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  • Officials announce O'Malley Award winners

    Two Airmen from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, are the recipients of the 2010 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award.Officials announced Brig. Gen. Thomas and Lt. Col. Pamela Bergeson as the winners of the award that recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to

  • Guard members respond to flooding in three states

    More than 400 National Guard members from three states have been called up for flood duty after heavy rains and snow run off caused cresting rivers this week.The governors of Wyoming, Nebraska and West Virginia have declared a state of emergency and called in guard members to help protect citizens

  • New systems make military moves more efficient

    With the busiest season for permanent-change-of-station moves under way, officials at U.S. Transportation Command are encouraging servicemembers to take advantage of new systems designed to make the process more convenient and efficient.Transcom launched the new Personally Procured Move, or PPM,

  • Officials extend voluntary separation pay, reduce separation pay

    Air Force officials are extending the application period for eligible officers to apply for voluntary separation pay through July 31, but are lowering the multiplier to 1.5 times the authorized separation pay effective July 1."The window to apply for two times separation pay is rapidly closing,"

  • Airmen purchase, deliver food for Osh

    In the spirit of joint security between the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan, officials from the Transit Center at Manas, together with officials from the Department of State, obtained nearly $9,000 worth of food and 1,600 gallons of fuel June 13, to send south to the region of Osh. Food and water were

  • PRT beautifies Afghan girls' school

    Airmen from Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul are partnering with Zabul Province government officials to make school life more pleasant by overseeing improvements for 1,200 Afghan high school and elementary students at the Bibi Khala Girls' School here."Coming out here and seeing the smiling

  • Joint Task Force-Bravo members help victims of Guatemala disaster

    Servicemembers from Joint Task Force-Bravo transported 12,800 pounds of relief supplies June 3 to four areas of Guatemala affected by Tropical Storm Agatha and the Pacaya volcano eruption.The JTF-Bravo team from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, deployed to Guatemala June 1 after receiving orders from

  • Family members can help keep each other safe this summer

    He walked past two Airmen operating a dump truck. Minutes later, one Airman accidentally crushed the other to death with the truck's tail gate. The ensuing investigation marked the first time in Master Sgt. Kenyon Luthi's safety career that he discovered how important his job is. "Having been there

  • Global Strike Command Airmen respond to incident scenario

    Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen conducted their first-ever Response Task Force exercise here June 1 through 4."We are training and preparing for a variety of contingency scenarios to ensure our readiness for any situation that may arise," said Gary Oldham, Air Force Global Strike Command's

  • Applying for Air Force NAF jobs goes virtual

    A new centralized online tool is making it easier for job seekers to find and apply for federal careers in various nonappropriated fund activities, including Air Force clubs, golf courses, child development centers, youth centers, bowling centers and outdoor recreation centers. On May 24,

  • NSPS transition well under way, official tells Congress

    The transition of Defense Department civilian employees from the National Security Personnel System is proceeding, with 75 percent of the workforce expected to be transferred into the General Schedule classification and pay system by late September, the defense official overseeing the effort told

  • Air Force football team ranked second nationally in academic performance

    The U.S. Air Force Academy football team here has the second-highest multi-year Academic Progress Rate of any team in the Football Bowl Subdivision, according the a report issued June 9 by NCAA officials. The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the

  • Air Force leaders maintain Community Action Information Boards

    Although the Year of the Air Force Family draws to a close July 2010, senior leaders will continue to provide avenues to care for Airmen and their families through a variety of methods including the Community Action Information Boards. CAIBs provide an important opportunity for senior-level

  • Photo essay: Ellsworth Airmen ready for any emergency

    Emergency management Airmen from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron participate in an emergency management exercise to help hone their skills in identifying chemical, biological, and nuclear threats. View the slideshow:

  • SecAF impressed with Airmen, B-2

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Airmen, and base and community leaders, and received a first-hand look at the B-2 Spirit mission during his visit here June 8."I've been looking forward to this for many years, wanting to see the B-2 at its home here at Whiteman," Secretary Donley

  • Tinker maintained B-1 milestone

    A B-1 Lancer will reach the 10,000-hour flying mark by early June. Initially envisioned with a 20-year service life in 1985, the aircraft wasn't expected to reach such a milestone, Tinker officials said. Through the dedication and hard work of the members of the 76th Maintenance Wing's programmed

  • How the Air Force Uniform Board works

    Throughout the years, Air Force uniforms have evolved to meet modern day operational requirements, but few Airmen know the process involved or who is responsible for these changes.The biggest misconceptions seem to center around the uniform board. Contrary to what some believe, the board is not the

