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  • Today's security forces are expeditionary combat Airmen

    They work 12-hour patrols in 100-plus degree temperatures, sandstorms whipping into their faces. They drive convoy operations across the desert. They provide personal security details for four-star generals. Today's security forces career barely resembles its own Air Force specialty code from a

  • Career fields meld expertise in recovery missions

    Airmen from three career fields have worked for the past five years to bring the guardian angel weapon system, or GAWS, online for the Air Force to provide rapid recovery of servicemembers. Made up of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, pararescue jumper called PJs, and combat

  • Air Force announces 2006 as safest year in aviation

    Fiscal year 2006 was the safest year in aviation ever for the Air Force. The year marked the lowest number of major aircraft accidents and fatalities within the Department of Defense, said the Chief of Air Force Safety Maj. Gen. Stan Gorenc recently. According to the statistics, the Air Force

  • Region Air Force commander visits Kadena

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peace-keeping efforts in the Pacific region were key topics of discussion by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force during his visit here Nov. 15. Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, visited the base for an in-depth

  • Airmen 'deal' with Mandel, Leno on 'Tonight Show'

    A group of California's Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen came together for a special military edition of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" Nov. 22 at NBC studios here.Mr. Leno invited the servicemembers to fill the studio audience for the show's Thanksgiving edition to honor

  • Air Force pharmacist receives award for excellence

    An Air Force pharmacist was honored by the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States with their 2006 Award for Excellence in Clinical Pharmacy Practice during their 112th annual meeting held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Competing for the award were clinical

  • Personnel accountability key during emergencies

    A new Air Force Instruction places more responsibility for personnel accountability on the shoulders of individual Airmen. Air Force Instruction 10-218, Personnel Accountability in Conjunction With Natural Disasters or National Emergencies, published Oct. 31, 2006, details how an Airman should go

  • Science, engineering, technology achievements lauded

    Air Force officials recognized the service's top performers in science, engineering and technology during an awards banquet at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Award winners received a plaque and a certificate recognizing their

  • Insurance companies to pay back GIs for deception

    Life insurance companies are being held accountable for their improper sales practices to military members. Four companies in the past three months have agreed to a multi-state settlement agreement after Texas Department of Insurance investigators uncovered a pattern of deception to young troops.

  • PRT delivers supplies to Afghan schools

    Soldiers and Airmen from the Methar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered nearly a ton of much-needed supplies to two schools Nov. 21in the capital city of Laghman Province of Afghanistan.The PRT distributed 1,300 backpacks, teacher's kits, hygiene products, soccer balls, notebooks, pens,

  • U.S. Airmen help Iraqis take flight again

    The new Iraqi air force have returned to the sky, performing a variety of missions throughout the country, thanks to training and support from U.S. and coalition advisors. At Kirkuk Regional AB, American advisors are helping Iraqi military members of Squadron 3 train for their intelligence,

  • Officials to conduct foreign language skills survey

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley recently approved a survey to identify the foreign language capability inherent in the Air Force. The purpose of the on-line survey is to allow Air Force officials to get a better understanding of the foreign language skills already in the force, so

  • President Bush expresses Thanksgiving appreciation

    President George Bush expressed thanks in his radio address here Nov. 25, to servicemembers risking their lives far from home this Thanksgiving holiday to protect the rights the Pilgrims celebrated that first Thanksgiving Day. The desire for freedom that drove the Pilgrims to Plymouth Rock, Mass.,

  • Pentagon Channel 'Recon' program focuses on military children

    "I send him off with a kiss goodbye, although I understand that he may die." Those are words from a poem written by a third-grader named Gloria who lives with her family at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She concludes her poem this way: "I serve too." That child's sentiment is the subject and title

  • Mission Monster Mash builds camaraderie

    A pilot who has been shot down and injured during a combat situation relies on the skills of an Air Force pararescueman to save his life and get him to safety. Known as PJs, these elite military men train to dodge bullets while protecting the people they rescue. To help prepare them for the

