Theater distribution center equips Airmen

Entering the 376th Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center's issue and return building correlates to walking into a wholesale outfitters store -- all the gear one needs to get through the mission. "The primary purpose of this ETDC is to outfit all battlefield Airmen going downrange to Afghanistan

Michigan Guard prepares for former president's burial

Hundreds of Michigan National Guardsmen are preparing to welcome home President Gerald R. Ford, who died Dec. 26 at age 93 at his residence in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., and will be buried on the grounds of his presidential museum there Jan. 3, after being honored in

McGuire Airmen to be honored New Year's Eve

Two Airmen from here will be honored guests of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg when the ball is dropped at midnight in Times Square on New Year's Eve. First Lt. Erick Saks and Tech. Sgt. Sonya Bulluck were chosen for their contributions to their country, community and the continuing war on

Elite Air Force unit transports former president's body

Airmen from the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., will transport the body of former President Gerald R. Ford, a U.S. Navy veteran, as his remains are flown between points in California, Washington and Michigan, Air Force military officers based here said. Ford, the nation's 38th

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Adam Tisher

Like the members of any fire department, military or civilian, firefighters are tasked to be on duty 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, including Christmas. But also like the firefighters of any fire department, the members build a close bond with their co-workers; most become their second families.

NCO awarded $10,000 for money saving IDEA

A New Hampshire Air National Guard sergeant came up with an idea that saved the Air Force thousands of dollars and earned him some cash, too. Tech. Sgt. Frank Stephens was awarded $10,000 through the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness, or IDEA, program on Nov. 21. The

Airmen to provide support for Ford's memorial services

Airmen from the Air Force Band and Air Force Honor Guard will be involved over the next five days with the memorial services planned for former U.S. President Gerald R. Ford who passed away Dec. 26.Bandmembers from the Air Force Band of Flight out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and the

Serving through the season: Master Sgt. Greg Curtis

Master Sgt. Greg Curtis may be serving in America's Southwest desert this holiday season, but his plans for the Christmas weekend still included some time on the ice.As the first sergeant for Task Force Yuma, a component of Operation Jump Start, Sergeant Curtis organized a Morale, Welfare and

Upgrading the warfighter

Airmen who wear glasses or contact lenses know how difficult it can be to deploy to an environment riddled with sand and dust. The Wilford Hall Refractive Surgery Center is offering to fix this problem, giving Airmen the chance to surgically correct their vision, with no wait. "If you look at an

Patient-loaded C-17 from Iraq 1st to try Ramstein's low-vis landing system

On Christmas Day, a C-17 Globemaster III departed Iraq carrying 14 patients requiring medical care at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. Due to a low-ceiling visibility, the C-17 requested the first-ever CAT II instrument landing system approach to a Ramstein runway, just three days after

Latest Roll Call focuses on enlisted career development

This week's Roll Call features an on-line enlisted career development tool designed to provide standardization in every aspect of career progression. My Enlisted Development Plan, or MyEDP, can be accessed from anywhere that Internet service is available. Once an Airman has established an account --

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Eggel

Elizabeth Eggel has one more helmet and survival vest to inspect before she can call it a day. But, she'll do the same thing tomorrow and during the rest of the holiday season, ensuring the aircrew equipment is ready to go at a moment's notice. The staff sergeant would like to be at home with her

Airmen present the flag

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Renika Adams

Senior Airman Renika Adams has always been about helping people. Ever since she was very young, the ambulance services technician with Incirlik Air Base's 39th Medical Group has wanted to be a nurse."There's always someone hurt, there's always someone sick, and we're here if anybody needs us at any

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Jacob Chavez

Training the men and women of the Air Force is a huge responsibility for military training instructors at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.Staff Sgt. Jacob Chavez takes on this responsibility every day, devoting a majority of his time, including holidays, to mentor and teach trainees the importance of

