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  • Keesler gets $90 million to repair infrastructure

    The Air Force has distributed nearly $90 million to speed repair of the storm-ravaged infrastructure at Keesler Air Force Base.Air Force officials estimate Hurricane Katrina caused nearly $1 billion in damage when it swept across the Gulf Coast facility Aug. 29.“Keesler’s recovery team has done a

  • Lackland assists with Hurricane Rita evacuation

    People here once again are busily preparing to receive evacuees from another hurricane along the Gulf Coast -- the second in three weeks.Hurricane Rita, classified as a Category 4 and the third worst hurricane in recorded history, is heading for the Texas Gulf Coast and could bring more than 3,000

  • Keesler issues stop travel order

    All servicemembers who have been recalled to duty here and are still en route to the base are ordered to stop travel and remain in place until Sept. 25.The 81st Training Wing vice commander issued the order because of potential hazards associated with Hurricane Rita.Servicemembers are authorized to

  • Military paralegal gets 12-year prison sentence

    Staff Sgt. Ramona Greiner was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, solicitation to commit murder and dereliction of duty for failing to maintain a professional relationship.Sergeant Greiner, a paralegal with the 37th Training Wing’s legal

  • Air Force issues stop movement to Texas Navy bases

    Air Force officials have issued a stop movement order for Airmen permanently moving to or transiting to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, NAS Kingsville and Naval Station Ingleside, all in Texas, based on the probability that Hurricane Rita will affect the area.Stop movement precludes people from

  • Air Force mobilizes for Hurricane Rita

    As Hurricane Rita churns through the Gulf of Mexico, the Air Force is mobilizing forces in anticipation of the storm hitting the Texas Gulf Coast.The Category 5 hurricane -- some are already calling it a “monster storm” -- could make landfall near Galveston by late Sept. 23 or early Sept. 24,

  • Academy sports recap: Women upset Army 2-1 in soccer

    In a heated service academy showdown that featured three cautions and a wild finish, the Air Force women's soccer team upset Army 2-1 in the opening match at the Toys for Tots Tournament in St. Louis.With the scored tied 1-1 on an Army penalty kick at the 75:21 mark, Air Force freshman Katherine

  • Edwards medical squadrons assist Marines

    The purple force isn't just for joint operations at deployed locations.Technicians with the 95th Aerospace Medical Squadron, the 95th Medical Operations Squadron and the 95th Medical Support Squadron here helped out a Marine detachment recently by making sure their physical examinations were current

  • Tricare continues medical support for Katrina victims

    Tricare is continuing its efforts to ensure the more than 136,000 displaced servicemembers and family members in the Gulf Coast region have access to medical care during Hurricane Katrina recovery operations. Tricare is the Department of Defense agency responsible for managing the military’s health

  • Users can log on to Portal with common access card

    Users can now log on to the Air Force Portal using their common access card and personal identification number. This latest change to the Air Force Portal means fewer passwords for users to remember and leads to greater security for Air Force networks, said Maj. David Gindhart of the Air Force

  • Airman identified from Sept. 19 motor vehicle fatality

    The Airman who died Sept. 19 in a motor vehicle accident in Egypt has been identified.First Lieutenant Sarah Small, a public affairs officer assigned to the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Center here, was in Egypt supporting Exercise Bright Star, a recurring joint/combined training exercise, when

  • Airmen in New Orleans prepare for Rita

    As Hurricane Rita gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico, the men and women of the 4th Air Expeditionary Group here are battening down the hatches in preparation for yet another storm surge.As of Sept. 21, weather experts were predicting that 2 to 4 inches of rain may fall here when Rita passes by

  • Air Force streamlines regional supply system

    In a significant reorganization of the Air Force supply system, two logistics support centers will soon replace and assume the responsibilities of five regional supply squadrons.Beginning in April 2006, the Mobility Air Forces Logistics Support Center here will begin handling supply back-shop

  • Airpower supports Afghan elections

    Airpower was in full effect as aircraft and crews supported Afghanistan’s National Assembly elections Sept. 18 by deterring attacks on the ground.U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and EC-130H Compass Call aircraft and U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowlers here have stepped up efforts to provide safe and secure

