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  • Military support group prepares for presidential inauguration

    A little-known group of Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen is preparing to provide behind-the-scenes military support for presidential inaugural activities, the organization's deputy commander said here Jan. 11.The Joint Task Force - Armed Forces Inaugural Committee provides all

  • Charges against Airman referred to general court-martial

    Maj. Gen. Robert W. Chedister referred charges against Maj. Gregory McMillion to a general court-martial which is scheduled for April 5.Major McMillion is charged with failing to obey a lawful general order and failing to report and turn over captured or abandoned property. He was also charged with

  • 'Scholarships for Military Children' application deadline nears

    The deadline to apply for $1,500 scholarships from the Scholarships for Military Children program is Feb. 16, and applications must be delivered to a Defense Commissary Agency store by then.At least one scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants, agency

  • AF’s former top military lawyer to retire in reduced rank

    Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche has directed that Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Fiscus, the former Judge Advocate General of the Air Force, be retired in the permanent grade of colonel effective Feb. 1. Retirement in the grade of colonel instead of major general will result in a future retired pay

  • Instruction clarifies enlisted Airmen’s roles, responsibilities

    Air Force officials further clarified and standardized the roles, responsibilities and duty titles of its enlisted Airmen with the latest version of Air Force Instruction 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure.The 19-page document, certified by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray,

  • Humanitarian-relief mission supports tsunami victims

    The largest humanitarian relief effort since the Berlin Airlift in 1947 is providing desperately needed water, food and medical supplies to victims of the tsunamis in the Indian Ocean, the general coordinating air support for the operation said Jan. 9.Brig. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, director of the

  • New year brings new missions for Air Force Reserve

    This year, citizen Airmen will see some new missions headed their way as they continue their efforts to fight and support the war against terrorism.Responding to the active-duty needs, reservists will take part in Future Total Force initiatives that will test new organizational constructs to

  • Scientists study enhanced aviation-warning system

    Air Force Research Laboratory scientists have launched a study here that supports the development of a new flight-warning system designed to significantly enhance pilot safety.Incidents of general aviation pilots violating controlled airspace led to the study, which focuses on safely using laser

  • Course changes enhance enlisted professionals

    Air Force officials recently standardized enlisted professional enhancement courses and changed the supervisory structure for career assistance advisers and First Term Airman’s Center course managers. These changes enhance enlisted professionals by linking formal training, education and on-the-job

  • DOD ready to bolster medical, health support

    Defense Department officials are ready, willing and prepared to provide medical assistance as needed to aid tsunami victims and help stem widespread disease, the Pentagon's top doctor said Jan. 4. Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary defense for health affairs, said DOD officials are

  • DOD implements new sexual-assault prevention policy

    Defense Department officials here Jan. 4 announced sweeping changes in how the military handles sexual assaults, with uniform policies and procedures that apply to all servicemembers, wherever they are at home station or deployed.Dr. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and

  • 'Andro' supplement off limits in new year

    Airmen who take androstenedione to increase muscle mass will soon have to ditch the supplement and just do extra repetitions at the gym.Under a new law that takes effect Jan. 20, the prohormone androstenedione will be classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. Schedule III substances are

  • Commander: Airmen in for long haul at Bagram

    Where gravel was once the material of choice, concrete now sets in preparation for new buildings and storage areas at the Air Force sector here.The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing is growing to match the organizational structure more common to other Air Force wings, said Brig. Gen. James P. Hunt, the

  • More Airmen eligible for Air Force Recognition Ribbon

    More Airmen can wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon for winning service-level competitions and awards.A recent change to an Air Force instruction allows members of small teams participating in events such as security forces' Defender Challenge, Air Mobility Command Rodeo or the William Tell

  • Troop, base realignments pressure exchanges to change

    Projected negative economic impact accompanying future realignment of U.S. forces in Europe and elsewhere to stateside bases is a key reason the military's exchange system needs to become more efficient, a senior Department of Defense official looking into these issues said.As part of

