Author, activist speaks with Airmen

Cloaked behind stories, imitations and comedy, a former Air Force technical sergeant, New York Times bestselling author and activist shared his message of doing what must be done to not only survive, but thrive.Dave Pelzer, author of a number of books, including "A Child Called 'It,'" volunteered

Airman dies in non-combat related incident

An Airman assigned to the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Camp Bucca, Iraq, died today in a non-combat related incident.The name and home unit of the deceased Airman is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.The incident is under investigation.  Additional information will

Despite stormy start, 'Katrina baby' thrives

No, her name is not Katrina. Sage Madison Post's dramatic birth at Keesler Medical Center during a cesarean section by flashlight as Hurricane Katrina stormed ashore was an inspirational story in the tumultuous days after the storm. However, without the family's consent, federal regulations to

Course trains medics to save lives in the air

Sweat runs into the student's eyes, blurring his vision as he strains to read the screen displaying his patient's vital signs. Loud engine noise disorients him and makes it hard to communicate with his two team members. It makes for a tense situation because a wrong move means the end of the line

Chief McKinley takes over top enlisted position

The Air Force welcomed new Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley as he was passed the torch by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray in a ceremony here today. Chief Murray retires after 29 years of service with the last four as the chief master sergeant of the Air

Summer 2006 quarterly issue of Airman available

Read about how airpower is helping fight the war on terrorism, see how a team of Airmen mentors is making a difference in Afghanistan, follow the daily routine of an Air Force recruiter in the Big Apple, and tag along as Airmen prepare for detainee operations in the area of responsibility. These

Spouses, families of deployed Airmen go the distance

Spouses and family members of Moody's deployed Airmen have an opportunity to go the distance through the "Inching Toward Iraq" program. The program is designed to help families cope with the stress of deployments, and it focuses on having families walk the distance it would take them to reunite with

Airmen test new Air Force flight suits, T-shirts

A six-month wear test for the next generation flight suit and proposed T-shirt undergarment is being conducted by specialists in the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron aircrew life support division here.The T-shirt, which is being tested in two versions made from wool or meta-aramid fibers (the same

Donated computers help Philippine youth get connected

Airmen from the 35th Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit, deployed to Singapore in support of Operation Commando Sling, took time out of their flying schedule to launch Philippine schools onto the information superhighway. Airmen conducted a donation drive and received computers and

Supply Airmen run mission lifeline at Ali Base

Paperclips, toilet bowls, sulfuric acid and body armor all have something in common. They are all items that have arrived at Ali Base through the supply system for issue by logisticians. "We are here to provide supply support for the base and do whatever else we can to help fight the war on

Civil engineers rid Kunsan of austere living conditions

Civil engineers here completed a construction project to update living accommodations typically used by servicemembers in support of air expeditionary force assignments.Thirty Southeast Asia huts, commonly referred to as SEA huts because of their popularity during the Vietnam War, were finished in

Air Force aids Army with medevac missions

Last year, the Army asked the Air Force for help with its medevac operation. Called an in-lieu-of mission, the Air Force agreed to assist and tasked Master Sgt. Scott Curran to form the first team of Air Force enlisted aerospace evacuation technicians, or flight medics, as they like to call

Handout updated for overseas returnees

Lieutenant colonels and below and senior master sergeants and below who are eligible to return from overseas assignments now have an updated guide to make informed decisions regarding their assignment options. The Overseas Counseling Handout, issued by military personnel flight or commander support

CMSAF says farewell to Airmen

In his latest "Chief's View," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray discusses his four-year tenure as the 14th top enlisted person and thanks Airmen for their contribution to the war on terrorism. "As I look toward retiring on June 30, I want to thank each of you for volunteering to

Pararescuemen train for space shuttle launch recovery

Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here practiced techniques June 23 that may be used during a space shuttle launch recovery mission. The next shuttle launch is scheduled for July 1. Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Curl, Master Sgts. James Johnston, John Shiman, Alexander Abbey, and a new

Delta IV launch successful

The first West Coast launch of Boeing's Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle was conducted here June 27. The rocket took off from Space Launch Complex-6 carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The spacelift commander for this mission was Col. Jack Weinstein, 30th Space Wing

Fighter aircraft arrive for Combat Archer

Twenty-eight fighter aircraft from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Luke AFB, Ariz.; and Shaw AFB, S.C., are here participating in Combat Archer. Approximately 300 Airmen deployed with their aircraft and set up operations in the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron, an Air Combat Command tenant unit

Japanese military key member of coalition

For the first time since its formation in 1954, members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are actively deployed to a combat zone. They are helping with humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. "I feel the responsibility of this valuable work for the world and am proud to take part

AFSO 21 streamlines logistics processes

Airmen with the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Management Flight are implementing a new way of thinking by streamlining their process of asset distribution at Incirlik and collocating people into one building. "We are wringing out the water and giving time back to our Airmen," said Capt.

