Aerospace exhibition entertains, informs during Air Force Week Los Angeles

Dominik Goldschmidt was in heaven. He loved anything to do with airplanes and today was all about them. The 9-year-old boy scout was attending the aerospace exhibition at the Long Beach airport, where he was able to see, touch and explore larger-than-life Air Force aircraft. The two-day expo, called

Ceremony, Expo salutes LA's long association with Air Force

Without even taking flight, a falcon from the Air Force Academy gave air and star power a run for their money Nov. 14 during the opening ceremony for Air Force Week here. The 2-year-old bird, Banshee, was a favorite of dozens of youngsters, who took turns stroking her chest as she rested on the arm

45th Space Wing team supports successful shuttle Launch

The men and women of the 45th Space Wing provided flawless Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour Nov. 14. The launch occurred at 7:55 p.m.(EDT) from Space Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. "Congratulations to the entire NASA, DOD and contractor

Air Force Week kicks off in Los Angeles

Air Force Week Los Angeles began here Nov. 14 with an opening ceremony at the Hollywood and Highland Center. The week officially started when the event's guest speaker, actor Ricky Schroeder declared, "Welcome to Air Force Week Los Angeles!" Air Force Week Los Angeles is designed to expose the local

Airmen clear away the 'debris of war,' improve airport safety

Today, airlift operations are an integral part of Iraq's military and economic future, and the men and women of the 447th Air Expeditionary Group, working along-side the Iraqi military and civilian contractors, are developing Baghdad International Airport into a modern aerial hub that will be a

Space Shuttle Endeavour carries camera to help farmers

Among the 32,000 pounds of cargo in NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is set to launch Nov. 14, there is a camera that will help U.S. farmers and provide unique educational opportunities for students. Students and faculty at the University of North Dakota-Grand Forks built the Agricultural

Council addresses Airmen issues

Officials of the Force Management and Development Council recently met under its revitalized structure and is now better organized to address issues facing all Airmen -- enlisted, officer and civilian. The 27 senior leaders who make up the council have met biannually since 2004, and in the most

First female four-star general promoted

Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody became the first female four-star general in U.S. military history in a Pentagon ceremony Nov. 14 and later assumed command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command here from outgoing commander, Gen. Benjamin S. Griffin. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. presided over the

Air Force Week showcases people, missions

Aerial flyovers, military band concerts and Air Force-themed film festivals are planned for Air Force Week 2008 in Southern California from Nov. 14 through 21.The week-long extravaganza will showcase the Air Force, its people and the mission  throughout the region. All events, except for sports

Tops In Blue talent search underway

Tops In Blue, the Air Force's premiere entertainment showcase, is accepting applications until Dec. 2 for its 2009 talent search. The 2009 talent call encourages vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, and nonmusical talent such as comedians, dramatists, and magicians to submit an application and

General shares game plan for success

Sharing the words of automotive tycoon Henry Ford, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right," Brig. Gen. Alfred J. Stewart challenged the Air Force Junior ROTC students of his high school alma mater Nov. 7 to push themselves to achieve more than they currently think possible.

The "Hog" drops in on history

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog and known for its close-air support superiority and the ability to carry large and varied ordnance, is now on its way to delivering a new capability to the warfighter. A pilot from the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with

Media, celebrities receive bird's eye view of AF mission

Southern California media and Hollywood personalities were treated to a flight on a C-17 Globemaster III and received a bird's eye view of the Air Force mission Nov. 12. The event was part of the build-up to Air Force Week-Los Angeles which begins Nov. 14.Air Force Week serves as the premier

Civilians graduate with lessons in military culture

The first class of the Civilian Acculturation and Leadership Training program graduated recently here giving the 25 attendees a better understanding of what the active-duty Air Force does. The course, designed to acquaint civilian employees with military culture, included lessons on Air Force core

17th Air Force Airmen support Africa Command

Airmen from 17th Air Force here received initial operational capability Oct. 1 and are already supporting missions for the U.S. Africa Command. In the first 30 days since declaring initial operational capability, aerial missions on the continent have coincided with continuing administration and

Airmen respond to buried threat in Afghanistan

When the Soviet Union pulled out of Afghanistan, they left thousands of mines and other explosive remnants of the war behind. At Bagram Airfield, with constant civil engineering projects to expand the flightline and other facilities, it's a daily occurrence to find small explosives in the soft sand.

