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  • Airmen train with NATO allies during exercise

    Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, joined forces with NATO’s newest member Oct. 4 to 7 to improve the way they rescue downed pilots.The training was part of Adriatic Rescue 04, a U.S.-Slovenian combat search-and-rescue exercise.While Slovenia conducted similar training with the United States

  • Course offers self-defense training

    Airman Smith has no worries as she dances the night away at a party at her friend’s house. Once the night is over, she leaves the house and walks to her car when suddenly, out of the shadows, someone grabs her from behind and tries to drag her away.What the attacker does not know is that he picked

  • Officials unveil new space badge

    Air Force Space Command officials unveiled a new space badge at the Strategic Space 2004 Convention in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 7. The new badge replaces the current space and missile functional badge worn by space and missile operations professionals, said Gen. Lance W. Lord, AFSPC commander. It is

  • Official: New adenovirus vaccine 'top priority'

    Defense Department officials are working to field a new vaccine designed to combat a virus that has plagued military basic training since World War II, DOD's senior medical official said Oct. 5.The development of a new adenovirus vaccine is a "top priority," Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr. said. The

  • Air Force still needs health professionals

    The Air Force exceeded its enlisted recruiting goal by sending 34,362 people to basic military training in fiscal 2004, but the service was unsuccessful in finding enough physicians, dentists and nurses to meet its health professions goal.The Air Force had an enlisted recruiting goal of 34,080.

  • Rescue flight saves fallen rock climber

    The 36th Rescue Flight here made its 596th save, after rescuing a fallen rock climber Oct. 2.The man, 26, was out with two friends when he got separated and disappeared over a cliff face near Spur Lake in Libby, Mont.The friends found the man the next morning and began to stabilize him, then climbed

  • General Martin withdraws PACOM nomination

    Gen. Gregory S. Martin requested his nomination to be commander of U.S. Pacific Command be withdrawn hours after his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing Oct. 6.A Pentagon statement said General Martin “has requested that his nomination by the Bush administration to be the new U.S.

  • Edwards system monitors SpaceShipOne during flights

    As SpaceShipOne rocketed over the Mojave Desert on Oct. 4 to claim the famed Ansari X Prize, a team of engineers here collected data about the spacecraft’s trajectory thanks to the spaceport arrival and departure safety system.In a partnership between the California Space Authority and the Air Force

  • Junior ROTC expands, seeks retirees to teach at new units

    Airmen planning to retire within the next couple of years and Airmen who have retired within the past five years may want to look to Junior ROTC before storing their uniforms, said Jo Alice Talley. She is the Air Force Junior ROTC instructor management chief.Air Force Junior ROTC will add 201 units

  • 'Master problem solver' wins Air Force award

    The challenge of keeping his computer customers connected is what drives Tony Bufford, winner of the Air Force’s Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award for 2004.Mr. Bufford, system administrator for the 81st Supply and Transportation squadrons, was also Keesler’s nominee for the award in 2000

  • Thrift Savings Plan open season begins Oct. 15

    Civilian and military employees can sign up for, or change, their Thrift Savings Plan contribution amounts during the "open season" Oct. 15 to Dec. 31."TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan, which everyone should consider," said Senior Master Sgt. Felipe Ortiz, superintendent of the Air Force

  • Life-support Airmen offer keys to survival

    Like James Bond being led through a showroom of new gadgets, a pilot is introduced to the latest and greatest gizmos that will get him out of a jam.In the back corner of the 17th Special Operations Squadron here is a hi-tech superstore that supplies special operations Airmen in the Pacific with

  • Airmen come together for humanitarian service

    When given the chance for humanitarian service, Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here go all out.More than 50 Airmen helped unload two 30-foot containers of school supplies and toys and then organized and packaged them for an Iraqi school.“What a great turnout,” said Chaplain (Capt.)

