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  • Air Force refines force presentation, generation

    Air Force officials have been working for more than two years to develop a more consistent force presentation model for the Air Expeditionary Force deployment system.Future changes in how the Air Force presents its forces in the joint environment and generates forces to support combatant commanders

  • CSAF discusses budget, deployments in Southwest Asia

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz paid a visit to the Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here Nov. 14. The general, who serves as the senior uniformed Air Force officer, met with the men and women of the 380th AEW during an all call to discuss current Air Force issues and take

  • Study examines dwell times, mental health issues

    Service members who spend more time at home between deployments may have a greater chance of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder than those with briefer dwell times, a Defense Department analysis has revealed, but officials urge further research.The study, conducted by the Armed Forces

  • Afghan airmen begin functional check flight training

    With coalition adviser support, Afghan airmen began post-phase funcitional check flight training recently in an effort to further professionalize the Afghan air force at Kandahar Air Wing. A phase inspection is a detailed inspection of an aircraft that includes servicing and cleaning and takes place

  • Air Force updates doctrine documents

    The Air Force updated its two capstone doctrine documents.In October, the Air Force released Air Force Doctrine Document 1, Air Force Basic Doctrine, Organization, and Command. In early November, a revised AFDD 1-1, Leadership and Force Development, was approved and is expected to be available

  • Air Force wages war against waste

    On Nov. 15, the Air Force joined the rest of the nation in observing America Recycles Day, a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to encouraging people to recycle more at home, at work and on the go. Successful recycling and solid waste diversion efforts across the Air Force through the past

  • Air Force leads Pentagon's 2011 Green Team Awards

    The Pentagon's Director of Facilities Bradley Provancha recognized two Air Force organizations today as recipients of the Pentagon's 2011 Green Team awards during an "America Recycles Day" ceremony here Nov 15. The Air Force Secretariat's Installations, Environment and Logistics offices, along with

  • Air Force launches cutting-edge culture & language website

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center, part of Air University's Spaatz Center here, recently launched a new public website to provide information on the Air Force's efforts to increase cross-cultural competence -- a critical warfighting skill cited by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in an

  • 28th BW garners top bomb wing honors

    After proving to be the top bomb wing in the U.S. Air Force, the 28th Bomb Wing here will bring home the Stanley Cup of trophies in the bomber community -- the Fairchild Trophy.The announcement was made during the Global Strike Command's Global Strike Challenge competition award ceremony at

  • Pararescuemen train in Djiboutian desert

    Pararescuemen with the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron conducted a training rescue mission here recently. The training involved parachuting into a simulated crash site, locating and treating casualties, and coordinating evacuation while maintaining security. For the slideshow, click here.

  • Airmen host Kyrgyz soldiers for professional development event

     Airmen from here and soldiers from the Koi Tash NCO Academy met for a professional military education exchange Nov. 10 here.The event centered on the Airman Leadership School methods of course delivery and the four primary curriculum topics of expeditionary Airmen, supervisor of Airmen, military

  • Close air support protects coalition forces, kills 70 insurgents

    F-15E Strike Eagles from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 121st EFS dropped more than 9,000 pounds of munitions through severe weather on enemy forces trying to overrun a combat outpost in Paktika province, Afghanistan, Nov. 8. According to reports, up to

  • Obama urges nation to serve veterans who served

    President Barack Obama taped his weekly radio address, released Nov. 12, from the bridge of the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego, praising the men and women and uniform and underscoring the nation's commitment to them and all veterans.The president, who traveled to the ship Nov. 11 to meet with the crew

  • JB Balad wraps up operations

    What was once a bustling hub for U.S. operations in Iraq has now transitioned into a quiet and empty shell of its former self.In accordance with a 2008 security agreement between the U.S. and Iraq, Joint Base Balad was transitioned to the government of Iraq and the U.S. military presence has

  • SECAF to review disciplinary actions in AFMAO case

    Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley reaffirmed a commitment to ensure that appropriate disciplinary action was taken in regard to the management and procedures at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Mortuary. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta asked Secretary Donley on Nov. 10 to review the Air Force's

  • Air Force secretary issues statement on Dover

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley issued the following statement today regarding Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta's direction that he ensure appropriate disciplinary action was taken in regards to the management and procedures for operations at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations

  • Universal Class program offers personal development opportunities

    You're never too old to stop learning, and Air Force libraries offer opportunities for self-improvement and personal development through the Universal Class program. Total force Airmen, families, civilians, retirees and other eligible library users may register for more than 500 online personal