Bush notes progress on Iraq plan, praises troops, families

After a three-hour meeting with his national security team today, President Bush noted progress in defining the way forward in Iraq and praised servicemembers and their families for their sacrifices. Bush said input provided by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Christopher Boitz

Each holiday season, photos grace Air Force Link highlighting Airmen working. Rarely shown, however, is the one working behind the lens -- the photographer. Airman 1st Class Christopher Boitz, a still photographer with the 5th Communications Squadron, worked Christmas Day. "I'd like to be home with

Nearly 4,000 servicemembers to support Ford's funeral

Almost 4,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members are gearing up to support the national farewell to former President Gerald R. Ford that will span a seven-day period with events in California, Maryland, the nation's capital and Michigan."This is DOD's way of showing respect

Military tradition to be evident in Ford funeral events

Military tradition will be evident throughout the events associated with the Dec. 26 death of former President Gerald R. Ford, as the services join the nation in bidding farewell to their former commander in chief. Ford's three-stage state funeral will begin Dec. 29 with the former president's

Space Command civilian volunteers to deploy down range

In January, a civilian from Air Force Space Command will be going down range in support of the war on terrorism. The volunteer, assigned the Logistics and Warfighting Integration Directorate, stepped up to fill a base-level planner position for the Air Force. Michele Kantak, a wife and mother of

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Kayne Brady

The holidays are a time of celebration, sharing and spending time with family and friends. The security forces who work at the installation gates on Christmas keep those family members and friends moving safely along to their destinations. Airman 1st Class Kayne Brady knew it was his turn to work on

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Terry Roberts Jr.

Waiting for the call he hopes doesn't come is what Airman 1st Class Terry Roberts Jr. will be doing this holiday season. A firefighter with the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron here, the young Airman is spending his first year in the Air Force overseas and away from family. Of course, the Albuquerque,

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. April Brown

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Staff Sgt. April Brown will be watching the skies over Iraq, ensure routing of aircraft over northern Iraq. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, she'd rather be home with her family, and not deployed half way around the world. "I

National Civic Outreach Program keeps public informed

The mission of informing the public about the military can be a difficult task and one of the tools of the trade is the base tour. The focus of the tour can be local or national. Capt. Rob Lazaro, deputy director of the Air Force National Civic Outreach Office, said that national tours are a bit

Letter exchange cheers Airmen away from home

Since Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here can't be home for the holidays, a group of elementary students from Florida have been sending season's greetings by exchanging letters."It started with 10 letters, and the school in Orlando called up, asking if we could get 10

Officials select civilians for leadership program

Sixty nine Air Force civilians were selected recently for a new leadership development program that provides a total force development vision for Air Force civilians in the GS-15 grade, preparing them for senior roles in the Department of Defense. The civilians were selected from 115 candidates by a

Special visitors spread cheer to Airmen in Afghanistan

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander visited Airmen deployed to Afghanistan to thank them for what they do. He also brought along the USAFE popular music band Direct Hit to spread holiday cheer. The high-quality blend of rock, pop, and rhythm and blues delivered right on target, but Gen. Tom

Ford helped U.S. recover from Watergate

Americans will remember former President Gerald R. Ford as a man with the courage to heal a nation.President Ford, who died at his California home Dec. 26 at age 93, assumed the presidency at a grim time in American history. In the midst of a distinguished career in the House of Representatives, the

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Fredric Rosario

Airmen here toil through all kinds of weather, situations, and exercises. Sometimes the simplest job becomes difficult when you know what you are missing out on: holidays with your family and friends. Having to work on a holiday is nothing new to Staff Sgt. Fredric Rosario of the 724th Air Mobility

Serving through the season: Maj. Joni Clemens

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Maj. Joni Clemens will be a true angel of mercy as she tends to America's finest in their hour of need. Of course, like other Airmen serving their country in the far corners of the globe, she would rather be spending time with her family -- not on the

