USO tour brings celebrities, cheer to Bagram servicemembers

Hundreds of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines gathered here Dec. 15, to enjoy a United Service Organizations' Holiday Troop Visit tour featuring country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus, tennis pro Anna Kournikova, acclaimed comedian Dave Attell and legendary tennis coach and inspirational

Korea command officials focus on quality of life

Improving the quality of life for servicemembers and their families stationed in South Korea is a top priority, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea said. In a "DODLive" bloggers roundtable Dec. 15, Army Gen. Walter "Skip" Sharp said one of his main priorities is to maintain and improve facilities,

11 Air Force agencies to colocate

Upon completion of an estimated $65 million renovation, a building here will house more than 2,800 workers from 11 Air Force agencies. Various agencies including the Air Force Real Property Agency, the Air Force Medical Operations Agency, the Air Force Center for Engineering, and the Environment and

Senior leaders accomplish Year of the Air Force Family road show

Air Force leaders traveled recently to 23 bases across 12 major commands, including the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, to spread the word on the Year of the Air Force Family.During the YoAFF road show, Air Force leaders had the opportunity to meet hundreds of Airmen and their

Rescue crews train Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force pilots teamed up with 129th Rescue Wing aircrews here for refueling training Dec. 7 to 18.Maj. Eiji Sekine and Capt. Takeshi Tokuda, UH-60J helicopter pilots assigned to the Air Rescue Wing at Komaki Air Base, Japan, and Maj. Masahiko Miyazaki and Capt. Takemas

Berlin Airlift exhibit to reside at Travis Air Museum

Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen, the man known fondly as the "Candy Bomber" for his role in the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49, cut the ribbon on the Berlin Airlift Exhibit Dec. 10 at the Travis Air Museum here.After traveling to 29 different cities, the exhibit now has a permanent home at the museum. Mr.

Researcher shares cold safety tips for servicemembers

Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine are coming up with ways to sustain servicemembers' performance in environmental extremes, a research physiologist at the institute said Dec. 17. "Our job is to help (servicemembers) do their job better in rough environments,"

Tricare program for 'gray area' reservists coming

A new program will offer "gray area" reservists the opportunity to purchase Tricare health care coverage.While qualified members of the Selected Reserve may purchase premium-based coverage under Tricare Reserve Select, or TRS, retired National Guard and Reserve personnel did not have Tricare health

Football: Falcons' Chris Thomas selected to play in East-West Shrine game

Air Force senior safety Chris Thomas has been selected to play in the 85th annual East-West Shrine Game at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 23.Thomas was an honorable mention all-Mountain West Conference selection. He is the Falcon's active career leader in tackles with 287. This season, he

Weapons school grad marks a first

An Air National Guard MQ-1 Predator pilot marked the beginning of a new era Dec. 12 as the first unmanned aircraft pilot from a reserve component to graduate from the Air Force Weapons Instructor Course at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School here.Maj. Tammy Barlette, from the Arizona Air National

Photo essay: Airmen drop donated goods to islanders

Airman from Yokota Air Base, Japan, participated in the Operation Christmas Drop on its 57th anniversary to airdrop donated goods over remote islands in the Pacific Ocean Dec. 16 through 17.   Operation Christmas Drop is a non-profit organization sponsored by volunteers from Andersen Air Force Base

Air Force Week in Photos

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

CRW assessment team evaluates cargo solutions for stakeholders in Afghanistan

As President Barack Obama announces his decision to commit an additional 30,000 American servicemembers to the fight in Afghanistan, one question remains. How?Evaluation groups such as the 12-person airfield assessment team from the 621st Contingency Response Wing at Joint Base

Air Force nurses welcome Iraqi colleagues, share skills

Seventeen Iraqi medical care providers recently attended the December installment of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's Iraqi Nursing Partnership Program here.As the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq continues, the program is intended to further the medical capabilities of local

AFMC Freedom's Call Tattoo 2010 scheduled for June 25

'Tis the season for most people to host or attend holiday parties; but, for officials, here, 'tis the season to be in the midst of planning for one of southwest Ohio's largest summer celebrations.The Air Force Materiel Command Freedom's Call Tattoo is Friday, June 25, 2010. Officials expect another

