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U.S. Air Force News

  • Recovery care program assists wounded, ill or injured Airmen

    When an Airman becomes seriously wounded, ill or injured, the little things have a tendency to fall through the cracks as they focus on recovery and rehabilitation. These little things, like paying the bills for instance, have the potential to turn into major problems for Airmen and their families

  • Three Air Force members honored at annual disability awards ceremony

    Three Airmen were recognized Dec. 6 during the 31st Annual Department of Defense Disability Awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, Md.This annual event provides an overview of DOD disability policy and initiatives, recognizes DOD organizations for their efforts in the employment of

  • Air Force rolls out new rifle qualification course

    Airmen taking the new Air Force Rifle Qualification Course are finding themselves learning more than just basic marksmanship skills.Changes requiring more intensive weapons training were published in September by the Air Force Security Center and officially took effect Dec. 1."Our combatant

  • Premier air demonstration team seeks team members

    America's premier air demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, is accepting applications for several positions, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.The 138-member unit exhibits Air Force professionalism and skill in support of recruiting and retention programs to

  • Muncy to Airmen: Tell your story

    The command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard spoke with members of  Maryland Air National Guard 175th Wing during a town hall meeting Dec. 4 here.Chief Master Sgt. Christopher E. Muncy represents the highest level of enlisted leadership for the Air National Guard. He told the audience

  • Missile component damage reported at Minot AFB

    A small, replaceable component of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was damaged Nov. 17 while maintenance technicians at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., conducted routine maintenance. Airmen reported the damage immediately to proper authorities in accordance with standard procedures.The

  • Vinyl treasure found on Wake Island

    In a tale straight from an adventure book, contractors here recently stumbled upon a vinyl record collection with an estimated value between $90,000 and $250,000. The 611th Air Support Group's Detachment 1 is now making a comprehensive effort to preserve the nearly 9,000 vintage vinyl records and

  • Global Strike Command wins Creech Award for Maintenance Excellence

    Air Force Global Strike Command is the winner of the General Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award for 2011, Air Force officials announced last week. The Creech Award is named for Gen. Wilbur L. Creech, who received his commission and wings in 1949. He commanded at the wing and major command

  • Last commander of Joint Base Balad departs

    What began 14 months ago will conclude, with the transitioning the second largest U.S. base in Iraq to the Iraqi government. Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander and the final commander of Joint Base Balad, relinquished command during a ceremony Dec. 4 here. "My first

  • Airman receives lifetime achievement award for alternative fuels

    A technical advisor at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award for his extensive work with alternative fuels.The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative awarded William E. Harrison III the Visionary

  • Obama makes Thanksgiving phone call to JET Airman

    A Joint Expeditionary Tasking Airman at Forward Operating Base Mushan, Afghanistan, received a call from President Barack Obama on Thanksgiving Day.Senior Airman John Johnson heard, "Please hold for the president of the United States," and then heard the voice of his commander-in-chief."The

  • Airmen ensure emergency medical suppplies easily accessible

    Deployed medical Airmen have a launched a new program that will help ensure quick access to medical supplies in the event of an emergency or mass casualty event at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The members of the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group here have placed two containers containing

  • Transient couple meets up, reties knot

    While sitting on an airplane bound for Kyrgyzstan, the inbound American Forces Network superintendent for New Kabul Compound, Afghanistan, decided he wanted to renew his wedding vows. So, he leaned over to the inbound communications superintendent for Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and shared his

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • AFAF officials extend video contest to raise awareness for charities

    Air Force Assistance Fund officials announced Dec. 2 the extension to the AFAF's 2012 fundraising campaign online video contest to Jan. 31, 2012.The extension of the video contest is to allow participants more time to complete their video entries. "We received requests for extensions to the deadline

  • Airmen's names used in online scams

    "Hi,Thanks for replying to my ad. I'm in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell it before 22 November. My name is Larry. I'm an Air Force Staff Sergeant stationed at an AF Base in Anchorage, Alaska. The truck is here with me.This 2000 Toyota Tundra SR5 4 Wheel

  • Environmental assessment underway for New Start Treaty silo eliminations

    An environmental assessment is underway at two Air Force Global Strike Command bases for the elimination of 100 empty missile silos and associated alert facilities, in accordance with the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., will each

