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  • Hotel tax exemptions could help AF save millions of dollars

    During a time of increasing Department of Defense budget constraints, the Air Force continuously looks for innovative solutions that save money and positively impacts the mission. Air Education and Training Command's Financial Management office said Air Force travelers could help save millions of

  • CMSAF kicks off AFSA convention

    More than 1,300 U.S. Air Force enlisted Airmen gathered here to kick off the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference, Aug. 12. The convention is held annually, and is comprised of a number of smaller conferences and meetings, all sponsored by AFSA. This

  • ISR Agency GPC program tops in AF

    A government purchase card is a valuable tool to an organization's operation. The effective management of the card's paperwork is the key to that value.The Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency GPC Program is thriving thanks to its ability to balance its books better than

  • EOD tech school puts 'battlefield' into PT

    Physical fitness workouts for Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) candidates now have a battlefield twist at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), as the 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here has revamped their fitness program to turn Airmen into

  • Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff

    The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony here Aug. 10.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony."Mark is respected throughout the Air

  • Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands; direct

  • EOD prelim helps tech school attrition rate

    It's amazing what a difference a year can make in the technical training world.The 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here is reaping the benefits of better-prepared Airmen attending Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, with the overall Air Force attrition rate down 16 percent

  • US, Botswana provide humanitarian civilian assistance in Malwelwe

    Family and community members from the Malwelwe village gathered to receive medical treatment during a humanitarian civilian assistance event Aug. 7.The humanitarian civilian assistance event was conducted as part of the MEDLITE/SOUTHERN ACCORD 12 exercise, a key element in a broader series of

  • CMSAF Roy: 'Future is now'

    During recent visits to Air Force bases across the nation, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed issues ranging from AEF Next to resiliency to developing 21st century Airmen. Air Force leaders must ensure future enlisted leaders are skilled in things like leadership and

  • Maxwell medics return from Peru

    Nine members of the 42nd Medical Group recently returned from New Horizons, an ongoing joint humanitarian training exercise in Peru. An annual series of free medical clinics and infrastructure development projects, New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-led exercise conducted with Latin American

  • Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force visits basic military training

    Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin visited with Air Force basic military training officials and trainees here July 30.During a trip to San Antonio, Morin met with the 37th Training Wing leadership and toured the BMT campus. In June, Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air Education and

  • DOD, VA release mobile app targeting post-traumatic stress

    The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have released a free Apple and Android smartphone mobile application for use with post-traumatic stress disorder treatment.The app is called PE Coach; PE stands for "prolonged exposure."Psychologists at the Defense Department's National Center for

  • Service members successfully work themselves out of job

    Most people wouldn't define success as working themselves out of a job, but for the Joint Medical Operations Cell located in western Afghanistan, that was exactly their goal.What began as a 20-person-strong medical team in 2006 has now dwindled down to six people as medical advisors and mentors

  • Innovative simulator solution enhances training, saves millions of dollars

    A significant milestone for remotely piloted aircraft was ushered in July 10, with the first student sortie in an innovative T-6 Texan II simulator.The new setup has dramatically increased the ability to train remotely piloted aircraft pilots, and the ingenuity behind the new simulator saves the Air

  • Profile: AETC's 2011 NCO Instructor of the Year

    For Tech. Sgt. Ryan Tennyson, Air Education and Training Command's Non-Commissioned Officer Instructor of the Year for 2011, life as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal instructor couldn't get much better. Whether it be teaching students at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin Air Force

  • Special operations command opportunities available

    Rated and nonrated officers interested in special operations command opportunities must update their Airman Development Plan with a command statement of intent and submit the ADP to the Air Force Personnel Center by September, AFPC officials said here.The Commando Eagle selection board will meet in

  • AF names intelligence squadron command candidates

    Six dozen officers have been selected as intelligence squadron command candidates, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced here.The intelligence career field development team met at AFPC in June to select the squadron command candidates, said Maj. Nicole Francis, intelligence officer

  • F-35 maintenance training spawns USMC's first air FTD

    It's no surprise that the military operates in an increasingly joint environment today. With the introduction of the Department of Defense's newest fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightening Bolt Joint Strike Fighter, the joint effort is at the forefront of the aircraft's maintenance training

