A hero’s philosophy on life may inspire others

Articles and other news clippings commemorating a hero’s life lay safely tucked away inside a plastic box. Photos and plaques recounting his numerous achievements adorn the walls. In one corner, a stack of accident analysis reports and an actual piece of the Space Shuttle Columbia’s wreckage lie,

Sergeant thanks Congress for helping keep her team together

As the president spoke to the nation during the State of the Union address, an Airman sat in the gallery, dressed in blues, displaying the combat medals she earned in Iraq. America’s most prominent leaders were gathered in one room on Capitol Hill for the annual speech Jan. 31. Sitting attentively

379th Airmen bring fight, supplies, relief to warfighters

While each military branch promotes individual service pride, the days of fierce rivalries between the services have seemingly fallen by the wayside to concentrate on the war effort. A cavalryman here knows this. Army ground liaison officer Capt. Phil Messer monitors the interaction between the

12th Air Force embraces 'A staff' structure

The Air Staff at Headquarters Air Force in Washington is switching to the “A staff” structure today. However, the staff functions at 12th Air Force are already organized under the “A staff” structure.Twelfth Air Force, located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., restructured in June 2004. Since

Air Force Assistance Fund campaign begins Feb. 13

This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, from Feb. 13 to May 5, will provide Airmen the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations. Now in its 33rd year, 100 percent of designated AFAF contributions will benefit active-duty,

Luke Airmen enjoy 'Lt. Dan Band' show

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band received rave reviews from the more than 1,500 Luke Airmen who attended a free United Service Organizations concert Saturday night. Well known for his “Forrest Gump” character “Lt. Dan”, Gary Sinise and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, played a variety of music from

Third country national escorts keep watchful eye

They stand in the background, silently observing third country nationals, or TCNs, with a watchful eye. They call themselves “the ghosts of the base.” Their work almost goes unnoticed, but the 379th force protection security escort flight plays a critical role in base security. “As a second line of

Phase maintenance key to mission success

Eleven hours flying time or about 4,400 nautical miles away is a key to success for the 40th Air Expeditionary Group’s mission: supporting Operation Enduring Freedom from the sky and ensuring peace throughout Afghanistan. The key: Detachment 1 with the group’s expeditionary maintenance squadron at

AEF rotation perfect time to set goals

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief makes no bones about it at the Right Start Briefing. “You’re here for a rotation, and our mission comes first; but, it’s also a great time to set some goals and achieve them,” said Chief Master Sgt. Dwayne Hopkins, 379th AEW command chief. Tech. Sgt.

F-35 simulator demonstrates fighter of tomorrow

While the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is still in development, Airmen are getting a “sneak peek” at the future of air superiority thanks to a unique simulator. The Lockheed Martin Corporation’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or JSF, pilot interface simulator is demonstrating the fighter’s capabilities to

C-130 airlift reduces ground convoy operations

Sitting high on his stool in the back of a C-130 Hercules, Senior Airman Jon Hall, a 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, scans the ground for airborne threats on an airlift sortie over Iraq. This duty is one that Airman Hall and many other Airmen, deployed here from the 463rd Airlift

Air Force eliminates commissioned officer distinctions

The Air Force will eliminate the distinction between active-duty regular and reserve officers by May 1. Previously, an officer who earned a reserve commission served in a sort of probationary period until promoted to major, when they could become a “regular” officer. The contract reserve officers

Gunsmith shop gets new name, command

The U.S. Air Force Gunsmith Shop is getting a new name and command. After 48 years of operations here under Air Training and then Air Education and Training Command, the shop is realigning under Air Force Materiel Command. Now known as the U.S. Air Force Gunsmith Integrated Product Team, the

Overseas EQUAL list available Feb. 1

The Overseas Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing will be available Feb. 1 for overseas requirements, October to December. Airmen should work through their military personnel flights or commander's support staff to update their preferences. Deployed personnel should work with their personnel