  • Officials approve DODEA school lunch price increase

    School lunch prices at all overseas Department of Defense Education Activity schools will increase starting Jan. 3, 2012, due to a new federal law and to keep pace with increasing food and operational costs, officials said.The military services approved an increase in the price of school lunch at

  • Airmen complete important GPS airdrop mission in Afghanistan

    Airmen from the 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron successfully completed an airdrop mission to Combat Outpost Herrera in east Afghanistan, using GPS-guided bundles to deliver the supplies Nov. 27.The C-130 Hercules, operated by its crew from the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield,

  • Air Force releases lieutenant colonel SERB results

    Commanders Air Force-wide were notified Nov. 30 of the results of the Calendar 2011 Lieutenant Colonel Selective Early Retirement Board held at the Air Force Personnel Center here in October.Lieutenant colonels in the Line of the Air Force competitive category who were twice deferred for promotion

  • 'Cool School' teaches arctic survival

    Surviving in the wilderness could be intimidating for some, but doing so during a brutal Alaskan winter could be downright scary. Detachment 1, 66th Training Squadron's Arctic Survival Training course, which began here recently, offers students a set of skills invaluable to enduring the subarctic

  • Electronic warfare officer instructs Navy pilots

    An Air Force electronic warfare officer recently became the first to upgrade and become a fully qualified instructor teaching Navy pilots flight maneuvers in the EA-6B Prowler.Maj. Martin Rann, an EA-6B Prowler instructor assigned to the Fixed Wing Electronic Attack Squadron 129, is attached to the

  • Nellis Airmen clean-up F-15 crash site

    Nellis Air Force Base Airmen worked alongside the Army National Guardsmen Aviation unit stationed in Stockton, Calif., to conduct recovery and clean-up efforts for the F-15C Eagle aircraft crash site in the Nevada Test and Training Range recently.The operation was the 820th RED HORSE Squadron

  • Maintenance advisers certify first-ever AAF expediter

    Maintenance advisers recently certified the first Afghan air force flightline expediter at Kandahar Air Wing.A direct maintenance commander delegate on the flightline and an expediter is responsible for efficiently utilizing manning and resources to effectively execute the flight schedule agreed

  • Falcons finish season 7-5, defeat CSU 45-21

    The U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons soared to a 45-21 victory on a cold Saturday night Nov. 26 against the Rams of Colorado State University here.The win brings the Falcons to 7-5-0 overall for the 2011 season and bowl eligible for the fifth consecutive year. This is also the first time in school

  • Former prisoner of war receives Purple Heart

    Almost 67 years after being shot down during a bombing raid during World War II, former 1st Lt. Edward J. Moppert Jr. received his Purple Heart medal Nov. 26 at the World War II Memorial here.A few years ago, Moppert's daughter, Lorene Moppert-Keipper, started organizing his military records and

  • Program reduces disability benefits waiting period after separation

    Air Force officials held a training conference recently to teach those operating the Integrated Disability Evaluation System how to process service members who, because of medical conditions, may no longer be able to serve in the Air Force. The conference, held jointly between the Air Force

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force leaders collaborate on total force future

    Air Force senior leaders are looking at ways to balance the ratio of regular and Reserve Component Airmen to create the most effective and efficient combat capability in austere budget times. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley is leading collaborative efforts between active, Reserve and Guard

  • CSAF visits Airmen in Iraq

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited Airmen here Nov. 17.During his trip, he met with Airmen at Sather Air Base and FOB Union III, both in Iraq, as well as with U.S. and Iraqi leaders. While at Sather AB, the general hosted an all call to discuss current Air Force issues and take

  • Recycling saves Keesler hospital $62,000

    The Keesler Hospital's operating room is once again "going green."In 2004, Capt. Wendy Wilkins, an 81st Surgical Operations Squadron operating room nurse, began reprocessing the Flowtron compression hoses used in the operating rooms. Unfortunately, the reprocessing program wasn't re-established

  • Air Force leaders issue holiday safety 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 A. Roy send the following holiday safety campaign message to all Air Force personnel:"'Safety never takes a holiday' is the theme of this year's holiday safety

