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U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force officials announce enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 630 Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the October enlisted supplemental promotion board.The promotion list can be found on the Air Force Personnel Center's public website. Airmen also can access their score notices at the same time on the Virtual Military Personnel Flight

  • Vandenberg Airman killed in Afghanistan

    An Airman assigned to the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight here was killed in action and another was injured Oct. 5, while serving in Afghanistan.Senior Airman Daniel Johnson, 23, died while conducting an EOD operation in Afghanistan.Tech. Sgt. Robert Butler was

  • Amendment provision could put more money in spouse's paycheck

    Military spouses in states that collect state income taxes could be able to pocket a little more of their paycheck under an amendment that allows spouses to retain their legal residency in their home state.A November 2009 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act included a provision that

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently published a demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force. This data is current as of Sept. 30 and can also be found on the Air Force personnel statistics Web page.Statistics are rounded to the nearest

  • Top chief discusses training, wingmanship during Academy visit

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited with the Air Force Academy's enlisted cadre Oct. 1 and talked about the way ahead for the Air Force, professional military education and taking care of Airmen and families.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was in Colorado

  • Elmendorf couple presented O'Malley Award in Pentagon ceremony

    The commander of the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and his wife received the 2010 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award Oct. 4 at a ceremony in the Pentagon. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the award and Sharon O'Malley Burg made a special

  • 4th Fighter Wing loses an Airman

    An Airman assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing was found dead Oct. 4. Deceased is Senior Airman Ross Merrit Horton, a lodging customer service representative of the 4th Force Support Squadron. Airman Horton is from Chico, California. The cause of death is under investigation. "The 4th Fighter Wing

  • Secretary Gates urges servicemembers to claim Stop-Loss pay

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged servicemembers whose military service was involuntarily extended between 2001 and 2009 under the "Stop Loss" program to claim their special pay before the Dec. 3 deadline.More than 145,000 people are eligible for the special pay, but fewer than half have

  • VA Secretary announces $41.9 million to help homeless

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has announced that 40 states will share more than $41.9 million in grants to community groups to provide 2,568 beds for homeless veterans this year. "These grants wouldn't have happened without the extraordinary partnerships forged with community

  • Veterans return home 5 years after Katrina

    Armed Forces Retirement Home residents expected to be displaced for only a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina damaged their facility in 2005. The first 126 veterans returned home five years later to a larger and more lavish facility.The residents lived at the Armed Forces Retirement Home's Washington

  • Air Force officials conducting personnel accountability exercise

    Officials are conducting an Air Force-wide exercise Oct. 6 through 8 to test the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System.An exercise execution order will identify the geographic area of interest in which all personnel assigned to, living in, TDY to or on leave in that area, must be

  • Tests to compare CCAF, civilian degrees

    Education offices at 60 Air Force and Air National Guard bases around the world will test Community College of the Air Force graduates to determine how they compare to counterparts in civilian institutions.The testing begins Oct. 14 and runs through Nov. 15.First-time CCAF degree recipients who have

  • Mullen: Communities, veterans can help each other

    The United States owes a debt to its veterans and their families that America's communities and their leaders can help repay, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Oct. 1.Speaking to hundreds of people during a town hall meeting at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

  • Lieutenants complete inaugural language training

    Twenty-five of the Air Force's newest second lieutenants recently completed the inaugural class of focused language training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., as part of the Language Enabled Airmen Program.The Language Intensive Training Event, or LITE, was held at the Air Force Culture and Language

  • 'Huffing,' using 'Spice' is dangerous, officials say

    While they may be legal in some states, "designer drugs," often marketed as herbal remedies, are banned under military law and policies by the Defense Department and all of the services. Military officials, having seen a spike in servicemembers' use of otherwise legal substances, including

  • Website is one-stop shop for deployment-related issues

    Airmen can access information about their upcoming deployment at the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Online website. The AEF Online website, located at https://aef.afpc.randolph.af.mil/, provides a single access point for all AEF-related issues to include reporting instructions, tempo banding,

  • National Guard launches mobile education lab

    As part of the president's "Educate to Innovate" initiative, National Guard officials debuted The Energy Lab -- a mobile classroom featuring interactive learning tools focusing on the science and technology behind alternative energy sources.Unveiled Oct. 1 at the Ronald Reagan Building and