DOD officials identify Air Force casualty

Department of Defense officials have announced the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.Tech. Sgt. Anthony C. Campbell Jr., 35, of Florence, Ky., died Dec. 15 of wounds suffered from the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

DePLAYment tags coming soon

Air Force Services Agency officials will be offering DePLAYment tags to families of deployed members starting Dec. 21 through July 31, 2010, as part of the Year of the Air Force Family.Eligible members can log on to http://www.myairforcelife.com to see if their installation is participating and find

Good things come in small packages

Imagine driving home from the base exchange with your spouse and child. It's Christmastime -- the first away from the rest of your family -- and the thought pops into your mind, "What can I do for others who are away from their families as well?"It was at this moment that Project Rudolph was born,

Homeless find hope at closed California bases

In California, as the temperature drops and the number of homeless people climbs, former Air Force bases around the state offer warm relief. Transitional housing is one of the many ways communities are using property on closed military bases for local benefit. These villages of hope offer the

Operation Christmas Drop is under way once again

More than 12 months of preparation have gone into ensuring this year's four-day air drop mission, known as Operation Christmas Drop, goes smoothly, with countless fundraisers and many drop-off points made available to those wishing to donate supplies and help support Guam's island neighbors in the

Airmen participate in 32nd Annual Bastogne Historic Walk

Cold ears, foggy breath and muscle fatigue that 52nd Fighter Wing and geographically-separated units experienced in Bastogne, Belgium, may have been the only things they had in common with the Axis and Allies who walked through that same location more than 60 years ago.According to Ed Lapotsky,

Doctors perform groundbreaking surgery at Walter Reed

Doctors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and the University of Miami collaborated to perform the first pancreas islet cell transplant Thanksgiving Day on an Airman whose pancreas was injured so severely in Afghanistan that it had to be removed.While serving with an Army unit in Afghanistan,

Two brothers from Dayton taught the world to fly

Aviation enthusiasts, Air Force officials and local government leaders gathered here Dec. 17 to remember how two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, changed the world.The brief ceremony, held adjacent to the Wright Brothers Memorial on base, recognized the 106th anniversary of the first powered flight at

Dec. 16 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 16 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided

Dec. 17 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 17 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:ShahidanAir Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed

Air Force officials debut first 3-D commercial

The Air Force became the first military branch with a 3-D commercial when it premiered its new "Space" spot before the movie "Avatar" Dec. 18 here. The Palladium IMAX theater in San Antonio hosted a special screening of the movie and commercial for Randolph Air Force Base, Texas members."The

Santa makes early appearance for Cannon family

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, but at the 27th Special Operations Wing here he is not the jolly fat man dressed in red. All one shopper at the base exchange knows is that someone who retired from the military made her family holidays a lot brighter. Charlotte Riojas said she was patiently

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visits Afghanistan

The United States' most senior military officer visited Airmen and other coalition forces here to learn more about counterinsurgency efforts in Dec. 16 Afghanistan's Kapisa province.Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with French Brig. Gen. Marcel Druart, the

F-22s complete first Middle East deployment

Airmen completed the first deployment of F-22 Raptors to the Middle East in mid-December.The fifth-generation fighters and their crews were in the area as part of a multinational exercise where pilots from a variety of nations train together in fighting a large-scale air war. This was the first

Hurricane Hunters fly first winter storm

Members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron here have been tasked by National Weather Service officials to fly their first winter storm of the season on the East Coast starting Dec. 25.The Air Force Reserve's 53rd WRS "Hurricane Hunters," assigned to the 403rd Wing here, normally collect

Holiday Notes from Home airs Dec 23-25

Several stars join the Air Force bands in this year's Holiday Notes from Home concert on the American Forces Network and the Gospel Music Channel this holiday season.The hour-long special will air on the Gospel Music Channel Dec. 23 at 10 p.m and will feature Amy Grant, Brian McKnight, Take 6, the

Aviano Air Base hospital receives ENERGY STAR rating

The Aviano Air Base hospital has received the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR rating, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. The base hospital is the first U.S. facility overseas to receive this distinction, and joins 96 other hospitals in the

