Suicide prevention message rolls through cities nationwide

The Department of Veterans Affairs took to the road, literally, when it decided to advertise about its "VA Suicide Prevention Lifeline" on public transportation buses in 124 communities across the country. "We continue to look for new, innovative ways to reach our veterans," said Tammy Duckworth,

Suicide Prevention Month: How one person can make a difference

Thoughts of suicide are not necessarily something people explicitly announce to the world, which means loved ones often have no idea that their friend or family member is contemplating it. But there are signs and risk factors, and while somebody might think they can’t make a difference by

Suicide prevention month: stopping suicide is everyone’s battle

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time for Americans to build awareness and help understand suicide in our culture. More than 40,000 Americans lose their life due to suicide each year and research shows that rates in the military and the general population are very close. The loss of anyone

Suicide prevention more than a month-long campaign

All Airmen have a responsibility that last much longer than a one-month campaign. This responsibility extends beyond ourselves and includes our work environment, our families, friends, fellow Airmen and our communities. While Suicide Prevention Month is observed across the United States in

Suicide prevention takes courage, communication, official says

The Veterans Affairs Department has named September National Suicide Prevention Month, but the Defense Department continues its year-round, comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to address the issue of suicide in the military, a Pentagon official said Aug. 21.

Suicide Prevention Week: There is help

Although suicide rates for the military are substantially lower than comparable populations in the United States, Department of Defense figures are on the rise. In 2001, for every 100,000 servicemembers, 10.3 committed suicide. In 2007 that number had risen to 13.9. Suicide Prevention Week is Sept.

Suicide Prevention: Speak up so others don't act out

A canoe plummets over a waterfall and crashes into boulders below. Moments earlier, as it nears the precipice, a bystander almost yells out a warning but assumes the canoeist is in control of the situation and remains quiet. Prior to that, several hikers watch the same person paddling obliviously

Suicide solution involves leadership, Mullen says

While no easy answers exist to a military suicide problem that has reached "crisis level," a big part of the solution is tied to leadership, according to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Addressing the National Guard Family Program Volunteer Workshop Aug. 2 in New Orleans, Navy Adm. Mike

Suicide: Never knowing why

"I know you'll grieve and wish that I was still here. I am here in the memories you hold dear.  Remember how much I love you and know I took your love with me. I do not wish for you to cry nor feel sad." -- excerpt from Kelvin Burford's poem Gone Away, written for Anthony ArlineAirman 1st Class

Suiting up

Summer – A time to enjoy family, friends, and practice good risk management

As Airmen approach and plan for summer activities, leadership at all levels should take the time to discuss risk management and highlight hazards Airmen may encounter during the upcoming months. The Air Force’s top three leaders began that conversation in a tri-signature memorandum recently sent to

Summer 2006 quarterly issue of Airman available

Read about how airpower is helping fight the war on terrorism, see how a team of Airmen mentors is making a difference in Afghanistan, follow the daily routine of an Air Force recruiter in the Big Apple, and tag along as Airmen prepare for detainee operations in the area of responsibility. These

Summer 2007 Airman magazine now available

Coalition forces fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan can't get enough of the Air Force's unmanned aircraft, the MQ-1 Predator. The persistent Predator gives commanders an unparalleled, bird's-eye view of the battlefield. And the real-time intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance

Summer 'Air and Space Power Journal' available

The College for Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Summer 2006 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, "Air and Space Power Journal." The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

Summer hire season is just around the corner

With summer just around the corner, now is the time to apply for temporary positions with the Air Force.Annually, federal agencies post summer opening announcements for positions that range from office clerk to food service worker and more. Participation in the program varies from base to base, but

Summer jobs available at Air Force bases worldwide

Students and certain other eligible persons can gain marketable skills and earn money while enjoying their summer vacations with the Air Force Summer Hire Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials here said Feb. 19. Job vacancies will be posted on the USAJobs Web site and may be advertised

Summer lab gives cadets engineering experience

A group of Academy cadets are spending their first weeks of summer getting their hands dirty to gain practical engineering experience. The three-week Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory exposes cadets to several aspects of civil engineering, including heavy equipment operation, steel bridge

Summer offers additional PLAYpass use opportunities

As summer approaches, eligible Airmen and their families have the opportunity to use the PLAYpass Get Out and PLAY program to save hundreds of dollars with discounts in recreational and life skills classes.PLAYpass cards, valued at more than $500, allow single Airmen returning from deployments,

Summer research program benefits Academy cadets

When officials at the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center here and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., launched a new and powerful mentoring program in March, it energized the center's involvement in the Academy's Cadet Summer Research Program. Six months later, seven

