Student 'flies' last T-37 simulator mission

No one wants to be last in anything he or she does, especially when it comes to the highly-competitive Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program, the world's only multi-nationally run undergraduate pilot training organization. But 2nd Lt. Evan Negron, a 25-year-old Salem, N.J., native, said April

JCS chairman says Holocaust Remembrance Day important

The top U.S. military officer called on servicemembers to use Holocaust Remembrance Day observances this week as an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of life, reminding them that the decisions they make matter. "The story of the Holocaust, however ghastly, offers us an opportunity to

Hanscom heritage event highlights heroes

During this quarter's Heritage of Freedom event here April 15, a group of speakers enlightened the audience about resolve, heroism and meeting warfighter's needs.  And, the emotional impact of a reunion was a powerful moment for those in attendance when a once-downed pilot reunited with the man who

Widow receives husband's World War II medal

In a ceremony that took almost 66 years to happen, Mrs. Doris Norred, widow of Army Air Corps veteran, Capt. William Norred, received her husband's Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor April 13 for his actions during World War II.   Captain Norred was honored in a ceremony at the Butler County

Airmen honor America's veterans during Air Force Week

Air Force officials honored America's veterans during a Hampton Roads Air Force Week ceremony April 20 at the Boo Williams Sportsplex arena here. Officials from Langley Air Force Base, Va., recognized all veterans from all of America's wars and displayed some of the professionalism and precision of

Thousands honor Doolittle Raiders at the 67th Reunion

Thousands of people, young and old, gathered to honor five of the nine surviving Doolittle Raiders at the 67th Reunion in Columbia, S.C., April 16 to 18. On April 18, 1942, the Doolittle Raiders, led by then-Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, became the first to bombard Japan following the attack on Pearl

Air Force, industry herald T-38 turning 50

The test pilot who flew the T-38 Talon on its maiden flight 50 years ago said April 10 that during the historic sortie he felt he was on the safest mission of his career. Then something dawned on him. "I hadn't landed it yet!," said Lew Nelson, one of the speakers at a celebration held on the

Medal of Honor recipients visit Airmen in Southwest Asia

Two Medal of Honor recipients visited with Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing April 10 here. Retired Army Col. Robert Howard and retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, visited as part of a Medal of Honor Society tour of the area of responsibility. The Vietnam veterans who earned the

President salutes former prisoners of war

President Barack Obama issued a proclamation April 9 marking Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, noting that American prisoners of war exemplify the courage and sacrifice that defines the nation's men and women in uniform. "These brave warriors have paid a massive share of the costs of freedom,

Ceremony to recognize vets not eligible for Vietnam Wall inclusion

One-hundred twenty-three American heroes from the Vietnam War era will be honored posthumously this month during the annual In Memory Day ceremony, according to Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. In Memory Day was created to pay tribute to the men and women

'Visions of Valor' portraits honor heroes

"Visions of Valor" are on display at the U.S. Air Force Academy as a collection of black-and-white portrait photographs of 140 Medal of Honor recipients was presented by TriWest Health Alliance officials April 3 at the McDermott Library here. David McIntrye, the TriWest chief executive officer,

NATO brings Albania, Croatia into security alliance fold

Just ahead of NATO's 60th anniversary, the collective security alliance added Albania and Croatia April 1 as the newest members.The enlargement marks only the sixth time the organization has expanded its borders, and brings to 28 the number of allies that will celebrate six decades since a dozen

Chief Airey memorial service celebrates life of AF hero

During his life, he was a dedicated member of the profession of arms and fervent military supporter who became one of the most iconic figures of Air Force enlisted heritage and culture -- he was Paul Wesley Airey, the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force. His death was announced March 11 to a

AF mourns the loss of first chief master sergeant of the Air Force

Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul Wesley Airey died March 11 in Panama City, Fla. "Chief Airey was an Airman's Airman and one of the true pioneers for our service," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff. "He was a warrior, an innovator, and a leader with vision well

Post commemorates 99th anniversary of first military flight

A vintage Stearman PT-17 and a Fairchild PTY-26 flew at approximately 11 a.m. March 2 under a clear blue sky over the grounds of Fort Sam Houston commemorating the 99th anniversary of the first military flight made by then 1st Lt. Benjamin Foulois. Sponsored by the Stinsons Flight No. 2, Order of

