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  • DOD identifies Airmen killed in helicopter crash

    The Defense Department has announced the names of two Airmen and eight Marines killed in a Feb. 17 helicopter crash while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Ten servicemembers died when two CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden near Ras Siyyan in northern Djibouti, while

  • Air Force unit provides new “hoops” for Philippines youth

    Airmen from the 624th Civil Engineer Squadron and Philippine soldiers came together Feb. 17 to build a basketball court for children here. Shortly after arriving at the base from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii Feb. 15 to participate in Exercise Balikatan 2006, Airmen noticed a group of children

  • Airmen provide vital support in mudslide relief effort

    Airmen from the 36th Expeditionary Contingency Response Group here are working alongside the Filipino government to assess requirements for support of mudslide relief efforts in Leyte, Philippines. At the request of the Filipino government, the 36th ECRG and other units of the U.S. Pacific Command

  • Airmen at Philippine exercise provide real world assistance

    Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan; Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; and Kadena AB, Japan, who were in the Philippines as part of an annual bilateral exercise, are providing real-world humanitarian assistance after mudslides engulfed a village and 1,800 people Feb. 17. U.S. Pacific Command authorized

  • Good Conduct Medal award elimination explained

    The Air Force Uniform Board announced Feb. 6 that the Good Conduct Medal will no longer be awarded. The Air Force director of Airman development and sustainment recently explained the reasons behind this decision. "The quality of our enlisted personnel today is so high, we expect good conduct from

  • Civilian sector the biggest space customer

    The head of Air Force Space Command said people might be surprised to learn that corporate America is the biggest user of Air Force space products. Gen. Lance W. Lord said the main reason for this is the reliability of space-based assets and because the technologies -- which are giving coalition

  • Medical group keeps warfighters in fight

    The 379th Expeditionary Medical Group Hospital provides medical care impacting missions well beyond its boundaries, helping warfighters stay in the fight in-theater. Minor shrapnel and gunshot wounds often prevent a soldier from staying in theater while they recover, so they come this hospital to

  • Air Force women help save convoy

    The lives of four women and their convoy team changed forever Dec. 5. They were ambushed that night. Insurgents from a village outside of Balad Air Base, Iraq, fired on the convoy, injuring two as they drove back to the base. Airman First Class Nicole O’Hara, a convoy gunner deployed from Langley

  • Cope Tiger '06 wraps up in Thailand

    Nearly 300 Airmen are packing their bags and returning home to bases throughout the Pacific as officials mark the end of a two-week multi-lateral exercise called Cope Tiger '06. Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, spoke with Airmen here during closing ceremonies. “Airmen are proud of

  • USAFE assists Darfur mission

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. European Command are providing contract airlift transport to Rwandan Defense Forces as part of the African Union's mission in the Darfur region of the Sudan. A small number of USAFE Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, are providing logistics support to the

  • Chief master sergeant of the Air Force testifies on quality of life issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray testified on Capitol Hill Feb. 15 about Air Force quality of life issues before the House Appropriations Committee subcommittee on military quality of life, veterans affairs and related agencies. "I truly believe, and I think you'll agree, that our

  • Former chiefs reflect on today’s Air Force

    Several former chief master sergeants of the Air Force came together here Feb. 13 to 15 to meet with Airmen and speak with current service leaders. Of the 14 Airmen who’ve held the highest enlisted position, nine were present as the group met at both Bolling Air Force Base and the Pentagon. It’s

  • Thunderbirds to hold change of command

    The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “Thunderbirds,” is welcoming a new commander. Lt. Col. Kevin J. Robbins will take command of the unit from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Michael J. Chandler here Feb. 17. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit of eight

  • Bolling Airmen share Valentine’s Day with veterans

    Ninety Air Force and civilian volunteers from Bolling and the Pentagon visited the Department of Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System Medical Center in Baltimore and the Baltimore VA Rehabilitation Center Feb. 14 as part of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week. Before the trip,