Summer safety begins with risk management

Increased travel and leisure activities go hand in hand with the summer months, and require increased emphasis on risk management, said Bill Parsons, the Air Force chief of ground safety

Summer safety campaign sees near-record

The Air Force wrapped up one of its most successful 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaigns Sept. 3.Nineteen Airmen died in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, whereas in 2006, the Air Force's safest summer season, 17 Airmen died in the same period. These figures don't include

Summer season requires extra safety vigilance

Safety is an individual responsibility of all Defense Department personnel, especially during summer, when accidents historically increase, a senior Pentagon safety official said here July 20.Joseph J. Angello, the director of operational readiness and safety for the Defense Department since 1995,

Summit charts future of installation, mission support innovation

With a theme of Evolution of Innovation, the virtual event brought more than 100 installation and mission-support leaders and innovators together for a series of special engagements designed to help them empower Airmen and learn about opportunities available to pursue and cultivate innovative ideas.

Summit gives disaster response leaders 'Eagle Vision'

Key disaster response leaders united for a three day summit here July 22 to learn about a process that brings real-time life-saving images to civilian and military first responders. Maj. Gen. Henry C. 'Hank' Morrow, commander of 1st Air Force and Air Force Northern Command,  and Brig. Gen. Andre

Summit helps young children, families cope

A Defense Department summit today addressed how trauma and stress impact children's well-being and what interventions work to support their healthy development and family competence. The summit, titled "When Duty Calls -- Supporting Military Families Through Challenging Times" -- ends Nov. 5. More

Summit seeks to improve nonmedical care

A summit to improve the coordination of nonmedical care for wounded warriors and their families will draw leaders and experts from several federal agencies, the services and the private sector to Leesburg, Va., March 29 through 31.The Wounded Warrior Care Coordination Summit is hosted by the Defense

Summit solidifies operational, strategic doctrine

More than a dozen active duty and retired general officers formulated doctrine to support joint warfighting operations through the construct of a critical liaison to Air Force commanders called an Air Component Coordination Element Jan. 23 and 24 at Maxwell Air Force Base.The two-day "Gathering of

Summit tracks warfare center consolidation

Senior Air Force leaders gathered at the Pentagon Aug. 23 for a U.S. Air Force Warfare Center Summit. The purpose of the summit was to track progress and consider new initiatives in the ongoing effort to forge a single warfare center within the Air Force. The vision is a simple but powerful one,

Sun outage affects AFN TV, radio

Viewers and listeners of the American Forces Network may experience brief programming interruptions Sept. 28 to Oct. 12, as the fall "sun outage" period occurs.These seasonal outages, which take place each spring and fall, affect all satellite communications, including the AFN radio and television

Sun sets on Air Force Academy-hosted 2018 Warrior Games

As the sun sets behind the Colorado Springs mountaintops, the flame lit ceremoniously a week earlier to signify the official start of the 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games is extinguished, bringing to close the eighth annual iteration of the Games on June 9.

Sun sets on Keen Sword exercise

Servicemembers at military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the waters surrounding the country wrapped up a seven-day joint, bilateral field-training exercise with their Japan Self-Defense Force counterparts as Exercise Keen Sword 11 came to an end Dec. 10.Identified as the

Sun sets on Minnesota Falcons

Sun strike

An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 494th Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, sits on the ramp here prior to a sortie with South Africa's "Flying Cheetahs." (Master Sgt. Cesar Rodriguez)

Sunrise sortie

Sunset scene

Sunsetting the MQ-1 Predator: A history of innovation

The MQ-1 Predator is a remotely piloted aircraft flown by aircrew assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force Base and units around the world. It has contributed to the U.S. warfighting efforts in unprecedented ways and is scheduled to sunset on March 9, 2018, as the

Super Bowl air coverage provided by Air Force

The skies above Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, in Santa Clara, California, will be a well-protected fortress, defended by one of the most feared weapon systems in the Defense Department's inventory. F-15 Eagles, from the California Air National Guard, have been training in the

Super Bowl broadcast plans under way for deployed troops

Are you ready for some football? Troops deployed in combat zones will see the Super Bowl live on the American Forces Network on Feb. 6.In fact, one of the questions Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld got during a news conference in Kuwait was whether troops would see the Super Bowl."American

Super Bowl commercial spotlights Airman

A month ago, 1st Lt. Jeff McGowan would have laughed at the very idea that his face would be used to market thanks and gratitude on national television in front of 100 million viewers. But it is amazing what a few weeks and an opportunity of a lifetime can make.The engineer at the Space and Missile

Super Bowl coverage on American Forces Network announced

Super Bowl XLV will be broadcast on both American Forces Network television and radio on Feb. 6.‪ Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed in 175 countries and 140 Navy ships overseas will be provided almost 20 hours of original, Super Bowl-related programming. Viewers and listeners can check

Super Bowl goes super blue

An Air Force F/A-22 Raptor will be a highlight during pre-game festivities at Super Bowl XXXIX where the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles face each other Feb. 6.The other military services will also take part, but Airmen will play a leading role in one of the nation's premier sport

Super Bowl in Southwest Asia

Super Bowl LV flyover took months of planning, coordination

For fans watching the Super Bowl Feb. 7, the Air Force Global Strike Command tri-bomber flyover over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, lasted seconds.