Squadron continues tradition, honors fallen comrades

Members from the 1st Special Operations Squadron took off Feb. 26 from Kadena Air Base, Japan, on a MC-130H Combat Talon II to honor fallen brethren that were lost 28 years ago.A 1st SOS MC-130E, call sign Stray 59, crashed during an exercise killing eight crewmembers and 15 passengers Feb. 26,

New exhibit highlights '100 Missions Up North' at museum

A new exhibit titled, "100 Missions Up North," opens March 19 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force here. The display highlights the story of brave Airmen who flew missions above North Vietnam and neighboring countries during the Vietnam War. Located in the Modern Flight Gallery, the exhibit

World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

A line in the Airman's creed states, "I will never leave an Airman behind." For the McMurray Crew 801 with the 492nd Bombardment Group, that promise was fulfilled, albeit 60-plus years after their B-24 bomber went down during World War II. An international crowd gathered Feb. 20 at the

Chief of staff pays tribute to heritage

When the Air Force chief of staff visited here recently, it wasn't just about looking forward and to the future of aviation with unmanned aircraft systems; it was also about looking back and recognizing where the service has been. Before Gen. Norton Schwartz stepped into the 99th Flying Training

Speckled Trout reeled in to new home

A Boeing KC-135, "Speckled Trout ," which served as the personal aircraft of every Air Force Chief of Staff since 1975, was moved from Kelly Field Annex, Texas, to its new home at the Lackland Training Annex here Feb. 15. The move culminated a process that began after the historic aircraft arrived

Air Force Good Conduct Medal reinstated

Air Force officials announced Feb. 11 the reinstatement of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for enlisted members, effective immediately and retroactive to Feb. 6, 2006, when the medal was discontinued. Airmen who are eligible should see an update automatically in their records on the virtual

Airman's Roll Call: Operation Homecoming

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses Operation Homecoming, a highlight in Air Force history. This week, 35 years ago, Air Force began airlift operations to return American servicemembers, being held as prisoners of war by North Vietnam, back home to the United States. For more information about

'Today's Air Force' features Iraqi election support

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the security help Airmen provided during the Iraqi elections. Jan. 31 marked the first elections for the people of Iraq since 2005. And February is a time when we, as a nation, celebrate the accomplishments that African Americans have made throughout

A venerable C-130 makes its final run

After 47 years of service without a single hit, a C-130 with the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group here has flown its last combat mission and will be retired to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Airmen in the 386th EOG and 386th

Major's medal, artifacts on display at Air Force museum

One of the first Airmen to earn an Air Force Combat Action Medal donated his award, alongside others, to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Maj. Steve Raspet, the 12th Operations Group T-6A Texan II standards and evaluation branch chief and an

Airmen kick off inauguration day preparing for parade

Maj. Geraldine Holmes-Barnett said she remembers boarding a bus in Ohio when she was just 9 years old to hear Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" during the 1963 March on Washington. That memory came full circle this morning as the 54-year-old African-American nurse with the 779th

WASP served for love of flight

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

Airmen dedicate memorial to 1988 C-130 crew

A lone C-130 Hercules propeller blade stands erect, chipped, worn and scratched, telling a silent story of an end to six lives on June 8, 1988. The blade -- obtained from the C-130 Hercules that crashed -- is a poignant symbol of the tragic loss of life that occurred that summer day. The memory of

Museum opens exhibit dedicated to 'Warrior Airmen'

A new exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force now gives visitors a chance to see not only the service's past, but also its present and future.Called "Warrior Airmen," the new exhibit highlights how today's Airmen are contributing to the war on terrorism, both in the air and on

'Year In Photos' highlights 2008

Throughout the past year, Airmen, deployed and at home, successfully carried out the Air Force mission to Fly, Fight and Win in air, space and cyberspace.  Whether it was maintaining and launching an unmanned aircraft, tending to a wounded warrior, helping to reinforce a levee during a major flood,

Air Force Band prepares for inauguration day

Members of the Air Force Band prepared for the presidential inauguration parade in a hangar and through the winter rain Jan. 7 at Andrews Air Force Base.The 99-member Air Force Band will join the other military service bands to march from the U.S. Capitol to the White House during President-elect

Armed Forces Bowl puts military might on display

The sixth annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl football game featured the Houston Cougars (7-5) taking on the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons (8-4) on Dec. 31 at the Amon G. Carter Stadium here. Kickoff for the Armed Forces Bowl was noon Eastern, but the event started more than 24-hours prior to