Misawa base news goes online

As the end of 2006 rapidly approaches, a significant chapter in the history of the Northern Light closes with this issue as it heralds its transition from newsprint to a cyber-space news source. "This transition is in line with Air Force Smart Operations-21," said Brig. Gen. Sam Angelella, 35th

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Charles Gillman

"To be honest, you never get used to being away from family and friends during the holidays. What helps me the most is that they understand why." The sentiments of Staff Sgt. Charles Gillman, a missile security controller with the 341st Security Support Squadron who has been in the Air Force for six

Air Force dining facility in Baghdad honors hero

While many Americans removed bows and pulled back ribbons from neatly wrapped presents, Airmen here unveiled a tribute to a fallen hero, stressed the importance of airpower and cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the first Air Force dining facility in Baghdad. Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central

Balad leads from front in season of giving

No matter what holiday you celebrate -- Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other -- this time of year is generally regarded as the season for giving and a time to share. One might wonder, then, why the spirit of this season isn't observed all year. But it is here at Balad, where many Airmen

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Christina Grable

Not egg nog or deviled eggs. Just the basics. Sizzling eggs mixed with tomatoes and ham. That's how Airman 1st Class Christina Grable celebrated her Christmas, by cooking eggs at the Samurai Cafe here. For Airman Grable, spending the day over the skillet was nothing new; spending Christmas Day over

Ground radar techs enable control of tactical air battlespace

Precision and attention to even the slightest detail is crucial when you're responsible for maintaining ground radar systems. Providing 24-hours-a-day support, Airmen in the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron's ground radar shop ensure Balad's ground radar systems work flawlessly. "Our job is

Holloman forces trained, ready for possible shuttle landing

Space Shuttle Discovery landed safely at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Dec. 22, bringing the shuttle's mission to a successful end. Though it did not land at White Sands Missile Range, the emergency response team from Holloman stood ready to launch into action. Questionable weather at the primary

Task force on future of military healthcare established

Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England announced Dec. 22 the names of the 14-member future military healthcare task force; the task force will evaluate and recommend alternatives to ensure the stability of military medicine over the long term. As directed by Congress in the National Defense

Refuelers keep mission going Christmas Day over Afghanistan

'Tis the season for giving and receiving. In the skies over Afghanistan, every day of the year could pass as Christmas Day. Refueling aircraft give up their fuel to the receiving aircraft which carry out the mission of air supremacy and ground support for Operation Enduring Freedom. Christmas Day

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Lara Koler

If Staff Sgt. Lara Koler had her 'druthers, she'd be taking hay rides and singing carols with her parents and other relatives during traditional holiday activities in Wendell, Idaho. Instead, the Eugene, Ore., native will be watching radar tracks dance across her computer screen at the Western Air

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Hector Rosado

Defending freedom has no bounds and the ground support provided by Senior Airman Hector Rosado helps to keep the airlift mission in Afghanistan in the right perspective. Deployed from the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, Airman Rosado is serving as an aviation resource manager for the 774th

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Douglas Hicks

Senior Airman Douglas Hicks, deployed from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., misses his wife, Yolanda, and his teenagers, Troy, 16, and Olivia, 15. But he knows he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and he accepts his volunteer status gracefully. After all, this is not his first deployment, but it is

Kandahar Airman receives Purple Heart

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class John Alkire

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Airman 1st Class John Alkire will be manning his post and turret for the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, he would rather be at home with his family -- not halfway around the world. "I have been

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Mark Kreul

Senior Airman Mark Kreul is hoping his Christmas this year is a lot like his Thanksgiving was. "There are a lot of awesome people around here; people you don't even know. They just open their arms for you on the holiday," Airman Kreul said. He is a member of the South Dakota Air National Guard's

Antarctica joint task force medevacs two

Thirteenth Air Force's Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica Operation Deep Freeze took on an emergency short notice mission late on Dec. 23 (Antarctica time) to medevac two patients: a 74-year-old female passenger from the Russian cruise ship Kapitan Klebnikov, and a seriously ill resident of