  • Thanksgiving at home away from home

    The streets were lined with hundreds of expatriates cheering, holding up welcome signs and even saluting as buses arrived. Based on the crowd's reaction it may have appeared the buses contained celebrities, but in fact, they carried hundreds of service members from various military installations

  • Air Force firefighters earn gold, silver medals

    Firefighters from the U.S. Air Force Academy took home the gold and firefighters from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., won silver at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge XX Nov. 19 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.The firefighter combat challenge requires maximum effort in minimal time as it simulates the

  • Abizaid agrees to chair Dover mortuary panel

    Retired Army Gen. John P. Abizaid will chair the panel overseeing the Dover, Del., port mortuary, Pentagon officials announced last night.Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta asked Abizaid, the former commander of U.S. Central Command, to replace former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona, who

  • U.S., Swedish air forces conduct squadron exchange program

    Swedish Air Force and 48th Fighter Wing airmen participated in a week-long squadron exchange program here, which concluded Nov. 18. Swedish JAS-39 Gripen pilots went up against F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle pilots in simulated combat scenarios to train with and learn from each other. The 493rd

  • CSAF: Despite budget challenges, Air Force will remain superb

    The Air Force's senior-ranking officer visited Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 16-17 to meet with Airmen serving here.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz met with fellow Airmen in their work centers and also discussed a variety of service-wide issues at an "all call." The general

  • SECAF addresses current, future challenges for Air Force

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed approximately 300 Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members in a keynote speech at the AFA's Global Warfare Symposium in Los Angeles, Nov. 18.During his remarks, the secretary provided symposium attendees with an update on the

  • VCSAF: America is an air and space nation

    The Air Force vice chief of staff discussed many topics concerning the current and future state of America's airpower at the Air Force Association's Global Warfare Symposium Nov. 18 in Los Angeles. Airpower has made the United States a global power, Gen. Phil Breedlove told an audience of

  • Longest serving Airman calls it a career

    As the sun sets on the career of Maj. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers, he looks back with a sense of accomplishment. Flowers, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, is set to retire from the Air Force on Jan. 1,

  • Falcons roll to 45-17 victory over UNLV

    U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon seniors went onto the field of Falcon Stadium Nov. 19 knowing they wouldn't set foot on the turf again until graduation day. They made it a night to remember, rolling over the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels 45-17 in the 2011 Seniors Night game.Senior running

  • Flying Tigers reunite, honor 70 years of service

    The 2011 Flying Tigers reunion brought together pilots who have flown attack and rescue aircraft bearing the infamous shark's teeth for the past 70 years.The remaining original Flying Tigers, made up of American Volunteer Group pilots and supporters who defended China in World War II, met Nov. 10

  • Air Force civilian deployment opportunities expected to increase

    More than 800 Air Force civilians deployed to various overseas locations in 2010. Projections show that more than 900 will deploy in 2011 and by this time next year, Air Force Personnel Center officials anticipate as many as 1,000 Air Force civilians will be working side-by-side with uniformed

  • Conserving energy, reducing foot print one project at a time

    With today's fiscal limitations and focus on doing more with less, officials here are finding ways to save energy and money while getting the mission done.Executive orders state energy usage must be reduced by three percent and water usage by two percent annually until 2012, and members of Laughlin

  • F-16s to strengthen Iraqi air defense, partnership with U.S.

    During a press conference Nov. 8  the commander of the Iraqi air force said Iraq's purchase of 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons, for their future air defense, will encourage and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Iraq. In September, through the Foreign Military Sales program, the

  • Commander cites 'positive impact' from Iraq mission

    Most of about 24,000 U.S. service members remaining in Iraq will be home "well before Christmas," the last U.S. division commander there said today.Army Maj. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux, commander of U.S. Division-Center and the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division, briefed Pentagon reporters via video

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Academy civilian rescues Colorado woman

    She can't leap tall buildings in a single bound, and she's not more powerful than a locomotive, but the administrative assistant for the Air Force Academy's Foreign Languages Department has the heart of a superhero.Leslie Johnson received a Command Civilian Award for Valor from Air Force Academy