  • PERSCO matches faces with spaces

    Before an air and space expeditionary force is deployed, AEF Center officials first source out requirements to major commands, which assign them to individual wings that fill them with Airmen.When that system has a hiccup, personnel support for contingency operations office Airmen at

  • Air Force women drop overtime contest to San Diego, 80-78

    Despite a late-game rally to force an extra period, the Air Force women’s basketball team was unable to pull out the overtime victory, falling to the Toreros of the University of San Diego, 80-78, Dec. 22.San Diego (5-5) jumped out to a 12-2 lead, hitting four consecutive three-pointers, and never

  • Wrestlers grapple for troops in Iraq

    Thousands of servicemembers in Iraq got up close and personal with professional wrestlers from World Wrestling Entertainment, and the rest of the world will get a chance to watch.The entertainment group’s weekly “Smackdown” program will air Dec. 23 on UPN, featuring matches conducted Dec. 18 at Camp

  • Crash leads to investigation, Raptor safety stand down

    Commanders of units flying the F/A-22 Raptor called for a safety stand down of the fleet following a crash Dec. 20 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.The pilot ejected safely and suffered no serious injuries.The aircraft, assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis, crashed on takeoff

  • AF issues Article 15 to top military lawyer

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command completed nonjudicial punishment action against the Air Force’s former top military lawyer Dec. 21.Following a review of an Air Force inspector general investigation into allegations of wrongdoing, Gen. Donald G. Cook, AETC commander, punished Maj.

  • Portal allows Airmen to chat with friends, family

    Airmen at home station or a deployed location can now send instant messages to their friends or loved ones whenever they have access to the Internet. The Air Force recently implemented the "Friends and Family Instant Messenger" program, available through the Air Force Portal. Now, besides using

  • Air Force leaders send holiday message

    The following is a holiday message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“In this special holiday season we offer our sincere best wishes to you, our Air Force family -- our total force of active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilians, as

  • USO, NFL honor fallen Soldier

    The stars came out in the afternoon here Dec. 16 to honor a fallen Soldier. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Pat Tillman United Service Organizations Center featured military, sports and Hollywood icons. Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; John Elway, National Football

  • Pentagon, eight bases test new civilian personnel system

    Defense Department officials announced Dec. 15 that elements of the Air Force headquarters and eight bases will be in the initial implementation of the National Security Personnel System. The eight bases are: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; Lackland AFB, Texas; March Air Reserve

  • Airman could face death penalty in double-murder case

    An Airman here charged for the on-base killings of another Airman and his wife could face the death penalty when the case goes to court next year.Senior Airman Andrew Paul Witt is charged with two counts of premeditated murder, covered under Article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He

  • Officials select first for National Security Personnel System

    Navy Secretary Gordon England announced Dec. 15 the units selected to take part in the initial implementation of the human resources and appeals elements of the Department of Defense’s National Security Personnel System. Secretary England, who serves as the DOD senior executive overseeing the

  • Increased C-130, C-17 flights relieve Army ground convoys

    Airmen are moving more cargo, including armored vehicles, repair parts and ammunition, to assist Soldiers in getting needed materiel to troops in the Iraq theater. “The Air Force is clearly focusing its efforts, helping the Army give the ground forces the opportunity to reduce the traffic on the

  • Balad Airmen welcome USO tour

    Troops from here and Logistics Support Area Anaconda were treated to an early Christmas present Dec. 14.The United Service Organizations brought the servicemembers the Chairman’s Holiday Tour. Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and tour host, greeted more than 2,000 troops

  • Medical outprocessing goes digital

    A new computer-based health assessment system will help Airmen returning from deployments get back to their families more quickly. The U.S. Central Command Air Forces surgeon general recently started using the computer based post-deployment health assessments theaterwide.The assessment is now a

