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  • Academy officials announce second hall of fame class

    Air Force Academy officials have announced the second class for induction into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The six inductees -- Jim Bowman, Callie Calhoun Molloy, Dee Dowis, Terry Isaacson, Ernie Jennings and Ben Martin -- will be inducted May 8 at the Air Force Academy Falcon

  • Malfunctioning component delays satellite launch

    Air Force officials here are delaying the launch of Tactical Satellite-3 until repairs to a spacecraft avionics component, critical to the system's operational capability, are complete.Although scheduled to launch in late January, the program team is working with the manufacturer to resolve the

  • Vice president-elect meets Airmen in Southwest Asia

    Vice President-elect Joe Biden met Airmen from the 387th Air Expeditionary Group here as part of his tour of American bases in the Southwest Asia region.  Vice President-elect Biden is scheduled to visit Iraq after meeting with officials in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He takes office Jan. 20 along

  • DOD suicide prevention conference under way

    An Army staff sergeant who had lost Soldiers in the war zone was called a coward, a wimp and a wuss from a leader when he mentioned he might need psychological help. It is this type of stigma from toxic leadership that can kill, and that is being examined by scientists, clinicians and specialists in

  • McChord Airmen earn top marks in nuclear inspection

    Air Force inspectors gave members of the 62nd Airlift Wing here the highest-possible grade Jan. 12 following a weeklong inspection of the wing's role as the nation's primary nuclear airlift force. Airmen evaluated in the final phase of a Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection here Jan. 7 through 12

  • 'Year In Photos' highlights 2008

    Throughout the past year, Airmen, deployed and at home, successfully carried out the Air Force mission to Fly, Fight and Win in air, space and cyberspace.  Whether it was maintaining and launching an unmanned aircraft, tending to a wounded warrior, helping to reinforce a levee during a major flood,

  • Air Force officials look at robots for aircraft ground refueling

    Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate officials here are developing an automated aircraft refueling system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Successful development and testing of the system will provide a feasible alternative to manual refueling of aircraft. The

  • Academy track coach inducted into hall of fame

    Air Force track and field head coach Ralph Lindeman was inducted into the Arizona Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame Jan. 9 at a banquet in Glendale, Ariz. Mr. Lindeman, who is entering his 20th season at the helm of the Falcons' track and field program, is one of four members of the Class

  • Pilot program helps streamline disability evaluation process

    Department of Defense officials here are working with the Department of Veterans Affairs staff to expand a pilot program that simplifies the current disability evaluation process for wounded, injured and ill servicemembers. The Disability Evaluation System pilot program is aimed at assisting wounded

  • American Airman teaches Iraqi air force cadets

    Teaching leadership in a foreign land was never part of his career plan, but that's exactly what Capt. Tom Fiordelisi has been doing for the last 12 months at a forward operating base near Baghdad. Captain Fiordelisi served as commandant of cadets for ROTC Det. 630 at Kent State University in Ohio

  • Servicemembers assist following earthquake in Costa Rica

    Thirty-four American servicemembers and four helicopters from Honduras-based Joint Task Force-Bravo deployed to Costa Rica Jan. 10 to assist with disaster response efforts in areas affected by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake near San Jose. The team, comprised of Army and Air Force aviation crews, rescue,

  • Air Force inauguration participation represents another historic event

    On Jan. 20, when President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office, U.S. servicemembers once again will participate in a time-honored tradition which began with President George Washington for his first inauguration in 1789. Among those servicemembers participating with the new president will be

  • Travis Airmen contribute to Darfur airlift operation

    Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing here recently deployed to Africa in support of humanitarian airlift missions into the Darfur region of Sudan. Nearly two dozen Travis Air Force Base members departed Jan. 1 for Kigali, Rwanda, to support the operation, which will airlift equipment from

  • 17th Air Force members plan support for Darfur operation

    Airmen will soon begin airlifting special equipment for Rwandan peacekeepers in the Darfur region of Sudan to mark the kickoff of the first major operation engineered by officials of U.S. Africa Command's air component, 17th Air Force.Members of 17th Air Force, also known as U.S. Air Forces