  • Escorts keep watch over foreign workers

    Help wanted: Critical job working outside in sandy, arid 110-degree heat. Must leave comforts of home, family and friends for four months. Will provide perimeter security during increased threat levels and escort third-country and local nationals to job sites. Free travel!If someone read that ad

  • Uniform board incorporates feedback, alters design

    Based on feedback from the six-month wear test, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper decided to expand the current test program to include a pixelated tiger-striped pattern in a new color scheme on the proposed utility uniform.The expansion does not involve a full test; instead, there will

  • Air Force receives top DOD-level award

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe communications and information directorate, which oversees the Air Force's communications and information-management effort in the European theater, was given top honors in the chief information officer awards team category Oct. 7.Defense Department officials honored

  • Absentee Voting Week kicks off Oct. 11

    Oct. 11 to 15 has been designated Absentee Voting Week by the Federal Voting Assistance Program.Overseas voters should mark and return their state absentee ballots or the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot during this week, federal voting officials said.It is imperative to mark and mail ballots as

  • William Tell competition resumes after eight-year break

    The Air Force’s first William Tell air-to-air competition in eight years takes flight at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 8 to 19.William Tell 2004 will test aircrew performance in the air dominance and air sovereignty missions, while evaluating weapons use and the tactics used. The meet also

  • POL Airmen fuel the wing

    “Without fuel, pilots are pedestrians.” This is a phrase uttered by many fuels specialists over the years. At a forward-deployed location, it is no different; except the phrase should be expanded to people who drive vehicles and use air conditioners, generators and anything else not

  • Air Force women’s soccer falls at New Mexico

    Air Force Academy women’s soccer lost a Mountain West Conference soccer match 2-1 to the University of New Mexico here Oct. 10.The Falcons fall to 3-9-1 overall and 0-2-0 in the conference.Bridgette Sanchez scored the first goal for the UNM Lobos (5-6-0, 1-0-0 MWC) on a penalty kick in the 75th

  • K-9s receive top care in deployed environment

    In a 110-degree, sandy environment at a forward-deployed location, how does the mission go on when a military working dog is down? As with any combat zone, there are only so many things Airmen can do without the K-9s in place.Keeping the dogs in good health is a top priority, and that

  • Now showing: Oct. 11 edition of AFTV News

    The continuing Air Force role in Operation Enduring Freedom highlights the latest edition of Air Force Television News. Tech. Sgt. Joy Josephson explains the resupply mission by Air National Guard C-130 Hercules units operating from Uzbekistan. Another aspect of the service’s contribution to peace

  • Combat controllers call in big guns for troops in Afghanistan

    They are respectfully referred to as “the guys with the beards,” by their fellow Airmen here. It is distinction that few American servicemembers in Afghanistan can claim. Dressed in unmarked desert camouflage uniforms, these distinctive Airmen convoy across the Afghan plains, trek through mountain

  • Reserve magazine changes Web address

    The official magazine of the Air Force Reserve has a new Web address.Citizen Airman's new address is www.afrc.af.mil/news/citizenairman/index.htm.Besides moving to a new Web home, Citizen Airman, published for more than 76,000 reservists worldwide, is getting a new look. The changes, which take

  • AETC civilians testing new finance system

    Civilian employees in Air Education and Training Command will soon begin testing a new finance system. It allows employees a chance to get answers to their leave and earnings statement questions without calling or visiting a civilian personnel office.The AETC test will last two pay periods, and

  • Blowing stuff up for safety’s sake

    Most people use tools to fix things, but the 455th Civil Engineer Flight’s explosive ordnance disposal team here uses its tools to blow up stuff. To these Airmen, blowing something up is the best way to eliminate hazards and with an average of three suspected unexploded ordnance calls here daily,

  • Services serves up thousands of feasts

    The days of the chow hall are gone. They have been replaced by a new trend, which sets the Air Force apart from other branches of the military; friendly customer service and out-of-this world food, even while deployed.But for the people at a forward-deployed services squadron, making the food taste

  • Air Force volleyball team falls in three to New Mexico

    The Air Force Academy women’s volleyball team dropped a 3-0 match to visiting University of New Mexico on Oct. 8. With both teams looking for their first conference win of the season, it was the Lobos who pulled out the 30-25, 31-29 and 30-23 victory. With the loss, Air Force moves to 4-11 on the

