HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • New AF dining program offers greater variety, availability

    Airmen at six bases may soon see greater quality and variety in their dining venues and food and beverage options, Air Force services officials said recently.The pilot program of the Air Force Services Agency's Food Transformation Initiative is gearing up to bring a new way of dining on Air Force

  • Generals discuss Guard, Reserve, on call Air Force

    Two Air Force generals explained the importance of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard to the on-call Air Force during the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 19 here. Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard, and Lt. Gen.

  • Spring to mark start of personnel system transition

    Defense Department officials here are on track to transition the majority of its more than 220,000 civilian employees out of the National Security Personnel System by Sept. 30, more than a year ahead of deadline, the official heading up that transition said Feb. 18. The 2010 National Defense

  • Defense Department pauses spouse employment program

    Defense Department officials here have temporarily halted a popular employment assistance program for military spouses while it conducts a "top-to-bottom" review of its services, officials said Feb. 18. The My Spouse Career Advancement Account program, also known as MyCAA, offers military spouses

  • Chief of staff highlights importance of space to Air Force mission

    The Air Force's highest ranking uniformed officer spoke on the value of space and the emerging medium of cyberspace during the Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 18 in Orlando."Virtually all aspects of military operations are affected in some way by the capabilities provided from

  • Chief master sergeant of the Air Force shares vision for enlisted Airmen

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force discussed the outlook for enlisted Airmen during the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 18 here.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke to several hundred Airmen and civilians about preserving and

  • Lynn sets stage for further U.S.-Australian cooperation

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III's meetings with Australian leaders over the last several days have helped to set the stage for new levels of cooperation between the long-time allies. "I think we were able to establish a foundation that we will be able to build on for the rest of the

  • Medics earn Air Force-level recognition

    Five medics deployed with the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group received exciting news recently of their selection for 2009 Air Force Medical Service awards.Maj. Susan von Eicken, deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., was recognized individually as the Mental Health Nurse of the Year, while

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Operation Unified Response

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," a look at the Air Force's contribution to Operation Unified Response. It's been a month since the magnitude 7.0 earthquake ravaged the island nation of Haiti. You'll see the Airmen who were first on the ground in country after the disaster struck, and what

  • Air Force officials extend financial management program deadline

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here extended the deadline for Air Force line officers to apply for the Financial Management Leadership Program to March 15.Assignment officials hope to find approximately 10 line officers outside the 65F financial management career specialty interested in the

  • Fiscal 2009 reserve captain, first lieutenant promotions announced

    Air Reserve Personnel Center officials have announced the second half of fiscal 2009 line and non-line captain and the second half of fiscal 2009 first lieutenant promotions. There were 305 Air National Guard and 379 Air Force Reserve officers selected for promotion to captain, and 284 Air National

  • Air Force officials announce 2009 military service award winners

    Air Force officials here recently announced the four Air Force nominees for the 2009 Government Employees Insurance Company Military Service awards.Master Sgt. Michael Lund of Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Senior Airman Curtis Billig of Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; Master Sgt. Vincent Dewberry of

  • Travel routes connect South Korea, expand Japan services

    Pacific-based Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines will soon have more options available for traveling to and from the United States beginning this April, with the re-routing of current Patriot Express flights and the addition of a third weekly flight.New routes include the return of Patriot

  • New concept for annual AF Assistance Fund campaign announced

    Air Force officials are introducing a new concept this year for the annual Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, which provides Airmen the opportunity to contribute to four official Air Force charitable organizations.The campaign, now in its 37th year, will run during a

  • Gates: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal demands study

    The Defense Department's review of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, which bans gays from serving openly in the military, will help to ensure readiness and unit cohesion remain intact if Congress repeals it, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in an interview aired Feb. 9. Secretary Gates also

  • Reserve Command officials respond to Super Bowl ad allegation

    Air Force Reserve Command officials released a statement Feb. 9, following allegations from recording artists claiming their song was used illegally Feb. 7 in a Super Bowl regional TV advertisement.Recording artists, The White Stripes, posted a statement on their official Web site claiming the Air

  • Nominations open for 2010 Sijan award

    Awards and decorations officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here are seeking nominations for the 2010 Lance P. Sijan United States Air Force Leadership Award.This award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted members who have demonstrated the highest quality of leadership in