Volunteers complete annual Operation Christmas Drop

More than 150 volunteers helped complete the world's longest running humanitarian airdrop Dec. 19, commemorating the 54th Annual Operation Christmas Drop that reached more than 50 remote Pacific islands. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, 36th Wing commander, kicked off the operation with a ceremony that

Serving through the season: Capt. Kris J. Person

Many Airmen throughout the world will be spending time away from home during the holidays fighting for America's freedoms. One such Airman is an F-15C pilot stationed here. Capt. Kris Person, an 18th Operations Support Squadron electronic combat officer flying with the 44th Fighter Squadron, will be

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Matt Hodges

Senior Airman Matt Hodges is an air traffic controller with the 52nd Operation Support Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Airman Hodges ensures all aircraft coming in and out of the base land and depart safely. The job requires strict attention to detail and many, many hours of staring into

Warren team, Colorado road crew join forces in rescue

A missile facility manager and security forces team from Warren, along with a Colorado state roads and grounds crew came to the aid of a man Dec. 21 whose vehicle was engulfed by four-foot drifts of snow for 13 hours. The Logan County Sherriff's Department requested ground search and rescue

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Mario Williams

While many Airmen are preparing to head home for the holidays, many others will be on duty working at home stations and deployed locations across the world. One particular MacDill Airman won't be heading home, but he will be together on Christmas with a member of his family -- sort of. Staff Sgt.

Pep rally heightens excitement for Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

Team spirit was evident throughout the streets of the downtown area here known as Sundance Square. Whether it was the wearing of school colors of two teams ready to take each other on in a gridiron challenge or the uniform pride of armed force members, there was no doubt this was an all-American

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Ayoca Peters

Senior Airman Ayoca Peters knows better than anyone that the Air Force mission does not take a break during the holidays. While others will be opening gifts or spending time with family and friends, she will be continuing to do her job to ensure Air Force aircrew members can continue to dominate the

Published Roll Calls to resume next week

Roll Call, a one-page print product that is posted online each Friday, will return Dec. 29 after the Christmas holiday. Roll Calls are found on the Senior Leader Viewpoints page in the Library section of Air Force Link. Each Roll Call covers one or two topics and is designed to help supervisors

Army-led breast cancer vaccine study shows promising results

An Army-led breast cancer vaccination study is offering hope to breast cancer survivors. Early study results suggest a 50 percent reduction in disease recurrence for vaccinated women. Col. (Dr.) George Peoples, Brooke Army Medical Center surgeon and principal investigator for the study, released the

Eglin performs largest 'cook-off' test ever

No one does cook-offs bigger than the members of the 46th Test Wing here. Members of the 780th Test Squadron suspended a rocket motor Dec. 14. over a 2,622 square foot pan full of approximately 28,000 gallons of jet fuel and lit it on fire, which is called a fast cook-off test.This test, which took

Chief McKinley returns 'home' to Tinker

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley returned to his old stomping grounds here Dec. 13 and, in the process, took a stroll down memory lane. The chief, a former first sergeant at Tinker AFB from the mid '90s to July 2000, was on leave to visit family members in the area and to attend

Hickam leads way to lessen fossil fuel use

The Air Force is the largest consumer of petroleum products in the Department of Defense and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne has made it a priority to find alternative fuels to replace fossil fuels. In a partnership with the State of Hawaii, Hickam is implementing Secretary Wynne's

Serving through the season: Airman Van Dexter Duez

Keeping F-15 Eagles maintained and flying is what one Airman here will be doing over the holidays. Airman Van Dexter Duez is assigned to the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Management Production Flight where he schedules and coordinates the weekly flying and maintenance schedules for

Air Force officials take 'strategic communication to next level'

