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U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force officials to use prop planes as ISR platforms

    To better fill combatant commanders' needs for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Air Force officials will begin using C-12 Huron turboprop planes as ISR platforms. The program, called Project Liberty, involves Airmen operating a fleet of 37 C-12 aircraft providing ISR full-motion video

  • Program improves patient safety through enhanced teamwork, communication

    A Defense Department program is transforming military health care during deployment by enhancing communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals, a master trainer in the program said. Developed by specialists with the Defense Department's Patient Safety Program, Team Strategies and

  • Dining facility feeds leaders of tomorrow

    For most dining facilities, the thought of feeding an entire wing at one time is not a pleasant one. For the staff at Mitchell Hall, the cadet dining facility at the United States Air Force Academy, this is simply business as usual. The dining facility, named after military aviation pioneer Brig.

  • Physician assistant makes difference in Afghan lives

    Servicemembers of the Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktya in Gardez, Afghanistan, are helping to develop the infrastructure necessary for the Afghan people to succeed in a post-conflict environment.One member of the Paktya PRT is Capt. James Parris.The physician assistant from the 96th Medical

  • Air Force works aggressively to reduce bird strikes

    As an ongoing investigation continues on a bird strike that caused a passenger jet's engines to fail last week after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport, Air Force safety officials said they're well-versed on the dangers of bird strikes and aggressively are working to prevent them. National

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights peacekeeping operations in Africa

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" focuses on how Airmen are supporting humanitarian and peacekeeping operations in Africa. One segment highlights the first major operation engineered by members of U.S. Africa Command's air component, 17th Air Force. Operation Nimble Star was a weeklong expedition

  • New Air Force chief of safety takes charge

    Kirtland Air Force Base officials welcomed the service's new top safety officer in a Jan. 13 change-of-command ceremony here.Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero became the Air Force chief of safety and commander of the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland AFB, replacing Maj. Gen. Wendell L. Griffin, who

  • New culture course now available online to enlisted

    Through the efforts of the Air Force Culture and Language Center and Community College of the Air Force, enlisted members now have a distance learning course that will aid them in understanding world cultures. Introduction to Culture, the first course of its kind in the military and is currently

  • Personnel Center officials Spread the Word

    A team from the Air Force Personnel Center here successfully wrapped up phase one of the educational Spread the Word briefings Jan. 14 as officials educated Airmen at major commands and combatant commands. AFPC officials paved the way for the next round of experts to begin phase two of Spread the

  • Administration sets agenda for veteran care

    President Barack Obama has promised to deliver the care and benefits the nation's military veterans deserve while transforming the Department of Veterans Affairs into a 21st century organization, according to an administration agenda posted on the White House Web site. "Keeping faith with those who

  • Academy football coach agrees to new 5-year contract

    Officials of the U.S. Air Force Academy Athletic Association and Academy head football coach Troy Calhoun agreed on a new five-year contract that runs through the 2013 season, Academy officials said Jan. 21 here.Director of Athletics Dr. Hans Mueh said the AFAAA has also agreed to new contracts for

  • Shaq shares hoops clinic with Buckley children

    More than 265 children from Buckley Air Force Base had more than just a basketball clinic in common with a 7-foot-1-inch, 325-pound four-time National Basketball Association champion Jan. 14 here. Just like Shaquille O'Neal was, the hopeful hoopsters are military family members. Children ages 6 to

  • Decisions loom for Joint Strike Fighter Program

    Decisions about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs are expected early in President Barack Obama's administration. The F-35 program manager said Jan. 15 he sees strong support for the F-35 from the services, allied partners and, so far, on Capitol Hill. Based on initial

  • High-tech loss prevention safeguards base exchange benefit

    With a mission of providing quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices while generating earnings to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is enlisting the support of the latest in loss prevention technology to protect military

  • Registration opens for Africa Command symposium

    Registration is open for the Air Force's U.S. Africa Command Symposium scheduled to be held March 31 through April 2 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The policy-focused event will ponder the Air Force's contribution to AFRICOM and engage participants in the creation of a set of proposals for the