Chief makes history, home at 433rd AW

“When I was told that I was the first African American female chief in the 433rd, I was proud because I have made a milestone,” said Chief Master Sgt. Laverne Vick, who has been with the wing her entire 28 years in the Air Force Reserve. “I wanted to set an example so I wouldn’t be the last and

Rosa Parks took a seat in order for our nation to stand up

In October, I was in Texas for a journalist’s workshop when I learned by way of a television news ticker that Rosa Parks, often dubbed the “mother of the civil rights movement,” died at age 92. The news took my breath away, but it was then that I realized a hero doesn’t always wear a military

Tuskegee Airmen leave strong legacy

On July 19, 1941, the Army Air Force began a program in Alabama to train black Americans as pilots for the first time. Civil rights organizations and the black press exerted pressure that resulted in the formation of an all black pursuit squadron based in Tuskegee, Ala., in 1941. They became known

Air Force evacuates ABC News team to U.S.

An injured ABC News correspondent and cameraman were flown from here to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., today to receive additional medical treatment in the U.S. Anchorman Bob Woodruff and cameraman, Doug Vogt, were injured in Iraq and treated for their injuries at the Air Force Theater Hospital at

CMSAF announces retirement

The 14th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Gerald R. Murray, announced plans to retire this summer after serving more than 28 years. Chief Murray has served as the chief master sergeant of the Air Force since July 1, 2002. “I’ve grown up as an Airman,” Chief Murray said. “The Air Force has

Airmen pitch in to support Iraqi children

Surrounded by stacks of school supplies, Senior Airman Aaron Smith stands in the middle of a mission that almost didn’t go. The supplies are donations from stateside groups and individuals and the mission is Operation Provide School Supplies. Without the Airmen of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group,

Memorial services held for fallen Airmen

More than 500 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and multinational partners attended a memorial service Jan. 27 to pay their final respects to two Airmen who were killed in Iraq by an improvised explosive device Jan. 22. Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton, 32, and Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy, 28, were assigned to

American, Korea forces combine efforts in peninsula-wide exercise

Seventh Air Force launched a peninsula-wide exercise Jan. 23 with a combination of forces from Osan, Kunsan and South Korea. This exercise was the largest in South Korea in recent history. “Seventh Air Force Headquarters, the 51st Fighter Wing and the 8th Fighter Wing have completely integrated into

Field medics move in out of the dust

The thought of a field hospital conjures up images of medics rolling battle-wounded troops on gurneys into a dimly lit operating room. The 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron at Sather Air Base located at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, no longer battles the desert dust or works in cramped

Headquarters Air Force realigns similar to 'J-staff' model

The staff functions at Headquarters Air Force, major commands and warfighting headquarters will soon all share the same "A-staff" structure. By Feb. 1, the Air Staff at Headquarters Air Force here will adopt an organizational structure that closely mirrors the Army's "G-staff," the Navy's "N-staff"

HVAC team keeps Airmen ‘cool’ under pressure

Every humming metal box, tangle of wires and yawning duct on a military base has some function. But, it usually doesn’t get much attention until it stops functioning. In this way, heating, venting and air conditioning, or HVAC, technicians in the 376th Civil Engineer Squadron here, are attuned to

New location, same C-130 airlift mission

Airmen and aircraft have relocated and the name of the squadron has changed. But, the mission of Airmen deployed here from the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., has not. These Airmen deliver cargo in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and are now flying their

Chilean air force receives F-16 Peace Puma

The delivery of two new F-16 Peace Puma aircraft from the United States to Chile Jan. 24 kicks off a promising era of interoperability between the two nations. Over the next 10 months, the Chilean air force will receive eight additional F-16 C and D model aircraft from the contractor Lockheed Martin

Air Force evacuates injured ABC News team to Germany

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 172nd Airlift Wing and medical personnel from the 791st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron evacuated a wounded ABC news team from Balad Air Base, Iraq, to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 30, for treatment at the nearby Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

Air Force-led convoy hands reins back to Soldiers

As the Air Force has taken on roles traditionally held by the Army, one of the most visible of those tasks has been convoy duty. One of those Air Force-led convoys is ending its run and handing the reins back over to Soldiers. Their last convoy will be a certification run for the Soldiers who are

'Why' Smart Ops 21?