  • AF partners with schools, universities to promote STEM

    Teachers from across the U.S. became students for a week during an Air Force-sponsored ASM International Materials Camp July 13 at Howard University, Washington, D.C.ASM started the camps for students in 2000 to make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fun. After much success, two years

  • Vigilant Eagle board selects 82 command candidates

    The Space and Missile Vigilant Eagle Operations Squadron Commander Selection Board has selected 82 lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects as command candidates for projected 2013 vacancies, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Candidates will be matched to command vacancies at Air

  • N.C. governor signs bill to help military, vets, families work in state

    Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander, spoke at a ceremony here July 24, where North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue signed legislation making it easier for military members, spouses and veterans to obtain the necessary occupational licenses required to work in the state. North Carolina

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: From maintenance to medicine

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Twenty-one Airmen from across the Air Force were selected for the 2013 Interservice Physician Assistant Program, with training scheduled to begin

  • DOD to improve voluntary education safeguards

    The Defense Department is nearing completion of an agreement with post-secondary schools to ensure service members have the best possible experience in continuing their education, a senior Pentagon official said today.The department will release later this summer a memorandum of understanding to be

  • Harnessing the power of science, technology, engineering and math

    The chair of the U.S. Air Force  Academy's Engineering Division and head of the Aeronautics Department here said the nation faces a crisis in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.To help avert the crisis, Col. Neal Barlow and other Academy officials are developing educational

  • Two CSAR officers awarded Silver Star medals

    Two 19th Air Force combat search and rescue officers were presented the Silver Star medal at the 19th Air Force's inactivation ceremony here July 12. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., the commander of Air Education Training Command, presented the third-highest military decoration to Majs. Philip Bryant and

  • Through Airmen's eyes: AEDC's Airman aims for the future

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)One of the military's most effective recruiters is often a person's older brother.Senior Airman Eric Ball is the first to acknowledge

  • San Antonio health system among best in wounded warrior, trauma care

    During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission hearings, it was suggested that the military should consolidate all health facilities in San Antonio to create the San Antonio Military Health System. The SAMHS was established after both the Air Force and Army chiefs of staff signed a

  • Air Force running goes digital

    Beginning Sept. 1, Air Force medical officials will take new strides to get Airmen running safely.The Air Force Telehealth Office will conduct a six-month study to investigate the outcome and efficiency of online running instruction. The study will examine the effectiveness of a newly developed set

  • SecAF visits Spangdahlem AB

    The Air Force's top civilian leader met 52nd Fighter Wing leaders and service members here July 13.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the base as part of a familiarization tour and to speak with Airmen about the unique capabilities Spangdahlem Air Base provides to the European theater

  • AETC Trains America's International Partners

    Air Education and Training Command's mission is to develop America's Airmen today ... for tomorrow, but the command's reach extends far beyond America's borders.AETC personnel is training the air forces of America's international partners, helping create a large-scale network of air force

  • AF seeks medical commissioning candidates

    Interested officers, enlisted members and cadets eligible for fiscal 2013 Biomedical Sciences Corps training and commissioning programs can learn more during a world-wide webcast slated for July 18, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Webcasts, slated for 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. central time,

  • Two Silver Star medals presented at 19th Air Force inactivation ceremony

    Two 19th Air Force combat search and rescue pilots were presented the Silver Star medal at the 19th Air Force's inactivation ceremony  July 12 here. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., the commander of the Air Education Training Command, presented the third highest military decoration to Majors Philip Bryant

  • 'Today's Air Force' recaps Colorado wildfires, F-35 Lighting II

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on July 6.First, Staff Sgt. Brad Sisson takes a look back at the wildfires that tore through Colorado and threatened the Air Force Academy.Next, Airman Jimmy Moreland takes viewers to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, to say

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Working with TCNs

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Late last year, I was tasked to deploy as an escort for third-country nationals. TCNs are civilian personnel who are utilized to help

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Triumph of survival

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In 1995 in America, most six-year-old boys spent their days picking on six-year-old girls, or mimicking and idolizing the Power Rangers