  • President extends deadline for stop loss benefit

    Eligible Airmen, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until Dec. 3 to apply for retroactive stop loss special pay following an extension in the continuing resolution signed by the president Sept. 30.The new Dec. 3 deadline extends the original Oct. 21 cutoff for applications and allows eligible

  • Airman dies in combat operations in Afghanistan

    An Air Force Special Operations Command combat controller died Sept. 29 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.Senior Airman Mark A. Forester, 29, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., was killed while conducting combat operations with his special forces team in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to

  • DOD provides continued support for military children

    Department of Defense Education Activity officials are keeping on the cutting-edge of sharing resources and training tools with public schools supporting military families, a Washington education official said."Our goal is to reach military children who attend public schools," said Kathy Facon, the

  • New military retirement home debuts in Gulfport

    More than 100 residents at the Armed Forces Retirement Home here are packing up to move into a brand new complex in Gulfport, Miss., that replaces the facility that was destroyed five years ago by Hurricane Katrina.Emotions are running high as the 135 residents prepare to leave AFRH-Washington Oct.

  • Uniform phaseout dates draw near

    With many phaseout and mandatory wear dates approaching, the look of Air Force uniforms will change slightly over the next year. Here are a few dates to remember for uniform and policy changes.As of the following dates, wear of the listed uniform items will be phased out:Oct. 1, 2010-- 100 percent

  • Sitka 43 Airmen remembered in memorial unveiling

    Air Force officials along with actor Gary Sinise unveiled the Sitka 43 Memorial during a ceremony Sept. 16 here to honor four Airmen who died in an aircraft accident July 28.Mr. Sinise unveiled a scale C-17 Globemaster III, the centerpiece of the memorial, in memory of Maj. Aaron Malone, Maj.

  • Tricare meets or exceeds most new health provisions

    Tricare already meets or exceeds most of the new health care provisions in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that took effect Sept. 23. The PPACA provides new or expanded options and consumer protections for those with private health insurance coverage.Most provisions

  • 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. 

  • Shinseki: Evidence led to new Agent Orange presumptions

    Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki defended his decision to add heart disease, Parkinson's disease and leukemia to the conditions VA officials can presume in Vietnam War veterans to be caused by Agent Orange exposure.Speaking before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Sept. 23,

  • Absentee Voters Week 2010

    Absentee Voters Week, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, has been set aside by Department of Defense officials for voters to recognize the military's focus on preserving the right to vote and encouraging absentee voters to do so. The goals of Absentee Voters Week are to emphasize and encourage voters to

  • Airmen urged to complete all PCS requirements

    Airmen who recently completed a permanent change of station move have probably completed all the obvious steps involved in the move -- boxes unpacked, children settled into new schools, PCS travel voucher completed.However, travelers are advised that they're not yet done with their move if they

  • 'Sex Signals' asks Airmen to re-examine sexual cues

    Although sexual assault is no laughing matter, Airmen here found a lighthearted way to learn about it during a free show here at the base theater Sept. 2."Sex Signals", a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator program production, is a series of various dating scenes performed by professional actors who

  • House reviews quality of military off-duty education

    A House Armed Services Committee panel heard testimony from Defense Department officials Sept. 21 on the quality of off-duty servicemember voluntary education opportunities.During 2010, an estimated 380,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will receive $580 million in DOD tuition-assistance

  • Edwards AFB Airman dies of gunshot wounds

    An Edwards Air Force Base Airman died from gunshot wounds suffered at a California City residence Sept. 22.Dead is Staff Sgt. Brian M. Carragher, a military working dog handler assigned to the 95th Security Forces Squadron.At approximately 7:40 p.m. California City Police notified the command post

  • Family advocates take cause to Capitol Hill

    Dozens of military family members took to the nation's capital Sept. 21 to educate lawmakers about their most pressing issues.Those issues were revealed in the Blue Star Families' 2010 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, which the military family advocacy group unveiled in the Capitol Visitors Center

  • Officials urge protection against identity theft

    Defense Department officials are urging servicemembers to be aware of identity theft and are providing ways for them to protect themselves, the director of DOD's personal finance office said.Dave Julian said officials take the problem very seriously. "We equate it to service readiness," he

