Kick your reading into OverDrive

If you love to read but can't make it to the library, the Air Force will bring the library to you. OverDrive, one of several Air Force library online resources, features nearly 10,000 electronic books, audio books, videos and music available for checkout to eligible customers, said Melinda Mosley,

Keeping marriages strong across miles

When Tech. Sgts. Gena and Barry Armstrong received orders to Korea, their marriage had gone through some rough patches and they had all but decided divorce seemed like a good idea. The couple had dealt with numerous deployments and temporary duties away from each other, common stresses in military

Student employee sets standard in workforce recruiting program

Enlisted village cares for AF widows, families

The ninth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, James Binnicker, spoke about the Air Force Enlisted Village during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference here Aug. 12.The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 after a survey conducted by AFSA

Air Force looks to put wings on enlisted retrainees

Enlisted Airmen have the opportunity to earn a pair of wings and go fly, fight and win America's wars.Air Force officials are looking for retrainees to become career enlisted aviators as flight engineers, aircraft loadmasters, flight attendants, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

ISR Agency GPC program tops in AF

A government purchase card is a valuable tool to an organization's operation. The effective management of the card's paperwork is the key to that value.The Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency GPC Program is thriving thanks to its ability to balance its books better than

EOD tech school puts 'battlefield' into PT

Physical fitness workouts for Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) candidates now have a battlefield twist at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), as the 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here has revamped their fitness program to turn Airmen into

Rescue squadron 'drops in' on children's hospital

The young boys and girls at the Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emmanuel were treated to a special surprise by pararescuemen from the 304th Rescue Squadron here Aug. 6.Arriving by air, via HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters from the 305th Rescue Squadron, and from the ground in Humvees, the Airmen

Forest Service requests more aircraft for firefighting operations

More forest fires in the western United States have prompted the U.S. Forest Service to call in two additional C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Mobile Airborne Fire Fighting System.Those aircraft, expected to be operating by tomorrow, will come from the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd

Program to improve IT core services achieves key milestone

An Air Force program that will save money, save energy and improve core information technology services, such as email, has recently met a significant milestone.Hardware to consolidate four regional data processing centers into one area processing center has been delivered, installed and tested at

Food service teams heat up the dining experience

Good food is big business and nobody knows that better than Bill Spencer, Air Force Personnel Center appropriated funds food operations section chief, who last year faced the daunting task of introducing epicurean variety to a culture rooted in traditional fare.According to Spencer, Air Force dining

Serving Together: Kadena teen represents Air Force Teen Council

(Editor's note: This article is part of the "Serving Together" series. Each article will highlight Air Force family members who are serving alongside their Airman, giving back to their community and the Air Force.)Leadership: It's a crucial characteristic for military commanders, company CEOs and

N.C. guardmen return to wildfire missions in Idaho

The North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing will return to flying Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS)-equipped C-130s Aug. 14, six weeks after four of the unit's Airmen were killed in a C-130 crash during a fire fighting mission in South Dakota."Charlotte's MAFFS 8 will

North Carolina ANG, Botswana defense force find common ground

The C-130 Hercules is a versatile aircraft that serves several different roles depending on the need and location.In addition to missions like transport, airdrop, airlift support, resupply and natural disaster relief, the C-130 can also be configured for aeromedical evacuation missions.As part of

Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff

The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony here Aug. 10.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony."Mark is respected throughout the Air

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman enlists father's help to improve KAF

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Airmen from the 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted a retreat ceremony at the contingency aeromedical staging facility here

Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Air Force officials selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands; direct

CSAF, spouse recognized for distinguished service

During the final days of a 39-year career, the Air Force's top Airman stood beside his wife as they were both recognized for their distinguished service in a modest ceremony before close colleagues and family members here Aug. 9.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz received the

Through Airmen's Eyes: Ramstein Airman takes to the skies

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Many children have dreamed of being a pilot -- spending hours imagining what it's like to be in the clouds and that first feeling of defying gravity

Pilot becomes Guard's first F-35 instructor pilot

An Airman became the Guard's first F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot recently at Eglin's multi-service, multi-national F-35 Integrated Training Center.Maj. Jay Spohn, assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing here as the assistant director of operations for the 58th Fighter Squadron and the chief of

