New commander takes reins of AETC

Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. took command of Air Education and Training Command from Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz during a ceremony here today.AETC, headquartered in San Antonio, is the Air Force major command responsible for recruiting, training and educating America's Airmen through innovation."The set of

Teens gather for first AF Reserve Teen Leadership Council

Teenagers from around the nation gathered at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command here for the first AFR Teen Leadership Council meeting Nov. 12. The 20 teens, selected to represent their peers as members of the council, received briefings on Air Force Reserve Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Programs

AETC commander to retire after 37 years of service

The commander of Air Education and Training Command, Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, will retire in the grade of general effective Jan. 1, 2011, Air Force officials have announced, culminating more than 37 years of commissioned service. His retirement ceremony is Nov. 17.Among his many accomplishments as

Airmen share ideas, best practices in multi-national exercise

More than 145 Colorado Air National Guard Airmen are taking part in the fifth annual Brazilian-led exercise CRUZEX, in Natal, Brazil, Nov. 8 through Nov. 18. CRUZEX V, or Cruzeiro Do Sul (Southern Cross), is a multinational, combined exercise involving the air forces of Argentina, Brazil, Chile,

Former commander in chief pays tribute to wounded warriors during visit

Some 1,500 people, including eight wounded warriors along with families of military members killed in action in the past 10 years, welcomed former President George W. Bush when he took the stage inside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Nov. 11. It marked President Bush's third visit to the

Fisher House, Meditation Pavilion for families of fallen dedicated

A serene, stone-front home along a private road is now a place of comfort for family members awaiting the dignified transfer of their loved ones.During a pre-Veterans Day ceremony here Nov. 10, family members of the fallen joined military officials and TV personality Montel Williams, himself a

General Rice attends NASCAR race, swears in new recruits

Portal helps vets, reserves, guardsmen land jobs

Just in time for Veterans Day, a new, state-of-the-art Web portal is being rolled out tomorrow to help veterans -- as well as Reserve-component members, their families and wounded warriors -- land jobs with civilian employers who value their military experience.The user-friendly tools will enhance

Glue used in partial cornea transplant

An ophthalmologist here recently performed a unique procedure to restore a patient's vision. Lt. Col. (Dr.) Charles Reilly completed a partial cornea transplant using a type of glue to correct a thinning cornea."The patient had a full corneal transplant in the 1980's due to Keratoconus disease,"

Officials take steps to defend cyber domain

In a "DOD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday, the vice commander of Air Force Space Command discussed the Air Force's cyberspace mission, cybersecurity and the training and education the Air Force is providing to Airmen in the field.Maj. Gen. Michael J. Basla said the Air Force's mission emphasizes

Air Force command brings focus to nuclear enterprise

Over the past 15 months, Air Force officials have built from scratch a model new command that will sustain and modernize U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile wings and the nuclear-capable bomber fleet, said the general who leads the new command."Some people have likened that to trying to build an

Officials use report's findings to prevent violence

The Air Force follow-on review, Protecting the Force: Lessons from Fort Hood, released Nov. 9, concluded that Airmen at all levels are key to preventing future tragedies like the one at Fort Hood, Texas. The tragic shooting of servicemembers at Fort Hood in November 2009 underscored the need for the

Air Force leaders send birthday messages to Marine Corps

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy salute the Marine Corps on its 235th birthday Nov. 10. Secretary Donley wrote a letter to the secretary of the Navy stating:"Congratulations as you celebrate

'Mission One' at NORTHCOM: Defending the homeland

Developing regional response capabilities, stepping up preparations for a no-notice catastrophe and maturing partnerships are among priorities at U.S. Northern Command, the new deputy commander said here Nov. 2."We're working very closely with the National Guard and (the Office of the Secretary of

US, NATO participate in Baltic Region Training Event

U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials participated in a one-day Baltic Region Training Event Nov. 3 at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania. BRTE is an advanced, routine training concept to enhance interoperability, build capability and continue air integration of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It's designed

First production C-5M arrives at Dover

The first production C-5M Super Galaxy arrived for duty at Dover Air Force Base Nov. 5.  Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air Mobility Command, flew the Super Galaxy from Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., to its operational home at Dover AFB."The creativity and hard work demonstrated

Air Guard adds psychological health directors to wings

Air National Guard officials have created a new position at the wing level to provide mental health support to Airmen and their families before and after deployments."The Air Guard is the only service component that does not have military members, who are mental health professionals or technicians,"

