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  • Air Force leaders issue Martin Luther King Day message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Martin Luther King Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:"As America commemorates the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther

  • Tops in Blue gets boost from Air Force licensing program

    Tops in Blue, the Air Force's premier traveling entertainment troupe, was selected to receive $100,000 from the Air Force's Trademark and Licensing Office.The Trademark and Licensing Office, which operates with the Air Force Public Affairs Agency here, processes requests from around the world

  • DOD official lauds veterans commercial license effort

    Maryland has joined 33 other states in agreeing to waive the skills test for veterans and service members who have military training that would entitle them to a commercial driver's license, a senior Defense Department official said today.Frank C. DiGiovanni, director of training, readiness and

  • New tools in use for investigating, prosecuting child pornography

    A few years ago, individuals who viewed and downloaded child pornography were rarely discovered. However, with new technology and assistance from the Department of Justice, law enforcement agencies within the Department of Defense are successfully detecting and prosecuting more offenders. These

  • Deadline nears to nominate employers for recognition

    Reserve-component service members have until Jan. 21 to nominate their employers for a 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, according to a Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve news release.Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, manages

  • U.S., Canada think ahead to NORAD Next

    More than a half century since it was established to confront the Cold War threat, North American Aerospace Defense Command is at a new crossroads as officials in the United States and Canada determine the capabilities it will need to confront emerging challenges and threats in the decades

  • AF legal team advises Afghans

    Members of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing here are helping the Afghan air force Kandahar air wing leadership and legal office implement military justice and hold the wing's servicemembers accountable to military standards. Maj. Deanna Daly, Staff Judge Advocate for the 451st AEW, and her

  • Air Force to provide dedicated legal counsel to sexual assault victims

    A new Air Force pilot program designed to provide legal assistance to victims of sexual assault will begin later this month.The Special Victims' Counsel Program will give sexual assault victims legal assistance and help them navigate the criminal justice system with lawyers trained to handle their

  • Fiscal cliff legislation affects military, civilian paychecks

    The legislation President Barack Obama signed Jan. 2 postponed the fiscal cliff and means changes to military and civilian paychecks, Defense Finance and Accounting Service officials said today.The legislation increases Social Security withholding taxes to 6.2 percent. For the past two years during

  • Obama Signs $633 Billion Defense Authorization Act

    President Barack Obama signed the $633 billion fiscal 2013 National Defense Authorization Act into law yesterday.The legislation, which cleared Congress last month, authorizes the department to act in any number of instances. "There are certain things that cannot be done without [the authorization

  • DOD heightens training, prevention to target human trafficking

    To spark awareness and vigilance against a growing global human rights crisis, President Barack Obama has proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.Linda Dixon, the Defense Department's program manager for combating trafficking in persons, told the Pentagon

  • Panetta memo describes possible sequestration effects

    While many remain hopeful that Congress and the administration will reach a deal that avoids sequestration, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has issued a memo describing the potential implications of going over the fiscal cliff.Planning for the effects of an across-the-board cut in defense spending

  • AETC declares Eglin ready for F-35 training

    Following an independent evaluation of Eglin's capability to conduct F-35A Lightning II pilot training, Air Education and Training Command announced Dec. 17 that the 33rd Fighter Wing can do so starting January 2013. "The preliminary results provided by the Joint Operational Test Team show the F-35A

  • Freedom Award recognizes Guard, Reserve supporters

    Reserve component members still have time to nominate their civilian employers for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, officials from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a DOD agency, said today.Nominations for the award are due by Jan. 21, 2013. The award is the

  • Transition GPS gives Airmen roadmap to success

    A new roadmap to help ease Airmen into civilian life is in full swing, providing assistance that will help those separating be as competitive in the civilian world as they are in the military, according to the assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs.Mr. Daniel B.