  • 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

  • CSAF, AFCENT commander highlight partnership in 2011 Dubai Airshow

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and U.S. Air Forces Central Command Commander Lt. Gen. David Goldfein met with key United Arab Emirates leaders aboard the John C. Stennis (CVN-74) Navy carrier Nov. 13 in conjunction with the Dubai Airshow 2011 and the UAE's 40th Anniversary."The Dubai

  • Airman emulates 'Spirit of Hope'

    The Defense Department, the family of late actor and comedian Bob Hope, and the Wiegand Foundation honored six people with the Spirit of Hope Award for their selflessness and commitment to troops during a Pentagon ceremony Nov. 15.Tech. Sgt. Leray Smedley, from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., was the

  • Airmen screen Tuskegee Airmen documentary at Pentagon

    More than 150 Airmen came out to screen a documentary about the original Tuskegee Airmen during a red-carpet event here Nov. 10."Double Victory" was produced by George Lucas, of "Star Wars" fame, in support of his new feature film about the Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails." Secretary of the Air Force

  • 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

  • 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

  • Kyrgyz, U.S. Women's Club shows similarities, creates friendships

    It seems no matter the location, get a bunch of women together and they can always find something about which to talk. That's the idea -- and the result -- in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, when female American service members deployed to the Transit Center at Manas to visit with Kyrgyz ladies during a weekly

  • DOD highlights U.S. military aircraft capabilities in 2011 Dubai Airshow

    AFCENT Airmen will lead the Department of Defense effort to showcase a variety of U.S. military aircraft at the 2011 Dubai Airshow from Nov. 13 to 17. The event demonstrates a shared commitment both to regional security and to developing the U.S. military's key relationships throughout Southwest

  • 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

  • Panetta urges tougher sanctions on Iran

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta called for tougher economic and diplomatic pressures on Iran Nov. 10 in light of a new International Atomic Energy Agency report on Iran's continued nuclear activities.The United States is in discussions with its allies about what additional sanctions to impose on

  • 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 Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Panetta dedicates new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

    Defense Secretary Leon Panetta presided over the opening of what he called "a 21st-century place of miracles" here Nov. 10.Panetta cut the ribbon of the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The hospital is the result of the merging of the now-closed Walter Reed Army Medical Center in

  • Overseas service photography project announced

    The Department of Defense announced Nov. 8 that it seeks donations of photographs of U.S. military service life overseas from current and former service members for use in a photo recognition exhibition planned in conjunction with the State Department.Submissions will be accepted Nov. 11 through

  • 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

  • Panetta urges leaders in budget decisions

    In his strongest language to date, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta called on Congress Nov. 8 to "show some leadership" in the budget process.Panetta, speaking at the National Guard's Joint Senior Leaders Conference here, said that the sequester mechanism built into the Budget Control Act is "like

  • Air Force announces enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 370 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the November enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended

  • 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

  • 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

  • Panetta urges employers to hire veterans

    Ensuring combat veterans who have sacrificed for their country have job opportunities when they return to civilian life is a national responsibility with roles for government and private sector alike, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said Nov. 7 in New York.Speaking with CEOs and veterans at a

  • Restaurants offer military members, vets thank-you meals

    A variety of restaurants and fast-food chains are offering free or discounted meals to active-duty, Reserve and retired military members and veterans in thanks for their service this Veterans Day.Most participating restaurants will require patrons to arrive in uniform or with some form of military

  • 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

  • Obama announces jobs initiatives for veterans

    President Barack Obama announced executive orders Nov. 7 to give tax credits to employers who hire post-9/11 veterans and wounded warriors, as well as enhanced career counseling and related services for veterans.The president, flanked by veterans association representatives in the White House Rose

  • 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

  • Expanded recycling program better for environment, deployed troops

    An expanded recycling program at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing offers deployed troops more opportunities to be better stewards of the earth, while also benefitting morale, welfare and recreation programs here. Officials awarded a new comprehensive contract Oct. 1 that expands the 380th AEW

  • 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

  • AF lodging reservations go online

    Airmen and families now have an easier way to make lodging reservations for Air Force Inns worldwide.The Defense Lodging System now features online reservations and the capability for customers to leave online feedback about their stay at an Air Force lodging facility. Nearly 90 percent of all Air