Eglin Airmen test readiness during weeklong exercise

Airmen of the 33rd Fighter Wing here tested their ability to respond anytime and anywhere in support of the nation's defense during an Operation Noble Eagle exercise in mid-December. Wing planners and exercise evaluation team members created plans and scenarios to provide an accurate replication of

NCO earns Bronze Star for actions in Iraq

A 425th Air Base Group Anti-terrorism Force Protection NCO here received the Bronze Star at Izmir's Collocated Club for his efforts during a 12-month deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Tech. Sgt. James Thompson received the fourth-highest combat award for the U.S. armed forces from Col. Richard

AAFES reps deliver troops' 'favorite things' this holiday season

Energy drinks, beef jerky, candy bars and DVDs. These items topped the wish lists of American troops shopping at more than 80 Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations throughout operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In fact, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors picked up nearly four

Dana Pounds named Air Force Athlete of the Year

Former Air Force track and field standout 2nd Lt. Dana Pounds was named the 2008 Female Athlete of the Year, Air Force Services Agency officials have announced. Lieutenant Pounds, who spent the past two years as a member of the World Class Athlete Program, or WCAP, finished second at the Olympic

Sather Airmen destroy weapons cache

Sather Air Base Airmen destroyed one of the larger enemy weapons caches to be collected at one time in the Iraq theater of operations. Four three-person 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight teams destroyed the 13,000-pound weapons cache discovered by Iraqi

Officials streamline overseas outprocessing guidelines

Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently introduced a new initiative that will streamline final processing for Airmen retiring or separating from overseas areas. With this change, additional travel to a separation processing base, or SPB, is no longer required. The new procedure is part of

Future Airman gains confidence, loses 160 pounds

Leo Knight-Inglesby is more determined than ever, and for the past 15 months has pushed himself beyond the limits he, and his loved ones, ever thought possible. The 22-year-old Silver Spring, Md., native is so set to "Do Something Amazing" in the Air Force that he shed more than 160 pounds to meet

AFPC officials to offer personnel course for commanders

Air Force Personnel Center officials here are launching a new course designed to provide squadron commanders outside the personnel career field with the latest military and civilian personnel programs and procedures.The course also provides information on the air and space expeditionary force

JABS knock out communication problems for warfighters

Joint Airborne Battle Staff members here are similar to 911 operators in the air as they ensure convoys operating throughout Iraq are never without communications. JABS crews flying on board C-130 Hercules aircraft fill in the gap wherever ground communication is limited in the war zone, which is

Operation Cheer provides poinsettias to wounded

A Randolph Air Force Base chaplain is showing his love for wounded warriors this holiday season with a lot of help from his flock. Chaplain (Capt.) Eric Boyer of the 12th Flying Training Wing encouraged base members to contribute to Operation Cheer, a program that brings a dose of the holiday spirit

Program raises awareness about global AIDS epidemic

The Defense Department's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, or DHAPP, is making progress with partner nations by supporting implementation of HIV prevention, care and treatment programs, educating their militaries and creating awareness of the global epidemic, a senior official working in the program

Airman found guilty in court-martial

An Airman here was found guilty by a panel of military officers of three violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice during a general court-martial Dec. 19 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Airman 1st Class Derick R. Thompson of the 10th Medical Support Squadron, who is not an Academy cadet, was

AFSO 21 experts tour Robins

Military and civilian leaders came to Robins Air Force Base Dec. 16 to see how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century efforts have found better ways to get things done here. Nineteen general officers toured parts of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center then spent an afternoon discussing

Admiral Mullen sends best wishes for the holiday

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends the following holiday message: Throughout our history, when faced with war at this special time of the year, American servicemen and women have risen with crisis and fought with valor while providing their fellow citizens precious

Dec. 21 airpower summary: F-15Es deter anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to

Dec. 20 airpower summary: C-17s support heavy airlift missions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-38s

Bakers, baggers deliver sweet treats to dormitory Airmen

Thousands of homemade cookies, candy, hot chocolate and other goodies were collected, bagged and delivered to dormitory residents Dec. 16 at Peterson Air Force Base.Hundreds of people donated cookies and sweets, totaling more than 6,600, for nearly 400 single servicemembers of Peterson, Schriever

