tactical Radio System radios to the Air

NCOs have a shot at school through AFIT

Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering nine NCOs the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Additionally, one NCO will be offered the opportunity to earn a master's degree in economic crime from an

On-orbit checkout of SBIRS payload confirmed

The Air Force successfully completed initial early on-orbit checkout of the first Space Based Infrared System payload. SBIRS will deliver a new generation of space-based satellites providing missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness to combatant

America Supports You: Send packages to troops, families

Just in time for the holidays, Operation Homefront has launched "eCarePackage," an online service that allows citizens to send care packages to deployed troops and their families. Operation Homefront is part of CinCHouse.com, a community for military wives, and is a team member of America Supports

NORAD to track Santa's trek around world

In advance of the holiday season and its 51st season of tracking Santa Claus on his annual journey around the world, the North American Aerospace Defense Command activated its "NORAD Tracks Santa" Web site for 2006. The U.S.-Canadian command's program began in 1955 when an errant phone call was made

vPC-GR adds awards, decorations processing

Reservists will have another capability in their Personnel Service Delivery toolbox Monday when officials release the online awards and decorations function. With the release, Reserve Airmen will submit awards and decorations requests online through the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve

Unmanned vehicle provides reusable test capabilities in space

The Air Force is working on a space vehicle that will allow government scientists to transport advanced technology into orbit, test its capability there, then bring it home to see how it fared in the harsh environment of space. The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is similar to the space shuttle, except

Airmen awarded new readiness occupational badges

All of the Airmen graduating from the Civil Engineer Readiness Apprentice Course recently were first in their class. The Air Force's newest 3E931s were the first graduates to receive the civil engineer readiness occupational badge. The badges were presented during their graduation ceremony at the

Holiday shopping can lead to mountains of debt

For some the idea of holiday shopping brings excitement and joy. For others it's the bane of their existence. However, there is one thing no one looks forward to -- the after-holiday debt. According to the National Retail Federation, the average shopper will fork over approximately $790 during

General, spouse receive O'Malley award

Though dozens of people attended the 2006 General and Mrs. Jerome O'Malley Award ceremony here at the Pentagon Nov. 15, there were four names left off the guest list. "Dennis, Ivan, Katrina and Rita couldn't be here today," joked Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley, who presented

Master plan cleanup efforts kick off at BRAC Industry Day

The Air Force's new approach to managing the environmental cleanup of former Air Force installations was unveiled at the Base Realignment and Closure Master Plan Industry Day Nov. 13 in San Antonio. The event, held jointly by Air Force Real Property Agency and the Air Force Center for Environmental

Air Force implements Web site online reservation capability

Air Force Inns will begin allowing duty and space available travelers to book direct online lodging reservations beginning Dec. 4 at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont. Individuals and families on orders or who need space available rooms to Malmstrom AFB may access Air Force Inns and Navy

'Great American Smokeout' draws attention to health risks of smoking

The 29th annual American Cancer Society "Great American Smokeout" Nov. 16 gives military members and Defense Department civilians a chance to pause before lighting up and reflect that smoking poses significant risks to their health.Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, said Dr. David N.

Air logistics center upgrades center wing boxes on C-130s

Workers here began a three-phase project in November to ensure the viability of the C-130 Hercules fleet through the year 2030 and beyond. Center wing boxes on C-130s have been showing cracks earlier than expected. As a result, members of the 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group have removed the center

Air Force awards $1.4 million contract to Virginia firm

The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate awarded a $1,465,002 contract Nov. 13 to Active Computing Inc. of Herndon, Va. The three-year agreement, "Assessing and Operationalizing COORDINATORs," is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, of Arlington, Va.,

Multinational agreement to advance high-speed flight

The U.S. Air Force and Australian Department of Defence signed a multinational research partnership Nov. 10 in Canberra, Australia, to explore and develop fundamental hypersonic technologies and experimental methodologies that could enable the next generation of weapon systems. The Air Force

A-10s get attention after returning from combat

When Air Force reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing arrived home from a four-month deployment to Afghanistan in September, they were given time-off to recuperate and adjust to life back home. The Air Force calls this time-off period "reconstitution." The same is true for the wing's A-10