  • Officials announce 2010 LULAC award winners

    Air Force officials have selected the winners of the 2010 League of United Latin American Citizens Excellence in Military Service Award. The award recognizes members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of minority groups and the promotion of diversity and equal opportunity in

  • Taji Law Enforcement Academy graduates last Iraqi police class

    Airmen from the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Det. 3, graduated the last 15 of more than 400 Iraqi police students at the Taji Law Enforcement Academy here June 3. With the closing of TLEA, the training is moving from the local level to the directorate level at a regional training

  • Air Force awarded top honors for excellence in public relations

    The U.S. Air Force received top honors June 3 at the Public Relations Society of America's annual Silver Anvil Awards Ceremony at the Equitable Tower in New York City. This is the first time the Air Force has received the PRSA's most esteemed, "Best of Silver Anvil" Award, recognized as the civilian

  • VA secretary announces new hotline for homeless veterans

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced June 3 the establishment of a new telephone hotline to provide emergency support and resources to homeless veterans. He made the announcement as he toured the facility at the VA medical center in Canandaigua."It is unacceptable for a single

  • Selective early retirement board to be held in July

    Air Force leaders will hold a selective early retirement board here July 19 through 23 to consider select officers who must retire by Jan. 1, 2011, or upon retirement eligibility.The SERB is part of Air Force officials' expanded force management measures announced in March.Colonels and lieutenant

  • Technology drives new, better ways to educate Airmen

    Cell phones could soon be the ticket to keeping up with professional development requirements. That's just one concept being explored by officials at Air Education and Training Command, the Air Force's training and education component. Like their counterparts in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, AETC

  • Airmen upgrade GPS constellation

    Airmen from the 2nd Space Operations Squadron and from the 19th SOPS took control of the Air Force's newest GPS satellite following its launch into orbit May 28 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.  The GPS IIF SV-1 satellite represents a substantial upgrade for the GPS constellation. Thanks

  • Air Guard successfully tests back-up for messaging systems

    Air National Guard members teamed up with contractors and other industry partners to create and execute a back-up system for their messaging systems."Until now, the survivability of (Non-classified internet protocol router) e-mail was dependent upon restoring data from backup disks and tapes," said

  • Air Force chief of staff encourages Airmen to embrace energy efficiency

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer urged the integration of energy efficiency and conservation into all aspects of the service's mission at the close of the U.S. Air Force Energy Forum here May 28.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz addressed more than 500 attendees including wing and

  • Personnel recovery team lives up to its motto

    "These things we do, that others may live."That s the motto for the Airmen of the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron who operate and maintain Joint Base Balad's rescue helicopters.Training exercises, conducted at both deployed locations and stateside units, are a never-ending way of life for the

  • Scott AFB converts to new defense accounting system

    Air Force and U.S. Transportation Command officials began a new era of financial management May 27 when Spiral 2 of the Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System, or DEAMS, deployed to users at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. There are nearly 1,100 initial users at or associated with Scott AFB.

  • Air Force leaders send summer safety message

    The Air Force's top leaders have issued a Critical Days of Summer safety message to alert Airmen to exercise good personal judgment to avoid engaging in a reckless manner. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of

  • National Guard leaders observe Israel's nationwide exercise

    Sirens wailed across Israel and residents took shelter during a nationwide civil defense exercise carefully watched by a delegation of National Guard leaders May 26 here.The communication, collaboration and coordination National Level Exercise Turning Point 4 revealed between the Israeli Defense

  • Servicemember care tops nation's obligations, Biden says

    Caring for servicemembers is the nation's "one truly sacred obligation," Vice President Joe Biden said May 25 here during a dinner for wounded warriors."We have one truly sacred obligation: to prepare and equip those in harm's way and to care for them when they come home," Mr. Biden said to about 50

  • Mullen offers leadership challenges to Academy grads

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff challenged the U.S. Air Force Academy's graduating class to embrace a sense of duty and build on the lessons they learned here as they become tomorrow's leaders.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen praised the character and courage of the Class of 2010's members who chose

  • Airmen working to reduce energy footprint by 2015

    Air Force officials set a goal in 2005 to reduce the energy facilities use by 2 percent. In 2007, officials modified these goals to an annual 3 percent reduction through 2015. Likewise, water-use reduction actions were initiated in 2008 to reduce water consumption by 2 percent each year until