Why do we do the things we do, the way we do them in the Air Force? “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it,” is a common reply. While tradition is important to the existence of an organization, the growth required to propel an organization forward doesn’t happen without honestly applying the

Small office comes up big for armament, munitions Airmen

When it comes to handling munitions no one does a better job than the munitions materiel handling equipment focal point here. The focal point is an organization assigned to the agile combat support systems squadron. Its sole purpose is to support the entire Air Force armament and munitions community

PMEL Airmen ensure equipment is serviceable

The precision measurement equipment laboratory’s claim to fame is being the only 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron workgroup that serves the entire area of responsibility. The team falls under the responsibility of the test measurement and diagnostic equipment, or TMDE, flight. The laboratory

Response team rescues two Airmen during Arctic storm

With sub-zero temperatures, snow and winds exceeding 100 miles per hour, an unexpected Arctic storm struck here Jan. 24, trapping two Airmen without a heat source on the frigid tundra. Airmen 1st Class John Wood and Marc Chavis were rescued from their stranded patrol truck after U.S. and Danish

Services Airmen handle record-breaking ‘invasion’

More than 3,000 transient servicemembers invaded this desert base recently. These travelers broke the base’s records for lodging and dining. "They came in droves, hungry and tired," said Lt. Col. David Preston, the commander of the 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron. "But, Services was up for the

Piece by piece, information can yield secrets when put together

These days modems come built into computers and Internet access many times is cheaper than regular telephone service. It seems everyone has a license to cruise the information super highway. There are a variety of ways for people to interact across the globe, such as e-mail, chat rooms and instant

Transportation secretary praises Lackland Airmen

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta praised Airmen here Jan. 25 for their vital role in transportation and care of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita evacuees. “You witnessed firsthand one of the most devastating disasters this country has ever had to endure,” Secretary Mineta said. “And you

Contingency skills course brings expeditionary basics to Airmen

With Airmen doing more on the frontlines of the war on terrorism, the need exists for Air Force specialties across the board to receive training in a variety of expeditionary combat skills. In the Air Mobility Warfare Center’s 421st Combat Training Squadron here, they built an answer to that need --

Andersen kids lead FitFactor in participation points

A brother and sister team from Andersen hold the most participation points in FitFactor, the Air Force-wide youth fitness program. Fenton and Cierra Fitzgerald, the son and daughter of Master Sgts. Fenton and Kimberly Fitzgerald, accomplished the feat by working their way through three of the five

AMC Airmen deploying 'a little lighter'

Air Mobility Command Airmen who deploy are traveling a little lighter -- nearly 90 pounds lighter -- thanks to the mobility bag pre-positioning initiative. The program, now in its second phase, will allow 5,000 Airmen -- about 1,000 from AMC -- to deploy without carrying the typical three mobility

Security forces work side by side with Soldiers in Iraq

Imagine searching door to door with Soldiers, looking for insurgents, high-value targets and weapons caches in Iraq. Envision the nerve it takes to do the job after having another Airman in the area critically injured by an improvised explosive device, or IED, only two weeks after being assigned to

LEAD deadline fast approaching

Airmen looking for opportunities to enter the commissioned officer ranks can apply for the 2006 Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development, or LEAD, program until Jan. 31. LEAD is a program that allows commanders to nominate highly qualified Airmen for direct entry to the Air Force Academy or

Little Rock Airmen provide “beans and bullets” downrange, again

A trip to the desert is nothing new for the 463rd Airlift Group here. On Jan. 20, 24 Airmen and two C-130 Hercules stepped up to deliver "beans and bullets" to the warfighter for more than 120 days. The experienced crew understands that airlift is important for reducing convoy operations in