  • Guard works to balance state, federal missions

    Unlike their active and reserve counterparts, Army and Air National Guardsmen can be called on to serve two different masters: their state governors and their commander in chief.Serving as state militias, they are available at the bidding of their governors in the event of emergencies,

  • Resultant Fury successful thanks to ‘test’ Airmen

    Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell would be proud.Airmen from the 53rd Wing here recently showcased airpower over the Pacific Ocean when Air Force and Navy aircraft targeted and destroyed moving maritime targets.More than 300 people participated in the demonstration, called Resultant Fury, including about 35

  • Recruiting focuses on select career fields

    The Air Force continues to recruit high quality people while using force-shaping efforts to keep people in critical career fields, the Air Force Recruiting Service commander said during a recent visit here. Brig. Gen. Robertus C.N. Remkes said the Air Force is striving to “balance the books” by

  • Stratotankers provide more than refueling capabilities

    The KC-135 Stratotankers of the 351st Air Refueling Squadron here have recently added aeromedical evacuation and airlift missions to their “been there, done that” list. Including medevac and airlift missions to the KC-135’s responsibilities helps leaders meet two of the Air Force’s primary missions:

  • JAG Corps offers accessions programs

    The Air Force's Judge Advocate General Corps gives company-grade officers two opportunities during January through March to join their ranks. The programs, the Funded Legal Education Program and the Excess Leave Program, allow active-duty officers to pursue law degrees without leaving the Air Force

  • Ugandans get air power lesson

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander addressed the first class of Ugandan Senior Command and Staff College attendees here Dec. 2 during the course’s air power week. As the guest lecturer, Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong talked about issues ranging from air and space power to leadership and how the

  • Air Force merging information technology offices

    The secretary of the Air Force announced Dec. 7 plans to consolidate three headquarters-level organizations under one commander. The offices of warfighting integration, the chief information officer and communications operations will be reorganized into the office of networks and warfighting

  • Academy fallout will change all military services

    All servicemembers will deal with the fallout from the sexual assault problems at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Department of Defense officials said here Dec. 7.First, the department "takes any and all allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault very seriously," said Pentagon spokesman Larry

  • Officials release academy sexual-assault IG reports

    Defense Department and Air Force officials released findings of two inspector general investigation reports on sexual assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy.The findings were presented at a Pentagon press briefing Dec. 7 by the deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, Dr. David

  • Amputee pilot back in the cockpit

    Most people would have thought Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake would never see the inside of an Air Force cockpit again, at least not as a pilot.The colonel was injured in a motorcycle accident in the fall of 1998. Infection following surgery to repair a broken bone left him with few choices but to have

  • Air Force hoopsters fall short against Utah State

    Despite a furious rally in the final four and a half minutes of the game, the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team fell to Utah State University, 72-68, here Dec. 4. The loss drops the Falcons to 2-4 overall, while the Aggies improve to 3-2.After a free throw at the 4:22 mark in the second

  • Fighter pilot film about teamwork, thrill of flight

    Civilians and Airmen alike can get breathtaking insight into parts of the Air Force they may not have seen before. The IMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag," premiered Dec. 2 at the National Air and Space Museum here. Filmgoers got an inside look at one of the Air Force's largest training

  • Murray calls people Air Force's greatest resource

    Readiness and taking care of one another are two of the Air Force’s top priorities, said the Air Force’s top enlisted leader here Dec. 1.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray said it all comes down to people being the Air Force’s greatest resource.“We are absolutely proud of what our

  • Medics, aircrews work together to save lives

    The cold, metal interior of a loud, rumbling C-130 Hercules, accompanied by the smell of jet fuel and the sight of red tracer rounds in the distance, may not seem like the ideal environment to treat patients. However, for those providing medical care to those who need it quickly, there is really no

  • Reservists seeing stars

    Seven Air Force Reserve Command brigadier generals and 14 colonels were nominated by the president Nov. 26 for promotion to the next higher rank.The nominees include two directors at AFRC headquarters at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., a numbered air force vice commander, two wing commanders and 15