  • Revamped program aids separating service members

    Major changes announced today to the Transition Assistance Program will revolutionize the way the military prepares people leaving the services, with mandatory participation in programs throughout their military careers to help set them up for a successful transition.The redesigned program, called

  • Security forces work with troubled teens

    The 325th Security Forces Squadron continued its mission to mentor teenagers that are trying to make a positive pivot in their lives."Cops, at this point to them, have been the enemy, but we are not judging them, we are here to help and mentor," said Staff Sgt. Hannah Havenar, 325th SFS Resource

  • Capitol Christmas tree makes pit-stop

    The 2012 Capitol Christmas tree arrived on the west lawn this morning after spending the night at McConnell Air Force Base, Kans., Nov. 16, 2012, on its way from Colorado.The Capitol Christmas tree has been a tradition since 1964 when a live tree was planted on the west lawn of the Capitol. The

  • New tools to investigate, prosecute child pornography work

    A few years ago, individuals who viewed and downloaded child pornography were rarely discovered - but that's changed.New technology and assistance from the Department of Justice, law enforcement agencies within the Department of Defense in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation,

  • AF leaders target sexual assault in latest 'Letter to Airmen'

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen" Nov. 16.As part of an effort to increase awareness of sexual assault, the Air Force's top three

  • Anonymous crime tips now possible with mobile app

    Suspicious or illegal activity can now be anonymously reported directly to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations using a mobile phone application or by texting 'AFOSI' and the tip to 274637 (CRIMES) in an SMS text message.AFOSI launched these methods to capitalize on cyberspace capabilities

  • Valley resident earns wings as 'Airman for a Day'

    A nine-year-old Spokane Valley, Wash., boy, who has been fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and  has undergone almost two years of chemo therapy, had the opportunity to visit Fairchild Air Force Base Nov. 2,  thanks to a program started by base's company grade officers council.The "Airman for a

  • More than 7,400 National Guard members responding to Hurricane Sandy

    More than 7,400 Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen had been mobilized in 11 states to respond to Hurricane Sandy by 4:30 a.m., Oct. 30, and more were on the way.National Guard assistance to local first responders and the Federal Emergency Management Agency included support at evacuation shelters, route

  • Do's and Don'ts for Airmen during political season

    With the 2012 general presidential election only weeks away, please keep in mind that special ethics rules apply to active-duty Airmen regarding their political activities. The purpose of these rules is to ensure the Department of Defense does not influence our nation's electoral process. Violation

  • Silver Star represents 44-year closure for KIA Airman's family

    "Promise me you're going to find out what happened to him."All Lillian Calfee wanted to know was the fate of her only son.On March 11, 1968, Lillian was told by her daughter-in-law, June Calfee, that her son, Master Sgt. James Calfee was missing in action. He was part of a secret mission in

  • Construction of second runway continues at Osan, South Korea

    A second runway for Osan Air Base is under construction as U.S. and Republic of Korea officials continue to work together to have it up and running by 2013.With oversight from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the ROK Ministry of National Defense's Defense Installations Agency has been working since

  • Cape Cod wind turbines help Air Force top DOD energy goals

    Change is blowing into Cape Cod Air Force Station as the 6th Space Warning Squadron receives two new wind turbines here saving an estimated $1 million in annual energy costs. The new wind turbines are expected to cut the station's energy cost by 50 percent after the project's expected completion

  • Roth contributions open to all active-duty service members

    Beginning Oct. 1, active-duty members of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be able to contribute to the Roth Thrift Savings Plan as part of their investment planning, Defense Financing and Accounting Service officials said today.The after-tax contributions will be electronically deducted from

  • DADT repeal study reveals no loss in readiness, retention

    Two professors with the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department here contributed to a study released by the Palm Center Sept. 20 that reaffirmed findings in the Defense Department's 2010 comprehensive working review group prior to the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.Col. Gary Packard Jr., the

  • OSD visit provides joint basing perspective

    Often, when the words "joint-basing" are spoken in conversations between service members, they invoke myriad responses. This was certainly the case as the Joint Base Langley-Eustis concept was discussed in depth between senior leaders from both Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis, Va., and the

  • Airmen build, repair houses at North Pole

    Eielson volunteers donned hard-hats and wielded construction equipment recently to help build housing for local Alaskans through the nonprofit program Habitat for Humanity.Members from the 354th Contracting Squadron volunteered with the program, which operates on a global scale to build houses for

  • High retention leads to promotion board delay

    Air Force officials announced they will delay the Line of the Air Force promotion board for captains commissioned in 2005 from its anticipated December 2013 date. Air Force officials made the announcement Sept. 25 as they released the 2013 Selection Board Schedule. Record retention rates coupled

  • Comptroller: Sequestration Would Devastate Defense Spending

    Sequestration will devastate every aspect of Defense Department spending, from fighting the war in Afghanistan and supporting troop health and morale to training, maintenance and modernization, and carrying out the defense strategic guidance, Pentagon Comptroller Robert F. Hale said here Sept.