Recruits enlist in the Rose Bowl

Nineteen new Air Force recruits were sworn in prior to the UCLA/Oregon State football game Nov. 8 at the Rose Bowl Stadium here. Col. Jeffery Robertson, director of staff for 4th Air Force from March Air Reserve Base, Calif., administered the official oath. "It's what these kids are doing (serving

Air Force announces NASCAR sponsorship for fiscal 2009

Air Force officials announced Nov. 12 that it will begin a new NASCAR partnership with Gillett Evernham Motorsports when it sponsors the No. 10 car driven by Reed Sorenson for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The Air Force's advertising agency, GSD&M Idea City, organized the sponsorship and will

Air Force colonel to pilot his first space shuttle mission

An Air Force colonel is scheduled to pilot the Space Shuttle Endeavour for mission STS-126 when it takes off Nov. 14 at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.Col. Eric Boe, a NASA astronaut, will fly the shuttle on his first voyage into space as Endeavour supports the International Space Station. During the

Wounded Airman: 'Absolute privilege to defend America'

A wounded NCO spoke to 300 Airmen, retirees, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce officials and members of the Alamo Chapter of the Air Force Association Nov. 3 at the Randolph Air Force Base Enlisted Club. The AFA-sponsored "Combat Breakfast" hosted Staff Sgt. Christopher Slaydon and 21 other

Interns provide capabilities to the Air Force

This summer, officials with the Global Cyberspace Integration Center and the National Institute of Aerospace successfully completed a cyberspace innovation and integration initiative, or CI3, for undergraduate and graduate students interested in technology projects. CI3 allows upper-class college

Iraqi doctors study AF aeromedical evacuation program

Two doctors from Iraq's Ministry of Defense visited the Air Force Theater Hospital and Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility here Nov. 5-8 to study Air Force aeromedical evacuation procedures. The visit will help the doctors, Maj. (Dr.) Abdul-Razaq and Capt. (Dr.) Mohammed, establish an

Are you ready for the Great American Smokeout?

Officials in both the Department of Defense and Tricare encourage military service members and their families to take part in the annual Great American Smokeout on Nov. 20. Participation in the Smokeout is an important component of the DOD-sponsored educational campaign, Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone

Airman's Roll Call: Diversity

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the differences between diversity and equal opportunity. The Air Force makes a distinction between diversity and EO. Diversity is mission-oriented and leadership driven--the way we should embrace our differences and utilize them to better accomplish our

Gen McCoy assumes command of AF Global Logistics Support Center

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command installed a new commander for the Air Force Global Logistics Support Center Nov. 13 in ceremonies at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. During those ceremonies Gen. Bruce Carlson, who leads AFMC, AFGLSC's parent unit, awarded command of the center to Maj. Gen.

McClellan officials transfer land to local community

In a ceremony, McClellan officials transferred the 314-acre Davis Global Communications Site, an annex of the former McClellan Air Force Base, to Yolo County, Calif, recently. The property will be added to the 320-acre Yolo County Regional Grasslands Park, which is comprised of land the Air Force

Warrior Care: Air Force doctors return patient's sight

Air Force doctors at San Antonio Military Medical Center-South, or Wilford Hall Medical Center, returned a patient's eyesight with an artificial corneal transplant Oct. 20. Lt. Col. (Dr.) Charles Reilly and Maj. (Dr.) Vasudha Panday, ophthalmologists in the 59th Surgical Specialties

