AF establishes full-time presence in Poland

U.S. officials praised the long-standing relationship with Poland as they celebrated the first full-time U.S. military presence in that nation yesterday.During a ceremony at Lask Air Base, located about 100 miles southwest of Warsaw, U.S. Air Force personnel flew the American flag, marking the

AFA names aerospace award winners

Air Force Association officials named the 2012 National Aerospace and Specialty Award winners during the Annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington D.C. last month, said Air Force Personnel Center officials.The specific categories and winners are as follows:David C.

Cody named next Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III has named Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody to serve as the 17th chief master sergeant of the Air Force.Cody will assume his new position on Feb. 1, following the Jan. 31 retirement of current Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy. Roy's

SportsNation salutes veterans with Academy visit

ESPN's Charissa Thompson took the SportsNation TV show to the  U.S. Air Force Academy Nov. 8 to broadcast a salute to veterans.The Veterans Day special is SportsNation's third in as many years, with previous years featuring visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and Fort Myer, in

Military leave carryover extension expires Oct. 1

Unless approved for special leave accrual, active-duty and Active Guard Reserve members who have more than 60 days of leave must use it or lose it by Oct. 1, 2013, when the temporary leave carryover extension provision expires, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today. The 2010 National

Through Airmen's Eyes: Chief discusses how family, pet help PTSD issues

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Coming back from deployment, Airmen face the home-station work environment, reintegrating with family and settling back into day-to-day life.What happens

AF releases chief promotions

The Air Force has released the list of 454 senior master sergeants selected for promotion to chief master sergeant.To see the list, go to http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-121108-007.pdf.  Those selected represent 22.9 percent of the 1,981 eligible for consideration, and when promoted

Top AF engineers help clear flood waters

A team of nearly 50 Air Force civil engineers from duty locations across the country pulled together to form the 331st Air Expeditionary Group this week, to pump flood waters affecting New York coastal communities following Hurricane Sandy. The 331st AEG assembled here Saturday, Nov. 3, with

Symposium wraps up Global Strike Challenge competition

The third-annual Air Force Global Strike Command Technology and Innovation Symposium kicked off today at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, La.The symposium is part of the culmination of Global Strike Challenge, an annual event where the top security forces, maintainers, and missile and

AF supports both Sandy relief and Afghanistan operations

Mobility Airmen are playing key roles supporting humanitarian relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, while continuing to support U.S. operations around the world, including missions in Afghanistan.Since Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast on Oct. 30, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, C-5 Galaxys, and

90th EARS participates in Feast of Sacrifice

Though some may find it intimidating to step boldly into a foreign land, many choose to embrace their unfamiliar surroundings and experience what the region has to offer.Recently, Airmen from the 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron plunged into local culture by participating in some of the

AF senior leaders approve doctrine restructure

Officials at the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., announce that by next fall, Air Force doctrine will be restructured, streamlined and accessible to anyone with an e-reader, smartphone or tablet.Dubbed "Doctrine Next," the initiative overhauls

AF leaders send birthday messages to Marine Corps

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Marine Corps on its 237th birthday Nov. 10.Donley wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Navy stating, "On behalf of the men and women of the United

Through Airmen's Eyes: Four Airmen bound by blood, oath

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The sky was glowing on a quiet Sunday morning over Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Crisp air filled the trainee's lungs as he snapped to attention and

Nomination deadline approaches for Military Child of the Year

An organization whose primary mission is to provide emergency financial and other services to the families of service members and wounded warriors is opening nominations for one of their top recognition programs.Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization formed shortly after 9/11 to support

AF safety chief shares vision

With two months in the seat as Air Force Chief of Safety, Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward doesn't need a palm reader to glimpse the future."It is absolutely essential that safety is embraced as a core value in preserving combat capability," Woodward said.The Air Force's success in reducing mishaps

Air Force leaders issue Veterans Day message

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Veterans Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:"Our Air Force's success is founded in the sacrifice of generations who served

Open season set for 3 civilian benefits programs

Open season for three civilian benefits programs will be Nov. 12 through Dec. 10. Those programs are the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program. Federal Employees Health BenefitsIn the

Air Force selects more than 800 for developmental education

More than 700 officers and 120 civilians were selected for intermediate and senior developmental education during the 2012 Developmental Education Designation Board held last month at the Air Force Personnel Center, officials announced today.To see the list of civilians selected, go to

