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  • Voluntary separation, retirement programs extended

    Air Force officials have announced an extension of voluntary separation and retirement programs for fiscal 2011 as part of the service's ongoing force-management initiatives.Voluntary and involuntary force-management programs were implemented in fiscal 2010 due to record-high retention. For fiscal

  • VA officials urge veterans to sign up for direct deposits

    Department of the Treasury officials have announced a new rule that will extend the safety and convenience of electronic payments to millions of Americans and phase out paper checks for federal benefits by March 1, 2013. Officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs urge veterans to sign up for

  • VA officials process first claims for new Agent Orange presumptives

    Department of Veterans Affairs processors have decided more than 28,000 claims in the first six weeks of processing disability compensation applications from Vietnam veterans with diseases related to exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange."With new technology and ongoing improvements, we are quickly

  • Support agencies help Airmen, families manage holiday stress

    The holiday season can bring joyful smiles and priceless moments with friends and family. But for some, it can bring a sense of worry, self-doubt, frustration and agony.Numerous agencies at Air Force bases provide programs and assistance to those who are experiencing the tougher side of life this

  • Air Guard starts funding recruitment storefronts

    The Air National Guard's storefront recruiting facilities program got a boost this year when they received funding from the National Guard Bureau for the first time.The program has received some funding in the past, but it was out of executioner funds, which came from leftover annually-budgeted ANG

  • Don't Ask' remains in effect as Gates, Mullen tackle plan

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed the Senate's vote Dec. 18 to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, while emphasizing that the current law and policy will remain in effect until they and President Barack Obama

  • Department prepares for 'Don't Ask' repeal

    The Defense Department is preparing for passage of a law that overturns the ban on gays serving openly in the military, a Pentagon spokesman said Dec 17.The U.S. Senate is expected to vote -- possibly as soon as Dec. 18 -- on a bill the House of Representatives passed Dec. 15 that would repeal the

  • VA officials announce use of standard payment rates for some non-VA care

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced Dec. 16 they will begin using Medicare's standard payment rates for certain medical procedures performed by non-VA providers on Feb. 16, 2011."This regulation will have no impact on the veterans we care for," said Dr. Robert A. Petzel, the VA

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Americans, Japanese pound mochi, strengthen bonds

    Col. Michael Rothstein, the 35th Fighter Wing commander, pounds mochi Dec. 16, 2010, during the annual mochi pounding ceremony at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force gym on Misawa Air Base, Japan. Mochi is a type of rice cake made by using a large wooden mallet to pound steamed glutinous rice in a

  • Select CDCs become available online

    Airmen in select career fields can now complete their career development courses through Air University's AU Online website -- a derivative website of Air Education and Training Command's Advanced Distributed Learning System -- that provides course access from work or home computers.Electronic CDCs

  • Reports of sexual harassment, assault rise at service academies

    The number of reported sexual harassment and assaults at the armed forces' three service academies is up from last year, but the rise could be due to an increase in education and training at the schools, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Forty-one incidents were reported for the 2009-2010

  • VA's homeless intervention program nears roll out

    A Department of Veterans Affairs homeless-prevention program, which seeks to help veterans and families who are on the verge of becoming homeless, has moved closer to implementation. The program marks the first time that VA officials will fund services for the spouses and children of veterans at

  • AF Reserve band brings holiday cheer to veterans

    The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve's Brass Quintet performed for veterans at the Carl Vinson Veterans Administration Medical Center Dec. 13 here. The Reserve Brass ensemble performed four miniconcerts of holiday carols and sing alongs. "This visit is just a small way of saying thanks to veterans

  • Airman wins for big IDEA

    It wasn't a contest or a lucky roll of the dice that earned Tech. Sgt. Justin Burt $7,633; it was a good idea.The 28th Maintenance Squadron structural maintenance craftsman was rewarded because he thought of a new way to repair the rubber seals on a B-1B Lancer's landing gear doors. He received a

  • Recruiting, retention stay high throughout services

    Recruitment and retention remained high throughout the services for the first two months of the fiscal year, with only the Air National Guard missing its accessions goal, according to numbers released by Pentagon officials Dec. 15.All four active-duty services met or exceeded their numerical

  • Lesser-known UCMJ offenses

    Some Airmen destroy promising careers, and it's not always because they are caught stealing, using drugs or misusing their government computer. Having served as a prosecutor, defense attorney and military judge, I've seen people lose their careers for many reasons: from voyeurism to disloyal