  • Agreement expands beneficiaries' access to bariatric surgery

    A resource sharing agreement between the Nix Health Care System in San Antonio and Wilford Hall Medical Center doctors here will provide increased services to bariatric patients. The agreement allows Wilford Hall providers to perform surgeries at the Nix Hospital using Nix equipment and support

  • Nuclear Weapons Management panel recommends changes

    Pentagon officials here need to bolster internal management systems that address nuclear weapons issues, said the leader of a special task force appointed by the Defense secretary here Jan. 8. Since the Cold War ended, the nuclear deterrence force "has sometimes been neglected within the Department

  • Academy among nation's top 100 'best value colleges'

    The U.S. Air Force Academy was named as one of the nation's top 100 best value colleges for 2009 by The Princeton Review Jan. 8. The Best Values College List features 50 public and 50 private colleges. The Princeton Review selected these institutions as its "best value" choices for 2009 based on its

  • Disney, Army resort offer affordable vacations for troops

    A Disney vacation just got more affordable for military members and their families. With the "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" offer, active and retired military personnel, including active members of the Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reserve, can enjoy complimentary,

  • Air Force Band prepares for inauguration day

    Members of the Air Force Band prepared for the presidential inauguration parade in a hangar and through the winter rain Jan. 7 at Andrews Air Force Base.The 99-member Air Force Band will join the other military service bands to march from the U.S. Capitol to the White House during President-elect

  • Airmen to deliver peacekeeping equipment to Darfur

    Airmen will assist a U.S. Africa Command-led operation to airlift equipment into the Darfur region of Sudan in support of United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions, Air Mobility Command officials said here Jan 8. The operation was announced Jan. 5 by President George W. Bush during a

  • Airman leads team in managing enemy's weapons cache

    An Airman with the Taji National Depot sees the war on terrorism succeeding every day as coalition forces collect and destroy enemy weapons here. Capt. Ted Yang is the liaison officer for Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq's J4 collective weapons section, and his joint team of Airmen,

  • VA officials assist veterans with health care costs

    For veterans struggling financially due to a job loss or decreased income, Department of Veterans Affairs officials offer an assortment of programs that can relieve the costs of health care or provide care at no cost. Veterans whose previous income was ruled too high for VA health care may be able

  • Airman's Roll Call: Enlisted promotion process

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the enlisted promotion process, and features some information Airmen should consider as they prepare for their next promotion.Testing is one process Airmen need to prepare for. The purpose of promotion testing is to measure Airmen's specialty and general

  • Make 2009 healthier

    The holidays are over and a new year has begun. And with that, many look to live healthier lives in 2009. The Air Force Materiel Command Wellness Support Center is one available tool to make that goal a reality. "AFMC's Wellness and Safety Program encompasses all facets of wellness: physical,

  • Eielson Airmen research alternative energy resources

    Air Force Technical Applications Center Airmen operating at 12 remote locations throughout Alaska are pursuing alternate means for energy.The Airmen of Det. 460, a tenant unit at Eielson Air Force Base, operate in units powered by propane, but now solar power may become a reality even though there

  • 21 Air Force civilians receive 2008 Presidential Rank Award

    Twenty-one Air Force senior executives and senior professionals received the 2008 Presidential Rank Award for sustained achievement in government service. President George W. Bush announced the recipients at the Pentagon Sep. 30, 2008, and Air Force officials will honor the award recipients at a

  • AAFES, Pentagon Channel launch monthly benefit show

    The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and the Pentagon Channel have teamed up to bring original, exchange-focused programming to more than three million viewers around the world. On Jan. 7, the Pentagon Channel began broadcasting the monthly 30-minute show, focused on what makes AAFES special

  • Africa Command to airlift peacekeeper equipment to Darfur

    U.S. Africa Command officials are laying plans to airlift heavy equipment to Sudan to support African Union and U.N. peacekeepers involved in the country's Darfur region, an AFRICOM spokesman said Jan. 6. AFRICOM members will transport about 75 tons of heavy equipment -- water tankers, fuel tank

