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U.S. Air Force News

  • Children’s yoga class offers more than quiet poses

    “Breathe in” and “breathe out” are typically what someone may expect to hear in a yoga class. What is unexpected are children ages 2 to 14 posing like cobras, monkeys and airplanes, and making noises like them.This is exactly what happens during a children’s summer yoga class the youth center here.

  • Airman loses 100 pounds

    It took a missile maintainer here nine months to fix one of the Air Force's most important weapon systems, and he did it out of uniform, without technical orders and after duty hours.Senior Airman Norman Barore, assigned to the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron here, lost 100 pounds in nine months,

  • NCO earns American Legion Spirit of Service Award

    Her father picked up a soldier carrying his life in a duffel bag on his way home from Vietnam in 1971. He gave the man a little money and took him to his house to finish his journey home. This act of kindness influenced Staff Sgt. Catherin Lammon and motivated her to do community service.The

  • Painting honors Tuskegee Airmen

    A painting honoring the famed 332nd Fighter Group of Tuskegee Airmen was unveiled during a ceremony in the Pentagon on June 24.In the painting, artist Mickey Harris depicts then-Lieutenant Luke Weathers at the controls of his P-51 Mustang escorting a damaged B-24 Liberator back to England following

  • Congress recognizes four Air Force people

    Four members of the Air Force family received Congressional Award Gold Medals along with 171 other young men and women during a ceremony on June 23 at the Russell Senate Office Building.The program recognizes outstanding achievement in people ages 14 to 23 and involves setting goals in four areas:

  • Airman becomes 'Met for a Day'

    One McGuire airman traded his flight suit for a baseball uniform June 22 and became an honorary member of the New York Mets for a day.Senior Airman Chardo Richardson, a boom operator with the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron here, shadowed Mets left-handed pitcher Al Leiter in the second part of a job

  • Murray talks deployments, force shaping

    Combat needs, not current manpower standards, are what Air Force officials are using to determine how many people are filling the ranks, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray said. This, he said, is the first time in Air Force history that combat needs have been the determining

  • Command chiefs meet for annual conference

    More than 250 command chiefs from Reserve, Guard and active-duty Air Force bases worldwide met here June 19 to 23 for the 10th Annual Worldwide Command Chief Master Sergeants' Conference.Command chiefs tackled issues facing the enlisted force.The conference gives Air Force senior leaders an

  • Airmen work to open own club

    A dozen Airmen here sacrificed a couple rare sunny days off to help renovate a facility geared toward young enlisted Airmen.The volunteers are working on a self-help project at the old community center, which will be the home of the new airmen’s club. The Airmen spent several hours June 19 and 20

  • Contractors on runway before accidental landing

    Three contracted painters were working on the runway here just before the landing of Northwest Airlines Flight 1152 on June 19.The runway was closed when the Northwest pilots mistook the base airfield for the Rapid City Regional Airport runway located six nautical miles south of the base.“The

  • ARPC call center improves customer service

    Beginning June 28, all toll-free calls to the Air Reserve Personnel Center here will be channeled through the customer call center, officials announced June 21.ARPC officials said the new step continues efforts to provide one-stop shopping to the more than 950,000 customers that they

  • IMAX returns to Nellis for final shoot

    A production crew filming an IMAX movie on the Air Force returned here June 14 to 18 to continue work on the 43-minute action documentary about Red Flag exercises.Filming for the production began here in June 2003, and this is scheduled to be the crew’s last visit. Besides their initial visit,

  • Airmen attend Coast Guard academy

    For a few select senior noncommissioned officers, attending the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy in Petaluma, Calif., is an opportunity to embody the school’s motto, “Altus Tendo -- I Reach High.” It is also a chance to teach their classmates about the mission and expeditionary nature

  • American C-17 airlifts Iraqi child to Hungarian hospital

    Medics from the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron helped airlift a 13-year-old Iraqi to Budapest, Hungary, recently.A dozen crewmembers aboard a C-17 Globemaster III helped transport Abbas Jabbar, who was injured last month when he ran in front of a Hungarian convoy patrolling near