Edwards test squadron test drives Global Hawk

Members of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron here test drives the Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system and ensures the aircraft is up to par with advertised specifications. Squadron personnel evaluate the operational effectiveness and suitability of advanced Air Combat Command weapon systems,

Operation Southern Partner ends

Operation Southern Partner ended after two weeks in South America as 70 Airmen aboard a C-17 Globemaster III touched down at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base at about 10 p.m Nov. 7 here. Airmen representing more than 25 career fields exchanged information and ideas with counterparts in the air forces of

Civic leaders go for a ride

Civic leaders from throughout the Southern California area had the opportunity to see Air Force operations up close, including an orientation flight.  The event was part of the lead-up to Air Force Week-Los Angeles which kicks off Nov. 14. Air Force Week serves as the premier platform to share the

Kyrgyz war heroes, Manas Airmen enjoy Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted ten Kyrgyz  World War II veterans for a tour of the base, dinner and a ceremony to announce the start of a program to help supplement their living expenses and continue to further strengthen the friendship between the Kyrgyz veterans

'Letter to Airmen' highlights Warrior Care month

In his current Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force talks about November as the designated the month for Warrior Care, and how the Air Force will continue to place Airmen and their families as a top commitment. "Developing and caring for our Airmen and their families is a top priority.

General, NCO talk about warrior care on national TV

The Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services at the Pentagon and an injured sergeant made an appearance on Fox News to speak about "Warrior Care Month" Nov. 10 here. Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III and Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro appeared on television to tell the American

Officers sought for attache duty

Air Force officials here are accepting applications until Dec. 5 from senior captains, majors and lieutenant colonels to fill various attache positions. Officers selected for attache duty will attend training for the advertised positions starting in January 2010. Attaches are selected from line

Aviano spouse named Air Force Spouse of the Year

The spouse of a senior NCO in the 31st Communications Squadron here has been presented with the Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award during a special ceremony in Washington D.C. Melanie Huk, wife of Senior Master Sgt. Edward Huk, 31st CS, was presented the award by Michael Donley, secretary

Secretary of Air Force visits San Antonio military hospitals

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley visited the San Antonio Military Medical Center South and North campuses Nov. 8. The secretary recently returned from trips to theater hospitals at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, and Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. His visit to San Antonio military hospitals

Warrior Care: Program ensures support for Reserve members

Pentagon officials developed the Military Personnel Appropriation Medical Continuation to ensure Reserve and Guard members supporting the war on terrorism are taken care of. Military Personnel Appropriation Medical Continuation ensures Air Reserve Component members injured or become ill receive the

American servicemembers take reconstruction to new level

American military members helped with about $8 million worth of construction projects in the Nangarhar Province in the last two years here to improve security and to help rebuild the region in Afghanistan. Almost $40 million worth of U.S. military-funded construction is ongoing in the province as

Strategic planners give glimpse of tomorrow's mobility force

Air Mobility Command strategic planners gave an insider's view into the future of air mobility  at the 40th annual Airlift/Tanker Association Conference Nov. 10 here. The air mobility future contains airlifters able to takeoff and land on extremely short and unprepared airfields, aircraft

F-16 destroyed in fire in Southwest Asia

An F-16 Fighting Falcon caught fire after the pilot aborted the takeoff at about 5:40 a.m. Baghdad time Nov. 12 at an air base in Southwest Asia. The pilot, who climbed out of the stopped aircraft, was taken to the Air Force Theater Hospital on base for evaluation and had no apparent injuries. The

Randolph honors World War II veteran

On the eve of Veterans Day, members of the Randolph Air Force Base community had the opportunity to thank and present the Purple Heart medal to a World War II veteran for wounds he sustained 63 years ago. Former Army Air Forces Cpl. Hilario L. Riojas of Karnes City, Texas, received his Purple Heart

