Airmen play role in homeland defense exercise

A simulated catastrophe hit Davis-Monthan AFB Dec. 4 and tested base Airmen's ability to deal with a major accident with nuclear implications here. Exercise Vigilant Shield 07, a national-level scenario which kicked off at Davis-Monthan AFB, connects the departments of Defense, Homeland Security,

Special retreat held for fallen Airman

A special retreat ceremony was held Dec. 6 for Capt. Kermit Evans the 27th Civil Engineer Squadron's Exposive Ordnance Disposal flight commander here. Captain Evans was killed Dec. 3 when the Marine CH-46 helicopter he was traveling in was forced to make an emergency water landing near the shore of

NATO team ensures safe sky during Riga Summit

While Airmen around U.S. Air Forces in Europe were gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving, duty called for more than 450 other Airmen in seven European countries to support the NATO Riga Summit in Latvia. Called Operation Peaceful Summit, the military effort enhanced ongoing Baltic Air Policing

General talks to next greatest generation

The four-star general looked into the crowd of eager-eyed cadets -- the next generation of Air Force leaders looked back at him. General Paul V. Hester, the Pacific Air Forces commander, visited Houston for the strategic outreach plan "Air Force Road Show" and took time to talk with the University

Manas checkpoint incident under investigation

The driver of a truck operated by a local fuel company Dec. 6 at approximately 3 p.m. local time was shot and killed by a 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Airman.The driver had stopped at the checkpoint for a routine inspection of his vehicle. Then went into a security tent to wait for

Airman acquitted in court-martial

Airman 1st Class Ricardo Villamil, 10th Mission Support Squadron, was found not guilty today on one count of violating Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (rape), and not guilty of violating Article 134 (willfully and wrongfully holding another individual against his or her will). A

Survivor remembers attack on Oahu

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ralph Barnett returned to Hickam for the 65th Anniversary of the attack on Oahu and to show his family where he was on that fateful Sunday morning. At the time of the attack he was a 24 year old assistant armament chief Buck Sgt. with the 23rd Bombardment Squadron stationed

Aeromedical services graduate receives gift of family

A 59th Medical Wing member got an early holiday gift at graduation this week, his family. Airman 1st Class David Parker, an Aeromedical Services Apprentice Phase II student here at Wilford Hall Medical Center, was not expecting to see his mother, Cathie Parker, and brother, Jonathan Parker, at his

Air Force: Expeditious recognition for expeditionary Airmen

The Air Force deputy chief of staff for personnel told lawmakers Dec. 6 the service makes it a priority to recognize the contributions of its Airmen. "In war, our top priorities are to win and take care of our people," said Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady, before the House Armed Services Committee military

Battle uniform available to deploying Airmen this spring

The Airman Battle Uniform is on track for distribution this spring to Airmen deploying as part of Air Expeditionary Forces 7 and 8. The new ABU is in production Dec. 7 and uniforms are being warehoused. The uniform will be ready for distribution to Airmen deploying as part of AEFs 7/8. Most Airmen

2006 suicide numbers not start of trend

The number of suicides among Airmen in fiscal 2006 rose about 14 percent above a ten year average for the service, but the increase is not likely the start of a trend, an Air Force official said. "The suicide rate for 2006 is most indicative of the random variations year-to-year of suicides," said

Andersen community makes a wish come true

The overcast, rainy afternoon did not dampen the spirits of Andersen Airmen and civilians as they rallied together to make a little boy's wish come true Dec. 5. Andersen AFB officials teamed up to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Guam make one of Natsuki Takeda's wishes come true. Five-year-old

Incirlik welcomes Air Force secretary

Incirlik AB members welcomed the secretary of the Air Force and his wife at approximately noon local time Dec. 7 as the service's leader met with base officials and witnessed the unique missions and capabilities conducted daily in support of full-spectrum operations. Secretary of the Air Force

