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  • Air Force celebrates JSF arrival, rolls out nation's airpower future

    Air Force officials said the unveiling of the F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter was a "historic occasion" during a rollout ceremony here Aug. 26.The F-35A, on display during the ceremony, was delivered here in July by Lt. Col. Eric Smith, the Air Force's first F-35 pilot."This is indeed a new

  • Pacific Unity concludes in Vietnam

    In an effort to foster friendship and improved relationships between the U.S. and Vietnam, more than 60 military civil engineers, construction workers and volunteers from both countries came together Aug. 9-29 to renovate three medical clinics in Ha Tinh Province.The 624th Civil Engineer Squadron

  • Financial services return to local centers

    The processing of military pay transactions will move from the Air Force Financial Service Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to base-level financial services offices beginning in August.The return of military pay transactions to local level is a part of the Secretary of Defense Leon

  • Photo Essay: Basic Military Training -- where it all begins

    Military training instructors at Lackland Air Force Base, known as "The Gateway to the Air Force", conduct the Air Force's only enlisted recruit training program, ensuring orderly transition from civilian to military life. Recruits are trained and educated in the fundamental skills necessary to be

  • Hurricane Irene stops moves to Langley, Dover

    Travel to Langley Air Force Base, Va., and Dover AFB, Del., is prohibited until further notice as the installations prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irene, officials announced Aug. 26. In addition, Airmen with travel orders to other installations along the eastern seaboard are advised to keep an

  • Operation Deep Freeze 2011-2012 begins

    Late winter flights, known as WINFLY, for Operation Deep Freeze 2011-2012 began August 20.Deep Freeze is a joint service, interagency activity that supports the National Science Foundation, which manages the U.S. Antarctic Program.Lt. Gen. Stanley T. Kresge, the commander of 13th Air Force, is

  • 9/11 responders tell their stories at media event

    A Texas Air National Guard pilot who flew an escort mission for Air Force One on Sept. 11, 2001, was at the Pentagon to tell his story to the media Aug. 23.Lt. Col. Rolando Aguilar, the RC-26 Metroliner program manager at the 147th Reconnaissance Wing in Houston, was one of several people who were

  • Airman inducted into Space Camp Hall of Fame

    An Air Force officer recently became the first U.S. Air Force space and missile operator inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame.Lt. Col. William Burke Hare III, the chief of operations for the Flight Test Execution Directorate at the Missile Defense Agency at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., was selected

  • CMSAF visits Offutt, speaks about tough decisions on horizon

    During a visit here Aug. 18 and 19, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy met with the enlisted members of Air Combat Command's largest wing and Offutt's tenant units. Roy took time to dispel some rumors and explain to Air Force members what's on the horizon. Understandably, one of the

  • Caring for People Survey results provide insight

    More than 100,000 total force Airmen voiced their opinions in the online Caring for People survey conducted from Dec. 1, 2010 to Jan. 3, 2011. After experts performed a comprehensive analysis, officials have released results to force support leadership. The survey allowed active duty, Guard and

  • Air Force youth of the year recognized in Pentagon ceremony

    Fifty teens were honored at the 2011 Air Force Youth of the Year Award ceremony Aug. 3 in the Pentagon auditorium here.The annual ceremony, held in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year Program, recognizes Air Force youth for contributions to their installation youth

  • Air Force awarded for energy savings

    The Air Force was announced as the recipient of almost half of the U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program's 2011 Federal Energy and Water Management Awards earned by Department of Defense entities, and a quarter of awards overall. The awards are scheduled to be presented during

  • TRICARE officials expand retail pharmacy vaccine program

    TRICARE officials are expanding the number of preventive vaccines covered at retail network pharmacies. Until now, the majority of vaccines were only covered when obtained through a physician's office."Vaccines are a critical part of every family's preventive health program," said Rear Adm.