  • Tankers fuel war on terror

    The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s tanker squadron plays an essential role in the war on terror. KC-10 Extenders are a key part of the wings’ mission to provide coalition aircraft greater range and endurance for missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.Pilots of the 908th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling

  • Roche, Jumper ‘wear test’ Osprey

    The Air Force's top two leaders got up close and personal Oct. 8 with what may become the service's latest special operations asset. Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper flew in a Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey. General Jumper served as pilot of

  • Secure personnel Web site going down for maintenance

    The Air Force Personnel Center’s secure Web site (https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afpcsecure) will be down for scheduled maintenance 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT on Oct. 17.The following Web site sections will be available via the Air Force Portal (https://my.af.mil) only: -- Employee Benefits Information

  • Helmet upgrades enhance air power

    F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots here can now look, lock and launch on an enemy target in the blink of an eye. Because split seconds can mean the difference between life or death for a pilot in combat, the 52nd Fighter Wing here adopted an advanced approach to high-tech man-machine interaction with the

  • Tricare civilian inpatient rates increase slightly

    The daily cost of inpatient care in civilian hospitals for active-duty family members under Tricare Standard and Tricare Extra increased Oct. 1 from $13.32 to $13.90 per day or $25, whichever is greater. For example, if a family member of an active-duty servicemember is an inpatient for one day, he

  • Berlin Airlift vets return to Rhein-Main

    Forty-nine Berlin Airlift veterans visited here Oct. 13 to recognize the 55th anniversary of one of the end of the largest humanitarian airlift missions in the history of the U.S. Air Force.The visit culminated in a dinner where Lt. Gen. Arthur Lichte, U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander,

  • Physician assistants strong support for military medical units

    Every 15 minutes, Maj. James Kahler lifts a medical record from the rack, enters an exam room, and his hunt begins anew.Part medical detective, part complaint department head, part confession-hearing priest, Major Kahler weighs verbal feedback against diagnostic examination to determine a prognosis

  • Postal agency sets overseas holiday mailing dates, policies

    The dates for mailing items to and from overseas locations in time for the holidays are fast approaching, and officials at the Military Postal Service Agency here have suggestions for ensuring packages and letters arrive on time. "If packages are mailed earlier, it may be possible to use

  • Rescue flight makes second save in nine days

    The 36th Rescue Flight made its second save in nine days with the rescue of an injured survival student Oct. 11.The student, a lieutenant, was doing night navigation training in the Colville National Forest when he tripped, fell and lost consciousness. The instructors immediately called the Tacoma

  • Student Civil Air Patrol program takes flight

    While some middle-school students spend their free time playing video games or watching television, a recently chartered organization here is giving future Airmen the opportunity to experience crossing into the blue as Civil Air Patrol cadets.Unlike ROTC, the cadets’ involvement is not graded as a

  • Name change heralds new era at AF museum

    A dramatic era of change and growth continues to unfold at the Air Force's national museum with the institution launching a formal name change.Officials announced the name change from the U.S. Air Force Museum to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force during a ceremony Oct. 14. "The Air Force

  • Air Force names public service award nominee

    Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kazimer III is the Air Force’s nominee for the 2005 National Public Service Award.Sergeant Kazimer is the assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of communications maintenance for the 702nd Munitions Support Squadron at Buechel Air Base, Germany.The sergeant is credited with

  • Officials allowing more wounded troops to remain on duty

    Defense Department officials have long been leaders in providing employment opportunities to people with disabilities; however, they have taken a major step forward by allowing disabled troops to remain in the military if they want to and can continue to perform, DOD's disability program manager

  • New Mexico shuts out Air Force, 2-0, in men’s soccer

    Two early second-half goals by Jeff Rowland led the third-ranked University of New Mexico men’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over the Air Force Academy here Oct. 14. With the victory, New Mexico remains the only unbeaten and untied team in the country at 10-0 overall and 4-0 in Mountain Pacific

  • C-141 schoolhouse closes at Wright-Pat

    Air Force Reserve Command officials shut down the C-141 Starlifter schoolhouse here Oct. 14.A ceremony marked the closing of the school, officially called the C-141 Formal Training Unit. It was managed by the 445th Airlift Wing. Use of the facility, the only one of its kind in the Air Force, ended