  • Carter: Sequestration would have effect of 'hidden tax'

    Because it would lead to inefficiencies, the sequestration mechanism built into the Budget Control Act would amount to a hidden tax, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said here Sept. 20."If sequestration happens, it is not only disruptive in many ways I'd love to describe, but it's a hidden

  • Carter urges stepped up progress on cyber defense

    Even as the Defense Department increases investments in cyber capabilities, officials are working to reduce vulnerabilities in their own networks and in those of contractors who build sensitive defense systems, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said today.Speaking at the Air Force

  • Donley talks sequestration, explains AF budget plans

    The threat of sequestration continues to overhang "all budget decisions across the federal government," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley here Sept. 17.During his keynote remarks at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Donley conveyed the

  • AF finishes strong at end of 'critical days of summer'

    The Air Force 2012 Critical Days of Summer campaign ended Sept. 4 with zero fatalities for the Labor Day weekend for the first time in five years. "We at the Safety Center always have a Quest for Zero mission," said Bill Parsons, Air Force Chief of Ground Safety. "It is, and always should be, our

  • AF senior leaders stress safety over Labor Day weekend

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to all Air Force personnel:As our Nation pays tribute to American workers during Labor Day weekend, we thank all Airmen for your

  • Redesigned program eases Airmen's transition to civilian life

    A redesigned program will help ease every Airman's transition to civilian life and better apply their military experience, Air Force officials said. The program is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a

  • Air Force Spice testing lab goes full throttle

    The Air Force Spice Testing Lab  located at the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratoy at Joint Base San-Antonio - Lackland, Texas, became fully operational on Aug. 1, in support of the Air Force's focus on quality Airmen. The new lab establishes a robust urinalysis testing program as part of the Air

  • Drill Team members reflect on where they came from during AF Week

    The Ambassadors in Blue for the Air Force Recruiting Service performed during the Air Force Week events Aug. 19 at Pier 86 in New York CityThe ceremonial unit, otherwise known as the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, tours worldwide to demonstrate the commitment to service and excellence every

  • Enlisted village cares for AF widows, families

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

  • Air Force looks to put wings on enlisted retrainees

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

  • Marilyn Monroe and the general

    Plastered across the pages of many magazines, blogs and newspapers last week were photos and stories about the untimely death of actress Marilyn Monroe 50 years ago. Some authors went beyond just simply discussing her beauty or sexual exploits and opined she was actually quite brilliant. Sources

  • Tinker's Green Infrastructure Plan harvesting big returns

    Most people would associate hay baling operations with agriculture and not grounds-keeping at one of the busiest aerospace maintenance, overhaul and repair complexes in the Air Force. At Tinker Air Force Base, baling hay is yielding a harvest designed to "green" the base while cutting

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman saves man from drowning

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)A recent family outing turned into a lifesaving event for a Keesler Air Force Base medical technician.Airman 1st Class Shaina Buller, a medical

  • CASF: Staff, volunteers send heroes home

    The state-of-the-art Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Airfield is widely recognized as the premier medical facility in Afghanistan. CJTH treats about 4,000 patients each month - as many as 130 war-related injuries each day - yet more than 95 percent of their patients survive. The hospital has

  • Air Advisor Academy unveils memorial for fallen Airmen

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

  • N.C. governor signs bill to help military, vets, families work in state

    Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander, spoke at a ceremony here July 24, where North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue signed legislation making it easier for military members, spouses and veterans to obtain the necessary occupational licenses required to work in the state. North Carolina

  • Air Advisor Academy to host memorial dedication ceremony

    The U.S. Air Force Air Advisor Academy will host a dedication ceremony for the Air Advisor Memorial here at 9 a.m. July 27.The memorial, which is located next to the Air Advisor Academy, pays tribute to all fallen air advisors and their families. The ceremony will honor nine members of the NATO Air

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

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

  • Former MTI found guilty on 28 charges

    A sentence was returned today in the general court-martial of Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis Walker. Walker, a former basic military training instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, was convicted of 28 charges Friday after a week-long court-martial. The charges included rape, adultery,