Air Force casualties identified

The Department of Defense today identified the two Airmen killed Jan. 22 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Airmen were killed when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while conducting convoy escort duties near Taji, Iraq. They are: Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton, 32, of Miami,

Nine Airmen to represent AF at boxing championship

After two weeks of intense training and one tournament, nine Airmen have been selected to represent the Air Force at the Armed Forces Boxing Championship at Ventura Naval Base, Calif., Feb. 6 to 11. The boxers are: -- 1st Lt. Rodney Ellison, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; -- Senior Airman Celsa

EOD working to protect others

It takes a special person to deal with the stress of working with explosives. That pressure motivates the 34 Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal flight here and at five forward-operating bases. Staff Sgt. Micah Jobe, EOD team leader, is

Raptor completes operational refueling flight first

Airmen from the 18th Air Refueling Squadron here took part in the first operational aerial refueling mission for the F-22A Raptor Jan. 21 in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The F-22A Raptor was declared operational by the Air Force Dec. 15. It is the newest fighter aircraft for the Air Force,

Firefighters do more than name implies

The 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Prevention Flight does more than fight fires. "In addition to fire and medical calls we respond to hazardous materials, confined space and high angle rescue calls," said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Raymond, 332nd ECES fire chief. The flight also

Force-shaping officers can go into Reserve

"One weekend a month, two weeks a year." This catch phrase has been repeated on television commercials over the years, but for those facing the Air Force's force-shaping initiative, it may soon become a reality. Joining the Reserve is one option open to those lieutenants affected by force shaping.

Airmen survive on island showcased in 'Survivor'

Capt. Kristen Bakotic first learned about Palau while watching the two-hour finale of the reality television show “Survivor.” When she found out the Air Force was looking for enlisted people to volunteer for a six-month tour here, she checked to see if they needed an officer. The Air Force had in

CMSAF Murray visits Southern Command units

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray toured units throughout U.S. Southern Command Jan. 16 to 19 to express Air Force leaders’ appreciation for what Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians within the command do every day. Chief Murray visited Airmen in Honduras, Ecuador,

Two Airmen killed in IED explosion

Two Airmen from the 586th Expeditionary Mission Support Group were killed, and one Airman was injured, by an improvised explosive device while on convoy escort duties near Taji, Iraq, Jan. 22. The names of the Airmen are being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Mountain Home maintainers keep Eagles, Falcons flying

Behind every good jet is a good maintainer –- actually, make that several maintainers. More than 850 Airmen with the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here serve as the first line of defense for maintenance on 73 jets, ensuring they’re safe, reliable and ready to fly when pilots need them. The

A-10 pilots, support personnel head to OEF

More than 400 Airmen with the 355th Fighter Squadron and the 354th Maintenance Group and their A-10 Thunderbolt IIs recently left for a 120-day deployment. “I’m excited to go on this deployment,” said Capt. Darrell Walton, a pilot with the 355th. “With so much training space here in Alaska, I

Security forces squadron leads combat path

In a vast wasteland of Third World countries paved with improvised explosive devices and teenagers armed with rocket-propelled grenades, you’ll find Airmen defending freedom. Airmen with the 366th Fighter Wing here are no strangers to combat operations, but one group shares this load more often. The

ACC chief visits with deployed Airmen

The top Air Combat Command chief master sergeant recently toured units here to ensure Airmen were properly trained and equipped before deploying. Command Chief Master Sgt. David Popp said the No. 1 reason for his visit was ensuring that the Airmen deploying from ACC units are trained, equipped and

Barksdale lends helping hand in filming movie

Barksdale Airmen helped movie crews film “The Guardian” here Jan. 12 and 13. Although originally slated to shoot in New Orleans, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina quickly changed the movie’s plans. “We were planning on making the movie in New Orleans. Obviously, Katrina hit, and we had to move