  • Multi-service office to advance air-sea battle concept

    The Department of Defense announced the creation of a new office to integrate air and naval combat capabilities in support of emerging national security requirements Nov. 9.In the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates directed the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps

  • Photo essay: Last aircraft departs 313th Air Expeditionary Wing

    A KC-10 Extender deployed to the 313th Air Expeditionary Wing at a non-disclosed base here departed Nov. 8 to return back to the U.S.Airmen serving in the 313th AEW came from myriad places but served as "one team."Those Airmen, and the planes they use for air refueling and airlift for Operation

  • Air Force leaders issue Veterans Day message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Veterans Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:America is built upon the achievements and the sacrifices of veterans. On Veterans

  • Air Force leaders send birthday messages to Marine Corps

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Marine Corps on its 236th birthday Nov. 10. Donley wrote a letter to the secretary of the Navy stating, "On behalf of the men and women of the United

  • Air Force mobile app takes off

    The Air Force Recruiting Service's first smartphone app, Make-it-Fly, hit the Apple app store recently. This free app challenges users by allowing them to build and fly their own aircraft. To complete the series of nine mission objectives, users must choose from different fuselages, wings, engines

  • Wounded warriors participate in sports minicamp

    A small group of Air Force wounded warriors attended an adaptive sports wounded warrior minicamp Nov. 3 to 6 at the Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy.During the minicamp, 15 veteran and new athletes practiced wheelchair basketball, strength and conditioning, sitting volleyball

  • SECAF issues letter to all service members

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley issued a letter to all service members Nov. 8.In it, he wrote, "The mission at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation (AFMAO) is to provide dignity, honor and respect to the fallen and care, service and support to their families. The professionals whose

  • New deployed leaders guide available

    The latest "Deployed Leaders Guide to the AEF" is now available on the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Online website, and a print copy can be ordered Nov. 15. The guide is a reference tool used by deployed leaders to help answer questions throughout deployments. "It is designed for NCOs and above

  • F-15E crews awarded Mackay Trophy

    Four Airmen were presented the Mackay Trophy by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and National Aeronautic Association Chairman Walter Boyne during a ceremony Nov. 7 here.Retired Lt. Col. Donald Cornwell, Lt. Col. Dylan Wells, Capt. Leigh Larkin and Capt. Nicholas Tsougas flew a combat

  • Air Force investigates and improves mortuary operation

    Air Force officials have completed a year-long investigation of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base, Del., the point of entry for U.S. service members who are killed or die overseas. The service implemented multiple corrective actions and took action regarding three

  • Elmendorf-Richardson civilian earns national award for work with families

    A civilian Department of Defense employee here recently received the Association of the U.S. Army's DOD Civilian of the Year for the Pacific Region award."She's the best of the best of the best," said Marvin Dickerson, an Army Community Service officer, said of Frederica Norman. "I've been working

  • Photo Essay: Airmen aid wounded Libyan fighters

    Members of the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, participate in a humanitarian mission Oct. 29, 2011, to aid wounded Libyan fighters. The U.S. military transported more than 30 Libyan fighters to medical facilities in Europe and the

  • Mildenhall combat controller earns Grateful Nation Award

    'First There,' a motto combat controllers bellow during their two-year training pipeline, and later affirm in blood, sweat and sacrifice on the most forward-deployed and dangerous battlefields as they pave the way for other forces to follow.As a member of the most highly trained special operations

  • Libya mission ends, Airmen come home

    Airmen from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing here are returning home from Operation Unified Protector with more than 3,000 sorties and 29,170 hours flown. In March 2011, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 established a no-fly zone and NATO forces conducted ground strikes in coordination with

  • Total force medical team provides care for Native Americans

    A medical team of 18 reservists and an active duty Airman from here recently spent two weeks providing medical care for about 400 members of the Crowe Creek Indian Reservation in Fort Thompson, S.D.The team, which included ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, flight surgeons, dentists, medical

  • Sesame launches new resources for military families

    With hundreds of military families gathered here, Sesame Workshop unveiled a new collection of resources Nov. 7 designed to help children stay connected with military loved ones.The "Military Families Near and Far" products, which include a bilingual website and mobile application, encourage

  • Fallen pilot laid to rest after 43 years

    Since 1977 a marker in memory of Air Force Col. Gilbert S. Palmer Jr. sat upon a hill for the pilot who went missing in action Feb. 27, 1968. Now, more than 43 years later, Palmer's remains have been returned to his family for proper burial in Arlington with full military honors. More than 30