  • Hope, awareness keys to suicide prevention

    Problems come unexpectedly, and things like deployments and family troubles can be big stressors for many servicemembers. But one thing care providers want to get across is that suicide is not the right answer.More than 40 Airmen Air Force-wide have committed suicide this year, and though leaders

  • AEF Battlelab becomes Air Warfare Battlelab

    The Air Expeditionary Force Battlelab, which stood up here in July 1997, recently became the Air Warfare Battlelab. The change reflects the 2003 realignment under the Air Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and better matches operational and testing functions. The battlelab focuses on

  • Flu shots set for servicemembers, high-risk people

    Deployed and deploying servicemembers are among the priority groups to receive the flu vaccine, Defense Department officials said here Oct. 13. Chiron, the main supplier of flu vaccine has a plant in Britain. Recently British regulators halted production there. While DOD is affected by the British

  • New government Web site offers one-stop financial education

    The Defense Department is part of a multiagency effort that resulted in the debut of a federal government Web site devoted to financial education Oct. 12.The mymoney.gov site has been in the works since March, with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission taking the lead role in its development, DOD

  • New law sinks 'check floating' practice

    The practice of “floating” a check until payday will become a thing of the past Oct. 28 when the new federal Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, also known as Check 21, goes into effect.“Check floating” occurs when people write checks a few days before payday, figuring that by the time their

  • Utah hands Air Force women’s soccer a 4-0 loss

    Amanda Feight scored a pair of goals to lead the University of Utah to a dominant 4-0 win over the Air Force Academy in Mountain West Conference women’s soccer here Oct. 14. The Falcons are now 3-10-1 overall and 0-3-0 in the conference play.The Utes (8-4-2, 2-0-1) took the lead 17 minutes into the

  • Airfield team stays busy at deployed location

    Airfield management at one forward-deployed air base in Southwest Asia involves doing more than just filing flight plans and telling pilots where to park.Master Sgt. Carlos Marrero, the chief of airfield management, and his staff also ensure the smooth and efficient movement of aircraft in the area

  • Tax relief act works for low-income troops in combat zones

    Servicemembers in combat zones stand to reap tax benefits from provisions in the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004, which President Bush signed into law Oct. 4. Income earned in combat zones is not taxed; however, the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit are dependent on

  • Muslim holy month begins

    Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, began Oct. 15The observance, with its emphasis on inner reflection, fasting and prayer, takes on special significance to U.S. servicemembers deployed to Southwest Asia, and also to an estimated 7,000 Muslims in the U.S. armed

  • LOEs now mandatory for some deployed commanders

    With the continuing emergence of increased expeditionary mission requirements, Air Force officials are implementing a policy that will complement officer evaluations by ensuring performance in key leadership positions at deployed locations is documented.Beginning with the current air and space

  • USO honors Airman at gala event

    The United Service Organizations honored an Airman from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, at the 2004 USO Gala here Oct. 14 for his unhesitating courage in saving the lives of two children.Seeing smoke coming from a house and learning that children were trapped inside, Senior Airman Nicholas Semonelle,

  • Relationship, money issues face some returning combatants

    Money, intimacy and re-establishing their relationship as a couple and with their children are some of the challenging issues facing families when servicemembers return after months away in Iraq or Afghanistan. A team of mental-health professionals from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress,

  • Airman, wife arrested in murder plot

    Civilian authorities arrested an Airman from here and his wife Oct. 13 in a murder-for-hire scheme. He was already in custody at a local holding facility facing separate Air Force charges.Staff Sgt. Matthew Gladue, a weather systems technician with the 51st Combat Communications Squadron, and his

  • Holiday greetings team visits Gwangju

    A lot of “I love you” and well wishes were spoken here Oct. 12 when 126 Airmen and Soldiers sent their holiday greetings home.An Army and Air Force Hometown News Service holiday greetings team stopped here as part of a worldwide tour to film messages from servicemembers to air on their hometown

  • Reserve unit begins deactivating

    Already hard-pressed aircrews at this active airlift hub will be even busier starting in December when two Reserve squadrons begin deactivating after two years on active duty.The 97th and 728th Airlift Squadrons, of the Air Force Reserve’s 446th Airlift Wing here, mobilized in February 2003. Both

