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  • TSA trains bomb dog teams for transit systems

    Six mass transit officers partnered with bomb dogs are graduating today at Lackland, marking the Transportation Security Administration’s first full-scale expansion into canine protection for people riding trains, light rail and buses in America’s major cities. The TSA office on Lackland is sharing

  • Coalition forces share small-arms skills

    Thirty people from the military security forces of five countries gathered for a coalition weapons training exercise at a desert air base Dec. 15. The training was a cooperative training program to enhance international understanding within the security forces, said Master Sgt. Kevin Follis of the

  • Air Force makes changes to BAH policy

    Beginning in January, the Air Force and the other military services will eliminate geographic rate protection for the basic allowance for housing. Over the last five years, geographic rate protection meant BAH rates around military communities could never drop, even when estimates for median housing

  • Special tactics Airmen train on submarine

    A U.S. fighter pilot has been shot down. He is injured and behind enemy lines. But he has established communications and is evading the enemy. Time is a critical factor. He needs to be rescued, and he needs to be rescued now. Submerged off the coast lies 19,000 tons of stealth in the form of a

  • C-5 airlift readies Soldiers for battle conditions

    The first-time loading of a new Army helicopter flight simulator into a C-5 Galaxy required Airmen to build new ramps. Members of the 436th Aerial Port Squadron loaded the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, a helicopter training simulator, onto the transport. But they had to build special

  • Air War College hosts diplomats

    When thinking of the war on terrorism at home and abroad, two pictures emerge for many Americans: the military on the battlefield and the diplomats working foreign policy here and overseas. Both work to ensure America's security. These pictures merged here when 19 Department of State officials

  • USAFE Airmen collect gifts for Afghan children

    Thousands of miles from the day-to-day bustle of holiday shopping and military missions, school children and orphans are receiving school supplies, toys and clothing -- from people they've never met. The children live in Afghanistan and they've been receiving these much-needed items through the

  • F-22A Raptor goes operational

    The F-22A Raptor -- Air Force’s most advanced weapon system -- is ready for combat, Air Force officials announced here today. In reaching initial operational capability, the Raptor is certified ready for operational use. The first combat-ready Raptors are flying with the 27th Fighter Squadron of the

  • Airmen earn awards for innovations, improvements

    Airmen from seven major commands received the Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards and Air Force Best Practice certificates for mission process improvements. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel Gen. Roger A. Brady presented the trophies and

  • Air Force leaders discuss current issues

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley met with the media at the Pentagon to discuss a wide range of topics and issues. The leaders provided updates on aircraft and the new Air Force mission statement at the Dec. 13 meeting. F-22A Raptor The

  • Directive boosts priority of stability operations

    Stability operations are now a major priority for the Defense Department, on par with combat operations, and will receive more planning and funding, two DoD officials said here today. The officials were explaining DoD Directive 3000.05, which was signed Nov. 28. The directive provides guidance on

  • Computer program crash was a good thing

    There's nothing like a computer program crash to ruin your day, especially when it’s used to track patients in the Air Force’s largest medical facility. But with luck, a computer expert can help figure out the problem. And if you’re really lucky, the solution can be even better than the original.

  • Pakistan gets two upgraded F-16s

    In the early 1980s, the Pakistan air force received its first F-16 Fighting Falcons from the United States. Since then, the maintenance support for the jets has been as unpredictable as world politics. It wasn't until late 2003 that the U.S. government agreed to assess Pakistan's F-16 fleet and

  • Conference paves way for efficient Air Force

    The Air Force is looking to civilian companies to find ways to streamline itself, eliminate waste and save money in the process. Civilian companies like General Electric and Toyota have been successfully using process improvement programs to cut waste and increase efficiency. Now the Air Force plans

  • Vandenberg helicopter crews help seize drugs

    The 76th Helicopter Squadron here helped seize $284 million of marijuana while supporting Joint Task Force North counterdrug operations this year. The joint task force bases operations on requests for Department of Defense assistance from the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Border Patrol in

