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  • Airmen resume refurbishing tankers

    As the saying goes, it's what's on the inside that counts. That is the case for a 45-plus-year-old KC-135 Stratotanker that has recently gone through an interior sprucing-up, by airmen of the 92nd Maintenance Squadron’s equipment excellence shop here."These improvements are critical to our

  • AFN broadcasts from Baghdad

    U.S. military broadcasters hit the airwaves in Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 10 with the first manned American Forces Radio and Television Service broadcast from the country.American Forces Network-Iraq, features live shows, news, sports, weather and commentary 24 hours a day in Baghdad. By the end of

  • Air Force names athletes of the year

    The Air Force announced its 2003 Athletes of the Year on Dec. 3 at the annual Athletic Business Conference in Orlando, Fla.This year’s Athletes of the Year are Capt. Kevin Eastler, from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; and 1st Lt. Laura McDonald, from Randolph AFB, Texas.Eastler, the United States’

  • Cadet named academic all-American

    An academy senior has been named to the 2003 Academic All-American Men’s Soccer Team, a first in the 48-year history of men’s soccer here.Cadet 1st Class Casey Chronister, of Yakima, Wash., is a forward and team co-captain on the soccer team, is a second-team selection and has a 3.85 grade point

  • Thunderbirds release 2004 schedule

    The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, announced its 2004 air show schedule. The team is scheduled to perform more than 65 shows in 22 states, Canada and Asia.The 2004 schedule is:March27 and 28 -- Punta Gorda, Fla.April3 and 4 -- Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.17 and

  • Study determining C-5A's viability

    Experts here are evaluating the C-5 Galaxy's current health, service life and long-term viability as the first phase of an on-going study to decide the aircraft’s future.The four-phase C-5A Structural Risk Analysis and Model Revalidation study began here at the request of Air Mobility Command

  • Officials announce EELV contract award

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 10 a contract award to Lockheed Martin International Launch Services for the purchase of one Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. The vehicle will launch a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., in 2006.This was a

  • Murray: Air Force faces challenges

    The service's top enlisted leader assured a group of more than 200 people here Dec. 8, that Air Force officials are working hard to overcome challenges in readiness and manning levels."Our family readiness is absolutely a direct component of our military readiness ... our ability to fight and win

  • Smithsonian opens new facility

    One of the most popular museums of the Smithsonian Institution here celebrated its expansion with a day honoring military aviation veterans.Military aviators from conflicts as far back as World War II were invited to the "Salute to Military Aviation Veterans" Dec. 9, at the National Air and Space

  • General addresses supply-chain problems

    When boxes of bubble wrap, filing cabinets and DVDs show up among "Triple Nine" cargo -- a number that designates the Air Force's highest priority shipment that usually is assigned to military units in places like Iraq -- it tells Gen. John W. Handy there is a problem with the military's supply

  • Airmen control northern Iraq flights

    With equipment older than many of its users, air traffic control services here present some unique challenges for the 32 people keeping Air Force and Army aircraft operating safely.Adapting to the challenges, airmen working in the 506th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron are responsible for

  • FEGLI rates rise for some

    Some Air Force people covered by Federal Employees Group Life Insurance will see an increase in premiums in January.Civilian employees in the Option B 70 to 80 or older age bands are slated for the increase the first full pay period of the new year, said Janet Thomas of the Air Force Personnel

  • Officials prohibit war trophies

    Servicemembers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are prohibited from bringing back to the United States any items that were formerly in the possession of the enemy, officials said. With about 140,000 American servicemembers scheduled to rotate out of Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command

  • Marines storm Eglin for exercise

    Marines stormed the beaches of the Eglin Gulf Test Range here Dec. 12 for a weeklong training exercise. The exercise involves ships, a submarine, aircraft and about 1,600 troops from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit of Expeditionary Strike Group Two.The Air Armament Center's 46th Test Wing airmen

  • United Arab Emirates honors Moseley

    The United Arab Emirates conferred the highest military order on Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley during a ceremony at the Dubai Air Show on Dec. 8.Lt. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the deputy crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chief of staff of the United Arab Emirates