  • Operation Dear Abby uses e-mail

    In 1967, a servicemember wrote advice columnist "Dear Abby" requesting "just a letter from home" for deployed troops serving during the Vietnam War.The famous columnist, known by her pseudonym, Abigail Van Buren, responded, and the Operation Dear Abby mail program was born. Through the ensuing

  • Officials announce Future Total Force initiatives

    Air Force officials plan to tap into the inherent strength and experience of all three Air Force components to increase overall combat capability.They announced six test initiatives Dec. 1 that fall under the Future Total Force plan that puts Airmen from active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

  • CMSAF shares insight on fitness

    Almost a year into the Air Force’s new fitness program, the service’s senior enlisted Airman said he is happy with some things, but said the program is “not where it needs to be yet.”“(Air Force chief of staff Gen. John P. Jumper and I) are pleased, but we’re not so naïve to think you can change a

  • Air Force District of Washington reactivates

    The Air Force District of Washington reactivates Jan. 1 to more effectively support the war on terrorism and align the command structure in the National Capital Region with the other military services, officials said.“This (gives) the Air Force a ‘single voice’ for working cross-service issues

  • Tower dedication honors two Airmen killed in combat

    It was predicted there would not be a dry eye in the house. As the guests gathered to honor two fallen heroes, that prediction came true.Family members and tactical air control party Airmen honored fellow tactical controllers Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier and Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano during a

  • New IMAX film a first for the Air Force

    If you have never been part of a Red Flag exercise, you can at least watch the movie. The IMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag" premiers Dec. 2 at the Smithsonian Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center, near here. The movie is the first large format film to showcase the U.S. Air Force. The film is

  • Air Force leaders send Thanksgiving message

    The following is a Thanksgiving message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“Each year, Americans set aside the special day of ‘Thanksgiving’ to gather with family and friends to count their blessings. At the first Thanksgiving

  • Air Force 'e-exams' provide instant results

    Whether at home or in the field, the answer will come sooner when it comes to taking an Air Force examination.By January, Air Force Institute for Advanced Distributed Learning officials at nearby Gunter Annex will have fully implemented the e-exam computer-based testing program which will provide a

  • Airmen, bombers fueling the ‘Fury’

    More than 300 Airmen, Sailors and Marines from around the world began participating in Resultant Fury on Nov. 22. It is a three-day, $10 million demonstration, designed to showcase the first use of satellite guided J-Series weapons to sink multiple moving targets."We're matching up advanced weapons

  • Senator praises Air Force secretary

    A leading member of Congress praised Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, just days after the secretary announced his resignation.Sen. James Inhofe paid tribute Secretary Roche’s service, specifically pointing to his efforts at revitalizing

  • Speckled Trout takes detour to aid deployed Airman

    “Airmen helping Airmen” is a statement that is made often in the ranks of the Air Force.High-ranking Air Force leaders and a C-135C Speckled Trout crew from here demonstrated it Nov. 11.The crew was preparing to leave Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, with Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and

  • French honor U.S. Air Force senior leaders

    Two Air Force senior officers were inducted recently into the French Legion d'Honneur, their highest award given for outstanding service to France.Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff, and Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, were presented

  • Jumper: AEF has been successful

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper told House Armed Services Committee members that while reconstitution of air expeditionary forces is not moving as quickly as expected, the concept is battle-proven.The Air Force's highest-ranking uniformed member testified before the House of

  • Air Force engineers help Soldiers build field bases

    From their desks miles away from forward-operating bases, Combined Task Force-Coyote engineers are improving the lives of deployed Soldiers and Marines. During their five-month deployment here, 11 Airman deployed from Missouri Air National Guard work alongside Army engineers designing buildings,

  • Big Brother reunites with ‘little’