  • Academy band marches in Macy's parade

    The cold and rain didn't stop the residents of New York City from lining the streets for this year's 80th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 23. The soggy weather also didn't stop the U.S. Air Force Academy Marching Band from participating. "We were here as part of the celebration of the 60th

  • Operation Homecooking offers a taste of home

    Going through basic military training is always difficult on trainees, especially over the holidays. That is why for the past 31 years, Operation Homecooking has tried to serve up the flavors, family and feelings of the Thanksgiving holiday to hundreds of the Air Force's newest family members --

  • Enlisted aides invaluable to general officers

    It's a unique Air Force career field that has Airmen leaving their homes every morning only to start work at someone else's house. An enlisted aide assists a general officer with accomplishing their primary military and official duties. The position is a voluntary special assignment. "(The Air Force

  • Keesler, industry set new standard for telephone service

    With the cutting of a telephone cable Nov. 15, officials here culminated a six-month project to upgrade communications technology and "dialed in" to a new level of disaster preparedness. The date marked the official implementation of the new Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP, solution for

  • Performers bring some holiday cheer to Incirlik

    Music, singing, cheering and laughter rang from Hangar 4 on Nov. 22 as more than 1,000 people from around the Incirlik community gathered to enjoy the Operation Season's Greetings traveling troupe. The OSG group performers included a combination of the best performers of the Air Force Reserve Band

  • 18th Wing key component in war on terrorism

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific region were the key topics discussed by the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander here Nov. 15.Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright visited the base for an orientation tour of the wing

  • People should get annual flu shots, DOD official says

    All people, particularly very young and older citizens, should obtain an annual flu shot, a top Department of Defense health official said here Nov. 21. The influenza virus is a contagious respiratory illness that annually kills about 36,000 Americans and hospitalizes 200,000, Dr. David N. Tornberg,

  • Yokota mission essential for global reach

    The commander of Air Mobility Command recently met with the men and women of the 730th Air Mobility Squadron and other senior officials. As part of a nine-day tour of air mobility operations across the Pacific region last week, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb hosted a commander's call, toured the AMC

  • Academy band performs for students in New York

    In 1984, Tech. Sgt. Stephen Brannen, then 19, heard the U.S. Air Force band "Airmen of Note" play for the first time. He said that one concert changed his entire perception of the military. Now, more than 20 years later, the U.S. Air Force Academy Band "Blue Steel," hopes their Nov. 22 performance

  • Attorney general speaks to U.S. Air Force Academy cadets

    U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales told cadets here Nov. 18, that terrorists will not rise to the example of the United States. The judge addressed civil liberties and war on terrorism issues during his lecture to 700 cadets."The United States has rightfully positioned itself in this conflict

  • First Lady strong advocate for improving quality of life

    While primarily known as an advocate for education, First Lady Laura Bush is also an advocate for improving the quality of life for servicemembers. During the stopover in Hawaii on their way back to Washington, D.C. Mrs. Bush used the opportunity to meet with servicemembers, retirees and family

  • Academy conducts Commandant's Challenge 2006

    The Air Force Academy cadet wing completed the annual Commandant's Challenge here Nov. 19. The three-day challenge was their culminating fall semester training event. The training event serves as the cadet wing's operational readiness inspection and tests leadership skills, physical fitness and

  • President Bush wraps up Pacific economic tour

    President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush touched down here Nov. 20 after completing the last leg of the president's Pacific economic tour. The president's visit to Hawaii capped off eight days traveling in the Pacific Theater, with the president meeting with leaders in Russia, Singapore,

  • USAFE commander reviews past year in command

    Allied and coalition relationships, operations south and east, Airmen's accomplishments and improving efficiency were at the forefront during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander's Nov. 20 discussion of the past year in command. Since Gen. William T. Hobbins took command Dec. 5, he has traveled