  • AF suicide prevention recognized

    A landmark University of Rochester study of suicide in the U.S. Air Force concluded that the service’s suicide-prevention program reduced the risk of suicide by 33 percent during the past six years. The research was reported in the Dec. 12 edition of the British Medical Journal. "This is a

  • Airmen keep water flowing at Tallil

    When airmen here turn on a water faucet to brush their teeth or take a shower, they may not think about where the water comes from. But it takes six airmen working 12-hour shifts to keep the water flowing here around the clock.The pressure on them to keep water on tap is high because running

  • Armed Forces reach million-moved milestone

    The U.S. military reached a major milestone recently. More than 1 million troops have been moved (deployments and redeployments) supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.According to 2000 census data, this is like moving every man, woman and child in Montana more than 7,000

  • Airmen ongoing an ‘Amazing Race’

    Many organizations here have active group fitness programs. Some airmen head to the fitness center to play volleyball, while others go there and do timed push-ups and sit-ups.Each month, Space and Missile Systems Center Detachment 11 and Electronic Systems Center Detachment 5 airmen come together

  • Most commissaries not closing

    To soothe anxiety among service members and their families about reports of the Defense Department closing commissaries, a top Department of Defense official emphasized that the department strongly supports commissaries as an important benefit of military service. "The future of the commissary

  • Air Force celebrates Centennial of Flight

    The U.S. Air Force is bringing aviators, aircraft and adventure to the First Flight Centennial Celebration here through Dec. 17.The celebration commemorates the past century of flight and looks to the next generation of aviators to further the Wright brothers' dream."The Centennial of Flight is as

  • Airmen rescue shrimp boat crew

    Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing rescued two crewmembers of a sunken shrimping vessel Dec. 10.Wing officials sent two HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters at 4:15 p.m. to the scene, about 30 miles off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Fla.The crew had been sailing toward Bermuda when their boat apparently

  • Band’s ‘Born of a Dream’ plays to the troops

    Following performances in Washington and Los Angeles, the U.S. Air Force Band’s Broadway-class musical, “Born of a Dream,” will be broadcast to troops worldwide on American Forces Network’s Spectrum channel.The musical, which celebrates 100 years of powered flight, will air once on Dec. 16 and twice

  • Huge wreath honors all servicemembers

    A Maine man is looking for photos of servicemembers from across the country who are engaged in homeland defense and the war against terrorism. He said he wants to attach the photos to a giant Christmas wreath that will be illuminated with 10,000 lights in Maine’s capital city every night through

  • Fuels airmen keep aircraft fighting

    Working out of a tiny corner of a dilapidated, Soviet-built aircraft hangar here, four airmen work around the clock to do their part in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They are the Air Force's petroleum, oil and lubricant specialists assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group.The POL

  • National Guard celebrates birthday with run

    Members of the National Guard Bureau’s joint headquarters staff celebrated the National Guard’s 367th birthday a bit differently than in years past. Most of them ran, and some of them walked two miles. Army Guard Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, in his first year as the Guard Bureau’s chief, led the way.

  • Proceedings delayed for translator

    The military judge appointed to preside over the court-martial case involving an Air Force translator has delayed the proceedings. The initial session of Senior Airman Ahmad I. Al Halabi’s court-martial was scheduled for Dec. 15. It has been postponed until Jan. 13 to allow resolution of questions

  • Airmen react to Hussein’s capture

    There was cautious enthusiasm here the afternoon of Dec. 14 when rumors began floating that Saddam Hussein, the ace of spades in the “55 Most Wanted” deck of cards, might have been captured.For most people, the sound of gunfire outside the perimeter gate was nothing out of the ordinary, as

  • Airman plays big role in B-2 legacy

    He is Whiteman 7. He is Spirit 36. He is “GQ.” He is the first Whiteman-trained B-2 Spirit instructor pilot. And now, he is the project officer for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Spirit of Missouri’s arrival here Dec. 17.Col. Scott Land, 509th Operations Group deputy commander,