  • Afghan airmen begin law enforcement patrols

    Afghan air force security forces members initiated the first-ever law enforcement patrols on the AAF compound in Kandahar recently.Working with advisers from the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and with a goal of providing security on the AAF compound, the Afghan military police team began

  • Afghan women learn first aid

    Thirteen Afghan women received life-saving first aid training at a provincial women's development center meeting Nov. 1 in the Paktya province.U.S. service members assigned to the Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Nebraska Agribusiness Development Team, both located on Forward Operating

  • Air Force overcomes Army to keep Commander in Chief's Trophy

    In the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons' battle to keep the Commander in Chief's trophy, the U.S. Military Academy Black Knights (Army) drew first blood ... and second, and if not for a few big plays on defense, they would also have drawn third, fourth and fifth blood.But Air Force's defense continued

  • Support squadron commander candidates named

    More than 1,000 officers from 10 support career fields are on the calendar year 2012 squadron commander candidate list, Air Force officials announced Nov 4. Functional developmental teams meet annually here to consider eligible officers for functional squadron command opportunities. Wing hiring

  • Air Force Reserve pilot the first to reach 1,000 F-22 flight hours

    An Air Force Reserve pilot made history here Nov. 4 when he flew his 1,000 flight hour in an F-22 Raptor.Lt. Col. David Piffarerio, the 302nd Fighter Squadron commander, became the first Air Force pilot to reach the historic milestone."This is a great milestone for the pilots, maintainers and

  • Langley SFS welcomes home deployed defenders

    Security forces members here moved their yellow ribbon magnets from Iraq to Virginia on the map in their squadron's heritage room to symbolize the homecoming of four more fellow defenders Nov. 2.The recently returned members of the 633rd Security Forces Squadron, who were deployed to Joint Base

  • CSAF addresses key Air Force issues at JB Andrews

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz provided insight into the latest developments in Air Force funding, manpower and morale during a chief of staff call here Nov. 1. Schwartz opened the event by delivering introductory comments to the Team Andrews audience, then addressed the concerns of

  • 618th AOC supports effort delivering hope to Turkey

    Mobility Airmen of the 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) here led planning efforts for an Oct. 31 flight bringing humanitarian assistance to Turkey.In the wake of the Oct. 23 earthquake that left hundreds dead in the Western Asian nation, a C-17 Globemaster III

  • Special tactics Airmen complete memorial march

    Fifteen Air Force Special Operations Command special tactics Airmen, along with two from Air Combat Command, embarked on a 10-day, 812-mile march to memorialize 17 fellow special tactics Airmen who died in combat.Marching from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to Hurlburt Field, Fla., these combat

  • Defense officials urge nuclear deterrent funding

    The nation's security strategy is built on nuclear deterrence, and the systems and workforce that support nuclear capabilities must be sustained, senior Defense Department officials told Congress Nov. 2.James N. Miller, the principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, and Gen. C. Robert

  • 33rd RQS kicks off Pacific Thunder

    Members of the 33rd Rescue Squadron are teaming up with the 25th Fighter Squadron for Exercise Pacific Thunder 2011 Oct. 31 through Nov. 9 at Osan Air Base, Korea.Four HH-60G Pave Hawks from the 33rd Rescue Squadron here flew to Osan AB to participate in the exercise alongside A-10 Thunderbolt II's

  • Off-the-shelf solutions speed new equipment to Reserve, Guard

    By using ideas from recently deployed Airmen and using off-the-shelf technology, the Reserve Component has developed new equipment that saved lives and led to highly successful combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.This streamlined process is speeding high-tech acquisitions and was briefed by

  • AFMC officials restructure to cut overhead, make command more efficient

    Air Force officials announced an Air Force Materiel Command-wide restructure Nov. 2 that is aimed at providing greater military capabilities, improving readiness and operating effectively in the current fiscal environment.AFMC officials will reduce the number of its centers from 12 to five. This

  • Air Force modernization takes B-2 to North Pole

    A B-2 Spirit flew from here to the North Pole and back Oct. 27 on a mission to test the aircraft's hardware and software upgrades, endurance and its performance at extremely high latitudes. The 18-plus hour mission consisted of developmental and operational test points to prove that the B-2's

  • Service chiefs: Sequestration damage could be irreversible

    Damage to the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps could be irreversible if the Budget Control Act's "sequestration" provision takes another $600 billion from the defense budget, the military service chiefs said today.Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Chief of Naval Operations Adm.

