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  • Modernization ahead for Defense Department schools

    A program to improve Defense Department schools and ensure 21st century learning environments for military children is set to begin in October, department officials said Aug. 12.Officials from the Department of Defense Education Activity will address some $3.7 billion in construction and renovation

  • Academy ranked 11th-best school in nation by Forbes

    The Air Force Academy was ranked the 11th-best college in the nation on Forbes Magazine's 2010 America's Best Colleges list, which was released Aug. 12.The rankings are compiled by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, which evaluated more than 600 undergraduate programs.

  • More than 1,100 schools partner with VA on GI Bill

    Paving the way for recipients of the post-9/11 GI Bill to attend higher-cost schools, Department of Veterans Affairs officials have entered into more than 3,200 agreements with over 1,100 schools for the upcoming academic year under the "Yellow Ribbon" program. Schools can enter into multiple

  • VA officials announce test of paperless claims processing system

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have selected their regional benefits office in Providence, R.I., to test a paperless system and new procedures to improve processing of veterans' claims for disability compensation."This test program marks a major milestone in VA's move to paperless

  • Air Force primed to adopt official motto

    Seeking an enduring and distinctive way to reflect the Air Force's cultural identity and adapt to changing missions, senior leaders have solicited feedback from Airmen to help develop potential mottos, officials said Aug. 2."The intent is to create a phrase that captures the spirit of the Air Force,

  • Acquisition Improvement Plan recaptures excellence

    When the Air Force Secretary and Chief of Staff signed the Acquisition Improvement Plan in May 2009, they launched a significant effort to help the service recapture acquisition excellence."A key element of this plan was the revitalization of the (Air Force) acquisition workforce," said Lt. Gen.

  • Wilford Hall is 'baby-friendly hospital'

    Wilford Hall Medical Center has been designated a "Baby-Friendly Hospital" through the Texas Department of State Health Services' Texas Ten Step facility program.The announcement coincided with World Breastfeeding Week 2010 Aug. 1 through Aug. 7. The Texas Hospital Association and the Texas

  • Honor, dignity and grace: USAF honor guard trains Tyndall Airmen

    A slow procession of Airmen dressed in immaculate blue uniforms carries a large wooden box with a flag draped over the top. A trumpet sounds. Shots ring out. Carefully, the Airmen fold the flag, salute it and present it. For nearly 29 Airmen serving in the Tyndall Air Force Base Honor Guard, this is

  • Air Force officials name 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials selected the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2010. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center here considered 36 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and the Air Staff. The board selected the 12 Airmen

  • Knowledge operation managers lead the way

    Air Force senior leaders in the Knowledge Operations Management career field recently recognized KOM personnel at Wilford Hall Medical Center for their outstanding work in realigning information managers under one central office. Prior to 2008, the 59th Medical Wing KOMs were called information

  • 509th Medical Group earns outstanding HSI rating

    Whiteman Air Force Base's 509th Medical Group earned the highest rating in seven years for the entire Air Force during a recent Health Services Inspection July 12-16. "We received an outstanding in the three areas and an outstanding overall which means we're doing an exceptional job in making sure

  • Chief McKinley visits Ramstein Airmen

    The 15th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited here July 26 and shared his perspective as the service's former top enlisted member.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley retired from active duty at the highest enlisted level in June 2009, but despite the transition to civilian

  • Boom containment critical to Eglin AFB waterways

    Eglin Air Force Base officials are using reverse psychology to protect their waterways from possible contamination.Bruce Stippich, the 96th Civil Engineer Group's environmental compliance expert, has been busier than usual since an oil well ruptured in the Gulf of Mexico April 20. The Deepwater

  • Newer F-15s enhance maintenance training

    Months of coordination, several temporary deployments, and a large parking space define only a few of the factors that fell into place to bring 13 newer-model F-15 Eagles to update the F-15 aircraft maintenance course here.The course currently utilizes A and B model aircraft to train today's F-15

  • Senior NCO Academy graduates largest class

    The commandant of the Air Force Senior NCO Academy here said a milestone was reached by the class that graduated from the academy July 21."This was the largest class in the history of the SNCOA, but we hope the next class will be larger still," Chief Master Sgt. Alex Perry said.The chief said the