  • Selection records represent Airmen to promotion boards

    With the lieutenant colonel selection board convening in late November and the selective early retirement board and senior master sergeant board coming up in early 2007, eligible officers and senior NCOs must ensure their selection records are up-to-date when meeting these boards. The selection

  • AFPC to conduct force shaping board in March

    The next force shaping board is scheduled to convene March 12 at the Air Force Personnel Center for officers in the 2003 and 2004 year groups. The board will evaluate active-duty line officers in overage career fields in the 2004 accession year group, as well as navigator, air battle manager, space

  • Bush: Asia, U.S., share common threats, interests

    The U.S. remains committed to Asia, because the two regions face similar threats from terrorism and share economic and security interests, President Bush said at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, Nov. 21. Stopping to have breakfast with troops after a Southeast Asia tour that included visits to

  • Maintainers turn Rivet Joint

    A sergeant sits at the end of a table reviewing maintenance records. In the background, Airmen play video games as a college football game blares on a television. The call that the RC-135 Rivet Joint is 30 minutes out comes down, and in an instant everyone drops what they are doing. It's time to

  • Air Force leaders address quality of life issues, changes

    Airmen can still expect high-caliber quality of life programs that will take care of them and their families despite the changes being made within the service, leaders here assured recently. "Quality of life continues to be one of our top three priorities," said Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, Air Force

  • AFRL awards 'MAJIIC' research contract

    The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate awarded a $4,840,528 contract to Raytheon Systems Co. of State College, Pa., Nov. 16. The 22-month agreement, "Distributed Common Ground Station Coalition Releasable Enclave," will provide technology that uses MAJIIC -- multi-sensor

  • Security forces member receives Bronze Star

    An Airman from the 18th Security Forces Squadron here was awarded the Bronze Star during a ceremony Nov. 15 for actions while on a 365-day deployment to Al Kasik Military Training Base, Iraq. Capt. Russell Waight, 18th SFS officer in charge of plans and programs, served as adviser at the base

  • Second C-5M Super Galaxy takes flight

    The second fully modernized Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy test aircraft made its first flight Nov. 17 from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. This is the second of three aircraft that will comprise the new C-5M test fleet. "The C-5M represents a true recapitalization program for a critical

  • Defense agency delivers logistics support to warfighters

    Whether it's an infantryman in Iraq needing a new firing pin for his rifle or a fighter pilot on a carrier in the Persian Gulf who needs to replace a cracked landing strut, the Defense Logistics Agency stands ready to support warfighters worldwide, the organization's director said in a recent

  • Interagency cooperation improves space com

    Air Force Space Command and the National Reconnaissance Office put into motion a plan to improve interagency cooperation between space agencies by conducting a senior officer and a senior civilian exchange between AFSPC Headquarters here and the NRO Headquarters in Chantilly, Va. The nation's space

  • Vandenberg sets pace in base security

    Vandenberg has set the pace for Air Force installation security by implementing a new method of checking identification cards at base access points. A new security scanner now in use here does much more than just check military ID cards. It has the ability to check a wide variety of ID cards,

  • AFSPC vice commander receives space trophy

    The vice commander of Air Force Space Command is the recipient of the 2006 Gen. Thomas D. White U.S. Air Force Space Trophy. Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz received the award Nov. 17 during the Air Force Association's National Symposium on Space and Air Force Ball here. "I'm proud to represent nearly 40,000

  • Manas Airmen build swing set, relationship

    A team of Airmen here finished work on a new swing set for children at the Solnyshko Kindergarten School near the village of Vinogradnoe Nov. 16. The swing set, which was built by the previous rotation, still had to be cemented into the ground and painted before turning it over to the youngsters.