  • Going virtual: Flight training takes shape in cyberspace

    How do you get 30 bases, hundreds of personnel and tons of aircraft and equipment together in one place? The answer -- cyberspace. For the second time since its conception in September, aircrews from the 23rd Fighter Group stepped into a simulated exercise called Virtual Red Flag. The virtual war

  • Getting dirty keeps planes flying

    Dirty hands and smudged faces are just the icing on the cake when it comes to maintaining A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and C-130 Hercules. It’s all that and more that make engine and hydraulic maintenance one of the dirtiest jobs here.Every aircraft that launches from the flightline here has been in the

  • Operation Winter Games -- Let the games begin

    Not long after the Olympic torch was lit honoring the beginning of the Winter Olympics games in Torino, Italy, a local team of Airmen were preparing for winter games of their own -- Operation Winter Games. The games, held Feb. 11 at Igriste-Vlasenica Ski Area, Bosnia, may have lacked the pomp and

  • Air Force and VA to build joint clinic in San Antonio

    The South Texas Veterans Health Care System and Wilford Hall Medical Center announced construction of the North Central Federal Clinic during a groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 14. The new clinic will be located in north San Antonio and is scheduled to open in October. “This clinic is an innovative

  • Deployed fuels flight makes airlift delivery

    When fuel supplies are not available in the region, tactical and ground forces rely on the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. A team is always on standby to fulfill an aerial bulk fuels delivery system request. The team consists of two fuels technicians who have undergone special

  • General Lord receives highest enlisted honor

    Air Force Space Command’s enlisted personnel bestowed the Order of the Sword upon Gen. Lance W. Lord, Air Force Space Command commander, Feb. 11. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor enlisted Airmen can bestow on a leader. More than 500 active-duty and retired enlisted Airmen gathered from

  • Forces prepare for Exercise Balikatan 2006

    U.S. servicemembers and Armed Forces of the Philippines are in the final week of preparations for Exercise Balikatan 2006, the 22nd annual bilateral combined exercise, scheduled Feb. 20 to March 5. The exercise will be conducted in three phases: humanitarian and civic assistance on the island of

  • Twelfth Air Force becomes Air Forces Southern

    Headquarters 12th Air Force is taking on an expanded mission and a new name. As part of the Air Force transformation, 12th Air Force transitions today into a warfighting headquarters and became Air Forces Southern (12th Air Force) provisional. “Along with the name change AFSOUTH is also changing its

  • Missile flight test program targets new successes

    The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile flight test program added two more successes to its record during recent tests conducted at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The program, one of Air Combat Command's priority programs, flew successful test flights at the missile range Jan. 25 from a B-1B

  • Letter to Airmen focuses on core values

    In his latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne focused on the three core values of the Air Force:  Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do."These core values should reflect the values we share from the moment we take our oath to support and

  • Anti-terrorism techniques essential

    When Lt. Col. Ed O’Neal was on a training mission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, two years ago, his hotel came under attack. A group of insurgents took over the building and held it hostage for most of the day before authorities were able to regain control. Colonel O’Neal eventually escaped, but was shot

  • AF director of staff visits hometown schools

    As a child growing up in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, the recently designated Air Force director of staff said he wanted to be Mickey Mantle. When he returned to his old neighborhood Feb. 9, he told the children at Sacred Heart Grammar School he was proud to serve his country in the military

  • Defense Department updates equipment reimbursement policy

    Defense Department officials announced Feb. 14 the revision of a memorandum on the policy and procedures for the reimbursement of privately purchased protective equipment for operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The new memo, which was signed Feb. 10 by David S.C. Chu,

  • Cyber crime investigators search for truth

    Tech. Sgt. Jeff Barefoot has a strong presence in the courtroom. Three times he's stepped up to testify in court, and three times the defendants suddenly took a plea deal to avoid Sergeant Barefoot on the witness stand. Not because of his imposing stature or his 20 years of military experience, but