  • Bataan Death March survivor shares story

    Fewer and fewer Americans today can recall where they were when they heard the news that Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, had been attacked by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941. As the number of first-hand accounts from World War II continues to decrease and new conflicts of the current era arise, earlier struggles

  • Becoming an MTI? There's an app for that

    There's a smart phone application for just about everything these days, including joining the ranks of the Air Force's military training instructor corps. The app, simply called "Air Force MTI," is free and available for Apple, Android and Blackberry devices."It takes a special person to be an MTI,"

  • Airmen selected for commissioning program

    More than four dozen enlisted Airmen have been selected for the 2012 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.The NECP selection board meets annually in May to review records and identify the top applicants for a commissioning opportunity in a

  • AETC commander addresses recruits' allegations of sexual misconduct

    The commander of the Air Force's Air Education and Training Command spoke to members of the media here June 28 about the on-going investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by military training instructors (MTIs) at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas."In the fall of 2011 we discovered, to our

  • Overseas scholarship, fellowship applications due in July

    Airmen who want to attend university overseas, be a White House fellow, serve a two-year fellowship in Japan or compete for an information assurance scholarship have until July 31 to submit their application, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. "These programs help us develop Airmen, which is

  • 2013 CDCs available online in September

    The Airman Advancement Division's online library, e-WAPS Online Reference Library Database, or e-WORLD, will soon have 2013 promotion cycle study reference material available.Airmen will be able to access the latest reference material by September. Past Career Development Courses are also available

  • Information is best weapon against suicide

    In 2010 there were 110, in 2011 there were 122, and halfway through 2012 the number is already 140.These numbers, according to Defense Department officials, refer to suicides committed across the services within the past three years. It shows an upward trend in the number of lives lost despite the

  • Air Force spouse testifies on military families with special needs

    An Air Force spouse testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel here June 21 about programs and policies that support military families with special needs. Jeremy Hilton, a Navy veteran who was recently named the 2012 Military Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse

  • Lackland NCOs referred for courts martial

    Air Force officials announced today the cases of two Air Force military training instructors (MTIs) assigned to the 737th Training Group at Lackland have been referred to special courts-martial at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. These cases come as part of a larger investigation into sexual

  • Air Force presence helps preserve progress in Iraq

    A group of Airmen assigned to the Office of Security Cooperation - Iraq help to preserve progress made in the country after almost a decade of war. The mission of OSC-I, in coordination with USCENTCOM and U.S. Mission-Iraq, is to conduct security cooperation activities to build partner capacity in

  • Officials seek Air Force ROTC instructors

    If you have a knack for teaching, exemplify Air Force standards and want to have a positive impact on the Air Force for years to come, you might be a perfect match for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor duty, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Eligible first lieutenants,

  • U.S. Air Force Academy grad helps lead Estonia air force

    Lessons learned in the foothills of Colorado are taking flight in the Baltic Sea nation of Estonia. "I'm not a dreamer who thinks that Estonia will have a big strike air force. That is not something that 1.3 million taxpayers can sustain," said Lt. Col. Jaak Tarien, the chief of staff of the

  • Program encourages Airmen to 'Be Ready'

    Every year on June 1, when hurricane season officially begins, Airmen at bases along the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico start to pay more attention to the weather. It pays to be vigilant. Last year, on Aug. 27, 2011, Hurricane Irene landed in North Carolina and traveled up the Atlantic Coast,

  • Air Force Safety Automated System vital to tracking, preventing mishaps

    The Air Force Safety Center continues to develop and deploy enhancements to the Air Force Safety Automated System to provide accurate mishap information and timely risk mitigation data to all levels of command. AFSAS is a Web-enabled mishap reporting and analysis system that's accessible 24/7

  • Thousands of Vietnamese receive health care during joint, combined operation

    A team of approximately 30 U.S. military service members conducted health education clinics for local residents at two schools here June 10-18. The U.S. service members joined more than 25 Vietnamese civilian and military doctors and 21 non-governmental organization volunteers as part of Operation

  • Engineer hits way onto All-Air Force team

    First Lt. Kristina Stewart has taken a few weeks off from her duties as the 3rd Space Operations Squadron mission planning and engineering section chief here to play a little volleyball. Actually, Stewart will play more than just a little after earning a spot on the All-Air Force Women's Volleyball