  • ARPC automates 20-year and mortgage letters

    The Air Reserve Personnel Center set another transformation milestone with the self-service automation of the reissue of 20-year and mortgage letters. The letters are now available via the Virtual Personnel Center Guard/Reserve portal. The original 20-year notification letter is issued approximately

  • Air Force returns to Wood Brothers for 2006 Nextel Cup Series

    The Air Force's participation in NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series continues in 2006 as an associate advertiser with the Wood Brothers/JTG Racing No. 21 car. The 2006 race season marks the sixth year the Air Force has been racing with the Wood Brothers racing team. NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader replaces

  • Supersonic Raptor drops first guided bomb

    An F/A-22 Raptor flying at supersonic speed dropped its first 1,000-pound guided joint direct attack munition over the range here. Since July, Raptor program have flown seven JDAM supersonic separation test missions under a variety of conditions. The aim is to prove the JDAM can safely separate from

  • Officers needed for advanced degree, cross-flow opportunities

    Qualified officers who apply by the Jan. 15 application deadline may compete for and earn a master's degree in the Program for Acquisition and Contracting Experience with follow-on cross-flow assignments. Eligible contracting and acquisitions officers must have between three and seven years of

  • Weather flight spins up 'Santa's Mailbag' program

    Air Force volunteers are once again hosting Santa’s Mailbag, a free holiday program that lets children from around the world request and receive a letter from Santa Claus postmarked from North Pole, Alaska. Members of the 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron started the program more than 50 years

  • Air attachés end conference on regional issues

    The Latin American Air Attaché conference that brought together Airmen serving in 21 countries to discuss concerns including the global war on terrorism ended here today. 12th Air Force hosted the event, which started Dec. 5, for Bruce Lemkin, the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for

  • Report indicates success of 2004 absentee voting efforts

    Federal Voting Assistance Program efforts for the 2004 national election were successful, the program's director said. Effective voting assistance officer training and voter education programs contributed to record participation by groups covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee

  • Airmen positive mentors to troubled youth

    Making a positive impact on a community or another human being is what drives some people to volunteer. Forty Airmen from this base doing that -- making a significant impact in the lives of 55 youth through the Youth Detention Center mentoring program. “This has been an eye-opening experience,” said

  • Front-line forecasting not average day on the job

    Slashing through Burmese jungles with Maj. Gen. Orde Wingate’s Chindits; hunkering down far above the DMZ in North Vietnam; infiltrating into Northern Iraq to ensure the success of a thousand-man airborne jump -- not the average day at the office for most weather forecasters. But those missions and

  • Joint enlisted PME becomes reality

    The enlisted force will now have the same opportunity as the officer corps to receive joint professional military education throughout their careers. "Senior leadership across the (defense) department and services know the backbone of the military is the enlisted corps, and they must be properly

  • McConnell helps film 'world's largest concert' segment

    A Public Broadcasting Service film crew came here to tape a segment for the “World’s Largest Concert” that will air next year. Base members and students from Beech Elementary School of Wichita, Kan., and Unified School District 259 took part in the Dec. 2 event. PBS will transmit the segment during

  • TSP begins catch-up contribution enrollment for 2006

    The Air Force Personnel Center's civilian benefits and entitlements service team automated systems will be available for 2006 Thrift Savings Plan catch-up contribution enrollment beginning Dec. 11. Military members may submit their 2006 catch-up contribution enrollments in early January. TSP

  • TSP announces enrollment changes for 2006

    Effective in 2006, civilian and military employees are no longer subject to a percentage limit on the amount they may contribute to a regular Thrift Savings Plan account. They may contribute the full amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Service annual elective deferral limit, which is $15,000 for

  • Product center finishes $250 million comm program

    The Global Information Grid Systems Group installed an emergency communications system at Minot Air Force Base, N.D, the last of 50 identical systems of a more than $250 million program. The Minuteman Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network Program -- which began more than seven years ago