  • Iraqi translators react to news

    “No more nightmares,” said Mohammed Taha. “A lot more good will happen in Iraq after 35 years of nightmares.”Taha was just one of thousands of Iraqis who reacted with joy about the news that Saddam Hussein was captured Dec. 13 and is now in U.S. custody.What makes Taha unique is that he is one of a

  • Group explains re-employment rights

    Bobby Hollingsworth calls it “closing the loop.”He is the executive director of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, commonly referred to as ESGR. He is referring to how that organization is taking its message to members of the National Guard and other reservists,

  • Leaders reflect on 100 years of flight

    The following is a joint message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“It was the most significant 12 seconds of the last 100 years.“On Dec. 17, 1903, two bicycle builders from Ohio, Orville and Wilbur Wright, launched the world on a

  • Quarterly assignment listing available

    The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for people returning from overseas May through July will be available Jan. 13.Individuals should contact their military personnel flights to update their preferences by Jan. 30, said officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here. Airmen will be notified

  • Air Force announces OTS selections

    Air Force officials are giving 84 enlisted airmen the chance to trade in their stripes for gold bars by choosing them to attend Officer Training School, officials announced Dec. 16. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 515 applications and selected 157 as part of Officer Training

  • Civilians will see increase in pay

    While a civil service pay bill awaits congressional action, Air Force civilian employees should see an average 2-percent increase in their January paychecks.Air Force Personnel Center officials here said a 2-percent increase for general schedule employees will go into effect automatically and that

  • Firefighter challenge to air on ESPN

    Air Force and Department of Defense firefighters will get airtime this weekend as ESPN2 broadcasts the 12th annual Firefighter Challenge at 2 p.m. EST on Dec. 21.Twelve military teams participated in the Firefighter Challenge competition, joining almost 200 other fire departments from the United

  • Hoaxes affect government cards

    A recent e-mail hoax targeted government purchasing cardholders in an attempt to gain vital account information.The e-mail message linked users to a Web-based form, which fraudulently requested key information such as Social Security number, credit card account numbers and expiration dates.“This is

  • Regis, Kelly featuring troop holiday messages

    Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, hosts of the morning talk show, "Live with Regis and Kelly," will feature televised holiday greetings from deployed U.S. servicemembers to their loved ones at home throughout Christmas week.Footage of troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Korea and Bosnia, all shot by

  • Secretary discusses Air Guard’s future

    Bold innovation and seamless integration of active-duty and Air Reserve Component forces are vital to winning America’s future battles, the service’s top executive said.“The Air National Guard must remain ready, reliable and relevant … to meet the joint force’s needs in theater combat,” Secretary of

  • KC-10 crew flies flag of hope

    A KC-10 Extender crew at a forward-deployed location carried a special message of hope and peace on their flight over Iraq on Dec. 9.As part of the project “Hands on America,” the crew displayed from their boom window an 86-by-76-inch American Flag hand-crafted by Iowa school students. In doing so,

  • Readiness Challenge postponed

    Mission requirements have forced Air Force officials to again postpone Readiness Challenge VIII, the biennial multinational combat-support competition. No makeup date has been announced, but officials said they hope to resume competition in 2005. The competition was scheduled to return in 2004

  • Replacements sought for aging helicopters

    An aging fleet of combat search and rescue helicopters is leading Air Force officials on a quest for a new personnel recovery vehicle.The HH-60G Pave Hawks that comprise the CSAR helicopter fleet are 14 years old on average. The oldest are 23 years old and have surpassed the 7,000 flying-hour mark.