  • AF, Navy integrate security at JTF-Horn of Africa

    Air Force and Navy personnel at Camp Lemonnier integrated their security forces into one cohesive unit July 1.The overall purpose of this integration was to enhance security efforts on camp. Before the integration, the two branches had separate areas of security responsibility, which presented a few

  • Luke officer saves drowning victim

    June 23 was just a normal day at the community pool on Luke Air Force Base. That was until one medical officer overheard a child say, "What's wrong with him; is he dead?"Capt. Andrew Hoeffler, a 56th Medical Operations Squadron family nurse practitioner, noticed there was a child submerged and not

  • Three of MacDill's 'finest' retire after 26 deployments

    Retirement is a time to reflect upon years of dedicated service with pride. Today, July 12, three of MacDill's finest have reached this milestone. Three military working dogs from the 6th Security Forces Squadron, Conny, Jago and Haris, hung up their leashes at Helton Hall in front of a captive

  • Seventh AF commander addresses incident near Osan AB

    The 7th Air Force commander held a press conference here July 8, 2012, regarding an incident between Osan Air Base's town patrol and Korean citizens in the Songtan entertainment district."I want to express my regret and offer a sincere apology to the individuals affected by the actions of a small

  • Nellis Airman awarded Distinguished Flying Cross with valor

    Staff Sgt. Justin Tite, 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron aerial gunner, received the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross with valor here, July 9.Maj. Gen. Bill Hyatt, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, presented the decoration to Tite during a ceremony with friends, family and members of the

  • AF top engineers give tips on saving energy, money

    Summer is officially under way. While it means fun in the sun for Airmen and their families, it can be an expensive, wasteful time of year for the Air Force. Utility bills on installations often rise drastically as air conditioning units and sprinkler systems work to keep up. The Air Force spends

  • U.S. Air Force Academy grad helps lead Estonia air force

    Lessons learned in the foothills of Colorado are taking flight in the Baltic Sea nation of Estonia. "I'm not a dreamer who thinks that Estonia will have a big strike air force. That is not something that 1.3 million taxpayers can sustain," said Lt. Col. Jaak Tarien, the chief of staff of the

  • Air Force emphasizes ATV safety

    Riding all-terrain vehicles is a popular recreational activity, but it can also be dangerous. ATV riding resulted in a reported 317 deaths and an estimated 115,000 emergency room-treated injuries in 2010, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.The Air Force recognizes ATV riding's

  • Air Force Safety Automated System vital to tracking, preventing mishaps

    The Air Force Safety Center continues to develop and deploy enhancements to the Air Force Safety Automated System to provide accurate mishap information and timely risk mitigation data to all levels of command. AFSAS is a Web-enabled mishap reporting and analysis system that's accessible 24/7

  • Airman faces charges in slaying of fellow service member

    Airman 1st Class James Thomas of the 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here was indicted June 15 on 11 charges including murder, evidence-tampering and obstruction of justice.In a court filing June 19 in Anchorage, Alaska, an autopsy found Senior Airman Clinton Reeves, formerly of the 673rd

  • Air Force officials announce milestone Atlas V launch

    As part of the Defense Department's ongoing efforts to maintain assured, affordable access to space through 2030, the Atlas V rocket successfully lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Florida's Cape Canaveral on June 20, Air Force officials said."This is an exciting time for the U.S. space

  • Policy change to allow reservists to carry leave balance

    Air Force Reserve officials are working to change policy to allow reservists who earn days of leave to carry those days over from year to year.New laws and Department of Defense instructions permit reservists to carry over the leave days. However, policy and procedures have not caught up with the

  • Misawa Airman found dead

    An active-duty Airman stationed here was found dead in his off-base residence May 28.At 4:30 p.m. that day, Japanese authorities notified Misawa Air Base officials that Special Agent Mashkhur Mukhamadiev, who worked with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, was found dead at his home.