  • Spouse survey to help shape future family programs

    Defense officials want to make sure military spouses know it's important for them to complete the 30-minute online survey they received in the mail last month. The new Defense Department survey asks their views as defense planners shape family programs to meet their needs and interests, a top

  • General Hobbins takes USAFE helm

    Gen. William T. Hobbins took command of United States Air Forces in Europe from Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong today at a ceremony here. General Hobbins begins his term just five years after he left the command as its director of aerospace operations. The general was the Air Force deputy chief of

  • Program promotes healthy lifestyles for children

    Kaitlyn Mayor prefers to hula-hoop while her brother, Tyler, skateboards to gain fitness points for a new Air Force Services Web-based program that promotes healthy lifestyles for children. The Florida siblings are among more than 5,300 Air Force youngsters between the ages of 9 and 18 to sign up

  • Defender training readies ‘brass’ for deployment

    A new Air Force Materiel Command program helps train security forces leaders for deployment to combat zones. “Brave Defender,” developed by the command’s Security Forces Regional Training Center, prepares security forces commanders and senior enlisted leaders for success in the field. "This course

  • Wilford Hall to evaluate Tourette syndrome program

    Wilford Hall Medical Center received a $3 million multi-site National Institutes of Health grant to evaluate a behavior therapy program to help control tics in adults who suffer Tourette syndrome. Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by enduring motor and vocal tics. “A growing

  • Wingman can help combat the ‘holiday blues’

    Being stationed overseas often means separation from family members. This, combined with holiday stress, can lead to what is known as the “holiday blues.” “The holiday blues refers to feeling sad when we should be feeling joy, happiness and a sense of peace,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Shon Neyland.

  • Fuel cells could save Air Force thousands

    Ten new five-kilowatt fuel cells in operation here could save the Air Force thousands of dollars in energy costs. The fuel cells, located at the base ground water treatment plant, have been operating since early October. Base officials unveiled the new alternative fuel source Dec 1. The cells, which

  • Americans, Germans ink Ramstein support agreement

    German and U.S. Air Forces in Europe leaders signed an agreement that continues the Ramstein support arrangement between the two nations. The agreement covers logistical and administrative support provided to the German support unit at Ramstein, including housing and work space. Lt. Gen. Horst

  • Admiral Lippert: DLA changes will take team effort

    Defense Logistics Agency Director Vice Adm. Keith Lippert said the agency’s transformation will be take a team effort. The admiral spoke of the change and other topics to more than 600 people Nov. 29 at the annual North American Defense Logistics Conference here. “The transformation is not going to

  • Dynamic Weasel sharpens combat skills

    Exercise Operation Dynamic Weasel begins here today to hone the skills Airmen need for combat deployments. The exercise will sharpen tactics, techniques and procedural skills while practicing for combat situations, said Maj. Anthony Roberson, the 20th Operations Support Squadron director of

  • Airmen ensure deployed troops get their mail

    When the truck backs into place and the back doors open, brown and white cardboard boxes are stacked far and wide. These are not ordinary boxes. They may be special links to families and friends back home during the holiday season. Knowing this, the five people at the post office at this base do

  • ’Patriot Express’ reengineering on track

    The reengineering process to significantly scale down Patriot Express is on track, said experts in Air Mobility Command’s Air Transportation Division. Patriot Express is an AMC-managed, military-chartered commercial air service for transporting Department of Defense customers to and from overseas

  • AF names environmental winners

    The Air Force civil engineer announced the winners of the Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Awards for 2005. Nine of the winners are eligible for the Secretary of Defense environmental awards and will go forward as the Air Force's nominees. The 2005 winners are: -- Environmental Quality Award

  • Immersion turning out culturally savvy officers

    Traveling to a foreign country, speaking the native tongue and understanding the culture are dreams to some people. But thanks to an Air Force program, line officers have the opportunity to turn those dreams into reality. Language and Area Studies Immersion is a program designed to build a force of