Jets honor servicemembers with military appreciation day

More than 100 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen participated in the New York Jets Military Appreciation Day prior to the football game Nov. 9 at Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey. The game, played against the St. Louis Rams, kicked off with the unveiling of a giant flag by 60

Recruiting event leads up to Air Force Week-Los Angeles

Chairman promises wounded warriors they will be cared for, remembered

The United States will remember the servicemembers who have made incredible sacrifices on the nation's behalf, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Nov. 7 during the "A Salute to Our Troops" dinner sponsored by United Service Organizations and Microsoft. "I promise you we will never,

CMSAF visits veterans at armed forces home

The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and his entire staff visited veterans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C., Nov. 10. The group arrived in time to have lunch with the residents, and then spent the majority of their time greeting veterans. "I enjoy seeing people who will

First students graduate Raptor Basic Course

Four student pilots at Tyndall AFB became the first graduates of the Air Force's F-22 Raptor Basic Course Nov. 1, setting another milestone in the fielding of the Air Force's most advanced fighter aircraft. These pilots are the first in the Air Force to have the F-22 as their first operational

Yellow Ribbon program focuses on reservists, families

Air Force reservists in the 507th Air Refueling Wing at Tinker AFB, who return from long deployments, are finding the welcome mat waiting for them. A congressional directive in the 2007 Defense Appropriations Act mandated that Reserve components provide reservists and their families with additional

Navy pilots learning to fly Global Hawk

In what could prove to be the first step toward creating a joint RQ-4 Unmanned Aircraft System training unit here, pilots of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron are teaching a class of Navy pilots the Global Hawk system. The class, consisting of three active-duty P-3 Orion pilots and one civilian

Falcons sheer Rams 38-17

Turnovers and a tough Air Force defense proved to be too much for Colorado State University as the Falcons soared to a 38-17 win over the Rams at Falcon Stadium in Colorado, Nov. 8, advancing their record to 8-2 overall. Colorado struck first scoring on a 1-yard run by CSU senior Gatrell Johnson

Alaskan Region best unit in NORAD

While 2007 was a very challenging year for the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, known as ANR, and its partners, it ended up being a very rewarding year when ANR was named NORAD's outstanding unit for 2007. Col. Kevin Booth, ANR director of operations, accepted the

Chairman cites history in Veterans Day message

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has issued a Veterans Day message to those who now serve or have served in the armed forces. Here is the text of the chairman's message: "When Armistice was declared on Nov. 11, 1918, effectively ending World War I, over sixty-five

Marines celebrate Marine Corps' 233rd birthday at Manas

When Marines go to war, regardless of where they are or what they're doing, they never fail to celebrate their beloved "Corps'" birthday and remember their heritage. Today a small group of 30 Marines deployed from the Okinawa-based 3rd Marine Division displayed the Marine motto of Semper Fidelis,

New UAS program at Randolph simulates air battle space

A first-of-its-kind combat familiarization program for pilots slated to fly unmanned aircraft systems soon will launch at the 563rd Flying Training Squadron here. The four-week-long Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fundamentals Course will begin Nov. 21. It is designed to give 10 newly-winged graduates of

'Today's Air Force' features warrior care

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the month of November as Warrior Care month. The military has designated millions of dollars for wounded, ill and injured servicemembers with plans to establish a center for excellence that will specialize in research and development. And see how some

SECAF looks ahead at Airlift/Tanker Association convention

The Air Force's senior civilian leader stressed the importance of the air mobility mission, specifying that air refueling capability is fundamental to the United States' power projection across the spectrum of conflict.Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley told the audience of more than 1,000

Yellow Ribbon program helps welcome troops, families 'home' after deployment

Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command has a new office charged with ensuring deploying reservists and their families are well taken care of. The Office of Deployment Cycle Support manages the command's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. "The program helps Airmen and their families face the