  • Filling civilian vacancies easier with advanced recruiting, online resources

    As Air Force officials work to streamline and expedite the hiring process for the civilian workforce, they are encouraging hiring managers to initiate the recruitment process prior to an incumbent's departure.If the position being vacated is already funded, properly classified and serviced by the

  • AETC: Fatality free Critical Days of Summer

    Air Education and Training Command officials announced the command ended its Critical Days of Summer campaign with no fatalities.This year was AETC's first fatality free Critical Days of Summer since 1960.The Air Force campaigns for safety every year from Memorial Day to Labor Day to encourage

  • Technology improving veterans' access to health, benefits information

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are launching a multi-year initiative called Veterans Relationship Management, or VRM, that will greatly improve veterans' access to health care and benefits information. "VRM will transform veterans' interactions with VA by using innovative 21st century

  • DOD supports military children in public schools

    Department of Defense Education Activity officials are sharing resources and training tools with public schools supporting military families, particularly those heavily affected by deployment, an education official said."Our goal is to reach military children who attend public schools," said Kathy

  • Servicemembers escort veterans to local fair

    Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., escorted residents of the Washington State Soldiers Home to the Puyallup Fair Sept. 15, giving the active duty members a chance to connect with veterans."It is truly amazing to see the connection formed between the veterans

  • Guardsmen to participate in 'Operation Medicine Cabinet'

    On Sept. 25, National Guard troops throughout the nation will participate in "Operation Medicine Cabinet," a one-day collaborative effort with agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, state and local law enforcement agencies and various substance abuse prevention organizations, to remove

  • Stop loss special pay deadline nears

    Time is running out for current and former Airmen previously affected by Stop Loss to apply for retroactive special pay as the Oct. 21 deadline approaches.Airmen eligible include active, retired and former members as well as Reserve component members, who served on active duty while their enlistment

  • Defense Department officials launch annual CFC drive

    The Defense Department's 2010 Combined Federal Campaign kicked off here Sept. 20, offering federal civilians and military members the opportunity to contribute to any of more than 4,000 pre-screened charities.Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III launched the department's annual CFC drive in

  • Officials seek nominees for AFA awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for both the 2011 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year and the 2011 Verne Orr awards.The Air Force Association sponsors both awards annually.The Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award honors the significant contributions made by non-military spouses of Air

  • AFPC officials keep families of missing personnel informed

    One of the most difficult personal hardships for families is not knowing how their deployed Airman is doing. When an Airman is declared "unaccounted for," that hardship becomes agony.This was especially prevalent during the Vietnam and Korean wars where more than 1,400 Airmen were declared missing

  • Commanders play key role in accounting for members

    When a disaster occurs, chaos usually ensues. From caring for the injured to cleaning up the damage, it can overwhelm all involved. One of the key challenges for Air Force leaders after a disaster is accounting for all personnel. The Air Force relies on the Air Force Personnel Accountability and

  • Air Force leaders discuss challenges, achievements

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted a multi-command panel of generals to address issues from the audience at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15.The panel discussion, which also featured Chief

  • Academy cadet pronounced dead

    An Air Force Academy cadet was pronounced dead at approximately 3:30 a.m. Sept. 16 at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colo., after he was found unconscious in his dormitory room here Sept. 15.The cadet's name is being wittheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification."The Academy family

  • AAFES changes name of exchanges

    When the Army & Air Force Exchange Service unveils its new brand at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., on Sept. 17, it will usher in a new era for exchange shoppers far beyond the plains of Oklahoma. The upgrade is happening everywhere the exchange has a presence, including shoppers' mailboxes and

  • Human trafficking equals modern-day slavery

    Although slavery was abolished in the U.S. nearly 150 years ago, modern-day slavery continues to thrive, making it vital for people to know the signs and avoid becoming facilitators of what is known as human trafficking.Human trafficking is the use of another human being for illegal purposes such as

  • AETC commander addresses innovation through training

    The commander of the Air Education and Training Command spoke on innovative recruiting, training and educational goals used to develop Airmen to meet the Air Force and warfighter mission during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor in Oxon