Top Air Force leaders attending a strategic communication summit here Dec. 19 outlined an ambitious blueprint for Airmen to tell the nation about their service's contributions to the war on terrorism. In a day-long, wide-ranging discussion, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne and Chief of Staff

Gates, Pace laud troops serving far from home

New Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Dec. 22 thanked American servicemembers and their families "for the sacrifices they're all making and for their bravery in pursuit of our nation's security." Secretary Gates, on his final day of a three-day visit to Iraq, said he is very impressed with the

Sesame Street's Elmo to educate Americans on deployments

Elmo and the characters of Sesame Street are going to give Americans at large a chance to see what military families go through when their loved ones deploy to war zones. Sesame Street will air "When Parents Are Deployed" on most Public Broadcasting System stations Dec. 27, and Armed Forces Network

Serving through the season: Capt. Ryan Rasmussen

Although the Airmen assigned to Joint Task Force Civil Support have decorated their respective doors with holiday decorations, it doesn't measure up to being home. "Of course I'd rather be home with all of my friends and family, but I know that what we're doing here is important to the safety and

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Lindsey Dawson

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Senior Airman Lindsey Dawson will be manning her desk in the base command post, the nerve center for the 506th Air Expeditionary Group. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, she'd rather be home with her family, and not deployed

College of American Pathologists lauds Ellsworth lab

Officials from the College of American Pathologists recently accredited the medical laboratory here after a thorough inspection, examining everything from needles and giant rubber bands to each of the more than 1,000 processes involved in maintaining a lab. "(The inspectors) actually go through each

Puerto Rico Airmen support two wars

When Tech. Sgt. Jose Melendez volunteered to deploy with his unit on his first combat tour in Afghanistan, he didn't quite know what to expect. He'd never been to war. But when he got to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, it didn't take the guardsman long to learn what Airmen are doing in support of the

C-17 makes 1st-ever airdrop to Antarctica

Another airpower milestone was reached Dec. 20 with the completion of the first C-17 Globemaster III airdrop mission that delivered about 70,000 pounds of supplies to the South Pole.The airdrop's success is due to the combined effort of people from Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica

Airmen train to walk among the stars

There are some Airmen who train to push a 4,000 pound hunk of steel and electronics out of their way with a flick of their pinky finger. Some Airmen train to fly at more than 17,000 mph, or roughly 5 miles per second. And some Airmen even train to "fly" without the use of any aircraft at all. But

Serving through the season: Airman Cameron Houghtaling Jr.

There is a good chance Airman Cameron Houghtaling Jr. will not be home this holiday season, spending time with his family and friends.Airman Houghtaling is deployed to Bagram AB where he is the Services fitness coordinator and lodging assistant for Air Force members. "This holiday season I will be

TRANSCOM commander visits Air Mobility Warfare Center

Saying he was impressed by the remarkable people and their wide-ranging missions, the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command wrapped up a two-day tour Dec. 14 of units at McGuire Air Force Base, nearby Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, the Air Mobility Warfare Center here, as well as

Chief on quest to improve communication with Airmen

Telling Airmen the Air Force's top priorities was the focus of the Pacific Air Forces command chief master sergeant's visit here in mid December. "I'm amazed at how poorly we have communicated the Air Force's priorities to the Airmen in the field," said Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop. "We need

Airmen return to Shaw from overseas deployments

Approximately 46 Airmen returned to Shaw AFB in mid December after being deployed to Southwest Asia fighting the war on terrorism. The Airmen returned in two groups, one returning from supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, while the second group was mainly supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in

Bagram opens $68 million runway

Despite inclement weather and the possibility of snowfall, a new $68 million runway was opened and celebrated by Air Force and Army servicemembers, civilian contractors and Afghan officials Dec. 20 at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The project was executed by Contrak International workers from Cairo,

Gates urges Americans to remember servicemembers

New Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, here on a surprise pre-Christmas visit Dec. 20, urged Americans to remember military members and their families throughout the holiday season. "I hope that everybody at home here at the holiday will remember that all these men and women are away from their