  • Airman leads joint Mi-35 attack helicopter adviser team for Afghan Air Corps

    A joint team of American, Czech Republic and Hungarian advisers assigned to the 440th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron are making strides helping Afghan National Army Air Corps Mi-35 Hind E attack helicopter pilots get into the fight."We are seeing the results of the teamwork of our advisers and

  • Review panel praises BMT program improvements

    The 22nd Basic Military Training Triennial Review Committee validated the positive effect expanded training has had on BMT graduates during its evaluation May 12 through 14 here.The committee observed program improvements achieved by expanding BMT to 8.5 weeks and adding a week-long Basic

  • Air Force transitions from NSPS to GS

    Most Air Force civilians under the National Security Personnel System will convert to the General Schedule by the end of this fiscal year in support of the Department of Defense goal to convert out as quickly as possible. This conversion out of NSPS was mandated by the Fiscal 2010 National Defense

  • Hiring surge to employ thousands

    With contractor-to-civilian conversions, new organizations standing up and overall increases in civilian positions, the Air Force civil service continues to grow as officials look to employ thousands of U.S. citizens.Air Force Personnel Center officials have filled more than 3,000 new positions

  • Armament advisor makes Afghans proud

    Master Sgt. Raymond Rogers Jr. stands and watches two Afghan National Army Air Corps weapons loaders put new 12.7 mm rounds into the Yak-B Gatling gun of an MI-35 Hind E attack helicopter. For Sergeant Rogers Jr., a 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron armament and ammunition flight adviser,

  • Mass fatality training integrates Air Guard recovery teams

    One of the key functions of the Regional Mass Fatality Management Training Evolution was to develop and evaluate protocol for integration of Air National Guard Fatality Search and Recovery Teams May 10 at the Army Reserve Center/Jersey City Police Facility."This partnership between the National

  • Aviano officials tap into Earth's energy

    Construction has begun to build a $680,000 geothermal plant here, the first of its kind in U.S. Air Forces in Europe."Aviano (AB officials are) actively leaning forward on numerous utility and energy-saving initiatives," said Lt. Col. Bo Bloomer, the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "The

  • Safety campaign provides awareness to Airmen

    As part of the Air Force's Wingman Stand Down 2010, missions here will be halted May 21 as Airmen seek methods of preventing suicides and private motor vehicle accidents by strengthening wingmen relationships.These stand downs will be held around the Air Force in May. While on the cusp of the 101

  • Outstanding airfield operators announced

    The Air Force's top air traffic control and airfield management personnel for 2009 were announced at an awards dinner hosted by Maj. Gen. Marke Gibson, director of operations in the office of the deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements.  The dinner concluded a three-day airfield

  • Hanscom Airmen to participate in annual interoperability demo

    Members of the 653rd Electronic Systems Wing's Enterprise Integration Division are preparing for Hanscom AFB to once again become a key site for this year's Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration from June 14 through 24.CWID is a global, annual event directed by the chairman of the Joint

  • Leaders issue risk management message

    The Air Force's top leaders have issued a service-wide message discussing  environmental, safety, occupational health, or ESOH, risk management for Airmen to recognize and take action in their workplace."The Air Force ESOH vision is to be a world leader in environmental, safety, occupational health

  • Air Force chief of staff addresses 2010 CAF Airpower Symposium

    Although last minute plane troubles kept the Air Force's top uniformed leader from physically attending the 2010 Combat Air Forces Airpower Symposium at Langley Air Force Base May 19, it didn't keep him from delivering his keynote address to participants.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Luke Airmen welcome Danish air force

    Nearly 100 members from the Royal Danish air force fighter wing recently deployed to Luke Air Force Base for a month-long F-16 Fighting Falcon combat enhancement training mission. RDAF Maj. Michael Rosenkrands, the detachment commander, said they do a lot of their training outside of Denmark because

  • Official equates financial, military readiness

    Through outreach and a robust system of educating servicemembers, Defense Department officials are working to keep troops financially fit to fight and protected from predatory lenders, a Pentagon official said May 19 here. Since the downward turn of the credit market in recent years, Defense

  • Bilateral training teaches enlisted leaders to care for Airmen

    Instructors from the Air Force First Sergeant Academy at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Ala., prepared 99 enlisted leaders from around Japan to better care for their airmen May 11 through 14 here.First Sergeant Academy instructors conduct 13 active duty first sergeant seminars every year. Each time

  • Reserve officers hone leadership skills

    More than 60 Air Force Reserve officers from throughout the nation traveled here recently to hone their leadership skills during the Junior Officer Leadership Development course.Hosted by officials with the Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Airlift Wing, the four-day course featured three general