  • Sembach security forces practice aerial rescues

    Eleven Airmen of the 786th Security Forces Squadron at nearby Sembach Air Base practiced their search and rescue skills here June 14 to 18 during NATO Operation Clean Hunter.They were joined by people from the 56th Rescue Squadron at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, and rescue teams from the

  • ‘Air and Space Power Journal’ available in Spanish

    A Spanish-language version of “Air and Space Power Journal” is now available online and through a free electronic subscription service.Just like its English-language sister, the Spanish version provides a forum for professional discussion on air and space power, and its role in national

  • Now showing: June 21 edition of AFTV News

    The last active-duty Airman who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, and his trip back to the country of his captivity highlights the June 21 edition of Air Force Television News. Tech. Sgt. Bill Scherer went along as Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier flew the famed “Hanoi Taxi” to the Vietnamese capital. The

  • Doctor reports from field

    Keeping in touch with family and friends at home is a high priority for many deployed Airmen, but Lt. Col. (Dr.) John Torres, or "Dr. John" as he is known back home in Colorado, goes a step further.Besides being an emergency room doctor, Dr. Torres records a medical segment three times a week for

  • Tobacco use terminated in technical training

    Tobacco use and possession are no longer allowed for nonprior-service technical training students at any time while on base or in uniform. The change is included in Air Education and Training Command Instruction 36-2216, "Administration of Military Standards and Discipline Training," published June

  • Officials announce OTS selections

    Air Force officials here announced June 18 that 17 enlisted Airmen have been chosen to attend Officer Training School and trade their stripes for gold bars. Air Force Recruiting Service officials conducted OTS Selection Board 0405, which met here May 11 to 14. The board considered 392 applications,

  • Airmen survive terrorist attack by being fit to fight

    In the early morning hours of May 30, an Airman lay in a dusty maintenance room of a building in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, with a tourniquet around his arm, struggling to stay alive.The morning before, Lt. Col. James Broome III and a colleague, Lt. Col. Ed O’Neal, both assigned to the U.S. Military

  • TACC commander receives management award

    The commander of the Tanker Airlift Control Center has received the 2003 Eugene M. Zuckert Management Award.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche presented Brig. Gen. Paul J. Selva with the award during a ceremony at the Pentagon on June 16.“I have the coolest job on the planet, because I

  • Project upgrades quality of life at Bagram

    Innovation and initiative by 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Airmen upgraded a temporary living area into a cheery, hospitable cyber café.“Our new café projects a welcoming feeling,” said Staff Sgt. Tina Ross, a services representative with the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron and

  • Laughlin Airmen get fit during 'adventures'

    “Are you fit to fight?” That is the question Air Force officials are asking Airmen these days, and it is the catch phrase for the new fitness focus.One squadron here upped the ante among its Airmen recently asking, “Are you fit to race?”More than 100 Airmen from the 86th Flying Training Squadron

  • NFL player scores big points at Incirlik

    As a Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver, Hines Ward is accustomed to whipping past the opposition and scoring touchdowns on the football field. But during a visit here June 17, Mr. Ward scored big points -- not with his team, but with base people.Fans turned out in droves to meet Mr. Ward, who spent

  • Restoring vintage planes preserves AF history

    Craftsmen who restore Lackland’s 40 historical aircraft displayed around the base often are greeted and thanked by old warriors who visit the base to watch their grandsons and granddaughters graduate from training.“It’s real interesting, because they’ll tell you all kinds of war stories from their

  • Tech., master promotion rates nearly same as last year

    Air Force officials have selected 6,217 of 23,956 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant, a 25.95-percent selection rate; and 9,114 of 42,248 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant, a 21.57-percent selection rate.The final tally will increase as Air Force

  • Utility uniform feedback survey, PT gear coming

    The Air Force’s first physical training uniform will hit the street later this year, and a Web site for Airmen to provide feedback on the proposed utility uniform will be online July 1.Feedback on the proposed utility uniform has been excellent so far, but an Internet survey will give all Airmen a

  • Long-term care insurance still available

    Active-duty Airmen, some reservists, appropriated-fund civilian employees, retirees and qualified family members can still apply for the Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program.The program is a benefit authorized by Congress to help federal employees defray the costs of in-home care, nursing-home