  • Chief Roy shares what's in store for enlisted force

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force shared his perspective of where the enlisted force is heading during a presentation at the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 at Oxon Hill, Md.Some of the key points Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy

  • AFSPC command chief advocates for space Airmen at AFA forum

    The merits and issues affecting the men and women of Air Force Space Command were brought to the forefront during a Command Chief Master Sergeant Forum at the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14 here. More than 150 conference attendees were on hand as

  • Nuclear enterprise individual recognized during Air and Space Conference

    The Airman with the most significant achievement within the Air Force nuclear enterprise was honored with the newly established Gen. Larry D. Welch award during the 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. on Sept

  • President Obama reaches out to veterans

    President Barack Obama said he wants to make sure veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the so-called "Stop Loss" program get the retroactive pay they deserve."You served with honor," President Obama said. "You did your duty. And when your country

  • Pentagon urges employees to 'leap' into fitness

    Uniformed and civilian Air Force members are encouraged to represent the Defense Department in the presidential fitness challenge this fall as our country continues to focus on health and wellness.The DOD's civilian personnel policy office is sponsoring "Leap Into Fall," a fitness challenge for all

  • Reserve chief proposes closer look at active and reserve force mix

    The commander of the Air Force Reserve Command who also is chief of the Air Force Reserve spoke to a standing-room only crowd about military structure for the 21st Century Sept. 13 at the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2010.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. was

  • Photo Essay: CMSAF Roy leads forum

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy leads the command chiefs forum Sept. 13 here during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition.View the slideshow.

  • Officials seek O'Malley Award nominees

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. The O'Malley Award annually recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force and the local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive

  • DOD report urges increase in guard's civilian technicians

    Department of Defense officials recently submitted a report to Congress recommending an increase in the current legal limits on the number of civilian technicians who provide support to National Guard members and their units.About 52,000 technicians are spread across the across the U.S., while about

  • 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference kicks off

    More than 1,000 attendees were on hand for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition on Sept. 13 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. During the ceremonies, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Officials seek Spirit of Hope Award nominees

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2011 Spirit of Hope Award.The award recognizes a military member, civilian or an organization that epitomizes the values of Bob Hope: duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication.Each major command, field

  • Read the lease before signing

    Many people have problems with their landlord after renting or leasing a house or apartment, but reading and having a clear understanding of the agreement before signing it can help renters and lessees avoid several of these difficulties.Before signing the lease and moving in, read every paragraph

  • First Lady urges 'National Day of Service'

    First Lady Michelle Obama issued a statement Sept. 10 urging Americans to participate in a "National Day of Service" on the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.Here is the first lady's statement:Nine years ago, nearly three thousand Americans lost their

  • More focus needed to end suicides, Mullens say

    A silent killer is rapidly infiltrating the military, claiming lives at an alarming rate each year.It does not discriminate, taking aim at the young and old, male and female -- from the battle-hardened Soldier to the new recruit."It's an area that can't get enough focus right now," said Navy Adm.

  • Air Force's top uniformed leaders visit Shaw

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen from across the installation here during a base visit Sept. 7 and 8.After touring areas and meeting with representatives of the 9th Air Force, Air Forces Central and the 20th Fighter

  • Officials extend spouse career program deadline

    Officials have extended a spouse employment program enrollment deadline to allow more military spouses to take spring semester classes.Effective Sept. 13, spouses currently enrolled in the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program, commonly known as MyCAA, will be able to request financial

  • Political dos and don'ts during campaign season

    With the 2010 elections coming up, television newscasts and newspaper articles are filled with the latest news about the candidates running for various offices. While exercising a right to vote is the duty of all Americans, military and civilian federal employees should understand the laws and

  • Officials welcome new Air Force chief of safety

    In a Sept. 1 change-of-command ceremony here, Maj. Gen. Gregory A. Feest assumed command of the Air Force Safety Center from Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presided over the change of command. In his comments, he highlighted AFSC's performance under the

  • Air Force officials increase deployment times

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced a change to the air and space expeditionary force rotational baseline from 120 to 179 days for most active component Airmen. According to Air Force officials, 71 percent of Airmen are already deploying outside the 120-day baseline. The revised

  • Airmen bestow highest enlisted honor

    Airmen from across U.S. Air Forces in Europe came together to induct USAFE Commander Gen. Roger A. Brady into the Order of the Sword during a ceremony here Sept. 8.As the 19th recipient of USAFE's Order of the Sword, General Brady was given the highest honor someone can receive from the Air Force's

  • Department joins in call for innovative solutions

    Defense Department officials are putting some of their most vexing challenges on the Internet for the public to help solve as part of a new initiative to invite creative solutions to government problems.Pentagon officials submitted four challenges to the Challenge.gov website that launched today.