  • Training command becomes energy-efficient force

    Officials released a new energy plan in December to serve as the framework for communicating Air Force energy goals to expand a culture shift where Airmen make energy a consideration in everything they do.The priorities now involve energy-focused considerations from initial design and acquisition

  • Program links troops with career resources

    As the United States' economic crisis lingers, returning veterans are finding it harder to translate the skills they have learned on the battlefields onto a resume, but some employers are working with the military to bridge the gap.Staff members with the Employer Partnership Office of the Armed

  • AETC fields new management tool

    Air Education and Training Command officials will field new user-friendly software called the Task Management Tool, which is designed to support the task management process for AETC headquarters, Air University, 2nd Air Force, 19th Air Force and wing staff leadership beginning in September.The TMT

  • Air Force fitness program revisions begin July 1

    In less than two months, Airmen across the globe will begin testing against new fitness assessment standards. These standards were deemed necessary by senior Air Force leaders to ensure a fitter and healthier fighting force. Changes include bi-annual testing, minimum requirements within testing

  • AF seeks officers for Defense research program

    Air Force officials are soliciting officer nominations through June 17 for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Service Chiefs Program beginning in September.The DARPA SCP will help increase awareness within key military commands of DARPA's technology development efforts and enhance the

  • Leaders conclude successful Sensor Rally

    More than 50 group, wing and center commanders attended the spring Sensor Rally here May 4 and 5. The bi-annual conference for Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency commanders was hosted by members of the agency's 70th ISR Wing headquartered on this Army post just 30 miles

  • Recruiting command chief retires after 30 years

    When Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke wakes each morning, he turns toward his wife and gently reaches over and touches her, a reminder as to why he continues to get out of bed each and every day at 4:30 a.m., dresses and heads to work.For the Air Force Recruiting Service command chief, his wife, Pam,

  • Construction begins on first cyber warfare intelligence center

    Engineers with the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment have begun construction on the new 38,000 square-foot cyber warfare command center.  The facility will be home for the 68th Network Warfare Squadron and the 710th Information Operations Flight currently located at

  • First career air liaison officers graduate TACP pipeline training

    For the first time since the Tactical Air Control Party career field began in 1977, five non-rated air liaison officers joined the ranks of battlefield Airmen across the Air Force after graduating from the basic Tactical Air Command and Control Apprentice Course April 27.Capt. Matthew Kealy, 1st Lt.

  • First lady calls on nation to support military families

    First Lady Michelle Obama issued a national challenge today to all sectors of American society: mobilize and take action to support and engage military families."One percent of Americans may be fighting our wars, but we need 100 percent of Americans to support them and their families," the first

  • Policy official notes cybersecurity challenges

    Putting cybersecurity in place poses significant challenges for the Defense Department, the government as a whole and for critical infrastructure, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for policy said May 12.James N. Miller said cybersecurity "is not a glass half full-glass half empty

  • Ground system adds more bandwidth to cluttered airspace

    The installation of a first-of-its-kind aeronautical telemetry ground system at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School here is improving aircraft communication in airspace already jumbled by frequencies from cell phones and satellite television.  This technology expands communications capability

  • Trauma research team works to improve battlefield injury outcomes

    As American military members and their coalition partners fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, medics from these same countries work in collaboration to treat their battlefield wounds in theater hospitals.Combat zone injuries have changed over the years, with improved body armor protecting vital

  • Deployment opportunities available for civilians

    Qualified Air Force civilians can broaden their career experience and bring valuable knowledge back to the workplace by volunteering for deployments in a variety of career fields, including civil engineering, contracting, intelligence, logistics management and security administration.As part of the

  • Grand Forks CGOA recognized as best in Air Force

    The Grand Forks Air Force Base Company Grade Officer Association was selected as the CGO Council of the Year, May 5, during the CGOA Professional Development Conference in San Francisco.The Grand Forks AFB CGOA competed against more than 70 other CGOA councils from around the Air Force to win the

  • Air Force officials announce FY 2011 force structure alignments

    Air Force officials announced May 11 the proposed force structure realignment for fiscal 2011.  The proposal provides a summary of the civilian and military personnel changes and aircraft assignments at Air Force installations for the upcoming fiscal year. This announcement supersedes all previous

  • Warrior Games Airman attributes survival to active lifestyle

    Before a motorcycle accident in 2008, Staff Sgt. Richard Pollock II lived in the gym. He was a competitive body builder, a lean 235 pounds with only 10 percent body fat. In August 2008, Sergeant Pollock was on his way to work on his motorcycle when he collided with a car that ran through a stop