  • Technology for war helps save lives in New Orleans

    Night-time flying through the darkened, flooded streets of New Orleans presented unique challenges to rescuers from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crews constantly had to look out for power lines, buildings and other rescue aircraft in the area,

  • Travis Airman's first deployment real eye-opener

    For an Airman at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., his first deployment came at a record-setting pace in support of the relief effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.Airman 1st Class Brandon Calderon, of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, left home at 4 a.m. and arrived here at 9 a. m. on Sept. 3

  • Peacekeeper missile mission ends during ceremony

    The Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile mission came to an end Sept. 19 during a ceremony here. Hundreds of Airmen and civilians, including Dr. Ronald M. Sega, undersecretary of the Air Force, were on hand to celebrate the Peacekeeper’s role in nuclear deterrence.“Today we celebrate 19

  • Cadet arrested for alleged sexual assault

    A third-class cadet was arrested Sept. 19 by local police and charged with sexual assault in the first degree -- physical helplessness. He is currently in the custody of the local police department.The alleged incident occurred between Sept. 10 and 11 during a party involving 20 to 30 people at a

  • Air Force Marathon draws runners, base community

    Some 3,454 runners from all 50 U.S. states and seven countries participated in the ninth annual U. S. Air Force Marathon Sept. 17.The full 26.2-mile race began the day at 7:35 a.m., followed by the four-person team relay race then the 13.1-mile half marathon race. A 5k (3.1-mile) race was held

  • Air Staff officials expand warrior image

    “We are a nation at war,” Gen. T. Michael Moseley wrote in a letter to all Airmen on Sept. 2, the day he was sworn in as Air Force chief of staff.As many Airmen are deployed on combat missions in places including Iraq and Afghanistan as well as humanitarian relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region,

  • Displaced hurricane family finds help in Air Force

    It was like walking into a family reunion. The children were riding scooters outside; the adults were mostly inside talking, surfing the Internet, and just enjoying one another’s company.Tech. Sgt. Christopher Reeves, of the 16th Logistics Readiness Squadron here, opened his base house to 22 family

  • Practicing good eye care, safety 'out of sight'

    The comic book hero Daredevil gained superhuman powers when he was blinded by toxic waste that hit him in the eyes. Unfortunately, outside of the superhero realm, anyone else would just be blinded.Therefore, protecting eyes and keeping them healthy is paramount, said Maj. Ryan Traver, 325th

  • Arctic search-and-rescue exercise ends

    U.S., Russian and Canadian pararescuemen concluded a weeklong exercise here Sept. 16 that tested the three countries’ ability to conduct search-and-rescue operations in the Arctic region.Arctic Search and Rescue Exercise 05 concluded with a freefall jump from an Alaska Air National Guard HC-130 P/N

  • Airmen deliver medicine to Marshall Islands

    A C-17 Globemaster III departed here Sept. 17 at 9:17 a.m. for Majuro, Marshall Islands, bringing much-needed supplies and medicine to hospital staff and patients after a fire ravaged the capital city’s hospital. With less than 24 hours of medicine on hand at the city’s only hospital, time was of

  • ‘Wings of Blue’ catch air

    Most college students are still sleeping at 5 a.m. Some might be getting up to cram for an exam. At the same time, some students at the nearby U.S. Air Force Academy are preparing for an adrenaline rush only a few people can ever dream about.They are the men and women of the academy’s “Wings of

  • Kirkuk unit controls Iraqi sky

    The 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron Detachment 1 here provides instantaneous and continuous information superiority by providing commanders and pilots with a real-time view of northern Iraq’s airspace.The detachment’s Airmen give operators at nearby Balad Air Base a key airspace picture,

  • Luke engineers come to Keesler's aid

    Helping repair Keesler after Hurricane Katrina struck the base is not the only thing on the mind of civil engineers deployed here; they are also helping the people here get back on their feet.The engineers, deployed from the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., are helping the

  • Falcons gift-wrap game for Wyoming Cowboys

    The Mountain West Conference billed the game as Air Force vs. the University of Wyoming. In reality, the Falcons battled the Cowboys and themselves, and lost to both.An afternoon marred by inconsistent play caught up to Air Force Sept. 17 at Falcon Stadium when Wyoming quarterback Corey Bramlet’s