  • Reserve volunteers needed for force-protection duties

    Reserve component enlisted Airmen in any career field are eligible for a unique program allowing them to help protect Air Force bases nationwide. The air reserve component force protection volunteer program gives individual mobilization augmentee, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members

  • Air Force family fights fire with generosity

    A first-term Airman from the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, her husband, and their two small children were left homeless when an unexplained fire destroyed everything in their base housing unit recently.Out of the ashes of this tragedy, however, rose an unexpected phoenix. The Vazquez's

  • Airmen keep deployed Soldiers healthy

    Being responsible for the healthy living environment of 60,000 Soldiers at eight different camps is no small job, but that is exactly what Airmen of the 2nd Preventive Medicine Team Air Force have been doing since mid-March.This team of nine enlisted and two officers has conducted more than 2,000

  • Airman charged with murder

    A staff sergeant at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is being held in the nearby Montgomery County Jail after being charged with murder. Staff Sgt. Russell Booth, of the 42nd Security Forces Squadron, allegedly shot and killed his wife, Wyndelyn Scogin Booth, during a domestic dispute in their home

  • Officials take second look at ‘code-C’ limitations

    Following a review of the new force-shaping policy, Air Force officials rescinded the enlisted date-of-separation rollback for Airmen with an assignment limitation code “C.”“The secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force decided we should take a harder look at code-C limitations, and the medical

  • New focus puts future training over the 'edge'

    Department of Defense servicemembers participating in Northern Edge '04 have a new focus this year, joint warfighter training, as well as a different focus in 2005, homeland defense.Pacific Command and Northern Command officials have agreed to share Alaska Command's premier joint exercise.In

  • Secretary celebrates 227th anniversary of Old Glory

    Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche joined those gathered at the base flagpole here June 14 to celebrate the history of the nation’s flag.The U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass, Andrews base honor guard, veterans and guests joined in commemorating Flag Day.“This is a special day, the

  • E-8 promotion testing cycle window changes

    All master sergeants competing for promotion to senior master sergeant will now take the U.S. Air Force Supervisory Examination test between Dec. 6 and 17. The testing cycle will no longer be in January. Air Force officials said ongoing air and space expeditionary force deployments supporting the

  • Suspect arrested in sergeant’s murder

    Officials arrested a suspect in the murder of Master Sgt. Gloria Ponder on June 12. Sergeant Ponder was found dead in her on-base home June 8. She was assigned to Air Combat Command’s chapel at Langley Air Force Base, Va.The suspect was apprehended by security forces Airmen at the base exchange on

  • Morón keeps aircraft moving, projects expeditionary air power

    About halfway between the United States and the Middle East, the runway here was recently labeled by Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche as “the irreplaceable gateway” for aircraft, cargo and troops headed for central and Southwest Asia . U.S. Air Forces in Europe leaders visited here

  • Weapons accident leaves one injured

    A weapons accident here June 10 caused one injury. Staff Sgt. Brent Russell, a 917th Maintenance Squadron aircraft armament systems mechanic, was injured when a Gatling gun inadvertently discharged a 30 mm training round during repairs. The round penetrated a steel door causing shrapnel to strike

  • Secretary, three others receive NAACP awards

    The Air Force secretary and three other Airmen received NAACP awards for outstanding and noteworthy efforts in implementing policies and programs which promote equal opportunity in the military.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche garnered the National Association for the Advancement of

  • Convoy course prepares Airmen for duty in Iraq

    Air Education and Training Command leaders saw the need for the Basic Combat Convoy Course for Airmen during a visit to Iraq in March, and 37th Training Wing experts here assembled the course in record time.The first platoon of Airmen began the course June 7, training to relieve transportation

  • Gas pump in the sky

    When an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot runs low on fuel, he has two choices: Radio in to the closest air base control tower for landing and refueling permission, or stay airborne and fill up from a gas station in the sky -- the KC-135 Stratotanker. You can imagine which gets him back into the fight

  • Airmen play ‘bad guys’ in Alaska

    Almost every military exercise needs "bad guys," and Airmen from the 390th Fighter Squadron are playing that role for Alaska Command's premiere joint training event, Northern Edge '04.More than 160 Department of Defense aircraft are involved in the exercise, including F-15 Eagles from the 390th FS