Retired Guardsmen preserve war history, camaraderie

At the Jackson Barracks Military Museum here, Wednesdays are a time for reminiscing and restoration for the members of the 122nd Bomb Restoration Squadron Unit.The unit is a group of volunteer retired Guardsmen who help to restore old military aircraft and cannons for the museum, and the members

USAJOBS to be single source for Air Force job seekers

Current civilian employees will have a single source to apply for vacant Air Force positions beginning Nov. 15 when they join other job seekers already using USAJOBS.Air Force civilian personnel officials announced the decision in October that almost all hiring will be accomplished through USAJOBS

Airmen help Soldiers meet airborne school requirements

Paratroopers sat side-by-side both crushed and cozy from the weight of the massive parachute packs on their laps. Each jumper's eyes squinted from a combination of fatigue and flying dust kicked up by the ferocious winds whirling in from the C-17 Globemaster III's side doors. Loadmasters and

Wounded Soldier saved through use of heart, lung machine

A wounded Soldier incurred an injury that affected his lungs, and was transported on an aeromedical evacuation mission Oct. 21, from Afghanistan to Germany. The mission was carried out aboard a C-17 Globemaster III, with the use of an extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation machine. "This is the first

Are you ready for winter?

If living in or traveling to a region that experiences snow and freezing temperatures, now is the time to make winter preparations. Please review the following preparation tips:Prepare a winter storm planKeep the following supplies on hand: Lantern/flashlight, batteries, non-perishable food, potable

CSAF honors hometown heroes at Air Force Week

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz helped honor some of central Florida's hometown heroes during a dinner Oct. 29 at Air Force Week Cocoa Beach 2010 here. Air Force Week is a public communication program that allows community members the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air

Community leaders share information, ideas with AFMC commander

Eighteen civic leaders from across Air Force Materiel Command met with the commander Oct. 28, for a discussion of challenges that lie ahead in five significant categories tied to the AFMC mission.The civic leaders are members of the command's Community Liaison Program, a group of 40 people

Air Guard adds psychological health directors

Air National Guard leaders have created a new, wing-level position to provide mental health support to Airmen and their families before and after deployments."The Air Guard is the only service component that does not have military members who are mental health professionals or technicians," said

Iron Chefs compete, prepare 'Fit to Fight' dishes

Five teams of culinary artists dashed to the commissary here for the secret ingredient of the base's second annual "Fit to Fight" Iron Chef competition, Oct. 27. "The theme this year is 'Fit to Fight'," said Tech. Sgt. Amy Peterson, the 35th Force Support Squadron Falcon feeder manager. "This is a

AFIT graduates first class of cyberspace warriors

Officials with the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence conducted the first Cyber 200 and 300 course graduation here Oct. 28. Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of Air Force Space Command, served as keynote speaker for this first class of

Secretary of State delivers appreciation message to servicemembers

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a message of gratitude and praise here Oct. 29 to all servicemembers willing to devote their lives to the defense of freedom.Secretary Clinton discussed the magnitude of such a commitment, and the impact it has on the lives of millions of

Keep Focus on Troops, Mullen Tells Joint Forces Command

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the members of U.S. Joint Forces Command Oct. 29 for their efforts on behalf of the nation's warfighters while urging them to maintain that focus going forward.In a ceremony near the command's Norfolk, Va., headquarters, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

Air Force school focuses on cybersecurity

"The wars of the future will be fought in the cyber domain" sounds like a bad movie tagline from 20 years ago, but it's becoming truer by the day, and the Air Force is readying troops for that battle.Brig. Gen. Walter D. Givhan, the commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology at

Airmen 'INVEST' in efficiencies

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler spoke about Air Force efficiency initiatives Oct. 28 as part of the Military Strategy Forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies here."I don't think anybody in the Air Force will argue that we can't be more efficient at

Air Force museum director to retire

Air Force officials announced Oct. 28 that retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf will retire as director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force effective Dec. 31.General Metcalf will retire after 14 years as the museum's director. Prior to joining the museum, he served for nearly 36 years on

Civil engineer reflects on energy awareness achievements

October's energy awareness theme, "Think Green, Build Green, Fly Blue," reminds Airmen to seek ways to conserve energy, increase efficiency, and incorporate sustainable practices into their lives. Responsible for installation support functions at 166 bases worldwide, Civil Engineer Maj. Gen. Timothy