Airlift wing carries legacy into the future

While much Air Force history can be found in volumes of books at the local library, its living heritage is not so easy to find. Or so most people think. In reality, Air Force heritage and history is easy to find in its Airmen and the units in which they serve. The 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air

4 Airmen vie for GEICO awards

Four Airmen have been chosen to represent the Air Force to compete for the 2006 Government Employee Insurance Company Military Service Awards. Their records will compete against those of other members of the armed forces in four categories. Master Sgt. Shawn Ricchuito of Robins AFB, Ga., will

Japanese surprise attack on Hawaii

At 7:55 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, an Imperial Japanese Naval Task Force under the command of Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, launched the biggest surprise attack in history. Japanese aircraft struck military installations on Oahu and in less then two hours inflicted the worst destruction the Army Air

Former Airman returns to Hickam

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ralph Barnett returned here for the 65th Anniversary of the attack on Oahu and to show his family where he was on that fateful Sunday morning. At the time of the attack he was a 24-year-old sergeant assigned as assistant armament chief with the 23rd Bombardment Squadron

Pearl Harbor mini-sub mission fails, first prisoner captured

One hundred miles from Oahu, Hawaii, Kazuo Sakamaki launched his 79-foot submarine -- even though the navigation gyro was broken. His mission: Travel to Pearl Harbor and fire two 18-inch torpedoes at the battleship Pennsylvania.The broken gyro proved his undoing. Thrown off-course before he could

Commanders lead Airmen in changing times

From the 15th Pursuit Group to today's 15 Airlift Wing, more than 55 commanders have led the base's Airmen in its 66-year history. Two of the base's commanders during World War II went on to become general officers - Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Powell and Maj. Gen. Dewitt S. Spain. The airport in Memphis

Caring for Airmen and their families

Aleutian Islands: World War II secret bases

When Stuart Faber enlisted in the Army Air Corps shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, he wasn't quite sure what he'd be doing. Once assigned to the 404th Bomb Squadron at Elmendorf Field, Alaska, he not only maintained bombers, but was also sent on temporary duty to perform a

Pearl Harbor survivor remembers

On Dec. 7, 1941, Richard Fiske started his day aboard the USS West Virginia, much like any other. But just before 8 a.m., the 19-year-old Marine bugler looked up from his watch post on the ship's quarterdeck to see Japanese planes overhead."At first I thought they were our planes, then the first

A Superior Private, a historian remembers

It was a rather typical workday for 20-year-old Joe Muratsuchi. After rising, he swept the shop where he worked as a bookkeeper. It was a good job, and he liked the work, mostly because he was good at numbers. At certain hours of the day, he and a young co-worker would turn on the radio for the

Secretary Wynne visits Aviano

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne visited Aviano AB Dec. 5 and spoke to base members about issues affecting today's Airmen. Some of the things Secretary Wynne discussed were Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, deployments and the new cyber command. "I am capitalizing on the

An Air Force legend returns

During World War II, a special wartime publication, limited to 5,000 copies, brought some welcome light in the allies' darkest days. But this "rarest of the rare" books appealed to more than just yesterday's Airmen -- it charmed their children.Now, after 63 years, and the hard-fought efforts of one

Chief McKinley visits Airmen in San Antonio

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley learned about the Air Force News Agency's capabilities during a visit Dec. 5 here. Agency Airmen showed the chief how their media products help tell the global Air Force story. He also learned how agency products help support the strategic

Air Force Week locations selected for 2007

Air Force officials announced Dec. 5 the six locations to host "Air Force Week" in 2007. They are Phoenix from March 19 to 25; Sacramento from June 4 to 10; St. Louis from July 2 to 8; New England from Aug.18 to 26; Honolulu from Sept. 10 to 16; and Atlanta from Oct. 8 to 14. The inaugural Air Force

Thunderbirds release 2007 show schedule

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2007 air show schedule. The team is scheduled to perform more than 68 shows in 21 states and nine European countries.The 2007 schedule is as follows: March 24-25 Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. 31 Point Mugu Naval Base