  • Air Force launches Delta II/GPS Mission

    The Air Force successfully launched a Delta II booster from Cape Canveral, Fla., Nov. 17. The joint government and industry launch was carrying the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite. This launch was led by the 45th Space Wing. The satellite launched is the third of the modernized GPS

  • Guard, Reserve troop rotations haven't changed, official says

    The National Guard and Reserve are still operating under the same rules for mobilization length, and no troops have been mobilized for longer than the allowed 24 cumulative months, the top Defense Department official for Reserve affairs said here today. The current law actually allows President Bush

  • NCOs have a shot at school through AFIT

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering nine NCOs the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Additionally, one NCO will be offered the opportunity to earn a master's degree in economic crime from an

  • America Supports You: Send packages to troops, families

    Just in time for the holidays, Operation Homefront has launched "eCarePackage," an online service that allows citizens to send care packages to deployed troops and their families. Operation Homefront is part of CinCHouse.com, a community for military wives, and is a team member of America Supports

  • vPC-GR adds awards, decorations processing

    Reservists will have another capability in their Personnel Service Delivery toolbox Monday when officials release the online awards and decorations function. With the release, Reserve Airmen will submit awards and decorations requests online through the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve

  • New aggressor units expand training capabilities

    Unit changes at Nellis and Eielson Air Force bases have resulted in two wings that, together, create better opportunities for Air Force pilots to train for combat against potential adversaries. In January, the 65th Aggressor Squadron was reactivated under the 57th Adversary Tactics Group at Nellis

  • PACAF commander advises discretion in cyberspace

    First proposed in 1929 by a Hungarian writer in a short story titled "Chains," the theory states that every person on earth is connected to every other person within six degrees. With the advent of the Web, those connections are much easier as humanity is connected by the keyboard and mouse and

  • Airmen awarded new readiness occupational badges

    All of the Airmen graduating from the Civil Engineer Readiness Apprentice Course recently were first in their class. The Air Force's newest 3E931s were the first graduates to receive the civil engineer readiness occupational badge. The badges were presented during their graduation ceremony at the

  • Holiday shopping can lead to mountains of debt

    For some the idea of holiday shopping brings excitement and joy. For others it's the bane of their existence. However, there is one thing no one looks forward to -- the after-holiday debt. According to the National Retail Federation, the average shopper will fork over approximately $790 during

  • General, spouse receive O'Malley award

    Though dozens of people attended the 2006 General and Mrs. Jerome O'Malley Award ceremony here at the Pentagon Nov. 15, there were four names left off the guest list. "Dennis, Ivan, Katrina and Rita couldn't be here today," joked Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley, who presented

  • 'Great American Smokeout' draws attention to health risks of smoking

    The 29th annual American Cancer Society "Great American Smokeout" Nov. 16 gives military members and Defense Department civilians a chance to pause before lighting up and reflect that smoking poses significant risks to their health.Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, said Dr. David N.

  • AFSO 21 driven by Airmen ingenuity

    Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century took another step forward at Headquarters Air Mobility Command in October. A mobility air forces strategy team of nearly two dozen military and civilian subject matter experts identified a number of overarching processes that could be streamlined. AFSO

  • Squadron dedicates kennel in memory of fallen Airman

    Base officials, family members and friends gathered here Nov. 7 to remember a fallen NCO and participate in a dedication ceremony. The Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton Military Working Dog Facility was dedicated in the base's security forces complex. Sergeant Norton was killed Jan. 22 while deployed in

  • Poland receives first F-16s

    The first F-16 Fighting Falcons acquired by the Polish air force arrived at the 31st Air Base here Nov. 9 and were featured at a special roll-out ceremony. Gen. Tom Hobbins, Allied Air Component commander and U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, represented the Air Force chief of staff at the event

  • USAFE's 1st AFSO 21 manager to 'Lean' up Spangdahlem

    Spangdahlem Air Base is the first base in U.S. Air Forces in Europe to have a full-time program manager for Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century. The overarching goals here are to implement a change in culture and the way people think and do their jobs, officials said. Base officials also

  • Airman at heart of remembrance ceremony

    More than 300 U.S. military members and multinational partners gathered by the base flagpole Nov. 10 to honor U.S. veterans, specifically Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson. Airman Jacobson was killed while on a convoy near Camp Bucca, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2005, when her vehicle was hit by an improvised