  • Nominations open for civilian humanitarian award

    Awards and decorations officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here are seeking nominations for the 2010 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award.This award is presented annually to an individual or organization who has demonstrated exceptional patriotism,

  • Canadian delegation visits Barnes Center to further PME initiative

    A delegation from Canada visited the Thomas E. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education Jan. 26 through 29 here to further an enlisted professional military education initiative between the Air Force and Canadian defense forces.The team, headed by Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Fred Singer, the

  • Officer Training School celebrates 50th anniversary

    Air University Holm Center's Officer Training School officials at Maxwell-Gunter AFB celebrated the 50th anniversary of the school's opening Feb. 5. The school invited former OTS students, staff and their guests to attend 50th anniversary events held through Feb. 7. "We will commemorate 50 years of

  • Online library invaluable in civilian hiring process

    An Air Force hiring surge in the coming year, combined with the termination of the National Security Personnel System, make it even more critical for supervisors to know where to go for guidance in the hiring process.The Air Force Standard Core Personnel Document Library provides hiring managers

  • Air Force officials announce officer selections

    Air Force officials selected 30 lieutenant colonels, 47 majors, and 3,087 captains for promotion during the 2009C chaplain, judge advocate and Line of the Air Force Central Selection boards. The boards considered 151 lieutenant colonels, 195 majors and 3,607 captains for promotion. The results of

  • Pentagon raises record $17 million for CFC campaign

    Leading all other U.S. federal agencies, the Defense Department Feb. 4, announced it collected $17.2 million in last year's annual federal fundraising campaign, a record-breaking sum of charitable donations to groups operating in Haiti and other areas where needs exist. The total is $3 million more

  • Military OneSource offers free tax filing

    Defense Department officials encourage military families to once again take advantage of the free electronic tax filing services offered through Military OneSource. People can access the H&R Block at Home program by going to Military OneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.com/ and clicking on

  • Lackland, Randolph become part of Joint Base San Antonio

    Randolph Air Force Base and Lackland Air Force Base are now part of Joint Base San Antonio becoming one of the largest single installations within the Department of Defense Feb. 2. The consolidation of base support functions under the 502nd Air Base Wing, headquartered at Fort Sam Houston in San

  • Air Force secretary: Importance of joint mission can't be stressed enough

    The secretary of the Air Force spent time at Bagram Airfield Feb. 1 and 2 as part of a weeklong tour through the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility."One of the primary reasons for the trip was to monitor our efforts in training the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps," Secretary Michael

  • Nominations open for 2011 National Public Service Award

    Awards and decorations officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here are seeking nominations for the 2011 National Public Service Award.The National Public Service Award recognizes individuals with agency-wide responsibility who exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication, and

  • Fiscal 2011 request improves terror fight

    The President's Fiscal 2011 Defense Budget request grows a department fighting two wars and attacking an amorphous terror network, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee Feb. 2 here. Reforming the department's acquisitions system and related processes also is

  • McChord becomes part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord

    McChord Air Force Base is now called Joint Base Lewis-McChord, McChord Field Feb. 1, as part of a three-phased transition process set into motion in 2007 by the Department of Defense, here.The three primary areas of the installation officially changed as the main post becomes JB Lewis-McChord Main,

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Haiti relief efforts

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Operation Unified Response continues, as Airmen play key roles in the Haiti relief efforts. Plus, a look at one of the most unique jobs in the military, chasing U-2 spy planes down the runway. Finally, viewers get a look at an Air Force civilian working behind

  • Air Force chief of safety visits Seymour Johnson

    The Air Force chief of safety made a visit here Jan. 20 to see Airmen's dedication to safety firsthand. As Air Force chief of safety, Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero is responsible for all safety across the service, including aviation, weapon, ground, space and on- and off-duty safety.Though taking

  • Academy chapel to add outdoor circle to worship areas

    Chaplains at the Air Force Academy have added a worship area for followers of Earth-centered religions.  The circle, located atop the hill overlooking the cadet chapel and visitor center, is the latest addition to a collection of worship areas that includes Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and

  • Review upgrades personnel status; budget confirms it

    The Fiscal 2011 Defense Budget Request and the Quadrennial Defense Review look at personnel as a strategic asset, the Joint Staff's director for force structure, resources and assessments said Feb. 1.Navy Vice Adm. Stephen Stanley spoke during a Pentagon news conference explaining both documents.