  • New Air Force commercial begins filming at Charleston AFB

    Camera crews from the Air Force’s advertising agency began filming a new Air Force recruiting commercial here Feb. 13. The theme is “Do something amazing.” The ads will be aired nationwide on television and Web sites. “We’re going to show all of the amazing things Air Force people do,” said Lee

  • Command post: commander's eyes, ears

    The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s command post Airmen have one of the most important areas in the area of responsibility to track. With four controllers and a superintendent covering around-the-clock operations this group is ready for anything. “We are the nerve center for the base in this war

  • Hawaii-based Airmen fight war on terror

    Airmen here are working on the front lines of the war on terror. When a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle takes off from Balad Air Base, Iraq, a pilot at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., takes control of it. Images from the Predator’s camera are then fed to one of five distributed ground stations, or

  • Prototype Global Hawk flies home after 4,000 combat hours

    A high-flying prototype “Airman” is heading home after being deployed more than four years and flying 4,245 hours supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Combined Task Force-Horn of Africa. Global Hawk Air Vehicle No. 3 began its journey back home at Edwards Air Force

  • Manpower agency activates four new squadrons

    The Air Force Manpower Agency activated four new manpower squadrons to more effectively meet the needs of today’s expeditionary Air Force and to better position itself to support future capabilities. The 5th Manpower Requirements Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and the 4th MRS at Buckley

  • International affairs specialists to enter training pipeline

    The Air Force recently selected 87 officers out of more than 400 volunteers to become its first class of international affairs specialists. Those officers will enter training this summer to become either Political-Military Affairs Strategists, or PAS, or Regional Affairs Strategists, or RAS. The

  • Groups combine resources, give troops valentines

    Two organizations have teamed up to send valentines to troops in Baghdad in an effort made possible by "America Supports You." Since November 2004, the Defense Department program to facilitate grassroots and corporate support for the nation's troops has worked to bond supporters, using a combination

  • Airmen to pay tribute to hospitalized veterans

    Airmen worldwide will be visiting Veterans Affairs medical centers, nursing homes, state veterans homes and other facilities this week to pay tribute to hospitalized veterans. They are helping celebrities, youth groups, community leaders, members of the general public and veterans service

  • Providing ‘red carpet’ service, without the carpet

    Day and night they arrive -- four-star generals, ambassadors. congressional leaders and even Vice President Dick Cheney. Whether they stop for a formal visit or are here en route to another location, a two-person protocol team is there to greet them with a salute and a smile. “We are the first

  • Former Chief Master Sgts. of the Air Force to meet

    The 14th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Gerald R. Murray, will host a conference for former chief master sergeants who have held the Air Force's highest enlisted position. Eight of the nine living former CMSAFs will attend the conference, to be held at the Pentagon Feb. 13 to 16. "This group of

  • ‘Speckled Trout’ -- Air Force bids farewell to unique plane

    A distinguished career came to a close here Feb. 10. After flying senior military leaders and undergoing rigorous testing for more than 31 years, the Speckled Trout tail number 61-2669 officially retired. "Speckled Trout was the primary transport aircraft for every Air Force chief of staff since

  • Falcon eyes roam Iraqi skies

    For years the F-16 Fighting Falcon has been the premier multi-role fighter in the Air Force inventory, but recently F-16s here have been expanding their list of capabilities by performing non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, or NTISR. “NTISR is when a platform such

  • Cope Tiger Airmen donate goods to local school

    Dropping off donations at a Thai elementary school Feb. 10, nine Airmen from Cope Tiger '06 got a chance to take a break from multilateral exercises to spread community goodwill, help a local school and eat lunch. While all of the 300 U.S. military members kicked in cash to help local school

  • Pilots reflect on being Tuskegee legacy heirs

    Something special began July 19, 1941. For the first time in the history of military aviation, blacks were given an opportunity to prove themselves in the sky. The first black aviators began their flight training at Tuskegee Army Air Field, Ala., and went to the famed 99th Fighter Squadron. The