  • One Airman killed, two injured in car accident

    An Air Force officer was killed Sept. 19 and two Airmen were injured in a motor vehicle accident that occurred in Egypt.They were participating in Exercise Bright Star, a recurring joint/combined training exercise.The cause of the accident is under investigation and the names of the Airmen are being

  • Air Force says farewell to most powerful ICBM

    The era of the Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile, often credited with helping end the Cold War, is coming to its own close Sept. 19 with the final phase of the deactivation process.The deactivation began in October 2002 after President Bush set a plan in motion in 2001 to reduce the

  • Library service records messages for deploying Airmen

    While on active duty, Tech. Sgt. Jim Callahan wished that there was a way his wife and children could see and hear his voice, even though he was deployed thousands of miles away.Now retired and working as a computer systems analyst at the base library, Mr. Callahan and the rest of the library staff

  • Seymour Johnson aircraft evacuate to Wright Patterson

    Just weeks after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast region, Hurricane Ophelia threatened communities along the East Coast, forcing military bases to act fast.As of Sept. 14, 48 F-15E Strike Eagles, three KC-135 Stratotankers and 180 people had evacuated from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base,

  • Government civilians offered ways to help Katrina survivors

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many Americans want to do whatever they can to help those directly affected, and now government civilians have some opportunities to help in the effort.The emergency leave transfer and the federal employee volunteer programs are two avenues civilian employees

  • Colonel’s training saved his life

    A colonel at this forward-deployed location credits his survival from a terrorist attack to his military training, and he is now passing that training on to others.More than a year after Lt. Col. Ed O’Neal redeployed from Saudi Arabia, where he was shot five times in a vicious terrorist attack, he

  • Airmen, families provide relief to hurricane victims

    Renee Siddall knew something needed to be done.When she turned on the news the morning of Aug. 30 and saw the trail of destruction left by Hurricane Katrina, she immediately went to Mountain Home Mayor Joe B. McNeal’s office and asked how the city, more than 2,000 miles away from the affected areas,

  • Insomniacs invade Manas

    They came fired up and ready to entertain the troops, and that is exactly what comedians Dave Attell and Scott Kennedy did here Sept. 14.The two stand-up comedians have been touring U.S. Central Command hot spots entertaining everyone from Florida Army National Guardsmen at a forward-deployed

  • Spangdahlem Airman describes life with Tops in Blue

    This year, an Airman here was selected and is touring as one of 30 “ambassadors” of music, vocals and dance in the Air Force’s premier performing troupe, Tops in Blue.Airman 1st Class Beverly Sadural, a 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron engineering assistant, will have brought America’s unique brand of

  • Fuels team assists in hurricane recovery efforts

    Plowing through 5 feet of water and providing fuels assistance to those who request it is not the typical job for an Air Force fuels team, but here they did what needed to be done.A fuels team with the 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron left Barksdale Air Force Base, La., on Sept. 1 to assist with

  • Civil engineer units have different missions, same goal

    It is 110 degrees and temperatures are steadily on the rise. Luckily, the office is air conditioned -- until the power goes out.An Airman puts in a work order, but it is not the only office that is suffering from this side effect of the heat. However, within 15 minutes, an ice-cold breeze of

  • Base photographers document history for future generations

    Photographers here are proving that a picture is truly worth a thousand words in fighting the war on terrorism. “Our images tell the military story to the American public, our children and their children, and beyond,” said Master Sgt. Maurice Hessel, base multimedia center manager and still

  • Moseley: Future of the Air Force

    To determine the way ahead, one must understand the heritage and history of the Air Force, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said during his keynote address on the future of the Air Force at the Air Force Association’s 2005 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept.