  • Air Force announces civilian workforce restructuring

    Air Force officials announced several adjustments to the civilian workforce Nov. 2. In response to the secretary of defense's direction to stop civilian growth above fiscal year 2010 levels and the need to add 5,900 positions against the Air Force's top priorities, the Air Force eliminated

  • Air Force general receives executive award

    The Air Force's chief information officer was recognized with a Government Computer News award during the 24th annual GCN Awards Gala in McLean, Va., Oct. 19.Lt. Gen. William Lord, the Air Force chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer, received the Defense

  • Airmen transport wounded Libyan fighters to U.S.

    Nearly two dozen wounded Libyan fighters were evacuated from Libya to here Oct. 29 aboard a C-17 Globemaster III. At the request of State Department officials, the Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta directed two missions supporting the humanitarian assistance effort in Libya. In the first mission,

  • AF selects officers, civilians for developmental education

    More than 740 officers and 106 civilians were selected for intermediate and senior developmental education opportunities during the 2011 Developmental Education Designation Board in October here, officials announced Nov. 2. Selectee lists have been posted on the Air Force Portal.Developmental

  • NCO retraining program a success in fiscal 2012

    The 2012 Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program concluded Oct. 26 with 870 Air Force NCOs identified to transition to new career fields. The NCORP consists of two-phases -- voluntary and involuntary -- designed to sustain the enlisted force by retraining second-term and career Airmen from

  • Airmen deliver aid to Turkish earthquake victims

     U.S. European Command officials sent two C-130J Super Hercules loaded with cots, blankets, sleeping bags and hygiene kits to north eastern Turkey, Oct. 29 to aid victims of a recent earthquake there.The C-130Js from the 86th Airlift Wing departed Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to deliver the supplies

  • Airmen help provide aeromedical evacuation Libyan freedom fighters

    A team of 18 Airmen is preparing to evacuate 26 seriously wounded Libyan fighters to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston and four critical cases to Germany for immediate care. The team consists of eight Airmen from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 10 from 10th Air Force.Capt.

  • Air Force leadership speak about diversity

    Air Force senior leaders released a memorandum stressing the importance of diversity in today's force here Oct. 14.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy signed the Declaration on Diversity, which

  • Study finds no evidence of health problems from burn pits

    An Institute of Medicine study released Oct. 31 found no evidence between exposure to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan and long-term health problems.A 14-member committee from the institute, a nonprofit health research arm of the National Academy of Sciences, could neither prove nor disprove that

  • Air Force's top maintainers recognized

    Two Air Force aircraft maintainers were recognized by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz during a ceremony here Oct. 28 for their outstanding contributions to the Air Force mission.Capt. William Bernecker, who is assigned to the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Royal Air Force

  • Falcons shut out Lobos 42-0

    Falcon football got back to its winning ways with a 42-0 shutout of the University of New Mexico Lobos Oct. 29 here.The U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons left defenders in the dust from their first touch of the football, when defensive back Jon Davis returned the first Lobo punt for 40 yards to give

  • Air Force vice chief testifies on readiness

    The Air Force vice chief of staff provided the Air Force perspective on readiness in an age of austerity to the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness here Oct. 27.Gen. Phil Breedlove joined his Army, Navy and Marine Corps counterparts in discussing the challenges expected as the

  • CSAF presents Air Force Cross, Silver Star in Hurlburt ceremony

    Two Air Force Special Operations Command combat controllers were presented military decorations here Oct. 27 by the Air Force chief of staff for exhibiting extraordinary heroism in combat. Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr. was presented the Air Force Cross and Tech. Sgt. Ismael Villegas was presented

  • New wind turbines help Air Force go green

    Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton visited the Massachusetts Military Reservation in Cape Cod, Mass., Oct. 28 for a ribbon cutting ceremony for two new wind turbines.The 1.5 megawatt wind turbines, in addition to an existing turbine, were built to offset electrical costs for powering

  • SECAF authorizes funds to assist flood-stricken Airmen

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley recently authorized funding for skilled and licensed volunteers to travel to Minot, N.D., to perform home repairs for nearly 250 Airmen who remain displaced here following historic flooding this summer. Secretary Donley signed into effect the memorandum

  • Air Force releases major, captain reduction-in-force board results

    Commanders Air Force-wide were notified Oct. 24 of the results of the Calendar Year 2011 Reduction-in-Force Board held at the Air Force Personnel Center here in September.The CY11 RIF board, which considered captains and majors in the Line of the Air Force competitive category, is part of the Air