'Mission One' at NORTHCOM: Defending the homeland

Developing regional response capabilities, stepping up preparations for a no-notice catastrophe and maturing partnerships are among priorities at U.S. Northern Command, the new deputy commander said here Oct. 26."We're working very closely with the National Guard and (the Office of the Secretary of

Hickam Airmen 'deploy' during readiness exercise

Airmen tested their ability to respond to contingency operations in the Pacific during Beverly Kahuna 2010-F, an initial response readiness exercise Oct. 20 and 21. For the first time since Pearl Harbor Naval Base and Hickam Air Force Base joined their borders to become a joint base, the efforts of

Expeditionary Center Airmen honor Air Force's first female chief

Every Airman should know the name Grace A. Peterson. She is the first woman to ever hold the rank of chief master sergeant.For the 200 people in attendance at the Expeditionary Center here Oct. 18, the first woman to be promoted to chief master sergeant 50 years ago sat in the front row of the hall

American air forces participate in Exercise Cooperacion 1

The air forces of 12 countries of the Americas participated in an exercise aimed at using multinational air assets from SICOFAA member nations (Sistema de cooperacion de las Fuerzas Aerias de las Americas) in support of humanitarian civic assistance missions, Oct. 4 to 14 in Chile.The Cooperation 1

Air Force chief of staff honors retirees, praises Airmen

The Air Force's top uniformed officer honored retirees and praised today's Airmen during a dinner here Oct. 22.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was the guest speaker at the annual chairman's dinner at Air Force Village, an officers' retirement community here, in celebration of its 40th

Program Fills Gap for Returning Guard, Reserve

Though the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program has eased the post-deployment process for thousands of Guard and Reserve members and their families over the past two years, officials are hoping thousands more take advantage of the Defense Department program in the coming months, the program's

Airmen aid largest movement of paratroopers in decades

Civilian passengers catching connecting flights in and out of the Alexandria International Airport in Louisiana couldn't help but notice a massive formation of military cargo aircraft sharing their airspace. Beginning at dusk, nearly 30 cargo aircraft descended on the airport Oct. 18 as part of a

Air Force Village rededicated during special ceremony

The wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz helped honor Air Force Village founders and administrators during a rededication ceremony here Oct. 22.Suzie Schwartz was the featured speaker at the ceremony, which marked 40 years of operation for this Air Force retirement home. It also

General Eichhorn assumes command of AFOTEC

Officials at the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center held a change of command ceremony here Oct. 22 as Maj. Gen. David J. Eichhorn assumed command of the center from Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Sargeant.  Lt. Gen. William L. Shelton, the assistant vice chief of staff of the Air Force, presided

Gen. McKinley: Collaboration saved Minnesota fighter wing

Collaboration between Duluth, Minn., and the Minnesota Air National Guard officials saved the 148th Fighter Wing from closure and will help it grow in the future, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said Oct. 22."You don't see many chambers who recognize their local military," Gen. Craig R.

Special operations members garner awards

Twelve members of the Air Force special operations community recently received annual awards presented by Lt. Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, the deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements. The awards ceremony recognized the 2009 United States Air Force Combat Rescue Officer of the Year,

Transition calls for employees to 'brush up' resumes

Following the success of a seven-month pilot program using a resume-based system to fill vacant positions at 16 locations across the service, current Air Force civilian employees will now apply for vacant position using USAJOBS beginning Nov. 15.To search for Air Force vacancies, employees can visit

Air Force spurs communication at diversity senior working group

Air Force officials met with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, industry leaders and other service representatives during the service's diversity senior working group here Oct. 17 through 18.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Adm. Mike Mullen both spoke to the group, during

Air Force musicians take a visible stand against drug abuse

The Air Force's Band of the West is reaching out to thousands of school children in San Antonio with a "Stay in School" and "Say No to Drugs" message.In a 10-year partnership program with the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Band of the West's rock n-roll ensemble "Top Flight"

Warfighters meet in second coalition virtual battle

The United States rarely goes to war on its own now. More than ever U.S. servicemembers work with coalition partners to win on the battlefield. In order to train for this, the 705th Combat Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. spent the last year preparing to host the second Coalition

Hurlburt Field intelligence flight earns AF level award

The 1st Special Operations Support Squadron received the 2009 Outstanding Operations Group Intelligence/Operations Support Flight Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Unit of the Year award Oct. 14 here for their tremendous accomplishments at Hurlburt Field. Brig. Gen. Robert "Bob" P. Otto,