  • Voice recognition system helps manage patient records

    It's faster, more accurate and highly maneuverable. What may sound like the latest weapons system is actually a new way of doing business for doctors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. With the introduction of Dragon Medical speech recognition software, the process of documenting patient medical

  • Airmen build rapport with community

    Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Host Nation Coordination Cell here are liaisons between American forces and host nation officials to keep the wing mission flowing. "The primary mission of HNCC is to facilitate and coordinate all interaction between the U.S. military and the (host nation)

  • U.S. officials seek more supply routes for Afghanistan

    As Pakistani troops apply renewed pressure on militants who have threatened a major supply line, military transportation officials are seeking alternate routes for supplying U.S. and NATO troops deployed in Afghanistan. Pakistani forces Dec. 30 renewed offensive operations targeting militants who,

  • CMSAF McKinley, graduating Airmen honor enlisted heroes

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley and more than 700 Airmen preparing to graduate from basic military training honored the Air Force's enlisted heroes during today's dedication of the new Enlisted Heroes Walk here. Several dignitaries, including Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commander

  • Deployed servicemember returns home half the Airman he used to be

    "I knew I was unhealthy and had to make some changes, especially when I thought about my five-year-old looking up at me," said Senior Airman Jarvis Johnson. "Without changes, I wouldn't be around to see him and my daughters grow up." When you ask someone what they can accomplish in six months --

  • Armed Forces Bowl puts military might on display

    The sixth annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl football game featured the Houston Cougars (7-5) taking on the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons (8-4) on Dec. 31 at the Amon G. Carter Stadium here. Kickoff for the Armed Forces Bowl was noon Eastern, but the event started more than 24-hours prior to

  • DOD inaugural committee moves into high gear

    Exactly three weeks before inauguration day, the buzz of activity at the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee here is a notable exception to the traditional holiday lull that settles over the nation's capital between Christmas and New Year's Day. More than 400 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and

  • Guard's counterdrug warriors endeavor to test one and all

    Finding a single drug abuser among thousands of servicemembers can compare to a shell game, but National Guard officials are placing all odds in their favor. Officials are striving to keep the Guard's Citizen-Airmen and -Soldiers drug free through an increase in drug tests and the integration of new

  • Officials seek 10 enlisted for AFIT degree program

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering 10 noncommissioned officers the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Ten NCOs from around the Air Force will be selected in February to attend the

  • Officials initiate surgical specialty training in Iraq

    Optimally managing the unique head and neck injury patterns seen in Iraq and Afghanistan has led to a successful initiative out of Wilford Hall Medical Center here: sending the first surgical fellow to a war zone for a surgical rotation. In the past, medical and surgical residents and fellows were

  • AF firefighters relocate, expand Iraqi fire training course

    Iraqi firefighters are were more than half-way through the firefighter apprentice course being trained in Baghdad's International Zone before being moved. The class was previously taught at Taji Military Base just north of Baghdad, but the location lacked advanced live fire trainers and had limited

  • Air Force engineers answer the call from Soldiers in Iraq

    "Answering the call" is a motto 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen believe in, and it's something Soldiers can attest to. This team of combat-trained engineers, assigned to the 732nd ECES Det. 6, will build anything, anywhere to help Soldiers in Iraq accomplish their mission or to

  • DOD announces change to 2009-2010 kindergarten program

    The entrance birth date for the Department of Defense Education Activity Kindergarten Program will change from Oct. 31 to Sept. 1, DODEA officials announced recently. The change means a child must be 5 years old by Sept. 1 to enroll in kindergarten. This aligns DODEA with national trends as well as

  • Tops In Blue Airmen entertain forces in South Korea

    Airmen of Tops In Blue performed for more than 700 Army, Air Force, Navy and South Korean air force members and their families Dec. 19 at the South Korean armed forces headquarters.The visit was part of the 2008 World Tour titled "Deja Blue" where 37 members of the Air Force's premiere entertainment