  • Deadline for aerospace awards draws near

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Air Force Association aerospace awards to the Air Force Personnel Center is Feb. 1.The aerospace awards recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to national defense in a variety of fields.These awards include:Theodore Von Karman

  • AMC commander signs order prohibiting use of spice

    Gen. Raymond Johns, Jr., the commander of the Air Mobility Command, signed a general order Nov. 2 prohibiting the use of intoxicating substances, including spice.The order bans AMC members, including those assigned to tenant units, active duty on temporary duty on an AMC base, Air Force Reserve on

  • Military members, veterans with disabilities learn life-changing skills

    More than 120 wounded military personnel, disabled veterans and their families traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando for the 6th Annual Road to Recovery Conference.  The conference took place from Dec. 7 to Dec. 11.  The week-long event was presented by The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes

  • Most housing rates dip for 2011 as pay, subsistence increase

    Most military housing allowance rates will decrease slightly for 2011, but servicemembers will receive, on average, as much or slightly more money than they did this year, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Cheryl Anne Woehr, a housing allowance program analyst, said overall rates are fairly

  • Commander retires after 41 years of service

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen bid farewell to Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander since 2008, who retired Dec. 13, as the longest-serving Air Force officer currently on active duty. "Being the commander of USAFE is really something; it just doesn't get much better than this," General Brady

  • Air Force leaders stress safety during the holidays

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following holiday safety message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:During this holiday season, we extend our sincere appreciation for your

  • Air Force emergency managers "walk the walk"

    A team of 481 Air Force emergency managers representing all the major commands, recently joined 2,000 of their colleagues at the 58th annual International Association of Emergency Managers conference in San Antonio.This year's IAEM conference theme was, "Talk the Talk, now Walk the Walk," and the

  • Hickam AFB Airman found dead in Philippines

    An Airman assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron here died Dec. 7 in the Philippines. Master Sgt. Michael A. Lee, a security forces flight chief and native of Rocky Mount, Va., died from an apparent heart attack after collapsing while on leave in Manila, Philippines. The incident is under

  • Officials seek enlisted for AFIT degree program

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering six NCOs the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The NCOs will be selected in February to attend the Enlisted-to-AFIT program. The program is designed to provide

  • Davis-Monthan AFB Airman passes

    Senior Airman Brian D. Smith, 23, assigned to the 923rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., was pronounced dead after a vehicle accident Dec. 11. Airman Smith was an active duty assistant crew chief. He enlisted into the Air Force in July 2007 and arrived at

  • NMFA honors military families, names family of the year

    An Air Force family was named the National Military Family Association's 2010 Family of the Year Dec. 7, for selfless service to the nation and the community.The association honored a family from each service before announcing that the Mullin family, of Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, had earned the

  • Caring for People Survey still open

    Air Force members looking to voice their concerns about community support programs and services still have time to complete the 2010 Caring for People Survey.The survey allows total-force Airmen, civilians, retirees and spouses an opportunity to tell Air Force leaders how they can better address

  • Nurse commissioning program officials seek enlisted applicants

    Air Force officials are seeking active-duty enlisted Airmen to apply for the fall 2011 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.The program offers enlisted members an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a high-need academic major. Air Force Personnel Center officials will conduct the annual NECP

  • Guardsmen, Reservists can nominate employers for awards

    Reserve-component servicemembers still have time to nominate their employers for the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is the Defense Department's highest honor for employers who provide exceptional support for employees who serve in the National Guard or

  • TRICARE beneficiaries have many options to prepare for flu season

    TRICARE officials urge their 9.6 million beneficiaries to take preventive steps to stop the spread of the flu. Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that many beneficiaries may already have been exposed to throughout the year. The 2010 through 2011 flu vaccine will protect against

  • Senior NCO workshop sheds light on bigger picture

    Approximately 90 senior non-commissioned officers gathered Dec. 6 for a workshop aimed at providing a strategic view of the Eielson mission and improving senior NCO communication. The workshop speakers included the 11th Air Forces command chief, the 354th Fighter Wing vice commander and the 354th FW

  • Cross-country training pools experience, skills

    Members of the 100th Air Refueling Wing united with their Royal Air Force counterparts to build cross-service relationships and military skills during Leadership, Ethos and Air Power Day here Dec. 6.Participants in station LEAP Day were taken from all sections of Royal Air Force Marham and