AF seeks civilian award nominees

Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2013 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian Employees of the Year Award.Each year, the AFA recognizes Air Force civilian employees for outstanding achievement in four categories:- Civilian Wage Employee (all Federal Wage System

2nd Bomb Wing delegation visits Russia

A delegation of five people from the 2nd Bomb Wing visited Engels Air Base in Saratov, Russia, last month on a goodwill mission with a dual purpose. Team members evaluated the suitability of the airfield at Engels Air Base for B-52H operations. The outing also established initial relationships for a

EOD prelim helps tech school attrition rate

It's amazing what a difference a year can make in the technical training world.The 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here is reaping the benefits of better-prepared Airmen attending Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, with the overall Air Force attrition rate down 16 percent

US, Botswana provide humanitarian civilian assistance in Malwelwe

Family and community members from the Malwelwe village gathered to receive medical treatment during a humanitarian civilian assistance event Aug. 7.The humanitarian civilian assistance event was conducted as part of the MEDLITE/SOUTHERN ACCORD 12 exercise, a key element in a broader series of

CMSAF Roy: 'Future is now'

During recent visits to Air Force bases across the nation, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed issues ranging from AEF Next to resiliency to developing 21st century Airmen. Air Force leaders must ensure future enlisted leaders are skilled in things like leadership and

AF teens participate in Joint Services Teen Council

Air Force Teen Council representatives attended the first Joint Services Teen Council meeting July 13 to network and discuss common issues affecting military youth and teens worldwide here.From July 9-13, members of the Air Force Teen Council, Army Teen Panel and Navy Teen Council participated in

AF officials award food transformation contract

Air Force officials announced Aug. 7 the competitive award of a contract to conduct the second phase of food operations at seven Air Force installations as part of the Food Transformation Initiative.The new contractor, Sodexo, will begin FTI operations Oct. 1 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.;

'Air Force 101' gives spouses toolbox for life in Air Force

Taking care of Air Force families has been a passion of Suzie Schwartz, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, and Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy. They have tackled issues that have ranged from spouse employment to issues affecting the families of

Service leaders weigh in on BRAC, renewable energy

Air Force, Army and Navy officials discussed renewable energy milestones, force structure changes, and the impact on military and surrounding communities affected by base realignment and closure here Aug. 6.Terry A. Yonkers, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and

Airmen teach aeromedical evacuation principles during MEDLITE 12

Airmen from the Air National Guard along with members of the Botswana defense force (BDF) worked together to kick-start MEDLITE 12 here Aug. 6.MEDLITE 12 is a joint exercise between U.S. and Botswana aimed to establish and develop military interoperability, regional partnership and to synchronize

Air Force has role in Mars Rover success

As news broke of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) "Curiosity" rover's successful landing on the "Red Planet" Aug. 6, Arnold Engineering Development Complex's (AEDC) Hypervelocity Tunnel 9 Director Dan Marren was watching the live TV broadcast of the event."Last night, after eight months of

Reserve answers call for additional MAFFS aircraft in Boise

The U.S. Forest Service has modified its request for assistance for the MAFFS-equipped C-130s. The new request, received late yesterday, tasks an additional two C-130s using Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, to assist with fires in the Rocky Mountain area.The two aircraft from the 302nd

Morale check: It's in the mail

On any given day in a small non-descript office on Camp Losano here, Airmen of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing peek their heads in and ask the question, "Is she here?"The "she" they are referring to goes by many names: "K-10," "Santa Clause," and "Mail Girl," to name a few. But Senior Airman

AF CSA travel card transitions to GTC

The terms and conditions for the Air Force's travel charge card are changing, but Airmen can hang on to their blue cards. From Aug. 7 through the end of September, the Air Force Banking Office will e-mail some 300,000 Airmen, informing them that their controlled spend account card will convert back

Leading by example: Academy cadets develop leadership skills at BMT

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets learned first-hand over the past seven weeks how military training instructors develop the Air Force's newest warrior Airmen in basic military training.The 27 cadets in the Summer Leadership Program developed leadership skills by shadowing MTIs in seven BMT squadrons at