  • Andrews officials launch tactical fitness center

    Base leaders here took a groundbreaking new stride in combat fitness training capability Jan. 15 with the ribbon-cutting of the Andrews Tactical Fitness Center. The center supports the 316th Wing's goal of "Airmen fit and ready to fight and win across the whole spectrum" with a new policy and

  • Disability board accepting applications for records review

    Department of Defense officials here are now accepting applications from certain medically-separated veterans to have their records reviewed, potentially increasing their disability rating. "To be eligible for a review, veterans must have been medically separated between Sept. 11, 2001, and Dec. 31,

  • Time to be tracked to 100 trillionths of second soon

    The ultra-precise timing technology that enables NAVSTAR Global Positioning Systems and high-speed Internet communication soon may resolve the measure of time to 100 trillionths of a second, according to the world's authority in time-keeping and celestial observation. "To know when an event

  • WASP served for love of flight

    When Betty Jo Reed was introduced to flying, it was love at first sight. She was 6 years old and her father paid $1 for her to take a ride in a Ford tri-motor airplane at a local fair in 1929. Once airborne, Ms. Reed was hooked. "I remember feeling free and happy, and loving the whole experience,"

  • Captain named top air liaison officer in Air Force

    An Air Force Special Operations Command captain was named the service's top air liaison officer for 2008 recently. This year's annual winner is Capt. Christopher Wilson who is assigned to the 17th Air Support Operations Squadron and is the tactical air control party flight commander for Operating

  • NASA debuts Global Hawk autonomous aircraft for Earth science

    NASA and the Northrop Grumman Corp. of Los Angeles have unveiled the first Global Hawk aircraft system to be used for environmental science research, heralding a new application for the world's first fully autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft. The debut took place Jan. 15 at NASA's

  • DOD officials launch science-related online radio show

    Defense Department officials have launched "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military," an online radio show. Armed with Science is a bi-monthly audio webcast, hosted on BlogTalkRadio.com that discusses cutting-edge scientific research and development sponsored by various

  • Clubs gain 10,000 new members, name prize winners

    The Air Force Clubs Division recently gained more than 10,000 new members during their annual membership campaign. This year's campaign featured a first-ever "card choice" option, where members chose the type of club membership card they want -- either the full use MasterCard or a limited use

  • Academy officials announce second hall of fame class

    Air Force Academy officials have announced the second class for induction into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The six inductees -- Jim Bowman, Callie Calhoun Molloy, Dee Dowis, Terry Isaacson, Ernie Jennings and Ben Martin -- will be inducted May 8 at the Air Force Academy Falcon

  • Malfunctioning component delays satellite launch

    Air Force officials here are delaying the launch of Tactical Satellite-3 until repairs to a spacecraft avionics component, critical to the system's operational capability, are complete.Although scheduled to launch in late January, the program team is working with the manufacturer to resolve the

  • DOD suicide prevention conference under way

    An Army staff sergeant who had lost Soldiers in the war zone was called a coward, a wimp and a wuss from a leader when he mentioned he might need psychological help. It is this type of stigma from toxic leadership that can kill, and that is being examined by scientists, clinicians and specialists in

  • McChord Airmen earn top marks in nuclear inspection

    Air Force inspectors gave members of the 62nd Airlift Wing here the highest-possible grade Jan. 12 following a weeklong inspection of the wing's role as the nation's primary nuclear airlift force. Airmen evaluated in the final phase of a Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection here Jan. 7 through 12

  • Academy track coach inducted into hall of fame

    Air Force track and field head coach Ralph Lindeman was inducted into the Arizona Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame Jan. 9 at a banquet in Glendale, Ariz. Mr. Lindeman, who is entering his 20th season at the helm of the Falcons' track and field program, is one of four members of the Class

  • Pilot program helps streamline disability evaluation process

    Department of Defense officials here are working with the Department of Veterans Affairs staff to expand a pilot program that simplifies the current disability evaluation process for wounded, injured and ill servicemembers. The Disability Evaluation System pilot program is aimed at assisting wounded