  • Kadena Airman convicted for possessing child pornography

    A military court martial convicted an Airman here today of possessing child pornography.A military judge then sentenced Senior Airman Jason O. Green, of the 353rd Maintenance Squadron, to 20 months confinement, reduction to airman basic and a dishonorable discharge. But as the result of a pretrial

  • New guide helps maintain 'human weapon system'

    It's a theme every Airman can recite -- but many might find themselves at a loss as to how to help a fellow Airman in distress. A guide published by the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program is now available to explain how to be a good “wingman.” The Leader's Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress

  • New technologies tackle landing challenges

    The Air Force Research Laboratory is demonstrating technologies that will allow Air Force transport aircraft to land in a range of environmental conditions -- anytime and anywhere. The lab’s Air Vehicles, Human Effectiveness and Sensors directorates here are working with three technologies that,

  • DOD helps other nations address HIV challenges

    As the world commemorates World AIDS Day today, the U. S. military is at work helping 67 militaries worldwide address HIV and AIDS within their ranks.This global outreach program -- now in its fifth year -- is lending U. S. military medical expertise and capabilities to help other militaries

  • Changes sweeten 're-up' bonuses in two careers

    The Air Force changed the reenlistment window and waived obligated service requirements for Airmen in two career fields eligible to receive the enlisted critical skills retention bonus. Airmen who meet requirements may qualify for a retention bonus of up to $150,000. The reenlistment window now

  • 700-plus Airmen face retraining

    The ongoing Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program will involuntarily retrain up to 777 active duty Airmen. The second phase of the program started Nov. 18 and will continues until the Air Force meets retraining targets.Enlisted retraining staff workers at the Air Force Personnel Center here

  • DOD 'steps up fight' against HIV/AIDS

    Eighty senior military and medical officials from more than 30 countries will gather in San Antonio Dec. 2 to 9 to take part in the fifth annual HIV/AIDS course. This year’s theme is “Step Up the Fight.” Sponsored by the Defense Institute for Medical Operations, the course aims to help senior

  • DoD announces implementation of traumatic injury protection

    The Department of Defense announced today the implementation of traumatic injury protection insurance under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program as enacted by section 1032 of Public Law 109-13. The program, which will be known as TSGLI, is designed to provide financial assistance to

  • Maintainers keep Minuteman IIIs ready

    Nearly five decades after the Minuteman entered the United States' nuclear arsenal as President John F. Kennedy’s “Ace in the Hole,” technicians here are working to ensure it continues on active duty for the foreseeable future. The missile system watched over the nation as the Cold War ended, ground

  • Symposium keys on space support

    The theme for this year’s Air Force Association National Symposium was “Space – Enabling the War Fighter.” With this in mind, Space and Missile Systems Center commander Lt. Gen. Michael Hamel and other Air Force leaders, and industry partners met in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Nov. 18 to discuss their

  • Americans open their hearts to servicemembers

    As the traditional gift-giving season gets under way, American people, corporations and service groups are showing their gratitude to American servicemembers, especially those who are deployed, in combat zones or wounded. "The outpouring from the public of goodwill, compassion and recognition for

  • For all B-52 flyers, all roads lead to the 11th BS

    For B-52 Stratofortress aircrew members, all roads lead to Barksdale, more specifically the 11th Bomb Squadron. All "Buff" navigators, pilots or electronic warfare officers goes through their initial and upgrade training in the 11th BS. During 2005, the squadron processed 315 students.“Of the 315

  • Air transportation career field benefits from mobile learning

    Two Airmen with the Air Mobility Warfare Center’s Mobility Operations School are helping fellow air transportation Airmen keep up on their training -- no matter where they are in the world. The effort, called mobile learning or “M-learning,” refers to the use of handheld devices when used to enhance

  • Air Force seeks applicants for IA scholarship program

    The Air Force is offering qualified officers, who apply no later than Jan. 3, the opportunity to compete for and earn a master's degree in the Information Assurance Scholarship Program. A board will convene Jan. 19 at the Air Force Personnel Center here to select officers to attend the IASP. The