Airman dies in CH-46 helicopter crash

Capt. Kermit Evans, an Air Force civil engineer explosive ordnance flight commander, was killed as a result of a U.S. Marine helicopter emergency water landing Dec. 3. Captain Evans was one of 16 people aboard the Marine CH-46 helicopter when it made an emergency water landing near the shore of Lake

Fairchild, Grand Forks crews support NATO summit

KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft along with aircrews, crew chiefs and maintainers from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and Grand Forks AFB, N.D., are augmenting the refueling mission here in support of a NATO Summit mission.The weeklong deployment by the two stateside units allowed the RAF Mildenhall

Orientation program highlights best practices

Air Mobility Command mission support group commanders recently traveled to five AMC bases to learn about and evaluate best practices as part of the annual Excellent Installation Orientation Program. Commanders visited MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; McGuire AFB, N.J.; Grand Forks AFB, N.D.; Fairchild

Leaders stress holiday safety

In a joint Letter to Airmen, Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley stressed the importance of safety during the holiday season. The two leaders want Airmen to watch out for each other. And they said though the service puts emphasis on safety, the

Kentucky Airmen lead way for ANG contingency response

The Kentucky Air National Guard is now the home of the first and only contingency response group in the Air National Guard. The 123rd Contingency Response Group -- an "airbase in a box" -- will now provide a continual capability to provide everything necessary to open a runway, load and unload

Pope NCO receives Purple Heart

A tactical air control party Airman from Pope AFB's 17th Air Support Operations Squadron was awarded the Purple Heart in a presentation ceremony Nov. 30 here. Tech. Sgt. Juan Valentin was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds received in action Oct. 28 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Active C-130 unit unites with Wyoming ANG

The U.S. Air Force has proven active duty and citizen Airmen can successfully operate together daily with the right amount of communication and the right amount of heart - just ask the Airmen of the 30th and 187th Airlift Squadrons at the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing. The

Andersen Airmen treat, transport injured Sailors

Airmen from the 36th Medical Group and 734th Air Mobility Squadron here played an integral role in treating and transporting six critically injured Sailors Dec. 2 to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.The Sailors were transported via a C-17 Globemaster III to Hickam AFB, then on to the Army's Burn Center

Record-setting fuels flight keeps gas flowing at Manas

Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants Flight help complete the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing's mission of delivering fuel, people and cargo to Afghanistan by keeping the fuel flowing. The men and women of POL, commonly known as the fuels

Andersen firefighters respond to base housing fire

The 36th Civil Engineer Squadron's fire emergency service responded to a house fire in base housing Wednesday, which resulted in serious property damage. No one was home at the time of the fire nor was anyone injured in the blaze. The fire was initially reported by a neighbor at 3:11 p.m. "On behalf

USAFE officials reactivate 3rd Air Force

The 3rd Air Force was reactivated today during a ceremony here. Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr. took command. General Bishop has been vice commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe."My last three job titles have begun with deputy, assistant or vice. I am personally delighted and humbled to be here this

Florida teaching certification to benefit CCAF instructors

Qualified instructors from the Community College of the Air Force can now take a state-issued subject-knowledge exam to meet requirements for K-12 teaching certification in Florida, negating the need of additional schooling, after Florida legislators recently amended their educator certification

Moody pharmacy team makes AFSO 21 improvements

The 23rd Medical Group's pharmacy is currently implementing a series of changes to improve customer service and satisfaction. The changes are a direct result of the group's first Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century Rapid Improvement Event. The first change revises the pharmacy hours from

Airmen help restore sullied cemetery

The Golden Rule is "do unto others as you would have them do unto to you." A group of Airmen assigned to the 732nd Regional Support Unit at Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq, have taken that rule to heart. Volunteers here have put in close to 200 hours cleaning up and maintaining of a British cemetery located