  • Keesler hospital recovery picks up

    Part of the huge medical center at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. -- closed by Hurricane Katrina damage -- could open sooner than base officials estimated less than a week ago.The section, on the hospital’s first floor, could open in as little as two months, said Brig. Gen. (Dr.) James J. Dougherty,

  • Military lawyer sentenced to 18 years in prison

    Capt. Barry Brown was sentenced to 18 years in prison for pleading guilty to attempted premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder and for violating a lawful general regulation by wrongful fraternization.Captain Brown, a lawyer assigned to the 37th Training Wing here, pleaded

  • Guardsmen activated for Katrina eligible for Tricare

    Guardsmen federally activated for more than 30 consecutive days supporting Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and their Tricare-eligible family members can receive military health-care benefits.The deputy secretary of defense approved funding for use of the National Guard under Title 32 U.S. Code to

  • Retirees, annuitants urged to update pay information

    Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s Retired and Annuitant Pay office is working closely with national and regional banking and credit union organizations as well as the military services to make certain people affected by Hurricane Katrina have timely and ready access to their pay.Military

  • Systems group adds technology to Katrina relief support

    While tons of relief supplies are flowing into the Gulf Coast daily, the Operations and Sustainment Systems Group here is shoring up the vital flow of communications to the hurricane-stricken region.Hours after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, the group's team of communications, logistics,

  • ‘Skills development’ becomes ‘arts and crafts’

    Air Force Services Agency officials gazed into the past to predict the future recently when they changed the name of skills development to the name it held until the early 1990s -- arts and crafts.“Generations of Air Force families took advantage of arts and crafts programs on Air Force bases

  • U.S., Indian air forces continue building relationship

    U.S. and Indian air forces took the latest step in their growing relationship recently when six Indian Airmen were here for a weeklong visit, while two U.S. Airmen visited their counterparts in India.Two Indian pilots, two air traffic controllers and two safety officers spent time learning about

  • Eglin wing picks ups missions from Louisiana ANG

    As many of the bases Air Force-wide support Joint Task Force-Katrina, the 33rd Fighter Wing here is doing its part by scrambling to help the Louisiana Air National Guard.Just 36 hours after the wing’s 60th Fighter Squadron returned from a Hurricane Katrina evacuation Aug. 31, the squadron has been

  • Eglin provides shelter for Hurricane Ophelia evacuees

    Nineteen aircraft from Langley Air Force Base, Va., found shelter from the storm on the runway here Sept. 13.The 1st Fighter Wing jets, along with a crew of 90 support Airmen, arrived here midafternoon, evacuated from Virginia because of the expected arrival of Hurricane Ophelia. Providing shelter

  • Airmen pull duty with Marines

    Two Airmen with the 8th Information Warfare Flight deployed from here to become the first enlisted Airmen assigned to the Marine Multinational Force-West’s command operations center in Iraq.Tech. Sgts. Jason Graves and Carl Weaver are providing targeting and intelligence support to the Marine

  • OSI ‘protecting the force’ at New Orleans airport

    When Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agents arrived at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Sept. 6, their mission was to help protect 4th Air Expeditionary Group Airmen deployed here.“We’re conducting local criminal threat assessments to determine if there are any

  • Pharmacy co-pay waiver for military hurricane victims

    Department of Defense officials have extended the waiver of pharmacy co-pays through Sept. 30 for Tricare beneficiaries affected by Hurricane Katrina unable to pay it. In addition, Tricare officials have been working closely with retail pharmacies and their pharmacy contractor to ensure that

  • Edwards Airmen help 'Monk' solve mystery

    When most people watch an episode of the USA Network TV show "Monk," they see an obsessive-compulsive detective, but may never realize the hundreds of people it takes to bring this character to life.In the same way, many people see an F-16 Fighting Falcon fly over Dodger stadium during pre-game

  • Senior leaders address key issues at conference

    Air Force senior leaders answered questions on topics ranging from the buildup of military power in China to the status of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., during an open panel discussion here Sept. 13.Six Air Force major command commanders joined Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff, to

  • Keesler turnaround: training starts Sept. 19

    Training in five key career fields restarts for 400 Airmen here Sept. 19, six months sooner than base officials forecasted more than a week ago.Then, more students will start training the following week, said Col. Jessie Canaday, 81st Training Group commander. And more students will gradually enter