  • Air Force captain honored during remembrance day parade

    The Royal Air Force Habbaniya Association honored Air Force Capt. Jutta Cortes by obtaining "exceptional permission" for her to march in the annual Remembrance Day Parade near the Cenotaph in London. Captain Cortes earned the honor after she responded to a special request from the association's

  • Research lab tests, certifies synthetic fuels

    As an integral partner in the Office of the Secretary of Defense Assured Fuels Initiative, the Air Force Research Laboratory is leading the investigation for suitable, domestically produced alternative fuels for military use. AFRL is certifying suitable fuels for the Air Force fleet as part of the

  • Veterans reflect on Veterans Day meaning

    As Airmen around the world honor the service, dedication and sacrifices of veterans today, America's veterans are thankful. "We are all very grateful for our troops our seas," said retired-Maj. John Yingling. "I wish I had something more uplifting to say, but it's just that simple." Mr. Yingling is

  • Bush thanks veterans for safeguarding America's freedom

    "Taps" rang out clearly as the United States paused to remember America's veterans here Nov. 11. U.S. veterans of many wars gathered to pay tribute to old comrades and thank a new generation of Americans keeping freedom's light ablaze. President Bush gave the principal address at the ceremony. "On

  • Spangdahlem Airmen honor veterans

    Despite the rainy weather and the chill in the air, men and women of all ages gathered at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial Nov. 11 to honor past and present military veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony. "Being here is a reminder of a generation of sacrifice to ensure the freedom of

  • Air Force pilot missing from Vietnam War is identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Nov. 9 that the remains of a U.S. Air Force officer missing in action from the Vietnam War have been identified. The remains of Col. Charles J. Scharf are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors. His funeral

  • Family, military energize disabled veteran through marathon

    She may have been one of 50 Achilles Freedom Team "wounded warriors" for her third New York City Marathon, but Monica Szymanski was a steel link in the chain. She was as determined as the others to cross the finish line. The former Air Force Reserve senior airman was diagnosed with cancer in early

  • Three brothers complete Air Force basic training together

    Three brothers from Fort Worth, Texas, will be "doing something amazing" for the Air Force in the coming years after graduation from Basic Military Training Nov. 10. Twins Chaz and Logan Hatcher, 22, and their younger brother, Derek, 19, completed the 6.5-week course while assigned to three

  • Humble chief gains national attention

    All of the attention embarrasses him, but as this chief master sergeant learned recently, a lifetime of caring and good deeds is bound to catch up with you eventually. Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt, superintendent of the 22nd Wing Medical Group here, recently gained worldwide attention for a photo

  • Veterans Day message from military leaders

    The military's top leaders released Veterans Day messages today thanking servicemembers for their dedicated service. In a video message, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld reflects on the origins of Veteran's Day and the significant contributions veterans have made in past and current

  • Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff sends Veterans Day message

    Veterans Day is an opportunity for all Americans to honor the service of the men and women of the Armed Forces, past and present. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to signify the end of World War I. He commemorated the event by saying, "The reflections of

  • World War II air crash victims honored

    World War II veteran John A. Glaros clearly remembers the day 63 years ago when he heard that his friend, a fellow U.S. Army Air Forces radioman, had perished in an air crash in Australia that would remain a secret for many years afterward. "We were devastated," recalled Mr. Glaros, now an

  • AMC reduces costs through fuel efficiency

    Energy costs are a significant part of the Defense Department operating budget, and Air Mobility Command uses 54 percent of the U.S. military's consumption of aviation fuel. Not surprisingly, efficient use of this resource has always been an AMC goal, and while fuel costs remain high, command

  • 1st Fighter Wing lays claim to numerous accomplishments

    The name says it all -- 1st Fighter Wing. As the first air combat unit organized under the U.S. Army air arm 80 years ago, the wing can make claim to many historic accomplishments.The study of the 1st FW's history is comparable to examining the history of air power itself. The groaning of wooden