  • American Airman teaches Iraqi air force cadets

    Teaching leadership in a foreign land was never part of his career plan, but that's exactly what Capt. Tom Fiordelisi has been doing for the last 12 months at a forward operating base near Baghdad. Captain Fiordelisi served as commandant of cadets for ROTC Det. 630 at Kent State University in Ohio

  • Manas Airmen host Kyrgyz Congress of Women

    Manas Air Base Airmen hosted 24 members of the Kyrgyz Congress of Women for a Jan. 8 tour and luncheon here. The group, composed of female Kyrgyz civic and business leaders, met Manas AB leaders, learned about the base's mission and observed the contributions of female coalition members. For most of

  • Air Force activates provisional Global Strike Command

    Air Force officials officially stood up a provisional Global Strike Command Jan. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. The provisional command will be temporarily located at the Washington, D.C., base with supporting detachments at Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command. Its charter is to lead

  • Agreement expands beneficiaries' access to bariatric surgery

    A resource sharing agreement between the Nix Health Care System in San Antonio and Wilford Hall Medical Center doctors here will provide increased services to bariatric patients. The agreement allows Wilford Hall providers to perform surgeries at the Nix Hospital using Nix equipment and support

  • Nuclear Weapons Management panel recommends changes

    Pentagon officials here need to bolster internal management systems that address nuclear weapons issues, said the leader of a special task force appointed by the Defense secretary here Jan. 8. Since the Cold War ended, the nuclear deterrence force "has sometimes been neglected within the Department

  • VA officials assist veterans with health care costs

    For veterans struggling financially due to a job loss or decreased income, Department of Veterans Affairs officials offer an assortment of programs that can relieve the costs of health care or provide care at no cost. Veterans whose previous income was ruled too high for VA health care may be able

  • Alaska Air Guard members save 167 lives in 2008

    Alaska National Guard members saved 167 lives here in Alaska and around the world in 2008. Officials of the 11th Rescue Coordination Center, the sole Alaska representative responsible for all aeronautical search and rescue cases in Alaska, released their end of year statistics Dec. 31. The Alaska

  • VA launches partnership to benefit veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have launched a new partnership to help non-government organizations, or NGOs, plan, improve and carry out their own programs on behalf of veterans, their families and their survivors. "VA has a track record of success in working with non-profit groups and

  • Make 2009 healthier

    The holidays are over and a new year has begun. And with that, many look to live healthier lives in 2009. The Air Force Materiel Command Wellness Support Center is one available tool to make that goal a reality. "AFMC's Wellness and Safety Program encompasses all facets of wellness: physical,

  • AAFES, Pentagon Channel launch monthly benefit show

    The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and the Pentagon Channel have teamed up to bring original, exchange-focused programming to more than three million viewers around the world. On Jan. 7, the Pentagon Channel began broadcasting the monthly 30-minute show, focused on what makes AAFES special

  • Voice recognition system helps manage patient records

    It's faster, more accurate and highly maneuverable. What may sound like the latest weapons system is actually a new way of doing business for doctors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. With the introduction of Dragon Medical speech recognition software, the process of documenting patient medical

  • Radio program enables speedy personnel recovery

    Officials of the Electronic Systems Center delivered the 20,000th Combat Survivor Evader Locator radio to operators in the fall of 2008, and now are on track to deliver an additional 20,000 to warfighters. Credited with saving many lives, CSELs have been in use in Iraq and in Afghanistan for several

  • Airmen prep for Patriot's debut at Southwest Asian base

    Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here are laying the groundwork to welcome more than 200 Soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas, as they set up a Patriot battery here for the first time. Airmen from more than a dozen units have been actively involved in myriad activities and projects to include

  • Air Force officials publish energy program policy

    The secretary of the Air Force recently signed the Air Force Energy Program Policy. This document will serve as the blueprint for Air Force officials as they continue their goal to keep energy initiatives in the forefront. "The Air Force energy strategy furthers an energy future that is secure,