  • Yokota Airmen strengthen bonds with Japanese military

    Yokota Air Base Airmen participated in bilateral training events with Japan Air Self Defense Force members Dec. 17 at Iruma Air Base, Japan. American Airmen were able to train and share ideas with their Japanese peers to share how each country manages flying squadrons and maintainers. Normally,

  • NCO earns Bronze Star for actions in Iraq

    A 425th Air Base Group Anti-terrorism Force Protection NCO here received the Bronze Star at Izmir's Collocated Club for his efforts during a 12-month deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Tech. Sgt. James Thompson received the fourth-highest combat award for the U.S. armed forces from Col. Richard

  • AAFES reps deliver troops' 'favorite things' this holiday season

    Energy drinks, beef jerky, candy bars and DVDs. These items topped the wish lists of American troops shopping at more than 80 Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations throughout operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In fact, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors picked up nearly four

  • Officials streamline overseas outprocessing guidelines

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently introduced a new initiative that will streamline final processing for Airmen retiring or separating from overseas areas. With this change, additional travel to a separation processing base, or SPB, is no longer required. The new procedure is part of

  • Future Airman gains confidence, loses 160 pounds

    Leo Knight-Inglesby is more determined than ever, and for the past 15 months has pushed himself beyond the limits he, and his loved ones, ever thought possible. The 22-year-old Silver Spring, Md., native is so set to "Do Something Amazing" in the Air Force that he shed more than 160 pounds to meet

  • AFPC officials to offer personnel course for commanders

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are launching a new course designed to provide squadron commanders outside the personnel career field with the latest military and civilian personnel programs and procedures.The course also provides information on the air and space expeditionary force

  • Operation Cheer provides poinsettias to wounded

    A Randolph Air Force Base chaplain is showing his love for wounded warriors this holiday season with a lot of help from his flock. Chaplain (Capt.) Eric Boyer of the 12th Flying Training Wing encouraged base members to contribute to Operation Cheer, a program that brings a dose of the holiday spirit

  • Program raises awareness about global AIDS epidemic

    The Defense Department's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, or DHAPP, is making progress with partner nations by supporting implementation of HIV prevention, care and treatment programs, educating their militaries and creating awareness of the global epidemic, a senior official working in the program

  • Airman found guilty in court-martial

    An Airman here was found guilty by a panel of military officers of three violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice during a general court-martial Dec. 19 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Airman 1st Class Derick R. Thompson of the 10th Medical Support Squadron, who is not an Academy cadet, was

  • AFSO 21 experts tour Robins

    Military and civilian leaders came to Robins Air Force Base Dec. 16 to see how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century efforts have found better ways to get things done here. Nineteen general officers toured parts of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center then spent an afternoon discussing

  • Bakers, baggers deliver sweet treats to dormitory Airmen

    Thousands of homemade cookies, candy, hot chocolate and other goodies were collected, bagged and delivered to dormitory residents Dec. 16 at Peterson Air Force Base.Hundreds of people donated cookies and sweets, totaling more than 6,600, for nearly 400 single servicemembers of Peterson, Schriever

  • Today's Air Force' features personnel recovery exercise

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Angel Thunder, a personnel recovery exercise in New Mexico with more than 850 ground recovery forces. Also, the Base Realignment Committee, or BRAC, is allowing the U.S. military to become a more integrated force with many services. See how the Army and

  • President Bush sends holiday greetings to all

    President Bush has taped a special video message to servicemembers and their families this holiday season. "Laura and I send greetings to all the men and women of the United States military this holiday season," he says in his one minute and 30 second message.  "In this dangerous time, I thank you

  • National Guard to support presidential inauguration

    More than 4,000 citizen Soldiers and Airmen from at least eight states will provide security, medical and other support during the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, a National Guard official said Dec. 18. "We will be there to fill the gaps and help out the first responders," Army Maj. Kenneth

  • Valiant action saves co-worker from choking

    The life of a 71st Comptroller-Contractor Squadron accounting technician here was saved by an office co-worker Dec. 5 at Vance Air Force Base. Rose Palacios was working at her desk when she began to choke on a piece of candy. "At first I thought I could just cough it up out of my throat. That didn't