Air Force officials stand up new squadron in Iraq

Air Force officials held an assumption-of-command ceremony for the 532nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Dec. 15 80 feet above the flightline standing upon a control tower platform at Al Asad Air Base. The airfield was previously operated by the Marine Corps, but due to the drawdown, Air

Airmen create partnerships in multinational exercise

More than 300 Airmen partnered with colleagues from five other countries for an exercise held in Southwest Asia that concluded in mid-December.The event began in November and simulated a "large force employment," and gave participating nations a chance to develop solutions to potential issues that

Preventing the 'after-the-holidays bill blues'

Walking through a shopping mall, it's difficult not to notice holiday decorations, crowded stores and retailers claiming to offer the best deals of the season. Before pulling out their wallets, Airmen are encouraged to keep a few things in mind to help prevent the "after-the-holidays bill blues."The

Clinton, Gates urge appropriations bill passage

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates issued a joint statement Dec. 21 encouraging Senate passage of the Defense Appropriations Bill. "We strongly urge Senate passage of the Defense Appropriations Bill today, prior to expiration of the current continuing

Altus Airmen boost Canadian forward air control training

Airmen here provided a first-time service to Canadian forces personnel with ground support for forward air controller training at Fort Sill Falcon Bombing Range, Okla., Nov. 24 through Dec. 8.Members of the 425th Tactical Fighter Squadron from Canadian Forces Bagotville in Quebec, Canada, and Altus

American surgical team making a difference in southern Philippines

Five Airmen are operating a fully-equipped trauma center, providing emergency care, basic medical care and educational services to hundreds of Filipino and U.S. troops on the southern island of Jolo, Philippines. The Air Force members are part of the forward surgical team assigned to Joint Special

Joint STARS engineers work sensor integration project

Members of an Electronic Systems Center team here are using an aircraft identified for parts reclamation, or re-use, to reduce cost, save time and minimize risk during a process to integrate a sensor system on an E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, aircraft. In 2008,

Conference addresses unmanned aircraft systems use for 1st Air Force mission

Conference attendees addressed issues related to unmanned aircraft systems' access into the national airspace system Dec. 9 through 11 here.The conference focused on ways Air Force officials can consolidate their efforts with other organizations to gain access into the national airspace system.The

Photo essay: Mountain Home AFB receives hypoxia simulator

Airmen at the 366th Operations Group received the first on-base simulator-based hypoxia demonstrator for fighter aircrew Dec. 16, 2009 at the base hospital here. Hypoxia is an oxygen deficiency of the tissue and blood cells that causes impairment at high altitudes. View the slideshow.

Fairchild officials host Single Airmen's Summit

Fairchild Air Force Base officials recently commenced the Air Force's Single Airmen's Summit to address issues single Airmen. Issues were discussed in focus groups about community, safety, leisure, family, base support systems, personal growth and work and relationship concerns. These focus groups

Dec. 18 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 18 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:Orgun-EAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew

President signs 2010 Defense budget into law

Defense officials are hailing passage of the fiscal 2010 budget that funds military programs and wartime operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and provides a military pay raise. President Barack Obama signed the 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations Act into law Dec. 19 after the Senate approved it

Dec. 19 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 19 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:RemakAir Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft flew armed

Dec. 20 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 20 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:Chahar BaghAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flew

Retirement answers live with new AFPC Webinar series

Air Force Personnel Center officials here launched a series of Web conferences, called Webinars, designed to provide retirement-eligible Airmen the information they need to submit their retirement applications."We designed these Webinars to better serve our customers and enable more direct

'America's AOC' tracks Santa this Christmas Eve

Members of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here will once again track Santa Claus on part of his journey around the world this Christmas Eve, and media interested in tracking Santa are invited to visit "America's AOC" Christmas Eve.In conjunction with the "NORAD Tracks Santa" program, the

Chairman sends holiday message to troops, families

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dec. 22 issued the following holiday message: "As America celebrates this holiday season, our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen are serving around the world. Families and friends at home can enjoy the holidays in