  • ESC awards contract for lightened instrument landing system

    Officials at the Electronic Systems Center here issued an $8.8 million contract award to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Network Systems Division Aug. 12 to provide the Air Force a deployable precision approach landing capability to support contingency operations or humanitarian missions across the

  • American, Kyrgyz service members partner to enhance communication

    Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing here and Kyrgyz soldiers gather twice a month to practice foreign language skills. For the soldiers, speaking English offers a chance to exercise a skill they learned in school. For Airmen deployed here, it's a chance to learn the language of their host

  • New commander, president takes over Air University

    The change of command ceremony Aug. 12 was unique for Air University, as Lt. Gen. David Fadok became the organization's first president and 29th commander."We produce the future and must never forget how important that mission is," Fadok said after assuming command from Lt. Gen. Allen Peck, who

  • Panetta: Any retirement changes won't affect serving military

    In his clearest statement on the subject to date, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today that if the military retirement system changes, it will not affect serving service members."I will not break faith," the secretary said during a roundtable meeting with military media representatives in

  • DOD schools engage students with technology

    When children walk into a Defense Department school this year, they may be handed a laptop or electronic reader, or perhaps they'll be asked to build a robot or try out a simulator on the school lawn. Technology has long since changed the nation; it's now time to use these advances to transform its

  • Recent grad's astro feats regarded as research crown 'joule'

    Look out, Richard Dean Anderson. There's a new MacGyver in town.His name is 2nd Lt. Michael Trubilla, and a prestigious award is in the 2011 Air Force Academy grad's very near future: Trubilla is scheduled to receive the Air Force Science and Technology Cadet Research Award Aug. 25 at

  • VA paralympic program officials launch website for disabled veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have launched a Paralympic Program website as part of the VA's ongoing commitment to support the rehabilitation and recovery of disabled veterans through participation in adaptive sports. "Adaptive sports participation among disabled veterans has many proven

  • Space ops squad calls on reliable spare for active service

    The 2nd Space Operations Squadron here is set to swap out an underperforming satellite with a handy spare this week. During late May, 2nd SOPS analysts began noticing signs that SVN-30, a Global Positioning System IIA vehicle, was no longer maintaining the gold standard of performance. Engineers in

  • Program supports military families with special needs

    About a year ago, Maj. Nicholas Sabula received word of an upcoming assignment following his deployment in Afghanistan.He became concerned, however, when he learned that his new duty station and the local area didn't have adequate services for his son, who was diagnosed with autism in 2006. But

  • Motorcycle ride kicks off 9/11 memorial observances

    One of the first of many tenth-anniversary commemorations of the 9/11 terror attacks will begin Aug. 18 as almost 2,500 motorcyclists launch the 11th America's 9/11 Ride that begins in Shanksville, Pa., and continues over the next three days to the Pentagon and World Trade Center crash sites.The

  • VA opens small business conference in New Orleans

    The National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo in New Orleans is underway. Hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the first time, it is the largest nationwide conference of its kind focused on helping veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses succeed in winning

  • Spouses can honor employers with award

    Civilian spouses of Reserve and National Guard members often must rely on the flexibility and support of their employers, particularly during deployments. While most employers will grant a time-off request and, in some cases, a shift change for their spouse employees, others go above and beyond in

  • Sharing intelligence helps contractors strengthen cyber defenses

    A new pilot program in which Defense Department officials share classified threat intelligence with defense contractors or their commercial Internet service providers is showing promise in increasing their cyber defenses and preventing enemy intrusions into sensitive government networks, Deputy

  • Resilience study can help DOD officials strengthen programs

    The military has a plethora of programs aimed at building resilience in service members and their families, but needs a better system in place to measure their success, a study has revealed.Commissioned by officials from the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain

  • VA reaching out to rural Vets with Telehealth

    Kenneth Winn, 48, suffered a head injury while deployed in Operation Desert Storm. Since then, he's experienced his fair share of challenges in life. He's been looking for a job now for two years."I want to work," he said. "But if I tell (a potential employer) I have a head injury, they don't hire

  • Fellowship provides broad perspective on Air Force mission

    The Air Force Manpower and Personnel office announced the plans for its annual Strategic Policy Fellowship Intermediate Developmental Education rotations for 2011-2012, which is set to begin mid-August. The program's goal is to develop competitively selected, officers' understanding of air, space,

  • Communications upgrades keep warfighters connected

    The Theater Deployable Communications Team at the Electronic Systems Center here is continuing to ensure warfighters have the key communications infrastructure they need while deployed."We are looking for capability modernization and to update the equipment modules that make up TDC as they get to