  • Air Force boxers qualify for Olympic trials

    Three Air Force boxers have qualified for the U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials during the 2003 Armed Forces Boxing Championship held at Camp Lejeune, N.C., from Dec. 7 to 12. -- Airman 1st Class Hector Ramos from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., won the 132-pound lightweight class. -- Airman James Johnson

  • ‘Spirit of Freedom’ dedicated at AF museum

    U.S. Air Force Museum officials formally inducted a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber into the institution’s aircraft collection Dec. 16. The Air Force’s national museum is the first place to permanently exhibit the stealth bomber to the public.During the dedication ceremony, officials christened the

  • AF identifies operational shortfalls

    Air Force officials released a list of operational shortfalls Dec. 17. The list came from a two-year analysis of current and future warfighting effects and capabilities, a process called a capabilities review and risk assessment.The assessment identified and prioritized critical operational

  • Tallil airmen donate clothes to Iraqis

    Airmen here have found a way to become involved with the local Iraqi community through a joint operation with the Army.As airmen leave the base after their tours of duty, many dispose of their civilian clothes. Officials here decided to collect the discarded clothes, clean them and give them to

  • C-17 debuts in exercise

    For the first time, the C-17 Globemaster III was included in a mission-employment exercise held here the first two weeks of December. The C-17 adds a greater air-mobility presence to the exercise, which allows combat air forces to get a better idea of how the airlifters are used, said Lt. Col. John

  • Airmen bring holiday cheer to remote village

    Every now and then, people see the true embodiment of the Christmas spirit -- gifts given with no associated commercialism, joy shared with no negative undercurrents and help offered with no expectation of return.The airmen and spouses of the 517th Airlift Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base,

  • Cadets get job assignments

    Senior Air Force Academy cadets got an early holiday present this month when they found out which Air Force jobs they will perform after graduation.Fifty-three percent of the senior class -- 530 of 988 -- are bound for undergraduate pilot training. Another 34 cadets will be navigators and seven

  • Stars tour Iraq for holidays

    Airmen and soldiers crowded the only hangar here Dec. 17 in hopes of capturing a glimpse of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several entertainers who were traveling throughout Iraq.Gen. Richard Myers brought with him Academy Award winning actor and comedian Robin Williams, Olympic gold

  • Four earn 2003 Sijan award

    Four airmen are being recognized with the service's 2003 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award. The Sijan award annually recognizes senior and junior officer and enlisted airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities while assigned to organizations at the wing level or below.The 2003

  • Roche visits RAF Mildenhall troops

    The secretary of the Air Force visited here Dec. 11 and 12 to say “thanks” to the men and women for their hard work during the past year.During his two-day trip, Dr. James G. Roche toured aircraft and units, received mission briefings and, most importantly, met with the airmen he specifically came

  • Crowds gather for re-enactment

    More than 34,200 people stood in mud, the cold and rain, and under gray sky to witness the climax of a yearlong celebration.The event was not even something original or new, but something that had been done before -- exactly 100 years before.The crowd gathered to watch a re-enactment of Orville and

  • Bush: Wright qualities define nation

    Gray sky, chilly air and pouring rain did not dampen the sprit of an enthusiastic crowd here Dec. 17 as they awaited the arrival of the event’s most anticipated guest speaker.President George W. Bush was scheduled to address the crowd at the Wright Brothers National Memorial on Dec. 17, the last day

  • OSI investigation garners excellence award

    Detachment 102 of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations here has been awarded the President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency Investigative Excellence Award. The detachment won the award for its work on the case of the United States vs. Arguin. Investigators worked with U.S. General

  • SG prioritizes influenza vaccinations

    The Air Force is taking prudent steps to protect the health and safety of all its beneficiaries in light of the early onset of influenza.The nationwide increase of influenza cases and reports of severe complications, including deaths, has led to a higher demand for influenza vaccination than in

  • AF names environmental winners

    The Air Force civil engineer announced the winners of the Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Award for 2003.Nine of the winners are eligible for the secretary of defense environmental-security award and will go forward as the nominees.The 2003 winners are:-- Environmental Quality Award

  • B-2 reaches full operational capability

    The B-2 Spirit reached full operational capability status, Lt. Gen. Bruce Carlson announced Dec. 17 during a ceremony here. The event was marked by the Spirit of Missouri's re-enactment of its first delivery here 10 years ago."The B-2 Spirit is combat-proven. It's now officially fully