Former astronaut takes command of Air Force Space Command

Gen. Kevin P. Chilton assumed command of Air Force Space Command in a ceremony here June 26, presided over by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. Current and former national defense leaders, active and retired senior officers, community leaders and active-duty servicemembers gathered

18th ASOG Airman praised for selfless service

A tactical air controller was recognized by the secretary of the Air Force with the presentation of a Silver Star in a ceremony June 26 for heroic duties while deployed to Southwest Asia in support of the war on terrorism. Tech. Sgt. Travis Crosby, a terminal attack control-qualified TACP assigned

Whiteman Airmen respond to Missouri building collapse

Fire and rescue specialists from here responded Monday to a statewide request for mutual aid after a building collapsed in Clinton, a town about 28 miles south of here. Nine people were rescued but one died in the incident."We were there to assist state and local officials spearheading the rescue

Mission success depends on refuelers

The B-1 Lancers that drop bombs on targets cannot get to those targets without the support of the KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders that refuel them en route. The general premise of the missions seems simple: refuel the B-1s on the way to and from the area of responsibility. In reality,

Air Ops Center wraps up Valiant Shield

After nearly 2,000 sorties, the Kenney Headquarters' Pacific Air Operations Center team, assembled to orchestrate air operations for Valiant Shield, concluded the exercise. "We had a very successful exercise," said Maj. Paul Hahn of the headquarter's Combat Operations Division. "This was a great

Air Force turns to old standby for Army re-supply

The U.S. military has turned to an old workhorse as the delivery method for supplies and humanitarian cargo needed to sustain Operation Enduring Freedom. The C-130 Hercules has been around, in one form or another, since the 1950s. It is the aircraft of choice for inter-theater airlift in

Firefighters get $10,000 in donated equipment

Firefighters here have received nearly $10,000 in donated equipment that will improve the Airmen's comfort and protection, thanks to the help of several nonprofit organizations, families and friends.Firefighters received the ballistic liner suspension system, an upgrade to the Kevlar helmet. "Most

Missing World War II Airmen identified

Nine Airmen missing in action from World War II have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors, officials from the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced June 27.The nine are 2nd Lt. Hugh Johnson Jr., Montgomery, Ala.; 2nd Lt. Byron Stenen,

Airmen ensure blood flows to forward locations

It is the job of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group's Expeditionary Blood Transshipment System to ensure that lifesaving blood, plasma and cryoprecipitate (the part of the blood that aids in clotting) get from the states to the forward operating bases. "All blood comes through here and that is

Laughlin students keep air traffic controllers busy

Just outside this small border town, with its low-key appearance and down-home lifestyle, Airmen control the Air Force's sixth busiest runway. Airmen of the 47th Operations Support Squadron's air traffic control complex at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, operate in a unique training environment.

Airmen prepare base for return to Iraqi control

In order for coalition troops to leave Iraq, the Iraqis must first be prepared to take over operations from the coalition. Part of accomplishing that task involves coalition forces training and validating the new Iraqi military. Four Airmen assigned to a small forward operating base about 10 miles

Air Force accepting physician assistant applications

The Air Force is taking applications from active-duty enlisted Airmen for Physician Assistant Phase I training classes beginning in January, April and August 2008. The selection board convenes at the Air Force Personnel Center on March 27. Completed applications must arrive at HQ AFPC/DPAMW, 550 C

Spouses overseas get funding to pursue degrees

Diane Rhinehart is ready to compete in the job market once she and her active-duty husband return to the United States next summer. During her stay here, the mother of four has completed her master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix with the help of the Air Force. Mrs. Rhinehart is

Logisticians track down $1 million in pallets

More than $1 million worth of pallets have been recovered over the past month by a team from the 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here.The team, led by Senior Airman Randy Walgren, has recovered more than 900 pallets used to carry cargo during military airlift. "When I arrived at