  • Officials warn of 'phishing' scams targeting troops

    U.S. Strategic Command officials are urging renewed vigilance against Internet-based identity theft after detecting a widespread "phishing" expedition against servicemembers.Phishing is a term used to describe deceiving people into divulging personal information such as passwords or account numbers

  • Afghanistan future already exists in Panjshir

    A mineral water-bottling plant, kabob restaurants and construction site of the Massoud Tomb Complex don't necessarily reflect images of a war-torn nation; nor does the permissiveness allowing American military and civilian members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Panjshir to move relatively freely

  • VA officials cutting insurance premiums for families

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced here that military members insuring their families under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, which is administered by the VA, will have reduced out-of-pocket expenses beginning July 1."VA hopes these reductions will allow more military

  • Air Force senior execs honored with top awards

    Seventeen of the Air Force's top executive employees were recognized for career achievements during the annual Distinguished and Meritorious Presidential Rank Awards ceremony held April 30 in the auditorium of the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.Secretary of the Air Force Michael

  • New Noncommissioned Officer Academy to open at Sheppard AFB

    Air Force officials announced plans May 7 to open an Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.The academy is scheduled to open its doors to technical sergeants in early 2011, with an initial expected graduation rate of about 1,300 annually. With the addition of

  • New Air Force Combat Systems Officer Course opens at Navy base

    Air Force aviator training took a step into the 21st century May 5, when the inaugural class of Combat Systems Officer students began training here with the 479th Flying Training Group.As they sat down in classes and began a new year-long training program, the CSO students became part of a

  • Chairman tells servicemembers it's okay to get help

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff wants service members to know it is okay to get help for behavioral health-related conditions. In a new video spotlighting Tricare's behavioral health care benefits, Adm. Mike Mullen sends a strong message to servicemembers struggling with feelings of

  • Barksdale pilots support Pilot for a Day program

    Pilots with the 2nd Bomb Wing here brightened the lives of seriously ill children May 1 by supporting Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Texas' Pilot for a Day program.Members of the 20th Bomb Squadron here recently flew a training mission to NAS Corpus Christi, that allowed them to do several passes

  • Air Force officials poised to take part in Pentagon Motorcycle Safety Event

    On May 7 and 8, Airmen here can participate in a joint motorcycle safety event in the Pentagon's parking lot. This event will feature riding exhibitions, freestyle shows, bike inspections and instruction opportunities to educate participants on the fundamentals of motorcycle safety. The primary goal

  • McKeague: Diversity strengthens military

    The strength of the military is improved by the diverse backgrounds of those who make up the organization, a senior National Guard officer said May 3. "I'd like to think that (for) the success of the United States military, one of its essential elements is diversity," said Maj. Gen. Kelly K.

  • Pentagon leaders recognize best installations

    Representatives from five military bases deemed the "best of the best" were awarded the highest award for excellence among installations at a Pentagon ceremony May 5 here. Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; the Army's Fort Bragg in North Carolina; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine

  • Air Force program recognized for excellence in government

    The Air Force's Logistics, Installations and Mission Support-Enterprise View, or LIMS-EV,  Logistics Transformation initiative was one of 20 finalists in the 2010 Excellence.Gov Awards, competing with other organizations from throughout the federal government.The American Council for Technology and

  • Servicemembers begin immersion training in Afghanistan

    The first class of U.S. military servicemembers and civilians in the new AfPak Hands program arrived here last week to continue training at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy Afghanistan.AfPak Hands is a new, "all-in" language and cultural immersion initiative developed last summer and stood up

  • Air Force announces JAG award winners

    The Air Force Judge Advocate General announced April 30 the 2009 Judge Advocate General Award winners. "I am proud of each of our award winners; they represent the best of the best," said Lt. Gen. Richard C. Harding, the judge advocate general. "They have demonstrated excellence, initiative,

  • Chief of staff to senior enlisted leaders: 'Maximize potential of Airmen'

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer told senior enlisted leaders from across the Air Force here May 4 that the case to maximize the potential and performance of every Airman has never been more compelling."Today, more than ever, tactical effects can have strategic consequences," said Air Force

  • Joint Base McGuire selected to test drive new fuel truck

    Members of the 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron here received a new refueling vehicle April 14 to evaluate its performance.The Rampmaster 17.5K large capacity refueling vehicle is augmenting the current fleet of nine R-11 tank-refueling trucks and nine R-12 hydrant-servicing vehicles already used