Super Bowl preparations include air defense exercise

Fighter jets from the Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, also known as CONR, along with the command’s interagency partners, are preparing to protect the sky around MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the site of Super Bowl XLVIII Feb. 2.

Super Car documentary debuts on airforce.com

The making of the Air Force's newest national mobile marketing assets, the X-1 and Vapor, can now be seen in a 22-minute documentary featured on airforce.com. The documentary captures a team of Airmen chosen to work with a crew at Galpin Auto Sports to customize a white Ford Mustang (X-1) and a

Super Galaxy endures super cold weather

'Super Galaxy' fleet complete at Dover

From the Galaxy to Super Galaxy, Dover's armada of C-5M Super Galaxies is finally complete. Lt. Gen. Brooks L. Bash, Air Mobility Command vice commander, delivered its 18th and final C-5M Super Galaxy, tail number 87-0040, April 2, at 1:30 p.m., here.

Super Galaxy: Aeromedical evacuation's biggest ally

During a cold, gloomy first week of December, total force Airmen teamed up at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, to test the capability of the Air Force’s largest aircraft to perform aeromedical evacuation during a proof of concept event.

Supercomputer to boost Aeronautical Systems Center's capabilities

With the addition of an SGI® Altix® 4700 computer this summer, the Aeronautical Systems Center Major Shared Resource Center will house one of the Department of Defense's High Performance Computing Modernization Program's largest supercomputers. Installation of the SGI® Altix® 4700 - a

Supercomputing weather with ‘Thor’

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hanscom Air Force Base acquired a supercomputer that is the latest step in a long-running weather prediction arms race.

Superintendent announces Academy fiscal 2015 budget impact

Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson announced on March 4 how the fiscal year 2015 budget, if enacted by Congress, will impact the Academy.

Superintendents join AFPC Squadron Commander Course

Previous courses this year provided a first-hand opportunity to new and sitting squadron commanders to learn about AFPC programs and processes for talent management and care for Airmen and families. This iteration offered superintendents the same opportunity, with 41 commanders and civilian

Supersonic JDAM drop marks increase in Raptor capability

As the midafternoon sun blazed on the Mojave Desert and thunderclouds loomed in the distance, a sleek dark gray war bird took to the sky to push the envelope of flight testing.At the controls, Maj. John Teichert, a 411th Flight Test Squadron test pilot, pushed the F/A-22 Raptor past Mach 1, opened

Supersonic Raptor drops first guided bomb

An F/A-22 Raptor flying at supersonic speed dropped its first 1,000-pound guided joint direct attack munition over the range here. Since July, Raptor program have flown seven JDAM supersonic separation test missions under a variety of conditions. The aim is to prove the JDAM can safely separate from

Supervisor resource center moves to AF Portal

Information, education and training critical to civilian supervisors is available at such online resources as the Supervisory Resource Center, which has moved to the Air Force Portal, SRC developers announced today.Formerly located on the Air Force Knowledge Now platform as a community of practice

Supplemental bill to improve quality of life

Part of the $87.5 billion supplemental-appropriations bill for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan signed earlier this month by President George W. Bush will go toward improving quality of life for servicemembers there."We want people to have air conditioning," Dov S. Zakheim said here Nov.

Supplemental deployment health assessment starts in December

Airmen returning from deployment now have two opportunities to let healthcare workers know of their mental and physical health status. Beginning in December, the Air Force will require all Airmen returning from deployments to complete a post-deployment health reassessment. The PDHRA needs to be

Supplements promise results, pose risks

The path to fitness, weight loss and nutrition requires discipline and hard work, but many are turning to supplements to find a faster route to these goals, health officials said.Easily purchased over the counter, many supplements promise an extra edge. But with their promises come potential long-

Supplements: Awareness is a serious matter

Health, fitness and energy are important considerations for all Airmen, but when does pursuing them result in potential and real problems Supplements, health foods and energy drinks may be popular and even come with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but that doesn't ensure compliance