  • Family support centers target programs

    Family support centers around the Air Force are changing the way they do business to better serve the needs of communities.“Traditionally, we served customers who came into the center,” said Linda Olivia Smith, chief of Air Force family matters. “Now we’re doing more outreach -- going to the

  • Deployed postal workers help build morale

    In a deployed environment, morale is very important and comes in many forms, shapes and sizes, but often by mail.Three Airmen here are responsible for delivering mail to more than 2,500 people.“We can’t put a number on how many pieces of mail we get, but it’s around 2,600 pounds a day,” said Tech.

  • Internet coupons stretch commissary customers' savings

    Commissary shoppers are among the top coupon clippers in the world, but the "clipping" part may someday be history. The Defense Commissary Agency is helping customers increase their savings by making Internet coupon links available on the agency's Web site."Although we sell groceries at cost, we

  • Thrift Savings Plan kicks off open season

    The federal government's Thrift Savings Plan kicked off its 2004 "open season" Oct. 15 with slogans to remind servicemembers and civilian government employees that they can increase their retirement coffers substantially by investing in TSP, a 401K-type savings program.Open season -- the period when

  • Babysitting club teaches teens responsibility

    What started out as just an after-school club to occupy free time, turned into a well-known organization here dedicated to teaching teenagers responsibilities of adulthood.Sherry Franklin, a program’s director at the youth center, started the babysitter club in 1999. Since then, their services have

  • POL Airmen help turn C-130 into flying gas station

    For Staff Sgt. Chris Cooper and Senior Airman Pete Kaplan, being fuels specialists is what they joined the Air Force to do. But the two petroleum, oil and lubricant experts had no idea they would be donning body armor and flying a 3,000-gallon fuel bladder around the desert, refueling much-needed

  • Active-duty, reservists combine forces in Afghan sky

    In the Afghanistan sky, the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron has a “rainbow” effect. Air Force Reserve and active-duty pilots have teamed together for an air and space expeditionary force deployment here to protect U.S. and coalition people from attackers whose aim is to disrupt the national

  • Airman’s American journey spans 13 years, two countries

    “My parents told us we were going to Disneyland, but they told me not to bring any clothes or toys because they would buy us new ones.”That was how Senior Airman Jesus Espinoza Ogarcia, now assigned to the 14th Medical Operations Squadron, was persuaded to leave his home in Puebla, Mexico, when he

  • Lady Falcons tie BYU in soccer

    Goalkeeper Jennifer Drew recorded 15 saves as Air Force Academy women’s soccer tied Brigham Young University, 1-1, in a thrilling double-overtime Mountain West Conference match here Oct. 16.In an emotional match, the Falcons willed their way to the tie, despite being out-shot 22-5. BYU’s Jaime

  • Air Force blanks American International 4-0

    Cadet Peter Foster posted his second career shutout, and the Air Force Academy peppered American International College with 52 shots as the Falcons beat the Yellow Jackets, 4-0, in the consolation hockey game of the ninth annual Quinnipiac Cup here Oct. 16.Air Force improved to 1-0-1 overall this

  • Officials activate National Security Space Institute

    Air Force Space Command officials stood up a space education and training organization here recently that they said will provide the foundation to creating a new generation of space professionals. The National Security Space Institute will be the Department of Defense's single focal point for space

  • Air Force holds off Cal Baptist, 10-9, in water polo

    Despite a late rally by No. 18 California Baptist University, the 17th-ranked Air Force Academy water polo team was able to hang on for a 10-9 victory as Eric Swenson scored the winning goal in the final game of the Rocky Mountain Showdown here Oct. 17.Early on, it looked as if the Falcons (4-14)

  • Edwards spouse wins big on 'Price is Right'

    “Haily Decker, come on down!”This familiar “Price is Right” roll call set off a surge of events that landed Mrs. Decker in contestants’ row of the popular television game show and ultimately led to a $16,000 payday during an information, tickets and travel outing.“I just couldn’t believe it,” Mrs.