  • Hurricane hunters on the heels of Hurricane Ophelia

    Air Force Reserve Command’s Hurricane Hunters are tracking Hurricane Ophelia as it bumps its way along the East Coast, packing 80 mph maximum sustained winds as of Sept. 14.Ophelia is no Katrina, but it still warrants coastal warnings from the National Hurricane Center, which relies heavily on the

  • AF Climate Survey launches Oct. 1

    Airmen have the power to shape the future when the 2005 Air Force Climate Survey launches Oct. 1. “The direction we take depends on you!” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray. “The motto of the 2005 Climate Survey, ‘Speak Today, Shape Tomorrow,’ accurately reflects the impact this

  • Eagle Eyes in action

    Two men were spotted at the end of the runway at a nearby Air Force base, one holding a large metal tube on his shoulder and the other with a camera.The incident caused airborne planes from that base to land here at McConnell. The suspicious activity was found not to be credible; however, it was

  • Pay rules change for general schedule employees

    The Office of Personnel Management recently amended the rules governing pay setting for employees covered by the General Schedule. The rules implement section 301 of the Federal Workforce Flexibility Act of 2004.The act’s primary purpose is to correct various pay anomalies relating to the

  • 620th AES members deliver hope

    Airmen with the 620th Air Expeditionary Squadron have been delivering hope in the form of food, water and baby supplies to people affected by Hurricane Katrina since Sept. 5.“Before I came down here, I had seen the photos and videos on television,” said Capt. Jake Brittingham, 620th AES pilot

  • Deployed sergeant served in Marines, Army, Navy and now Air Force

    Staff Sgt. James Murphy isn’t your typical Airman. A 30-year-old tattoo of U.S.M.C. peeking out from his T-shirt sleeve and his no-nonsense attitude may shed light on some of his life story, but it wouldn’t come close to telling most of it.Sergeant Murphy, a night shift supervisor for the flightline

  • Vandenberg launches Minuteman III

    Vandenberg Airmen successfully conducted the final force development evaluation launch of the year from North Vandenberg Sept. 14 at 1:01 a.m. An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched to ensure the weapon system is operationally effective. Testing the reliability and

  • No life left behind -- rescuers save pets, too

    When Senior Master Sgt. James Sanchez goes on a rescue mission here, he makes sure the basic tools of the trade are in order -- a secure hoist, communication equipment, ear protection, water, dog biscuits and a can of cat treats.To him, no one gets left behind."It's hard to turn away an animal that

  • Airmen pitch in for New Orleans cleanup

    After living at the New Orleans airport for 10 days while building three tent cities, Air Force civil engineers headed downtown Sept. 13 to help clean up Hurricane Katrina wreckage.“It’s great (the engineers) can get out and help these people directly,” said Capt. Paul Fredin, who is assigned to the

  • Tops in Blue seeking talented Airmen

    The annual search for Air Force talent during the Worldwide Talent Contest is scheduled Nov. 6 to 14 at nearby Lackland Air Force Base, and the deadline for submissions is Oct. 5.Besides competing for the Roger Award, given to the best performers in five separate categories, participants also vie

  • Officials to determine course for Keesler Airmen

    Officials here should find out soon a more definitive future for the more than 1,200 Airmen trainees from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., who arrived here Sept. 1 after Hurricane Katrina hit their base.Until a decision is made, Airmen will shadow permanent-party Airmen in the career field they are

  • Recapitalization highlighted at AFA conference

    Modernizing and investing in the aircraft inventory and technology is an ongoing process that will never go away, said the Air Force's senior-most civilian and military leaders.During the Air Force Association's 2005 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 12, Air Force Chief

  • Reserve conducts aerial spray mission over Louisiana

    The Air Force Reserve continues to save lives in Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath by conducting the first of many aerial spray missions that began Sept. 12 over Louisiana in an attempt to reduce mosquito and filth fly populations.The Department of Defense’s only fixed-wing aerial spray unit, the 910th

  • Officials: Beware of donation scams

    Scenes of chaos and destruction resulting from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina have left Airmen nationwide wondering how they can help those affected by the tragedy.Like many Americans across the nation, Airmen and their families seek to help in the hurricane recovery. While these Samaritans