    After losing his life possessions to a fire, his parents separating and losing motivation to do daily activities, one boy found help from an Airman now stationed here.As a preteen, Xzavior Hill said he had no direction to his life. His goal was simply to pass each day with as little effort as

  • Airman receives 'Grateful Nation Award'

    An Airman was among six servicemembers honored for heroism in the war on terrorism at an award dinner Nov. 15 in Arlington, Va.Tech. Sgt. Robert Jeeves received the award as a tactical air coordinator attached to U.S. Army Special Forces. The honorees performed acts of heroism, putting the mission

  • Airman achieves dream to fly 'into the wild blue yonder'

    The anticipation shines in his eyes. The smile on his face is genuine and easy. His demeanor exudes an infectious energy.Capt. Terry Tyree Jr. gets to fly today.It has taken him 14 years, three technical schools and a positive attitude to achieve his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot.He

  • SECAF ‘vector’ addresses resignation

    In the latest edition of “The Secretary’s Vector,” released Nov. 17, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche discusses his resignation as the 20th service secretary.Secretary Roche said he accepted the position from President George W. Bush with the intention to serve one term and then return

  • Children experience military 'deployment'

    Children here recently got a taste of what their military parents go through when deploying during Operation Kids Investigating Deployment Services.Tech. Sgt. Senya Zeitvogel, noncommissioned officer in charge of family readiness at the 82nd Mission Support Squadron here, said she planned this event

  • Roche submits resignation

    Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche announced his resignation Nov. 16."I'm honored to have served the president, the secretary of defense and the terrific Airmen I've come to know and love in the past few years as the secretary of the Air Force,” he said. “I've served with talented

  • Space assets critical to winning war on terrorism

    Space-based assets are proving critical to winning the war on terrorism, according to the commander of Air Force Space Command.“You cannot go to war and win without space,” Gen. Lance W. Lord said during a live appearance on “Fox and Friends” here Nov. 11.The command comprises about 40,000 space

  • AAFES offers support to servicemembers

    With the holidays quickly approaching, many Americans are searching for ways to reach out to troops stationed overseas. Anticipating a rush of mail from well-wishers, Department of Defense officials remind people that, "Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the DOD no longer

  • Abizaid asks Congress to help stop unsolicited mail

    The commander of U.S. Central Command is asking Congress for help in eliminating unsolicited mail to servicemembers.Army Gen. John P. Abizaid said the military mail service is running at capacity, and he noted the propensity of America to be especially generous during the holidays."I would greatly

  • AF participates in Veterans Day tribute at Redskins' game

    Thousands of sports fans and patriots were entertained here Nov. 14 by the Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals football teams and the U.S. Air Force. The day's main attraction was the Redskins' battle against the Bengals, but as part of a tribute to American military veterans, the Air Force

  • Air Force aims for ‘weapons-grade’ vision

    In June, the Air Force vice chief of staff and surgeon general approved wavefront-guided LASIK surgery for aviators in aircraft flying at altitudes of less than 14,000 feet. WFG-LASIK is a new generation of laser eye surgery that maps subtle irregularities in the cornea before the procedure,

  • Air Force senior leaders visit Tallil Air Base

    According to the Air Force’s senior leaders, the Airmen serving in Southwest Asia today are exceeding expectations as they press forward in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.“We expect you to be great, but with all that we’ve seen firsthand, you’re even better than we expected,” said Chief Master

  • Experience, fresh eyes ensure airfield security

    Airman Michael Roomsburg stopped the Humvee as Staff Sgt. Chad Marten called to notify the security forces command post that the Delta-5 external security response team was set to patrol outer perimeter road.“I’ll man the turret,” said Airman Roomsburg, an active-duty Airman deployed from Pope Air

  • Veterans send gifts to deployed Airmen

    Servicemembers and DOD civilians serving here began receiving military assistance communication kit packages Nov. 4.The MACK Packs were donated through a Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary VFW program called Operation Uplink. The packs contained a writing tablet, holiday cards with