Wing commander, spouse leadership award nominations due Dec. 3

Nominations for the 2013 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award are due Dec. 3.Named in honor of the late General Jerome F. O'Malley, the award recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force, and the local community best exemplify the highest ideas

AF Reservist finishes 4th in Olympic epee fencing

Air Force Reserve Capt. Seth Kelsey finished one touch away from a medal Wednesday in Olympic épeé individual fencing at ExCel Centre.Kelsey lost his semifinal bout in sudden-death overtime, 6-5, to the fencer who went on to win the gold medal, Venezuela's Ruben Limardo Gascon. Then he dropped

Air Force awards massive energy-saving project at Tinker

Air Force leaders awarded an Energy Savings Performance Contract here Aug. 1.Tinker Air Force Base is Oklahoma's largest single-site employer and the largest Air Force facility energy consumer. "Upon completion, the project will reduce Tinker's energy intensity by 30 percent and save an estimated

AF leaders accepting visionary leadership award nominations

Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 2013 General Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award.Named in honor of Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught, the award recognizes service members and civilians who have exhibited innovation, commitment and a selfless spirit of service to others while

AF officials seek 2013 Verne Orr award nominees

Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2013 Verne Orr Award.The Air Force Association established this award in honor of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr to recognize mission-oriented unit accomplishments and achievements that used personnel to their full potential in order

AFGSC program promotes resiliency

Fulfilling the call to revitalize the nuclear mission in the Air Force has required Global Strike Command to take innovative approaches. These approaches have combined commander presence, improving mission performance in all areas and a focus on improving the quality of life for Airmen. Command

NCO retraining program application window opens

More than 1,300 noncommissioned officers may apply for retraining under the fiscal 2013 NCO Retraining Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The two-phase program is used to balance and sustain the enlisted force by moving second-term and career Airmen from overage career fields to

Service members successfully work themselves out of job

Most people wouldn't define success as working themselves out of a job, but for the Joint Medical Operations Cell located in western Afghanistan, that was exactly their goal.What began as a 20-person-strong medical team in 2006 has now dwindled down to six people as medical advisors and mentors

Innovative simulator solution enhances training, saves millions of dollars

A significant milestone for remotely piloted aircraft was ushered in July 10, with the first student sortie in an innovative T-6 Texan II simulator.The new setup has dramatically increased the ability to train remotely piloted aircraft pilots, and the ingenuity behind the new simulator saves the Air

AF officials poll members on food service needs, expectations

Air Force officials over the next eight weeks are distributing an online food services assessment survey to more than 260,000 active-duty Airmen and civilians to gather information about customers' food service needs and expectations. Air Force senior leaders chartered the survey to proactively

Reserve aerial firefighting aircraft return to Colorado

A favorable fire outlook has prompted the U.S. Forest Service to allow the 302nd Airlift Wing's two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules to return from here to Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., July 27."The forest service is very comfortable with where they are, in terms of

Through Airmen's eyes: Airman walks on water

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The human body is made up of approximately 60 percent water. With that knowledge, as temperatures rise in Southwest Asia, it is crucial for service

Proud to be an American Airman: AF chief of staff reflects on time as service chief, career

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz met with media July 24 in the Pentagon to share his thoughts about his nearly 40 years of military service in the Air Force and four years as the Air Force's senior uniformed leader."When former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates spoke at my Chief of

Jackson takes helm of AF Reserve Command

Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson became chief of the Air Force Reserve and assumed command of the Air Force Reserve Command in a ceremony July 30 at the Museum of Aviation here.He replaced Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., who retired from the Air Force with 39 years of military service. Stenner had served

Through Airmen's Eyes: A pilot who can do it all

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Just three short years ago, Lt. Aaron Berry was maintaining A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. Today, he's flying them.In April 2009, then-Tech. Sgt. Aaron Berry was

Training exercises enhance international relations

Central Colombia and southern Nevada are vastly different locations. The terrain, weather and operational environments between each location vary to the extremes. So what drives an air force to briefly trade the jungles of South America for the desert of the American southwest? The answer is

First Lady visits American, British children in London on eve of Olympic competition