  • Air Force to consider ROTC command candidates

    Eligible line of the Air Force lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects interested in command opportunities can apply for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment openings, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Applicants must update their Airman Development Plan and

  • Eglin fire department named best in Air Force

    For the past four years, Eglin's Fire Department was the best large department in Air Force Materiel Command. Now, for the first time in the most seasoned fire fighters' memories, it's the best in Air Force.The fire department services a unique location. Broken into seven districts, eight fire

  • Officials release investigation report on trainee's death

    The Air Force released a report of investigation June 7 into the death of an Air Force trainee, which occurred Oct. 19, 2011.The report cited Airman 1st Class Steven D. Williams' cause of death as cardiac dysrhythmia, or abnormal rhythm. Williams was in basic military training at Joint Base San

  • Partnership helps military spouses find employment

    As the wife of the Air Force Chief of Staff, Suzie Schwartz has the opportunity to meet with Air Force families stationed all across the country and around the world. And when she does, one issue that comes up time and again is spouse employment. During a recent interview, Schwartz said a relatively

  • Global medical practitioners work to seamlessly integrate

    Instructors from the U.S. Defense Institute for Medical Operations are exchanging ideas and techniques with medical practitioners from the different countries participating in Exercise Shared Resilience 2012 May 28 - June 8 here.The information flow is driven from a class titled "Critical Lifesaving

  • Air Force announces OTS selection boards results

    A total of 283 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced May 29. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 960 applications as part of the Officer Training School

  • Development team to select chief nurses in June

    Lieutenant colonel and lieutenant colonel-select nurses interested in chief nurse opportunities must ensure their Airman Development Plan is up to date and statement of intent is submitted by the June 11 suspense, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The nurse corps development team will

  • DoD leaders target audit readiness at Town Hall

    In the Defense Department's congressionally mandated effort to become audit ready, DOD leaders yesterday told senior government executives the Pentagon must manage its books as tightly as it manages operational missions.In a recorded video message, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta addressed the

  • AFTAC Airman wins national-level award

    A member of the Air Force Technical Applications Center here is the recipient of the 63rd Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award in the field of Applied Science, Engineering and Mathematics.Capt. Joshua A. Burger, a systems engineer with AFTAC, earned the prestigious award that recognizes outstanding

  • Former Airman credits AF for success in acting career

    A former service member credits the Air Force for helping him make a successful jump from the military to a television and film career.Jon Huertas, born Jon William Hofstedt, served eight years in the Air Force as an aircraft nuclear and conventional weapons specialist. He took advantage of the Air

  • Today's Air Force highlights retirement prep, medical Airmen

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on May 18. In the first segment, Tech. Sgt. Trevor Pedro takes viewers to an F-22 media day hosted by the commander of Air Combat Command. Later Airman 1st Class Hillary Herrick highlights a new way Airmen can prepare for

  • Additional civilian employee self-service requests available online

    Air Force Personnel Center human resources officials have expanded a self-service initiative allowing civilians to request updates to their personnel records online.Employees can now request updates for résumés, name changes, veterans' preference for reduction in force, awards, education, training,

  • Expanded Palace Chase applications due June 1

    Some active duty officers who are unable to separate because of an active duty service commitment may still be able to take advantage of the Expanded Palace Chase program, said Lt. Col. Tara White, Air Force Personnel Center retirements and separations chief."This isn't a new program," White said,

  • Prior enlisted retirement restriction waiver requests due by June 1

    Prior enlisted officers with eight years of active duty commissioned time may be able to retire through the Air Force 10-8 Commission Waiver Program, which was originally announced last December, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded Airmen today. "AFPC announced this program last December

  • AF selects emerging leader program participants

    Six Air Force officers were selected for the 2012 National Defense University Center for the Study of Mass Destruction Program for Emerging Leaders, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The purpose of the program is to foster a community of rising U.S. government leaders with the awareness

  • Four Airmen receive SecAF Leadership Award

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented four Airmen with the 2012 Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award May 11 during a ceremony at the Air War College here. The award is the Air Force's most prestigious award for leadership in the professional military education environment."The