  • Navigator, logistics officer receive Cheney Award

    Two Airmen received the Cheney Award from Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley here Oct. 27 in recognition of their efforts to support Pakistan flood relief operations in 2010. Maj. John Foy, a C-130E/H Hercules navigator, and Capt. Patrick Markey, a logistics readiness officer; both assigned

  • AF officials launch Respite Care Program for families

    Air Force officials have teamed with the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies to launch the Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program Respite Care Program. The program is built around providing a break for parents with special-needs children. It allows parents to

  • FECA fraud is not easy money

    U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder cautioned would-be cheaters that health care fraud is not easy money during a press conference earlier this year. That same warning goes for workers' compensation fraud.The Federal Employees' Compensation Act provides compensation for employees who sustain injuries

  • Barksdale AFB Airmen honor Ploesti Raiders

    Airmen had the opportunity to mingle with nearly 30 World War II veterans here Oct. 17-21 during the 98th Bomb Group Reunion. Members of the 98th BG Veterans Association hosted the famed Ploesti Raiders to highlight the achievements of the bomb group during World War II for their day-time raids

  • 39th IOS honored with Cybersecurity Award

    Air Force Space Command's 39th Information Operations Squadron members were honored with a 2011 U.S. National Cybersecurity Innovation Award during a ceremony here Oct. 21. The award, presented by officials from the SANS Institute at the 2011 National Cybersecurity Conference, recognizes innovations

  • Military post offices in Iraq to close Nov. 17

    Because U.S. forces are coming home from Iraq by the end of the year, the U.S. Postal Service will stop accepting mail addressed to military post offices in Iraq starting Nov. 17, Defense Department officials said Oct. 26.Military post offices in Iraq also will stop processing mail Nov. 17, and

  • Chief of staff to select two captains for PhD program

    Two Air Force captains will begin Air Force sponsored strategic studies next fall at top tier academic institutions in pursuit of doctorate degrees, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The personnel center is accepting applications for the 2012 Chief of Staff of the Air Force Captains

  • Sheppard AFB Honor Guard presents the colors in the World Series

    The Sheppard Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors at game four of the World Series Oct. 23, at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, in front of a crowd of 50,000.The team, managed by Tech. Sgt. Kevin Thornhill, presented the colors for the Texas Rangers at a home game earlier in the

  • President, first lady visit Langley AFB

    President Barack Obama made an official visit here Oct. 19 to speak to service members and invited guests to show his support for the American military, and address how he hopes to put more money in the pockets of working men and women. The visit was on the third day of Obama's American Jobs Act bus

  • Firefighters teach fire prevention to Honduran children

    Firefighters from the 612th Air Base Squadron provided fire safety training to more than 95 local kindergarten children here recently. The activities, as part  fire prevention week, included crawling through a simulator containing dry ice smoke, participating in a smoke detector class, touring

  • Panetta addresses bilateral audience at Yokota AB

    Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta addressed about 200 U.S. and Japanese service members here Oct. 24. During his speech, Panetta thanked those who are serving and touched on many issues facing the military as well as its future endeavors throughout the world. "The strength of America lies in the

  • Broncos defeat Falcons in first matchup

    The fifth-ranked Boise State University Broncos beat the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons 26-37 at Bronco Stadium here Oct. 22 in the first game between the teams since BSU joined the Mountain West Conference this season."There were parts where we played reasonably well, but it's not enough," said

  • Panetta answers troops' questions in Japan

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta answered troops' questions about the impact of defense budget cuts on the U.S. military presence in Japan, time at home for soldiers between deployments and other topics during a town hall meeting here Oct. 24.Addressing some 200 troops gathered in the 459th Airlift

  • Mobility Air Forces Airmen shoulder success of fuel conservation efforts

    Experienced marathon athletes are rarely haphazard about running. From the morning's breakfast ingredients to stretching minutes before they start, marathon performance relies heavily on controlled efficiency. Similarly, air mobility performance increasingly relies on controlled fuel efficiency. As

  • Air Force medical leaders gather to discuss future healthcare improvements

    The Air Force Medical Service gathered more than 300 senior healthcare leaders at The National Conference Center Oct. 19 here to kick off its annual week-long workshop to discuss the continued transformation of military healthcare and find ways to improve the overall patient experience.Senior

  • Afghan air force detachment graduates first security forces class

    Five students at the Afghan air force detachment in Herat graduated from the first security forces Level 3 training course there recently.Led by coalition advisees, the objective of the training course was to teach students academics and concluded with physical application of techniques learned