DOD inaugural committee moves into high gear

Exactly three weeks before inauguration day, the buzz of activity at the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee here is a notable exception to the traditional holiday lull that settles over the nation's capital between Christmas and New Year's Day. More than 400 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and

Airmen participate in Wreaths Across America

Two Airmen took part in the Wreaths Across America ceremony to remember, honor and teach about the service and sacrifices of this nation's veterans and fallen heroes Dec. 13 at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minn. 1st Lt. Brandon Schrader and Senior Airman Justin Gort, reservists from the 96th

General Schwartz releases 2009 CSAF Reading List

The chief of staff of the Air Force announced the 2009 CSAF Reading List Dec. 8. "Today's Air Force is the product of the pioneers who preceded us, and our Airmen are proudly carrying the torch," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, the service's 19th chief of staff. "In our professional development, we must

Airman's Roll Call: Remembering Pearl Harbor

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and provides some facts to recall as this anniversary is observed. Classified as a defining moment in U.S. history, the attack stood as the most devastating enemy attack on U.S. soil until Sept. 11, 2001, another

Airmen bid farewell to two Doolittle Raiders

Air Force men and women are mourning the deaths last week of two famed Doolittle Raiders, Maj. Gen. David M. Jones and Master Sgt. Edwin W. Horton, Jr.  They both served honorably in the April 1942 Doolittle Raid. General Jones died Nov. 25 at his home in Tucson, Arizona. Sergeant Horton passed

Former Air Force secretary dies at 92

Verne Orr, the fourteenth secretary of the Air Force, died Nov. 27 at age 92 in his home in Pasadena, Calif.  He served under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1985. "Former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr was a leader and a professional committed to the United States Air Force and our

Total In-Flight Simulator makes final flight to museum

A piece of aviation history was retired and transferred to the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB Nov. 7. The 1955 Convair C-131, known as the Total-In-Flight Simulator (TIFS) made its final flight to the museum, ending a lifetime of more than 2,500 research

WASP exhibit opens in Arlington

The Fly Girls of World War II traveling exhibit began its national tour at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Nov. 14 here. The exhibit, which is dedicated to the history of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, features a history of the WASP.The exhibit includes the "WASP Film Strip,"

Aerospace exhibition entertains, informs during Air Force Week Los Angeles

Dominik Goldschmidt was in heaven. He loved anything to do with airplanes and today was all about them. The 9-year-old boy scout was attending the aerospace exhibition at the Long Beach airport, where he was able to see, touch and explore larger-than-life Air Force aircraft. The two-day expo, called

Ceremony, Expo salutes LA's long association with Air Force

Without even taking flight, a falcon from the Air Force Academy gave air and star power a run for their money Nov. 14 during the opening ceremony for Air Force Week here. The 2-year-old bird, Banshee, was a favorite of dozens of youngsters, who took turns stroking her chest as she rested on the arm

Air Force Week kicks off in Los Angeles

Air Force Week Los Angeles began here Nov. 14 with an opening ceremony at the Hollywood and Highland Center. The week officially started when the event's guest speaker, actor Ricky Schroeder declared, "Welcome to Air Force Week Los Angeles!" Air Force Week Los Angeles is designed to expose the local

Randolph honors World War II veteran

On the eve of Veterans Day, members of the Randolph Air Force Base community had the opportunity to thank and present the Purple Heart medal to a World War II veteran for wounds he sustained 63 years ago. Former Army Air Forces Cpl. Hilario L. Riojas of Karnes City, Texas, received his Purple Heart

CMSAF visits veterans at armed forces home

The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and his entire staff visited veterans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C., Nov. 10. The group arrived in time to have lunch with the residents, and then spent the majority of their time greeting veterans. "I enjoy seeing people who will

Marines celebrate Marine Corps' 233rd birthday at Manas

When Marines go to war, regardless of where they are or what they're doing, they never fail to celebrate their beloved "Corps'" birthday and remember their heritage. Today a small group of 30 Marines deployed from the Okinawa-based 3rd Marine Division displayed the Marine motto of Semper Fidelis,

Airman's Roll Call: Veterans Day

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Veterans Day and recognizing American veterans, past and present. On Nov. 11, the nation pauses to remember those who have given so much in the defense of American freedoms and ideals. Americans can reflect on the foresight, courage and sacrifices of past

New law allows salutes in civvies during anthem

Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October. "The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed

Tuskegee Airmen address Air Force captains

Riding the crest of the historic opening of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Oct. 10, four of the original Airmen spoke to hundreds of Air Force officers at Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base recently. In their speeches and subsequent panel discussions, the former fighter