  • Spice illegal for Airmen, produces dangerous side effects

    Although it is banned from use by Airmen and scheduled to soon become illegal for all U.S. citizens, not much is known about the drug known as "spice."Spice, considered by some to be a marijuana alternative because it has the same effects, is a mixture of potentially dangerous herbs coated with

  • Air Force officials announce enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 500 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the December enlisted supplemental-promotion process. The enlisted supplemental-promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended

  • Nominees sought for employee with a disability award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee with a Disability Award.This Secretary of Defense award recognizes the contributions and achievements made by physically or mentally disabled federal employees within the DOD.The award is open to

  • Charleston spouses' club members execute Operation Cookie Drop

    Joan Tufts (right) and Jane Holba place cookies in bags Dec. 8, 2010, during the annual Team Charleston Spouses' Club Cookie Drop at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. This year, the group put together more than 500 bags and boxes of holiday cookies for servicemembers living in the base dormitories, eating

  • Special needs families receive added support

    Thirty-five installations worldwide now have additional staff members to support active-duty Airmen who have family members with special needs.Air Force officials established Exceptional Family Member Program family support coordinator positions at installations with the highest number of

  • Scholarships for Military Children Program seeking applicants

    Scholarship applications for the 2011 Scholarships for Military Children program are now available in commissaries worldwide and online at www.militaryscholar.org by clicking the "News & Info" tab and then the "Scholarship Info" tab. Since the program was announced in 2000, it has awarded $8.3

  • Recruiting commander expands community relations at bowl game

    The Air Force Recruiting Service commander visited Columbus, Ga., Dec. 3 and 4 to show support to the community and share knowledge about the Air Force's career opportunities.During his stay, Brig. Gen. Balan R. Ayyar attended the 2010 Pioneer Bowl at the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium where the Fort

  • CMSAF emphasizes Air Force core values

    In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman highlights how the Air Force core values should guide all Airmen in rising to meet challenges of today as Congress considers changes to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy."As military men and women, the American people count

  • CJCS calls on China to help curb North Korean aggression

    The top U.S. military officer cited growing security challenges created by North Korean aggression and called on China to join other regional nations to help counter it."The regime in the north continues to isolate itself and to act in a manner detrimental to ... security," Adm. Mike Mullen, the

  • Officials introduce new patient care concept at medical town hall

    Beginning in June 2011, officials from the 21st Medical Group will launch the Air Force Surgeon General's Family Health Initiative program here, which aims to lower the number of patients assigned to an Air Force medical provider and assigns a back-up team that knows each patient's medical history,

  • Helicopter pilot receives Cheney Award

    An HH-60G helicopter pilot received the Cheney Award from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz here Oct. 15 for the rescue of two critically injured Marines in Helmand Valley, Afghanistan. Maj. John G. Mangan, the assistant director of operations for the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air

  • Letter in the wall makes its way back after 20 years

    For years, a letter from a 12-year-old girl to the future residents sat sealed inside a plastic sandwich bag in the historic walls of Quarters 21, located on Generals' Row here.On Dec. 6, 20 years to the day after the letter was written, Brooke Lewis, now aged 32, came back to Offutt."It's just a

  • DOD seeks to better support disabled employees, official says

    The Defense Department employs about 45,000 workers with disabilities, but needs to boost awareness of a program to support, hire and retain them, the DOD's director of disability programs said Dec. 7.On the eve of the 30th Annual Department of Defense Disability Awards ceremony, "Talent Has No

  • Sexual assault response coordinator helps all callers

    Unlike many base agencies, the sexual assault response coordinator's office is a one-stop shop. No matter what service or component, one number is the right number."We are truly joint," said Peggy Moore-McCoy, the SARC here. "We are not dividing ourselves. We will never say 'I can't help you.' We

  • President extends stop loss claims deadline

    Airmen, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until Dec. 18 to apply for retroactive stop loss special pay.The new deadline is the second extension to the original Oct. 21 cutoff and comes as a result of a continuing resolution signed by the president Dec. 4.Airmen eligible for the benefit

  • Nominations open for Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award.There are three categories for award: Airman, NCO and Senior NCO. Major commands and the Air Force District of Washington will each nominate three candidates, one per category, to the Air Force 12 OAY

  • Obama: Servicemembers prove America's best days are ahead

    The bravery, resolve, expertise and commitment of U.S. servicemembers proves that America's best days lie ahead, President Barack Obama said at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 3.The president thanked the servicemembers and civilians for their sacrifices during a visit to the headquarters of