  • Budget request continues defense reform agenda

    The fiscal 2011 Defense Department budget request continues an overall reform agenda and seeks a total request of $708 billion in budget authority, the Pentagon's chief financial officer said Feb. 1 here. The total includes $159 billion in overseas contingency operations, or war spending,

  • Review aims to rebalance forces, puts people first

    The Quadrennial Defense Review, released Feb. 1, seeks to rebalance the military to better fight today's wars and to institutionalize department reforms, the undersecretary of Defense for policy said. The report to Congress provides a strategy-driven framework used for determining the department's

  • Air Force officials launch FitFamily

    Air Force officials are launching a new family fitness program that encourages an active lifestyle for kids and adults, and serves as an outlet to promote health and wellness in Air Force families. FitFamily, a companion to the highly successful youth fitness program, Fit Factor, begins Jan. 30, and

  • Final combat boot test results are in

    The results from the test of a prototype Airman Battle Uniform stain-resistant boot for wear in industrial environments have been released. These results are based on testing that concluded in October 2009. The wear test choice is a full-grain leather boot, that incorporates a rubber toe and heal

  • Long-serving Air Force civilian to retire

    One of the Air Force's longest-serving civilians will retire Jan. 29 after nearly 49 years in federal service.Nancy Beeson, currently the confidential assistant to Secretary of the Air Force Administrative Assistant Bill Davidson, began her career in civil service in 1961, having previously worked

  • Tricare official explains plans for future

    To balance increasingly complex responsibilities at home and overseas, Military Health System officials have adopted the Quadruple Aim model of care, Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, deputy director of the Tricare Management Activity, told a standing-room only crowd of military medical leaders Jan. 27. 

  • Military families get free access to caregiver network

    Military families now have free access to an online network of caregivers who can assist with everything from babysitting to dog walking. Sittercity is the nation's largest online source for local babysitters, nannies, elder care providers, dog walkers, housekeepers and tutors, and contains more

  • Air Force program develops senior civilian leaders

    Civilian Strategic Leader Program officials are briefing Air Force career field functional leaders this month on details of the program aimed at developing the senior-leader civilian workforce."The Air Force has approximately 300 Senior Executive Service civilians today, and we need to ensure we are

  • First lady's priority: Taking care of military families

    First lady Michelle Obama was the featured speaker at the Joint Armed Forces Officers' Wives Club's 32nd annual luncheon Jan. 26 at the Bolling Officers Club here.About 400 spouses from all branches of the military gathered to hear Mrs. Obama share her insights on military families, and announce a

  • 'Tricare University' offers benefit education

    If you are new to Tricare and eager to learn about your health care benefits or an old hand who wants to know the latest changes, Tricare University is the place to go.Tricare University offers free online courses 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at www.tricare.mil/tricareu."The

  • Air Force returns enlisted high year of tenure to standards

    Air Force manpower and personnel officials here announced Jan. 27 a return of enlisted high year of tenure limits to their pre-2003 levels."We've considered returning HYT limits to their normal levels for several years. Now that our Air Force end strength is stabilizing, it is an appropriate time to

  • Military families gain access to free, online tutoring

    Defense Department officials here launched a free, online tutoring service for servicemembers and their families. The site -- http://www.tutor.com/military -- offers round-the-clock professional tutors who can assist with homework, studying, test preparation, resume writing and more. Marine Corps

  • Deadline approaches for 2010 scholarships

    The Feb. 17 deadline for students to apply for the 2010 Scholarships for Military Children Program is fast approaching. All students interested and eligible to apply are encouraged to gather their materials and submit their applications as soon as possible. One of the materials needed includes an

  • Call for warrior games coaches

    If you have ever wanted to follow the footsteps of legendary coaches like John Wooden or Ed Owen, staff members in the Air Force Services Agency Fitness Branch are looking for you.The Air Force team for the first Warrior Games needs coaches for shooting, swimming, archery, volleyball, cycling, track

  • First lady announces family program budget boost

    President Barack Obama's fiscal 2011 budget request calls for a record $8.8 billion for military family support programs, First Lady Michelle Obama told military spouses Jan. 26 at Bolling Air Force Base here. The request represents a 3 percent increase over current funding, and includes more money