First AF amputee pilot nominated for DOD disability award

A Laughlin Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training graduate was one of two Airmen nominated for the 2012 Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award.Capt. Ryan McGuire, with Air Mobility Command, lost his leg in a boating accident on Lake Amistad in 2009 while in pilot

First African-American Academy grad passes away

The first African-American to graduate from the Air Force Academy passed away Nov. 5 at his home in Lolo, Mont."The United States Air Force Academy is saddened to learn of the passing of one our most notable graduates, Chuck Bush," said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, Academy superintendent. "Our hearts go out

Rescue crew members receive Cheney Award

Two Airmen received the 2011 Cheney Award here Nov. 1 from Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer for their distinguished service during a search and rescue mission on Mount Stuart, Wash. Capt. Kenneth Green, UH-1N Twin Huey pilot, and Master Sgt. Joseph Brownell, field operation section

Falcons shot down in West Point, 41-21

Turnovers made the difference in the Air Force's 41-21 loss to Army Nov. 3 at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y.The Falcons, unable to establish an offensive rhythm after two solid drives in the first quarter, gave up three interceptions and two fumbles that cost them 17 points against the

F-35 celebrates 500th sortie as program grows

The Air Force's premier fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, surpassed its 500th sortie only 16 days after reaching the 400 mark and only 238 days from the beginning of the program.Maj. Matthew Johnston of the 58th Fighter Squadron completed the 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A and F-35B at the

454 selected for promotion to chief master sergeant

More than 450 senior master sergeants have been selected for promotion to chief master sergeant, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Those selected represent 22.9 percent of the 1,981 eligible for consideration, and when promoted will be among those who make up less than 1 percent of the

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman puts crosshairs on life goal

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)To the naked eye, she was totally invisible. Even in the middle of an open field, she blended in with the sparse grasses and bushes that made up her

New program provides recordable books to deployed Airmen

Air Force Personnel Center Directorate of Services officials are sending more than 900 recordable children's books to learning resource centers at six deployed locations throughout the U.S. Air Forces Central Command's area of responsibility.The Air Force Library Program collaborated with the

Nuclear treaty monitoring aircraft visits Patrick AFB

Special equipment operators from the Air Force Technical Applications Center's Detachment 1 visited Oct. 25 and invited base personnel to tour the detachment's flying workhorse, the WC-135 Constant Phoenix.The detachment, which is located at Offutt AFB, Neb., is responsible for operating and

Every patient an important story to CASF staff

As she sifted through the captain's baggage to make sure he didn't have anything he wasn't supposed to, the young medic came across his watch. The captain had been injured by an improvised explosive device where he lost three of his limbs. He had been unconscious the whole time he was at the Role 3

National Parks free to veterans this weekend

America's 398 national parks will offer the public free admission Nov. 10-12 during Veterans Day weekend in honor of those who serve and have served in the U.S. military, according to a National Park Service news release."National parks preserve places that commemorate our country's collective

Former AFMC commander named TD White Award winner

A former vice chief of staff and commander of Air Force Materiel Command received the Air Force Academy's Thomas D. White National Defense Award in a ceremony here Oct. 25.Retired Gen. Lester Lyles received the award for his involvement with the president's Intelligence Advisory Board and the

Guardsmen send supplies to storm-stricken communities

The Federal Emergency Management Agency tapped the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing here as a staging area to push out much-needed relief supplies to West Virginia and East Coast residents hit hard by Superstorm SandyAlthough FEMA's stay at the Martinsburg base was brief --

'Spartan' aircrew helps bring power to New York

A C-27J Spartan aircraft crew from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, flew power generators and other equipment to New York in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts Saturday, Nov. 3. ANG crews from Ohio, Mississippi and Maryland flew the first-ever C-27J domestic operations missions

Connecticut Guard has answer for Sandy

Approximately 850 members from the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard here and around the state were called up for state active duty Oct. 31 in response to the destruction of Hurricane Sandy. Guardsmen were involved with initial emergency response preparations as early as Oct. 27 in preparation

MAF Airmen continue hurricane relief efforts

America's Mobility Air Forces continued transporting equipment and personnel to East Coast staging areas in support of relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.The 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., has scheduled additional