  • ANG offers opportunities for active-duty Airmen

    The Air National Guard is one of the components of the Air Force’s total force, and it has openings for Airmen wishing to transition from active duty to part-time military service.“The Air National Guard has been one of the best kept secrets in the Air Force,” said Master Sgt. Sean Strong, an ANG

  • U-2 aids in Katrina relief

    The reconnaissance mission here has long been the cornerstone of providing critical information to commanders worldwide, but after hurricane Katrina that mission has moved much closer to home.For almost two weeks, the 9th Reconnaissance Wing here has supported relief efforts by flying U-2S missions

  • Keesler helping restore Gulf Coast medical infrastructure

    The Air Force joined a unified medical command of local, state and federal agencies aiming to restore primary care services to Mississippi’s ravaged Gulf Coast.The area needs a unified response since Hurricane Katrina crippled its medical infrastructure and scattered many of its health-care

  • Airman delivers U.S. flag to NYC firefighters

    Senior Airman Travis Barton may have waited two years to deliver a gift to New York's fire department, but the message that came along with it was timeless.The year was 2003, and Airman Barton was stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. Operation Iraqi Freedom was well under way and his

  • Raptor advances to next phase of acquisition

    The F/A-22 Raptor recently finished avionics engineering manufacturing development testing here and surpassed 2,592 flight hours, pushing the aircraft one step closer to taking its place as the premier weapon system of the U.S. Air Force."This mission-avionics testing tied in system effectiveness,

  • Air Force goes back-to-back, claims third title in four years

    The leader of the All-Air Force Men’s Softball Team knew it was going to take more than talent alone to claim the 2005 Armed Forces Men’s Softball Championship.But after claiming the title with a 7-2 record during the three-day round-robin tournament held here Sept. 7 to 9, the four-time head coach

  • Command chiefs address Airmen’s concerns

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force joined command chief master sergeants from Air Force major commands during a forum at the Air Force Association’s 2005 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 12."This is truly a historic time in which we serve in the Air Force," said

  • Predator flies unprecedented combat flight hours

    Airmen who operate and fly the MQ-1B Predator are tired, but you couldn’t tell that by the unprecedented 27,000 hours the Predator has flown this past year supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.Some in the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., believe they

  • Geren: AF fighting three wars

    The Air Force is now fighting three "wars," said the service's senior-most civilian leader. Those three wars are the war on terrorism, the effort to provide disaster relief in the United States, and the push for reform of the Air Force acquisition process, said Pete Geren, acting Secretary of the

  • CENTCOM command chief: Knowledge, actions have far reach

    The command chief for U.S. Central Command wants everyone who has deployed to go back to their bases and share their experiences.Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Brownhill also wants people to remember that their individual actions have a far-reaching effect.During his visit to the CENTOM area of

  • Airman views devastated hometown from air

    Airmen with the 822nd Security Forces Squadron are used to deploying into war-ravaged regions and securing airfields -- that is their primary mission. But for one of the squadron’s Airmen, the 822nd’s current mission to provide security here in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has been

  • Airport chapel serves evacuees, relief workers

    Chaplain (Capt.) Dan Thompson admits he has never preached from an airline podium before.Then again, many aspects about the massive relief effort going on at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport are a first.The Air Force chaplain from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., was joined by Army

  • Thousands mark 9/11 with freedom walk

    Sept. 11 marked the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, and to commemorate that tragic event the Defense Department held the first "America Supports You Freedom Walk.""This is a day for us to remember all those loved ones who were lost, and everyone who suffered so much

  • COMM ensures information gets to rescuers, Air Force

    The safety of those stranded in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast could hinge upon 450 Airmen deployed here as part of the 347th Expeditionary Rescue Group and their ability to communicate rapidly and effectively across vast distances.From setting up Internet connections and radio systems to

  • Air Force medics help Katrina victims locate loved ones

    Searching through handwritten passenger manifests and scouring computer databases is not in the usual day’s work for Air Force medics. However, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, medics with the 4th Air Expeditionary Group are doing just that for families separated from loved ones airlifted from

  • Security Forces Airmen prevent attack on Iraqi base

    Security forces Airmen on combat patrol interrupted insurgents as they set timers on rockets aimed at the base Sept. 11.The Airmen with the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron confiscated the rocket launchers several miles from the base while conducting a base-defense patrol mission. They