  • Air Force leaders send Veterans Day message

    The following is a Veterans Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“Each year, America honors its veterans for the sacrifices and hard-fought successes of so many of its citizens -- those who have worn the uniform as Soldiers,

  • Reserve volunteers to see longer overseas tour lengths

    The leader of Air Force Reserve Command said Airmen volunteering for duty are leading his command’s ability to support the war effort; however, changes to the amount of time people will be asked to be overseas are on the horizon.Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, chief of the Air Force Reserve and AFRC

  • Senior leaders discuss Air Force future

    The Air Force’s top three leaders stopped at this forward-deployed location Nov. 8 while on their tour through Southwest Asia. Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche, Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray met with Airmen of the 386th Air

  • Air Force honors spouses with pin

    Air Force officials have expanded the pin program to recognize and thank those who support the efforts of Airmen around the world by introducing the Air Force spouse pin. This pin joins the Air Force employer pin and parent pin as one of the service’s most visible public outreach programs.Peter B.

  • Navy admiral commands NORAD, Northern Command

    Before a full house, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating assumed command of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command from Gen. Ralph E. "Ed" Eberhart in ceremonies here Nov. 5. The former director of the Joint Staff is the first non-Air Force officer to command NORAD since its

  • Now showing: Nov. 8 edition of AFTV News

    Air Force operation of the large medical facility at Balad Air Base, Iraq, spotlights the Nov. 8 edition of Air Force Television News. Tech. Sgt. Joy Josephson spent a week at the hospital, chronicling the treatment of wounded servicemembers by Air Force medics. Tech. Sgt. Bill Scherer also

  • Air Force’s top leaders visit Southwest Asia

    The Air Force’s top civilian, officer and enlisted leaders visited more than 5,000 Airmen at this forward-deployed location Nov. 4 as they kicked off their swing through Southwest Asia.Sporting the Air Force’s new proposed utility uniform, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche, Chief of

  • Air Force leaders premiere new uniform

    When Air Force leaders arrived at this forward-deployed location Nov. 4, they wore the latest proposed replacement for the battle dress uniform.“I was surprised to see them wearing the newer version of the uniform,” said Master Sgt. Sharon Kegler, a first sergeant deployed from McGuire Air Force

  • Deployed Airmen getting new physical training uniform first

    When the Air Force chief of staff announced a new fitness standard in July 2003, he promised Airmen a new physical training uniform in which to prepare. That new uniform is now ready, and Airmen serving in Southwest Asia will be the first to get them, said Senior Master Sgt. Jacqueline Dean, the Air

  • Third DOS rollback takes effect

    As a part of force shaping, Air Force personnel officials have implemented a third enlisted date of separation rollback.The program “rolls back” the date of separation of enlisted Airmen with specific re-enlistment eligibility codes, or assignment availability codes. These Airmen will have less

  • Panel discusses people, command and control, IT

    A panel of senior officers discussed the importance of people, strong command and control, and information technology innovations during the Airlift/Tanker Association convention here Oct. 30.The panel consisted of Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility

  • American Indian business ‘proud provider’ to Uncle Sam

    During the War of 1812, a group of American Indians living in Alabama supported the United States in that war against Great Britain. Today, Poarch Creek Indians in Atmore, Ala., own and work in a company whose products find their way to Air Force warfighters.The tribal-owned small business, whose

  • Officials stress troop support mail policy

    Department of Defense officials announced the continued suspension of the “Any Servicemember” mail program Nov. 2. Accordingly, the general public is urged not to send unsolicited mail, care packages or donations to servicemembers during the holiday season.During this time of the year, the number

  • General Jumper discusses transformation

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper addressed thousands of troops as the final keynote speaker at the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium here Oct. 30.The general spoke on how far the Air Force has evolved in recent years and what he sees for the future.“We, as Airmen, face what can only