Chief of staff presents sergeant with Purple Heart Medal

A sergeant severely wounded in action in Afghanistan received the Purple Heart Medal today, pinned on his chest by the Air Force chief of staff. Staff Sgt. Israel del Toro Jr. accepted the medal from Gen. T. Michael Moseley at a ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San

Medical Airmen train with Honduran ENT residents

The hallways inside Hospital Escuela and sidewalks outside are lined with patients who have come here from throughout Honduras. The patients are waiting to be seen by medical residents at this training hospital specializing in the ear, nose and throat treatment. The residents have been joined by

Bilateral training benefits U.S., Japanese enlisted leaders

Nine Japan Air Self-Defense Force senior enlisted leaders took part in their first U.S. Air Force First Sergeant Symposium here as part of a bilateral exchange. Fifty-eight U.S. Air Force and Japanese senior NCOs participated in academics and training June 19 to 23 to learn how to be better first

U-2s boast new, improved cockpit

An improved U-2S Dragon Lady offering greater pilot awareness and improved safety arrived here June 14 as part of the Reconnaissance Avionics Modernization Program.The program's goal is to improve the maintainability and reliability of the aircraft."The Block 20 aircraft is a new, modern cockpit

Airmen teach skills to Afghans to rebuild their country

Saeed graduated from a Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team trade school eight months ago after learning carpentry and plumbing skills. Recently, the PRT trade school's mission of teaching life skills to the people of Afghanistan compelled Saeed to return to the school, not as a student, but as a

Airmen train Soldiers for protection mission

Airmen from the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here have found themselves performing a unique mission in the last month -- providing training to 164 Soldiers. "It wasn't so much training as (it was) refreshing their skills and letting them know some specifics about protecting Ali Base

Arizona Cardinal visits Incirlik

Running routes in 94-degree heat is nothing new to Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. He does the same thing every summer in Tempe, Ariz., for training camp.But Tempe is a long way away from Incirlik, where Mr. Fitzgerald was running routes June 21 with a bunch of unlikely teammates

Khobar Towers changed Air Force focus on force protection

It was around 10 p.m. on June 25, 1996, when Staff Sgt. Alfredo Guerrero went to check the security post on the rooftop of an eight-story Khobar Towers apartment building at Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia. He asked the sentry on watch if everything was OK. Below them, residents in the rooms were

The ABCs of PRT

The provincial reconstruction teams' efforts in Afghanistan are so successful Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice used them as a template to inaugurate the first U.S.-led PRT in Iraq in November. While addressing the Senate Committee of Foreign Relations last fall, Secretary Rice said, "To execute

'Lean tools' hammer waste, improve processes

Many people within Air Force Materiel Command associate toolboxes with maintenance-oriented jobs. However, with the renewed emphasis on continuous improvement, more people are turning to their "Lean" toolbox. This toolbox contains various Lean improvement tools that are part of Air Force Smart

Air Force stands ready for 2006 hurricane season

With hurricanes Katrina and Rita still fresh on their minds, Air Force officials stand ready to face anything Mother Nature may throw at them this hurricane season, senior leaders here said. “We provide first-in, last-out support for humanitarian crises and natural disasters,” said Air Force Chief

Tool team improves maintenance efficiency

Eleven Airmen with the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron here have made their facility a user-friendly and efficient workspace.When the consolidated tool kit, or CTK, team arrived in February, they were disappointed with the condition of their facility."There were parts and trash everywhere.

Officials name aircrew life support award winners

Air Force officials here have announced the 2005 Outstanding Air Force Aircrew Life Support of the Year award winners. These awards recognize the accomplishments of aircrew life support people and programs. The 2005 winners are: -- Headquarters Staff Member of the Year: Master Sgt. Richard Colson,

Retraining program achieves 95 percent success

The NCO Retraining Program, designed to balance the enlisted force by moving NCOs from career fields with overages to those with shortages, has reached an unprecedented 95 percent of the Air Staff goal for the fiscal 2006 program. This is the most successful NCORP to date, said officials from the

Air Force announces new mission at Cannon AFB

Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., will be the new home for an Air Force special operations wing, Air Force officials announced June 20.Air Force Special Operations Command will accept ownership of Cannon AFB and the Melrose Range effective Oct. 1, 2007. The decision came as a result of an eight-step

Airmen, Soldiers polish skills at Golden Medic

Air Force reservists from around the country deployed here June 10 to 19 to participate in the Army Reserve's largest medical exercise, Golden Medic 2006. About 200 Airmen set up a base at the city's regional airport. At nearby Fort Gordon, nearly 2,000 Soldiers took part in the exercise. More than