  • Airmen complete Ironman Triathlon

    Four Airmen traveled to Hawaii to join 1,724 other athletes competing in the Ironman Triathlon World Championships. All four completed the endurance race that began and ended at Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, by swimming 2.4 miles, bicycling 112 miles and running 26.2 miles.Maj. Geoff Cleveland from Luke Air

  • General Jumper visits Pacific Coast Air Museum

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper visited here Oct. 16 for a dedication ceremony at the Pacific Coast Air Museum.At the event, a restored F-106A Delta Dart was dedicated in honor and remembrance of General Jumper’s father, Maj. Gen. Jimmy Jumper, and the 48th Fighter Interceptor Squadron,

  • Lajes more than speck in television history

    Fifty years ago, the tiny island of Terceira -- more specifically Lajes Field -- made television history. It was an event that brought the people of Portugal and the United States closer, helped define an Air Force specialty and would become one of the first quality-of-life necessities for Airmen

  • Kirkuk firefighters train Iraqis

    A siren pierces the early evening night calling attention to the bright yellow firetruck speeding toward a pillar of smoke in the distance.People here are accustomed to the sounds and sights of the emergency response crews as they hurry to save lives and property, but this crew is different.Instead

  • Falcons tied for 12th at Wolf Pack Golf Classic

    Paced by Tyler Goulding, the Air Force Academy’s golf team completed the first day of competition at the Wolf Pack Classic at the par-72, 7,100-yard Wolf Run Golf Club here. With a two-round total of 590 on Oct. 18, the Falcons are tied with fellow Mountain West Conference competitor University of

  • Service demographics available

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently published the quarterly demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force as of Sept. 30.The report outlines information regarding the Air Force’s 372,424 active-duty Airmen and 141,147 civilian employees, such

  • AMC exercise kicks off in Michigan

    Nearly 500 people from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., Grand Forks AFB, N.D., and Travis AFB, Calif., traveled to an Air National Guard base here for exercise Crisis Outlook 2004, a weeklong exercise designed to practice “ability to survive and operate” scenarios.Col. Chris Coley, 62nd Operations

  • Air Force launches user-friendly news product

    Air Force officials announced a new e-mail service Oct. 20 that gives subscribers a user-friendly news summary with links to extensive news and information, as well as audio and video news reports.Those wishing to receive the free e-mail news summary, called "AF Today," can subscribe by going to Air

  • Airman indicted for armed robbery

    An Airman assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., was indicted Oct. 18 on federal charges of armed robbery for a string of bank heists in Las Vegas.Master Sgt. Kevin Jay Johnson was arrested Oct. 8. He is assigned to the 57th Wing.

  • Study finds little risk from depleted-uranium particles

    A new study finds the health risks from inhaling airborne particles of depleted uranium are very low. The Capstone study found that even servicemembers in armored vehicles hit by DU munitions would still not suffer health risks from inhaling the particles. Of course, officials said, they would

  • Last Peacekeeper class graduates

    The era of the Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile is coming to a close as the last class of Peacekeeper operators graduated here Oct. 15. There will be no more Peacekeepers after September 2005.Gen. Lance W. Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command, presided over the graduation. The

  • Airman dies, two injured in helicopter crash

    An Airman died Oct. 21 from injuries sustained in an Oct. 20 HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash about 105 miles east of Shindand, Afghanistan. Two other Airmen were injured in the crash and were taken to a medical facility at Kandahar Air Field, along with an Afghan who works for the Joint Electoral

  • Two deployed Airmen celebrate Ramadan

    For most Airmen, deploying on the current air and space expeditionary force rotation means spending the holidays far from family and home. But for two Airmen with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing here, it means getting closer to their religious roots.Though a general order prohibits Airmen from

  • Air Force receiving OIF artwork

    About 150 artists from around the country will donate more than 200 paintings to the Air Force during a ceremony Oct. 29 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.The artwork features works by artists who traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan to cover the Air Force mission during operations Enduring Freedom and