Supplies bound for Cyprus

Supplies increased at military clothing stores

 Current inventory of the green fleece has caught up with demand, officials announced Sept. 2.The sources for purchase of the fleece are Army Air Force Exchange Service military clothing stores in person and online.Airmen have raised issues concerning availability, where to buy the green fleece

Supply Airmen help take fight to enemy

Keeping aircraft flying and war fighters supplied in Afghanistan is a challenging job, but one done by Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron supply flight here. An estimated $50 million in equipment and supplies, everything from aircraft weapon system parts to office

Supply Airmen keep deployed essentials on shelf

Continuously keeping supplies on the shelf to support military operations here falls on the shoulders of a group of Airmen from the 416th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron’s supply section.They ensure warfighters have the necessary gear and parts to effectively fight the war on terrorism. They

Supply Airmen keep materials rolling in

When people think of supply support, the first item that comes to mind may not be water.And yet, a weighty part of the supply Airmen’s job in the arid environment here is to process 15 pallets of the liquid each week. More than 25,000 bottles of water are used each week by 600-plus Airmen deployed

Supply Airmen run mission lifeline at Ali Base

Paperclips, toilet bowls, sulfuric acid and body armor all have something in common. They are all items that have arrived at Ali Base through the supply system for issue by logisticians. "We are here to provide supply support for the base and do whatever else we can to help fight the war on

Supply Airmen slim down the bits and bolts for New Dawn

As the responsible drawdown of forces in Iraq continues, the Airmen of the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Management Flight here have gone back to basics and cut down excess assets at the base.The 35 people in supply now keep track of some 7,000 required line items, valued

Supply flight keeps parts moving at OEF base

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is one of the largest units in the Persian Gulf region to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Its primary aircraft are KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers. The wing has delivered almost 300 million pounds of fuel to U.S. and coalition aircraft in the war on

Supply lines pumping, sorties rolling

B-52 Stratofortresses keep rolling down the runway at a deployed location, carrying the fight and firepower to the Iraqi regime.As the operators and maintainers of the 457th Air Expeditionary Group keep the Buffs flying, having parts and equipment at the ready is critical."The relationship between

Supply, fuels teams compete during 'Roadeo'

Thirty-six teams from around the Air Force gathered here to compete in this year's supply and fuels readiness competition, also known as "Roadeo." When it was all over, the team from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, earned bragging rights by accumulating the most points in the three-day competition.The

Support agencies ease deployed Airmen's return

Family and friends welcomed the safe return Sept. 24 of several Airmen who were deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After spending time with their families, the Airmen returned to the base the next morning to process through a "reintegration" line at Laughlin's

Support agencies help Airmen, families manage holiday stress

The holiday season can bring joyful smiles and priceless moments with friends and family. But for some, it can bring a sense of worry, self-doubt, frustration and agony.Numerous agencies at Air Force bases provide programs and assistance to those who are experiencing the tougher side of life this

Support for wounded warriors reaches across America

Americans watching news coverage of the war in Iraq are asking, “How can I show my support for our brave servicemembers?”To show their support, many have donated phone cards, frequent flier miles or sent letters and messages.A group of San Antonio area quilters are doing their part to support

Support from States plays big role in morale

Support from people in the United States helps make serving in a hostile environment a bit easier for military troops deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.Letters from school children, free phone cards, care packages from family and office mates and banners signed by hundreds

Support improves for families with special needs

Officials are working to boost the resources and support the Defense Department's Exceptional Family Member Program provides to military families with special needs. "Most people are aware of EFMP as a mandatory enrollment program, but we're working to raise awareness of the family support we can

Support network available for families of deployed airmen

For many years, families of active and reserve component airmen, along with Air Force civilian employees, have had to deal with the stresses associated with deployments and remote tours.However, families no longer have to endure these separations alone, according to Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Tester,

Support personnel, F-16s enhance partnership with Poland

About 350 personnel are supporting 20 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, as part of bilateral flying training with the Polish Air Force.