62nd Port Dawgs do 'whatever it takes' to support hurricane relief efforts

Airmen from the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron worked through the night Nov. 2, and well into the afternoon Nov. 3,  to process more than 20 vehicles and support equipment destined for the East Coast to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.The vehicles, sent from the Seattle City Light power company in

Rescue Task Force begins mission in New Jersey

Members of the National Urban Search and Rescue Task Force traveled to Staten Island, N.Y., to conduct house-to-house searches, Nov 3, 2012. The Task Force includes state search and rescue task forces from Maryland, Virginia, and Texas, who specialize in disaster recovery, and emergency triage and

Deputy SecDef visits Minot

The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Ashton B. Carter, visited Minot Air Force Base here Nov. 2.Carter came to Minot AFB to be briefed on the base's capabilities and to speak to the Airmen on base.During Carter's visit, he received briefings on B-52 and intercontinental ballistic missile readiness

Military airlifts, aid flow to New York, New Jersey

Another airlift, this time from Phoenix, Ariz., will bring more power restoration trucks and equipment to New York and New Jersey, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told Pentagon reporters today.As of this morning, 12 C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft have arrived at Stewart Air

AFRL played major role in historic near-space jump

For more than nine minutes Oct. 14, an international audience watched as Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner egressed from a capsule 128,000 feet above the earth and fell toward the planet reaching speeds of 834 miles per hour, to become the first person to break the sound barrier outside of a

Religious respect conference attendees discuss Academy's progress

Representatives from Air Force major commands, religious endorsing organizations, First Amendment watchdog groups and others gathered Oct. 30-31 at the Air Force Academy to review the religious climate here.Chief among the topics discussed was the religious respect training program, which was

FEMA employs Air Guard base for storm relief

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is using the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing base here as a staging area to push out much-needed storm relief supplies to Mountain State residents hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy.Airmen and soldiers from the West Virginia National Guard

Competing for Ms. Veteran America

At the 322nd Training Squadron, she's a master military training instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Away from the squadron, she's the mother of a 1-year-old little boy.At work, she's disciplined, and tough, and her voice can be heard loud and clear from one end of the drill pad to

Air Force conduct round the clock ops to deliver hurricane relief

Airmen and transport aircraft from across the nation converged here Nov. 1 to begin part of the Air Force's movement of relief supplies and equipment to the beleaguered areas of New York and New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.Crews from 12 active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

Airmen earn Gen. Lew Allen Award

Two aircraft maintenance Airmen received the Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award on Oct. 31 during a ceremony held inside the Pentagon.Maj. Jennifer Gurganus, U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Officer School director of operations from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and Master Sgt. Christopher

Extended absentee voting for New York military and overseas voters

Registered military and overseas voters in New York will have additional time to submit a request for an absentee ballot. Due to Hurricane Sandy, the State Board of Elections has extended the deadline for receiving ballot requests by mail or by fax to Friday, Nov. 2.Voters in New York County

AF names DOD disability award nominees

Capt. Ryan P. McGuire, with the Air Mobility Command, and Christopher R. Randall, with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, are the Air Force nominees for the 2012 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award, Air Force Personnel Center officials

Air Force Week in Photos

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

AETC sees first pilot production from new Afghanistan schoolhouse

The new fixed-wing pilot schoolhouse in Afghanistan at Shindand Air Base, Herat Province, graduated its first three fixed-wing pilots this month, the first to be produced in Afghanistan in more than 30 years -- a major milestone for the U.S. and Afghan Air Forces.Three Afghan air force first

AF officials delay MilPDS upgrade

Air Force officials are delaying the upgrade of the Military Personnel Data System that was originally scheduled for December.Delaying the upgrade is necessary to ensure the new system is thoroughly tested by the Air Force Personnel Center and other Department of Defense and Air Force agencies that

'Airman' magazine enters digital era

A year after publishing the final print edition of Airman magazine, the Air Force is unveiling a new digital version of the service's official magazine specifically geared for tablet devices."Built specifically for Apple and Android tablet users, this new format gives readers all the in-depth