  • Officials conduct study of aircraft oxygen generation systems

    Air Force officials continue to conduct an Aircraft Oxygen Generation study, with members of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board taking the leading role.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley directed the quick look study in the wake of recent F-22 Raptor incidents.Officials seek to identify

  • Upcoming show to display military land, sea, ground robots

    More than 6,000 experts from 30 countries will be gathering here Aug. 16-19 for this year's largest robot and unmanned systems show.Hosted by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, called AUVSI, Unmanned Systems North America 2011 will feature workshops, panels and

  • Officials announce civilian workforce hiring freeze

    Air Force officials announced the implementation of a 90-day hiring freeze effective immediately.A firm commitment to keep spending within requested levels led to implement the hiring freeze across the civilian workforce, officials said.In addition to a 90-day hiring freeze, the officials plan to

  • U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band goes viral

    Without microphones or sound equipment, Sidewinder performed a half-hour acoustic set for 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron Airmen working the night shift at the passenger terminal pallet yard Aug. 8 at an air base in Southwest Asia.The fan uploaded a video of vocalist Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson

  • 'Military Line' works to boost financial fitness

    A young service member saddled with debt and in need of some quick cash doesn't have to go far. Lenders offering same-day loans sit outside the gate of nearly every military installation in the nation.But the lure of fast and easy cash can lead strapped troops down a path of steep interest rates and

  • Transition assistance vital for those separating Airmen

    With active-duty positions being eliminated through current force-management measures, it's important Airmen identified for separation use a vital tool -- the Air Force Transition Assistance Program -- to help ease themselves and their families into transition from military to civilian life.

  • ACC aviator garners federal recognition

    Lt. Col. Shelly Black, the deputy chief of Headquarters Air Combat Command's Personnel Recovery Division, received the 2011 Federally Employed Women Military Meritorious Service Award July 18 at the 42nd National Training Program in Philadelphia, Penn., for her significant contributions in

  • TRICARE offers transitional health care

    When service members leave active duty, TRICARE offers a transitional health care option for eligible beneficiaries and their families while they look for new health coverage. The Transitional Assistance Management Program, or TAMP, is designed to extend TRICARE eligibility for sponsors and their

  • U.S. and RCAF civil engineers improve lives in Cambodia

    When patients couldn't get care from the clinic here due to a washed-out road, the U.S. and Cambodian militaries partnered together to give back to the community. A team of Airmen and Soldier civil engineers who deployed here in support of Pacific Angel Cambodia 11-1, and Royal Cambodian Armed

  • 2011 Department of Defense Maintenance Awards Winners Announced

    Department of Defense officials announced the 2011 winners of the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards for depot and field-level units Aug. 10. These awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in weapon system and military equipment maintenance. The 2011 Robert T. Mason

  • ISAF airstrike kills insurgents who caused helicopter crash

    Coalition forces used a precision airstrike to kill Taliban insurgents involved in the Aug. 6 downing of the helicopter carrying 30 U.S. service members and eight Afghans, the commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan said Aug. 10. In a briefing from his headquarters in the Afghan

  • Reservist reenlists after 19-year break, sworn in by son

    Nineteen years after separating from the active duty Air Force, Scott Long enlisted into the Reserves. Now he's Staff Sgt. Long, with the 476th Maintenance Squadron as a fuel systems craftsman.Sergeant Long's son, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brandon Long, 1-169 Aviation Support Battalion liaison officer,

  • Airmen enhance relationships, airfield ops in Cambodia

    The ability to deploy anywhere in the world within 12 hours to build an air base and sustain airfield operations is a capability few countries have the capacity to accomplish.Airmen deployed here in support of Pacific Angel Cambodia 11-1 are exchanging ideas and sharing best practices on this

  • Airmen help prevent disease in Cambodia, one mosquito at a time

    U.S. Air Force medical specialists are partnering with local experts here to hunt and trap some of the world's most dangerous insects, carrying some of the world's deadliest diseases. In an effort to conduct surveillance and encourage Cambodians to expand their technology and health care, the

  • Air Force employee one of five selected for special award

    Michael Nakai, an information technology specialist at the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., was selected as one of five recipients of the 2011 Judith C. Gilliom Outstanding Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities Award. He was presented the

  • Air Force Medical Service's first 'Sergeant Major' to be honored

    The late Chief Master Sgt. Raymond T. Smith once told a reporter: "The Vietnam conflict has brought the services closer together. We've got to keep it that way."When he made that remark in 1970, he was serving as the first enlisted senior NCO for the entire Air Force Medical Service. So new was his