Hours before the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games, on the lawn of Winfield House, the residence of the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, the games had already begun. Children from youth programs at U.S. Air Force installations in the United Kingdom were invited to

Spencer pins on 4th star, named next vice chief

Lt. Gen. Larry Spencer pinned on his fourth star and was named the next Air Force vice chief of staff during a ceremony officiated by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz at the Pentagon on July 27.Spencer had been assigned as the

Air Advisor Academy unveils memorial for fallen Airmen

The Air Advisor Academy here hosted a dedication ceremony for the new Air Advisor Memorial here July 27.While the memorial honors all air advisors who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the ceremony honored one contracted and eight Air Force air advisors who were killed in Afghanistan on April 27,

F-35 maintenance training spawns USMC's first air FTD

It's no surprise that the military operates in an increasingly joint environment today. With the introduction of the Department of Defense's newest fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightening Bolt Joint Strike Fighter, the joint effort is at the forefront of the aircraft's maintenance training

Reserve A-10 pilots debut new technology at RIMPAC

In its first operational test with maritime operations, nine 47th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots are debuting new helmet and survival radio technologies during the Rim of the Pacific exercise here June 29 through Aug. 3.One of the new technologies is the Scorpion system, which is

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman returns to Afghanistan as mentor

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Assigned to the Pentagon after a successful tour in Afghanistan, he soon volunteered to return. Too much work was left to do."My first tour involved

End of an era for Academy's gliders

The TG-10C gliders that have been the Academy's sailplane of choice for basic and aerobatic training for the last decade ascended for its final flight here Monday. The TG-10 trainer, which has been replaced by the new German TG-16A model, was flown for the last time on Academy grounds by Cadet 2nd

Cybercom chief: U.S. unprepared for serious cyber attacks

The United States is not adequately prepared for a serious cyber attack, the commander of U.S. Cyber Command told the audience at the Aspen Institute's annual security forum today.Army Gen. Keith Alexander, who also serves as the director of the National Security Agency and the chief of the Central

Building international partners through music

This week, the U.S. Air Force Band welcomed international guest conductor Capt. Abiodoun Patrick Odjo from the Republic of Benin. Captain Odjo is the commander of the Music Squadron and Mobile Squadron for the National Gendarmerie in Benin. Prior to this position, he served as the commander of the

USAF Initiates voluntary limited loadmaster recall

Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard loadmasters may be eligible to apply for a limited period recall to extended active duty, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced here.The loadmaster career field is chronically undermanned, said Senior Master Sgt. Marvin Daugherty, the AFPC accessions

Field guidance helps ensure seamless personnel, pay support

Because of guidance released July 24, base-level military personnel and finance sections will be better able to seamlessly serve military members' needs during the December Military Personnel Data System upgrade, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.MilPDS is a records database for

Dept. of Energy lauds AF for conservation efforts

The Air Force's innovative ideas and procedures for saving facility energy and aviation fuel have earned it recognition by the Department of Energy. Each year, the DOE presents a Federal Energy Management Program award to individuals and organizations within the federal government that significantly

AFRL scientist recognized by White House

The White House announced Monday an Air Force Research Laboratory space vehicles directorate scientist has received a Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. Each year, the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President presents the PECASE

Schwartz: Air Force will thrive despite fiscal challenges

The Air Force has reinvigorated the service's nuclear mission, incorporated unmanned aerial capabilities and made progress in acquisition, the service's chief of staff told reporters here July 24.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, who finishes a four-year term in office shortly, said he believes the Air Force

Through Airmen's Eyes: From maintenance to medicine

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Twenty-one Airmen from across the Air Force were selected for the 2013 Interservice Physician Assistant Program, with training scheduled to begin

U.S. commander in Japan: Alliance strong, with room to grow

Air Force Lt. Gen. Sam Angelella spent much of his second day as commander of U.S. Forces Japan with one of his bosses: the Pentagon's second-highest official, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter.Carter visited Japan last week as part of a 10-day Asia-Pacific tour that continues through

DOD to improve voluntary education safeguards

The Defense Department is nearing completion of an agreement with post-secondary schools to ensure service members have the best possible experience in continuing their education, a senior Pentagon official said today.The department will release later this summer a memorandum of understanding to be