  • New badge part of historic change in force support

    A new career badge made its debut when 57 officers graduated from the inaugural force support officer training course last month at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. After nine weeks of initial skills training, the officers are the first to showcase the badge of the new 38F Force Support Air Force

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Air Force support to Iraqis

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights some of the events Air Force members were involved with throughout the year. While all events engaging Airmen are crucial, these are but a few that led to the success of the Air Force mission. One of the events featured focuses on the efforts in Iraq

  • CMSAF McKinley, graduating Airmen honor enlisted heroes

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley and more than 700 Airmen preparing to graduate from basic military training honored the Air Force's enlisted heroes during today's dedication of the new Enlisted Heroes Walk here. Several dignitaries, including Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commander

  • Improved drilling process is safer, saves money

    In another example of a Lean initiative, an improved process for drilling a duct-liner is proving to be safer, faster and on course to save the Air Force $47,000 a year. For seven years, mechanic Jerry Heiskill dealt with the frustration and discomfort of using a hand-held drill to re-drill holes

  • B-2 radar modernization program contract awarded

    Air Force officials awarded a production contract to the Northrop Grumman Corporation Dec. 29 for the B-2 stealth bomber radar modernization program. The production contract, with a target price of approximately $468 million, will provide advanced state-of-the-art radar components to ensure

  • Guard's counterdrug warriors endeavor to test one and all

    Finding a single drug abuser among thousands of servicemembers can compare to a shell game, but National Guard officials are placing all odds in their favor. Officials are striving to keep the Guard's Citizen-Airmen and -Soldiers drug free through an increase in drug tests and the integration of new

  • Officials seek 10 enlisted for AFIT degree program

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering 10 noncommissioned officers the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Ten NCOs from around the Air Force will be selected in February to attend the

  • Officials initiate surgical specialty training in Iraq

    Optimally managing the unique head and neck injury patterns seen in Iraq and Afghanistan has led to a successful initiative out of Wilford Hall Medical Center here: sending the first surgical fellow to a war zone for a surgical rotation. In the past, medical and surgical residents and fellows were

  • Keeping tabs on the airfield

    When many aircraft need space on a limited airfield, a small section steps in to ensure there is room for all. Like a game of musical chairs, Airmen in the 379th Expeditionary Operations Squadron airfield management section here constantly shift assets around to maximize use of the airfield,

  • DOD announces change to 2009-2010 kindergarten program

    The entrance birth date for the Department of Defense Education Activity Kindergarten Program will change from Oct. 31 to Sept. 1, DODEA officials announced recently. The change means a child must be 5 years old by Sept. 1 to enroll in kindergarten. This aligns DODEA with national trends as well as

  • Yokota Airmen strengthen bonds with Japanese military

    Yokota Air Base Airmen participated in bilateral training events with Japan Air Self Defense Force members Dec. 17 at Iruma Air Base, Japan. American Airmen were able to train and share ideas with their Japanese peers to share how each country manages flying squadrons and maintainers. Normally,

  • Eglin Airmen test readiness during weeklong exercise

    Airmen of the 33rd Fighter Wing here tested their ability to respond anytime and anywhere in support of the nation's defense during an Operation Noble Eagle exercise in mid-December. Wing planners and exercise evaluation team members created plans and scenarios to provide an accurate replication of

  • Dana Pounds named Air Force Athlete of the Year

    Former Air Force track and field standout 2nd Lt. Dana Pounds was named the 2008 Female Athlete of the Year, Air Force Services Agency officials have announced. Lieutenant Pounds, who spent the past two years as a member of the World Class Athlete Program, or WCAP, finished second at the Olympic

  • Future Airman gains confidence, loses 160 pounds

    Leo Knight-Inglesby is more determined than ever, and for the past 15 months has pushed himself beyond the limits he, and his loved ones, ever thought possible. The 22-year-old Silver Spring, Md., native is so set to "Do Something Amazing" in the Air Force that he shed more than 160 pounds to meet