2000-pound bomb detonated at New Boston

New Boston Air Force Station personnel discovered an AN-M66 2000-pound, general-purpose bomb during recent unexploded-ordnance remediation activities there recently. The bomb was located within the dewatered portions of Joe English Pond and had been covered with a foot of clay and silt and several

NATO partners strengthen bonds with Airmen through discussion

Senior NCOs met with NATO partners Oct. 13 here for a panel discussion gain insight on other nations' military standards, customs and courtesies, and traditions.In addition to the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia and Belgium were represented at the panel. The American SNCOs took turns

Air Force museum director to receive national award

The director of the National Museum of the Air Force was recently selected as a recipient of the National Aeronautic Association Wesley L. McDonald Elder Statesman of Aviation Award.Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf is one of four recipients this year who will be honored at the NAA Fall

M-ATV surge wraps up

More than a dozen Airmen stood on the edge of the flightline, anticipating with a watchful eye as the last C-17 Globemaster III lifted off the ground and soared away. A celebration and applause broke out. They threw water on each other and filled water balloons while high-fiving the patriots next to

Spending reforms top Defense priorities

Pentagon officials should start seeing results from major spending reforms launched by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in the summer of 2010, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said Oct. 14.The entire Defense Department is working to change the way it does business to become more

State-of-the-art cardiovascular services available at Travis AFB

With equipment that can only be found in four other hospitals in the nation, surgeons here recently performed the first operations while using a new state-of-the-art, hybrid cardiovascular operating room. It took a team of medical professionals here three years to bring the cardiovascular services

Basic trainees begin cyber training

The importance of defending cyberspace was taken to a new level when cyber training became a permanent fixture of the Air Force basic military training curriculum.The first trainees attended a four-hour course devoted to defending the Air Force networks and operations in cyberspace Oct. 4. The

Officials publish cyberspace operations doctrine

The LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education approved and published the newly developed Air Force Doctrine Document 3-12, Cyberspace Operations.Maj. Gen. David S. Fadok, the LeMay Center's commander, said cyberspace operations are critical to effective operations across the range of

CJCS: Air Force has 'led the way' in energy security

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff lauded the Air Force for its commitment to energy security during the Pentagon Energy Security Event here Oct. 13."The Air Force is pushing forward, focusing on three goals of reducing demand, increasing supply through renewable and alternative sources, and

Expeditionary Center launches 'Ground Up Challenge'

Visitors to the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center can expect to become more intimately familiar with the ground than they were expecting if they happen to be on the campus at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. or 4 p.m.At those designated times, all military members within the center, student or faculty, cease

Center helps DOD build international bonds

A graduation ceremony at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center here is not what one would consider typical. As the students' names are read, they approach the stage wearing the uniforms of their respective countries. From privates through generals, across all the services, these men

Navy celebrates 235th birthday

As the U.S. Navy celebrates its 235th birthday, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz have sent birthday greetings and congratulated the men and women of the Navy on behalf of America's Airmen."For over two centuries, our nation has been richly

TRICARE official: Early flu shots key to prevention

With flu season already under way, the top TRICARE military health plan official encourages the system's almost 9.7 million beneficiaries to get their flu shots as early as possible at a military medical facility or network provider, or at any participating pharmacy.Military hospitals and clinics

General Schwartz discusses change in the U.S. Air Force

The world has changed and the United States Air Force must change too, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said Oct. 12 at the National Press Club here.General Schwartz made the point that political leaders have been dealing with the effects of globalization since the 1970s, but that the

C-17s vital to aeromedical community in Pacific

Each C-17 Globemaster III flight out of here in which tons of cargo are loaded, delivered and off loaded to a customer in some corner of the Pacific, deserves the crew's undivided attention to detail. However, when the cargo is a servicemember clinging to life, the crew's awareness can become even

Air Force Security Forces Museum exhibit honors fallen Airmen

There was no hesitation for the mother of a fallen security forces Airman when the invitation was extended three months ago.I'm going, she thought about the memorial run/walk and opening of a new exhibit at the Air Force Security Forces Museum Sept. 28 here. The events honored the eight security

ISR leader passes torch to new generation

The morning of Sept. 30 saw 20 officers receive intelligence specialty badges upon graduating from the Air Force intelligence officer course here. There are multiple classes held each year, but the Sept. 30 graduation had a special twist: it was the first time the Air Force deputy chief of staff for

Expeditionary center takes UDM training on the road

Officials are expanding the capability of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center here for training unit deployment managers by deploying mobile training teams across the Air Force.These mobile training teams will consist of pairs of UDM instructors who will travel to major Air Force installations