Security forces transformation to affect total force

As the Air Force continues to adapt for the future, changes to the security forces career field will affect the total force. Brig. Gen. Robert Holmes, director of security forces and force protection, calls these transformations a “refocus” on how his people train and fight. “We’re not in the Cold

Team provides free clinic care to Palau islanders

A physician assistant recently arrived here to provide free health care to islanders who cannot afford local hospital fees. Being the only health care provider on the largest Palau island, is a challenge that Capt. Dan Calderon is excited to undertake. “When I first heard about this (three-month

Guam Guard works side-by-side with active-duty counterparts

Maria Ronquillo is known as one of the nicest and most caring teachers on Guam. As a teacher consultant for a high school here, she frequently visits students to make sure they have good grades and make progress in their classes. But you don’t want to see this friendly islander make a “house call”

Former president visits Airmen

Beale squadron welcomes Brown Bag University

The Air Force provides opportunities and financial support for school, both personal and professional. Many bases also offer on-base programs so Airmen don’t have to commute to a local college. For the first time at Beale AFB, a school is now coming right to a squadron. “The concept of Brown Bag

Airmen train on latest technology

A shadowy silhouette is seen through dust clouds, brush and trees. There’s neither enough sun nor moonlight to distinguish the surroundings. The atmosphere is unfamiliar, uncomfortable, dangerous and unpredictable. You know your enemy is watching your every move. Relief is found in a locked and

ROBE upgrade sets KC-135 on forefront of battle communications

A KC-135 Stratotanker here was fitted with upgraded communications equipment recently which will revolutionize battle space and the way the United States and its allies fight wars. After 18 months on the drawing board, the Roll-On Beyond Line-of-Sight Enhancement Spiral 2 program, ROBE, has been

Airman 'slugs' his way through D.C. assignment

Rush-hour traffic in the national capital region can be frustrating. To fend off the bumper-to-bumper blues, several servicemembers and civilians have taken to "slugging" -- the nickname given to instant carpooling here. To use the high occupancy vehicle lanes on many of the highways here, drivers

Airmen teach islanders construction skills

Members of the all-Air Force civic action team working here are not content with just building construction projects -- they want to teach Palauan how to do it. Eleven islanders are employed under the team’s apprenticeship-training program. Each works with a team member for training in the Airman’s

Joint patrol helps keep Kunsan Airmen safe

The 8th Security Forces Squadron Town Patrol, together with elements of the Korean National Police, or KNP, are conducting patrols of Kunsan City areas popular with base members. They actively patrol restricted areas and popular destinations of Kunsan City, said Master Sgt. Aaron Hascher, 8th SFS

Reservists attend first safeguard training exercise

While many Airmen were glued to the tube watching the NFL playoffs, the 939th Air Refueling Wing went to training camp to learn how to better survive and operate in a war, contingency or emergency. The 43 Reservists went to the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center at Camp Douglas, Wis., to

Infrastructure team makes the 'POInT'

A group of Air Force civil engineers huddle in front of a large wall map at the back of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 1st Brigade Combat Team’s headquarters here. The red and green lines that meander from dot to dot across the large white map command their attention. They are the Power

Balad add-on armor shop comes to a close

After the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a need for extra armor on convoy vehicles arose. Insurgents were killing Airmen and Soldiers through roadside improvised explosive devices. Airmen here have been protecting convoys and the people who ride in them since then by installing extra armor to

Last WC-130H departs Keesler

The last of a generation of aircraft lifted gently off the runway here Jan. 12. “This is the end of an era. For years the H model performed magnificently meeting the needs of the weather mission; however, it is time to move on,” said Brig. Gen. Rich Moss, commander of the 403rd Wing. “The increased

Air Force to replace combat search and rescue helicopters

Air Force combat search and rescue teams will use a new helicopter -- the now under development CSAR-X -- to help recover downed pilots around 2012. The new helicopter will replace 101 HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters Air Force combat search and rescue teams now use. The Air Force expects to begin