Moody maintainers take initiative with AFSO 21

A handful of Moody AFB maintenance professionals brought Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to the forefront during a meeting Nov. 20 and 21 that reflected on improving inspections for the HC-130P. Sixteen Airmen from the 723rd Maintenance Squadron, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and

Thrift investment board ups '07 TSP contribution limits

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has announced a $500 increase in regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions to $15,500 for 2007 elective deferral maximum contributions. "TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan, which everyone should consider," said Janet Thomas, a human resources

Patrolmen lauded for life-saving response

A base Airman who attempted suicide is alive today because of the fast reaction of four patrolmen from the 366th Security Forces Squadron here. This month, 366th Fighter Wing officials showed its gratitude by selecting Tech. Sgt. Rich Richardson, Tech. Sgt. Galen Dickerson, Staff Sgt. Tom French and

Operation Season's Greetings huge smash

The surrounding mountains here echoed the sounds of rock, blues, country and laughter when national entertainment artists performed for servicemembers Nov. 28 as part of Operation Season's Greetings. Headlining the show was country artist Jamie O'Neal. She is best known for her No. 1 hits "There is

Kunsan F-16 fleet prepped for 'Falcon STAR'

The Block 30 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron here are set to enter upgrade in the Air Force's Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program aimed at extending the service life of the aircraft. The improvement to the fleet follows previous air-to-ground dominance to

AFSO 21 special assistant visits Aviano

The secretary of the Air Force's special assistant for Air Force Smart Operations 21 visited here Nov. 29. Dr. Ron Ritter is responsible for developing and coordinating the Air Force's AFSO 21 transformational efforts. An early leader in understanding and applying lean manufacturing methods in U.S.

Air and Space Power Journal focuses on leadership

The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University here has published and distributed the Winter 2006 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, Air and Space Power Journal. The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

Tops In Blue needs horn players to complete group

The Tops In Blue 2007 entertainment group is almost complete, but has some important vacancies that talented Air Force Airmen can fill, and fill quickly. "We need horn players," said Jeri White, Tops In Blue production coordinator at Air Force Services Agency, "trumpets, trombones and saxophones,

Stepping out of the blue for Army green

Change is good, as one Airman in the 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron here finds out as he changes from "Into the Blue" to "Army Strong." Senior Airman Mike Goldman, 16th EWS journeyman, will become Specialist Goldman Dec. 28, as he enlists into the Army through the "Operation Blue to Green"

GM-3 vehicle deploys aboard C-17 first time

The 4th Space Operations Squadron's Ground Mobile-3 vehicle made history Nov. 25 with its first deployment aboard a C-17 Globemaster III. The GM-3 and a crew of 4th SOPS Airmen at Schriever AFB deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to set up deployed mobile satellite command-and-control

Defense officials release name of downed F-16 pilot

Department of Defense officials announced today the identity of an Airman listed as duty status - whereabouts unknown. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert was the pilot of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations that crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of

Today's security forces are expeditionary combat Airmen

They work 12-hour patrols in 100-plus degree temperatures, sandstorms whipping into their faces. They drive convoy operations across the desert. They provide personal security details for four-star generals. Today's security forces career barely resembles its own Air Force specialty code from a

Career fields meld expertise in recovery missions

Airmen from three career fields have worked for the past five years to bring the guardian angel weapon system, or GAWS, online for the Air Force to provide rapid recovery of servicemembers. Made up of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, pararescue jumper called PJs, and combat

C-37A arrives at Hickam AFB

The arrival here of the Navy's Executive Transport Detachment from nearby Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station Nov. 25 signals the successful integration of flying missions between two services. The Navy C-37A business jet replaces the modified P-3 aircraft the unit used to fly. The reception of the

Air Force announces 2006 as safest year in aviation

Fiscal year 2006 was the safest year in aviation ever for the Air Force. The year marked the lowest number of major aircraft accidents and fatalities within the Department of Defense, said the Chief of Air Force Safety Maj. Gen. Stan Gorenc recently. According to the statistics, the Air Force