UAS students graduate from inaugural class

Nine lieutenants graduated from the first combat familiarization program for pilots slated to fly unmanned aircraft systems Dec. 22 at Randolph Air Force Base. The four-week Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fundamentals Course, or UFC, began instruction Nov. 21 taught by 563rd Flying Training Squadron

Today's Air Force' features personnel recovery exercise

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Angel Thunder, a personnel recovery exercise in New Mexico with more than 850 ground recovery forces. Also, the Base Realignment Committee, or BRAC, is allowing the U.S. military to become a more integrated force with many services. See how the Army and

Dec. 19 airpower summary: A-10s protect coalition convoys

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition 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. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb

President Bush sends holiday greetings to all

President Bush has taped a special video message to servicemembers and their families this holiday season. "Laura and I send greetings to all the men and women of the United States military this holiday season," he says in his one minute and 30 second message.  "In this dangerous time, I thank you

Nuclear surety inspection completed at 90th Space Wing

The nuclear surety inspection that wrapped up at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Dec. 17, identified some deficiencies for the 90th Space Wing that require corrective action and resulted in an overall unsatisfactory rating for the wing. However, the wing remains certified to perform its strategic

Active duty, Reserve units consolidate command posts

Signaling a move toward greater teamwork between active duty and Reserve forces here, Peterson AFB officials unveiled their newly-consolidated command post Dec. 16.The integrated Peterson Installation Control Center will serve as the command post for both the 21st Space Wing and the 302nd Airlift

National Guard to support presidential inauguration

More than 4,000 citizen Soldiers and Airmen from at least eight states will provide security, medical and other support during the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, a National Guard official said Dec. 18. "We will be there to fill the gaps and help out the first responders," Army Maj. Kenneth

Policy update to make civilian hiring quicker

 To increase the efficiency in filling civilian vacancies, effective Jan. 1, selecting officials will have 45 days instead of 90 to choose the best-qualified candidate. "We continue to refine the civilian hiring process where we can to speed up the hiring action," said Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, Air

First security guardsmen dispatched into missile fields

Officials at the Minot-based 219th Security Forces Squadron of the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing have dispatched security Airmen into the missile fields at Minot Air Force Base for the first time. "Putting guardsmen into the field to work side by side with the active duty is a

Valiant action saves co-worker from choking

The life of a 71st Comptroller-Contractor Squadron accounting technician here was saved by an office co-worker Dec. 5 at Vance Air Force Base. Rose Palacios was working at her desk when she began to choke on a piece of candy. "At first I thought I could just cough it up out of my throat. That didn't

ACC leaders discuss current, future challenges

The commander of Air Combat Command and members of his A-staff spoke to 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen about current and upcoming events surrounding Air Force combat operations during an Airman's Call here earlier this month. Gen. John Corley discussed the impact of current economic trends on

Transportation secretary opens military airspace for Santa

The secretary of Transportation and Santa Claus signed a flight certificate Dec. 18 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., that authorizes Santa to fly through military airspace in order for him to successfully deliver all his gifts to children across the nation. The certificate, also signed by Col. Steve

Dec. 18 airpower summary: F-16s protect coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18A Hornet conducted a show of force expending

Iraqi general visits Luke, flies in F-16

Ten years ago, Iraqi air force Brig. Gen. Ali al-Aaragy was flying F-1 Mirage fighters for his country's air force, but on Dec. 15 he was flying in an F-16 Fighting Falcon over Arizona.The general, who works as his country's air force adviser to the minister of defense, visited Luke AFB to enhance

Show of force

Harlem Globetrotters put on a show at Andersen

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters visited Andersen Air Force Base, toured operations, conducted a sports clinic and a played an exhibition game with the Washington Generals Dec. 14 here. Using their "C.H.E.E.R. for Character" program, the Globetrotters held a basketball clinic for Andersen AFB

Airmen take time to help terminally ill children

Airmen at Forward Operating Location Curacao volunteered their free time to paint, landscape and provide comfort for 13 children at the Siloam Children's Hospice, a home for orphaned, abandoned and terminally ill children in Curacao. For the past four months, dozens of 429th Expeditionary Operations