2009 Scholarships for Military Children Program is under way

If you're a high school or college student and the child of a military family looking for ways to found your education, you might want to checkout the 2009 Scholarships for Military Children Program that began Nov. 3. Scholarship applications are available in commissaries worldwide and online

AAFES supports America's wounded warriors

As part of November's Warrior Care Month, the men and women of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service are doing their part to recognize and support those who have sacrificed for their country."With barber shops, fast food restaurants and stores with items to help pass the time at military hospitals

Airman volunteers as boy's 'instructor pilot'

A little boy from Flagstaff, Ariz., touched the lives of guardsmen at the 162nd Fighter Wing here last year when he visited the wing to be a fighter pilot for a day, and he continues to inspire unit members to this day. At the age of 6, Dominic Magne underwent aggressive chemotherapy in his battle

Air Force officials complete General Tinsley investigation

A thorough investigation conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigation recently, found that forensic evidence was consistent with the initial assessment that Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Tinsley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. Autopsy results coupled with toxicology

Hyperbaric chamber team to study traumatic-brain-injury treatment

A team with the San Antonio Military Medical Center Hyperbaric Center and the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine received funding to study the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries. Researchers hope to find additional ways to treat wounded warriors

eSeminars offer civilians retirement, benefit information

Air Force officials here now offer eSeminars on retirement, benefits and financial literacy to civilian appropriated fund employees. These eSeminars offer civilian employees the ease of accessing information at any stage in their career or as needs arise. A new law designed to ensure civilian

Air Force officials seek recruiters, instructors, MTIs

Air Education and Training Command officials here are seeking hundreds of members for immediate assignment as recruiters, technical school and Basic Military Training instructors. The need for instructors is in response to the Air Force end-strength increase of roughly 4,000 members and the Basic

New treatments for warriors' psychological care examined

Defense Department officials here are investigating new treatments as part of a focused, sustained campaign to assist wounded warriors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, a senior U.S. military official said. The effort is being launched in conjunction with the

Defense Media Activity breaks down barriers

The Defense Media Activity is all about breaking down barriers between reporting disciplines, the new organization's chief of staff said in an interview Nov. 5. The activity, which stood up Oct. 1, combines the internal information portions of the services' and Defense Department's public affairs

McChord Airmen help controllers train for new runway

McChord Air Force Base Airmen shared their training simulator here with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport tower controllers to ensure they are certified and ready for operations when the civilian airport's third runway officially opens Nov. 20. Since September, members of the 62nd Operations

Happy birthday, U.S. Marine Corps

The Air Force salutes the Marine Corps on its 233nd birthday Nov. 10. Originally founded on Nov. 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was composed mainly of infantrymen serving aboard Navy ships. They were primarily responsible for the security of the ship, offensive and defensive boarding parties. They also

Officials to announce chief master sergeant selections

Air Force officials selected 520 of 2,415 eligible senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant for a selection rate of 21.53 percent. The average score for those selected was 661.90, with an average time in grade and time in service of 3.47 and 23.06 years respectively, and 24.34

Vandenberg officials launch Minuteman III missile

Vandenberg Air Force Base officials launched a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration test assembly at 1 a.m. PST Nov. 5 here. The launch was an operational test to determine the weapon system's reliability and accuracy. The

Airman helps make a difference in Afghanistan

Since combat operations began in Afghanistan, Airmen have taken on new roles traditionally held by their Army counterparts. Staff Sgt. Don Elias, deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is a prime example. The sergeant joined the Air Force in 1998 and has served two tours in Iraq. He

San Antonio families can share Thanksgiving with trainees

For the 33rd year, San Antonio-area families can brighten the holidays for Air Force basic trainees through Operation Homecooking. The program offers local families the opportunity to share their traditional Thanksgiving Day with basic trainees. Through the years, families have opened their homes to