  • Transportation secretary opens military airspace for Santa

    The secretary of Transportation and Santa Claus signed a flight certificate Dec. 18 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., that authorizes Santa to fly through military airspace in order for him to successfully deliver all his gifts to children across the nation. The certificate, also signed by Col. Steve

  • Airmen take time to help terminally ill children

    Airmen at Forward Operating Location Curacao volunteered their free time to paint, landscape and provide comfort for 13 children at the Siloam Children's Hospice, a home for orphaned, abandoned and terminally ill children in Curacao. For the past four months, dozens of 429th Expeditionary Operations

  • PACAF officials centralize fitness testing

    Airmen across the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility soon will see a change in their fitness testing procedures as command officials move to centralize the testing under base health and wellness centers by March of 2009. After receiving feedback from across the command, Gen. Howie Chandler,

  • Airmen participate in Wreaths Across America

    Two Airmen took part in the Wreaths Across America ceremony to remember, honor and teach about the service and sacrifices of this nation's veterans and fallen heroes Dec. 13 at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minn. 1st Lt. Brandon Schrader and Senior Airman Justin Gort, reservists from the 96th

  • Trainees slew the BEAST in new basic training program

    The first group of Airman Basic trainees in the newly extended 8.5-week Basic Military Training program conquered the BEAST Dec. 15 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The BEAST, which stands for Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills and Training, is the centerpiece of the new two-week expansion that

  • Integrated process team addresses logistics issues

    The consolidation of supply chain activities into the Air Force Global Logistics Support Center presented a fresh opportunity to address some systemic issues in how the Defense Logistics Agency supports the Air Force. Leaders representing both organizations received an update on these issues along

  • Closer collaboration will ensure disaster preparedness

    The commander of U.S. Northern Command urged closer collaboration between local and state agencies and groups that would be the first to respond to a disaster and the federal entities that stand ready to step in and assist when needed Dec. 16. Gen. Victor E. Renuart, who also commands the North

  • C-17 revolutionizing logistics in Antarctica

    Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron supporting Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province Nov. 26. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered to a scientific camp in the

  • New terminology recognizes contributions of Airmen

    The Air Force is adopting new terminology to better reflect participation in today's joint fight, the Air Force chief of staff advised in a letter to the field. Airmen who were previously categorized as filling non-standard or "in lieu of" taskings now will be referred to as filling a joint

  • UAS beta program underway; officials seek more applicants

    Air Force officials selected 10 Air Force officers to begin the first-ever unmanned aircraft systems beta test program to produce operators of the MQ-1 Predator. The 10 selectees will begin training Jan. 5 at Pueblo, Colo. "We were encouraged by the extremely strong interest in this program," said

  • Dover Airmen deliver humanitarian supplies to Guatemala

    They might not wear red suits or fly a sleigh with nine reindeer, but Airmen of the 709th Airlift Squadron here kept true to the holiday spirit of goodwill by delivering supplies to Guatemalan children Dec. 5 and 6. Performing the role of Santa's sleigh, a Dover Air Force Base C-5 Galaxy packed with

  • Exercise Angel Thunder provides lifesaving training

    About 900 Air Force, joint, coalition, interagency and international players participated in a personnel recovery exercise that ran Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.Exercise Angel Thunder 2008 included people from the active duty Air Force and Army, Guard and Reserve, National

  • Ecuadorian air force edges U.S. Air Force 26-25

    Members of the U.S. Air Force fell to the Ecuadorian air force 26-25 Dec. 9 during a basketball championship game between forces assigned to Forward Operating Location Manta. The lead for the game went back and forth all the way to the end as a crowd of nearly 100 American Airmen, Ecuadorian air

  • Officials identify servicemen MIA from Vietnam War

    Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office officials here announced Dec. 15 that the group remains of six U.S. servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, are soon to be buried with full military honors. The Air Force servicemembers are Maj. Bernard L. Bucher, of Eureka, Ill.; Maj. John L.