  • Leaders unveil updated utility uniform colors, pattern

    Responding to Airmen’s feedback, Air Force leaders unveiled an alternative utility uniform color scheme and pattern Nov. 2 as part of the ongoing wear-test that was announced in August 2003.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper and Chief Master

  • Task forces enhance global mobility support

    Air Mobility Command’s expeditionary mobility task forces, now a year old, were highlighted during the 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association Convention here Oct. 29.Brig. Gen. Bobby J. Wilkes, commander of the 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., described the units as

  • Law allows write-in ballot for U.S.-based troops, families

    The fiscal 2005 National Defense Authorization Act has made two changes available for some stateside voters, effective, where applicable, for the Nov. 2 election. Changes are: -- Servicemembers on active duty, in the Merchant Marine or a family member living in the United States but not at their

  • AFIT honors 2004 distinguished alumni

    The Air Force Institute of Technology honored two 2004 distinguished alumni here Oct. 29. Retired Maj. Gen. Robert R. Rankine and Dr. Edward T. Curran were selected for their pioneering roles in science, engineering and education.“The title of ‘distinguished alumnus’ is the highest honor that AFIT

  • Air Force musicians join AEF rotations

    Air Force bandsmen rarely play to boisterous crowds of 2,000 people dancing, singing and stage-diving, but at one deployed location in Southwest Asia, that is what happened. The show was among several in the Middle East as part of the Air Force Band of Mid-America’s tour during its first air and

  • British team shoots to top at Defender Challenge 2004

    An eight-person British team took home the top award at the worldwide security forces competition Defender Challenge 2004 held here Oct. 22 to 28.The Royal Air Force Regiment took first in the grueling fitness challenge event and third in the Sadler Cup tactical exercise. These wins earned them the

  • 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association convention convenes

    Signifying the tremendous role that reserve forces play in the air mobility mission, the leaders of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve kicked off the 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association Convention here Oct. 29. Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, ANG director, and his reserve component colleague,

  • General Myers praises troops, addresses concerns

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers addressed this year’s Airlift/Tanker Association convention here Oct. 29 with one main goal in mind.“I wanted to look you in the eye and tell you how important you are to this great country of ours. You are our future,” he said.

  • New CMSAF insignia debuts Nov. 1

    A new chief master sergeant of the Air Force insignia debuts Nov. 1, and stands out as a highly distinguished symbol representative of all Airmen, officials said.The new insignia contains the Great Seal of the United States of America and two stars in the upper blue field. The chevrons and the

  • AEF Center commander explains longer cycle

    The effect of the expanded air and space expeditionary force tour lengths on troop morale was addressed here by the general in charge of the deployment schedule.Brig. Gen. Steven Hoog, AEF Center commander, explained how the recent extension to four-month deployments is working out.“Airmen have

  • Leaders call for evaluation of suicide prevention efforts

    Air Force senior leaders are calling for commanders to conduct full reviews of suicide prevention efforts and to ensure that all Airmen are aware of resources such as life skills and other support agencies to address the service’s highest suicide rate in nine years.As of Oct. 27, 46 active-duty

  • Physical medicine team keeps ‘sprains and strains’ down

    Things do not ever seem to slow down for the physical medicine team here. The staff of six -- an occupational therapist, a physical therapist and four physical medicine technicians -- has seen more than 1,000 patients since Sept. 20. “There’s just a continual flow of patients here,” said Maj. Brian

  • ‘Quiet Professionals’ praised by AFSOC commander

    The leader of the “Quiet Professionals” had plenty to say about the contributions Air Force Special Operations Command’s nearly 20,000 Airmen have made to the war on terrorism.“The men and women we have in our command are awesome, and it shows,” said Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley, AFSOC

  • Air Force summit set to start

    Nearly 1,000 people are gathering here Oct. 26 to 29 for the third annual Air Force Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance summit.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper will highlight a slate of speakers who will share insights and visions