Alaska Airmen operate out of Guam

The 168th Air Refueling Wing was the first Air National Guard tanker unit deployed to Guam after Sept. 11, 2001. Five years later, the Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Airmen are back on the island with their KC-135 Stratotankers as part of a theatre support package for U.S. Pacific Command flying

Trainees learn attention to detail through 'warrior' mindset

You won't find today's basic trainees hunched over brown T-shirts, tugging at them with tweezers to make perfect 6-inch squares. Instead, you will soon find Airmen who have mastered the M-16 rifle, can identify its components, field-strip and clean it, and reassemble it without the slightest

Think of safety first

Keeping Airmen here safe is not a task taken lightly by the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s ground safety office. "Our job is to prevent the loss of life or damage to government equipment," said Tech. Sgt. Clyde Lathon, 332nd AEW ground safety manager. "We are the Air Force equivalent to the

Airmen extend knowledge and manpower to island of Palau

For only the second time since the mid-1970s, the civic action team program in Palau is composed entirely of Airmen from around the world. Thirteen Airmen are living and working on the island made famous a year and a half ago on the reality television series “Survivor.” But the Airmen aren’t here

Andersen AFB: growing to meet its mission

The eyes of U.S. military leaders are once again focused here to provide peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. “The strategic importance of Andersen is rejuvenating,” said Col. Michael Boera, the 36th Expeditionary Air Wing commander. “No longer is Andersen the sleepy hollow it’s been

New C-17 Globemaster III honors President Reagan

Former first lady Nancy Reagan today helped dedicate the Air Force’s newest C-17 Globemaster III to honor her late husband, former President Ronald Reagan. The Spirit of Ronald Reagan is assigned to Air Force Reserve Command’s 452nd Air Mobility Wing here. It is the first Reserve unit to fly its own

Rex the Dog finds new home

A 21st Security Forces Squadron Airman is the first military working dog handler allowed to adopt her K-9 partner from active duty. Tech. Sgt. Jamie Dana, a military working dog handler, has been waiting since August for the official word after she requested to adopt her K-9, Rex. The two were

Service demographics offer snapshot of force

The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its quarterly demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force, as of Dec. 31. More information can be found at online at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics. Statistics rounded to the nearest tenth.

Medevac flight keeps warfighters in the fight

Moving the wounded, sick or injured to where they can receive the right level of care is the focus of a group of medical specialists deployed here supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. From coordinating airlift to providing medical care while in flight, Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary

SERE instructor takes training to a new level

As nightfall approaches, the temperature drops to single digits. The layers of clothing that seemed more than adequate earlier, now offer little protection from the bone-chilling breeze and icy ground. But, that is the least of the survivors’ concerns. “They’re not just surviving,” Tech Sgt. Micheal

Airman killed in aircraft crash

An Air Force officer was among four killed Jan. 10 in the crash of a T-39 Sabreliner training aircraft in Walker County, Ga. First Lt. Jason Davis, 28, was a student navigator with Training Squadron 86 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. He entered the Air Force on Nov. 14, 2001. The others killed

SECAF celebrates welcome to the blue

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne was “welcomed into blue” during a ceremony here today. He was received by a hundreds of Airmen, the Air Force Honor Guard and Air Force Band. Gen. T. Michael Moseley, chief of staff of the Air Force, presided over the event and told everyone present it was

German-based Airmen put French on ice

CENTAF commander visits deployed Airmen, Sailors on last trip to Afghanistan

As part of his final trip to Afghanistan, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces visited deployed Airmen and Sailors here Jan. 10 to 11. During a troop call, Lt. Gen. Walter E. Buchanan III addressed Airmen and Sailors who are deployed to Bagram as part of Air and Space Expeditionary Force

Post-Katrina relief operations bolster community recovery

Keesler is at the forefront of the battle to restore the Mississippi Gulf Coast of Hurricane Katrina’s wake. After the storm devastated the base and surrounding communities Aug. 29, Keesler’s training mission temporarily stopped as it recovered and began humanitarian relief operations, or HUMRO. The