  • First lady visits Aviano

    On her way to the 2006 Winter Olympics, the First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush, visited Aviano Air Base, Italy today. As the head of the official U.S. delegation to the games in Turin, Mrs. Bush traveled here with her daughter, Barbara, and five former Olympic medalists. “These athletes

  • Family, friends send Arizona heat to deployed Airmen

    Standing a post, any post, is a tough job. But when the post is a perimeter guard tower at a base in Iraq and it’s the middle of winter, the stakes go up. Thanks to one family in Arizona, the Airmen of the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are feeling a little bit warmer this winter. When

  • Munitions Airmen get back to basics

    Deep in the heart of Iraqi bunkers are the weapons that helped defeat Saddam Hussein. Surely the dictator would have never thought just five Airmen would track and maintain the same weapons that freed the Iraqi people from his oppression. The mission of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group Munitions

  • Fill ‘er up: POL keeps base, mission running

    Against a constant battle with the elements, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s flying mission depends on one unit to always be ready when called on. The 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s petroleum, oil and lubricant, or POL, flight stands ready to deliver fuel to anyone who needs

  • New personnel system presents opportunity

    The Defense Department's new National Security Personnel System, or NSPS, is on track for initial implementation, the system's program executive officer said Feb. 9. "We’re still on track to deploy folks into Spiral 1.1 in April," Mary Lacey said. "We've got over 11,000 (non-union) employees that

  • Schriever holds African-American Month kickoff breakfast

    It was a central question the guest speaker for the African-American History Month kickoff breakfast asked the 150 people in attendance Feb. 1 at a dining facility here. “Can a neighborhood be a community? Absolutely,” said Dr. Jacqueline Taggart, a business professor at a community college in

  • Ceremony christens first C-17 in Pacific Air Forces

    The first of eight C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets arrived here Feb. 8 for its christening and Hawaiian blessing before a crowd of spectators and distinguished visitors from the local and military communities. 15th Airlift Wing Airmen and members of the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard flew the

  • Joint task force takes first steps to securing future

    The initial stages of a four-month long joint training exercise between the U.S. military and Honduran government, dubbed Operation New Horizons 2006 -- Honduras, began here in January. Joint Task Force, or JTF, Asegurar el Futuro, or “Securing the Future,” conducted the New Horizons mission and

  • Top generals meet at Corona

    The Air Force’s top-ranking leaders met recently for a two-day forum at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., continuing a tradition that has shaped the service’s leadership since 1944. The Corona meetings happen three times per year and they allow Air Force senior leaders to come together for frank, open

  • Retired Airman gives Soldier's mother peace

    When Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast it destroyed more than just property and possessions -- it destroyed memories. Six months later, surrounded by her late son’s fellow warriors, Denise Godbolt cried and hugged Susan Jarrett as the Jarrett family presented Mrs. Godbolt with two new

  • Air Force releases revised religious guidelines

    The Air Force released a revised version of its religious guidelines Feb. 9, its latest step in a process started after a review at the U.S. Air Force Academy indicated a need for additional guidance. Air Force Directorate of Personnel officials issued a first set of interim guidelines in August.

  • C-17 finds home at Hickam AFB

    When “The Spirit of Hawaii Ke Aloha” landed on the flightline here it delivered a new era of air operations for the Pacific Air Forces and the U.S. Pacific Command. Hickam is the first base outside the continental U.S. to permanently host the strategic airlifters. By the end of the year the base

  • C-5 Galaxy aircraft engine test successful

    The Air Force reached a milestone last month in the effort to modernize its C-5 Galaxy fleet. A successful test of newly mounted C-5 engines occurred Jan. 21 at a Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Ga. The test was part of the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program, or RERP, said

  • AF general to retire at reduced rank

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne has directed that Brig. Gen. Richard S. Hassan, former director of the Air Force senior leader management office, retire in the permanent grade of colonel effective March 1. The retirement grade determination follows an Air Force Inspector General