Region Air Force commander visits Kadena

The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peace-keeping efforts in the Pacific region were key topics of discussion by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force during his visit here Nov. 15. Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, visited the base for an in-depth

Airmen 'deal' with Mandel, Leno on 'Tonight Show'

A group of California's Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen came together for a special military edition of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" Nov. 22 at NBC studios here.Mr. Leno invited the servicemembers to fill the studio audience for the show's Thanksgiving edition to honor

Personnel accountability key during emergencies

A new Air Force Instruction places more responsibility for personnel accountability on the shoulders of individual Airmen. Air Force Instruction 10-218, Personnel Accountability in Conjunction With Natural Disasters or National Emergencies, published Oct. 31, 2006, details how an Airman should go

Science, engineering, technology achievements lauded

Air Force officials recognized the service's top performers in science, engineering and technology during an awards banquet at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Award winners received a plaque and a certificate recognizing their

Balad 'Port Dawgs' help limit ground convoys

With each pallet pushed onto an aircraft flying out of Balad, another dangerous convoy mission is avoided and lives are potentially saved. The "Port Dawgs" assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerial Port Flight, ensure assets are delivered to forward-operating locations

PRT delivers supplies to Afghan schools

Soldiers and Airmen from the Methar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered nearly a ton of much-needed supplies to two schools Nov. 21in the capital city of Laghman Province of Afghanistan.The PRT distributed 1,300 backpacks, teacher's kits, hygiene products, soccer balls, notebooks, pens,

U.S. Airmen help Iraqis take flight again

The new Iraqi air force have returned to the sky, performing a variety of missions throughout the country, thanks to training and support from U.S. and coalition advisors. At Kirkuk Regional AB, American advisors are helping Iraqi military members of Squadron 3 train for their intelligence,

Officials to conduct foreign language skills survey

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley recently approved a survey to identify the foreign language capability inherent in the Air Force. The purpose of the on-line survey is to allow Air Force officials to get a better understanding of the foreign language skills already in the force, so

Deployed Airmen prepare for holidays

Snow, sub-freezing temps no match for Manas team

One key to successful mission completion for the coming months will be how the wing prepares and adjusts to winter weather. The mission priority every day and even more so during adverse weather is to deliver fuel, people and cargo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This week brought the

Relatives support deployments together

Servicemembers often cite missing family as one of the main hardships of deployments. For at least three sets of family members at Balad Air Base, missing family might not be quite as difficult for the duration of this Air Expeditionary Force rotation. Staff Sgt. Coy Hixson, 732nd Expeditionary

Air Force goes 'wild' on GMA

Wild Blue Country performed live on ABC's "Good Morning America" Nov. 24, as part of the U.S. Air Force Academy Band's week-long tour here celebrating the Air Force's 60th Anniversary.A component of the academy band, Wild Blue Country showcased their talent and played for Ronan Tynan, a world-renown

Academy band marches in Macy's parade

The cold and rain didn't stop the residents of New York City from lining the streets for this year's 80th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 23. The soggy weather also didn't stop the U.S. Air Force Academy Marching Band from participating. "We were here as part of the celebration of the 60th

PACAF commander serves Thanksgiving meals

Osan Airmen were treated to a special guest for Thanksgiving lunch at the Ginkgo Tree dining facility here. Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, served Thanksgiving lunch to Airmen here and spent time this holiday season with them. "Since all of us who serve overseas are away from our

Operation Homecooking offers a taste of home

Going through basic military training is always difficult on trainees, especially over the holidays. That is why for the past 31 years, Operation Homecooking has tried to serve up the flavors, family and feelings of the Thanksgiving holiday to hundreds of the Air Force's newest family members --