  • NORAD to track Santa for Christmas

    For the 55th consecutive year, the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense Command are preparing to track Santa. The NORAD Tracks Santa web site,www.noradsanta.org , went live Dec. 3 and features holiday games and activities that change daily. The web site is available in seven

  • AFPC to host retirement webinar

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are scheduled to host two webinars Dec. 9 and 10 to educate total force Airmen on the retirement application process.AFPC representatives also plan to discuss how to navigate through the virtual Military Personnel Flight secure application to help Airmen

  • Air Force officials correct resource stewardship

    Air Force officials have taken corrective action following a DOD comptroller review that confirmed service officials violated the Anti-Deficiency Act in fiscal 2005 by over obligating approximately $87 million from the Air Force Military Personnel Appropriation for permanent change of station

  • Admiral Mullen praises Newman's Own Foundation, military charities

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the Newman's Own Foundation and nine military charities that shared a $2.5 million award from the foundation.At the annual "Newman's Own Awards" ceremony here Dec. 2, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said the foundation's role as a funding stream in an era when

  • Ellsworth Airman found dead

    An Airman assigned to the Air Force Financial Services Center here was found dead in his off-base residence Nov. 28. Staff Sgt. Ira Kaur, a military pay technician stationed here since August 2007, died from apparent gunshot wounds. "We mourn the loss of a valued member of Team Ellsworth and extend

  • Yokota Airman killed after being struck by vehicle

    Staff Sgt. Raymond Briggs from the Defense Courier Service here was struck by a vehicle and killed Dec. 1 as he attempted to cross a highway while on leave in San Mateo County, Calif. "The sudden death of Sergeant Briggs is a tragic loss to his family, Team Yokota and the entire U.S. Air Force,"

  • New policy bridges Korea tour normalization

    The top U.S. commander in South Korea has introduced a new policy prioritizing what positions qualify for highly sought-after command sponsorships for family members.Army Gen. Walter L. Sharp, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, announced the new system this week to control the flow of

  • Officials announce new Air Force museum director

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 2 the assignment of Senior Executive Service member and retired Lt. Gen. John "Jack" L. Hudson as director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, effective Dec. 16. He will replace Senior Executive Service member and

  • DOD official: DREAM Act would expand recruiting pool

    Enactment of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act would expand the eligible recruiting pool for the U.S. military, a senior Defense Department official said Dec. 2."The department supports those elements of the DREAM Act that provide children of nonresident immigrants a clear

  • Officials suspend F-22 crash recovery and restoration

    After two weeks of intense effort, a joint Air Force and Army team has suspended recovery and restoration efforts for the F-22 Raptor that crashed Nov. 16 near Cantwell, Alaska. An Air Force team did recover the remains of the pilot, Capt. Jeff Haney. Safety experts are now examining the wreckage as

  • DOD official identifies Air Force casualty

    A Department of Defense official announced Dec. 1 the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lt. Col. Gwendolyn A. Locht, 46, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was medically evacuated from Kandahar, Afghanistan, on May 22 for treatment of a non-combat related illness. She died

  • Air Force implements new transition program

    The Air Force's new technical training transition program was implemented Nov. 15, after test periods here and at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas."Over the past 18 years, the enlisted phase program had transformed into a bloated management tool used to control and manage Airmen," said Chief Master

  • Gates, Mullen endorse working group's report

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Nov. 30 urged the Senate to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law this year.Secretary Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at a Pentagon news conference unveiling the recommendations of the working group tasked

  • Survey addresses quality-of-life needs

    The 2010 Caring for People Survey gives total force Airmen, civilians, retirees and dependents an opportunity to voice their concerns on how the Air Force can better address their quality-of-life needs. With Airmen deploying in support of global contingency operations for two decades, developing and

  • Airman injured in Afghanistan passes away

    An 88th Communication Squadron voice network systems technician wounded in action one year ago in Afghanistan, died Nov. 28.Senior Airman Tre Porfirio passed away while visiting friends over the Thanksgiving holiday in Missouri. He was 22 years old. "We are all deeply saddened by the tragic passing

  • Mullen: Military workplace needs more flexibility

    Recognizing and finding ways to accommodate the changing needs of servicemembers and their families with regard to the military workplace should be a priority for leaders, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Nov. 29.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen spoke as part of a panel on work and life