Air Force facility energy program celebrates successes, plans for future

Do motion detectors control the lights in your building? Does the air conditioner seem to work better these days? Perhaps you can now look out the window and see a large wind turbine generating power for your base. In 2009, the Air Force reduced the amount of energy used per square foot (i.e.,

New program helps Tricare beneficiaries battle lung diseases

Even after quitting, smoking can lead to serious health problems including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but Tricare officials are committed to helping beneficiaries quit smoking and stay smoke-free.Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exposure to

Everybody knows that Santa is a paratrooper

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. But on Dec. 6 at Pope Air Force Base, it was not a team of reindeer, but Maj. Jeff Dasher, a navigator in the 95th Airlift Squadron who guided the mission for the 440th Airlift Wing's C-130 Hercules that flew a group of Soldier Santas across the

Officials seek 10 enlisted for AFIT degree program

Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering 10 NCOs the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and nominations are due to the Air Force Personnel Center here by Jan. 29, 2010. Ten NCOs from around the Air

Woman's choice to drink, drive crushes captain's dream of flying

Capt. Alan Yee had just finished pilot training and was out with friends celebrating. He and his friends realized they had one too many drinks to drive, and called a cab. As they were travelling down a 50 mph road, a truck slammed into their cab. Moments later, one friend in the cab was ejected out

After retirement hang up the uniform, but keep Tricare

Active-duty servicemembers must use Tricare Prime or Prime Remote, but retirees who are not eligible for Medicare may be eligible for Tricare Prime or choose Tricare Standard or Extra. Each program has advantages pertaining to cost, location and convenience.If space is available, continuing care in

Thunderbolts receive wing modification

The A-10 Thunderbolt II will continue flying close-ground-support missions for the next two decades because of a reinforcement process wing replacement specialists call "Hog Up."The phrase originated about a decade ago during an upgrade of the aircraft's avionics system, partially because of the

Tricare program for gray-area reservists on its way

A new program will offer "gray-area" reservists the opportunity to purchase Tricare health care coverage.While qualified members of the Selected Reserve may purchase premium-based coverage under Tricare Reserve Select (TRS), retired National Guard and Reserve personnel did not have Tricare health

Air Force Marathon registration opens with special Jan. 1 pricing

If getting fit is part of your resolution for 2010, you can ring in the new year by signing up for the Air Force Marathon.Online registration for the marathon opens Jan. 1 at 12:01 a.m., and to encourage early sign ups, the Air Force Marathon Office is offering special discounted registration rates

Robins home to southeast's first-of-its-kind solar technology

The Robins AFB community has consistently been a leader in testing alternative power technologies, but perhaps no other effort has been as visible to the general base populace then a recently installed solar panel.The gleaming panel, about the size of a drive-in movie screen, incorporates

Women's Basketball: Bradley defeats Air Force, 62-45

The Academy Falcons dropped a 62-45 women's basketball game to the Bradley Braves Dec. 19 at Clune Arena here. The loss dropped the Falcons to 2-8 on the season and lifted the Braves to 3-6. After starting the game out neck-and-neck, Bradley pulled away late in the first half and never looked back.

Rocket-motor test supports NASA, DOD and commercial missions

A high-visibility test on a second-stage developmental rocket motor set a new record in the Arnold Engineering Development Center's J-6 large-rocket motor-testing facility Dec. 9.Joe Migliaccio, the Aerospace Testing Alliance engineer who conducted the test, said the team fired an Alliant

Air Force secretary visits Airmen at Hickam

As part of his six-base tour in Pacific Air Forces, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley visited here Dec. 18 and spoke to Airmen about several Air Force issues. "I'm delighted to be here with Team Hickam and to reacquaint myself with the mission here," said Secretary Donley to more than 600

Ellsworth members support Angel Tree program

Rows of excited children watched and waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus' arrival on a B-1B Lancer float at the Youth and Family Services child care center in Rapid City, S.D.The float was sponsored by the 28th Operations Support Squadron staff as part of the Angel Tree gift program, and after arriving

Holloman Airmen train to fight back

Airmen of the 49th Security Forces Squadron here received first responder to an active gunman training Dec. 15 to 17 from members of the Roswell Police Department special operations team in New Mexico.The training allowed defenders to practice the proper techniques to safely eliminate any emergency