  • AFPC officials to offer personnel course for commanders

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are launching a new course designed to provide squadron commanders outside the personnel career field with the latest military and civilian personnel programs and procedures.The course also provides information on the air and space expeditionary force

  • Operation Cheer provides poinsettias to wounded

    A Randolph Air Force Base chaplain is showing his love for wounded warriors this holiday season with a lot of help from his flock. Chaplain (Capt.) Eric Boyer of the 12th Flying Training Wing encouraged base members to contribute to Operation Cheer, a program that brings a dose of the holiday spirit

  • Program raises awareness about global AIDS epidemic

    The Defense Department's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, or DHAPP, is making progress with partner nations by supporting implementation of HIV prevention, care and treatment programs, educating their militaries and creating awareness of the global epidemic, a senior official working in the program

  • AFSO 21 experts tour Robins

    Military and civilian leaders came to Robins Air Force Base Dec. 16 to see how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century efforts have found better ways to get things done here. Nineteen general officers toured parts of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center then spent an afternoon discussing

  • Bakers, baggers deliver sweet treats to dormitory Airmen

    Thousands of homemade cookies, candy, hot chocolate and other goodies were collected, bagged and delivered to dormitory residents Dec. 16 at Peterson Air Force Base.Hundreds of people donated cookies and sweets, totaling more than 6,600, for nearly 400 single servicemembers of Peterson, Schriever

  • UAS students graduate from inaugural class

    Nine lieutenants graduated from the first combat familiarization program for pilots slated to fly unmanned aircraft systems Dec. 22 at Randolph Air Force Base. The four-week Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fundamentals Course, or UFC, began instruction Nov. 21 taught by 563rd Flying Training Squadron

  • Today's Air Force' features personnel recovery exercise

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Angel Thunder, a personnel recovery exercise in New Mexico with more than 850 ground recovery forces. Also, the Base Realignment Committee, or BRAC, is allowing the U.S. military to become a more integrated force with many services. See how the Army and

  • First security guardsmen dispatched into missile fields

    Officials at the Minot-based 219th Security Forces Squadron of the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing have dispatched security Airmen into the missile fields at Minot Air Force Base for the first time. "Putting guardsmen into the field to work side by side with the active duty is a

  • Harlem Globetrotters put on a show at Andersen

    The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters visited Andersen Air Force Base, toured operations, conducted a sports clinic and a played an exhibition game with the Washington Generals Dec. 14 here. Using their "C.H.E.E.R. for Character" program, the Globetrotters held a basketball clinic for Andersen AFB

  • Airmen take time to help terminally ill children

    Airmen at Forward Operating Location Curacao volunteered their free time to paint, landscape and provide comfort for 13 children at the Siloam Children's Hospice, a home for orphaned, abandoned and terminally ill children in Curacao. For the past four months, dozens of 429th Expeditionary Operations

  • NORAD prepares for 50th year tracking Santa

    Among North American Aerospace Command's diverse and challenging missions, none is more gratifying -- or as downright fun -- as tracking Santa Claus each year for children around the world, the NORAD commander said this week. "It is the most wonderful experience you can ever imagine to talk to

  • PACAF officials centralize fitness testing

    Airmen across the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility soon will see a change in their fitness testing procedures as command officials move to centralize the testing under base health and wellness centers by March of 2009. After receiving feedback from across the command, Gen. Howie Chandler,

  • Kyrgyzstan parliament members visit Manas

    A delegation of Kyrgyzstan's parliament led by Vice Speaker Kubanychbek Isabekov visited Manas Air Base Dec. 15. Following weeks of planning and extensive preparation, 17 members of the Kyrgyz parliament came to tour the base. The delegation was greeted by Col. Christopher Bence, the 376th Air

  • Secretary announces provisional Global Strike commander

    The secretary of the Air Force here selected a commander for the provisional Air Force Global Strike Command Dec. 18. Secretary Michael B. Donley chose Brig. Gen. James M. Kowalski to lead the provisional command.Air Force officials will propose a three-star general lead the permanent command. The