  • California BRAC bases now part of recycling revolution

    J.D. Wang, the CEO of a tire recycling company, believes people can recycle anything if they put their minds to it. So it seems fitting that his company is expanding into a recycled building -- once the commissary at the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, Calif.In Sacramento, a former

  • OSI agent honored for his work in resolving child exploitation case

    The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recognized an Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agent May 23 for his work in investigating the sexual exploitation of several children.Special Agent Jess Thompson and other law enforcement officials from around the country were

  • Knowing common hiring authorities critical in filling civilian positions

    As the Air Force continues to reform its hiring processes, hiring managers can make better, timelier decisions when they understand which hiring authorities they should use when recruiting new employees.Hiring appointment authorities provide managers with the legal means to hire employees via a new

  • Law authorizes mobilizing reservists to respond to natural disasters

    New authority in this year's Defense Department authorization act allows reservists in Air Force Reserve Command and other reserve components to be called to duty in response to natural disasters or emergencies in the homeland. The law also permits mobilizations for extended periods to support

  • Missing Elmendorf Airman found dead; fellow Airman arrested

    Anchorage police and Air Force officials announced May 10 that the body found earlier this week in Eagle River, north of Anchorage, Alaska, is that of missing Senior Airman Clinton Reeves. A fellow Airman was arrested and charged with six felony counts of tampering with evidence in the case. "We

  • Families list retirement, pay as top issues

    Military families regard the possible change of military retirement benefits as their top concern, according to the results of a major survey released today.The 2012 Military Family Lifestyle Survey also shows that pay and benefits, the impact of deployments on children, operational tempo, spouse

  • 'Care Beyond Duty' - The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program

    Since Oct. 1, Air Force Wounded Warrior Program nonmedical care managers have assisted Airmen with garnering more than $700,000 worth of benefits and entitlements. This is just one example of how the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program works with, and advocates for, wounded warriors and their

  • Fifth CMSAF delivers inspirational speech at Grand Forks AFB

    An Air Force legend helped recognize Grand Forks newest chief master sergeants during an April 27, 2012, ceremony at the base club.Retired Chief Master Sergeant Robert Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from 1977 to 1979, served as the keynote speaker for the chief's

  • Fallen honored at EOD memorial ceremony

    Hundreds of people paid homage to fallen explosive ordnance disposal technicians May 5 during the 43rd annual EOD Memorial Ceremony here.The names of five Soldiers, three Sailors, five Marines and five Airmen were added to the memorial wall in a solemn ceremony attended by family, friends and

  • First refueling unit to reach 25,000 missions in single AOR

    Members of the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here reached a milestone of 25,000 air refueling missions May 4.During the past year, 22nd EARS sortie support has grown 23 percent, allowing them to quickly eclipse the 25,000th mission mark."Like their squadron mascot, the mule, the 22nd

  • Assistant vice chief of staff retires after 34 years

    After serving in the Air Force for nearly 34 years, Lt. Gen. Richard "Dick" Newton III retired in a ceremony here April 27.Newton had served as the Air Force's assistant vice chief of staff since December 2010. With his retirement, Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc is the new assistant vice chief of staff,

  • Air Force guitar made to honor fallen Airmen

    An Air Force guitar is making its rounds across the U.S. with rock band Lillian Axe after an Airman and the band's lead guitarist collaborated on a way to honor nine Airmen who were killed April 27, 2011, at the Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan. Maj. Henry Cecil, an Air Force

  • American citizenship: One Airman's dream becomes reality

    A contracting specialist from the 92nd Contracting Squadron here fulfilled his dream of becoming an American Airman -- literally, March 27 when a Spokane, Wash., judge swore him in as a legal citizen."The most important thing about citizenship for me is that I can finally get a secret clearance to

  • DFAS warns service members of scam emails

    Defense Finance and Accounting Service recently released a statement warning of email scams targeting military members, military retirees, and civilian employees.According to the statement, the most recent email scam indicates that individuals who are receiving disability compensation from the

  • Robotics offer greener aircraft paint stripping

    The assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics got a close up look at a new, cutting-edge technology here April 4 that's expected to reduce pollution and the exposure of Airmen to hazardous compounds.Terry Yonkers' visit to the headquarters of Concurrent

  • FLETA grants accreditation to AF security forces officer, enlisted courses

    The Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board granted initial program accreditation status to the 343rd Training Squadron's Security Forces Basic Officer and Apprentice Courses at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland recently.Air Force Director of Security Forces Brig. Gen. James McMillian

  • Four Airmen honored with 2011 Sijan award

    For demonstrating outstanding leadership, four Airmen received the 2011 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award during a ceremony April 6 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.Named in honor of the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor, the award annually recognizes officer and

  • Officials complete new tuition assistance policy memo

    When a new policy takes effect, probably this summer, schools will need to have a signed memorandum of understanding to participate in the Defense Department's Tuition Assistance Program, Pentagon officials said.A 90-day extension that expired March 30 allowed DOD officials to work with stakeholders