  • ACC commander visits Ellsworth, talks hot topics

    The commander of Air Combat Command visited here Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, and met with Airmen to show his appreciation for their work and answer their questions.Gen. William M. Fraser III also addressed a range of concerns from Ellsworth Air Force Base Airmen, including deployment tempos, how local

  • Army, Air Guard officials prepare for flu season

    With the flu season approaching quickly, Army and Air National Guard officials have released guidance for their 2010-2011 vaccination campaigns, and will start shipping vaccinations to the U.S. for immediate distribution.Army Maj. Gunnar D. Kiersey, a medical readiness officer with the Army Guard

  • 2010 holiday greetings teams ready to travel

    Before candy gets stocked in supermarkets for the upcoming Halloween season, teams already will be busy taping at overseas locations throughout the world for special greetings to be aired during the holiday season.Three separate broadcast teams from the Joint Hometown News Service in San Antonio are

  • Pope senior NCO wins interservice chess tourney

    A senior NCO assigned to Pope Air Force Base recently defeated top chess players from each service to take home the top prize during the 2010 Interservice Chess Championship. Master Sgt. Dan Ranario, of the 3rd Aerial Port Squadron, will join the U.S.-led team participating in the 2010 NATO Chess

  • Kadena DFAC staff gives menu 'heads up' on Twitter

    Kadena's dining facility staff has found a new use for social networking websites to keep Airmen informed."When people ask us where the menu is, we tell them it's now on Twitter," said Tech. Sgt. Lacey D. Brown, the 18th Force Support Squadron Marshall Dining Facility manager. "Now you can (view) it

  • Officials seek Service to America Medals nominees

    The Partnership for Public Service is soliciting nominations for the 2011 Service to America Medals. These medals recognize the accomplishments of the U.S.'s best public servants. Nomination eligibility extends to career civilian federal employees. The nominee must have shown a commitment to public

  • NCOs still needed to retrain

    Airmen have until Sept. 17 to voluntarily retrain as part of the 2011 NCO Retraining Program before the program's involuntary Phase II begins. Air Force officials identified 1,061 opportunities for Airmen to retrain out of their current career field under NCORP. Airmen can volunteer during Phase I

  • Airman to receive Medal of Honor for '68 actions

    An Air Force senior NCO who was killed 42 years ago will receive the Medal of Honor for actions he took after enemy forces overran a clandestine U.S. radar site in Laos.Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. "Dick" Etchberger, 35, died March 11, 1968, after being shot following an overnight battle on Mount

  • Fitness testing begins for deployed Airmen

    Airmen deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility will roll physical fitness testing into their wartime responsibilities starting Oct. 1. Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, recently approved a policy authorizing fitness testing in the AOR for

  • General Kehler nominated to lead STRATCOM

    President Barack Obama has nominated Gen. C. Robert Kehler for appointment as commander of the United States Strategic Command."I am honored and humbled by the president's nomination to take command of U.S. Strategic Command," General Kehler said. "I look forward to the U.S. Senate confirmation

  • Kadena Facebook site gives real-time storm updates

    Typhoon Kompasu may not have punched much of a storm surge here, but there was a tidal wave of activity on the Kadena Air Base Facebook page.Kadena AB's official Facebook page swelled from around 400 "friends" before the storm to nearly 1,500 "friends" Aug. 31, demonstrating just how powerful the

  • Air Force officials seek nominees for Ph.D. program

    Air Force officials are seeking to develop officers as strategic thinkers through a program that will allow them to obtain a doctorate in strategic studies.The Air Force Chief of Staff Ph.D. program will allow officers to attend a top-tier university to complete their doctorate in studies such as