  • Leaders visit Travis for AMC orientation

    A group of Air Mobility Command mission support group commanders and an AMC general visited Travis recently as a part of AMC’s Excellent Installation Orientation. The team toured five AMC bases, including Dover Air Force Base, Del.;  Andrews AFB,  Md.; Charleston AFB, S.C.;  McConnell AFB, Kan.; and

  • Civil engineers build tent city in Southwest Asia

    From hammers to bulldozers, from planning to construction along with muscles and sweat, the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s tent city project is under way and near completion. The planning for the tent city expansion program began in September. About 28 tents are being constructed to

  • Young man's dream tour causes 'ripple effect'

    When a rock hits the calm surface of a pond, ripples form and travel outward in expanding circles. The story begins with a 14 year old and his dream -- a goal of overcoming his health problems and flying for the Air Force. The boy, Ryan Penne of Chico, Calif., stepped into dreamland last year at

  • All secure, and then some

    Security in Southwest Asia is no joke, but you may still get a smile from security forces Airmen when they check your ID. Ensuring the security of coalition forces and resources is a job the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces team takes very seriously. “We have a dedicated and enthusiastic team

  • Vandenberg Airmen put eyes in sky

    Somewhere on Vandenberg, two Airmen wearing berets and rifle slings have their heads in a monitor as they fly a remote control plane. The Airmen are demonstrating a new capability for security, surveillance, reconnaissance, battle damage assessment and more, in the form of a four-pound,

  • Mishap investigation training changes course

    Figuring out what causes an airplane to crash is no easy task. But many flight surgeons, aerospace physiologists and some psychologists will be part of an aircraft mishap investigation at some point in their careers. So the more they know about what to do, the better. To better prepare students for

  • McConnell completes first refurbishment project

    Several Airmen here joined the 22nd Maintenance Squadron's equipment excellence section in a Refurb Rollout ceremony Nov. 21, which celebrated the end of McConnell’s first complete KC-135 Stratotanker refurbishment. “The result was a 40-year-old aircraft that looked brand new in approximately 30

  • NORAD: No ‘gaps and seams’ secures North America

    Identifying and eliminating “gaps and seams” within North American Aerospace Defense Command is key to preventing future terrorist attacks, the command’s director of operations said. “Since 9-11, the operational environment is much more complex,” said Canadian Maj. Gen. Brett Cairns, during a visit

  • PME boosts civilian leadership opportunities

    In the Air Force's current climate of shared leadership, civilians are being provided opportunities to fill positions that have historically been held by military officers. For goal-oriented civilians, there are many opportunities to attend professional military education courses to prepare for

  • Team tests Joint Strike Fighter's survivability

    Members of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force here are testing the chemical and biological survivability of the future jet. However, they are testing the decontamination processes on a retired F-16 Fighting Falcon. The aim is to find ways to return the fighter to service after

  • AFIT honors 2005 distinguished alumni

    The Air Force Institute of Technology honored three 2005 Distinguished Alumni for their pioneering roles in science, engineering and education. The institute honored Dr. Anthony K. Hyder, retired Army Lt. Gen. Leo Pigaty and retired Col. Howard M. McCoy Nov. 18. “The title of ‘distinguished alumnus’

  • White House Fellowship Program seeks applicants

    Interested Airmen may apply for the White House Fellowship Program that provides first-hand experience in how the government operates. The application deadline is Jan. 15. Up to 19 people are selected annually to work full-time for one year as special assistants to senior executives in cabinet-level

  • Officer charged with son’s murder

    An Air Force lieutenant was formally charged with murder in the Oct. 2 death of his five-week-old son, Andre. Second Lt. David A. Valois was charged Nov. 21 under Article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He is an Air Force Research Laboratory program manager in human resources enterprise

  • Rex the dog sporting gold canines

    Most dentists here have performed dozens, if not hundreds, of root canals in their career. But none have ever risked losing a limb for sticking their hand between the jaws of a patient. That is, until now. Enter Rex, a 5-year-old military working dog. The dog could have easily removed a few poking