  • Elmendorf officials host Special Olympics bowling tournament

    Officials here hosted the 2010 Special Olympics Alaska Bowling Tournament at its Polar Bowl facility Nov. 19 through the 21. Some 240 athletes from seven Alaska communities, from as far away as Juneau, teamed up with more than 300 military and civilian volunteers and approximately 100 certified

  • The sound of Japan-U.S. relations: Joint Concert 2010

    Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Packard, a member of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia, performs with the Akishima Youth Brass Band Nov. 23, 2010, during a Japan-U.S. joint concert in Akishima, Japan. Officials with the North Kanto Defense Bureau hosted the concert to enhance bilateral relations among

  • SECAF, CMSAF visit Airmen in Iraq on Thanksgiving holiday

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited here Nov. 25 for a Thanksgiving visitWhile at Balad, they took a turn at serving Thanksgiving dinner to the troops."It is great to be back at Joint Base Balad and the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing," the

  • Remembering Virginia: Captain uses CFC to honor friend

    "I will not let fear rule my life. I will not be consumed with cancer. I will go on and live my life as fully and with as much joy as I possibly can ... I ask that you keep me in your prayers and thoughts. I ask that when you think of me, you picture me healthy, vital, whole, cured. I plan on

  • Exchange programs brings French cadets to Ramstein

    Eight cadets from Salon-de-Provence Air Base, France, visited Ramstein Air Base Nov. 14 to 20 with hopes of learning how the U.S. military operates on a day-to-day basis. The visit marked the first time cadets from the French Air Force Academy participated in an immersion tour of an American

  • Influx of stop loss claims may cause approval delays

    An influx of claims in October and November by members applying for retroactive stop loss special pay is leading to an increased processing time as the Dec. 3 deadline nears.Air Force Personnel Center officials here said applicants can anticipate the processing time to take from 10 to 12 weeks from

  • Fight against holiday depression

    The holiday season is viewed by many celebrants as a time of "peace on earth" and a sudden influx of packages through the post office.But for some servicemembers deployed during the holidays, peace and packages might be hard to find, or replaced entirely by depression or even thoughts of suicide.

  • Services meet new fiscal year with recruiting success

    Defense Department officials announced the services' recruiting and retention numbers for the first month of the new fiscal year, as well as a change in the way they report recruiting numbers to the public.The services already are off to a good start, with both active and Reserve components meeting

  • Facebook offers virtual face time with Air Guard director

    Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt joined the small but growing ranks of Defense Department leaders on Facebook Nov. 22.The director of the Air National Guard took a virtual seat alongside other senior defense leaders, such as Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Army Gen. Ray

  • Air Guard top enlisted Airman addresses force

    The training and experience level of the Air National Guard's enlisted force has expanded during the past decade and, as a result it, has made considerable contributions to both the overseas and domestic missions, said the Air Guard's top enlisted leader Nov. 18."In the E-1 to E-4 category,

  • Missing F-22 pilot update

    Air Force officials here announced that search and rescue teams have found conclusive evidence the pilot of the F-22 Raptor missing since the night of Nov. 16 did not survive the crash.Capt. Jeffrey Haney, assigned to the 3rd Wing's 525th Fighter Squadron, has been missing since the crash, however,

  • Air Force Selection Board Secretariat moving

    The Air Force Selection Board Secretariat and its staff will be moving to a new building here between November and January 2011. The move will affect all officers and senior NCOs visiting to review their selection records, as well as future promotion board members. "We want to make sure our

  • DOD officials establish wounded warrior task force

    Officials from the office of the undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness have announced the names of 14 members who will serve on the Department of Defense Task Force for Care, Management, and Transition of Recovering Wounded, Ill, and Injured servicemembers.The four-year mission of

  • Academy officials educate future leaders on alternative energy

    Leaders at the Air Force Academy broke ground Nov. 1 for a 6-megawatt solar photovoltaic array, one of the largest solar PV projects in Colorado. The array is part of an energy transformation at the Academy, both physically and culturally, as officials seek to make the Academy a "Net Zero"

  • Nuclear assignments, manning focus of briefings

    Officers and enlisted members assigned to nuclear enterprise and other related career fields will be visited by one of five Air Force Personnel Center teams during the next three months to outline force development, assignments, education and training for the nuclear force.Maj. Gen. Alfred J.