  • AFAF officials host video contest to raise awareness for charities

    The Air Force Assistance Fund is hosting an online video contest from Nov. 30 to Jan. 20, 2012 to help raise awareness for the AFAF's 2012 fundraising campaign.The concept for a video contest originated from an installation project officer from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., who created a humorous

  • Schriever volunteers connect with veterans during VA standdown

    Robert Montgomery had given up trying to communicate with federal veterans agencies. Multiple calls and conversations, he said, transformed into a fruitless and frustrating endeavor. As he struggled to make ends meet during the past year, that connection became even more important. His solution

  • Basic trainee succumbs during training

    Air Force officials here announced the death of a basic trainee who died Oct. 19 at Southwest General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.Twenty-six-year-old Steven D. Williams of Detroit, Mich., had just completed his physical training assessment when he collapsed around 6 a.m. The assessment includes

  • Air Force band member performs at World Series

    A vocalist with the Air National Guard Band of the Central States performed in front of more than 46,000 people Oct. 19 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo.Staff Sgt. Brian Owens sang "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and St. Louis

  • New airlift routes provide new possibilities

    Planners here teamed with planners from the U.S. Transportation Command and the aircrew of a C-5M Super Galaxy Sept. 25 and 26 to open a new nonstop route from the U.S. to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.The aircrew members and aircraft originated from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base,

  • Special tactics Airmen march to honor fallen comrades

    A team of 18 special tactics Airmen have one objective in mind: honor the fallen.The team recently began an 812-mile march from Medina Annex, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas to Hurlburt Field, Fla., to commemorate 17 fallen comrades.As they marched out at 5 a.m, carrying 50-pound rucksacks and a

  • SecAF visits JB Charleston

    Members of Joint Base Charleston welcomed Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during his visit to Joint Base Charleston, S.C., on Oct. 18.Donley was greeted by Col. Richard McComb, the 628th Air Base Wing commander, and Col. Erik Hansen, the 437th Airlift Wing commander, along with other

  • SecAF: Stay focused on readiness during challenging times

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley toured the base and spoke to more than 250 Airmen during an all call here Oct. 17-18.Donley, currently in his fourth year as secretary, said it had been more than 20 years since his last visit here. He complimented the strong community support enjoyed by the

  • Andersen AFB preps for Operation Christmas Drop 2011

    Airmen here are shifting into high gear in preparation for the 60th iteration of the Air Force's longest-running, humanitarian-airlift mission -- Operation Christmas Drop. Since 1951, Operation Christmas Drop has been spreading the holiday spirit in the form of needed supplies to residents in some

  • Powering awareness saves money

    Each October, the Air Force focuses its energy on saving energy."Our theme for Energy Awareness Month this year is 'Power the Force - Fuel the Fight,'" said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz in an energy awareness message to the

  • Kandahar Air Wing fire department continues basic fire training

     Members of the Kandahar fire department, in conjunction with the 683rd Army Fire Department detachment continued basic three-level training on base with Afghan airmen here recently.Officials said the training curriculum is modeled after the National Fire Protection Association and there are three

  • Dempsey: New energy technologies already helping DOD

    Saving energy saves lives, and new technologies championed by Defense Department officials already are making a difference at the Pentagon and on the battlefield, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Oct. 18.Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey spoke at an energy security event held at the

  • Historic 'surge' exercises airlift crisis, contingency response

    A surge of C-5 Galaxies, slated to take place Oct. 17 - 21, will bring together 18 active-duty and 23 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command crews and aircraft to fly cargo in support of combatant commanders across the globe. The assembly of the nation's largest military airlifters will

  • SVS officials launch redesigned AF sponsorship website

    The Air Force community has a combined purchasing power of $30 billion, and Air Force commercial sponsorship officials are revamping their efforts to spread the word to potential sponsors.Through the Air Force Commercial Sponsorship program, sponsoring businesses receive market exposure to total

  • Thracian Fall exercise kicks off in Bulgaria

    Service members from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Bulgarian air force are participating in a two-week jump exercise here from Oct. 9 through 22.Operation Thracian Fall 2011 is part of a semi-annual, off-station training that gives U.S. and coalition jumpers and pilots an opportunity to hone their

  • Congress reviews future Reserve equipment upgrades

    As Congress works on the fiscal year 2012 budget and to reduce federal debt, Army and Air Force Reserve and National Guard leaders were on Capitol Hill here to testify and answer questions about their funding proposals Oct. 12.Chairman Roscoe Bartlett and Ranking Member Silvestre Reyes lead the