  • Air Force team deploys to prepare for Sudan airlift mission

    About 30 Airmen from U.S. European Command arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, on Oct. 21 to begin preparations to support a two-week airlift mission of Rwandan peacekeepers. The mission is part of an African Union expanded mission in the Darfur region of Sudan.Two C-130 Hercules aircraft and about 120

  • Airman cashes in on pair of IDEAs

    An Airman’s pair of suggestions to have depot-level maintenance done at the wing level saved the Air Force more than $2.7 million and earned him two checks for $10,000 and $8,000 respectively, from the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program.Tech. Sgt. Mark Kobayashi, an Air Force

  • Drug testing program targets those most likely to use

    A recent change to the Air Force's drug testing program aims to further reduce the number of substance abusers by targeting Airmen most likely to use them. The Air Force began its "Smart Testing" program Oct. 1, at three major commands. Under the program, individuals in the group shown to most

  • Where there is a will to vote, there is a way

    Floating around the Earth 230 miles up, NASA Astronaut Leroy Chiao is not too far from the polls to stand up and be counted on Election Day.From the International Space Station, Mr. Chiao will cast his vote in the Nov. 2 national election. Mr Chiao said he is passionate about his civic duty and

  • Airmen recall Swiss internment

    Confinement did not stop some servicemembers from doing their duty during World War II, and now a little distance did not keep them from rekindling old memories.Thirty one former Army Air Force servicemembers, here for the Swiss Internees Association reunion Oct. 14, all have a different story. But

  • Elmendorf 'charged' by new technology

    Firefighters here may not look like modern-day energy pioneers, but they are, because of an innovative fuel cell project that is being tested in a fire station here. The project sounds a lot like a chemistry experiment."The fuel cell uses electrochemical energy conversion that combines oxygen and

  • Crash victim identified

    Department of Defense officials identified an Airman who died in Afghanistan on Oct. 21.Airman 1st Class Jesse M. Samek, 21, of Rogers, Ark., died Oct. 21 from injuries he received when an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crashed during a medical-evacuation mission. He was a flight engineer assigned to

  • Lending a helping hand in Uzbekistan

    After cruising through the gates of a Karshi City orphanage, Airmen and Soldiers from here stepped out of their convoy vehicles. They were deployed on a special mission: to bring smiles and a bit of joy into the lives of the children who live there.The “house of mercy” is a home for orphans and

  • DOD launching anti-flu health campaign

    Department of Defense officials are launching a vigorous public health campaign aimed at preventing the flu in those who will not qualify to get their shots this season."To borrow a phrase from Franklin Roosevelt from many years ago, and I think itapplies: The greatest thing we have to fear 'is

  • Air Force surgeons train Hondurans

    In a Third World country like Honduras, trauma-care surgeons are in short supply, forcing first-line doctors to perform life-saving operations on demand.A seven-person team from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, joined with support people from the medical element at

  • DOD officials issue 'green' procurement policy

    Department of Defense officials issued a new procurement policy this week urging employees and the military to "buy green."The policy requires the department's civilian and military people to purchase products and services that benefit the environment, said Alex Beehler, DOD's chief of environmental

  • DOD program provides technology for disabled workers

    A Department of Defense program that provides the technology and services disabled workers need to use computers and other basic office equipment evens the employment playing field for the disabled. It also makes it easier for managers to hire them, said Dinah Cohen, the DOD official who has run

  • Online write-in absentee ballot offered for overseas voters

    Deployed or stationed overseas and still waiting for your state absentee ballot to arrive in the mail? There's no need to sweat it out any more.The online federal write-in absentee ballot gives U.S. citizens overseas who haven't yet received the absentee ballots they applied for the chance to vote

  • Officials announce 2004 awards for air mobility excellence

    Airlift/Tanker Association officials recently announced the 2004 award winners for excellence within the air mobility community.The association recognized 27 people in five categories. These Airmen will be honored at its annual convention in Dallas on Oct. 29.The Young Leadership Award is presented

  • Deployed Airmen build a better life in Kyrgyzstan

    Airmen deployed from the 78th Civil Engineer Group and 778th Civil Engineer Squadron here have their hands full.Nearly 100 Airmen from the two units have been working up to 16 hours a day, maintaining facilities and providing engineering design and construction for more than $35 million in new