  • Liaison office links air, ground forces

    Ensuring that pilots and ground forces are aware of one another’s intentions, limitations and capabilities is a full-time job. That responsibility falls into the hands of three people assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Ground Liaison Office, or GLO. Comprised of one Airman and two

  • Uniform board results released

    The 97th Air Force Uniform Board released their newest results for proper wear of the uniform. The board met in October and discussed everything from eliminating the Air Force Good Conduct Medal to maternity uniforms. In addition, a Headquarters Air Force badge will be available this summer. The

  • Air Force conducts dietary supplement survey Feb. 13 to 27

    Twenty-six Air Force installations will participate in a survey Feb. 13 to 27 regarding dietary supplement usage in the Air Force. “The survey will help the Air Force keep track of what supplements people are taking, so the Air Force can educate Airmen on any dangers that may go along with taking

  • Air Force attends FBI training

    Explosive ordnance disposal, or EOD, technicians from nearby Hickam Air Force Base are attending FBI training here. The 79th large vehicle bomb post blast investigator’s course teaches attendees how to increase their ability to respond, investigate and collect evidence. Four FBI instructors and a

  • Priorities are key to getting organized

    Short suspenses, miles of e-mail traffic and clocks that never slow down can present road blocks on the daily path to getting the mission done. Even so, Rowdy Yates, 78th Air Base Wing Lean change manager, said people can get more done daily with the right approach. "I believe the reason people feel

  • Duty history centralized for Reservists

    Beginning mid-March, Reserve Airmen will be able to access and change their duty history through the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve, or vPC-GR, a 24/7 customer service Web portal operated by the Air Reserve Personnel Center here. ARPC continues to centralize processes once located at

  • Air Warfare Battlelab: Turning ideas into reality

    They aren’t mad scientists who wear lab coats and pocket protectors, and their expertise extends far beyond the confines of their think tanks. They were chosen because they’re the Air Force’s most innovative thinkers, and they’re turning ideas into operational force enhancers all over the world. The

  • Military working dogs, handlers train for mission success

    Author Corey Ford once wrote, “Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.” For 12 highly trained servicemembers here, the military working dog, or MWD, is not only their friend but their trusted companion, loyal follower and No. 1 teammate. But, this team like so many others comes from lots

  • Air Force’s FY 2007 budget released

    As part of the president's fiscal year 2007 budget plan, the Air Force is set to receive $105.9 billion. This budget meets the vision of Air Force leaders to fight and win the global war on terrorism; to develop, train and care for Airmen; and to recapitalize and modernize the force, said Maj. Gen.

  • Team trains for personnel transformation

    Personnel experts will begin visiting major commands today to train specialists on the changes that will affect the way Air Force does personnel business. This new initiative called Personnel Services Delivery Transformation will use technology so all Airmen can conduct personnel transactions

  • Edwards squadron writes book on CV-22 training

    The Air Force is providing warfighters advanced and reliable tools to accomplish their mission by combining the capabilities of two distinctly different aircraft. Although the CV-22 Osprey is still undergoing developmental tests, it began operational testing here in December with crews from Air

  • Air Force officer MIA from Vietnam War is identified

    The remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. The announcement was made by the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, or DPMO, Feb. 3. The Airman is Col. Eugene D.

  • Space transformation prepares for Air Force future

    Information superiority is the difference between today and tomorrow, said Air Force Space Command commander, Gen. Lance W. Lord. The general told more than 800 attendees at the Air Force Association meeting, here Feb. 3, that there is a tremendous threat “out there,” which is why it is extremely

  • Interdependence is key to future success

    Interdependence is the key to future Air Force success, according to the service’s secretary and chief of staff as they addressed more than 800 attendees at the Air Force Association meeting here Feb. 2. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

  • Air Force begins testing civilian self-service system

    The Air Force will begin testing My Biz, a new self-service system for Air Force civilians to view their personnel information Feb. 3. The Web-based self-service application will allow employees round-the-clock access to their personnel information from .mil domains. In My Biz, civilians can