NORAD prepares for 50th year tracking Santa

Among North American Aerospace Command's diverse and challenging missions, none is more gratifying -- or as downright fun -- as tracking Santa Claus each year for children around the world, the NORAD commander said this week. "It is the most wonderful experience you can ever imagine to talk to

PACAF officials centralize fitness testing

Airmen across the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility soon will see a change in their fitness testing procedures as command officials move to centralize the testing under base health and wellness centers by March of 2009. After receiving feedback from across the command, Gen. Howie Chandler,

Kyrgyzstan parliament members visit Manas

A delegation of Kyrgyzstan's parliament led by Vice Speaker Kubanychbek Isabekov visited Manas Air Base Dec. 15. Following weeks of planning and extensive preparation, 17 members of the Kyrgyz parliament came to tour the base. The delegation was greeted by Col. Christopher Bence, the 376th Air

Airmen participate in Wreaths Across America

Two Airmen took part in the Wreaths Across America ceremony to remember, honor and teach about the service and sacrifices of this nation's veterans and fallen heroes Dec. 13 at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minn. 1st Lt. Brandon Schrader and Senior Airman Justin Gort, reservists from the 96th

Squadron commander saves lives on his way to drill

A squadron commander, while driving to what he thought would be another routine day at drill, helped rescue four people from a burning vehicle near Moffett Federal Airfield Dec. 7. Lt. Col. Jack O'Neill, 130th Rescue Squadron commander, was driving his car from San Ramon, Calif., to Moffett Federal

Secretary announces provisional Global Strike commander

The secretary of the Air Force here selected a commander for the provisional Air Force Global Strike Command Dec. 18. Secretary Michael B. Donley chose Brig. Gen. James M. Kowalski to lead the provisional command.Air Force officials will propose a three-star general lead the permanent command. The

'Perspective' stresses taking care of Airmen

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman focuses his attention on taking care of Airmen and their families, reinforcing the Air Force's commitment from all levels. "I know there are many issues causing us stress today,"  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J.

Dec. 17 airpower summary: C-130s support heavy airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto

Geothermal heating to save money, energy at Minot

Geothermal heating has been used since the time of the Romans as a way of heating buildings, and now it has come to Minot Air Force Base. The 5th Bomb Wing headquarters building here is currently undergoing construction to use geothermal heating by having 39 ground source heat pumps installed in the

Trainees slew the BEAST in new basic training program

The first group of Airman Basic trainees in the newly extended 8.5-week Basic Military Training program conquered the BEAST Dec. 15 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The BEAST, which stands for Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills and Training, is the centerpiece of the new two-week expansion that

Well project brings water to Afghan villages

The Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team here completed an eight-well project that will bring much-needed water sources to six districts throughout the eastern Afghanistan province. The PRT-funded project, which combined several individual well projects into one, costs $30,000 and was

Course gives officers new outlook on force support

Officials at the first Force Support Officers' Course here graduated 57 officers Dec. 11 with Lt. Gen. Richard Newton on hand to congratulate the officers on their achievement. "These outstanding officers made history as they walked across the stage," said General Newton, the deputy chief of staff

Kadena Airmen participate in Japanese cultural ceremony

Several Kadena Air Base Airmen participated in a traditional Japanese New Year celebration at the conclusion of a weeklong training exercise Dec. 12 at Japan Air Self Defense Force's Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido, Japan. Five of the approximately 70 Kadena AB Airmen training at the Japanese base

Integrated process team addresses logistics issues

The consolidation of supply chain activities into the Air Force Global Logistics Support Center presented a fresh opportunity to address some systemic issues in how the Defense Logistics Agency supports the Air Force. Leaders representing both organizations received an update on these issues along

Closer collaboration will ensure disaster preparedness

The commander of U.S. Northern Command urged closer collaboration between local and state agencies and groups that would be the first to respond to a disaster and the federal entities that stand ready to step in and assist when needed Dec. 16. Gen. Victor E. Renuart, who also commands the North

C-17 revolutionizing logistics in Antarctica

Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron supporting Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province Nov. 26. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered to a scientific camp in the