  • Reserve board seeks nominations for in-residence schools

    The annual Air Force Reserve Developmental Education Designation Board will convene at the Air Reserve Personnel Center here in November to select Reserve officers for in-residence developmental education schools for the 2011-2012 academic year.The board will select qualified Airmen to attend

  • Service chiefs gather to address children's conference

    Service chiefs from each branch came together to lend their support to the cause of helping military children July 23 here.Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Navy Adm. Gary Roughead, Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Spouse jobs program to relaunch in October

    The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program will resume Oct. 25, but with some significant changes to the popular spouse employment program, a defense official announced today.Changes include a reduction in the amount of financial aid, a change in the population eligible to receive that

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits key to recruiting and retention

    Proposed changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill would improve military readiness, a senior Pentagon official said July 21 at a Capitol Hill hearing.Robert E. Clark, assistant director for accessions policy in the office of the defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, also said education

  • AETC inducts newest member into Order of the Sword

    More than 300 Airmen from across Air Education and Training Command gathered in a formal ceremony July 16 at the Gateway Club on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, July 16, to induct Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, the Air Education and Training Command commander, into the Order of the Sword. General Lorenz is

  • Spouse jobs program to relaunch in October

    The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program will resume Oct. 25, but with some significant changes to the popular spouse employment program, a defense official announced July 20.Changes include a reduction in the amount of financial aid, a change in the population eligible to receive

  • Language Institute's mission reaches for the future

    With the buzzing of chatter, some in English, some in another tongue, and people moving about the building, the Defense Language Institute English Language Center here is a beehive of activity. The international military students attending the resident program here have a purpose, and the

  • Joint medical team prepares local officials during disaster training

    A joint team of medical instructors is working with local medical, government and emergency officials here July 19, to help them practice and coordinate their response efforts in the event of a disaster or mass casualty incident.The Defense Institute for Medical Operations team, composed of Air

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," the chief of staff of the Air Force and his wife talk about Air Force family matters. In another segment, an Airman shares her story about dealing with post traumatic stress disorder.  A third segment features connecting cultures through music as the USAFE

  • Air Combat Command promotes CCAF degree

    Although having a Community College of the Air Force degree is important for all Airmen, Air Combat Command is encouraging its technical sergeants to achieve this educational goal. Currently, the command is seven points below the Air Force average of 42 percent, but the goal is to have 50 percent of

  • ACC hosts MWD training seminar at Langley

    Military working dogs and their handlers from across Air Combat Command assembled here June 28 through July 2 for the first military working dog training seminar.The handlers and dogs attended the five day course, hosted by the 633rd Security Forces Squadron, to receive intensive education and

  • Year of the Air Force Family promotes sense of community

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer and his wife welcomed the Air Force's newest Airmen into the service during a visit here July 8 and 9.The Basic Military Training graduation at the "Gateway to the Air Force" was the perfect backdrop for Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife

  • CMSAF visits Iraq, reflects on first year

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader landed here June 28 to spend three days visiting with Airmen and his Iraqi counterpart before departing June 30, which marked his one-year anniversary on the job.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy came to the area to speak with Airmen and discuss his

  • Outreach 'essential' to suicide prevention, official says

    Preventing suicide among servicemembers and veterans calls for comprehensive education and communication, the director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury said here July 14.Testifying before the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Army Col. Robert

  • Hiring authority key in meeting goals, faster hiring

    As the Air Force continues to seek highly qualified employees to compliment its growing civilian work force, officials are promoting active use of the Schedule A hiring authority to fill these positions with qualified people.Schedule A hiring is a special streamlined hiring authority available to

  • Upgrade allows civilians to update awards online

    Civilian employees can now update their non-monetary awards through the self-service module in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System using the "Awards and Bonuses" tab in "My Biz." The ability to update non-monetary awards, such as length of service recognition, exemplary civilian service award

  • Information assurance scholarship available to officers, civilians

    Officers and civilians have until Jan. 31 to apply for the Information Assurance Scholarship Program, a special developmental education program available for the 2011 academic year. The program pays the full cost of tuition, select fees and required books for graduate degrees in subjects such as

  • New ejection seat added to T-38

    The T-38 Talon is receiving an upgrade that officials said will improve aircrews' safety and comfort.Representatives from Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Inc. are in the early stages of installing their new escape systems in all T-38Cs at Randolph AFB after completing the same project at Laughlin AFB,

  • Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Ramstein Airmen, families

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and his wife, Paula, visited with Airmen here July 7. The chief and Mrs. Roy visited the 603rd Air Operations Center, 435th Contingency Response Group compound, the new Deployment Transition Center and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center."It's an

  • Recruiting service films Lackland training

    Building on the recent success of its website's basic military training video, Air Force Recruiting Service officials returned to Lackland Air Force Base June 21 through 25 to film several technical school career fields for a new AirForce.com technical training video.The new video is part of the

  • All military medical training roads now start at METC

    The future of military medical training arrived here June 30 with the opening of the Medical Education and Training Campus.The METC is an integrated campus under a single university-style administration, with more than 100 courses available to students. "Today marks a significant milestone in the

  • Wing-level team helps Airmen, civilians cope with traumatic events

    A variety of events, from a death in the family to battlefield casualties, can take a tremendous psychological toll on servicemen and civilians alike.Air Force officials are taking a proactive role in dealing with such crises, instituting wing-level teams that prepare Airmen and civilians for

  • ROTC instructor vacancies available

    Opportunities are available for qualified officers to fill nearly 100 projected Air Force ROTC detachment instructor vacancies throughout the nation next summer, Air Force officials  announced. Eligible officers include line officers with the rank of first lieutenant, captain or major. First

  • Air Force honors its youth of the year in Pentagon ceremony

    Fifty-three teenagers received recognition at the 2010 Air Force Youth of the Year Award ceremony June 24 in the Pentagon auditorium.Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, the deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, hosted the event and presented trophies to the major command honorees and plaques

  • Information Protection Workshop 2010 examines security issues, goals

    With a focus on training, education and force development, professionals from major commands, wings, field operating agencies and direct reporting units from across the Air Force gathered here for the 2010 Worldwide Information Protection Workshop June 21 through 25.Hosted by the Air Force

  • 13th AF hosts international engineering exchange summit

    The 13th Air Force hosted seven civil engineers from countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region during a subject matter expert exchange summit called Pacific Unity here June 3 through 17. The summit is a joint and combined military information-sharing forum that provides mid-level officers from

  • Lajes supports YoAFF campaign with quality-of-life improvements

    In the midst of many budget cuts, Lajes Field, Azores, officials are improving the quality of life for Airmen and their families, with a focus on improving programs geared toward areas of concern for Air Force families.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Military parents voice education concerns to leaders

    Top U.S. and military leaders took part in a roundtable discussion with parents at the elementary school here today to gain greater insight into the education challenges military families face. Among the participants were Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III; Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice

  • Air Force takes steps against suicides

    The Air Force vice chief of staff testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee June 22 to address steps the service is taking to stem the rising suicide numbers. Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, in testimony alongside the other service vice chiefs and the assistant commandant of the Marine

  • New officer course boosts cyberspace transformation

    A new undergraduate cyber training course for officers launched here June 15.Air Force officials allocated $11.7 million to establish the course, and about $7.6 million has already been spent to upgrade facilities and purchase the computer infrastructure, simulators and laboratory networks to

  • Air Force to host joint library workshop

    Department of Defense library professionals will exchange ideas, explore new technology and develop strategies for future library programs during a workshop June 22 through 25 in northern Virginia.The Air Force, Navy and U.S. Marines Corps Librarians' Training Workshop will feature speakers from

  • Education center saves Air Force time, money

    Success and savings on national testing at the Lackland Air Force Base Education Center are forming a program model for the Air Force.Last December, a partnership between Lackland AFB and the San Antonio branch of Wayland Baptist University computerized the testing program that is taking the

  • Line officers face revised reclassification procedures

    To better manage the force and address the needs of critical and stressed career fields, Air Force officials have revised procedures for line officers eliminated from initial skills training.Line officers eliminated from training are now being considered by a panel at the Air Force Personnel Center

  • Air Force officials announce OTS selection board results

    Air Force Recruiting Service officials announced the selection of 123 applicants as part of Officer Training School Selection Board 10OT03 here June 17. Of the 132 selected, 26 enlisted members earned the chance to attend OTS and trade their stripes for gold bars as second lieutenants. As part of