  • QDR directs Air Force future

    The Department of Defense released the results of the quadrennial defense review Feb. 3 here. "The QDR guides and supports Air Force transformation in pursuit of key joint, interdependent combat capabilities that enable us to deliver more sovereign options for the defense of the United States of

  • Budgeting software benefits command and users

    Learning how to load software onto a computer was painful for Paul Grabiel. He is a budget analyst, not a “techie” and he couldn't seem to do his job without biting his lip in frustration. But thanks to a new software program, there's good news for Mr. Grabiel and his colleagues in financial

  • Achievements come in spite of difficulties

    By now, many Airmen here know the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing descended from the famous Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group. Most people also know about the challenges the 332nd Airmen faced, not only from the enemy, but from their own country and even their own service. Many books and

  • Engineer honored for innovations

    The editors of U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine have named 1st Lt. Robert Patton Jr. of the Air Force Research Laboratory as one of their "Modern-Day Technology Leaders for 2006" for outstanding leadership in engineering, science and technology. A native of Richmond, Va.,

  • BMT extended, NCOs to learn new languages

    Civilians wanting to be Airmen are going to have to tough it out for an additional two and a half weeks at basic military training, said the Air Force's top general here Feb. 2. Airmen graduating from BMT are going to be better trained and better equipped to be war fighters, said Air Force Chief of

  • New Orleans to be first AF Reserve BRAC closure

    Air Force Reserve Command's 926th Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans will be the command's first wing affected by the most recent Base Realignment and Closure. Moved up a year, resources from the 926th will realign to four bases: Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.; Nellis

  • BRAC-affected people will need to move to find jobs

    While many Air Force Reservists and civilians know their jobs will change under base realignment and closure, or BRAC, one of the most difficult things to grasp is how those shifts will happen. To date, none of the BRAC actions affecting Air Force Reserve Command units will move entire units from

  • QDR focuses on protecting Americans

    Just as the fall of the Soviet Union led to changes in how the U.S. military is organized and operates, the post-Sept. 11 world requires continuation of that process, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here Feb. 1. At a Pentagon news conference, Mr. Rumsfeld and Navy Adm. Edmund Giambastiani,

  • Moseley discusses uniform changes

    The top Air Force general is enthusiastic about the upcoming utility uniform and its head-to-toe changes, he said at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium here Feb. 2. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said during a discussion at the symposium that officials have finalized

  • Air Force leaders share Corona issues

    The global war on terror, the state of readiness for Airmen, and the Air Force inventory are the three main priorities for the Air Force, said the service's top two leaders here Feb. 2. At the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium here today, Michael W. Wynne, Air Force secretary, and Gen. T.

  • 615th CRW plays role in joint exercise

    Airmen with the 615th Contingency Response Wing here participated in a joint forcible entry exercise, or JFEX, at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Jan. 21 to 28. JFEX is designed to enhance cohesiveness between the Air Force and Army by executing large-scale heavy equipment and troop movements. The

  • New facility set to be environmentally friendly

    A new aircraft corrosion control paint and depaint facility under construction here is designed to be environmentally friendly and cost-efficient. The goal in building the new facility was to make environmental improvements over old processes, said Richard Slife of the 402nd Maintenance Wing quality

  • Airmen coordinate relief airdrops for Afghan people

    The sounds of cargo aircraft echo through the Afghan hillside. Families huddle against their makeshift homes, watching air-dropped bundles glide to the ground. These deliveries contain blankets, firewood, medical supplies and food -- a gesture of compassion and a foundation to build on. Since

  • Adjustments essential to maintaining Tricare benefits

    Adjustments to the Tricare program are necessary to ensure military health benefits are maintained at a superior level for many years, said a Defense Department official here Feb. 1. The changes, which will be introduced next week with the release of the Quadrennial Defense Review and the

  • Air Force charity ball set for April 1

    After raising more than $630,000 the last two years, the Air Force’s official charity ball returns April 1 at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. The first official ball was in 2004. The committee will stop taking reservations Feb. 10. “We look forward to another successful event thanks to the