WWII veterans attend museum D-Day exhibit opening

More than 40 World War II veterans gathered Oct. 17 here to help open an exhibit recounting their wartime experiences on June 6, 1944. The veterans, mostly paratroopers of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment that trained at Fort Benning, near Columbus, Ga., jumped from C-47 troop carriers into

Airman missing in action from World War II identified

Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office officials announced Oct. 21 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial. 2nd Lt. Ray D. Packard of the Army Air Forces from Atwood, Calif., was buried Oct. 22

Berlin Airlift vets recognized by German government

Veterans of the Berlin Airlift were recognized by the German government for their bravery and sacrifice at an Oct. 15 ceremony here.The ceremony celebrated the 60th anniversary of the operation and marked the opening of a six-week exhibit on the Berlin Airlift at the air museum at Travis Air Force

Historic homecoming for Tuskegee Airmen as site opens

Hundreds of aviators, mechanics and support personnel who once worked at the Tuskegee Army Airfield and Moton Field, Ala., during the 1930s and '40s gathered here once again Oct. 10 when the National Park Service memorialized the efforts of the first black pilots, the famed Tuskegee Airmen, in the

Bolling officials to display 200 new Air Force paintings

Air Force officials will display more than 200 new Air Force Art Program paintings from about 150 artists Oct. 21 through 24 at the Officers' Club at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. The art was given by artists from around the country and donated to the Air Force, bringing the total number of paintings

'Today's Air Force' features unmanned aircraft systems

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the Air Force's unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, and how Air Force officials plan to train more UAS operators. And more Airmen are finding themselves in non-traditional roles. At Joint Base Balad in Iraq, a segment shows how the skills Airmen possess

Building dedication honors Airman killed on 9/11

Members of the 445th Airlift Wing here honored the life and service of one its former members who was killed as part of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by dedicating the new operations building to him Oct. 4 here.Maj. LeRoy W. Homer Jr. died while serving as the first officer on United Airlines Flight

Seventeenth Air Force stands up

The air component for U.S. Africa Command declared initial operational capability Sept. 18 in an assumption-of-command ceremony on Ramstein which also celebrated the unit's Oct. 1 activation. Seventeenth Air Force, also to be known as Air Forces Africa, marked the coming activation by handing the

Defense contributions help NASA's 50-year legacy

As the men and women of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration celebrate its 50th anniversary this week, Defense Department personnel also can take a bow for the key role they have played in lending technology and expertise to NASA's space exploration and research mission.NASA began

World War II women aviators gather for final reunion

The past and present came together Sept. 25 through 28 here as women aviators from different generations took part in the final reunion for the original Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II. Women from across the country assembled to honor the courage and dedication of the pilots, and the

Airmen honor America's fallen

Crouched in the shade of an elm tree between the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial here, a major used portable communications equipment Sept. 20 to direct three F-15 Eagle pilots to fly over a national tribute to honor America's fallen and their families. "It was inspirational and

We remember!

Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Servicemembers in Afghanistan honor Air Force birthday

Servicemembers from the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan honored the 61st anniversary of the Air Force Sept. 18 during a ceremony at Camp Eggers here. The day's celebration struck a cord with CSTC-A Airmen who work to mentor and advise members of the Afghan National Army air corps,

AF leaders issue joint mission message

In their first joint Letter to Airmen, the acting secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff focus on the Air Force mission to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.  "The mission statement reflects our rich heritage and continuing commitment to provide decisive air and

Pentagon Memorial opens to public

The Pentagon Memorial was dedicated and opened to the public in a solemn ceremony before thousands of servicemembers and civilians Sept. 11 here. The memorial honors the 184 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks here seven years ago when Flight 77 was flown into the south side of the

Ceremony inspires members to never forget Sept. 11

Airmen of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing gathered with coalition forces and sister servicemembers at sunrise Sept. 11 on the grounds of a newly constructed memorial for a Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony here. Col. Cameron Torrens, the 386th AEW commander, presided over the ceremony on the seventh

Airman's Roll Call: Pentagon Memorial unveiling

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the unveiling of the Pentagon Memorial, a lasting tribute to those who died in the attack there on Sept. 11, 2001. As the World Trade Center burned in New York City as a result of two terrorist-hijacked aircraft crashing into them, a third plane struck the

Airman's father honored at Pentagon Memorial

In the morning hours of Sept. 11, 2001, Master Sgt. Jennifer Yamnicky's father, John, boarded American Airlines Flight 77 out of Dulles International Airport. At 9:43 a.m., his plane was flown into the side of the Pentagon. This Sept. 11 will be the dedication of the Pentagon Memorial for the 184

Thousands walk for freedom in Washington D.C.