  • Pakistan quake relief funds nearly double

    The Defense Department is nearly doubling its funding for earthquake relief operations in Pakistan -- to $110 million -- State Department officials said Nov. 19. The devastating Oct. 8 earthquake killed an estimated 73,000 people. U.S. Agency for International Development administrator Andrew

  • Revamped portal better information gateway

    Users who sign on to the Air Force Portal will find an improved system that not only looks better, but is more user-friendly and effective. The redesign is the first in two years. The portal is meant to be the one place Airmen go to accomplish anything they do online. That is whether it’s part of

  • Global health records system goes electronic

    The Department of Defense achieved a major milestone today, when it launched AHLTA, its global electronic health record system. Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, launched the system at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Michael O. Leavitt,

  • AMC environmental program takes cleanup lead

    Air Mobility Command's environmental restoration program is leading the Air Force’s performance-based management policy. It is doing that with contracts for the operation and long-term management of 41 cleanup sites at seven bases. The command considered only sites that have reached the

  • Story time from thousands of miles away

    After years of deployments, some of the ideas Airmen come up with evolve. As the holidays approach, one of those simple ideas is making an impact on family members back home. The Story Time Video Program gives deployed troops here the opportunity to be a part of their children’s lives though they

  • NSPS implementation date moves to Feb. 1

    The Department of Defense will delay implementing the new National Security Personnel System until Feb. 1, acting Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said. Mr. England, and other defense and Office of Personnel Management officials, provided an update on the system matters to members of the

  • Building Iraqi air force is tough job

    Building a nation's air force from the runway up is never going to be easy, a fact one can see at first glance. Dig a layer deeper, and the issues increase dramatically. For the Coalition Air Force Transition Team -- a U.S. Central Command Air Forces think tank of 28 specialists assisting with the

  • Operation Care helps spread Thanksgiving cheer

    First sergeants here distributed frozen turkeys and other Thanksgiving essentials as this year’s Operation Care program got underway. Funded through Combined Federal Campaign donations, the program provides the makings of a Thanksgiving meal to Eglin people going through hardships. The first of

  • 'America Supports You' marks first anniversary

    One year ago this week, the Defense Department launched "America Supports You." This program showcases the nation's support for its men and women in uniform and the many ways citizens are expressing that support. Today, what began as a six-month campaign, has snowballed into a full-fledged effort

  • Colonel’s bone marrow helps save baby girl’s life

    More than a decade ago, then-Capt. Marilyn Kott spent a few extra minutes at the end of a mobility processing line to learn about a program that matches Air Force volunteers with persons who need bone marrow transplants. Three assignments went by and her life went on as usual. Then one day this

  • Minot completes Minuteman emergency communications upgrade

    The 91st Space Wing completed the last modifications to its Minuteman minimum essential emergency communication network at the Oscar-01 missile alert facility in the Minuteman missile complex. The completion of Oscar-01, Nov. 11, marked the final modification to the last of 50 launch control centers

  • New lieutenant colonels to attend senior developmental education

    The P0505A Lieutenant Colonel Central Selection Board selected officers for promotion and identified senior developmental education "selects." The board met at the Air Force Personnel Center here. Selects join a resource pool of officers who will be considered for future attendance at in-residence

  • American peacekeepers helping families in Kosovo

    Their eyes have lost their luster. And their vacant and distant stares are enough to melt even the coldest heart. The people in Kosovo yearn for life’s most basic needs, silently crying for help from anyone who will hear them. But their silent cry has not gone unnoticed. The Airmen, Soldiers, Marine

  • Online process simplifies tuition assistance

    Airmen are only a few mouse clicks away from financial support for their college education, thanks to the tuition assistance feature on the Air Force’s virtual education center. Online since early 2003, the center helps active-duty, Guard and reserve Airmen pursue their off-duty education from a