Health and wellness centers help some keep resolutions

Health and wellness centers Air Force-wide can help smokers kick their habit. Smoking cessation programs are offered for active duty personnel, retirees and Reservists. At the center here, the six-session program is combined with drug and patch therapy, psychological tips and physiological

Give and take, teach and learn -- building an Iraqi Air Force

Reality is often at odds with expectations when Airmen deploy. This difference can be extreme when the mission is to provide military training to a recent enemy. But several Airmen near the end of six-month deployments as advisory support team instructors say they would rather stay here than go home

Battlestar Galactica docks for sneak-peek at Columbus

The Sci-Fi Channel’s mantra -- “Fuel the Imagination” -- was the theme of the night as Battlestar Galactica television series fans invaded the Columbus Club for a celebrity-style sneak preview. The Season 2 premiere episode of Battlestar Galactica was shown a day early -- Jan. 5 --to approximately

AF selects four Airmen to vie for GEICO awards

The Air Force selected four Airmen to compete for the 2005 Government Employee Insurance Company Military Service awards. The Airmen are now authorized to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon and will compete against the nominees selected by the other military services. -- Staff Sgt. Lindsay J.

Wynne: AF needs to recapitalize

With the combination of aging and heavily used equipment, the Air Force needs recapitalization across the board, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said. In past discussions about Air Force recapitalization, aircraft usually took center stage. Although aircraft still need to be

Mission is out of this world

Its material is found nowhere else on Earth but here, while its mission is out of this world. Detachment 5, 22nd Space Operations Squadron has an antenna that uses a durable Kevlar mix as its cover, the first of its kind in the world. They use it because the material must withstand 195-mph typhoon

Airman saves career through yoga

If a picture can say a thousand words, Staff Sgt. Bonnie McKinley’s picture of herself would tell you of a time when she, at 5-foot-4-inches and 25 years old, weighed 215 pounds, putting her at risk of a heart attack or stroke. Not to mention, her Air Force career was in jeopardy. She did something

Cannon visitor explores BRAC options

As directed by the final 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations, the Air Force is exploring new mission options here. Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics William C. Anderson visited here Jan. 4-5 to gather information in an attempt

Air mobility operations Airmen keep cargo aircraft moving

Airmen deployed to the Detachment 5, 721st Air Mobility Operations Group, traveled thousands of miles to help the Air Force enable the global aspect of "global vigilance, reach and power." The 35 Airmen who work at the detachment are responsible for the maintenance, launch and recovery of all

New Mexico Tech to build on Kirtland

The Air Force conveyed more than eight acres of base land to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology during a ceremony here Jan. 6. The agreement is designed to stimulate business efficiencies and technological advancement through the construction of new facilities. The land conveyance, a

Group chops away at space system’s weaknesses

Several times a year, a group of junior U.S. military officers and federal government employees use open source databases -- such as the Internet and libraries -- in an attempt to reveal potential weaknesses in the Department of Defense's space systems. More often than not, participants in the Space

Ellsworth Airmen provide security in Iraq

Security forces from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., are serving in southern Iraq this winter. Twenty-four of the more than 300 Airmen who make up the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are from the 28th Security Forces Squadron at Ellsworth. They provide base, convoy and area security

Long convoy duty is no easy task

By dawn, Airmen of the 424th Medium Truck Detachment had finished preparing for their mission -- move Army 4th Infantry Division supplies and material from Kuwait into Iraq. These Airmen do not fly their cargo, and it’s quite possible they may go their entire deployment without even seeing a

Air power key to many 2005 successes

More than 75,000 Airmen rotated in and out of the theater to 12 locations during 2005 and helped coalition forces take part in historic events and record-breaking accomplishments. From ensuring millions of people in Iraq and Afghanistan had the opportunity to vote, to providing humanitarian aid