Thousands of people participated in the Fourth Annual America Supports You Freedom Walk here, one of 330 such events designed to remember the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The 1-mile walk began at the Women in Military Service to America Memorial at the entrance to

Wet celebration recognizes 100 years of military flight

Aircraft history buffs descended on Fort Myer, Va., Saturday. So did Tropical Storm Hannah. Heavy rain throughout the day hurt attendance at the Centennial of Military Aviation celebration, which recognized the 100-year anniversary of a series of flights made by Orville Wright in September 1908 at

JCS chairman cites Pentagon Memorial's importance

With the official opening of the Pentagon Memorial a week away, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff reflected on the events of nearly seven years ago that inspired the memorial's creation. Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen said his life as an American and as a servicemember changed forever on Sept.

CSAF defers heritage coat decision, focuses on current uniform issues

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz decided on Aug. 28 to defer a decision on the Air Force heritage coat until the summer of 2009 to address current uniform issues, according to a senior Air Force official. "We are going to fix, improve and upgrade uniforms in our current inventory,"

Air Force chief of staff discusses leadership goals

The Air Force chief of staff shared his vision concerning Air Force leadership and discussed his goals for the direction of the Air Force during the Air Force Sergeants Association's Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 25 in San Antonio. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz began his speech discussing the

New Global Hawk exhibit opens at museum

Officials from industry, the Air Force and the National Museum of the United States Air Force gathered for the opening of the new RQ-4A Global Hawk exhibit Aug. 12 here. The Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system that sends near-real-time reconnaissance imagery to

Air Force Week mixes past, present, future at museum

Airmen brought current and future operations to the historic Strategic Air and Space Museum here Aug. 13 as part of Air Force Week in the Heartland. At a venue famous for Gen. Curtis LeMay exhibits, numerous aircraft and the home base for looking back at the Air Force's former Strategic Air Command,

Air Force museum receives highest national recognition

The National Museum of the United States Air Force has again achieved accreditation by American Association of Museums officials. It is the highest national recognition a museum can receive.  Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies and to

Officials dedicate enlisted education center

Air University officials dedicated the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education to the fourth chief master sergeant of the Air Force at a ceremony here July 24. The Barnes Center acts as an umbrella covering the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, all NCO academies within the

Senior NCO Academy class dedicates memorial

Time stood still at the Air Force Senior Non-commissioned Officer Academy July 23 as more than 400 people remembered one of the most definitive moments in recent American history. Airmen in Class 08-Delta unveiled four glass and steel panels on a clock tower in the courtyard of Maxwell-Gunter's

AFOSI marks 60 years of service

Brig. Gen. Dana A. Simmons, Air Force Office of Special Investigations commander, hosted AFOSI's 60th Anniversary wreath-laying ceremony Aug. 1 at the Air Force Memorial located across from the Pentagon. The purpose of the ceremony was to honor the men and women of the organization both past and

Coast Guard celebrates 218th birthday

The following birthday message is sent to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard from Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:On this, the 218th birthday of the United States Coast Guard, our nation pauses to say thanks to you, our guardians of the sea. For more than two

History project allows veterans to share experiences

The Veterans History Project collects and preserves the remembrances of American war veterans and civilian workers who supported them. These collections of first-hand accounts are archived in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for use by researchers and to serve as an

B-52H reaches retirement

The first B-52H Stratofortress reaches retirement after more than 45 years of dedicated service to the country July 24 here on its final flight to Davis-Monthan  Air Force Base, Ariz. "It is a truly sad time when we decommission a plane," said Lt. Col. Bill Stahl, 5th Maintenance Group deputy

Air Force observes integration's 60th anniversary

In ceremonies and speeches throughout the week, the Air Force and its sister services observed the 60th anniversary since racial integration was mandated in the military. On July 26, 1948, President Harry S Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which states, "It is hereby declared to be the policy of

60 years celebrated!

The service has come a long way in 60 years, as the military celebrates the 60th Anniversary of integration in the armed forces July 26 here.Tinker Air Force Base members reflect that progress, with African Americans currently serving in the top three 72nd Air Base Wing leadership positions. Col.