  • Officials temporarily centralize PCS orders approval

    Airmen receiving permanent-change-of-station orders in September will have their orders approved at a centralized location as officials here begin implementing procedures to close out the fiscal 2010 PCS budget. Active-duty Airmen with assignment report dates or a date eligible for return from

  • SecAF thanks American Legion for care of Airmen, veterans

    The secretary of the Air Force addressed thousands of Legionnaires at the American Legion's 92nd National Convention here Sept. 1 to thank them for their devotion to Airmen and veterans. In his speech to the nation's largest veterans service organization, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said the

  • Combat, hardship pays remain for troops serving in Iraq

    The change from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn does not affect the pays and entitlements troops serving in Iraq receive, a Pentagon spokeswoman said Sept. 1.Servicemembers deployed to Iraq will still receive hostile fire/imminent danger pay, hardship-duty pay and incidental expenses.

  • Air Force sergeant honored by American Legion for community service

    A sergeant stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., received The American Legion's Spirit of Service Award Aug. 31 in recognition of his extensive volunteer efforts in the community.Staff Sgt. Edward L. Perez, who serves as an airfield systems installation technician with the 688th Information

  • Air Force general reflects on Iraq tour of duty

    After spending more than a year coordinating airpower in Iraq and helping to ensure U.S. forces there drew down to less than 50,000 boots on the ground, the top Aiman in Iraq is headed home.Serving as the director of the Air Component Coordination Element in Iraq, the director of the force strategic

  • New Tricare Overseas Program contract begins

    Beginning Sept. 1, the new Tricare Overseas Program contract goes into effect, giving beneficiaries easier and greater access to health care outside the United States. International SOS Assistance, Tricare's overseas contractor, is partnering with military treatment facilities to give Department of

  • Healthy habits for children

    Teaching healthy habits to children at an early age can carry those habits through the teen years and into adulthood. Here are some important habits to teach children:Routinely and regularly washing hands is very important to stop the spread of germs and diseases and to avoid getting sick. All that

  • Tricare Retired Reserve health coverage launches

    For the first time, members of the Retired Reserve who are not yet age 60, the so-called "gray area" retirees, can purchase Tricare health coverage for themselves and their eligible family members with the Sept. 1 launch of Tricare Retired Reserve. "This new program offers a health coverage

  • Six installations test consolidated food service operations

    Air Force Services Agency officials are slated to begin testing a re-engineering of Air Force food services this fall with a pilot program at six Air Force installations across the U.S. The pilot program, called the Food Transformation Initiative, will test a food delivery model aimed at improving

  • Three spouses of Airmen in Norway earn citizenship

    Three spouses of Airmen stationed at the NATO Joint Warfare Center and the 426th Air Base Squadron took their oath of allegience to become U.S. citizens Aug. 19 in Stavanger, Norway.A complex process for new citizens, Andrea Rodriguez-Sanchez, Rowena Jarman and Cornelia Jude, was made simpler thanks

  • Toolkit helps separating servicemembers land jobs

    Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines separating from the military can get extra help in finding a job from a new Defense Department resource.Specialists in the Pentagon's Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy Office, part of the Office of Personnel and Readiness, recently developed the Career

  • Officials moving forward with cleanup at Tyndall

    Air Force officials announced plans to continue with environmental cleanup efforts in place at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, directed that the work move forward expeditiously and within the framework

  • Officials seek nominations for civilian awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2011 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian Employees of the Year Award.Each year, AFA officials recognize four Air Force civilian employees for outstanding achievement in four categories. Nominations will be evaluated on the

  • Dr. Condoleezza Rice receives 2009 TD White Award

    Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice received the 2009 Thomas D. White National Defense Award during a visit here Aug. 26.Dr. Rice, currently a professor at Stanford University, received the award for contributions to the defense and security of the U.S. during her career as a professor,

  • Inactive ready reserve muster a success

    Officials from the 459th Air Refueling Wing hosted the second inactive ready Reserve muster of this year  to check the eligibility status of IRR members within 150 miles of the base and inform them of all their current Reserve benefits Aug. 21 here. Musters serve as an opportunity for inactive

  • Enlisted force development initiatives approved

    The Force Management and Development Council members approved an initiative that will change the way the Air Force grows the next generation of senior enlisted leaders. The initiative originated with the Enlisted Force Development Panel and will enable the enlisted force to move forward in