  • AF officials announce candidate bases for TACP/ALO training

    Air Force officials announced Joint Base San Antonio -- Lackland, Texas, and Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as candidate bases for the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Air Liaison Officer (ALO) School. The candidate bases were approved by Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air

  • 21 enlisted members selected for physician assistant program

    Nearly two dozen enlisted Airmen have been selected for the 2013 Interservice Physician Assistant Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The first group begins training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in December, said Kevin Smith, the education manager at the AFPC Biomedical Sciences

  • AFDW commander inducted into Boys and Girls Club Alumni hall of fame

    Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darren McDew was one of nine outstanding alumni inducted into the Boys and Girls Club of America Alumni Hall of Fame May 2 in San Diego, Calif.BGCA annually recognizes distinguished alumni during the organization's national conference to celebrate

  • Families list retirement, pay as top issues

    Military families regard the possible change of military retirement benefits as their top concern, according to the results of a major survey released today.The 2012 Military Family Lifestyle Survey also shows that pay and benefits, the impact of deployments on children, operational tempo, spouse

  • CSAF emphasizes partnership at National Security Forum

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz emphasized partnership between the public and private sectors during his keynote address at the National Security Forum here May 7. The forum, which continues through May 11, is hosted by Air War College. NSF participants include civilians from all over

  • Air Force innovation

    Lt. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, Air Mobility Command's vice commander, was among a panel of educators and civic leaders in St. Louis on April 27 to discuss the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or better known as STEM, education to an audience of teachers, parents,

  • Chiefs issue strategic direction to combat sexual assault

    Despite years of concerted effort, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commandant of the Coast Guard are dissatisfied with progress made in reducing sexual assault in the military, and have released strategic direction to increase the emphasis on combatting the crime.The chiefs released a "32-star"

  • Weather field to consider command candidates

    The weather career field development team and 2013 weather squadron command selection board will convene in July to select officers for the squadron command candidate list, and to vector weather officers for developmental opportunities, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Candidates will be

  • Vigilant Eagle command selection board convenes in June

    The Space and Missile Vigilant Eagle operations squadron commander selection board will convene in June to select command candidates for projected 2013 vacancies, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Statements of intent are due to the AFPC by May 18.Candidates will be matched to command

  • 10 Air Force teams compete for top dog honors

    The U.S. Air Force selected 10 of its best military working dog handler teams to compete in the 2012 Department of Defense Military Working Dog K-9 Trials here May 3-5.The Air Force makes up 10 of the 43 teams for the first DoD competition to be held in the past 10 years.The Air Force traditionally

  • Thousands treated, partnerships formed during Operation Pacific Angel-Laos

    Thirty American military members, along with partners from the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the U.S. Embassy, treated more than 3,650 patients, renovated five health clinics and schools, and shared medical and engineering expertise with each other during Operation Pacific Angel-Laos here,

  • Military working dog handlers come together for joint competition

    The 2012 Department of Defense Military Working Dog K-9 Trials kicked off here May 4 and will continue through May 6.The competition allows 43 teams from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps to demonstrate their handling skills with their canine partners.The competition was designed to

  • Officer development program applications due

    Officers considering 2013 advanced academic degree and experience broadening programs have a narrow application window, with some applications due within the next few weeks, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Public affairs and chaplain corps candidates have submitted their applications,

  • Pacific Angel med team gets real-life trauma care education

    With a swing of the axe, Neng Yong Ya's life took a dramatic turn for the worse. The 30-year old Lao farmer was at work, April 24, trying to remove a tree stump from a field when a Vietnam-era unexploded ordnance blew up. The force of the blast threw him, and caused trauma to his chest and stomach.