  • Lackland civilian wins DOD award

    Department of Defense officials named the 2003 Outstanding DOD Employee with a Disability Award during a recent ceremony in Bethesda, Md.Raymond Jenks, an instructional systems specialist with the 37th Training Support Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is the winner.“It really feels great

  • Applications available for teen aviation camp

    Thirty-six teens will have the opportunity to attend the fifth annual Air Force Teen Aviation Camp at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The camp will run June 5 to 11.High-school students who have completed their freshman or sophomore year and are interested in the academy and aviation camp should submit

  • Rumsfeld welcomes combat controllers

    Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld welcomed a new crop of Air Force combat controllers Dec. 18 during a visit to Pope Air Force Base, N.C.During his graduation remarks, Rumsfeld said the Combat Control School "produces some of the finest warriors in the Air Force and the armed services."In fact,

  • ‘First-strike rations’ developed

    "Ration stripping" is what they call it when forward-deployed combat servicemembers get rid of all but the most essential items from their Meals, Ready to Eat so they do not have so much to carry as they set out on a mission.Servicemembers in Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan reported sacrificing

  • Airmen remember Linebacker II

    Thirty-three airmen stood in a somber formation here Dec.18 to mark the 31st anniversary of the Linebacker II missions that led to the end of the Vietnam War. Each airman, who represented a fallen airman, snapped to attention as a name was read from the list of those lost. Thirty-three airmen and

  • Pilot talks about Enola Gay mission

    “Airspeed and altitude” was the flight strategy that positioned the Enola Gay to deliver the first atomic bomb used as a weapon nearly 60 years ago, said the pilot who planned and flew the mission.Retired Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets spent several days in the nation’s capital attending events leading

  • Pilot talks about Enola Gay mission

    “Airspeed and altitude” was the flight strategy that positioned the Enola Gay to deliver the first atomic bomb used as a weapon nearly 60 years ago, said the pilot who planned and flew the mission.Retired Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets spent several days in the nation’s capital attending events leading

  • Concurrent receipt pay reality in Jan.

    Military retirees will begin receiving both retired pay and Veterans Affairs disability compensation as the disability offset is phased out.Previously, the offset reduced the amount of the military retiree’s pay by an amount equal to any disability payment received from the VA.Legislation

  • Now showing: Dec. 22 edition of AFTV News

    The Dec. 22 edition of Air Force Television News celebrates the centennial of flight, the Air Force contribution to man’s eternal quest to fly and the repository highlighting that quest.Produced and hosted by Tech. Sgt. Bill Scherer, the second of four special editions of Air Force Television News

  • Gatlin Brothers, band visit airmen

    The Gatlin Brothers and the Air Force’s High Flight band teamed up to perform a concert here Dec. 18 for airmen with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing at a forward-deployed location.The day of the concert, the Gatlins toured the base, visiting with airmen from the various units. They got their hands

  • Two missing airmen identified

    Two airmen missing in action from the Vietnam War have been identified and returned to their families for burial. They are Maj. Richard W. Cooper Jr., of Salisbury, Md.; and Chief Master Sgt. Charlie S. Poole, of Gibsland, La.On Dec. 19, 1972, Cooper and Poole were crewmembers aboard a B-52D

  • Rocket launches from Florida

    One hundred years after the Wright Brothers flew 120 feet, a Delta II rocket placed a Global Positioning System satellite into orbit from here Dec. 21.A team consisting of people from the 1st Space Launch Squadron, the Space and Missile Systems Center, Lockheed and Boeing launched the 49th GPS.“The

  • Red Cross manager asks donors to hold off

    In August, the American Red Cross asked the public for donations of phone cards, clothing, small suitcases and comfort items for servicemembers recuperating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.Now Barbara Green, the ARC station manager, said she has more phone cards, sweat pants and luggage than