Airman's Roll Call: Make safe decisions during holidays

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Airmen making safe decisions regarding drinking and driving during the holidays. The holiday season between Thanksgiving and the new year is one of the most dangerous times on America's roadways, due to an increase in the number of people who are driving

New terminology recognizes contributions of Airmen

The Air Force is adopting new terminology to better reflect participation in today's joint fight, the Air Force chief of staff advised in a letter to the field. Airmen who were previously categorized as filling non-standard or "in lieu of" taskings now will be referred to as filling a joint

Dec. 16 airpower summary: A-10s conduct shows of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds onto

F-22s scheduled to deploy to Japan, Guam

Air Force officials have scheduled to deploy two contingents of F-22 Raptors to the Pacific theater in January 2009 for approximately three months. Current plans call for 12 of the fighters to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and another 12 to deploy to Andersen

UAS beta program underway; officials seek more applicants

Air Force officials selected 10 Air Force officers to begin the first-ever unmanned aircraft systems beta test program to produce operators of the MQ-1 Predator. The 10 selectees will begin training Jan. 5 at Pueblo, Colo. "We were encouraged by the extremely strong interest in this program," said

Wright-Patterson Airmen earn top safety award

The Star award, which is the highest level of recognition under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program, was presented to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base officials here Dec. 9. Mandated in 2006 by then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, VPP is a

Dover Airmen deliver humanitarian supplies to Guatemala

They might not wear red suits or fly a sleigh with nine reindeer, but Airmen of the 709th Airlift Squadron here kept true to the holiday spirit of goodwill by delivering supplies to Guatemalan children Dec. 5 and 6. Performing the role of Santa's sleigh, a Dover Air Force Base C-5 Galaxy packed with

Exercise Angel Thunder provides lifesaving training

About 900 Air Force, joint, coalition, interagency and international players participated in a personnel recovery exercise that ran Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.Exercise Angel Thunder 2008 included people from the active duty Air Force and Army, Guard and Reserve, National

Ecuadorian air force edges U.S. Air Force 26-25

Members of the U.S. Air Force fell to the Ecuadorian air force 26-25 Dec. 9 during a basketball championship game between forces assigned to Forward Operating Location Manta. The lead for the game went back and forth all the way to the end as a crowd of nearly 100 American Airmen, Ecuadorian air

Dec. 14 airpower summary: F-15Es flies combat patrol mission

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto

Officials announce Reserve colonel promotions

Air Reserve Personnel Center officials here announced the fiscal 2009 Air Force Reserve Line and Nonline Colonel Promotion Selection Board results Dec. 16. A selection board convened at ARPC Oct. 6 through 10 to determine those officers qualified to assume the next higher grade and selected 96 of

Dec. 15 airpower summary: F-16s watch over ground forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto

Officials identify servicemen MIA from Vietnam War

Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office officials here announced Dec. 15 that the group remains of six U.S. servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, are soon to be buried with full military honors. The Air Force servicemembers are Maj. Bernard L. Bucher, of Eureka, Ill.; Maj. John L.

EUCOM program aims to reduce caregiver fatigue

Recognizing the risk of burnout among caregivers providing warrior and family support, U.S. European Command plans to kick off a program this spring that incorporates principles introduced by bestselling author and lecturer Dr. Stephen Covey. EUCOM is putting together a compassion-fatigue program

Edwards NCO uses training to help save accident victims

An Edwards Air Force Base NCO rushed to help save the lives of two strangers after hearing the sound of a crash and seeing a cloud of smoke and debris on Highway 14 Dec. 7 in Lancaster, Calif. When Tech. Sgt. Rondale Alexander, the NCO in charge of the Air Force Flight Test Center command section,

Airmen visit school in Ecuador, donate supplies

Southern Command and Air Forces Southern officials donated $6,000 of school supplies to an elementary school Dec. 9 in San Juan, Ecuador. The donation was part of a weeklong holiday tour as senior Air Force officials met forward deployed servicemembers and assisted seven communities near American

Officials set military housing allowance rates for 2009

Housing allowances for military members will go up an average of 6.9 percent in 2009, Defense Department officials announced Dec. 15. The increase comes to an average of about $95 per month across the board for the 950,000 servicemembers expected to draw basic allowance for housing, or BAH, in 2009,