  • Air Force outlines developmental education programs for officers

    Officers have until Aug. 31 to apply for special developmental education programs available for the 2010-2011 academic year. The four programs include the Olmsted Scholarship Program, White House Fellowship Program, Mansfield Fellowship Program and Information Assurance Scholarship Program.Olmsted

  • Air University educational computer system partially restored

    Air University officials here announced June 15 that most functions are restored to a computer system responsible for the majority of Air Force distance education.The Course Development, Student Administration/Registrar system crashed in mid-May and with it went the ability to support much of

  • Air Force officials announce AFROTC detachment commander vacancies

    Opportunities are available for officers to fill Air Force ROTC detachment commander positions throughout the nation. Air Force Personnel Center assignment teams will review developmental team recommendations to determine the release of eligible officers to compete for AFROTC detachment commander

  • Survivor shares story to combat troop suicides

    Kim Ruocco hung up the phone with her husband, relieved he had finally agreed to seek help for his increasingly severe bouts of depression.Still, she had a nagging feeling that something wasn't right. She decided to catch a red-eye flight from Massachusetts to California, where her husband's reserve

  • Applying for Air Force NAF jobs goes virtual

    A new centralized online tool is making it easier for job seekers to find and apply for federal careers in various nonappropriated fund activities, including Air Force clubs, golf courses, child development centers, youth centers, bowling centers and outdoor recreation centers. On May 24,

  • NSPS transition well under way, official tells Congress

    The transition of Defense Department civilian employees from the National Security Personnel System is proceeding, with 75 percent of the workforce expected to be transferred into the General Schedule classification and pay system by late September, the defense official overseeing the effort told

  • Officials announce plans for third DOS rollback

    Air Force officials announced June 8 plans for a third enlisted date of separation rollback with a mandatory DOS of Aug. 31, 2010. This program is part of an overall effort by the Air Force to maintain a quality enlisted force and meet the congressionally mandated end strength.Under the third DOS

  • Altus Airmen exercise mass casualty response and recovery

    Altus Air Force Base officials conducted an in-depth force protection exercise here June 1, in a continuing effort to train and prepare base members to respond to a mass casualty incident. After months of preparation, and a smaller-scale exercise conducted May 12, officials from Altus AFB, Jackson

  • Deployed parents can view defense schools' graduations

    Deployed servicemembers with children graduating from Department of Defense Education Activity-managed schools in Europe this month will be able to view a live broadcast of the ceremonies. An estimated 125 servicemembers deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations have children taking part in

  • Neurology residents score highest in nation

    Neurology residents at Wilford Hall Medical Center here are scoring among the highest of all residency programs in the United States."During the past two years, our residents scored in the 98th percentile on their residency in-service training exams. This year they scored in the 100th percentile,"

  • 'Critical Days' safety message turns personal for Airman

    Military service officials have geared up their summer safety campaigns, encouraging servicemembers and their families to enjoy the season without becoming statistics during a period historically marred by a spike in off-duty accidents.Ninety-five servicemembers died last year during the "Critical

  • Technology drives new, better ways to educate Airmen

    Cell phones could soon be the ticket to keeping up with professional development requirements. That's just one concept being explored by officials at Air Education and Training Command, the Air Force's training and education component. Like their counterparts in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, AETC

  • Joint Chiefs chairman delivers Academy commencement

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff delivered the commencement for U.S. Air Force Academy graduation 2010 here May 26.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen is the first Joint Chiefs chairman to speak at an Academy graduation ceremony in the Academy's 55-year history."Let me be among the first to congratulate

  • Birdik Village school commemorates with ceremony, surprise

    More than eight months after the reopening of the Birdik Village school, 250 students heard the sound of the last bell of the year during a ceremony here May 25.With Air Force funding, volunteers from the Transit Center here reconstructed the Birdik Village school at a cost of about $540,000.The

  • Air University education database down

    A computer system managing various aspects of Air Force member's education experienced a serious technical malfunction May 13, impacting Air University distance learning, related education records and test control facilities Air Force-wide.Enlisted and officer distance learning for professional

  • Review panel praises BMT program improvements

    The 22nd Basic Military Training Triennial Review Committee validated the positive effect expanded training has had on BMT graduates during its evaluation May 12 through 14 here.The committee observed program improvements achieved by expanding BMT to 8.5 weeks and adding a week-long Basic