Female pioneers of military aviation gather at McChord

One woman flew military aircraft in the waning days of World War II while another woman is the first operational and combat-ready female F-22 Raptor pilot. Dorothy Olsen, a former member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, met July 20 at the McChord Air Expo 2008 with Capt. Jammie Jamieson, who

Airman connects families to loved ones who died in Battle of Okinawa

Although it's been more than 60 years since the battle of Okinawa, a Kadena Air Base NCO here is doing everything he can to ensure that friends and family members can remain connected to their loved ones who died in the battle. Tech. Sgt. Victor Follis, a quality assurance inspector with the 18th

Tuskegee Airman: Follow in the footsteps of these heroes

A former Air Force colonel encouraged the next generation to follow in the footsteps of the World War II heroes during the Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Awards Gala of the 37th Annual Tuskegee Airmen Convention July 19 here. Dr. Guion Bluford Jr., the Aerospace Technology Group founder and president,

Artists reflect on visiting, documenting expeditionary center

In late June, five artists from across the United States visited the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center to create future pieces of art for the Air Force Art Program. Included in the visit were Mr. William Frake of Carmel, N.Y., Mr. John Finger of Walnut Creek, Calif., Ms. Tatiana El-Khouri of Los

Original Tuskegee Airmen share experiences

The public learned more about the original Tuskegee Airmen during an open forum at the Tuskegee Airmen Convention July 19 here. Seven Tuskegee Airmen pilots spoke about their personal experiences as some of the first African-American pilots and answered questions posed by the audience. The Airmen

Servicemembers honored at Tuskegee Airmen convention

Military members and Tuskegee Airmen were honored at the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention military luncheon July 18 here. "I want people to understand whose shoulders we are standing on and what those men did for us and our Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Robin Rand, the principal director to the

Air Force leaders share women's perspectives

Servicemembers learned more about the perspectives of women in the military during a leadership forum here July 17. The forum was part of the Tuskegee Airmen Convention ending July 20. Senior leadership spoke about several issues, including the heroism of Tuskegee Airmen, the history of women in the

'The Swoose' finds new home at Air Force museum

The Swoose, the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only "D" model still in existence, was transferred from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Shipment of this unique aircraft from Washington, D.C., is in progress and it is expected

Chief of staff retires after 37 years

In a ceremony filled with military tradition, the 18th chief of staff of the Air Force, General T. Michael Moseley, retired July 11 after 37 years of service. "We honor here today the career of a warfighter, diplomat, historian and Airman," said former Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne, who

New MH-53M helicopter exhibit opens at AF museum

Several high ranking officials from Air Force Special Operations Command, industry and the community recently joined personnel from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force for the official opening of the museum's new MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter exhibit. Air Force special operations forces used

Officials unveil portrait of AF pioneer

Air Force officials unveiled a portrait of the late Gen. Bernard Schriever in a ceremony July 8 at the Pentagon. General Schriever is often called the "father of the Air Force space and missile program" because of his advocacy of the need for space superiority and contributions to the development of

Senate recognizes Berlin Airlift anniversary

The U.S. Senate recognized the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift with an official resolution recently. Introduced by Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina and Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana, the resolution passed the Senate by unanimous consent with no recorded vote and without objection June 26. The

Airman laid to rest after 30 years

For 10 years, Capt. Christopher Joyce has carried the memory of Senior Master Sgt. James Caniford around his wrist. Sergeant Caniford, a former 16th Special Operations Squadron illuminator operator, was recently identified after more than 30 years listed as missing in action from the Vietnam

Former Secretary of the Air Force Seamans dies

The ninth secretary of the Air Force died June 28 at his home in Beverly, Mass. Dr. Robert C. Seamans Jr., 89, became the Air Force's top civilian official in 1969 at the height of the Vietnam War and served until 1973. He oversaw a complex process of weapon systems modernization when the U.S. was

Tuskegee Airman dies

Retired Lt. Col. Charles Dryden, 87, one of the famed "Tuskegee Airmen" who broke the military's color barrier by becoming a World War II fighter pilot, died June 24 in Atlanta. Colonel Dryden was born Sept. 16, 1920 in New York City to Jamaican parents. He graduated from Peter Stuyvesant High

Veterans honor Berlin Airlift's 60th anniversary

American, British and French veterans have returned to Germany to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. Dr. Helmut Trotnow, the curator of the Allied Museum in Berlin, attributed part of the dissolution of the Soviet blockade to the U.S. armed forces involved in the airlift. "This