Colorado Reserve C-130s, crews continue aerial fire fighting

Two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here, moved operations to Boise, Idaho, to continue to provide aerial fire fighting support to the U.S. Forest Service as fires continue to rage in the Rocky Mountain

Air Force officials welcome 21st surgeon general

The Air Force welcomed its 21st surgeon general as Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas W. Travis was sworn in by Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz on July 20 here.Travis has been the Air Force deputy surgeon general since Nov. 2010, and replaces Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles B. Green, who retired.At his ceremony,

Harnessing the power of science, technology, engineering and math

The chair of the U.S. Air Force  Academy's Engineering Division and head of the Aeronautics Department here said the nation faces a crisis in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.To help avert the crisis, Col. Neal Barlow and other Academy officials are developing educational

AF releases mid-year selective re-enlistment bonus list, changes

Air Force officials today released the fiscal year 2012 mid-year selective re-enlistment bonus list along with some changes to the program.In addition to a rebalance in overall payments, the Air Force identified 53 Air Force specialties, down from 78, to receive bonuses. Based on the semiannual

Senior enlisted advisor to CJCS visits Nellis

The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited Nellis Air Force Base, Creech AFB and the Nevada Test and Training Range to see and better understand Airmen and their capabilities."It's been a very, very good trip," said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia.

Total force C-130 operations building opens at Peterson

With a snip of the ceremonial scissors, Air Force Reserve and active duty Airmen ushered in the opening of a new total force C-130 Hercules operations facility July 17 here.The new $5.6 million facility is the next milestone in the 302nd Airlift Wing's integration with the active duty 52nd Airlift

Through Airmen's Eyes: Guard Airman stays committed to giving

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)For more than 12 years, Senior Master Sgt. Craig Sanborn has routinely fought with Burlington, Vt., traffic to go to the American Red Cross. Once there,

Air Force medical leader retires after 34 years

During a ceremony filled with military tradition and reflection, the 20th surgeon general of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles B. Green, retired July 19 after 34 years of service.Green had the vision of what the Air Force medical field needed during his tenure, what should be championed and how

LEAP boosts AF language capability

Amid the darkness and the sputters of machine gunfire, service members hustle to assess and treat combat casualty victims. These victims have suffered injuries ranging from loss of limbs to sucking chest wounds. Adding to an already disorienting environment is the hodgepodge of English, coming from

Top AF scientist: 'Airmen key to cyberspace success'

The chief scientist of the Air Force outlined the service's future on cyberspace and Airmen's role during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast in Arlington, Va., Tuesday.Dr. Mark Maybury said Cyber Vision 2025 is the Air Force's vision for assuring cyberspace advantage, and like all Air

Air Force running goes digital

Beginning Sept. 1, Air Force medical officials will take new strides to get Airmen running safely.The Air Force Telehealth Office will conduct a six-month study to investigate the outcome and efficiency of online running instruction. The study will examine the effectiveness of a newly developed set

Safety officials clarify use of electronic devices for pedestrians on roadways

The Air Force Safety Center released a letter of interpretation this year prohibiting the use of listening and entertainment devices, including single ear pieces and external speakers, when on a roadway. The use of portable headphones, earphones, cellular phones, digital music players or other

MAFFS request modified for four C-130s

The U.S. Forest Service has modified its request for assistance for the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems-equipped C-130 Hercules. The new request, received late July 17, releases two of the six C-130s using MAFFS to assist with fires. The C-130s have been stationed at Hill Air Force Base,

Air Force safety also applies to space

When it comes to safety in the Air Force, much of the focus on mishap prevention goes into preventing and investigating slips, trips and falls. Ground safety applies to every member, regardless of their primary duty, and all can benefit from practicing prescribed safety methods in their everyday

Manpower, services agencies consolidate with personnel

During a formal ceremony held here today, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services Lt. Gen. Darrell D. Jones inactivated the Air Force Manpower and Air Force Services agencies, designating them as directorates of the Air Force Personnel Center.The ceremony, formal