Electronic performance report routing now standardized

An Air Force Enterprise Information Management initiative to process officer and enlisted performance reports electronically became reality Oct. 1 when Air Force Personnel Center officials endorsed the first of three phases of AF Electronic Workflow Processing, or AF e-WP, thanks to a partnership

Air Force officials begin extended Basic Military Training

The first group of Air Force recruits to experience expanded Basic Military Training arrived Nov. 4 to Lackland Air Force Base. These new recruits are the first to face the challenge of an additional 14 days of training from 6.5 to 8.5 weeks. The added time will be used to enhance and reinforce

November is Warrior Care Month

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates recently announced that November is Warrior Care Month. Warrior Care Month is a DOD-wide effort aimed at increasing awareness of programs and resources available to wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and those who care about them. "I am

New AAFES chief dresses down uniform issues

As the Army and Air Force Exchange Service enlisted advisor to the commanding general of AAFES, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm now has the distinct opportunity to impact not only the service he loves, but all branches of service about uniform issues. He plans to carry out his mission through

American servicemembers continue to provide promise

The poverty-stricken neighborhoods of this bustling port capital of Trinidad and Tobago where crime, drug abuse and murder are facts of everyday life is not a place likely to attract American visitors. But for 15 engineers from the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron's Prime BEEF, along with a handful of

DOD, VA share records to benefit wounded warriors, veterans

Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs officials are making good progress in sharing information to the benefit of wounded warriors and veterans, a senior DOD official said Oct. 30 here. One of the chief goals of DOD-VA interoperability efforts is to supply computerized health data so providers

Warrior Care: Giving wounded what they need, deserve

Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen didn't like the way wounded Vietnam veterans were treated when he first entered the service in 1968, and he is working to ensure that America's wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan get the care and help they need and deserve. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said

Inaugural committee prepares to welcome new president

Members of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee are preparing to welcome President-elect Barack Obama when the nation's 44th chief executive takes the oath of office Jan. 20 here. AFIC is a joint-service organization that coordinates all military ceremonial support for presidential inaugurals,

U.S., Australian team conducts evacuation in Antarctica

A combined U.S. and Australian team successfully evacuated an Australian civilian in Antarctica to a hospital in Hobart, Australia, Nov. 5. The seriously injured patient was part of an Australian Antarctic Division contingent conducting scientific research at Davis Station, Antarctica. He is

Newest mobile air shelter set up for training

The newest model of deployable, mobile command posts is set up at the Air Force Expeditionary Center's main building here to give Airmen a view of what that may work on when they deploy in suppot of the war on terrorism.The Hard-sided Expandable Lightweight Air Mobile Shelter, or HELAMS, eventually

JCS chairman accentuates Warrior Care Month

November 2008 is dedicated as Warrior Care Month by the Department of Defense. As we gather together, in the season of both thanks and giving, our nation pauses to recognize the sacrifices of today's service men and women in uniform, along with their families. Many families still face significant

Air Force disabled employees vital to mission

Raymond Jenks is a busy man. He is the flight chief of instructional technology for the 37th Training Support Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. His office is responsible for designing and developing computer based training, programs, and technology solutions for the 37th Training Group and

Forces combine to share disaster response techniques

Military medics from Argentina, Uruguay and the United States came together to share medical disaster response techniques in November here.The information exchange was part of Operation Southern Partner, an in-depth subject matter exchange emphasizing partnership, cooperation and sharing of

Hockey: Air Force remains perfect at 8-0; beats Bentley 8-2

The Academy Falcons remain perfect at 8-0 this season with an 8-2 win over Bentley College Falcons in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Academy's Cadet Ice Arena. The 8-0 start ties the school record set in 1971-72 and they are the only undefeated, untied team in the

Airmen hone contingency skills at Silver Flag

A handful of Airmen scan their checklists to make sure their mobility bags and other essentials are in order, while others thumb through their Airman's Manuals to bone up on proper chemical warfare procedures. The Airmen are in a wooded 1,200 acre site at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., and this is