  • Secretary Wynne: Rumsfeld helped reshape Air Force

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld changed the way the military thinks about defense during his six years at the Pentagon. Secretary Wynne worked with Secretary Rumsfeld three times at the Department of Defense and in his current job. "In each case

  • Veterans Day particularly significant while nation at war

    Observing Veterans Day is especially important this year as America's military members put their lives in danger to protect the country and defend its freedoms, Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson said. "We are a nation at war against an enemy that has openly vowed its desire to destroy

  • DOD committed to taking care of military families

    The one overiding lesson of the all-volunteer force is the importance of the military family, a top Defense Department official said here Nov. 7. And DOD has learned the lesson, said Michael Dominguez, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.November is Military Family

  • Bush, Rumsfeld agree: 'Timing right for new leadership at Pentagon'

    Calling Donald H. Rumsfeld "a superb leader during a time of change," President Bush announced at a White House news conference today that he and Secretary Rumsfeld have agreed the time has come for a change in leadership at the Pentagon. President Bush said he will nominate Bob Gates, former

  • Combat skills training is a must for today's Airmen

    Since Airmen are taking on more non-traditional rolls and missions in deployed locations, the need for individual combat skills is imperative. Airmen selected to deploy for Air Expeditionary Force Cycle 5 and 6 from the 15th Airlift Wing recently took the three-day Expeditionary Combat Skills

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 8

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 8 In Afghanistan Nov. 7, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • 'Blue to Green' allows Airmen, Sailors to transfer to Army

    As the Air Force and Navy continue to transform themselves, the two services are finding they do not need the number of people they once did, but a program called "Operation Blue to Green," gives an option for Airmen and Sailors chosen for separation the chance to transfer to the Army and remain on

  • C-130 crew honored with Mackay Trophy

    Five C-130 Hercules crewmembers were recognized during a ceremony in Arlington, Va., Nov. 6 by the Air Force and the National Aeronautic Association when they were presented with the 2005 Clarence Mackay Trophy. Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the trophy to Maj.

  • Air Force adopting new news-delivery method

    The ongoing reduction in the number of Air Force people will mean changes in the way people get Air Force news. Public affairs staff members, who produce newspapers at most Air Force installations, are shifting their focus for news delivery to the World Wide Web. Printed newspapers will still be

  • Rescuers learn to make order out of chaos

    In August 2003, a truck bomb exploded at the United Nations headquarters in downtown Baghdad, collapsing three floors of the four-story building. Hundreds of people died. Hundreds more were trapped under collapsed rebar, steel and concrete. Tech Sgt. Andrew Canfield, lead Air Force Reserve Command

  • Exchange program enhances coalition operations

    Northwest Florida is gaining worldwide recognition through a program that makes local Air Force bases the training grounds for covert coalition aircraft operations.The program, known as Combined Special Operations Forces Subject Matter Expert Exchange, is a concept that came to life on a large scale

  • Mountain Home newspaper going virtual

    An era will come to an end Dec. 22 when the base newspaper here, The Gunfighter, hits the streets for the last time. The public affairs staff will become one of the first bases to transition from a traditional newspaper to a Web-based product. The transition decision is primarily in response to

  • Veterans Day special: Veterans share war experiences

    The year was 1967. First Lt. Marko Milakovich stood on the side of Budda Mountain, about 10 miles from Quang Nhia in South Vietnam. The 25-year-old was on a site survey and had a weapons carrier and six Army bodyguards for safety. As he stood on the mountainside, leaflets fluttered to the ground

  • Veterans urged to wear military medals on Veterans Day

    With National Veterans Awareness Week under way and the national Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11, the Veterans Affairs secretary is urging all veterans to show their pride by wearing their military medals.R. James Nicholson's "Veterans Pride" initiative calls on veterans to wear the medals they