  • A hero’s philosophy on life may inspire others

    Articles and other news clippings commemorating a hero’s life lay safely tucked away inside a plastic box. Photos and plaques recounting his numerous achievements adorn the walls. In one corner, a stack of accident analysis reports and an actual piece of the Space Shuttle Columbia’s wreckage lie,

  • Sergeant thanks Congress for helping keep her team together

    As the president spoke to the nation during the State of the Union address, an Airman sat in the gallery, dressed in blues, displaying the combat medals she earned in Iraq. America’s most prominent leaders were gathered in one room on Capitol Hill for the annual speech Jan. 31. Sitting attentively

  • 379th Airmen bring fight, supplies, relief to warfighters

    While each military branch promotes individual service pride, the days of fierce rivalries between the services have seemingly fallen by the wayside to concentrate on the war effort. A cavalryman here knows this. Army ground liaison officer Capt. Phil Messer monitors the interaction between the

  • 12th Air Force embraces 'A staff' structure

    The Air Staff at Headquarters Air Force in Washington is switching to the “A staff” structure today. However, the staff functions at 12th Air Force are already organized under the “A staff” structure.Twelfth Air Force, located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., restructured in June 2004. Since

  • Air Force Assistance Fund campaign begins Feb. 13

    This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, from Feb. 13 to May 5, will provide Airmen the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations. Now in its 33rd year, 100 percent of designated AFAF contributions will benefit active-duty,

  • Luke Airmen enjoy 'Lt. Dan Band' show

    Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band received rave reviews from the more than 1,500 Luke Airmen who attended a free United Service Organizations concert Saturday night. Well known for his “Forrest Gump” character “Lt. Dan”, Gary Sinise and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, played a variety of music from

  • Third country national escorts keep watchful eye

    They stand in the background, silently observing third country nationals, or TCNs, with a watchful eye. They call themselves “the ghosts of the base.” Their work almost goes unnoticed, but the 379th force protection security escort flight plays a critical role in base security. “As a second line of

  • Phase maintenance key to mission success

    Eleven hours flying time or about 4,400 nautical miles away is a key to success for the 40th Air Expeditionary Group’s mission: supporting Operation Enduring Freedom from the sky and ensuring peace throughout Afghanistan. The key: Detachment 1 with the group’s expeditionary maintenance squadron at

  • AEF rotation perfect time to set goals

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief makes no bones about it at the Right Start Briefing. “You’re here for a rotation, and our mission comes first; but, it’s also a great time to set some goals and achieve them,” said Chief Master Sgt. Dwayne Hopkins, 379th AEW command chief. Tech. Sgt.

  • Military health system headed to joint future

    "Jointness" is the future for military operations, and the military health care system will be no different, two Defense Department officials said here Jan. 30. As the military health system transforms, the services will unite to provide more complete and efficient care to all servicemembers, their

  • F-35 simulator demonstrates fighter of tomorrow

    While the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is still in development, Airmen are getting a “sneak peek” at the future of air superiority thanks to a unique simulator. The Lockheed Martin Corporation’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or JSF, pilot interface simulator is demonstrating the fighter’s capabilities to

  • Transformed battlefield medical care saving more lives

    The military health system has revolutionized battlefield medical care in the past four years, reducing fatalities and raising the quality of care to all-time high levels, two Defense Department officials said here Jan. 30. Injured servicemembers are now more quickly transported from the battlefield

  • New documentary showcases unique military careers

    A new documentary launched today will help to educate the American public about military service and clear up misconceptions, said a Department of Defense official. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said the one-hour film, "Today's Military: Extraordinary People;

  • C-130 airlift reduces ground convoy operations

    Sitting high on his stool in the back of a C-130 Hercules, Senior Airman Jon Hall, a 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, scans the ground for airborne threats on an airlift sortie over Iraq. This duty is one that Airman Hall and many other Airmen, deployed here from the 463rd Airlift