Air Force's national museum to receive NASA's Crew Compartment Trainer

After many months of intensive planning, the first steps have been put in motion to move NASA's first Shuttle Crew Compartment Trainer from Johnson Space Center to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.CCT-1, which was one of three trainers built to train astronauts for space missions, is

Through Airmen's Eyes: Reserve officer recalls journey to freedom

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Col. Josie Fernandez credits providence as much as persistence for her journey from Cuban refugee to the duel-hatted role she has today with the Air

CAP cadets catch glimpse of pilot training

Forty Civil Air Patrol Cadets came here to Columbus Air Force Base July 6 to 14 to catch a glimpse of just what Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training is really like.The weeklong camp, known as the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Program Familiarization Course, is an annual event that

Overseas extension incentives changes ahead

Airmen stationed at overseas long tour locations who extend their tour Aug. 1 or later may be eligible for incentives, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Recent changes to the Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program will affect members who make a "date eligible for return from overseas"

AF seeks medical commissioning candidates

Interested officers, enlisted members and cadets eligible for fiscal 2013 Biomedical Sciences Corps training and commissioning programs can learn more during a world-wide webcast slated for July 18, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Webcasts, slated for 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. central time,

Air Force general explains force structure decisions to Congress

The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs testified on proposed force structure changes before the House Armed Services Committee here, July 12. Lt. Gen. Christopher Miller answered questions from members of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee's

International partnership garners distinguished award

One of the Air Force priorities is to partner with the joint and coalition team to win today's fight, and one Air Force leader is doing just that. The Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Maj. Gen. James O. Poss, was honored with the John Curtis Sword

Service members: Let's talk trash

With no one in sight, a trash truck pulls up to one of the many orange dumpsters throughout the base. As the driver and his crew dismount to empty the dumpster, so does a crew of four Airmen. However, before the dumpster can be emptied, these Airmen jump into it and begin a process of what some

SecAF visits Heavy Airlift Wing in Hungary

During his first visit to this small Hungarian base located roughly two hours from Budapest, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) senior leaders, U.S. Airmen and Boeing contractors here July 11. The HAW is a multinational consortium that is designed to fulfill

Goodfellow helps teen reach firefighter dream

Imagine having a day to live your dream, to be able to do that one thing you've always wanted out of life. Thanks to Goodfellow Air Force Base, one special teen got to do exactly that.Trey Pons, a native of Port Isabelle, Texas, has wanted to be a firefighter for as long as he could remember. He can

MAFFS operations move west

Military C-130s equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems have moved staging operations from Cheyenne, Wyo. and Colorado Springs, Colo., to Boise, Idaho, and Salt Lake City.Four of the aircraft, from the 153rd and 302nd Airlift wings are operating from Boise Air

AF initiates voluntary limited loadmaster recall

Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard loadmasters may be eligible to apply for a limited period recall to extended active duty, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The loadmaster career field is chronically undermanned, said Senior Master Sgt. Marvin Daugherty, AFPC accessions branch

Through Airmen's Eyes: Triumph of survival

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In 1995 in America, most six-year-old boys spent their days picking on six-year-old girls, or mimicking and idolizing the Power Rangers

Sims aren't just for flying anymore

Officials with the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron here, through a cooperative program with the U.S. Air Force Academy, is developing a computer-based simulator program that will allow leaders to make more informed decisions regarding resource allocations.The program allows a user to input

Tyndall Airman earns Air Force-level award

Senior Airman Kyle Larson, 325th Maintenance Squadron munitions systems journeyman, recently earned the 2011 AIM-9X "Cutting Edge" Air Force award."The Naval Air Systems Command Air-to-Air Missile Program Office (PMA-259) chose this year's winner from a group of Navy, Air Force and Marine

Young pilot sets Air Force standard

When Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said "every Airman is an innovator" he was talking about Airmen like Capt. Kyle Alderman. What was once considered the young pilot's "pet-project" has now become the Air Force standard. Alderman consolidated multiple map displays including killbox keypads,

'First shirt' recycles OCPs for Bagram Airmen

Every U.S. Air Force first sergeant is responsible for making sure their Airmen's uniforms are in good order, but one first sergeant here has taken this charge a step further.Master Sgt. Nicholas Kollett, the first sergeant for the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, developed and