McChord Airmen fuel Operation Deep Freeze

Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in support of Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop Nov. 26 to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered by the members of the from the

Air Force leaders send holiday message

The following is a holiday message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley:"The holidays give each of us an opportunity to reflect our accomplishments of the past year and cherish

General Schwartz sees full spectrum of fly, fight, win

Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, Dec. 13, to meet with Airmen and get a first-hand look at operations. This was General Schwartz's first visit to both bases since becoming the 19th chief of staff. He said it was important for him to visit Creech and

Falcon quarterback honored by Sporting News

Air Force Academy freshman quarterback Tim Jefferson was named the Mountain West Conference's freshman of the year by Sporting News, according to a release Dec. 15 by the sports magazine. Jefferson also earned MWC freshman-of-the-year honors in a vote of head coaches and media within the league

Air Force recruiting Web site redesign launched

Incorporating the latest Internet technologies while reflecting the way ahead for the service, Air Force Recruiting Service officials launched their redesigned Web site Dec. 15 at airforce.com. The Web site serves as the Air Force's official recruiting site and offers potential recruits and the

Thermal curtains offer protection to B-52 aircrews

Engineers here are designing a product to protect B-52 Stratofortress aircrews from a nuclear attack's blinding light. Designed by members of the 540th Aircraft Sustainment Squadron's B-52 Communications Navigation and Weapons Flight, prototypes for the thermal curtains will be ready sometime in

Kyrgyzstan mayors visit Manas

Mayors and deputy mayors of the six largest villages that surround Manas Air Base met the Airmen and learned the mission of the base during a Dec. 10 tour here. Base and village leaders meet one another, discussed issues that affect both and developed stronger ties through which to resolve issues of

Air Force officials honor top recruiters for 2008

Fourteen Air Force recruiters were named tops in their field for fiscal 2008 by Air Force Recruiting Service officials here in December. Operation Blue Suit program recognizes the best recruiters worldwide for their efforts in recruiting a diverse, high-quality volunteer force to fill career fields

Dec. 13 airpower summary: A-10s remain vigilant

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-12

Congress authorizes paternity leave

Eligible Airmen are now authorized 10 days of nonchargeable paternity leave following the birth of their newborns, courtesy of the 2009 Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress. The law applies to married, active-duty Airmen. The Airman's wife must have given birth to the

'Today's Air Force' features Airmen training Iraqis

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Air Force officers are sharing valuable leadership skills in an effort to train the Iraqi military on the proper tools to maintain security throughout their country. And while the use of technology facilitates our daily missions from

President Bush visits troops in Bagram

President George W. Bush visited Combined Joint Task Force-101 servicemembers Dec. 15 at Bagram Airfield. "I am proud to be with brave souls serving the United States of America," President Bush said.The president expressed his well wishes to the troops during the holidays and thanked them for their

Dec. 12 airpower summary: Reapers watch or strike

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and an Air Force

Attacked Air Force recruiter in stable condition

The Air Force recruiter who was stabbed outside her Harlem, N.Y., recruiting office Dec. 11 remains in stable condition. Staff Sgt. Sarah Charles, a recruiter with the 313th Recruiting Squadron, was speaking with a potential applicant when she was attacked by a female assailant. The recruiter

Alaska Guard continues Operation Santa Claus tradition

Children from rural Alaskan communities were treated to an early Christmas this year as members of the Alaska National Guard completed Operation Santa Claus for young people in communities across the state. The 50-year community relations and support program provides toys, books and school supplies

B-1B aircrews bring unique capabilities to the fight

B-1B Lancer aircrews of the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron guard warfighters from high above Iraq and Afghanistan while carrying the largest payload of any aircraft in the theater. Squadron members are responsible for close-air support, nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

Public may comment on draft rules for spouse employment

The public is invited to comment until Jan. 5, 2009, on proposed rules to speed up the hiring process for some military spouses seeking federal jobs. The Office of Personnel Management staff published the rules Dec. 5 in the Federal Register and drafted the regulations to implement an executive