Airman aids crash victim with ties to Keesler AFB

Waiting for a traffic signal at an intersection in Biloxi, Miss., she hardly saw the pickup truck become airborne upon impact. "Oh, my God!" Senior Airman Ciara Bien thought as the truck suddenly flew by and landed on its roof 'like a pancake.' She had never seen anything like it before.Bien, a

Airmen 'lean forward' to support East Coast relief efforts

In the wake of President Obama's call for the federal government to "lean forward" in response to the devastation left by Hurricane Sandy, Airmen from across the country are answering the call. Aircraft and crews from 12 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve bases across the nation

Airmen respond to 'Sandy' relief efforts

A C-17 Globemaster III departed early morning Nov. 1 in support of Hurricane Sandy response operations. Along with aircraft and crews from 11 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve bases across the nation, McChord Airmen are flying to March Air Reserve Base, Calif., to pick-up 10

CEMIRT brings reliable power to Ascension Island

Reliable power is everything. Without it, an isolated location in the Atlantic like Ascension Auxiliary Airfield couldn't sustain its mission or provide adequate facilities for personnel. So when the power personnel at the airfield needed an immediate backup power solution for their overworked

Hungary-based Airmen write new chapter in mulitinational operations

At this small, bare-bones, communist-era airfield located in the Hungarian countryside, midpoint between Budapest and Vienna, American Airmen are writing a dynamic new chapter in multinational cooperation and flight operations. Airmen assigned to the Heavy Airlift Wing at Papa Air Base,

Air Force awards $365 million Secondary Power Logistics Solution contract

Officials from the U.S. Air Force and Honeywell International Inc. signed a new eight-year, $365 million extension to the Secondary Power Logistics Solution contract to provide logistics and depot support for F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft.This extension builds on Increment I of the SPLS contract,

SecAF, community honor Keesler AFB

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley praised the robust partnership of the Air Force and its sister services at the Salute to the Military in Biloxi, Miss., Oct. 23.Donley addressed nearly 1,000 military members and community representatives at the 34th annual event sponsored by the Mississippi

2012 Football Frenzy underway at AF clubs

Four Airmen will be headed to the "Big Easy" this Veteran's Day thanks to the Air Force club system during this year's Football Frenzy contest. The package of airfare, rental car and hotel accommodations to see the New Orleans Saints host the Atlanta Falcons was the result of an Air Force club

Space ops unit takes over newest GPS satellite

The 2nd Space Operations Squadron accepted satellite control authority of its third Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite during a ceremony here Oct. 26.Following its launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., Oct. 4, acquirers from the Space and Missile Systems Center and operators from the 50th and

Reservists can carry leave balance after training tours

In a "one-step-at-a-time" approach, Air Force officials have a new program for reservists to save and carryover leave time from year to year beginning Nov. 1.Reservists performing duty under the Reserve Personnel Appropriation or RPA orders may now "save" their leave for future use. Prior to this

In wake of Sandy, mobility Airmen poised to 'answer the call'

Across the nation, mobility Airmen are assessing the damage left by Hurricane Sandy at their own Air Force bases along the East Coast and beginning the process of recovery, while also standing ready to answer the call for support of relief efforts from civilian authorities. In the wake of the

Watching 'Sandy'

As post-tropical cyclone Sandy continues to make its way across the northeastern U.S. and Canada, U.S. Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program assets continue to provide valuable weather data to forecasters across the region so they can better predict the storm's pathway and

McGuire continues recovery efforts, FEMA base of operations

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst personnel are continuing with recovery efforts and expect to resume most operations Wednesday.Impact from the storm includes fallen trees, scattered debris, some property damage, minor flooding and power outages."The entire joint base's preparation efforts went a

Hercules flies through the night

Sheppard Airmen spring into action; save woman from burning car

The July 4th holiday had been fun for Senior Airman Gil Campos and Airmen 1st Class Juan Vanegas and Chris Leon. After spending the day in Dallas watching an FC Dallas professional soccer game, they had made the two-hour drive back to Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base, where the trio are

AF accepting distinguished civilian award nominations

Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 58th Annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.This is the highest award presented to DOD career civilian employees whose careers reflect exceptional devotion to duty and significant contributions of broad scope to DOD

More than 7,400 National Guard members responding to Hurricane Sandy

More than 7,400 Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen had been mobilized in 11 states to respond to Hurricane Sandy by 4:30 a.m., Oct. 30, and more were on the way.National Guard assistance to local first responders and the Federal Emergency Management Agency included support at evacuation shelters, route