  • Being bilingual helps Air Force recruiters in Hispanic communities

    For Master Sgt. Ruben Perez, communicating with potential recruits involves much more than simply promoting careers in the Air Force. The 341st Recruiting Squadron recruiter's ability to "habla Espanol" with San Antonio's inner city youth and surrounding small-town Mexican-Americans helps him

  • Medal of Honor recipients share stories of inspiration

    For Staff Sgt. Shafinah Rosauro, learning stories of true heroism moved her. For Tech. Sgt. Theresa Petelo, it was the message of assurance that people back home support her. For Col. Kurt Kaisler, hearing themes of commitment to service and country inspired him. Listening to Medal of Honor

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 6

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 6.In Afghanistan Nov. 5, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gereshk.

  • Air Force selects 417 new chief master sergeants

    The Air Force has selected 417 senior master sergeants for promotion to the service's highest enlisted rank. The Air Force will publicly release the promotion list Nov. 8, and the complete list of selectees will be available by 5 p.m. CST on the Air Force Personnel Center's homepage. A total of

  • Web site works with Airmen to deliver care packages

    In August 2003, a Maryland family started the AnySoldier.com Web site as a way for people to support deployed Soldiers. Two years later, the family created separate sites to help those in the sister services. Their site for those in the Air Force, AnyAirman.com, lists Airmen who volunteered as

  • Bush calls Saddam verdict 'milestone'

    Without the help of American servicemembers, the verdict against Saddam Hussein would not have been possible, the commander in chief said Nov. 5 in Waco, Texas. President George W. Bush called the trial "a milestone" in Iraq's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law. Today's

  • Efforts in Iraq bring British honors for Airman

    The volunteer efforts by an Air Force captain while deployed to Iraq last year has earned her the honor of being the first American to march with a British regiment at The Cenotaph war memorial Nov. 12 in London's Whitehall. Capt. Jutta Cortes, the deputy director of security forces for the 20th Air

  • Responsive space demonstrator ready to roll

    Officials are saying the December launch of a tactical satellite, dubbed TacSat-2, will serve as the predecessor for rapid satellite production, launch and operation. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate here, TacSat-2 has evolved into a responsive space

  • Sergeant is one of a kind

    When this sergeant says he is one of a kind he really means it. Master Sgt. Daniel Norwood is the Air Force's only military gunsmith and is the shop supervisor of the Army and Air National Guard marksmanship unit here. The Air National Guard has one position for a gunsmith and since 1991 it has been

  • Holiday radio special features country music stars

    Country music stars Vince Gill, Toby Keith, LeeAnn Womack and George Strait share their favorite holiday memories and traditions in a "Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas" radio special, slated for release this month. Produced and marketed by the Air Force Recruiting Service's Strategic

  • 109th Airlift Wing commemorates first South Pole landing

    An LC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing touched down at the South Pole on Oct. 30 to commemorate the first plane landing there 50 years ago. On Oct. 31, 1956, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Gus Shinn landed a ski-equipped R4D-5 (a Navy version of the DC-3) named "Que Sera Sera"

  • Unified Engagement 2006 kicks off

    In a welcoming speech to more than 300 military members and civilians at the Battle Command Training Center here, Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, kicked off Unified Engagement 2006. Participants from the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Australia are here from Nov. 1 to 8

  • Officials encourage absentee voters to cast ballots

    A letter sent by the National Association of Secretaries of State urges all military and overseas absentee voters to cast their ballots in the upcoming Nov. 7 elections and assures them that their vote will be counted. The letter, sent Nov. 2 by NASS president Deborah Markowitz, reminds U.S.

  • Airmen work, live with Iraqi Army at remote desert base

    Tucked in a valley between the Euphrates River and some of the most dangerous territory in Iraq is an oasis in the middle of the desert -- Camp Habbaniyah. The British operated at this location from 1934 through 1959, when it was known as Royal Air Force Habbaniyah. Forty-seven years later, the