  • EUCOM program aims to reduce caregiver fatigue

    Recognizing the risk of burnout among caregivers providing warrior and family support, U.S. European Command plans to kick off a program this spring that incorporates principles introduced by bestselling author and lecturer Dr. Stephen Covey. EUCOM is putting together a compassion-fatigue program

  • Edwards NCO uses training to help save accident victims

    An Edwards Air Force Base NCO rushed to help save the lives of two strangers after hearing the sound of a crash and seeing a cloud of smoke and debris on Highway 14 Dec. 7 in Lancaster, Calif. When Tech. Sgt. Rondale Alexander, the NCO in charge of the Air Force Flight Test Center command section,

  • Officials set military housing allowance rates for 2009

    Housing allowances for military members will go up an average of 6.9 percent in 2009, Defense Department officials announced Dec. 15. The increase comes to an average of about $95 per month across the board for the 950,000 servicemembers expected to draw basic allowance for housing, or BAH, in 2009,

  • McChord Airmen fuel Operation Deep Freeze

    Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in support of Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop Nov. 26 to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered by the members of the from the

  • General Schwartz sees full spectrum of fly, fight, win

    Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, Dec. 13, to meet with Airmen and get a first-hand look at operations. This was General Schwartz's first visit to both bases since becoming the 19th chief of staff. He said it was important for him to visit Creech and

  • Air Force recruiting Web site redesign launched

    Incorporating the latest Internet technologies while reflecting the way ahead for the service, Air Force Recruiting Service officials launched their redesigned Web site Dec. 15 at airforce.com. The Web site serves as the Air Force's official recruiting site and offers potential recruits and the

  • Air Force officials honor top recruiters for 2008

    Fourteen Air Force recruiters were named tops in their field for fiscal 2008 by Air Force Recruiting Service officials here in December. Operation Blue Suit program recognizes the best recruiters worldwide for their efforts in recruiting a diverse, high-quality volunteer force to fill career fields

  • Congress authorizes paternity leave

    Eligible Airmen are now authorized 10 days of nonchargeable paternity leave following the birth of their newborns, courtesy of the 2009 Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress. The law applies to married, active-duty Airmen. The Airman's wife must have given birth to the

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Airmen training Iraqis

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Air Force officers are sharing valuable leadership skills in an effort to train the Iraqi military on the proper tools to maintain security throughout their country. And while the use of technology facilitates our daily missions from

  • President Bush visits troops in Bagram

    President George W. Bush visited Combined Joint Task Force-101 servicemembers Dec. 15 at Bagram Airfield. "I am proud to be with brave souls serving the United States of America," President Bush said.The president expressed his well wishes to the troops during the holidays and thanked them for their

  • Attacked Air Force recruiter in stable condition

    The Air Force recruiter who was stabbed outside her Harlem, N.Y., recruiting office Dec. 11 remains in stable condition. Staff Sgt. Sarah Charles, a recruiter with the 313th Recruiting Squadron, was speaking with a potential applicant when she was attacked by a female assailant. The recruiter

  • Alaska Guard continues Operation Santa Claus tradition

    Children from rural Alaskan communities were treated to an early Christmas this year as members of the Alaska National Guard completed Operation Santa Claus for young people in communities across the state. The 50-year community relations and support program provides toys, books and school supplies

  • Public may comment on draft rules for spouse employment

    The public is invited to comment until Jan. 5, 2009, on proposed rules to speed up the hiring process for some military spouses seeking federal jobs. The Office of Personnel Management staff published the rules Dec. 5 in the Federal Register and drafted the regulations to implement an executive

  • Multinational recovery exercise kicks off at Davis-Monthan

    More than 850 ground recovery forces and 51 aircraft from the Department of Defense and numerous other countries kicked off a personnel recovery and combat search and rescue exercise Dec. 8 here. The two week-long Angel Thunder 2008 exercise allows U.S. and international military forces and numerous