Randolph Airmen urge students to make the right choices

If experience is the best teacher, some 200 students from a San Antonio middle school learned invaluable lessons last week from a group of Randolph Airmen with personal stories to tell and messages to impart.Dwight Middle School students visited here for the new school year's first session of the

Air Force officials offer cross commissioning opportunities

To obtain the right balance of skills across the total force, Air Force officials will begin offering alternative commissioning options for specified career fields, officials said Oct. 7. Air Force ROTC cadets slated to commission in fiscal 2011 may volunteer and compete for positions in the Air

'Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win' to be Air Force motto

Incorporating extensive inputs from all ranks and career fields in the development effort, Airmen have selected "Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win" as the service's motto. An enduring statement of Airmen's pride in their service, the motto is a two-part expression -- a call to action, with a response of

Afghan air force adds first honor guard to its ranks

Afghan airmen from the Kandahar Air Wing posted colors for the first time with their own honor guard at the one year anniversary of the unit's activation Oct. 5 here.For the past year, Airmen of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Honor Guard have posted the colors for KAW ceremonies. The team recently

Top chief discusses training, wingmanship during Academy visit

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited with the Air Force Academy's enlisted cadre Oct. 1 and talked about the way ahead for the Air Force, professional military education and taking care of Airmen and families.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was in Colorado

Armament Symposium brings DOD, industry together

For the 36th year, the Air Armament Center partnered with the National Defense Industrial Association to host its annual Air Armament Symposium here Oct. 5 and 6.The symposium, a two-day forum for both industry and government personnel, was an opportunity to exchange information, recognize

Elmendorf couple presented O'Malley Award in Pentagon ceremony

The commander of the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and his wife received the 2010 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award Oct. 4 at a ceremony in the Pentagon. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the award and Sharon O'Malley Burg made a special

Tests to compare CCAF, civilian degrees

Education offices at 60 Air Force and Air National Guard bases around the world will test Community College of the Air Force graduates to determine how they compare to counterparts in civilian institutions.The testing begins Oct. 14 and runs through Nov. 15.First-time CCAF degree recipients who have

ACCE-I director: Taking care of Airmen top priority

Support for joint operations, partnering with Iraqi security forces and care for Airmen were some of the topics discussed during the visit by Iraq's top Airman here Sept 21.In his first Airmen's call since becoming the Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq director and commander of Detachment 2,

24th Air Force achieves full operational capability

The commander of Air Force Space Command declared full operational capability for 24th Air Force Oct. 1.The criteria to reach FOC, established in Air Force Program Action Directive PAD 07-08, required 24th Air Force, headquartered at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to be able to perform all

Global Strike command reaches full operational capability

Officials declared Air Force Global Strike Command to be at full operational capability Sept. 30, on schedule, and less than 14 months after its initial activation as a command.To reach that milestone, the command accomplished more than 700 action items identified by the secretary and chief of staff

NATO leaders see security gains in western Afghanistan

Some parts of western Afghanistan could begin transitioning security to Afghan forces within six to nine months, the top NATO force commander in the region said today.Italian army Brig. Gen. Claudio Berto, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command-West in

Air refueling pioneers honored in ceremony at Scott

The air refueling pioneers responsible for the United States' first air-refueling flights in 1923 and 1929 were honored in a ceremony Sept. 23 at Scott AFB's "Walk of Fame" as part of a presentation by the Airlift-Tanker Association Hall of Fame officials.Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air

Leaders send energy awareness message

The Air Force's top leaders released a joint "Letter to Airmen" to encourage Airmen to continue to be energy efficient at the workplace and at home.  "The Air Force is engaged in a long-term effort to improve our nation's energy security through energy efficiency and conservation," Secretary of the

Officials implement new training model

Given the complexities of today's combat missions and the inherent, life-threatening dangers faced by Airmen today, it is critical that Airmen receive effective training before engaging in battle. To provide Airmen with the most realistic training environment away from the battle space, Air Force

Agreement gives green light to ESC efforts in Kyrgyzstan

A delegation led by Electronic Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds reached an agreement with Kyrgyzstan government officials recently on efforts that will benefit the nation of Kyrgyzstan and U.S. operators who rely on the Manas Transit Center there."This agreement marks the formal