  • Trainees slew the BEAST in new basic training program

    The first group of Airman Basic trainees in the newly extended 8.5-week Basic Military Training program conquered the BEAST Dec. 15 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The BEAST, which stands for Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills and Training, is the centerpiece of the new two-week expansion that

  • Course gives officers new outlook on force support

    Officials at the first Force Support Officers' Course here graduated 57 officers Dec. 11 with Lt. Gen. Richard Newton on hand to congratulate the officers on their achievement. "These outstanding officers made history as they walked across the stage," said General Newton, the deputy chief of staff

  • C-17 revolutionizing logistics in Antarctica

    Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron supporting Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province Nov. 26. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered to a scientific camp in the

  • UAS beta program underway; officials seek more applicants

    Air Force officials selected 10 Air Force officers to begin the first-ever unmanned aircraft systems beta test program to produce operators of the MQ-1 Predator. The 10 selectees will begin training Jan. 5 at Pueblo, Colo. "We were encouraged by the extremely strong interest in this program," said

  • Wright-Patterson Airmen earn top safety award

    The Star award, which is the highest level of recognition under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program, was presented to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base officials here Dec. 9. Mandated in 2006 by then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, VPP is a

  • Dover Airmen deliver humanitarian supplies to Guatemala

    They might not wear red suits or fly a sleigh with nine reindeer, but Airmen of the 709th Airlift Squadron here kept true to the holiday spirit of goodwill by delivering supplies to Guatemalan children Dec. 5 and 6. Performing the role of Santa's sleigh, a Dover Air Force Base C-5 Galaxy packed with

  • EUCOM program aims to reduce caregiver fatigue

    Recognizing the risk of burnout among caregivers providing warrior and family support, U.S. European Command plans to kick off a program this spring that incorporates principles introduced by bestselling author and lecturer Dr. Stephen Covey. EUCOM is putting together a compassion-fatigue program

  • Airmen visit school in Ecuador, donate supplies

    Southern Command and Air Forces Southern officials donated $6,000 of school supplies to an elementary school Dec. 9 in San Juan, Ecuador. The donation was part of a weeklong holiday tour as senior Air Force officials met forward deployed servicemembers and assisted seven communities near American

  • Officials set military housing allowance rates for 2009

    Housing allowances for military members will go up an average of 6.9 percent in 2009, Defense Department officials announced Dec. 15. The increase comes to an average of about $95 per month across the board for the 950,000 servicemembers expected to draw basic allowance for housing, or BAH, in 2009,

  • McChord Airmen fuel Operation Deep Freeze

    Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in support of Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop Nov. 26 to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered by the members of the from the

  • Kyrgyzstan mayors visit Manas

    Mayors and deputy mayors of the six largest villages that surround Manas Air Base met the Airmen and learned the mission of the base during a Dec. 10 tour here. Base and village leaders meet one another, discussed issues that affect both and developed stronger ties through which to resolve issues of

  • Air Force officials honor top recruiters for 2008

    Fourteen Air Force recruiters were named tops in their field for fiscal 2008 by Air Force Recruiting Service officials here in December. Operation Blue Suit program recognizes the best recruiters worldwide for their efforts in recruiting a diverse, high-quality volunteer force to fill career fields

  • Congress authorizes paternity leave

    Eligible Airmen are now authorized 10 days of nonchargeable paternity leave following the birth of their newborns, courtesy of the 2009 Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress. The law applies to married, active-duty Airmen. The Airman's wife must have given birth to the

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Airmen training Iraqis

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Air Force officers are sharing valuable leadership skills in an effort to train the Iraqi military on the proper tools to maintain security throughout their country. And while the use of technology facilitates our daily missions from

  • Alaska Guard continues Operation Santa Claus tradition

    Children from rural Alaskan communities were treated to an early Christmas this year as members of the Alaska National Guard completed Operation Santa Claus for young people in communities across the state. The 50-year community relations and support program provides toys, books and school supplies