Support squadron commander candidates named

More than 1,000 officers from 10 support career fields are on the calendar year 2012 squadron commander candidate list, Air Force officials announced Nov 4. Functional developmental teams meet annually here to consider eligible officers for functional squadron command opportunities. Wing hiring

Supporting Bushwhacker

Supporting OEF

Supporting the fight, breaking records

Air National Guardsmen from the 120th and 182nd Airlift Wings departed for home this week following a four-month deployment at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.During their deployment, the Airmen were assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, where they successfully delivered cargo

Supporting the troops

Supporting those outside Balad

The 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group Personnel Support for Contingency Operation team has a unique mission here -- to account for Airmen who fill Army and Marine billets. Although the majority of these In Lieu of Forces Airmen are geographically separated from Balad Air Base, they must be

Supporting those who support those in need

Ever since word got out about the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the island nation of Haiti, Pope has been in a state of organized chaos. Both Air Force active duty and Reserve personnel have been working hand in hand with Army personnel from Fort Bragg, N.C., to ship Airmen, Soldiers and

Supporting warfighters from space

Air Force Space Command Vice Commander Lt. Gen. John Hyten spoke at the 15th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference here Aug. 14 and discussed how the American way of war has fundamentally changed thanks to space.He used historical examples to illustrate his point and contrasted those with

Supporting warfighters: Two workforces come together with one mission in mind

Child care, golf, bowling, community center, lodging operations and outdoor recreation. These operations, and many more, are designed to support the morale, welfare and recreation of Airmen and their families and rely heavily on one thing to make them tick … nonappropriated fund, or NAF, employees.

Supporting warrior care

Supreme Allied Commander Europe visits USAFE forces

The commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe met the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe here to discuss USAFE's vital role in accomplishing the EUCOM mission Nov. 10 at Ramstein Air Base."The Airmen of USAFE are essential to providing deterrence from aggression

Supreme Court decisions affect service members, vets

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued three decisions with military connections recently.In what may be the most contentious of the cases, the court ruled that members of a Westboro, Kan., church have the right to picket at funerals for service members killed in action.The court reversed a lower court

SUPT evolves, molds next generation of military aviators

Pilot training is ever evolving around new aircraft, new equipment, new procedures and faster production. With this, the syllabus in Phase II of training has recently changed, helping build a new type of military aviator.

Surf the Internet, discover benefits

Military beneficiaries can find the latest information at their fingertips at the Defense Commissary Agency's new and improved Web site.DeCA has retooled its Internet site to include fresh new graphics that change with each season and a new section that promotes health and wellness. The single

Surge capability examined as part of BRAC process

Defense planners have looked at surge capability across the services and industrial processes as they have gone through the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process.Defense Department officials said Congress specifically added the surge capability to the basic legislation authorizing the BRAC

Surgeon commends benefits of tech advances, joint efforts, AFSO 21

Technological advances, joint efforts and a focus on Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century have led to great strides in military combat and peacetime healthcare, said Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Richard A. "Rick" Hersack, the command surgeon of the Air Force Materiel Command.In the technological

Surgeon general testifies before Senate on budget request

The medical capabilities honed from 13 years of war must continue to expand for future needs, the three military surgeon generals’ told Senate Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on defense April 9.

Surgeon general testifies on servicemembers’ health

Pre- and post-deployment health care coupled with the in-theater deployment surveillance health program have resulted in the healthiest servicemembers in history, the Air Force surgeon general told a congressional panel March 18.Lt. Gen. (Dr.) George Peach Taylor Jr. told the House Armed Services

Surgeon named Air Force Male Athlete of the Year; sets sight to 2012 Olympic Games

An orthopedic surgeon on staff at the U.S. Air Force Academy Hospital with the 21st Force Support Squadron has been named U.S. Air Force Male Athlete of the Year for 2010. Captain James Bales received the award at the annual Air Force Sports Directors Conference recently in San Diego. Captain Bales

Surgeon wins Armed Forces Triathlon Championship

If at first you don't succeed, then try, try again. For Capt. James Bales, a Wilford Hall Medical Center orthopedic surgeon, it was eight 'tris' before success: winning the Armed Forces Triathlon Championships.The Air Force captain traversed the Olympic-distance course at Naval Base Ventura County,

Surgeons perform AF’s first robotic surgery

Members of the 81st Surgical Operations Squadron performed the Air Force’s first robotic surgery at the Keesler Medical Center here March 28, 2017.

Surgeons return injured troops to action

With precision-guided instrumentation and steady hands, a surgical team here is returning injured warfighters to the fight. Dr. (Maj.) Daniel Todd Rose, orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. (Maj.) Craig Kolasch, general surgeon, both with the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group, handle most of the minor

Surgeon's skills stay sharp helping base

The doctor and nurses, shrouded in gowns, gloves and facemasks, lay stainless-steel scalpels and clamps neatly on the plastic-covered tray next to the patient.One of the nurses squeezes around the operating stretcher to adjust the overhead lamps while the doctor picks up his tools and prepares to

Surgical residency receives full joint training platform accreditation

The 81st Medical Group at Keesler AFB, which boasts the largest Air Force surgical training residency program, has received full Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accreditation as a joint training platform. The program was evaluated by the ACGME, the governing body for all United