Housing privatization projects sold to private company

The sale of privatized military housing projects at four Air Force bases including Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.; Little Rock AFB, Ark.; Moody AFB, Ga.; and Patrick AFB, Fla., and assumption of operations and management of the projects was announced Nov. 4 by the new owners, HP Communities LLC. The

Airman's Roll Call: Veterans Day

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Veterans Day and recognizing American veterans, past and present. On Nov. 11, the nation pauses to remember those who have given so much in the defense of American freedoms and ideals. Americans can reflect on the foresight, courage and sacrifices of past

Wounded warrior receives new ears

Looking in the mirror, Marine Capt. Ryan Voltin couldn't get past his ears. Not that they were strange looking, but that they were there at all. He just wasn't used to seeing them. The AH-1 Cobra pilot lost his when the helicopter he was flying erupted in flames during a training accident last year.

2009 aviator continuation pay details released

Air Force officials here released Nov. 4 the details for aviator continuation pay for this fiscal year. For active duty Airmen, the program gives various rated aviators -- namely some pilots, combat systems officers and air battle managers -- the opportunity to sign an active duty service commitment

Warrior Care: Injured servicemembers go fishing

Anglers from all over the state of Texas converged on Choke Canyon Reservoir Oct. 25 to participate in Fishing for Freedom V. Fishing for Freedom gives injured servicemembers the opportunity to team up with professional and semi-professional bass fisherman and enjoy a day on the water. Thirty-three

Airmen spend day with Chilean children

Airmen in Chile as part of an exchange with Latin American air forces spent Oct. 30 to brighten the outlook for neglected Chilean children in a suburb of Santiago.Fourteen Airmen and one Army National Guard member drove to a home for abused or neglected children where the servicemembers gave the

Handbook consolidates warrior care information

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said a new handbook is another step in improving the care and support wounded, ill or injured troops and their families deserve. The handbook compiles the myriad information they need in one succinct, easy-to-read publication. In his foreword to the Compensation and

Change puts more $ in injured servicemembers' pockets

A military compensation policy change provides more money for servicemembers injured during service in the war on terrorism, a senior Defense Department official said Nov. 4 here. The Pay and Allowance Continuation program, known by the acronym PAC, is authorized by the 2008 National Defense

AF doctor's persistence leads to diagnosis of rare disease

A young patient at San Antonio Military Medical Center-South, or Wilford Hall Medical Center, has been diagnosed with a rare disease that mainly affects African American females recently. Lakeshia Blueitt, 17-year-old daughter of retired Master Sgt. Curtis Blueitt, started experiencing major changes

DOD plans for smooth transition to new administration

Defense Department officials here have made extensive plans for a smooth transition from the present administration to that of the president-elect, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Nov. 4 here. Pentagon officials are ready to begin briefing a new president-elect's transition team as soon as

Civilians begin leadership training program at Air University

Twenty-five Air Force civilians began the first Civilian Acculturation and Leadership Training Program at Air University's Officer Training School Oct. 27 here.The program leads the 25-member group through a two-week course adapted from the OTS curriculum indoctrinated with Air Force leadership and

F-16 pilots receive Mackay Trophy

Four F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots were awarded the Mackay Trophy at the National Aeronautic Association Fall Awards Banquet in the nation's capital Nov. 3. The award honors the "most meritorious flight of the year" by an Air Force person, persons or organization. This year's recipients were: -- Col.

Assault victims find empowerment in restricted reporting

Many sexual assault victims in the military are using an option that allows them to disclose the details of the assault confidentially and receive medical treatment and counseling without triggering the official investigative process, a senior official in the military's fight against sexual assault

Warrior Care Month highlights high-quality treatment

In a campaign to highlight the medical and personal care available to wounded servicemembers, Department of Defense officials have designated November as Warrior Care Month. "This is a great opportunity for the Air Force family to understand that our care for our wounded warriors and their families