Enlisted aides invaluable to general officers

It's a unique Air Force career field that has Airmen leaving their homes every morning only to start work at someone else's house. An enlisted aide assists a general officer with accomplishing their primary military and official duties. The position is a voluntary special assignment. "(The Air Force

Misawa Airmen build winning deployment team

Airmen in the 14th Fighter Squadron are preparing to meet the challenges of their air expeditionary force deployment this winter and they are "fired up" to contribute to the war on terrorism. The 14th FS will deploy F-16 Fighting Falcons, pilots and support people to Operation Iraqi Freedom where

Performers bring some holiday cheer to Incirlik

Music, singing, cheering and laughter rang from Hangar 4 on Nov. 22 as more than 1,000 people from around the Incirlik community gathered to enjoy the Operation Season's Greetings traveling troupe. The OSG group performers included a combination of the best performers of the Air Force Reserve Band

Air Force training makes Airmen safer, more aware

Staff Sgt. Jason Lowery knows that preparing for combat duty is something many Airmen do not know much about. But training Airmen to be safer and more aware of the dangers they face around the world is not a new concept. Air Force Combat Skills Training is just the newest method of providing today's

18th Wing key component in war on terrorism

The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific region were the key topics discussed by the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander here Nov. 15.Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright visited the base for an orientation tour of the wing

U.S., Turkish forces team up in Anatolian Eagle

The 22nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, deployed F-16 Fighting Falcons and more than 200 Airmen here for a two-week exercise called Anatolian Eagle.The exercise provided an opportunity for Turkish and American forces to work side-by-side and learn from each other.

Preparing Thanksgiving feast no easy feat

An American Thanksgiving kitchen is often a loud, clattering commotion of cooks, noise, smells and relatives arguing about what time the Dallas Cowboys' game starts. By the time the chaos settles onto polished dining room furniture, all that's left are the clean-up, naps and a good game of bid

Yokota mission essential for global reach

The commander of Air Mobility Command recently met with the men and women of the 730th Air Mobility Squadron and other senior officials. As part of a nine-day tour of air mobility operations across the Pacific region last week, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb hosted a commander's call, toured the AMC

Academy band performs for students in New York

In 1984, Tech. Sgt. Stephen Brannen, then 19, heard the U.S. Air Force band "Airmen of Note" play for the first time. He said that one concert changed his entire perception of the military. Now, more than 20 years later, the U.S. Air Force Academy Band "Blue Steel," hopes their Nov. 22 performance

Global Hawk flies first Beale ACC sortie

A newly-arrived RQ-4 Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle made its first operational Air Combat Command flight from here Nov. 21. The first Global Hawk flight from Beale signifies the end of the base's and communities' five-year wait for the aircraft, and the beginning of local training flights as

Colonel receives Bronze Star during Alabama-Auburn game

An instructor from Maxwell Air Force Base's Air War College was honored at his Alma Mater during the University of Alabama rival football game Nov. 18, against Auburn University Saturday.Col. Duane Lamb was presented the Bronze Star medal by his former commander, Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc, who served

Air Force Honor Guard beefs up 2007 routine

Throw, flip, twist, turn, roll, swing, catch. As the routine drives home and the final rifle hits, the team is welcomed back with an overwhelming reception. Only when their nerves settle do they see the people and hear the applause, they can finally relax and appreciate the reception. After a month

Security forces Airmen awarded Purple Hearts

Staff Sgt. Rory Sturm and Airman Kevin Perez Glazer were presented Purple Hearts in a ceremony here Nov. 14 for injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device ripped through their Humvee. While receiving the medals is a memorable event, both members of the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces

Capitol Christmas Tree visits Wyoming base

The 2006 Capitol Christmas Tree stopped here Nov. 20 on its way from Washington State to Washington, D.C.This year's tree, a 65-foot tall Pacific silver fir, is a gift from Washington state and was selected by Ted Bechtol, deputy superintendent of Capitol Grounds, from Washington's Olympic National