8th Fighter Squadron flagship arrives

The 8th Fighter Squadron received its first of 20 F-22 Raptors Dec. 21 here.The arrival of 8th FS flagship, a Langley Air Force Base Raptor, which came from maintenance in Palmdale, Calif., starts the next chapter of the "Black Sheep's" storied history that started in 1941 when the squadron was

Total Force Service Center observes holiday hours

In observance of the upcoming holidays, the Total Force Service Center closes from 12 p.m. Dec. 24 to 12:01 a.m. Dec. 27 and midnight Dec. 31 to 12:01 a.m. Jan. 2. The TFSC is available for all general personnel inquires by calling (800) 525-0102. Hearing impaired employees who have access to TDD

Kits help children cope with deployments

Each year thousands of military children are affected by either a mother or father deploying, and when this happened to the Choate family here, it sparked an idea helps prepare military children deal with deployments. In October, Maj. Eric Choate, an Air Operations Squadron Det. 1 delivery control

Dec. 15 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 15 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:ShurakianAn Air Force B-1B Lancer provided armed

Dec. 21 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 21 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:SanginNavy F/A-18C Hornets provided armed overwatch

Photo essay: Santa, friends welcome C-17

Three 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron leaders became visitors from the North Pole for a day and marshalled a C-17 Globemaster on the flightline here Dec. 22.  The squadron held a fundraiser to chose which person would dress as Santa, a reindeer or an elf. Maj. Aaron Sasson, the operations

Air Force honorees to attend AETC Symposium Ball

The 2010 Air Education and Training Command Symposium will honor five special Airmen at a formal ball Jan. 15 in San Antonio."The remaining five Air Force Medal of Honor recipients who were honored for valor during the Vietnam War will be recognized for their heroic actions and the sacrifices they

Ophthalmic surgeons employ cutting-edge technology

Ophthalmic surgeons here are the first in the Defense Department to employ a state-of-the-art laser that will shorten recovery times for corneal transplantation. Members of the ophthalmology department assigned the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, now use a femtosecond laser to

USO offers respite from traveling frenzy

As the rest of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport bustled with holiday travelers Dec. 23, its USO Lounge offered military travelers -- many returning home from overseas deployments -- a welcome sanctuary of solace. The lounge is conveniently positioned near the

World's largest ground test center now on YouTube

Arnold Engineering Development Center officials have launched a YouTube channel to showcase various systems tested at the center, including the F-35 and F-22 fighter jets and NASA Ares rocket.The AEDC channel can be found at www.youtube.com/user/aedctesttube. Department of Defense officials

Basketball: Lumberjacks topple Falcons, 60-52

Tim Fow scored a career-high 15 points, including nine points from three-point territory, but could not lift the Falcons to victory over the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona in men's basketball action at Clune Arena here Dec. 19.Other performers were Evan Washington and Todd Fletcher, who had 11

Air Force Week in Photos

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

Who's calling?

Not many people can say they received a phone call from the president of the United States on Christmas Eve. Tech. Sgt. Donald Pedro, an 821st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron fuels advisor, was honored to receive a phone call from his commander in chief, Barack Obama, to wish him a merry

USO tour for the troops

Air Force senior leaders pay holiday visit to Global Strike Command Airmen

The Air Force's top uniformed officer and top enlisted leader each visited Air Force Global Strike Command wings for Christmas, spending the holiday with Airmen charged with the nuclear strategic deterrence mission and global strike operations.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited

Secretary of the Air Force spends Christmas with Airmen in Korea

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited South Korea Dec. 24 and 25, meeting with Airmen at Osan Air Base and Kunsan Air Base for the first time since being appointed to the position. Secretary Donley said the Christmas Day stop at Osan was his first since 1991. "Osan is much more built up

Servicemembers brighten spirits of Philippine children

Twenty members of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines spent a special holiday evening visiting children at the Social Development Center in Zamboanga City Dec. 23. "It made me feel really good to give my time and spend time with the kids," said Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Cross.