  • Mapping tool aids in depot maintenance career advancement

    A career development tool initiated by an Air Force Materiel Command member here could be the driving force behind helping depot maintenance workers at AFMC's air logistics centers excel in their careers."I always felt we were lacking in our ability to help individuals plan their careers, and so

  • First group of BMT graduates begin sensor operator technical school

    Fourteen Basic Sensor Operator Training students, eight of whom are the first to begin the course fresh from Basic Military Training, began their first day of academics Jan. 15 here.The class, which also includes six prior-service students, will undergo 168 hours of training during the next 21

  • Chairman cites need for rapid health care solutions

    Defense Department officials must work quickly to surmount a stigma that's preventing servicemembers from seeking help for the signature wounds of today's wars, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Jan. 25. "We are clearly just beginning to deal with the long-term effects of the signature

  • VA officials to begin recovery of GI Bill advance payments

    Veterans Affairs Department officials are beginning the process of recovering advance payments made available during the fall 2009 semester to veterans and servicemembers who applied for education benefits. "The advance payments were a huge success and helped thousands of student veterans during the

  • Official notes health system's 'amazing' impact

    The Defense Department's Military Health System has never played a clearer or more important role in the security of the nation, the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs said Jan. 25. "I'm very, very proud of the great strides we all have made to date," Ellen P. Embrey told an audience

  • Barksdale 'dePLAYment' program keeps children active

    Barksdale Air Force Base officials are participating in a program for families of deployed Airmen that allows them to enjoy base activities for free or reduced fees.To do so, the families receive "dePLAYment tags" that are used at Barksdale AFB facilities including the youth center, arts and crafts

  • Holloman officials mourn death of Airman

    Officials with the 49th Fighter Wing here have confirmed the death of a base Airman recently. Senior Airman Sean Patrick McGinnis died Jan. 17 in Alamogordo, N.M.Airman McGinnis, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was a munitions storage crewmember assigned to the 49th Maintenance Squadron."Members of Team

  • VA to begin recovery of GI Bill advance payments

    The Veterans Affairs Department is beginning the process of recovering advance payments made available during the fall 2009 semester to veterans and servicemembers who applied for education benefits. "The advance payments were a huge success and helped thousands of student veterans during the first

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Haiti relief

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen leap into action to rush supplies and food to the people of Haiti. Also featured in this edition, Air Force units begin to draw down in Iraq while ramping up in Afghanistan and a rookie flight nurse goes through aeromedical evacuation training. In the

  • Air Force officials select Airmen for physical therapy training

    An Air Force board here selected two Airmen to attend the U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.First Lt. Ronald Miller of Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and Tech. Sgt. Aaron Butler of Moody AFB, Ga., were selected to attend the 28-month academic

  • Taking care of caregivers

    Deployments are a way of life in today's Air Force. Accordingly, Air Force members plan ahead and anticipate all contingencies while they are deployed.One plan that is required by all Air Force members with families is a family care plan that reasonably covers all situations, short and long term.

  • Dyess Airman found dead Jan. 19

    An Airman assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing here was pronounced dead after being found in her off-base residence Jan. 19. A memorial service for Tech. Sgt. Angela C. Eggman will be held at the Dyess AFB chapel on Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. "Members of Team Dyess are saddened by the tragic loss of one of our own

  • 16 Air Force units win 2008-2009 AF unit awards

    Air Force officials have announced the 2008-2009 United States Air Force Unit Awards, naming 16 units among the Air Force's best in five categories.Units were awarded the Gallant Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, the Air Force Outstanding

  • AFMC's new command chief master sergeant is 'all-in'

    During 28 years as an Airman, Chief Master Sgt. Eric R. Jaren has learned that a successful career requires not only fulfilling your duties, but thinking outside the box as well. For those who do both, he said, opportunities arise. The latest opportunity for Chief Jaren came by way of Gen. Donald

  • New NSPS transition office announced

    The Department of Defense announced Jan. 21 the establishment of the National Security Personnel System Transition Office and the selection of John H. James Jr. as the director.Mr. James will report to the deputy under secretary of defense for civilian personnel policy and lead the NSPSTO in

  • VA officials reaching out to students and schools to speed benefit payments

    In a coordinated effort to speed up the processing of Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits this spring, Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced Jan. 20 that they have been reaching out to student veterans, servicemembers, university officials and other partners to meet a commitment to an