  • F.E. Warren dormitory catches fire

    Base firefighters who responded to a dormitory fire here Dec. 16 at about 3:30 a.m. said the fire was likely caused by a smoldering cigarette left in a couch.Damage to the 82-room dormitory is estimated at $28,000. “The dorm sprinkler system put out the fire in a matter of minutes, and the base

  • AF leaders visit Bagram airmen

    Air Force senior leaders praised the dedication and sacrifice of airmen here during a visit Dec. 19.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray were welcomed to Afghanistan by 455th Expeditionary Operations Group airmen who are supporting

  • Operation Season’s Greetings airs on AFRTS

    A television version of Air Force Reserve Command’s Operation Season’s Greetings will be broadcast Dec. 23 and 24 to American servicemembers worldwide on Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.The annual tour starred country music group Restless Heart, and also brought four New England Patriots

  • Time selects military as Person of the Year

    Three 1st Armored Division soldiers -- Sgt. Ronald Buxton, Spc. Billie Grimes and Sgt. Marquette Whiteside -- graced the cover of Time magazine Dec. 22. They represent "The American Soldier" -- all men and women in uniform -- who have been chosen as Time's 2003 Person of the Year."For uncommon

  • Music artists deliver holiday notes from home

    Country-music star Vince Gill, along with his wife, contemporary-Christian artist Amy Grant, will bring holiday cheer to troops worldwide Dec. 24 and 25 with the radio show “Holiday Notes From Home.” The show will be broadcast on Armed Forced Radio and Television Service.An Air Force Reserve

  • Airmen deliver holiday supplies to islanders

    Airmen here teamed up with people from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and the surrounding Guam communities to airlift Christmas supplies to more than 50 Micronesian islands. This was the 51st anniversary of the Christmas Drop mission.Four C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron

  • Earthquake hits Vandenberg

    The base felt the effects of the preliminary magnitude 6.5-earthquake that rocked central California on Dec. 22 at 11:15 a.m. A 30th Space Wing emergency response team reacted to the quake.There have been no reported injuries or deaths here as a result. Civil engineers report there has been minor

  • Capturing holiday with one shot

    “Just like senior pictures.” More than one airman or soldier made that remark on a recent weekend as they waited their turn to pose for digital Christmas portraits.The picture-perfect gifts were meant for family and friends.A 455th Expeditionary Operations Group aircraft maintenance hangar was

  • Automated External Defibrillator saves life

    Two days before Thanksgiving, Bob Green and his wife, Mary, came here to shop at the commissary.While such trips are not usually very momentous, this one proved to be a lifesaver for the 68-year-old retired Air Force technical sergeant who suddenly became ill that day. Sitting on a bench while his

  • Holiday feast totals $1.5 million

    There will be plenty of traditional holiday foods with all the trimmings available for America’s servicemembers, including those located throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East during the upcoming holiday season.The food list includes 77,000 pounds of turkey; 50,000 pounds of beef; 91,000 pounds

  • New MRE entrees coming soon

    Servicemembers in the field about to grab a Meal, Ready to Eat combat ration might want to choose the Jamaican pork chop, the pasta with alfredo sauce or the beef with mushrooms.These entrees will soon be gone from the MRE inventory, and replaced by new dishes that food technologists at the U.S.

  • Class project teaches movie-making

    He is dry-witted, serious about his craft, and worried about budget and deadlines. He produced and directed his first movie last spring and, perhaps most notably, he is too young to legally see many movies playing in the theaters.Steven Watts, a 13-year-old Spangdahlem Middle School student, and

  • Blood donors needed during holiday

    Armed Services Blood Program officials are urging eligible donors to give blood this holiday season to ensure supplies are available to treat servicemembers, retirees and their families.The blood program organization collects, processes and distributes blood and blood products for the Department of

  • Operation C.H.I.P. offers ‘a taste of home’

    The Incirlik Officers’ Spouses Club, in conjunction with the family support center here, has baked, collected and packaged more than 8,400 cookies to distribute to unaccompanied airmen this holiday season. The goal of Operation C.H.I.P. (Cookies Help Incirlik Personnel) is to give every