Vanguard nominees sought

Air Force officials are seeking nominees for the 2013 Noncommissioned Officers Association Award.The award annually recognizes one enlisted member from each of the uniformed services for acts of heroism that result in saving someone's life or preventing serious injury. The act must have occurred

AF officials eliminate civilian skill code requirements

Air Force officials have rescinded the manual used to define civilian position skill codes in one of several ongoing administrative actions geared toward transforming civilian hiring, determining employee training and development needs, and selecting employees for training under competitive

Weather recon squadron takes last look at 'Sandy'

Pilots and crewmembers from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron took off from Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., to conduct a weather reconnaissance mission over the East coast prior to Hurricane Sandy making landfall on Monday, Oct. 29.  The WC-130J weather recon aircraft made a final mission before

NORTHCOM supports hurricane response efforts

U.S. Northern Command is poised to provide Defense Department support to Federal Emergency Management Agency, tribal, state and local response efforts due to Hurricane Sandy.Part of NORTHCOM's defense support of civil authorities mission directs the command to plan and anticipate actions that it may

305th AMW Airmen evacuate ahead of 'Sandy'

The 305th Air Mobility Wing evacuated its C-17 Globemaster IIIs and KC-10 Extenders from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Sunday, Oct. 28, in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy's arrival to the area.The C-17s were sent to Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The KC-10 Extenders

Dover Airmen prepare for Hurricane Sandy

With the threat of a hurricane looming on the horizon, Dover Airmen  take a moment to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management team utilized its time before the storm to organize a place for natural disaster sheltering. Sheltering will

Cadet places 3rd among her age group at Ironman World Championship

The first cadet to qualify in the Ironman World Championship, Cadet 1st Class Samantha Morrison, placed third in the 18-24 age competition Oct. 13 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.Morrison, a behavioral science major from Fredericksburg, Va., finished a 2.4-mile swim race, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile

National Guard assists governors of states in Sandy's path

National Guard members are at work in seven states as Hurricane Sandy takes aim at the East Coast.As of 8 p.m., Oct. 28, about 1,500 National Guard forces were on state active duty supporting the governors of New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut and Maryland.These

California Air Guard members prepare to assist with Hurricane Sandy response

More than 100 California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing are preparing to mobilize to the East Coast to assist with Hurricane Sandy rescue efforts.Two MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and two Guardian Angel Pararescue teams will mobilize to

Outreach to teach: Volunteers connect with Afghan children

A year ago, a group of volunteers turned a burned-out restaurant on Bagram Airfield into a one-room classroom, and invited area school-age children to learn math, reading, and writing.When the first "Cat in the Hat" class graduated in August, 40 area Afghan children had taken huge steps toward

Missing for 46 years, air commando laid to rest

An air commando who died when his C-123 Provider flare ship was shot down over Ahn Khe, Vietnam, was laid to rest Oct. 26 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas.The 310th Air Commando Squadron loadmaster, Airman 1st Class Jerry Mack Wall, 24, was killed when his plane was hit by enemy fire and

Air mobility response team readies for 'Sandy'

A rapid-response team of U.S. Air Force air mobility specialists here are repositioning ahead of the landfall of Hurricane Sandy. Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing moved alert equipment and approximately 65 personnel to MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Fla. early Sunday, Oct. 28,  to

As Sandy closes in, Mobility Airmen stand ready

As Hurricane Sandy bears down on the East Coast of the United States, Air Mobility Command Airmen are prepared to support potential relief efforts. Planners at AMC's 18th Air Force are working with agencies across the Department of Defense anticipating the call for relief that may come from civilian

Air Force Week in Photos

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

U.K. F-35 fleet increases capability at Eglin AFB

A second British F-35B Lightning II arrived here Oct. 19, joining the nine A variants of the joint strike fighter flown by the Air Force and the 11 B variants flown by the Marine Corps to become the largest fleet of F-35s in the world with 22 jets.The first class of United Kingdom Royal Air Force

Avon Park Air Force Range receives Interior Secretary award

An initiative to help restore the Florida Everglades earned Avon Park Air Force Range a share of a conservation partnership award announced Oct. 18 during a ceremony in Washington D.C. The Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge/Conservation Area Partnership, which includes Avon Park, is one