  • Grand Forks EO director named top in AF

    The U.S. Air Force named Tech. Sgt. Tomeka Parker of the 319th Air Base Wing as the Solomon Starks Jr. Equal Opportunity Director of the Year for 2011.Parker arrived in Grand Forks in November 2010 and single-handedly filled a two-person EO office assignment responsible for more than 1,300 Airmen

  • EOD Airman nominated for Bronze Star

    There is a bloodstain on his boot. He says it's a reminder of a day he probably couldn't forget, even if he tried. Staff Sgt. Kenneth Guinn, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician deployed here from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, has been nominated for a

  • Stop loss special pay extended

    Eligible Airmen, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until midnight Oct. 21 to apply for retroactive stop loss special pay following an extension in the continuing resolution authorized by Public Law 112-74. The new Oct. 21, 2012 deadline extends the original cutoff for applications and allows

  • Loftis remembered: 'Afghanistan lost its best friend'

    A funeral service was held here Monday for Lt. Col. John Darin Loftis, who died Feb. 25 from wounds received during an attack at the Interior Ministry, Kabul, Afghanistan.The solemn service was attended by approximately 250 of Loftis's family, friends and Airmen from across the Air Force. Among his

  • Air Force invests in robust Spice testing

    The Air Force is currently conducting urinalysis testing for Spice chemicals through a civilian laboratory and will field an in-house urinalysis testing capability for Spice in mid-March.Spice is a name brand and also a generic term for a large family of chemically unrelated "synthetic cannabinoids"

  • AF expands drug testing to include abused prescription drugs

    The Air Force and other military services will expand their drug testing to include testing for commonly abused prescription drugs beginning May 1, 2012.On Jan. 31, 2012, the Secretary of Defense gave a 90-day advance notice of the drug testing expansion which aims to counter the nation's growing

  • German, U.S. officials meet to discuss proposed new KMC Medical Center

    U.S. senior military leaders hosted German federal, state and local government representatives here Feb. 27 to talk about the proposed new Kaiserslautern Military Community Medical Center.The purpose of the meeting, according to officials, was to familiarize the German leaders with the current

  • Air Force works to update disability hiring records

    Disability hiring initiatives are ongoing as federal agencies work to meet the president's challenge to hire 100,000 people with disabilities over the next five years.The Air Force has a long history of supporting such initiatives, but official records may not illustrate that, Air Force Personnel

  • New IAAFA airfield facility consolidates aviation training

    Senior Air Force and Inter-American Air Forces Academy leaders, along with representatives from six Latin America partner nations, opened the new IAAFA Airfield Training Complex here in a ceremony Feb. 9.The new $19-million training complex combines all IAAFA aviation maintenance courses in one

  • Senior enlisted leaders cite troops' top concerns

    The senior enlisted advisors for the four military services met on Capitol Hill Feb. 16 to discuss with lawmakers the top issues on service members' minds.It turns out that for many, it's the same as what's on lawmakers' minds: the budget."I was asked questions, beginning in April, all the way to

  • Air Force kicks off ESOH Symposium

    The Air Force kicked off its 20th annual Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Symposium at the Colorado Convention Center here Feb. 13.The largest military training event of its kind features 525 course offerings for more than 1,200 attendees and runs through Feb. 17. Air Force senior leaders

  • OSI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service catch cyber criminal

    Criminals work their mischief where there is money to be gained, and in a world that relies heavily on the Internet, identity thieves are working overtime to find new and creative ways to steal.That was the case with Rene Quimby, who was able to get his virtual hands on the identities of more than

  • Troops, families to benefit from landmark settlement

    Service members and their families are among the Americans who will benefit from a "landmark" $25 billion foreclosure settlement between the government and banks, federal and state officials said today.The federal government and 49 state attorneys general reached the agreement with the nation's five

  • DOD begins prorating imminent danger pay

    Service members now will receive imminent danger pay only for days they actually spend in hazardous areas, Pentagon officials said here today.The change, which took effect yesterday, was included in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law Dec.

  • Official outlines absentee voting options

    Federal officials are urging military members, their families and other Americans living outside the U.S. to register to vote and request an absentee ballot.Both can be done easily by downloading a federal postcard application on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website, Bob Carey, the