Holiday homecoming

Latest Roll Call discusses ancillary training requirements

This week's Roll Call discusses the decision by Air Force leaders to reduce the amount of ancillary training Airmen will perform each year. The numerous training briefings Airmen are required to attend annually will be combined into a new "block instruction" plan, which will be arranged to more

Chairman sends Fourth of July message

The following is an Independence Day message from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace. "July 4, 2007, marks our nation's 231st year of independence."Traditionally, America celebrates the Fourth of July with family picnics, community parades, patriotic concerts and

Air Force leaders send Independence Day message

The following is an Independence Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "To the Airmen of the United States Air Force: "On July 4, 1776, 56 men signed a document that established the foundation for new nation where "all men

VA guarantees home loans for servicemembers

Servicemembers returning to the states from overseas can now take advantage of a valuable home buying guarantee from the Department of Veterans Affairs.Contrary to what some may think, the VA does not offer home loans, instead they offer a home-loan guarantee, said Tan Johnson, a VA representative. 

Annual training requirements to be shortened to 90 minutes

After examining how much time Airmen spend on annual ancillary training, Air Force leaders have decided that time should be allocated more efficiently. In effect as of Oct. 1, ancillary training requirements will be reduced to 90 minutes, as opposed to almost nine hours per Airman spread throughout

Tricare beneficiaries can skip co-pay during over-the-counter test

A two-year test authorized by the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act allows Tricare beneficiaries to substitute over-the-counter versions of certain prescription drugs without a copayment. For now, the test includes the Tricare mail order pharmacy only.  Plans call for expansion to retail

Biometric database offers tighter security

The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron activated an entry system at a deployed location June 22 that will help make operations there safer and more secure. "(The Defense Biometric Identification Database System) enhances a security system, such as entry control to an installation, and

Health officials visit returning troops

Lt. Gen. James G. Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, visited wounded troops returning from overseas to Andrews June 26. Dr. Casscells was given a brief tour of Malcolm Grow Medical Center's Aeromedical Staging Flight by

Tricare implements enhanced coverages

Tricare will implement coverage for anesthesia services and associated costs for dental treatment for beneficiaries with developmental, mental or physical disabilities, and for children age 5 or under beginning July 1. Additionally, Tricare encourages beneficiaries who received these services

Airman's Roll Call focuses on stresses associated with duty

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on relieving the stresses associated with deployments and an ever-increasing operations tempo in an environment of force shaping. Air Force officials said they are remaining keenly attentive of the impact of such stresses on Airmen and their relationships. They

United in Love eases deployment separation at Lajes Field

Lajes Field members are helping ease the stresses associated with the separation between Airmen and their spouses during times of deployment.While Airmen are deployed, their spouses can get support through a Lajes Field group called United in Love.As a member of that group, Angela Horton and other

Class of 2011 arrives with impressive credentials

The 1,304 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2011 arrive June 28 to in-process and begin basic cadet training here.The Class of 2011 boasts the largest percentage of women entering basic cadet training in academy history at 20.7 percent, surpassing last year's mark by 0.3 percent. Of

'Show Me State' shows greatest support for troops

When it comes to showing support for America's troops, Missouri is living up to its nickname as the "Show Me State" by sending nearly 4,000 Base and Post Exchange gift certificates to Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines. Since the beginning of the year, supporters from 45 states and the District

Lakenheath Airman killed in Iraq

A 48th Security Forces Squadron Airman was killed June 23 while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22, of Macon, Ga., died in Iraq June 23 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. "It is with

Maintaining healthy relationships key to mission success

Military life presents a wide range of stressors for total force Airmen and their families. Deployments, increased operations tempo and decreased manning can have negative effects in both the workplace and the home if Airmen do not know where to turn for help. As part of ongoing efforts to educate

Chief Pfingston loses fight with cancer

Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary R. Pfingston died of cancer June 23 in San Antonio. "Today the Air Force mourns the loss of a great enlisted leader," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "Gary's life was a shining example of service to our nation and we