  • Air Force officials name Sijan award winners

    Air Force officials have recognized four Airmen with the service's 2009 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award.The Sijan award annually recognizes Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities.The senior officer category winner is Lt. Col. Roger A. Sherman, who is assigned to Peterson

  • South Dakota officials to pay veterans bonus

    South Dakota officials are paying a bonus to members of the Armed Forces who were legal residents of the state for no less than six months immediately preceding their period of active duty and who served on active duty during one or more of the following periods. 1. Aug. 2, 1990, to March 3, 1991 -

  • Tricare dives into social media to engage beneficiaries

    Tricare officials are taking the plunge into social media to uncover what issues matter most to their beneficiaries around the world. Social media channels and networks like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr continue to transform how healthcare information, and information in general, is

  • 2010 AETC Symposium reaches new heights with seminars, displays

    More than 3,700 people attended the 2010 Air Education and Training Command Symposium Jan. 14 and 15 in downtown San Antonio, the largest showing to date. The symposium featured nearly 100 academic seminars on a variety of Air Force topics, a technology exposition hosted by the Alamo chapter of the

  • Developmental opportunities in WMD for civilians/officers

    Officials are requesting nominations for a professional military education course in the study of weapons of mass destruction.The Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction at the National Defense University announced recently the call for nominations to the 2010 program for emerging

  • 'Today's Air Force' features A-10 Thunderbolt II

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," the A-10 Thunderbolt II is featured getting a new lease on life. Plus, viewers get an inside look at the coordinated effort of providing security for a base in Iraq.  And, F-16 maintainers show how they prevent a small screw from creating a big headache.

  • VA, DOD officials expand ranks of federal recovery coordinators

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the hiring of five new federal recovery coordinators, bringing to 20 the number of professionals coordinating care for the most seriously injured servicemembers."Our federal recovery coordinators are key members of a team of health care

  • Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus provides Airmen incentives

    Air Force officials have recently updated the Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus policy. All Airmen, regardless of career field, are now eligible for FLPB in a broad range of languages including those identified as "dominant in the force" such as Spanish, Tagalog, French, German, Italian,

  • Air Force officials participating in summer program

    Air Force organization officials have the opportunity to begin hiring students March 17 for temporary, funded positions as part of the 2010 Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities.Air Force officials are participating in the annual program sponsored by the Department of

  • Select bases to implement new civilian application procedure

    As early as mid-February, the rollout of a civilian hiring test initiative will require current Air Force civilian employees to follow new procedures when applying for jobs at select bases. Air Force civilians who want to apply for jobs at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas; Osan Air Base, Korea; or

  • December recruiting successes wrap up banner 2009

    Defense Department officials rang out 2009 as a successful recruiting year with solid recruiting successes in all four active components in December, Pentagon officials announced here Jan. 13. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps all met or exceeded their active-duty accession goals for

  • Program brings languages to senior officer PME

    As special guests of the Air Force Culture and Language Center staff, 20 instructors from the Defense Language Institute in Washington, D.C., and Monterey, Calif., are helping Air War College and Air Command and Staff College students cultivate basic language skills as part of the Strategic

  • Mullen voices concern with military suicide rate

    Suicide is a growing problem in the military community, and its leaders must be committed to reversing that trend, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Jan. 13.In an address to an audience of more than 1,000 military and other government agency health-care workers and officials

  • Air Force officials announce holiday safety results

    The Air Force had the lowest recorded number of private motor vehicle fatalities during the Thanksgiving-to-New Year's time frame -- one -- to include the lowest number of automobile fatalities -- zero. It was also the first time in 13 years the Air Force did not have a single active-duty death due

  • Air Force officials restrict Portal access beginning Jan. 15

    Global Combat Support System-Air Force computer officials will begin restricting access to the Air Force Portal to only users with a common access card or valid public key infrastructure certificate Jan. 15.Air Force Knowledge Now began restricting access to CAC/ PKI users Jan. 1, and Air Force

  • Air Force officials announce enlisted board, promotion schedules

    Air Force officials here have released new enlisted promotion board and testing schedules Jan. 14."The 2010 enlisted promotion rates look promising," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Long, the enlisted promotions, evaluations and physical fitness chief. "Nearly all 2009 rates slightly increased from 2008

  • Air Force pilot missing in action from Vietnam War is identified

    Officials with the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Jan. 12 that the remains of an Air Force pilot, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial.Maj. Russell C. Goodman of Salt Lake City, Utah, will be honored