Leaders praise mobility team for successful Afghanistan surge

When President Barack Obama announced the surge of an additional 30,000 servicemembers to Afghanistan, mobility Airmen didn't waste a second getting the surge in motion.Within days, units designated to go to Afghanistan were notified and began preparations. Likewise, the DOD's mobility team, which

Education center to enhance Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A major fundraising effort is under way to build an underground education center next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here that will place faces and stories with the names etched in the smooth, black granite known simply as, "The Wall.""There is magic in that wall with its 58,000 names," said

Physician earns AFA top award for health care

A doctor here has been honored for making the most significant contribution to the continued good health of the men and women of the Air Force last year.Lt. Col. (Dr.) Christopher P. Paulson, from the 96th Medical Operations Squadron, was presented the Air Force Association's Paul W. Myers Award

Pilot takes top spot at Air Force half-marathon

Although not as fast as the aircraft he flies, a PC-12 pilot from the 34th Special Operations Squadron blasted past the competition in the men's half marathon during the 2010 Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 17 through18. Capt. Ben Payne finished the 13.1-mile race

Tricare meets or exceeds most new health provisions

Tricare already meets or exceeds most of the new health care provisions in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that took effect Sept. 23. The PPACA provides new or expanded options and consumer protections for those with private health insurance coverage.Most provisions

Airmen wrap up bilateral training exercise in Bangladesh

Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, wrapped up four days of training with their Bangladesh air force counterparts as exercise Cope South 10 came to an end Sept. 23.More than 40 U.S. Airmen and two C-130 Hercules aircraft traveled to the Asian nation to train with the Bangladesh air force to better

Officials ponder reserve components' future

Defense Department officials said a report released earlier this week will help them implement recommendations made by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserve two years ago."There is a very strong commitment to implement most of recommendations of (the commission)," said Dennis M. McCarthy,

South Dakota Air National Guard wing named top fighter unit

The Airmen of the South Dakota Air National Guard's 114th Fighter Wing have once again distinguished themselves as the most outstanding Air National Guard fighter unit in the nation. They were selected as the 2010 recipient of the National Guard Bureau's Winston P. Wilson Trophy. The trophy is

Medical leaders cut ribbon on BAMC pediatric ward, ICU

Air Force and Army medical leaders christened the new Brooke Army Medical Center pediatric ward and intensive care unit during a ribbon-cutting ceremony here Sept. 21. Staffed primarily by Air Force personnel, the majority of Wilford Hall Medical Center inpatient pediatric services moved to BAMC in

Joint warfighters hone skills at Atlantic Strike

Joint and coalition warfighters improved their close-air support skills during an exercise led by Air Combat Command and U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team Sept. 13.Atlantic Strike 10-02 trained warfighters to find, fix, track, target, engage and assess

Officials urge protection against identity theft

Defense Department officials are urging servicemembers to be aware of identity theft and are providing ways for them to protect themselves, the director of DOD's personal finance office said.Dave Julian said officials take the problem very seriously. "We equate it to service readiness," he

Senegal president praises Guard partnerships

The National Guard State Partnership Program is increasing understanding between people in African countries and the United States, the president of Senegal said here Sept. 19."Each country can learn something from another," President Abdoulaye Wade said in an interview at the end of a two-day visit

Net-centricity transcends the network, experts say

Several high-level Air Force, joint service and industry speakers discussed the powers and perils of operating in a net-centric environment at this year's Net-Centric Operations Conference at the Wentworth Hotel and Conference Center here Sept. 20.Sponsored by the Patriots Roost Chapter of the

Airman inducted into Pentagon's Hall of Heroes

Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes in a ceremony Sept. 22 following presentation of the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony the day before."Today, we bring honor to Chief Etchberger's memory and our nation's highest tribute to

Air Force officials select 2010 team excellence award winners

Air Force officials recently selected five teams to receive 2010 Chief of Staff Team Excellence awards for finding creative ways to enhance mission capabilities, improve operational performance and create sustained results. The innovations and business solutions the competing Air Force teams

AETC: Fatality free Critical Days of Summer

Air Education and Training Command officials announced the command ended its Critical Days of Summer campaign with no fatalities.This year was AETC's first fatality free Critical Days of Summer since 1960.The Air Force campaigns for safety every year from Memorial Day to Labor Day to encourage

Family prepares for Medal of Honor

Three men, along with their families and friends, travelled to the nation's capital to take part in an important correction to Air Force history.Steve Wilson, Cory Etchberger and Richard Etchberger attended a ceremony at the White House Sept. 21 where their late father, Chief Master Sgt. Richard