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights six Airmen receiving the new Air Force Combat Action Medal presented by the Air Force chief of staff during a recent ceremony in Arlington, Va. Also in this week's edition, take a view from an air traffic control tower in Baghdad, and experience

Education key to fight current, future air ops

The U.S. Central Command air component commander said the Air Force has better-trained Airmen today fighting the war on terrorism, but also said all Airmen must continue to prepare for today's fight and tomorrow's wars. Lt. Gen. Gary North was here June 20-21 to address current senior leaders in the

Some reservists won't have to repay portion of GI Bill

Some Air Force Reserve Airmen who are no longer able to participate due to Base Realignment and Closure or Program Budget Decision 720 actions, will not be required to repay a portion of their Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve entitlement. Members in their initial six-year enlistment who are

Officials push for incentives, integration for reserve forces

The reserve components are vital to the military and its ability to fight the war on terror, so it's essential that they're properly managed and compensated, the service personnel chiefs told the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves June 21. The chiefs shared insights into better ways to

AF Space Command general garners White Trophy

The Air Force Association announced this year's winner of the Gen. Thomas D. White USAF Space Trophy this week. The award, which recognizes "outstanding contribution to the nation's progress in aerospace," goes to Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel, Space and Missile Systems Center commander at Los Angeles

Career-enlisted aviator positions open

Opportunities are available for Airmen who wish to become career-enlisted aviators. The Air Force has openings for first-term Airmen to retrain into the flight engineer, flight attendant and aerial gunner specialties. In addition to the first-term Airman openings, staff and technical sergeants

Air Force supports International Paris Air Show

Hundreds of flight enthusiasts flooded the Le Bourget Airport to attend the opening of the 47th International Paris Air Show. This year's air show, boasting more than 2,000 exhibits from 42 countries, opened to trade visitors June 18 and the general public can visit from June 22-24. With planes all

Reserve Airmen test mobilization at Lackland

With the start of the Air Force "Push-Pull 2007" exercise here June 18, some 320 Individual Ready Reserve Airmen from across the country have been called to active duty.  A push-pull exercise, typically conducted every two years, tests the mobilization process and evaluates the skill level of the

Airman's Roll Call addresses uniform updates

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on updates to the Airman Battle Uniform and physical training uniform. Air Force officials are cautioning Airmen to resist rushing to commercial manufacturers who have begun advertising the availability of the new Airman Battle Uniform. Officials said these

Barksdale bombers to fly in Koa Lightning

Four B-52 Stratofortress aircraft and aircrew from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed here from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., are scheduled to fly to Hawaii and back this week to participate in the latest Koa Lightning exercise. The B-52s will fly more than 18 hours and 6,880 nautical

CSAF's Scope focuses on new medal, training

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. This month, Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues include the Air Force's Combat Action Medal and ancillary training. "Since 9/11, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number

Kadena NCO court-martialed for child porn

A non-commissioned officer recently received nine months confinement, reduction in rank to airman basic and a bad conduct discharge for possessing and displaying child pornography here. Staff Sergeant Jason M. Hooks, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, pleaded guilty to the charges before a military

Kadena wins White House recycling award

The Pacific Air Forces' largest air base recently won a federal government environmental award. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, was awarded the 2007 White House Closing the Circle Award for recycling. The Closing the Circle awards recognize the significant contributions and positive impacts of

Air Force presents pro cycling event

The inaugural Crystal City Classic cycling event presented by the Air Force June 16 is an effort to build an Air Force signature sports event in the Washington, D.C., area. The idea for the Air Force to sponsor a cycling event began last year after the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bike Ride

Ophthalmology residency program gets high rating

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently ranked the ophthalmology residency program at Wilford Hall Medical Center here as one of the top residency programs in the nation. The ranking is based on high scores on an in-training ophthalmology exam called the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment

"Operation Air Force" cadets deploy to Southwest Asia

Many students resuming classes in the fall will write the obligatory school report, "What I did over my summer vacation." But, at summers end, not many will be able to say they spent their summer in Southwest Asia to help support operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and operations in the Horn of