  • Multinational recovery exercise kicks off at Davis-Monthan

    More than 850 ground recovery forces and 51 aircraft from the Department of Defense and numerous other countries kicked off a personnel recovery and combat search and rescue exercise Dec. 8 here. The two week-long Angel Thunder 2008 exercise allows U.S. and international military forces and numerous

  • Scholarships help retiree finish education

    Spouses with an eye on professional certification or a post-secondary education may not have to foot the entire bill, thanks to a National Military Family Association scholarship program. The group is accepting applications for its annual Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship. The

  • Airman helps shape future Afghan firefighters

    Afghan firefighters at the Kabul International Airport stand ready to answer a call to save lives and resources here thanks to the dedicated efforts of their American counterpart. Master Sgt. Mike Marascia, Afghan fire protection mentor, has spent the last 11 months establishing the Afghan Joint

  • AF plan could enable Iraq air sovereignty, independence

    Work being done here by officials of the Electronic Systems Center and its federally funded research and development center partner, MITRE Corp., is helping pave the way for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. ESC and MITRE International Operations specialists, in concert with a number of ESC

  • RED HORSE Airmen close chapter with Iraqis

    Airmen with the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a community center Dec. 5 in Hawr Rajab. Through a program called Village of Hope, RED HORSE Airmen taught Iraqi citizens the basics of construction over a 10-month period that yielded four remodeled

  • Medics, maintainers test skills at alternative careers

    How many steps does it take to prepare an F-16 Fighting Falcon to launch for a combat sortie? How stomach-turning is it to sit in on a surgery?  Staff Sgt. Ubong Okokon and Master Sgt. Mark Crew are dedicated to answering these questions and more for Airmen serving in the Air Force Theater Hospital

  • Southern Command, AF South leaders visit deployed troops

    Senior leaders from Southern Command and Air Forces Southern kicked off a week-long tour Dec. 8 to visit forward-deployed personnel and assist nearby communities in seven Latin American countries during the holiday season. A C-21 from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., carried the group to Forward

  • New year brings new tools to quit tobacco

    Department of Defense and Tricare officials are offering new innovative online tools to help servicemembers keep their New Year's resolutions to quit tobacco. The DOD-sponsored educational campaign, Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone Proud, is expanding its interactive Web site. Users can now create a blog

  • Wynonna Judd joins Reserve Band for TV broadcast

    Members of the Band of the Air Force Reserve and Air Force Strings teamed up with Wynonna and Naomi Judd and the Palmetto State Quartet for this year's Holiday Notes from Home concert recorded Dec. 9 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. Viewers around the world will have a chance to see

  • General addresses Reserve issues on Web cast

    The 4th Air Force commander took part in a worldwide Web cast panel discussion Dec. 4 here to provide an update on the Guard and Reserve. Major Gen. Robert E. Duignan was part of a three-person expert panel brought together for an appearance on "Front and Center," a monthly public affairs forum on

  • Procurement initiative secures DOD computers, saves money

    Department of Defense officials are among those of dozens of departments and organizations who have improved security for their laptop computers and saved taxpayers more than $92 million by using a new procurement initiative, a senior Defense Department official said here. DOD and the General

  • Air Force radio show features Faith Hill

    The 2008 "Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas" radio special featuring country music's multi-award winning artist Faith Hill is arriving this week at more than 3,300 country music radio stations across the nation. In its 14th year, the radio special includes a selection of holiday classics from

  • AMC unveils new mission statement and focus areas

    This past June, I issued a call for all AMC personnel to "return to basics," and I thank you for the renewed attention you've given to our core values and our mobility mission while restoring the Air Force's good name with your daily, outstanding mission accomplishment. Today, we build on that

  • Operation Christmas Drop box-build complete

    After 55 years running, Operation Christmas Drop is the Air Force's longest running humanitarian airlift mission. This year marks the 56th annual Operation Christmas Drop. With only days left until boxes are delivered to the small islands of Micronesia, last-minute donations are still pouring in,