  • Missing F-22 pilot identified

    The pilot of the F-22 aircraft that crashed Tuesday night has been identified as Capt. Jeffrey Haney, assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron. Capt. Haney's current status is missing.The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control at 7:40 p.m. Alaska time Tuesday, while on a nighttime training

  • Network Integration Center team shapes future of AF cyberspace operations

    The Air Force Network Integration Center may be an organization that many Airmen aren't familiar with, but it has a very significant charter that ultimately affects every Airman, every day.The center, located here at Scott Air Force Base, is a direct reporting unit of Air Force Space Command at

  • More Airmen needed to provide feedback through AF climate survey

    More than 130,000 people have participated in this year's Air Force Climate Survey, but more are needed to participate and provide their feedback to Air Force commanders and senior leaders before the survey closes Nov. 28.The climate survey assesses the opinions and perceptions of active-duty,

  • Academy holds religious respect conference

    Leaders from national Christian, Jewish, Freethinker, Earth-Centered and interfaith religious organizations met here Nov. 15 to 16 to discuss how the Air Force Academy can best train cadets to respect other faiths and continue to foster an environment that encourages accommodation of religious

  • New commander takes reins of AETC

    Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. took command of Air Education and Training Command from Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz during a ceremony here today.AETC, headquartered in San Antonio, is the Air Force major command responsible for recruiting, training and educating America's Airmen through innovation."The set of

  • VA officials launching new personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbook

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are testing a new, personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbooks. The handbooks are tailored to provide enrolled veterans with the most relevant health benefits information based on their own specific eligibility. In essence, each handbook will be written

  • Taking Jared's flight

    As one of his young Soldiers lay defenseless on a mountain path, Army Staff Sgt. Jared Monti dropped his radio and stepped in front of the enemy forces pinning down his unit -- exposing himself to a barrage of small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades as he attempted to pull his wounded comrade

  • Officials announce officer selection boards results

    Air Force officials announced Nov. 17 their selection of 73 lieutenant colonels, 179 majors and 331 captains in health profession fields for promotion.The 2010A Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel and Major Medical Corps and Dental Corps and 2010B Colonel Medical Service Corps central selection boards

  • Teens gather for first AF Reserve Teen Leadership Council

    Teenagers from around the nation gathered at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command here for the first AFR Teen Leadership Council meeting Nov. 12. The 20 teens, selected to represent their peers as members of the council, received briefings on Air Force Reserve Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Programs

  • Joint Base Elmendorf F-22 wreckage found, pilot still missing

    Alaska Air National Guard search and rescue crews have found the apparent wreckage of an F-22 Raptor Nov. 17 that was assigned to the 3rd Wing here. The jet lost contact with air traffic control at 7:40 p.m. local time while on a routine training mission Nov. 16. A search was coordinated by

  • Operation KIDS: Military youths get a glimpse of deployment

    More than 60 military children experienced first-hand what it's like for their parents to deploy thanks to a group of more than 100 joint service volunteers during Goodfellow Operation KIDS 2010 Nov. 13 here. Operation KIDS gave youths ages 5 through 18 the opportunity to play the role of their

  • Officials release E-9 statistics

    Air Force officials selected 504 of 2,287 eligible senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, for a selection rate of 22.04 percent.The average score for those selected was 661.37, with an average time in grade of 3.33 years and time in service of 23.30 years, respectively. The

  • TRICARE provides answers to behavioral health questions

    Whether it's "butterflies in the stomach" or a quickened heartbeat, most people feel anxious at some time or another. While it's normal to worry or feel nervous before public speaking or an important event, or with unexpected news, some people constantly feel on edge and panicky. Similarly, sadness

  • AETC commander to retire after 37 years of service

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command, Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, will retire in the grade of general effective Jan. 1, 2011, Air Force officials have announced, culminating more than 37 years of commissioned service. His retirement ceremony is Nov. 17.Among his many accomplishments as

  • VA officials test programs to expedite payments to disabled veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials launched two pilot programs to test new procedures that will speed the payment of VA compensation benefits to veterans with disabilities connected to their military service. These new programs are part of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki's

  • American Cancer Society marks 35th Great American Smokeout

    The American Cancer Society marks the 35th Great American Smokeout Nov. 18 by encouraging smokers to either quit smoking or make a plan to quit. According to an American Cancer Society report, smokers who quit, regardless of age, tend to live longer than people who continue to smoke. Smokers who

  • Customer satisfaction on menu

    In October, Air Force officials began food transformation at six installations, and so far Airmen and officials are pleased with the results.The Air Force Food Transformation Initiative is a pilot program launched Oct. 1 with a goal to better serve the dining needs of today's Airmen. The pilot