  • U.S., Cambodia partner for civil military assistance mission

    U.S. Airmen are partnering with their Royal Cambodian Armed Forces aircrew, engineer, and medical counterparts this week for a combined civil military assistance mission in Koh Kong Province, Cambodia, scheduled to run through Aug. 12. The mission, known as Operation Pacific Angel 11-1, is part of a

  • Wounded warriors, families deserve best care, Chiarelli says

    The military has made great strides in warrior care over the past decade of war, but much work remains to be done, particularly when dealing with the invisible wounds of war, the Army vice chief of staff said Aug. 8.Speaking at the Warrior Transition Command's Warrior Care and Transition Program

  • Retroactive coverage closing for TRICARE Young Adult program

    The opportunity to purchase retroactive TRICARE Young Adult, or TYA, coverage expires on Sept. 30.  Retroactive TYA provides coverage for young adults back to Jan. 1, or the day they became eligible if that was after Jan. 1.TYA allows eligible adult children to purchase TRICARE coverage after their

  • Cleaner KC-10 engines expected to burn less fuel

    Mobility Airmen may have found a way to conserve Air Force resources and help preserve the environment.Prolonged and repeated KC-10 air refueling operations in desert climates can degrade the aircraft engines. But the Air Force now uses a new KC-10 engine cleaning process, which is projected to save

  • New airframe, squadron on Kandahar Airfield

    Members of the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group welcomed their newest unit, the 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, here at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, recently. The 702 EAS is a tactical transport squadron comprising Army and Air Force Guard members flying C-27J Spartans to provide

  • Rescue reservists support successful rocket launch

    Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here supported the successful United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch Aug. 6. The Atlas carried the Juno spacecraft for NASA.Juno launched from Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and is tasked with investigating the

  • Sheppard innovates Web-based self-inspections

    Innovation in the checklist industry has found its way to the Sheppard Air Force Base Self-Inspection Program through the Management Internal Control Toolset. MICT is a web-based self-inspection software tool used to manage, track and close self-identified work center deficiencies. The days of

  • AF teens learn teamwork, leadership skills at camp

    More than 80 teens from Air Force installations world-wide learned about college life, teamwork and leadership skills during a week long summer camp here July 10-15. The Air Force Teen Leadership Camp was held at the University of Texas, San Antonio campus to expose the teens to personal development

  • Morocco receives first F-16s

    Morocco is the latest U.S. partner nation to receive the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a historic event marked by a ceremony here Aug. 4. The new Block 52 aircraft will supplement the Royal Moroccan Air Force's existing fleet of fighter aircraft and will contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the

  • VA officials reach out to veterans to explain upcoming changes to GI Bill

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are reaching out to inform veterans of recent changes made by Congress to the Post 9/11 GI Bill that take effect in 2011. "The Post 9/11 GI Bill is incredibly important because it reduces the financial burdens of higher education so that veterans have an

  • Nominees sought for 2012 Verne Orr Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 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 in utilizing personnel to their full potential in

  • Polish, American sister wings celebrate 1-year anniversary

    The 86th Airlift Wing commander visited Poland's 3rd Airlift Wing here Aug. 3, marking the one-year anniversary of the "sister wing" relationship between the two units.The wings began working closely in 2008, when Polish air force officials first entertained the idea of vastly improving their

  • Eielson AFB Airmen join university for emergency management exercise

    First responders and plans and programs teams here joined staff members from the University of Alaska and local emergency management teams July 27-28 to conduct emergency management exercise at the UAF campus.The university's first large-scale exercise tested emergency responders the first day and

  • VA officials kick off National Caregiver Support Conference

    The 2011 National Caregiver Support Conference, which highlights Veterans Affairs' support of caregivers of all eras, will conclude here Aug. 4.The conference, which began Aug. 2, follows the implementation of landmark legislation by VA that provides a direct benefit for the first time to

  • Secretary of the Air Force talks with Airmen while visiting Vance AFB

    "We're committed to ensuring that the United States continues to have the world's finest Air Force for generations to come," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during his stop here July 27.Donley spent three hours at Vance AFB, accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy

  • Senior leaders talk big picture with SMART scholars

    Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation program scholars have unique opportunities to leave a lasting legacy in the U.S. defense community, Air Force senior leaders said during the SMART scholar summer orientation, which took place July 11-14 in Washington, D.C.Nearly 300 SMART program

  • Former CMSAF visits Andersen AFB

    The 15th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 27 and shared his perspective as the service's former top enlisted member.Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley retired from active duty at the highest enlisted level of leadership in

  • Nominations open for Spirit of Hope Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 Spirit of Hope Award.The award recognizes a military member, civilian or organization that epitomizes the values of Bob Hope -- duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication.Organizations and base-level personnel

  • Nominations open for Joan Orr Spouse Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award.The Air Force Association Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award honors significant contributions made by non-military spouses of Airmen from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31The nominee's spouse must be serving in

  • TRICARE survivor benefits continue upon death of sponsor

    TRICARE will continue to provide coverage for family members if a sponsor dies. Options and costs will vary based on the sponsor's military status when he or she dies and if the surviving beneficiary is a spouse or child If a beneficiary is the spouse of an active duty service member who died while

  • Academy ranked among nation's best colleges

    The Air Force Academy received top-10 rankings in most available professors, low drug and alcohol use, and best school administration, according to The Best 376 Colleges book, released today by Princeton Review.The Princeton Review ranks the Air Force Academy's faculty fifth in the nation in "most

  • Operation Warmheart provides funds for those displaced

    Among the several organizations ready to support Airmen and their families here in times of need is Operation Warmheart. Its mission is to provide emergency grants to base members.Run by the first sergeants here, the organization has received more than $25,000 in donations and has seen contributions

  • Program helps disabled vets become entrepreneurs

    Retired Army 1st Sgt. Renee Floyd wasn't about to let a disability stop her from realizing her dream of having her own business.Applying 21 years of experience as an Army mechanic, she launched BRF Mobile Lube Service in Phenix City, Ala., in 2009 and began traveling to people's homes and businesses

  • First Air Force F-35 pilot part of aviation history

    With the arrival of the joint strike fighter, the military continues setting the historic milestones for the worldwide aviation industry in preparing the first F-35 Lightning II pilots.Lt. Col. Eric Smith became a part of history himself recently as the first Airman to fly the new stealth fighter

  • Kunsan AB Airmen put new firefighting suit through week-long test

    Thirty-three Airmen from here participated in a field test of the new Joint Firefighter Integrated Response Ensemble July 25 - 29, providing data and feedback for researchers from the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.Kunsan AB firefighters donned the JFIRE suit for a

  • Professional development key to Airmen's success

    In a culture where deployments are part of daily life and Airmen regularly perform duties above their rank, professional development is an important piece of cultivating the enlisted force to meet mission requirements, Air Force leaders said recently at the 2011 Air Force Sergeants Association

  • Mobile language class makes impression

    With their clipboards and homework packets in hand, students at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center boarded the bus and headed for the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas.However, this is no ordinary field trip. It is a mobile classroom, and the students are

  • SAFE SKIES 2011 closing ceremonies, mission complete

    SAFE SKIES 2011 came to a close here July 29 after twelve days of what officials said were successful flying training missions. Lt. Gen. Vasyl Nikiforov, the deputy commander of the Ukrainian air force, addressed the 130 Air National Guardsmen as they stood in formation on the ramp here. Across from

  • New office aims to strengthen families financially

    A government office dedicated to protecting service members and their families from financial predators and pitfalls officially opened for business recently.As the military arm of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of Servicemember Affairs is intended to strengthen military

  • Congressmen review Reserve role, budget, mobilization

    As Congress debates ways to address the federal debt ceiling, reserve component military leaders were on Capitol Hill recently to testify and answer questions about retaining operational roles, changes to mobilization and future budget challenges.Led by chairman Joe Wilson, of S.C., and ranking

  • Officials say Joint Strike Fighter program is on track

    The Joint Strike Fighter Program Office deputy director expressed confidence in the progress of the JSF program at an Air Force Association breakfast program here July 27.The upgrades and acquisitions, particularly the completion of the new Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., training facility, helps to

  • Minot situation serious, stop movement order remains

    The situation remains serious in the Minot Air Force Base, N.D., area, and the stop movement order remains in place, Air Force officials announced July 29.Heavy spring flooding forced many to evacuate the city of Minot N.D., prompting the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing commanders to request a