Boeing X-45A unmanned combat vehicle on display

The Boeing X-45A unmanned combat air vehicle was officially inducted into the National Museum of the United States Air Force collection during a ceremony Nov. 13. "The X-45A is a prime example of an air vehicle that points to the future of our Air Force," said retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf,

USAFE's 1st AFSO 21 manager to 'Lean' up Spangdahlem

Spangdahlem Air Base is the first base in U.S. Air Forces in Europe to have a full-time program manager for Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century. The overarching goals here are to implement a change in culture and the way people think and do their jobs, officials said. Base officials also

Services officials announce 2006 club membership scholarship winners

Six individuals have been selected to receive a combined total of $25,000 in scholarship money given away in the Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program.  It is the 10th consecutive year for the program.Scholarships are provided through a sponsorship agreement with CHASE Bank. Club members and

Air Force declassifies elite aggressor program

After decades of secrecy, Air Force officials acknowledged Nov. 13 that Communist-built fighters were flown at the Tonopah Test Range northwest of Las Vegas, Nev. From 1977 through 1988, the program, known as Constant Peg, saw Air Force, Navy and Marine aircrews flying against Soviet-designed MiG

Lean principles contribute to missile success

The members of the 309th Missile Maintenance Group completed assembly of Minuteman booster No. 75-939 Nov. 7, marking two years of early or on-time deliveries by the unit. The unit has maintained its completion and delivery record by using Lean principles, which helped organize work areas and remove

Air Force leaders share recent viewpoints

The Air Force's top leaders have released two specific viewpoints for Airmen.Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne released a Letter to Airmen today discussing Service before Self.Click here to read the SECAF's Letter to AirmenAlso, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley has

ASC plays critical role in replacement helicopter contract

Air Force officials announced Nov. 9 the award of a contract potentially valued at $4.1 billion to The Boeing Co., for the Air Force's number two acquisition priority, a replacement combat search and rescue, or CSAR, helicopter. The program will take place in two parts. The first increment, Block 0,

Officials select developer for combat search and rescue replacement vehicle

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne announced the selection of Boeing Helicopter of Ridley Park, Pa., to provide the new combat search and rescue replacement vehicle, known as CSAR-X. The Nov. 9 announcement comes at the end of a fair and open competition, and thorough evaluation of multiple

1st Fighter Wing lays claim to numerous accomplishments

The name says it all -- 1st Fighter Wing. As the first air combat unit organized under the U.S. Army air arm 80 years ago, the wing can make claim to many historic accomplishments.The study of the 1st FW's history is comparable to examining the history of air power itself. The groaning of wooden

AFSO 21 process gets weapons to warfighters faster

When the AIM-120D production program manager was asked to be team leader on an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century rapid improvement event, he was a little skeptical. "We had a very sound and fundamentally strong (acquisition) process going and I really pushed back at the idea," said

Waste-eating bacteria explored as power source

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here recently awarded a five-year grant to the University of Southern California worth approximately $4.5 million to lead a study on bioengineered fuel cells. Bioengineered fuel cells are bacteria capable of producing electrical energy simply through the

Former technical director for C-17 earns DOD award

The former technical director for the Aeronautical Systems Center's C-17 Globemaster III program has won a Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award for 2006. Lawrence Fielding is one of eight this year to win the award, which recognizes exceptional achievements that benefited the

'Blue to Green' allows Airmen, Sailors to transfer to Army

As the Air Force and Navy continue to transform themselves, the two services are finding they do not need the number of people they once did, but a program called "Operation Blue to Green," gives an option for Airmen and Sailors chosen for separation the chance to transfer to the Army and remain on

Afghan PRT treats patients, prepares village for winter

Twenty-four members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, the 405th Civil Affairs Battalion and Task Force Tiger made the four-hour trek to the northernmost district here to assist the province's most impoverished population. A cooperative Medical Civic Action Program, or MEDCAP, was