  • Rescue center members assist with saving 330 lives in Tennessee

    After flash flooding May 1, Air Force Rescue Coordination Center officials here worked with the Navy, Coast Guard and local authorities to search for people trapped in buildings at a Navy installation in Millington, Tenn.A levee breach on a nearby river caused flooding of up to 5 feet in some areas

  • Guard members respond to storm damage

    Severe storms ripped through several southern states over the weekend, leaving floods and damage throughout the region.National Guard members, including Airmen from the 189th Airlift Wing, were called upon in Arkansas to assist local emergency management organizations in search-and-rescue.In

  • Global Strike commander visits Malmstrom

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited the members of the 341st Missile Wing April 20 through 22. While here, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz met with first sergeants and chiefs; held a commander's call with officers and senior noncommissioned officers; toured the medical group for a Personal

  • Air Force senior leaders break ground for special Fisher House at Dover

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, and Ken Fisher, Fisher House Foundation chairman, participated in a special groundbreaking ceremony May 1 for a Fisher House on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Although this is the 53rd Fisher House to be built,

  • AF panel likens DOD acquisition to contact sport

    The Defense Department's journey to recapture acquisition excellence took a big step forward during two days of discussions and workforce training held at Sinclair Community College here April 20 and 21.That was the assessment made by several senior leaders at the DOD Acquisition Insight

  • FEMA administrator visits Hurricane Hunters

    Craig Fugate, Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, visited the Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron April 29 to address hurricane preparedness as the June 1 storm season approaches."The Air Force does a lot for FEMA," Mr. Fugate said in an address to the

  • Guard units ready as Gulf Coast braces for oil spill

    Officials in at least three states along the Gulf of Mexico are preparing for a potential call for thousands of National Guard members as government leaders ramp up a response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal sent letters to federal officials asking them to approve

  • VA officials cutting insurance premiums for families

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced April 29 here that military personnel insuring their families under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program will have reduced out-of-pocket expenses beginning July 1. "VA (officials hope) these reductions will allow more military

  • Wingman Stand Down 2010 in May focuses on Airmen safety, well-being

    For a half day in May, Airmen will learn strategies to prevent suicides and private motor vehicle accidents as part of Wingman Stand Down 2010. The exact date for the stand down will be left to individual units to determine.In a jointly signed letter, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Dignitaries visit U.S., Bulgarian exercise

    The U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria and Bulgarian minister of defense visited Plovdiv Airport to witness the partnership building between U.S. and Bulgarian military forces April 27 during Operation Thracian Spring 2010 here. The bilateral training exercise brings U.S. and Bulgarian military forces

  • Airmen train for firefighting mission

    Airmen from the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve are training with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System, or MAFFS, at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center here April 26 to 30.Air National Guard and Reserve aircrews fly MAFFS-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft that can dispense

  • Mullen appeals to philanthropists to assist veterans

    The military's top officer turned to America's philanthropic community April 27 to help military veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan avoid the devastation of substance abuse, mental illness and homelessness.Community non-profit groups are the answer to meeting veterans' needs after they've left the

  • Registration open for 2010 Air Force Energy Forum III

    The Air Force Energy III Forum, focusing on the service's most pressing energy issues, is slated to take place May 27 through 28 here. Highlighting the event's theme "A New Culture: Energy as an Operations Enabler," Air Force, government and industry energy representatives will discuss the service's

  • New Air Force cyberspace badge guidelines released

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz has approved the new cyberspace badge and associated wear criteria.In his Apr. 21 memorandum, General Schwartz set forth guidelines and addressed standard eligibility requirements for officers working in the cyberspace domain. Eligibility criteria for

  • Pace of changes clouds future, Mullen says

    The pace of changes in the military and in the world has made looking ahead a difficult proposition, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said April 26.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told members of the Colorado Air National Guard's 140th Wing during a town hall-style meeting at Buckley Air Force Base,

  • Air Guard civil engineers benefit from improvements

    Frequent mobilizations are still challenging the Air National Guard's civil engineers, but the planning, training and support for them has improved dramatically, Guard officials said April 26 here.About 400 Air Guard civil engineers joined with security forces Airmen at a conference here to discuss

  • Airmen build facilities for warfighters

    As 30,000 servicemembers continue to pour into the region as part of the troop surge in Afghanistan, a 15-man team of Airmen with the 1st Expeditionary RED HORSE Group here is building structures for warfighters."Our mission here is to construct the facilities that directly support the