Serving through the season: Airman Marilyn Torres

It's already on the schedule -- Amn. Marilyn Torres will celebrate the holidays inside the 726th Air Mobility Squadron's supply warehouse, ensuring heavy aircraft assigned here are mission-ready. Like many Airmen new to the Air Force, she'll also spend some time doing details, such as cleaning the

Serving through the season: Airman 1st Class Amber Roaten

Making sure security forces are properly armed and have sufficient ammunition to support their tour is what Airman 1st Class Amber Roaten will be tasked to do as one of the armorers on duty for the 341st Security Support Squadron Christmas day. "I know I have an important job to do making sure law

New MRI system installed at Keesler Medical Center

Crews are currently completing installation of Keesler Medical Center's new magnetic resonance imaging equipment and look to have it complete in January at Keesler AFB.It replaces the MRI destroyed by Hurricane Katrina's devastating storm surge Aug. 29, 2005. A 13-ton magnet, the heart of the

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Alan Leckie

The holiday season is in full swing with office parties and festive family traditions in the works. Meanwhile, for the Hickam Air Force Base Fire Department, it's business as usual. Senior Airman Alan Leckie of New Castle, Del., said firehouse traditions keep the holiday spirit alive. The chefs will

BASH lowers Eglin aircraft incidents nearly 75 percent

While most Air Force bases around the world have a Bird and Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard, or BASH, program, Eglin AFB officials have refocused and enhanced their efforts to more effectively deal with the diverse and rather large wildlife population. Eglin's wildlife strikes dropped by almost 75

Agreement enhances hydraulic repairs at Hill

Ogden Air Logistics Center officials completed a partnering agreement with Parker Aerospace Dec. 18 paving the way for enhanced warfighter support. According to Hill AFB officials, the public-private sector team integrates the best of both worlds to meet 21st century warfighter needs on weapon

Air Force Small Business Program gets boost

In exceeding goals in all five categories of its Small Business Program performance, Air Force Materiel Command is at the top of the Air Force list for dollars awarded to small businesses in fiscal 2006. Specifically, AFMC's Small Business Office awarded more than $4.6 billion - or 52.8 percent - of

AMC releases KC-135 accident investigation results

Air Mobility Command officials here Dec. 20 released the results of its investigation into the Sept. 26 KC-135 Stratotanker and TU-154 Kyrgyz passenger plane accident at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The collision between the TU-154 and KC-135 was clearly an accident and

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Jose Reyes

Senior Airman Jose Reyes knows all about spending the holidays with a large family. As the youngest of nine brothers and sisters growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., he did it and now he's doing it with a new family. "It's easier to spend that time together with them," said Sergeant Reyes, an Air Force

Serving through the season: Staff Sgts. Chace and Maria Morris

Chace and Maria Morris met and married more than four years ago. This holiday season they are serving their country at a Southwest Asia forward operating base in support of the war on terrorism. The staff sergeants are thankful the Air Force gave them the opportunity to deploy together, instead of

New legislation facilitates Total Force

When President George W. Bush signed the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act into law Oct. 17, important clarifications were made regarding Title 10 and 32, the laws governing the legal distinctions between the armed forces of the United States and the armed forces of the National Guard and

New security base established in Laghman Province

On a scenic plateau above the Alishang River in northern Laghman Province laid the earthly remains of some 20 Afghan mujahedeen fighters who occupied this land and fought to the last man against the Soviet Army. This hallowed ground is once again the focal point in the battle against tyranny and

Vandenberg successfully launches Delta II

Vandenberg AFB officials successfully launched a Delta II rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Space Launch Complex-2 at 1 p.m. Dec. 14 here. The Delta II, a 125.75-foot expendable launch, medium-lift vehicle, launches civil and commercial payloads into low-earth, polar,