  • Los Angeles center partners with AFIT, Loyola

    The Space and Missile Systems Center and Air Force Institute of Technology entered a new partnership with Loyola Marymount University to meet the center’s educational goals. Lt. Gen. Michael Hamel, SMC commander, Brig. Gen. Mark Matthews, AFIT commandant and Dr. Richard G. Plumb, Dean of the Seaver

  • Communicators lay foundation for Afghanistan’s future

    Before U.S. forces return the airport terminal and tower here to Afghan control, combat communicators first installed more than a mile of copper and fiber cable. Airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Group communications flight here stepped up to install the critical communications cables when an

  • Tuskegee Airmen get Air Force update

    Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen visited the Pentagon to learn about today's Air Force and visit with the secretary of defense. The Airmen visited Nov. 10. One pioneering Airman, retired Lt. Col. Howard Baugh, took time to reflect on the changes in the military since the day he joined in 1942.

  • Tricare: Weigh facts before getting Medicare part D

    Medicare's new prescription drug plan opens today, but Tricare Management Activity officials encourage beneficiaries to weigh the facts before deciding whether to sign on to the plan. Coverage under the new prescription drug plan, called Medicare Part D, begins Jan. 1 and is open to anyone already

  • Airmen compete for spot with Tops In Blue

    Airmen from around the Air Force got the chance to showcase their talents during the Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. This year, Tops In Blue officials went through 117 video applications looking for talent, selecting 61 applicants to compete in the talent show,

  • Airmen should verify deployment credit

    Airmen not issued contingency, exercise or deployment orders should verify their personnel records include credit for those deployments. A deployment is any temporary duty away from home station filling a validated combatant or component commander or supported major command requirement for forces in

  • 100 medical officers chosen for developmental education

    Officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here have chosen more than 100 medical service officers to attend developmental education beginning in summer 2006. The fiscal 2006 developmental team developmental education boards were held during the summer and fall of 2005 to competitively select

  • Short tour credit for Naples, Latina ending

    The Air Force will discontinue the temporary exception to award short tour credit to Airmen serving long tour assignments at Naples and Latina, Italy, effective Jan. 1. Airmen assigned to either location between March 1, 1996 and Dec. 31, 2005 will continue to receive the short tour credit. The Air

  • Labor Department launches veterans employment program

    Military personnel and veterans will receive 300,000 wallet-sized cards and key charms with critical employment and job-training information in the next six months, the U.S. Department of Labor said. The department also unveiled the recovery and employment assistance lifelines -- REALifelines --

  • Innovative program helps troubled veterans turn lives around

    A unique center is helping troubled veterans turn their lives around by providing a military style program designed to help them beat addictions, develop career skills, land jobs, find homes and become productive citizens. The Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training, MCVET for short,

  • DOD seeks more civilians for flexible spending accounts

    It may be the most underused good deal in the government. But less than 5 percent of eligible Department of Defense civilians have enrolled to use flexible-spending accounts. The benefit, also known as FSAFEDS, allows federal employees to set aside pre-tax money for a wide rage of medical and

  • U.S. troops in Turkey will no longer receive tax exclusion

    Beginning Dec. 31, U.S. military members in Turkey will no longer be exempt from paying federal taxes. U.S. European Command requested, and the Pentagon approved, terminating Turkey's certification as an area in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. military officials in Europe said. This

  • Fund fighting financers

    When deployed, the last thing one wants to worry about is their finances. The 379th Expeditionary Comptroller Squadron is here to provide timely and accurate financial services for all personnel here and throughout the area of responsibility. The fund fighting team processes military pay

  • Kadena Airmen teach English to Japanese Airmen

    In a combat environment communication between allies is important. That’s why more than 25 Kadena Airmen practiced English communication with Japan Air Self Defense Force Airmen preparing to deploy to Southwest Asia recently. Kadena Airmen -- from senior airmen to major -- paired up with their

  • USO initiative keeps troops connected

    The United Service Organizations is launching a pilot partnership program with the Family Literacy Foundation to help keep deployed military parents and their children connected. The program allows troops to send video tapes of them read aloud from children’s books. The mission of United Through