  • Airman, Scouts save lives

    Local Boy Scouts embarked on a whitewater canoe and kayak trip recently on nearby Chattooga River. Little did they know their recreational adventure was about to turn into a lifesaving rescue.At the end of their five-and-a-half-hour river ride, the Scouts were in the process of docking and packing

  • AMC musicians among those honoring President Reagan

    Four Airmen of the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America here will perform during a ceremony honoring former President Ronald Reagan at his presidential library and museum in Simi Valley, Calif., on June 11.President Reagan, 93, died June 5 from pneumonia after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

  • Airman carries his American flag everywhere

    When some people say they carry the American flag close to their heart, it is usually just a figure of speech.However, when one 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Airmen here said that, he meant it -- and he has the flag to prove it.“My grandfather gave me a 3-foot by 5-foot flag when I was 12,”

  • Airmen honor fallen commander in chief

    Airmen nationwide will pay tribute this week to former President Ronald Reagan who died at his home June 5 from pneumonia as a complication of Alzheimers. President Reagan, who was 93, served as the 40th commander in chief from 1981 to 1989.Air Force participation in the state funeral includes

  • If you break it, they will come

    Outside, there is a simple, painted sign: “If you break it, we can make it.” Inside, there is an array of equipment, somewhat reminiscent of a high-school machine shop.On either side, the fabrication branch Airmen here have a vital mission: To fix or make the parts and tools needed to keep the

  • Airmen get direct flights into AOR

    Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces now have a dedicated flight to take them directly into U.S. Central Command theater when they leave to fill their air and space expeditionary force responsibilities.About 200 Airmen from Yokota and Kadena Air Bases in Japan took the first direct flight into the

  • Civilian leaders see USAFE capabilities

    Civilian leaders participating in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference got a firsthand, and sometimes hands-on, look here June 8 at how U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen support the war on terrorism.About 50 business, academic and local government leaders nationwide sat in the cockpits of F-15

  • Total-force effort supplies OEF

    Every day, between 50 and 100 tons of equipment and supplies arrive here, flown in around the clock by a constant stream of cargo aircraft.Since this is a combat environment, getting the aircraft down, unloaded and quickly off the ground again is extremely important. Keeping that logistical

  • Combat exercise showcasing proposed uniform

    As the Air Force continues its wear test of the proposed new utility uniform, its sister services are getting a chance to get an up close and personal look at the uniform during exercise Northern Edge '04."There are a total of 90 Airmen on base participating in the wear test of the new blue, green

  • Flexibility helps 497th CTS Airmen succeed in Singapore

    Col. John Rogers Jr. credits being able to “think outside the box” to the success of his Airmen who successfully perform their daily mission here. Colonel Rogers is commander of the 497th Combat Training Squadron, a 36-person group comprising the basic functional elements of a small-scale fighter

  • Jumper shares view on AEF cycle length extension

    The Air Force chief of staff announced the extension of the baseline for deployments from 90 to 120 days and the change of the air and space expeditionary force cycle from 15 months to 20 months. The changes will take place beginning with AEF Cycle 5 in September, said Gen. John P. Jumper in his

  • Veterans reflect upon D-Day, turning tide of war

    They are known as “the greatest generation.” On D-Day, they proved it. Before dawn June 6, 1944, Airmen of the 398th Bombardment Group awoke to a day that would turn the tide of the war in Europe and end with 3,000 Americans dead. Like most in the Army Air Forces, 1st Lt. Ike Alhadeff trained for

  • Officials remind Airmen to register to vote

    General elections are approaching and Air Force voting officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here are reminding everyone to register to vote.Department of Defense officials recently announced they have worked out a plan with the U.S. Postal Service to get absentee ballots to servicemembers

  • June issue of Airman available

    Read about Airmen chasing Olympic dreams, learn about the Army Air Forces involvement in D-Day and take a look at how one base is working to create happy trails for tiny lizards. These features and more highlight the June issue of Airman magazine, now available in print and online at