Exchange program enhances coalition operations

Northwest Florida is gaining worldwide recognition through a program that makes local Air Force bases the training grounds for covert coalition aircraft operations.The program, known as Combined Special Operations Forces Subject Matter Expert Exchange, is a concept that came to life on a large scale

Health care for reservists highlights defense bill

In addition to a 2.2 percent across-the-board pay raise, Air Force reservists can look forward to better health care options in 2007. Beginning Oct. 1, 2007, drilling reservists can enroll in the new Tricare Standard for Selected Reserve health plan. They pay 28 percent of the premiums. The federal

Veterans Day special: Veterans share war experiences

The year was 1967. First Lt. Marko Milakovich stood on the side of Budda Mountain, about 10 miles from Quang Nhia in South Vietnam. The 25-year-old was on a site survey and had a weapons carrier and six Army bodyguards for safety. As he stood on the mountainside, leaflets fluttered to the ground

Nothing can stop Headquarters U.S. Air Force

In early November, Headquarters Air Force personnel will participate in exercise Blue Raven, another in a series of continuity-of-operations exercises that tests the capability of HAF personnel to continue mission essential functions during a crisis. "Sept. 11, 2001 reinforced the need to be

Air Force leader praises Hill for Lean, AFSO 21 efforts

The special assistant to the secretary of the Air Force for Air Force Smart Ops for the 21st Century, or AFSO 21, said during a late October visit here that Air Force leadership would embrace the Lean concept due in large part to the success of Air Force Materiel Command's air logistics centers. Dr.

Active associate unit to be established at Scott AFB

As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, an active associate unit will be established with Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., in 2007. The Air Force Reserve unit will receive three C-40 aircraft the same year. Under the active associate

Web site works with Airmen to deliver care packages

In August 2003, a Maryland family started the AnySoldier.com Web site as a way for people to support deployed Soldiers. Two years later, the family created separate sites to help those in the sister services. Their site for those in the Air Force, AnyAirman.com, lists Airmen who volunteered as

Responsive space demonstrator ready to roll

Officials are saying the December launch of a tactical satellite, dubbed TacSat-2, will serve as the predecessor for rapid satellite production, launch and operation. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate here, TacSat-2 has evolved into a responsive space

Delta IV launch successful

A Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle carrying a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite was launched from the Space Launch Complex-6 here Nov. 4 at 5:53 a.m. "I'm extremely proud of the precision with which the base and Vandenberg launch team planned and executed this Delta IV

Holiday radio special features country music stars

Country music stars Vince Gill, Toby Keith, LeeAnn Womack and George Strait share their favorite holiday memories and traditions in a "Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas" radio special, slated for release this month. Produced and marketed by the Air Force Recruiting Service's Strategic

Ellsworth first base to enter environmental program

Ellsworth Air Force Base has become the first Air Force-owned installation to accept membership into the Environmental Protection Agency's Performance Track program. During a special ceremony Oct. 31, Robert Roberts, EPA regional administrator, in presenting Ellsworth officials with Performance

Airmen receive trophies for maintenance excellence

Two Airmen earned trophies and praise here for their abilities to keep Air Force aircraft flying and munitions ready for the mission.Master Sgt. Timothy Kellner, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, and Capt. Abigail Ruscetta, 16th AMXS, Hurlburt Field, Fla., were honored with

109th Airlift Wing commemorates first South Pole landing

An LC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing touched down at the South Pole on Oct. 30 to commemorate the first plane landing there 50 years ago. On Oct. 31, 1956, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Gus Shinn landed a ski-equipped R4D-5 (a Navy version of the DC-3) named "Que Sera Sera"

Lab teams prepare for show stopper demonstrations

Two, six-member Junior Workforce Challenge Project teams working on non-lethal, vehicle-halting prototypes for deployed area checkpoints will display their efforts at an upcoming competition. Each team consists of Air Force junior officers and civilians. They have been working on ideas since June,

Luke shows off energy conservation program

The Luke community showcased its energy conservation programs to the Air Force assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics Oct. 26. William C. Anderson visited here as part of October's Energy Awareness Month. He got a first-hand look at the base's energy and conservation