Multinational recovery exercise kicks off at Davis-Monthan

More than 850 ground recovery forces and 51 aircraft from the Department of Defense and numerous other countries kicked off a personnel recovery and combat search and rescue exercise Dec. 8 here. The two week-long Angel Thunder 2008 exercise allows U.S. and international military forces and numerous

Civil engineer crews improve Bagram infrastructure

Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron work around the clock to improve Bagram Airfield's infrastructure to support Operation Enduring Freedom. There are 25 active construction projects valued at more than $73 million, with more than $221 million in construction is scheduled for

Arizona officials aim to end scams, predatory lending

Financial scams and predatory lending against servicemembers and veterans is so common that the Arizona attorney general has created an advisory board to stop it. "We got so many complaints that were related to either veterans or active-duty military on our consumer line that I felt it was necessary

Gates praises war effort by troops in remote air hub

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in a town-hall session with a hundreds of Airmen and Soldiers personally thanked the troops for their efforts Dec. 11 at this dusty, remote station. This austere outpost is a main air hub into Afghanistan, providing aerial refueling, combat airdrops, medical

Space station crew exchanges seasons greetings with Earth

Soaring high above the Earth, the crew of the International Space Station beamed down season's greetings that will air on NASA Television starting Dec. 12. The public can return the extraterrestrial good will and send greetings to the crew by visiting: http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/postcard The

Scholarships help retiree finish education

Spouses with an eye on professional certification or a post-secondary education may not have to foot the entire bill, thanks to a National Military Family Association scholarship program. The group is accepting applications for its annual Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship. The

Air Force leaders chair first nuclear oversight board

Air Force leaders gathered to discuss efforts related to reinvigorating the service's nuclear enterprise Dec. 10 at the Pentagon. This was the first meeting of the newly-created Air Force Nuclear Oversight Board, which was created as part of the Air Force Nuclear Roadmap released Oct. 24. The board

Dec. 11 airpower summary: KC-10s sustain fighters

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38

Airman scheduled for court-martial at Academy

Air Force officials here determined a case should proceed to a general court-martial against an Airman assigned to the 10th Medical Support Squadron here to begin Dec. 15 at the U.S. Air Force Academy.An Article 32 hearing determined the case against Airman 1st Class Derick R. Thompson, who is not a

Officials request NCO feedback for future assessments

Staff sergeants through chief master sergeants throughout the Air Force are encouraged to share feedback with officials from the Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron here right now. This feedback will help NCOs have a voice their own career advancements. Input from the Military Knowledge and

National Guard celebrates 372nd birthday

National Guard officials are celebrating their 372nd birthday recognizing Dec. 13, 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony divided its citizen-soldiers, or militia, into the North, South and East Regiments. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was seven years old in 1636 when about 5,000 men, women and

Air Force recruiter stabbed in New York

An Air Force recruiter was stabbed outside her Harlem recruiting office Dec. 11 at about 12:45 p.m. in New York City. Staff Sgt. Sarah Charles, a recruiter with the 313th Recruiting Squadron, is currently in critical but stable condition. Sergeant Charles was talking with a potential applicant at

Airman helps shape future Afghan firefighters

Afghan firefighters at the Kabul International Airport stand ready to answer a call to save lives and resources here thanks to the dedicated efforts of their American counterpart. Master Sgt. Mike Marascia, Afghan fire protection mentor, has spent the last 11 months establishing the Afghan Joint

Air Force bands 'in the fight'

Air Force bands like Air Force Materiel Command's Band of Flight located here perform thousands of concerts each year, with several performances in far away countries as part of a "hearts and minds" campaign being led by military bands. Since 2004, Air Force bands have been deploying to U.S. Central

AF plan could enable Iraq air sovereignty, independence

Work being done here by officials of the Electronic Systems Center and its federally funded research and development center partner, MITRE Corp., is helping pave the way for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. ESC and MITRE International Operations specialists, in concert with a number of ESC

RED HORSE Airmen close chapter with Iraqis

Airmen with the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a community center Dec. 5 in Hawr Rajab. Through a program called Village of Hope, RED HORSE Airmen taught Iraqi citizens the basics of construction over a 10-month period that yielded four remodeled