  • Vehicle maintainers keep operations rolling

    The flightline here is a hive of activity as vehicles swarm about accomplishing various tasks: a jammer carries bombs here, a loader removes cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III over there.Should one of those vehicles break, it could have catastrophic consequences for the mission, so ensuring that does

  • America, France pay tribute to airborne heroes

    As the United States and France paid tribute to those killed in airborne operations during the Normandy invasion, everyone was brought close to tears and every person's chest swelled with pride here June 5.Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saluted the World War II

  • Standard AEF deployment length stretches to 120 days

    Most Airmen scheduled to deploy in upcoming air and space expeditionary force packages will see their orders expand from 90 to 120 days. The change in deployment length will begin with AEF cycle 5 in September. Those who deploy as part of AEF 1 and 2 should prepare for a 120-day deployment. Air

  • Maintainers reap Commando Sling training benefits

    Commando Sling 04-3 has been an “awesome training environment” for the Airmen of the 36th Maintenance Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, said Master Sgt. John Haulman, production superintendent.The 56-person team is here to support F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from the 36th Fighter Squadron at

  • Airmen, Soldiers team up to move payload

    Airmen and Soldiers here are joining forces to get passengers and cargo in and out of Baghdad International Airport rapidly.Airmen from the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s aerial port flight and Soldiers from the 368th Cargo Transfer Company’s 4th Platoon and from the 386th

  • Moody Airmen rescue stranded boater

    Airmen here were credited with saving a civilian’s life recently when they rescued a boater from his stranded vessel in the Atlantic Ocean.Airmen of the 41st, 71st and 38th Rescue Squadrons, along with the 347th Maintenance Group, flew the rescue mission after a request from Coast Guard Rescue

  • New procedures to speed overseas absentee balloting

    Absentee ballots from servicemembers overseas will move faster and with greater control for the 2004 elections, Department of Defense and U.S. Postal Service officials said June 2.Charles S. Abell, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, and Paul Vogel, the Postal

  • Air Force offers new incentive for South Korea duty

    Airmen who volunteer to extend their tours of duty in South Korea may be eligible for an extra $300 per month.The assignment incentive pay program is designed to reduce permanent-change-of-station requirements, encourage longer tours, provide further stability and improve readiness on the peninsula,

  • Boom operator’s biggest stage is in air

    When he graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor's degree in acting, Eric Ryan's plans were not immediately focused on the Air Force.It was not until the events of Sept. 11 that Senior Airman Ryan, a boom operator with the 906th Air Refueling Squadron here, said he first looked

  • Technology connects sisters for promotion

    Ver and Josie Param were in for a surprise May 27 when they arrived at 3rd Air Force headquarters here to witness their youngest daughter’s promotion to captain. Moments before the ceremony began, 1st Lt. Joy Param, a 3rd Air Force intelligence officer, escorted her parents and brother, Vince, into

  • Airmen pay respect during repatriation ceremony

    The sun peeked through the clouds as the four flights of servicemembers, a colorful array of Navy whites, Air Force blues, battle-dress uniforms and flight suits, were called to attention.A lone Soldier stood guard in the aft of the C-141 Starlifter, dubbed the Hanoi Taxi, with its doors swung open

  • Airmen receive SECAF leadership awards

    Four Airmen were recognized for outstanding leadership while attending Air University schools during an awards ceremony here May 25.The Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award recognizes those who demonstrated the greatest leadership while students at Air University schools.Recipients were:--

  • Airman found guilty of rape

    An Airman from the 27th Security Forces Squadron was found guilty of two charges of rape, one of carnal knowledge and one of indecent assault in a general court-martial held here recently.A military judge sentenced Airman 1st Class Joshua Loyd to 18 years confinement, a dishonorable discharge,

  • Weapons, tactics course improves skills

    About 30 security forces Airmen from around Air Education and Training Command were here recently to improve their skills.Some of the skills the students learned at the AETC Combat Weapons and Tactics Course included tactical pistol skills, long-gun skills, low-light movements and missions, physical

  • Airmen train together during Commando Sling

    Airmen from the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, are here to train with Singaporean Airmen during exercise Commando Sling 04-3. The exercise runs until June 14 and provides a U.S. presence in Southeast Asia and realistic dissimilar aircraft air-to-air combat training for forces