Portable armories make munitions conveniently available

Two newly acquired portable armories on base are streamlining the weapons processes for Airmen in theater here. The new armories will allow the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron to roll up operations at one of their two armory locations and eventually combine their operations at a

Mentoring program can go long way for Air Force cadets

The Air Force Cadet Officer Mentor Action Program has been mentoring young Air Force officers and cadets for nearly two decades. Currently, there are 12 active chapters. Officials at Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command say they would like to see more bases initiate chapters. The program, also

Stress management critical for servicemembers

In times of war, stress is inevitable. With the closure of the flightline here, added stress will be introduced, but the mental health clinic is providing seminars to deal with the situation."(Stress) impacts all areas of life -- honestly," said Maj. James Young, Mental Health Clinic flight

June 16 airpower summary: C-17s deliver power, reach

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show

U.S. Air Force pilot killed in Iraq identified

The Department of Defense identified June 16 the Airman who was killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Maj. Kevin Sonnenberg was the pilot of the F-16 Fighting Falcon who crashed about 50 miles north of Baghdad shortly after takeoff June 14. Major Sonnenberg, assigned to the 112th Fighter

U.S. Air Force pilot killed

A U.S. Air Force pilot was killed June 14 when his F-16 crashed approximately 35 miles north of Baghdad during takeoff for a close-air support mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Shortly after the aircraft was reported missing, a joint effort by coalition air and ground forces responded

Expeditionary wing memorializes fallen Airman

Co-workers and friends honored a fallen Reservist Airman's life and military service during a memorial ceremony here June 16. Lt. Col. Glade L. Felix, the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group physical therapist, died of apparent natural causes here June 11. Colonel Felix, 52, stationed at the 622nd

Red Flag-Alaska wraps up

The second Red Flag-Alaska exercise of the year ended June 15 after two weeks of intense, air-combat training over Alaska's mountain ranges. "I think this was a great exercise," said Col. William Wignall, the Air Expeditionary Wing commander for the exercise. "The tactical problems presented by the

Top Air Force recruiters, trainers of year announced

Air Education and Training Command announced the following Air Force winners of the 2007 U.S. Air Force Recruiter, Military Training Instructor and Military Training Leader of the Year Awards in the following categories: Recruiter of the Year Category: Staff Sgt. Jason Rodriguez, 344th Recruiting

Legendary fighter pilot Robin Olds dies

Legendary fighter pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, died June 14 from congestive heart failure one month short of his 85th birthday.General Olds, rated a triple ace for having shot down a total of 16 enemy aircraft during World War II and the Vietnam War, served his country in assignments to

Guard wing transitions to Langley

The Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing records its last F-16 Fighting Falcon training mission June 20. The wing, which has flown the F-16 since 1991 and is the nation's first ANG unit to fly the F-22 Raptor, will conduct associated operations with the 1st Fighter Wing here. More than

Retired colonel killed in Iraq

The Air Force lost one of its own when a retired colonel, working as a civilian contractor and traveling with a convoy, was killed June 12 near Tikrit, Iraq, when the convoy was attacked. Retired Col. Mike Butler was working for DynCorp International as the senior deputy program manager, working in

Changes in works for Air Force PT uniform

The Air Force uniform board is working to resolve Airmen's issues with the Air Force physical training uniform, which became mandatory for wear in fall 2006. The board has received nearly 500 inputs from Airmen including suggestions on ways to improve the uniform, and some of those changes are in

Uniform officials warn Airmen about knockoff ABUs

Commercial manufacturers have begun to advertise sale of the new Airman Battle Uniform at various online Web sites. Air Force officials warn Airmen these uniforms are not the authorized items provided by the Air Force's official source, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, and may not meet the

Airmen can earn bachelor's degrees through Air University

Starting June 15, Airmen can apply their Community College of the Air Force credits toward a bachelor's degree from a variety of universities and colleges. This can be done through the Air Force Virtual Education Center which links a prospective student to the new Air University

Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year named

Air Force officials have selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2007. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center here considered 33 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and