  • Emergency medicine residents participate in simulation grand rounds

    Members of the 59th Emergency Medicine Squadron participated in a simulation grand rounds, which incorporated the use of high-fidelity medical simulation in the Wilford Hall Medical Center simulation center here May 21.The simulation grand rounds are held every few months and are used to augment and

  • El Salvadoran vice chief views Air Force training programs

    The vice chief of the Joint General Staff for the Republic of El Salvador visited Lackland AFB May 10 to 11 to gain insight on Air Force educational and training programs.The two-day visit by El Salvadoran air force Brig. Gen. Jaime Parada fell under the auspice of the Air Force Chief of Staff's

  • Air Guard engineers assist Navajo Nation

    Two Air National Guard civil engineering units began renovation and construction work May 16 here at St. Michaels Association for Special Education.Members of the Virginia Air Guard's 203rd Red Horse Squadron and the Colorado Air Guard's 240th Civil Engineer Flight are repairing buildings,

  • College classroom dedicated to fallen Airman

    Elmendorf AFB leaders dedicated a college classroom to a fallen Airman here May 18.Staff Sgt. Timothy L. Bowles was killed in action March 15, 2009 by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.The room, centrally located between the dormitories, was built to increase the number of Airmen taking

  • Training command becomes energy-efficient force

    Officials released a new energy plan in December to serve as the framework for communicating Air Force energy goals to expand a culture shift where Airmen make energy a consideration in everything they do.The priorities now involve energy-focused considerations from initial design and acquisition

  • Air Force chief of staff visits School of Aerospace Medicine

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer toured the 711th Human Performance Wing's U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks City-Base, Texas, May 13.During his visit, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz reflected on the 92-year history of the school and the unique training and

  • AETC fields new management tool

    Air Education and Training Command officials will field new user-friendly software called the Task Management Tool, which is designed to support the task management process for AETC headquarters, Air University, 2nd Air Force, 19th Air Force and wing staff leadership beginning in September.The TMT

  • AF seeks officers for Defense research program

    Air Force officials are soliciting officer nominations through June 17 for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Service Chiefs Program beginning in September.The DARPA SCP will help increase awareness within key military commands of DARPA's technology development efforts and enhance the

  • Recruiting command chief retires after 30 years

    When Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke wakes each morning, he turns toward his wife and gently reaches over and touches her, a reminder as to why he continues to get out of bed each and every day at 4:30 a.m., dresses and heads to work.For the Air Force Recruiting Service command chief, his wife, Pam,

  • First career air liaison officers graduate TACP pipeline training

    For the first time since the Tactical Air Control Party career field began in 1977, five non-rated air liaison officers joined the ranks of battlefield Airmen across the Air Force after graduating from the basic Tactical Air Command and Control Apprentice Course April 27.Capt. Matthew Kealy, 1st Lt.

  • A different angle on coaching

    As a basketball coach, 1st Lt. Dan Taylor has used a number of techniques to help his teams play better. Speed drills, sprints and fundamentals work are some of the usual tools he uses to help players reach their potential. However, coaching basketball at the Warrior Games here required this

  • DOD officials to study compensation, incentives

    Defense Department officials May 11 announced the start of the congressionally mandated 11th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation.The review's focus, officials said, will be on combat pay, compensation for reserve-component servicemembers, caregivers and survivors and pay incentives for

  • Partnership with Air Guard, Reserve offers new options with C-130 training

    The secretary of the Air Force announced May 4 that officials will proceed with a plan to augment the C-130 Hercules training fleet with C-130s from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve squadrons.Secretary Michael Donley said Air Force planners will "continue to analyze the allocation of

  • AETC commander to retire

    Air Force officials announced May 10 that the commander of Air Education and Training Command will retire after 37 years of service.Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz spent the last two years providing combat-focused training to every Airman entering the Air Force while leading the "First Command." With an

  • New Noncommissioned Officer Academy to open at Sheppard AFB

    Air Force officials announced plans May 7 to open an Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.The academy is scheduled to open its doors to technical sergeants in early 2011, with an initial expected graduation rate of about 1,300 annually. With the addition of

  • New Air Force Combat Systems Officer Course opens at Navy base

    Air Force aviator training took a step into the 21st century May 5, when the inaugural class of Combat Systems Officer students began training here with the 479th Flying Training Group.As they sat down in classes and began a new year-long training program, the CSO students became part of a