11 sing, dance their way to Worldwide Talent Contest honors

Sixty-two active duty Airmen -- singers, dancers, musicians and technicians -- converged on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 5 through 13 for the annual Worldwide Talent Contest. By the end of the grueling week, 11 emerged as the best, taking home "Roger" awards for first place and "Wilco"

President Bush wraps up Pacific economic tour

President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush touched down here Nov. 20 after completing the last leg of the president's Pacific economic tour. The president's visit to Hawaii capped off eight days traveling in the Pacific Theater, with the president meeting with leaders in Russia, Singapore,

USAFE commander reviews past year in command

Allied and coalition relationships, operations south and east, Airmen's accomplishments and improving efficiency were at the forefront during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander's Nov. 20 discussion of the past year in command. Since Gen. William T. Hobbins took command Dec. 5, he has traveled

Selection records represent Airmen to promotion boards

With the lieutenant colonel selection board convening in late November and the selective early retirement board and senior master sergeant board coming up in early 2007, eligible officers and senior NCOs must ensure their selection records are up-to-date when meeting these boards. The selection

AFPC to conduct force shaping board in March

The next force shaping board is scheduled to convene March 12 at the Air Force Personnel Center for officers in the 2003 and 2004 year groups. The board will evaluate active-duty line officers in overage career fields in the 2004 accession year group, as well as navigator, air battle manager, space

Army trains Airmen for 'outside the wire' mission

Volunteer security forces Airmen from 65 bases completed Army training here, giving them the skills to perform a unique mission in Iraq.Fort Hood provided 182 Air Force security forces members with general and advanced combat skills via Army instruction to prepare them for their new mission.The

Maintainers turn Rivet Joint

A sergeant sits at the end of a table reviewing maintenance records. In the background, Airmen play video games as a college football game blares on a television. The call that the RC-135 Rivet Joint is 30 minutes out comes down, and in an instant everyone drops what they are doing. It's time to

Ellsworth cops take to the skies

In the remote forward-operating locations of Afghanistan and surrounding areas, Air Force aircraft often have to land on dirt-strip runways. Air Force aircraft might look like the proverbial sitting duck to an enemy combatant or rogue insurgent, but nothing could be further from the truth. Should a

Air Force leaders address quality of life issues, changes

Airmen can still expect high-caliber quality of life programs that will take care of them and their families despite the changes being made within the service, leaders here assured recently. "Quality of life continues to be one of our top three priorities," said Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, Air Force

Aircrews fly scientists, equipment to Antarctica

A McChord Air Force Base, Wash., jet touched down on a sheet of sea ice here Nov. 16 as part of Operation Deep Freeze. The C-17 Globemaster III, loaded with National Science Foundation staff members, supplies and equipment along with members of the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings, landed on the ice

Security forces member receives Bronze Star

An Airman from the 18th Security Forces Squadron here was awarded the Bronze Star during a ceremony Nov. 15 for actions while on a 365-day deployment to Al Kasik Military Training Base, Iraq. Capt. Russell Waight, 18th SFS officer in charge of plans and programs, served as adviser at the base

Defense agency delivers logistics support to warfighters

Whether it's an infantryman in Iraq needing a new firing pin for his rifle or a fighter pilot on a carrier in the Persian Gulf who needs to replace a cracked landing strut, the Defense Logistics Agency stands ready to support warfighters worldwide, the organization's director said in a recent

Roadside bombs don't stop NCO from rolling on

He had pieces of glass in his mouth and ears, six broken teeth, facial lacerations and a badly torn up vehicle."I just looked up and 'Boom!'" said Staff Sgt. Chris Lelm, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Grand Forks AFB who was driving in a convoy while deployed to Iraq. "I don't remember

379th AEW supports flood relief operations in Ethiopia

For Airman 1st Class Daniel Stone, it was an amazing adventure. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be flying into the heart of Africa, helping flood victims," said the loadmaster assigned to the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here. "It's something I'll never forget." Deployed to