  • Air Force Specialty Code changes take effect in May

    Various officer and enlisted Air Force Specialty Code changes will take effect in May, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Updated Air Force officer and enlisted classification directories have been posted on the Air Force Personnel Services website (see link below). These updates include AFSC

  • AF chief honored with Army's prestigious medical Order

    The command chief of the Medical Education and Training Campus here was inducted into the Army's esteemed Order of the Military Medical Merit here April 20.Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Lambing was inducted as an honorary member of the elite organization, which accepts members for their

  • Planning continues for new Airman Heritage Museum

    Efforts are underway to expand the Air Force's enlisted heritage museum here. The Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation plans to modernize the USAF Airman Heritage Museum with a new facility to be located on what is becoming Lackland AFB's Heritage Campus. The site location, at the North end of the

  • Free 'Cross Cultural Communication' course offers CCAF credit

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center, part of Air University's Spaatz Center, is now taking applications for the summer session of its "Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication" course. The course, including all instructional material, is provided at no cost, and delivered via AU's

  • American citizenship: One Airman's dream becomes reality

    A contracting specialist from the 92nd Contracting Squadron here fulfilled his dream of becoming an American Airman -- literally, March 27 when a Spokane, Wash., judge swore him in as a legal citizen."The most important thing about citizenship for me is that I can finally get a secret clearance to

  • Air Mobility Command staff sergeant earns AF operational security award

    Managing a command-wide operations security program was just one area that led to a staff sergeant here earning the 2011 Air Force Operations Security NCO of the Year.Staff Sgt. Robert Perecko, is the information operations fused communication NCO in charge at the 618th Air and Space Operations

  • Holocaust survivor: 'You're the last generation that will hear from us'

    To this day, 77-year-old Marion Blumenthal Lazan feels a strong sense of fear when she sees a German shephard. It takes her back to that cold, rainy night in 1944 when she arrived at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp as a 9-year-old, and was threatened along with thousands of other Jewish families by

  • ISR chief outlines future programs

    While visiting deployed Airmen April 15-18, Brig. Gen. John Horner addressed the future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission programs.As Air Force Director of ISR Capabilities, Horner spent a few days with Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing to view the work of the many

  • AF officials plan for scheduled downtime to upgrade MilPDS

    The Air Force Personnel Operations Agency here is upgrading and transferring the Military Personnel Data System to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Defense Enterprise Computing Center later this year. During the scheduled 23-day upgrade project, MilPDS will not be available.Upgrades to

  • From Vietnam to OEF: Pilot flies last mission of career

    Lt. Col. James Routt, a pilot deployed with the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, flew the last combat air mission of his 33-year military career over the skies of Afghanistan, April 12.During his career, Routt has witnessed several operations -- from Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom in

  • Chief's perspective: Now is the time for bold leadership

    Enlisted Airmen,A week ago I sent an email message titled Leadership vs. Policy to Command Chiefs and Career Field Managers. You may have seen that message, or parts of it, but I'd like to take the opportunity to address it with you directly.The theme of the message was that too much arbitrary

  • Overcoming sexual assault: A victim's candid story

    Living has always been a challenge for Senior Airman Jane Smith. Seemingly born into an uphill world, physically and emotionally tested at every step, spirituality had continually strengthened her and still propels her forward in life, she said.Smith was nearly driven to suicide after being sexually

  • Minot AFB officials work to improve Airmen resiliency

    Officials at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., will admit the northern-tier base poses several inherent challenges for the Airmen stationed there. Its high-tempo nuclear mission coupled with the base's isolated location and large population of young Airmen can test the resiliency of every member. Base

  • Test program recruit prepares Airmen at USAF Special Operations School

    The challenges of today's dynamic, global environment constantly require the Air Force to be prepared to engage with every region of the world. National security depends on the Air Force accomplishing its mission in each unique regional environment. Senior Airman Pawel Jarosz understands the ability

  • 3 enlisted Airmen selected for advanced degree program

    Three Air Force master sergeants will pursue master's degrees through the Air Force Institute of Technology Enlisted to AFIT Graduate Degree Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Master Sgts. Yared M Abegaz, Air Mobility Command; Corey J. Perkins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; and

  • Shaw lieutenant best in 'force'

    When 1st Lt. Renea Skelton, 20th Force Support Squadron deputy sustainment flight chief, joined the Air Force as 17-year-old Airman in 1997, she dreamed of leaving her small town of San Angelo, Texas and making something of herself.She had no idea that 15 years later she would be walking across a

  • From Cuban refugee to U.S. Airman

    The year - 1995. The setting - Communist Cuba. Times were tough and chances for prosperity were depleting.In a make-shift boat built by her grandfather, a four-year old Cuban refugee and a dozen or so of her family members began their journey to America in hopes of a better life."Shortly after