Air Force announces aviation resource management awards

Air Force officials have announced the 2005 Outstanding Air Force Aviation Resource Management of the Year award winners.The winners are: -- Airman of the Year: Senior Airman April Derrick, 384th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. -- NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Clayton Raub, 48th

Ice blaster saves money, manpower

To remove sealant from the wings of F-16 Fighting Falcons, Airmen here are replacing elbow grease and plastic scrapers with dry ice.The new process, which uses a machine to blast material with dry ice pellets, saves time, money and manpower, and is easy to clean up, said officials from the 574th

A simple test can save a life

Many servicemembers know that donating blood can help others, but there is another way to make an even greater difference in someone's life -- donating bone marrow.A staff sergeant from the 730th Air Mobility Squadron here did just that, recently returning to full duty only two weeks after the

Technicians cut metal waste

Airmen in the 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron's metals technology shop are maximizing value while minimizing waste by making what customers need from scratch. On a daily basis, they can produce two-dimensional "parts" for just about any aircraft here."With our computer design software, we can

Air Force Memorial progress 'wows' Airmen

When Staff Sgt. Paula Newman stood at the base of the Air Force Memorial, all she could say was, “Wow!” Senior Airman Henry Hargrove said it “pretty much rocks.” The two 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen from Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., were selected to visit the memorial and

Balancing capability portfolios key to Air Force success

Every day, news headlines tout successes of the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, but seldom make mention of Air Force contributions. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley told lawmakers and defense industry insiders on Capitol Hill June 14 that that lack of coverage doesn't mean

Warfighting integration reduces inaccuracy, inefficiency

Over the next decade, the Air Force will continue to use information technology to leverage the capability of its people and weapons systems. During a conference here June 13, Lt. Gen. Michael W. Peterson, Air Force chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer, told members of the

Squadron monitors sky over Afghanistan

If it’s flying over Afghanistan, Airman 1st Class Kyle Neill will be the first one to notice it. That is, as long as he is on shift as a surveillance technician with the 73rd Expeditionary Air Control Squadron here. Airman Neill's job is to manage data as part of a two-person team in an operations

Mosquitoes in the desert?

There are mosquitoes, along with spiders, snakes, wild dogs and a variety of other animals and plants, at Kirkuk and other deployed locations that can cause Airmen problems. But there are two units here fighting against these lesser-known enemies to the Air Force mission: the 506th Expeditionary

Operation Air Force brings cadets to the fight

Nineteen U.S. Air Force Academy cadets have deployed to Southwest Asia for a month as part of Operation Air Force. The career-broadening program brought a total of 52 senior cadets to three air bases in the region to learn more about what they will do once they receive their commissions. It also

Chief Murray reflects on Air Force career

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray will retire Oct. 1 after a 29-year career. The chief was at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, on June 16 to help commemorate the 60th anniversary of Air Force basic training. After the ceremony he sat down for an interview with Air Force Radio

Northern Edge 2006 takes joint operations to next level

Exercise Northern Edge 2006, Alaska's largest joint training exercise, concluded June 16.Nearly 5,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen worked together against a simulated enemy for two weeks, destroying targets on land and in the sea, gaining control of the Alaskan sky and performing

Core values start with oath

For the Air Force core values program to be effective, those values must be linked to the oath taken when entering military service, said Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff, special assistant to the Air Force secretary and chief of staff for values and vision. "Core values (form) a framework for a vision," he

AFPC to notify Airmen affected by VA data theft via e-mail

In an additional effort to help Airmen substantiate their status, the Air Force Personnel Center will e-mail active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen potentially affected by the Veterans Administration data theft. The center will notify individuals based on the information provided by the VA. This is

Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Air Force officials have selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2006. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center here considered 33 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and

Smoke-free clinic encourages healthy lifestyle

Encouraging healthy lifestyles is the focus of a new policy at the 36th Medical Group here.A no smoking policy is now in effect for everyone assigned to the 36th MDG while they are on its campus, including the parking spaces adjacent to the clinic. Signs are being erected to request visitors keep

Academy grads team up for reality show

In a “quest for a promised hidden treasure,” a team of three former Air Force officers are competing against nine teams on NBC's new adventure series "Treasure Hunters." The team of U.S. Air Force Academy graduates includes husband and wife Matt and Brooke Rillos and their friend Matt Zitzlsperger.