Former Little Rock AFB commander and spouse receive 2012 O'Malley award

Col. Michael Minihan and his wife, Ashley, received the 2012 General Jerome F. O'Malley and Diane O'Malley Award during a ceremony at the Pentagon Oct. 24. Minihan, who led the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., now commands the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md.Named

Reservist sets latest mark in battle for Schriever track record

When Seth Cannello, Schriever Sports and Fitness director, and Steve Steinke, fitness cell monitor, first hung the Schriever fitness record board early in 2010, they expected the 1.5-mile-run record to be hotly contested. After all, nearly every active-duty and reservist Airman is required to run

CSAF shares perspective during AETC Senior Leader Conference

The Air Force's top general discussed topics such as telling the Air Force story and innovation during the Air Education and Training Command Senior Leader Conference here Oct. 18."Telling the Air Force story is a big deal to me," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III during his speech to

Thule boilers save big in first year

In 2011, five exhaust boilers were installed at Thule Air Base, Greenland, to decrease the amount of JP-8 fuel used for heating the base and ultimately, save money. Thule AB has five locomotive-style engines in its M-Plant that generate electricity for the base, said Randy Pieper, 21st Civil

Life Extension Programs modernize ICBMs

Fifty years ago, officials deployed the first Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles to the missile fields in support of the strategic deterrence mission. Five decades later, these missiles are still in place, providing safe, secure and effective strategic nuclear deterrence.Since it

SecAF visits basic military training

In the wake of ongoing investigations into professional misconduct that occurred at basic military training, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley met with BMT leaders at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Oct. 23."It was important for me to talk to the commander and military training instructors about

Remains of two Airmen lost in 1969 identified, honored

 The remains of two Airmen who died when their F-4D Phantom II was shot over Laos in 1969 were returned and honored at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors Oct. 19.Col. Wendell Keller, of Fargo, N.D., and Capt. Virgil K. Meroney III, of Fayetteville, Ark., were killed when their

Top female AF general tells personal examples of women's progress in military

The Air Force's only female four-star general used examples from her three-decade-plus career to show the tremendous progress of women in the military during a gala dinner celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C.Gen. Janet

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman battles breast cancer

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)"I was 21 years old and didn't think I was strong enough to beat two cancers -- I thought my life was over," said Senior Airman Latisha Chong.Chong, a

Wizards salute Andrews Airmen, service members

 More than 20 Airmen from Joint Base Andrews were served lunch by members of the NBA's Washington Wizards at a downtown steakhouse in Washington Oct. 22.The Airmen were invited as a part of the Wizards' 3rd Annual Salute to the Stars. This year, the focus was recognizing service and family members

Online access simplifies dependent updates

Family situations can be complicated, but updating family benefit information doesn't have to be, now that it can be done online.Dependent family members must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, and in many instances must have a valid dependent identification card,

Aviano unveils first locally painted F-16

The 31st Maintenance Squadron unveiled Aviano's first locally-painted F-16 during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new NATO-funded Corrosion Control Facility here Oct. 19, which will enable the squadron to sustain and extend the life of F-16 fighter jets and avoid costs to perform the task elsewhere.

'Green Flag' keeps Airmen, Soldiers mission ready

"If the band played a piece first with the piccolo, then with the brass horn, then with the clarinet, and then with the trumpet, there would be a lot of noise, but no music," said Gen. George S. Patton during World War II. "To get harmony in the music, each instrument must support the others. To get

Contingency Response Airmen battle elements at JRTC

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response wing participated in combat exercise "Decisive Action" Oct. 10 through 22 as part of a Joint Task Force here to prepare for future deployments. Approximately 100 Airmen from the 570th Contingency Response Group, based at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and

AF awards $25K to essay winners

The Air Force awarded $1,000 scholarships to 25 Airmen or family members for their entries in the 16th annual Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program essay contest, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The contest was open to club members and their families, more than 100 of whom

Declassified document shows 'real' flying saucer

The grainy film showed a round ship floating out of a hangar. Its silver, aluminum exterior glinted in the sun as it hovered a few feet off the ground. As it glided over a pool of water, it kicked debris into the air and the glass canopies of the two cockpits were showered with grass and gravel as