  • Recognition, treatment key in overcoming stress

    Now that the storm has settled, those Airmen and their families who were left with little in the wake of Hurricane Katrina could begin to show signs of stress. Individuals need to be able to recognize those signs and be able to point those stressed Airmen in the right direction.Stress symptoms can

  • Air Force Association begins 2005 conference

    The Air Force Association's 2005 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition opened here Sept. 12.The conference features three days of workshops focused on professional requirements, networking and dialogue among active-duty and reserve-component Airmen, civilians, retirees and industry

  • Maintainers keep rescue helicopters flying

    As Air Force rescue helicopter aircrews plucked survivors from flooded New Orleans and other Gulf Coast areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina, they drew upon adrenaline to keep going during the 10- to 12-hour missions.However, to keep their HH-60G Pave Hawk aircraft flying, they relied on a

  • Pharmacy assistance available to displaced military families

    Military evacuees displaced by Hurricane Katrina may request that their prescription records at military treatment facilities in the Gulf Coast be transferred to other military or retail pharmacies nationwide, Tricare officials said.With this policy, displaced beneficiaries with available refills

  • Officials announce JAG selections to lieutenant colonel

    The Lieutenant Colonel Judge Advocate General Central Selection Board selected 29 majors for promotion to lieutenant colonel.The entire list of selectees is posted on the Air Force Personnel Center's Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/offprom. The results of the board are as follows:Selection

  • Taking care of Air Force families in Katrina's wake

    "I have U.S. Air Force on my uniform, he has U.S. Air Force on his. That's enough for me," said Col. Scott Walker about why he had no worries about inviting an Airman and his family displaced by Hurricane Katrina to stay with him.The colonel was talking about the base's "Adopt-a-Family" program,

  • Airman goes eye-to-eye with hurricanes

    It rips apart everything in its path. It destroys houses, businesses, lives and families. These past couple of weeks, America has been greatly devastated by it.Capt. Jeff Wright, a U-2S aircraft commander with the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron here, is one of few Airmen who was able to see the vast

  • Schriever brings total-force support to Katrina relief

    Space experts here are working around the clock to provide space system capabilities to civilian and military agencies, allowing the agencies to save lives and provide food, medicine and clothing to people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Airmen with the 50th Operations Group here provide navigation

  • 97th AEG stands up at Keesler

    When the call comes in for an air expeditionary group to deploy, it is usually to a destination with sand, located on foreign soil. Although the sand is still present, this time the group was called to deploy inside the United States -- right at Keesler.The 97th Air Expeditionary Group, comprising

  • Keesler commander: Don’t count us out

    Two weeks after Hurricane Katrina caused $500 million in damages at this training base, it has become a vital staging area for Gulf Coast disaster relief efforts.The base has a new transitional mission supporting relief efforts, said Brig. Gen. William T. Lord, 81st Training Wing commander. And the

  • Keesler cleanup going well

    Staff Sgt. Art Hughes brushed wood chips and sawdust from his black T-shirt, which smelled of sweat and fresh pine. After cutting down trees all morning, it was break time, so he grabbed a bottle of water and gulped it down.Across the street, the rest of “Youngblood’s Crew” kept working. The crew,

  • International aid continues to arrive at Little Rock

    More than 30 international aid flights have landed here, the hub and clearing house for all international aid going to help Hurricane Katrina victims in Louisiana and Mississippi. More the 94 countries and international organizations have offered aid for the hurricane victims, according to a

  • Rescue crews add new cyber tools to search

    After saving more than 4,200 people, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and active-duty Airmen are finding innovative ways to check for survivors and people who need help.Using the Internet, Web sites, e-mails, personal interviews and calls from families and friends, the helicopter-borne rescuers

  • Falcons romp past San Diego State

    Conventional football wisdom says the run is used to set up the pass. Air Force is thinking -- and winning -- the other way around.Thanks to a 231-yard passing game that loosened the San Diego State University defense, academy ground troops traveled 272 more yards en route to a convincing 41-29 Air