Moody welcomes SFS Airmen home for holidays

"I'll be home for Christmas ... " has a new meaning to several deployed security forces Airmen who returned just in time to spend the holidays at home Dec. 14 at Moody AFB after almost six months in Iraq. The team, made up of more than 160 Moody AFB Airmen from the 820th Security Forces Group, 23rd

Tyndall NCO Academy renamed after first CMSAF

Tyndall AFB's NCO Academy was renamed to honor the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force Dec. 13 here. The Paul W. Airey NCO Academy Dedication Ceremony will be remembered as the second greatest thing to happen in the retired chief's professional life, said Chief Airey, only because becoming

Air Guard leaders explore ways to reset force

The challenges for resetting the Air National Guard became more apparent to its senior leaders here Dec. 11 to 13 when Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, director of the Air National Guard, hosted the senior leadership conference, Minuteman Heritage -- Preparing for New Horizons. More than 1,000 leaders

Serving through the season: Airman Basic Alex Diaz

For many people, cooking for a holiday gathering may mean about 10 people, but for the staff at the Hale' Aina Dining Facility here, this holiday crowd can mean more than 300 Airmen and retirees. Airman Basic Alex Diaz is assigned to the 15th Services Squadron. He and other services Airmen at the

Magical weekend ends on ice

Gary Komppa watched the National Hockey League action on the ice, and for a short time the pain of his loss melted away. The 11-year-old has not had much to smile about the last few months. He is now the man of the house after his father, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Komppa, died Oct. 25

McGuire Airman fatally wounded

An Airman from McGuire AFB was fatally wounded in an incident as he and his wife attempted to leave a club early Dec. 17 in Philadelphia. Airman 1st Class Lam Mai Ho was an air transportation apprentice in the 819th Global Support Squadron based at McGuire AFB.The incident is under investigation by

After the Pearl Harbor Attack

Dec. 7, 1941: 2nd Lt. Wells Lawrence and his July bride slept soundly in their Wheeler Field, Hawaii, quarters. They'd been at Hickam Field for a big Saturday night party and returned home after midnight.At 7:55 a.m., sleepy calm turned to wide-awake terror. "A big bang startled me awake, and the

Safeguarding information technology vital to DOD

Safeguarding and protecting vital computer-accessed information is the job of everyone working at the Defense Department, a senior DOD official said. "It's the responsibility for everyone to be sensitive to the security of their information, their passwords, the use of their (common access) cards to

Air Force leaders advocate Voluntary Protection Program

Air Force leaders here are advocating an enhanced safety program that focuses on developing and caring for the safety of Airmen, civilians and their families. The Voluntary Protection Program originates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and focuses on incorporating the Air

Reservists add major adjustment to T-1 training

Four or five months after graduating from Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance AFB, students from the T-1A Jayhawk tanker and airlift track may very well find themselves flying over the not-so-friendly sky in support of the war on terrorism. Two members of the 5th Flying Training

Gates sworn in as defense secretary

Robert M. Gates was sworn in as the nation's 22nd secretary of defense in a ceremony Dec. 18 at the Pentagon. After President George W. Bush introduced Secretary Gates as "an experienced and thoughtful leader," Vice President Richard B. Cheney administered the oath of office. Secretary Gates was

6th SOPS delivers critical weather data to warfighters

The motto, "Get data or die" holds special significance for the 6th Space Operations Squadron, an Air Force Reserve Command unit here whose Airmen must deliver data to their customers within 10 minutes of downloading it from their satellites.The squadron's data transforms weather from a force of

Air Force announces top recruiters for 2006

Twelve Air Force recruiters garnered top honors in their field for fiscal year 2006 as winners of Operation Blue Suit XXVIII, Air Force Recruiting Service officials announced Dec. 18. The winners include:-- Master Sgt. Richard Cuddeford, 343rd Recruiting Squadron at Offutt AFB, Neb.-- Tech. Sgt.