Security forces get lifesaving training

Security forces Airmen here train for missions beyond the scope of their traditional roles. Thanks to the U.S. Army, they now have training that may save someone’s life. Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron completed a 40-hour combat lifesaving course.The Airmen learned basic

Medical care in the air

It was only a 30-minute flight from Bagram to Salerno, Afghanistan, and the C-130 Hercules carried four pallets and two passengers. When it returned, that 30-minute flight proved to be just one leg of a longer aeromedical evacuation mission that would eventually take two wounded Soldiers to

Exercise highlights Raptor synergy, joint capabilities

The final mission flies today at Northern Edge 2006, but the majority of the results are already in, and success is the buzzword from Alaska. During the two-week joint service exercise, several scenarios have proven that the interoperability and integration between American assets are stronger than

Lackland honors nine enlisted heroes

Nine enlisted heroes earned honors for their service and sacrifice to the Air Force and the nation during the Basic Military Training Memorialization Ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. At the June 14 ceremony, the base renamed and dedicated basic military training facilities to nine Airmen

RAF Lakenheath welcomes new mission, aircraft

The first two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from the 56th Rescue Squadron arrived here from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, via a C-17 Globemaster III June 12 and 13. Five aircraft and many operators and maintainers are moving here as part of the reallocation of the Iceland-based unit. “We’re

Red Horse keeps planes landing at Kandahar

Runways are essential to any air operation and many of the airfields in Afghanistan, used in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, need improvements. The runway here is being refurbished by cutting it in half length-wise, with crews repairing one side while aircraft land and take off on the other.

JIB communicates Northern Edge 2006 mission

Most people think of men and women in uniform wearing Kevlar vests and armed with rifles when they hear “military.” For the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines working here in the joint information bureau at Exercise Northern Edge 2006, pens, notebooks and cameras are just as critical as their

Hickam honors World War II vets with new C-17

The delivery of the seventh of eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs here June 14 brought 15th Airlift Wing and Pacific Air Forces Airmen together with World War II veterans. The aircraft, christened "The Spirit of 'Go For Broke,'” is a tribute to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 442nd fought in Europe

Air Force announces integration, information award winners

The winners of the Air Force’s annual Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Officer Awards for 2005 have been announced. “Each year, the quality of the nominations we receive shows we have troops at every level of command who continue to excel in conducting warfighter missions around the

Letter to Airmen focuses on personal financial management

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force T. Michael Moseley discuss personal financial management. “Although we often see our professional life in a very disciplined way, we sometimes don't realize how our personal well-being

Hawaii Airmen to deliver health care to Fiji

Pacific Air Forces and 15th Medical Group Airmen left here June 14 on a health care mission to Suva, Fiji, where they will train Fijian military leaders and participate in a humanitarian outreach program. “We’re going to be working with the Fiji Ministry of Health and Fiji School of Medicine to

Minuteman III launch successful

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Launch Facility-04 on North Vandenberg at 1:22 a.m. today. The primary purpose of the launch was to assess and demonstrate the operational effectiveness of the Minuteman III weapon system. The missile’s three unarmed

Sijan awards presented at Pentagon

The four Airmen selected to receive the 2005 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award were presented their awards at the Pentagon June 13.Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, Air Force assistant vice chief of staff and director of staff, presented the awards to:-- Lt. Col. Gerald Ven Dange, Defense Contract

Joint Prowler team jams at Northern Edge 2006

The sight of four crewmembers climbing out of a Navy EA-6B Prowler here on the flightline during Northern Edge 2006 is not unusual. However, when one of those four crewmembers is carrying the blue flight cap of an Air Force officer instead of Navy khaki, something might be amiss. But that is not the

Quarterly assignment listing available in July

The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing, or EQUAL, will be available July 11 for Airmen returning from overseas and for continental United States mandatory movers from November through January 2007. Airmen need to work through their military personnel flight or their commander's support staff to

Keesler newcomers face family housing hurdles

As this base struggles with housing shortages from Hurricane Katrina's wake, Airmen being assigned here accompanied by family members need to have a plan before they leave their current assignment. Due to Katrina, permission for servicemembers to bring their family members to Keesler has become much

Chief of staff adds five books to reading list

Officials announced five additions to the Air Force chief of staff reading list June 12. "The books on our reading list link our heritage to the horizon before us,” said Gen. T. Michael Moseley. “They help Airmen better understand our Air Force’s and our nation’s rich military heritage. But they