MC-12 arrives, heralds activation of 4th ERS

The newest aircraft to the Air Force's inventory arrived Dec. 27, 2009, to Bagram Airfield. The MC-12 aircraft, tail number 090623, was the first of an undisclosed number of aircraft for the new 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here.Following the MC-12's arrival, the 4th Expeditionary

DOD leaders look at long-term effects of burn pits

Defense Department leaders have launched a study on the possible long-term effects of the smoke emitted from burn pits used in overseas locations such as Iraq. Armed services medical officials are conducting studies on the health outcomes of individuals that have been deployed to identify any health

SECAF outlines future, thanks Airmen during Kadena visit

Outlining the Air Force's future was the focus of Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley's Airmen's Call during his visit here Dec. 22, part of a six-base Pacific tour in which the secretary is reconnecting with the region and thanking Airmen serving overseas during this holiday season. The

Dec. 22 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 22 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:KandaharAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

Tricare officials expanded benefits and customer service in 2009

The past year has been a busy one for Tricare officials with the introduction of a new Web-based counseling program and major enhancements to several other Tricare benefits.Introduced Aug. 1, the Tricare Assistance Program uses today's constantly evolving Web-based technologies to bring short-term

Think about family members if considering suicide

Thirty years ago today, Dec. 29, my father forever changed my life, as well as the lives of his other family members. He took a shotgun and shot himself in the head. His death certificate reads, "Self-inflicted gunshot wound."I can't tell you how many times I've heard people joke about something

Sheppard AFB endures winter's blast

Strong winds cause an umbrella to go "inverted" Dec. 24, 2009, during a snow storm at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The North Texas region received 10-15 inches of snow and ice in one day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Harry Tonemah)

Photo essay: Airmen prepare A-10s for mission

Pilots and crew prepare A-10 Thunderbolts II for flight at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 27, 2009. The A-10 is specifically designed to provide close air support for U.S. and coalition ground forces.View slideshow.

Georgia Air Guard teams with Army unit in Afghanistan

Georgia Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron have teamed up with 48th Infantry Brigade Soldiers in eastern Afghanistan. The Airmen are assigned to several joint terminal attack controller units that will call in combat-air support for the 48th's fighters, said

Three vaccines now available at Tricare network pharmacies

Tricare beneficiaries can now receive select vaccines with no out-of-pocket expense at retail pharmacies.For the first time, beneficiaries can visit Tricare retail network pharmacies to receive seasonal flu, H1N1 flu and pneumonia vaccines at no cost. This expanded coverage is available to all

USAFE Airmen retool to enhance tradition of Building Partnerships

The Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are charting new territory in tackling one of the Air Force's newest core functions: Building Partnerships.The lesson that international partnerships are essential to success in war and peace is not new. The Office of the Secretary of Defense directed U.S.

Airman sees Christmas spirit in Afghanistan

Maj. Tobin Griffeth, a legal officer from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, was featured recently in the San Antonio Express-News for a goodwill mission he helped foster while deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.Major Griffeth, a University of Texas graduate, along with Capt. Katie Illingworth,

Dec. 23 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 23 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Lashkar GahAir Force MQ-9A Reaper aircraft provided

Dec. 24 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 24 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided

Dec. 25 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 25 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft provided

Dec. 26 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 26 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAir Force MQ-1B Predator aircraft provided armed

Air Force medics partner with Iraqi Ministry of Defense hospital

Members of the Air Force Theater Hospital took the first step in partnering with members of Iraq's Ministry of Defense Hospital Dec. 22, to form the American-Iraqi Air Medical Evacuation and Medical Provider Training Course here. The first installment of training allowed the Iraqis to study burn

New Iraqi recruits get a leg up

More than 330 Iraqi air force recruits marched in a parade before beginning their initial basic military course Dec. 28, at Camp Taji, Iraq.Normally recruits attend the 12-week BMT course at the Iraqi Army Regional Training Center prior to reporting to the air force training school on Camp Taji for

Photo essay: Falcons basketball defeat UC Davis Aggies

The U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons hosted the University of California-Davis Aggies here Dec. 22 at Clune Arena. The Falcons rallied to defeat the Aggies, 69-57. View  the slideshow.