  • Contractors bring relief to radar maintainers

    Supporting flying operations in Iraq and Afghanistan has thinned manning at bases worldwide in many already critically manned career fields. One of which is the radar maintenance career field. Central Air Force officials have brought some relief to the career field by contracting maintenance at

  • UK now requires entry clearance

    New immigration regulations enacted by the United Kingdom require people visiting for more than six months to obtain entry clearance before travel.These new rules apply to military family members, as well as civilian personnel, contractors and their families. Active-duty military members on orders

  • First sergeant testifies to seatbelt safety

    When Master Sgt. Thomas Dunlap buckled his seatbelt after climbing into his truck recently, he was not thinking about personal-risk management. He was simply doing what came naturally after years of accident-free driving.But as the 436th Services Squadron first sergeant crawled out of his wrecked

  • CMSAF sends holiday message

    The following is a holiday message from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray:“To our airmen stationed at home and abroad, and their families -- Sherry and I send our warmest wishes to you this holiday season. It is an honor for us to serve in our U.S. Air Force with each of you.“The

  • AF leaders send holiday message

    The following is a joint message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“During this holiday season, Americans have placed their hopes for peace with those who have answered the call to secure freedom: The soldiers, sailors, airmen and

  • Reservist riding in Rose Bowl parade

    An Air Force Reserve officer will join marching bands, equestrian teams and colorful floats traveling down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, Calif., at the 115th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1.Maj. Tami Rougeau, along with her family and civilian employer, will receive an

  • Gingerbread King builds sweet memories

    For more than 35 years, Tommie Jones has been making gingerbread structures. This year, he has added 13 pieces to his repertoire. Seven are displayed at the enlisted dining area at the Milazzo Club; six can be seen at Mitchell Hall here.Jones said that many other organizations have gingerbread

  • Prior-service airmen receive SKT exemptions

    Prior-service airmen who do not possess the minimum required primary Air Force specialty skill level commensurate with their grade will now automatically receive a two-year exemption from taking the Specialty Knowledge Test during promotion fitness exams.The change will become effective with the

  • NORAD is tracking Santa Claus

    Children worldwide can watch Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s tracking team.Former Beatle, Ringo Starr, is serving as NORAD’S honorary Santa tracker this year.Children can phone NORAD’s operations center beginning at 7 a.m. MST on Dec. 24 at

  • Officials examine anthrax court decision

    The Defense Department will stop anthrax vaccinations until the legal situation around a recent court decision is resolved, Department of Defense officials said. Defense officials and lawyers with the Justice Department are examining a decision handed down by a federal judge in Washington on Dec. 22

  • ‘SmackDown’ in Iraq airs Dec. 25

    A holiday special edition of World Wrestling Entertainment’s “SmackDown” will air Dec. 25 on UPN and American Forces Network television.The show was filmed at the Army’s Camp Victory near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq.It features some of today’s biggest names in professional wrestling like

  • Airstrike targets enemy safe house

    F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron dropped two Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs on an enemy safe house near here Dec. 27.Operation Stocking Stuffer was launched to destroy an abandoned two-story house known to be a launching pad for attacks against coalition

  • Airmen provide aid to Iran

    An Air National Guard C-130 Hercules landed here Dec. 28 with five pallets of humanitarian aid destined for the earthquake-stricken residents of Bam.The cargo included medical supplies, food and purified water. American airmen and Iranian soldiers worked side-by-side forming a human chain to unload

  • Officials may improve commissary benefits

    Finding ways to improve commissary benefits tops the Defense Department's list of things to do to enhance quality of life for servicemembers and their families.But when DOD officials announced they were studying the "variable pricing" concept being used by private-sector grocery stores and

  • Academy part of Rose Bowl parade

    People from the U.S. Air Force Academy will participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1.The academy's parachuting and demonstration team, the Wings of Blue, is scheduled to parachute into the parade, while four cadets and the entire 69-person Air Force Academy Band will march in the