Maintainers keep B-2s soaring during deployment

Maintaining the world’s most advanced multi-role bomber isn’t an easy job. It requires Airmen work long hours to ensure every inch of airframe is ready to launch at a moment’s notice. Anything less would jeopardize the safety of the aircrew, or in the case of this unique aircraft, compromise the

Airman trains Hollywood actors for 'Transformers' movie

For authentic military aspects, DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures looked no further than Air Force Airmen for the major motion picture production “Transformers.” Actors trained for their individual military parts with an Air Force senior NCO. Master Sgt. Ray Bolinger, combat controller with the 22nd

Air Force recognizes judge advocates for excellence

The office of the Judge Advocate General of the Air Force has announced the winners of the Judge Advocate General 2005 Annual Awards. Winners of the 2005 awards include: -- Kuhfeld Award for Outstanding Young Judge Advocate: Maj. Charles Plummer, staff judge advocate, 501st Combat Support Wing,

VA data theft: Airmen may check status on AFPC Web site

All active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen can check the Spotlight area on the Air Force Personnel Center Web site to see if their personal data was compromised in the Veterans Administration data theft. This is an additional effort on behalf of the Air Force to ensure affected Airmen are aware their

Virtual 'heavies' key to Northern Edge simulations

The days of deploying an E-3 Sentry and other command and control aircraft to military exercises may soon be a rarity. With a large crew and an aging airframe, airborne warning and control systems, or AWACS, are expensive to deploy for a two-week training opportunity. But thanks to powerful computer

Training exchange strengthens ties between U.S., Argentina

A delegation from the Argentinean air force completed a weeklong visit on June 9 to the 479th Flying Training Group here as part of an international exchange program. Capt. Gustavo Pollastrelli, Capt. Juan Sabalua and 1st Lt. Roberto Montaldo, all Argentinean instructor pilots from Mendoza Air Force

Proper precautions can prevent skin cancer

Air Force health officials are reminding Airmen that simple precautions during the summer can help lower the risk of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed yearly are considered to be sun-related. While short-term

Bracing for the storm

It’s hurricane season again, and Air Force bases along the Southern coastline are bracing for what many experts are predicting could be another busy summer. In 2005, four major hurricanes -- Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma -- combined to produce more than $1 billion in damage to Air Force

Intel Airmen experts at puzzle solving

Predicting enemy actions in a combat zone like Iraq is like trying to put together a puzzle where not only the pieces rapidly change, but the overall picture changes moment by moment.At Ali Base, three members of the 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron intelligence flight spend their day

Northern Edge aims for air, sea dominance

“Our end result (of Northern Edge 2006) is to establish complete dominance in the air and at sea,” said Col. John Marselus, chief of the Joint Exercise Division, or JED, for U.S. Alaskan Command.The focus of the annual joint-service exercise is to prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the

Commando Warrior prepares Airmen for war on terrorism

Weapons tactics. Night operations. Improvised explosive devices and convoy training. Knowledge of all four areas is important.  That knowledge aids in the survival and victory of a combat unit. But that knowledge isn't inherently known by everyone in the military; it has to be learned. That's where

Air Force announces annual Public Affairs Achievement Awards

On behalf of Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Col. Michelle Johnson, director of Public Affairs and deputy director of Strategic Communications here, announced the 2005 Public Affairs Achievement Awards.“My heartiest congratulations to

Rescuers go to the dogs

As Sammy sat atop Eagle Summit in February, stranded due to a snowstorm at the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, he may have wondered to himself, “How did I get myself into this mess, and more importantly, how am I going to get myself out?” Luckily, Airmen from Eielson Air Force Base answered

Airmen defend base during exercise

2005 Annual Weather Award winners announced

The winners of the Air Force Weather 2005 Annual Weather Awards have been announced, recognizing units and individuals throughout the weather community  as the best in their field. Col. John Murphy, acting director of the Air Force Weather Agency, said he was honored to announce the winners and

Red Horse squadrons unite in the fight

Red Horse squadrons from around the globe are combining forces to improve the quality of life for military members and safety conditions for Airmen and aircraft in South Korea. Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers from Osan’s 554th RHS have worked closely with Guard,

AETC deploys new pilot screening for fiscal '07

Air Education and Training Command officials here announced they will field a new psychomotor skills test to be required of all candidates meeting pilot selection boards after Oct. 1. The replacement of the Basic Aptitude Test with the new Test of Basic Aviation Skills represents a command