Calling cards help troops call home

On June 17, most fathers will awake to smiles, hugs and maybe even another tie for their collection. For more than 150,000 American fathers, sons and daughters serving in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, their Father's Day will be much different. To help bridge the gap between the

Program helps Airmen with reintegration after deployment

Airmen returning from a deployment usually find their permanent duty station a welcome sight. The chance to finally see family and friends again and get back to a normal lifestyle is something to look forward to during the flight home.But Airmen and their families often find that adjusting to life

Some Airmen, civilians authorized to wear NATO medals

Some deployed Air Force military and civilian personnel are now authorized to wear one of four North Atlantic Treaty Organization medals. Those who served in a NATO unit for 30 continuous or accumulated days and were listed on a Combined Joint Statement of Requirements may be awarded either the NATO

Air Force officials announce airfield operations awards

Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2006 Air Force Airfield Operation Awards June 13. Airfield operations include airfield operations and control, specifically airfield management and air traffic control. The 2006 winners are as follows: Airfield operations flight complex of the year:

Master, technical sergeant promotion rates announced

The Air Force selected 6,002 of 24,115 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant, and 7,314 of 39,797 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant. The master sergeant selection rate, 24.89 percent, rose 5.03 percent from last year, while this year's technical

Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley awarded six Airmen the Air Force Combat Action Medal during a ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial. These Airmen were the first in the Air Force to receive the new medal.Recipients of the award were Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black,

Middle school students get 'caught' being good

No talking in class. No running in the halls. No chewing gum. Although the rules vary from school to school, some students often find themselves on the wrong end of a meeting with their teachers.There is no exception for students at the Lajes American School. With just more than 400 students in the

Modernizing an old design a challenge for medal makers

The designer of the Air Force Combat Action Medal said it was a challenge giving the medal a World War I feel but at the same time modernizing it. Graphic designer Susan Gamble used artwork from photos of Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell's aircraft to inspire the design of the medal, which was

June 11 airpower summary: Airlifters key to troop resupply

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-12s

Changes in Air Force to ultimately benefit Airmen

An Air Force-wide plan to reduce the number of Airmen while saving money for equipment upgrades will be difficult, but ultimately, beneficial, said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. During an enlisted call here June 6, Chief McKinley spoke with Airmen about the Air Force

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Space Command and its multi-faceted mission, ranging from helping pilots navigate around the world to detecting and tracking objects in space above the United States and maintaining America's nuclear arsenal. And be part of an Air Force joint

Journal focuses on developing Airmen, leaders

The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Summer 2007 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, Air and Space Power Journal. The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

'FOX and Friends' shines spotlight on Wright-Patterson AFB

Television viewers who watched the FOX News Network's "FOX and Friends" morning program June 8 gained insight into the diverse mission of Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force. With a C-5 Galaxy serving as his backdrop, "FOX and Friends" co-anchor Brian Kilmeade broadcast multiple live

Redesigned Tricare Web site will make getting info easy

Getting information is going to get easier for the 9.1 million Tricare beneficiaries. Soon they will be able to access Tricare information tailored for them through the new My Benefits portal.In addition to simplified navigation, beneficiaries will be able to compare plans, get detailed information

Air Force recognizes 2006 environmental award winners

Seven active bases, one Guard wing and one individual were chosen for the Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Awards for 2006 June 7 at the Pentagon. The Air Force also won four of eight Department of Defense environmental awards. "The Air Force has a long track record of taking care of the

Air Force receives 4 of 8 DOD environmental awards

Three Air Force bases and one Air Force civilian were chosen for Defense Department environmental awards June 7 in Washington, D.C. Environmental stewardship is not a separate Defense Department mission, but rather is the fabric of the department, a top defense official said during the 2006

Combat photographer braves bullets to tell stories

An award-winning Air Force photographer routinely braved bullets and bombs to tell the military's story through the lenses of his cameras to be named the Defense Department's Military Photographer of the Year for 2007. Combat photographer Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Lock also earned that honor in 2002 and

First Air Force Combat Action Medals to be presented

The Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to present the first Air Force Combat Action Medals to six Airmen during an 8 a.m. ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gen. T. Michael Moseley will award the new medals to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground

Tricare officials: be prepared for hurricane season

With meteorologists predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season, Tricare officials are urging beneficiaries to prepare now before a hurricane causes evacuations or limits access to health care. The Atlantic storm season is underway and hurricanes and typhoons at home and abroad may affect

Latest 'Vector' focuses on wingmen for life

The Air Force chief of staff released his latest vector for Airmen and it focuses on the importance of being a wingman for your fellow Airmen. The wingman concept reflects the ultimate confidence we all must have in our fellow Airmen -- we trust each other, quite literally, with our lives, Gen. T.

Travis unit marks 8 years of being DUI free

Airmen of the 6th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis Air Force Base recently marked their eighth year without a driving under the influence incident. "From the day an individual arrives at the squadron, friends and supervisors mentor (new arrivals) on our program," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Zahn,

Tops in Blue entertains at Air Force Week

The Air Force's premiere entertainment group Tops in Blue sang and danced for the Sacramento community as part of Air Force Week during a June 5 performance at the Radisson Hotel here. The performance was one of several events the group will do throughout the local area as part of Air Force

MegaPub offers one-stop shopping for Air Force doctrine

The Air Force Doctrine Center has unveiled a new tool, making it easier than ever to reference and search operational-level doctrine. Known as MegaPub, the one-stop shopping solution offers easy access to the complete library of Air Force Doctrine Documents, or AFDDs."As Airmen, we should advocate

F-16 pilot receives Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, one of the service's top safety awards, to a fighter pilot during a ceremony June 5 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.  Assisting in the presentation was Koren Kolligian, nephew of the trophy's

Air Force agents killed in Iraq

Two agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations were killed in the line of duty June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq. Ryan Balmer, 33, a technical sergeant stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and Matthew Kuglics, 25, a staff sergeant stationed at Lackland AFB, Texas, were deployed to Iraq in

Airman's Roll Call: Government travel card a benefit

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the government travel card, a benefit available to Department of Defense employees with the understanding it will not be abused or misused in any way.Use of the card is a benefit, not an entitlement, and Air Force leaders remind card holders that

'Life skills' renamed 'mental health'

All Air Force "life skills support centers" will be renamed "mental health clinics" effective immediately.After a poll of subject matter experts, first sergeants, command chief master sergeants and mental health patients, it was determined that the name "life skills" was confusing and did not

Air traffic controller honored by FAA

Capt. Todd Lobato, chief air traffic control trainer for the Utah Air National Guard's 299th Range Control Squadron, was honored recently by the Federal Aviation Administration as the FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Captain Lobato received this award for his role as the aviation safety

June 4 airpower summary: A-10s are CAS masters

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped enhanced Paveway II

Air Force forecasters gear up for hurricane season

National Hurricane Center officials predict the Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and continues through Nov. 30, to have a 75 percent chance of being an "above average" season. NHC forecasters predict the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season will have 13 to 17 named storms, of which seven to

Being Red Cross ready helps during emergencies

Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in the community, but how does someone prepare for something as devastating as an earthquake or tsunami? The best way to stay "Red Cross Ready" is to have a kit, make a plan and be informed, said Jane Dustman of the Yokota Air Base

Checkmate: Strategic studies group supports leaders

The Air Force chief of staff announced June 4 the establishment of a new Air Force strategic studies group at the Pentagon that will carry a familiar name -- Checkmate. The new Checkmate will act as a catalyst for strategic initiatives and directly support the chief of staff and Air Force leaders

Exercise tests fast-response unit's capabilities

Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are here conducting a weeklong exercise that will test the unit's ability to set up operations at a seized air field. Called Operation Hydra, the training is taking place at the Castle Airport and Aviation Development

Airmen, Sacramento team up for Air Force Week

The second Air Force Week of 2007 kicks off June 4 as Airmen from Air Combat Command and Beale Air Force Base share the Air Force story with the community of Sacramento Calif.  Air Force Week is part of a proactive approach designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, heritage,

Defense secretary calls losses 'painful, personal'