  • Arizona officials aim to end scams, predatory lending

    Financial scams and predatory lending against servicemembers and veterans is so common that the Arizona attorney general has created an advisory board to stop it. "We got so many complaints that were related to either veterans or active-duty military on our consumer line that I felt it was necessary

  • Gates praises war effort by troops in remote air hub

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in a town-hall session with a hundreds of Airmen and Soldiers personally thanked the troops for their efforts Dec. 11 at this dusty, remote station. This austere outpost is a main air hub into Afghanistan, providing aerial refueling, combat airdrops, medical

  • Scholarships help retiree finish education

    Spouses with an eye on professional certification or a post-secondary education may not have to foot the entire bill, thanks to a National Military Family Association scholarship program. The group is accepting applications for its annual Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship. The

  • Airman scheduled for court-martial at Academy

    Air Force officials here determined a case should proceed to a general court-martial against an Airman assigned to the 10th Medical Support Squadron here to begin Dec. 15 at the U.S. Air Force Academy.An Article 32 hearing determined the case against Airman 1st Class Derick R. Thompson, who is not a

  • Officials request NCO feedback for future assessments

    Staff sergeants through chief master sergeants throughout the Air Force are encouraged to share feedback with officials from the Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron here right now. This feedback will help NCOs have a voice their own career advancements. Input from the Military Knowledge and

  • National Guard celebrates 372nd birthday

    National Guard officials are celebrating their 372nd birthday recognizing Dec. 13, 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony divided its citizen-soldiers, or militia, into the North, South and East Regiments. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was seven years old in 1636 when about 5,000 men, women and

  • Air Force recruiter stabbed in New York

    An Air Force recruiter was stabbed outside her Harlem recruiting office Dec. 11 at about 12:45 p.m. in New York City. Staff Sgt. Sarah Charles, a recruiter with the 313th Recruiting Squadron, is currently in critical but stable condition. Sergeant Charles was talking with a potential applicant at

  • Airman helps shape future Afghan firefighters

    Afghan firefighters at the Kabul International Airport stand ready to answer a call to save lives and resources here thanks to the dedicated efforts of their American counterpart. Master Sgt. Mike Marascia, Afghan fire protection mentor, has spent the last 11 months establishing the Afghan Joint

  • Air Force bands 'in the fight'

    Air Force bands like Air Force Materiel Command's Band of Flight located here perform thousands of concerts each year, with several performances in far away countries as part of a "hearts and minds" campaign being led by military bands. Since 2004, Air Force bands have been deploying to U.S. Central

  • AF plan could enable Iraq air sovereignty, independence

    Work being done here by officials of the Electronic Systems Center and its federally funded research and development center partner, MITRE Corp., is helping pave the way for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. ESC and MITRE International Operations specialists, in concert with a number of ESC

  • Reservists may qualify for early retired pay

    Department of Defense officials here have issued new guidelines for early receipt of retired pay for members of the Reserve components. Instead of having to wait until age 60 to receive Reserve retired pay, eligible members may receive retired pay prior to age 60 but not before age 50. Under interim

  • Services meet or exceed November recruiting goals

    All active-duty and reserve-component U.S. military services met or exceeded their November recruiting goals, according to a Defense Department report. -- Air Force recruiting officials signed up 2,916 new active-duty Airmen, meeting their target number of enlistees for the month. -- Army recruiting

  • Southern Command, AF South leaders visit deployed troops

    Senior leaders from Southern Command and Air Forces Southern kicked off a week-long tour Dec. 8 to visit forward-deployed personnel and assist nearby communities in seven Latin American countries during the holiday season. A C-21 from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., carried the group to Forward

  • New year brings new tools to quit tobacco

    Department of Defense and Tricare officials are offering new innovative online tools to help servicemembers keep their New Year's resolutions to quit tobacco. The DOD-sponsored educational campaign, Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone Proud, is expanding its interactive Web site. Users can now create a blog

  • Air Guard to host three KC-135 associate wings

    Three Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker wings will become active associate units beginning this summer, Air Force officials here announced Dec. 10. Active-duty Airmen will be assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, Ala., the 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base,