  • Air Force program learns from Airmen

    The Air Force Lessons Learned program gives Airmen the opportunity to share their combat experiences to help future service members, according to the director of Air Force Analyses, Assessments and Lessons Learned (A9). "Every Airman is valued and can initiate change across our Air Force by

  • Air Force officials poised to take part in Pentagon Motorcycle Safety Event

    On May 7 and 8, Airmen here can participate in a joint motorcycle safety event in the Pentagon's parking lot. This event will feature riding exhibitions, freestyle shows, bike inspections and instruction opportunities to educate participants on the fundamentals of motorcycle safety. The primary goal

  • General sees opportunity, innovation at F-35 training wing

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command visited the 33rd Fighter Wing April 26 here.General Stephen R. Lorenz visited Eglin Air Force Base to observe how the wing staff is taking "the opportunity to shape the future," by training pilots and maintainers on the F-35 Lightning II."(The

  • Chief of staff to senior enlisted leaders: 'Maximize potential of Airmen'

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer told senior enlisted leaders from across the Air Force here May 4 that the case to maximize the potential and performance of every Airman has never been more compelling."Today, more than ever, tactical effects can have strategic consequences," said Air Force

  • AF panel likens DOD acquisition to contact sport

    The Defense Department's journey to recapture acquisition excellence took a big step forward during two days of discussions and workforce training held at Sinclair Community College here April 20 and 21.That was the assessment made by several senior leaders at the DOD Acquisition Insight

  • DOD acquisition leader shares his priorities

    More than 700 military, civilian and contractor acquisition professionals and defense industry partners discussed challenges they face during the Department of Defense Acquisition Insight Conference April 20 through 21 here.The Pentagon's top acquisition official, Dr. Ashton Carter, Undersecretary

  • Kirkuk Airmen facilitate relationship building between Iraqi firefighters

    U.S. and Iraqi air force firefighters facilitated a maintenance education day in an effort to foster professional bonds April 12 at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq. 506th Air Expeditionary Group members and Iraq Training and Advisory Mission members assisted the Province of Kirkuk Fire Department and

  • Fry Scholarship established for children of fallen servicemembers

    Children of military personnel who died in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, can apply for an educational scholarship similar to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.  Benefits are retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009.The scholarship, which is administered by Department of Veterans Affairs representatives, is

  • Lynn discusses social media at Facebook headquarters

    You could call the Facebook headquarters the "un-Pentagon." The dress is casual, with far more T-shirts than sport coats, and many workers wear sandals instead of shoes.A skateboard was parked outside one office. An employee who spotted a group in business suits remarked, "If they're wearing ties,

  • Ramstein youth wins Air Force video competition

    A U.S. Air Forces in Europe youth was named the Air Force-level winner for his submission to the Year of the Air Force Family video competition April 21.Gen. Roger Brady, the USAFE commander, presented Hunter Koltes, 13, a $2,000 gift check toward the purchase of a new computer and video camera and

  • Guard kids are different, but programs still available to them

    Guard kids differ from active duty kids in only one way: access. This means access to support programs and access to peers who understand what they are going through.Everything else is the same: missing their parents terribly when they deploy, counting the days until they come home and trying to

  • U.S. ambassador visits Balad's leaders and provincial reconstructive team

    The U.S. ambassador to Iraq visited Joint Base Balad April 23, to better understand the work the joint base's provincial reconstruction team is doing to prepare Iraq for its future. Ambassador Christopher Hill received an update from base leaders of the programs and missions civilians and

  • Mullen appeals to philanthropists to assist veterans

    The military's top officer turned to America's philanthropic community April 27 to help military veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan avoid the devastation of substance abuse, mental illness and homelessness.Community non-profit groups are the answer to meeting veterans' needs after they've left the

  • New Air Force cyberspace badge guidelines released

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz has approved the new cyberspace badge and associated wear criteria.In his Apr. 21 memorandum, General Schwartz set forth guidelines and addressed standard eligibility requirements for officers working in the cyberspace domain. Eligibility criteria for

  • Air Force-wide social media access begins

    Air Force officials began a two-week phased opening April 26 of access to social media sites Air Force-wide. Pacific Air Forces bases gained access to social media sites earlier in April, serving as the test-bed prior to the Air Force-wide initiative.Air Force Space Command, Air Education and