Of all the challenges he confronts at the helm of the Defense Department, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said one of the most difficult for him is writing condolence letters to families who have lost a loved one in the war on terrorism. "I feel very strongly about the families of

Air Force officials promote sustainability

In general terms, it's development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the Air Force, it's the capacity to continue the mission without compromise. In a word, it's sustainability. Without it, operations are diminished

Small business award winners chosen

The 2006 Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Awards were presented by the under secretary of the Air Force in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. "It is a pleasure to recognize these Air Force members and teams who have excelled in this important area," said Dr. Ronald M. Sega. "Their efforts play

AFSC eligibility for RIF updated

New vulnerability charts for force shaping have been released on the Air Force Personnel Center Force Shaping Web site, removing eight officer career fields from the reduction in force. Based on current Air Force projections for operational stress and strong voluntary separation rates, officers with

Airmen involved in Grand Forks shooting

An Airman assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base has been arrested in conjunction with a shooting May 28 in Grand Forks. The victim of the incident is also assigned to the base. Airman Terrance Anderson is accused of shooting Senior Airman Terence Murray. Airman Murray was treated and is listed in

Airman's Roll Call focuses on redeployment responsibilities

This week's Roll Call focuses on keeping records updated prior to deploying. The Air Force mission means being ready to fly, fight and win any time, any place, so Airmen must be prepared to deploy at a moment's notice. Taking care of personal records is a major part of being ready to go. When

Health study uses data from war on terrorism

When a landmark Defense Department-sponsored health study was launched six years ago, one of its goals was to evaluate the impact of future deployments on long-term health. The investigators did not know how timely the project would be.Today, the Millennium Cohort Study has enrolled tens of

Changes on horizon for Air Force pilots

The Air Force recently announced there are changes forthcoming in aircrew management. A new process called Transformational Aircrew Management Initiatives for the 21st Century, or TAMI-21, is intended to account for force structure changes that have caused imbalances in pilot inventory distribution

'Today's Air Force' highlights global operations

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights one of the major elements in the success of global U.S. Air Force operations, the help and cooperation of allied nations like Romania.Featured is a segment showing how 42 countries come together in the largest communication exercise in the world

Air Force leaders call attention to Memorial Day significance

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley have signed a letter reminding Airmen that Memorial Day means much more than "merely a three-day weekend."The leaders wrote that "Memorial Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay homage to those who died

African air chiefs discuss cooperation, challenges

Leaders from 14 African nations' air forces gathered here this week to discuss cooperation and challenges affecting the African continent. The African Air Chiefs Conference provided an opportunity for nations to come together and candidly discuss a wide array of important issues, said Brig. Gen.

Language, cultural studies gain more focus at service academies

Gen. George Washington would probably roll over in his grave if he knew the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. -- the school he advocated to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign military expertise -- is increasingly sending its cadets overseas to learn with and from their foreign

Hawaii honors servicemembers

Members of the Oahu, Hawaii, community recognized members from all branches of the armed forces May 24 with a luncheon and the commander of Pacific Air Forces was the keynote speaker. Gen. Paul V. Hester spoke at the 22nd annual Military Appreciation Month Luncheon put on by the Honolulu Chamber of

Plans unveiled for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center

At a Capitol Hill news conference May 23, exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum provided a first glimpse of the exhibits planned for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground facility slated for the National Mall near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as The Wall. "The center will

Refractive surgery program policy changes

Air Force officials have changed the policy to allow people applying for aviation and aviation-related jobs to have had LASIK surgery. The change became effective May 21. The change also removes the altitude and high-performance aircraft restrictions for people who have had LASIK. The decision to

Bombers rotate at Andersen

Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing's 20th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrive here May 26 to begin a four-month deployment. The Louisiana-based aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance members will replace their fellow Barksdale Airmen from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, who

Personnel officials improve four Airman assignment programs

Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently improved four Airman assignment programs to further streamline Web-based personnel processes in support of Personnel Services Delivery and personnel transformation initiatives. The four programs include the Career Airman Base of Preference Program,