  • Officials urge collaboration in suicide prevention

    There are no clear-cut answers to suicide prevention, but through collaboration and team work from federal and private institutions, the nation can better address the challenge, Defense and Veterans Affairs department officials said today.In a joint Defense-VA conference, titled "Building Strong and

  • Gates will remain as secretary at least another year

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will stay in office for at least another year, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell confirmed here Jan. 7. Secretary Gates met with President Barack Obama before Christmas and committed to another year on the job, Mr. Morrell said. Then-President George W. Bush

  • Podcast Series Addresses Post-deployment Challenges

    Servicemembers and their families can get help coping with post-deployment stress through a new series of podcasts profiling the personal stories of those who have lived it. "Combat brings individuals face-to-face with the harshest demands imaginable. In fact, it's impossible to be unaffected by

  • Chairman calls strategy year's greatest challenge

    Executing the president's strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan presents his biggest challenge, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told a CNN reporter Jan. 10. However, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said he sees progress being made in both countries. "In December, we recruited to an exceptionally

  • Toolkit helps answer servicemembers' health care questions

    One in five servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffers from major depression or post traumatic stress disorder, according to officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.To help servicemembers affected by a behavioral or other

  • Airmen of Note dominate jazz chart

    The Airmen of Note's self-released holiday album "Cool Yule" has steadily marched up JazzWeek magazine's Jazz Weekly chart. "Cool Yule" topped out at number 2 for the week of Jan. 4. "Cool Yule" consists of 17 traditional holiday favorites arranged with a big band and swing theme. It was recorded

  • Laws change for military, overseas voters

    Servicemembers and overseas voters shouldn't assume they automatically will receive ballots for the 2010 elections just because they have in the past. Previously, voters would receive absentee ballots for up to two cycles following their request, Bob Carey, Federal Voting Assistance Program

  • Tricare officials encourage eye exams

    Maintaining healthy eyes and vision is an important part of personal safety and quality of life. Getting an eye exam is a smart idea for anyone, whether or not he or she has vision problems. Active duty family members can get a routine eye exam every year, and retirees and their family

  • Air Force officer becomes namesake for prestigious award

    The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy recently named an award after an Air Force officer who commanded the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron and provided leadership for the first Air Force detachments conducting convoy escort missions at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.Established in 2009, the Lt.

  • Airman earns Male Athlete of the Year title

    Becoming the Air Force Male Athlete of the Year is no easy feat.  It takes a lot of determination and dedication to achieve this status. This year's Air Force male athlete of the year is Capt. Ian Holt, a squadron command post missile combat crew commander for the 319th Missile Squadron.Captain Holt

  • Defense, Veterans Affairs step closer to integrated records

    The Defense Department soon will join a Veterans Affairs Department and Kaiser Permanente partnership designed to improve the way military veterans and the nation receive health care, the VA's top health affairs policy advisor said Jan. 6. For the past month, officials at Kaiser Permanente and

  • No need to feel SAD during the winter

    Occasionally feeling depressed is normal. Everyone has days when they feel low, irritable or sad, but these moods usually last a few days and disappear.As the season changes and the days get shorter, some people develop symptoms of depression. Sadness and lack of energy and motivation are not a

  • Nominations open for public service award for federal employees

    Awards and decorations officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here are seeking nominations for the 61st Annual William A. Jump Memorial Award.The annual award recognizes a federal employee for his or her outstanding service in administration and notable contributions to the efficiency and

  • Gen. Lew Allen dies

    Gen. Lew Allen Jr., the 10th chief of staff of the Air Force, passed away Jan. 4 in Potomac Falls, Va. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made but burial will be in Arlington Cemetery."General Allen was a visionary leader for our Air Force, a devoted husband and father, and a respected

  • Stop-loss payments continue, but some no longer eligible

    The fiscal 2010 defense budget extends payments to servicemembers involuntarily extended on active duty under the so-called "Stop Loss" program, but those who received a bonus for voluntarily re-enlisting or extending their service no longer qualify for retroactive stop-loss pay. Defense Department

  • Mullen underscores importance of academy experience

    On hand for a pair of service academy football bowl games in Texas Jan. 2 , Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the symbolism of the matchups for troops around the world.But he also emphasized the importance of looking at an academy experience as a potential for