  • American Idol meets American Military at 301st FW

    The 301st Fighter Wing's main hangar was turned into something akin to a Hollywood movie set July 20 as the 11 contestants from last season's "American Idol" television show arrived here to film a public-service announcement for Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service.The recruiting service

  • Deployed troops vibe to the beat of 'Tops in Blue'

    Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and partner units rocked to the various tunes of the U.S. Air Force's 'Tops in Blue,' July 22, at an air base here.The world-traveling group of Airmen composed of 36 vocalists, musicians, dancers and technicians from different career fields throughout the

  • Enduring cultural change underpins Global Strike Command mission

    Air Force Global Strike Command's top leader discussed the command's relevance and the need for cultural restoration at the Air Force First Sergeants Association Annual Professional Airmen's Conference in San Antonio July 26. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, the AFGSC commander, discussed the central role of

  • Chief Roy: Air Force past, present, way ahead

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy communicated his vision of the Air Force's past, present and future to more than 600 attendees at a forum during the Air Force Sergeants Association's 50th Anniversary Professional Airmen's Conference event here July 25.The chief started the forum by

  • Consultant program supports troops, families

    With portable, flexible care, the Defense Department's Military Family Life Consultant program has become a critical component in service member and family support, the director of the Pentagon's office of family policy, children and youth said recently.Through the program, behavioral health

  • SAFE SKIES 2011 demonstrates true collaboration

    Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif., are partnered with Ukrainian and Polish airmen at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine, through the National Guard State Partnership Program. Through this program, they have developed a strong tie to this former soviet bloc-country

  • Band plays, audience rocks at space shuttle finale

    High Flight, the newest ensemble of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, performed at the final landing of Shuttle Atlantis July 21 at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The landing marked the end of NASA's space shuttle program."It has been an honor and a privilege to perform at this event," said Master

  • First lady, Dr. Biden launch 'Community Challenge'

    First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, recently unveiled a new program intended to celebrate Americans going above and beyond to improve military families' lives.The Joining Forces Community Challenge will award prizes to people and organizations that

  • Command streamlines moves during busy season

    Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command officials are working hard to continually improve processes for military families moving to new duty stations during an exceptionally busy summer, the command's personal property branch chief said July 25.Major points of emphasis for the peak

  • Airmen train Croatian officers, build partnership

    Members of the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron trained four Croatian air force officers during their visit here July 18 to 22. The weeklong training familiarized the Croatians with pre-deployment logistics and planning processes. They learned how to handle materiel, set up supply stations in a

  • U.S. aviation advisers volunteer to teach Iraqi airmen English

    Few would consider learning the English language a military necessity, but for Iraqi aviators, it's a fundamental need to learn the internationally recognized aviation language as they work to rebuild their defense forces.U.S. Air Force and Army advisers from the 721st and 821st Air Expeditionary

  • Deadline approaching for Sijan award

    Air Force officials would like to remind Airmen that the deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Lance P. Sijan United States Air Force Leadership Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is September 1.The Sijan award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted members who have

  • Touch down ends Reserve rescue role in shuttle program

    As the sun rose over the Atlantic Ocean on July 21, it shed light on both the final landing of the space shuttle Atlantis and the final time Air Force reservists will perform their duties as guardians of the astronauts.As a network of rescue responders, reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing from

  • AFA aerospace award nominees announced

    Air Force officials selected the following individuals and units as nominees to compete for the Air Force Association Aerospace Awards.The specific category and respective nominees are:Theodore Von Karman Award -- For the most outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of science and

  • Caring for People Forum addresses issues facing Airmen, families

    The Air Force's 2011 Caring for People Forum concluded here July 21 with the presentation of several initiatives focusing on a range of issues affecting Airmen and their families.More than 250 attendees from various base-level organizations met to recommend special focus areas to the Air Force

  • Life support, medical Airmen provide assistance in SAFE SKIES 2011

    Two life support Airmen and four medical Airmen are supporting participants in SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint U.S., Ukraine and Polish exercise where Air National Guard pilots fly engagements with Ukrainian Su-27, Mig-29s and Polish F-16s. SAFE SKIES 2011 is designed to develop the Ukraine and Polish air