  • June issue of Citizen Airman available

    The June issue of Citizen Airman, the official magazine of the Air Force Reserve, is now available in print and online at www.afrc.af.mil/HQ/citamn/. Extra Hands -- When a group of people is carrying a load and the weight increases, a few extra hands can help relieve some of the burden of the

  • Airmen give Nepalese disaster-response training

    A small country nestled between China and India, Nepal may be best known for Mount Everest.The Himalayas cover more than 80 percent of Nepal, presenting a challenge to mountain climbers and to the Nepalese in the event of a natural disaster.Nepal is predisposed to monsoons, earthquakes and

  • American, Korean engineers ‘cement’ friendship

    Two old friends got together on the flightline here recently, and the result is an expanded strategic airlift ramp that will significantly enhance current operations. It will also serve as a key enabler for a major airfield military construction, refurbishment and replacement project that will

  • Chief sends Memorial Day message

    The following is a Memorial Day message from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray:“In our nation’s capital, we memorialize American patriots who have fought and died for our country throughout history -- the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam wall, Arlington National Cemetery, and the

  • Future total-force concept aims to increase combat capability

    Active-duty Airmen, guardsmen and reservists working together to support the Air Force mission in a war zone such as Iraq or Afghanistan is not unusual. However, in a concept being studied at the Air Warfare Center, Airmen from all components will work together supporting the Air Force's RQ/MQ-1

  • Secretary, chief send Memorial Day message

    The following is a Memorial Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“This Memorial Day beckons us once again to remember and reflect on the selfless sacrifices of members of America’s armed forces.“While stories abound on the

  • Guard officials stress physical fitness

    Qatar is not as hot in November and December as it is in July and August; but the 80- to 90-degree days and the 40-degree nights in that small desert land between Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf can raise havoc with people who are not physically fit.That is a lesson some Airmen of the New York Air

  • Air Force names communications, information award winners

    The following Airmen, teams and units are winners of the 2003 Air Force Communications and Information awards for 2003.Air Force communications and information individual award winners are:-- Outstanding Field Grade Officer: Maj. Kimberly Ullman from the Pentagon in Washington.-- Outstanding

  • Air Force women take second in volleyball, men take third

    The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps fired shots at each other May 22 to 26 here during the 2004 armed forces volleyball championships. Some of the shots were lobs; some of the shots were bullets.But the Navy men and the Army women fired the best shots as they went on to claim the 2004 armed

  • Air Force officials approve force shaping Phase II

    As personnel officials review the last remaining applications for retirement or separation under the force-shaping program, a more extensive second phase of the plan has begun.The new initiatives include expanded waivers for a number of programs including active-duty service commitments and

  • Osan officer convicted of unprofessional relationships

    An officer accused of being improperly involved with two enlisted women and misusing government e-mail for the relationships was convicted May 21.Lt. Col. Anthony Williams of the 51st Maintenance Group was convicted on two counts of conduct unbecoming an officer for having an unprofessional

  • Officials approve wear of expeditionary medal

    Air Force officials have authorized wear of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal which was approved by President Bush in 2003.The Department of Defense campaign medal applies to active-duty, Reserve and Guard servicemembers deployed abroad on or after Sept.11, 2001, for operations

  • Pro baseball player spends day as Airman

    Major League Baseball pitcher Al Leiter swapped his New York Mets uniform May 24 for an Air Force flight suit to become a boom operator here for a day.While here, the left-hander who has played in three World Series and has 146 career wins, learned the ropes of refueling from Senior Airman Chardo

  • Risk management, clear thinking key to safe summer

    Losing 66 Air Force people to private motor vehicle and seven to nontraffic-related accidents in 2003 prompted officials to carry out the most aggressive 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign in recent history.Air Force commanders are sending the word out to their people: Be safe!In a letter

  • Yokota C-130 helps rescue six lost at sea

    A C-130 Hercules aircrew from the 36th Airlift Squadron here helped a search-and-rescue mission May 21 when they spotted a missing 20-foot Micronesian sailing vessel about 120 miles off of the coast of Guam. Six people, including a 10-year-old boy, were brought to safety after being lost at sea for

  • Price is right for Nellis Airman

    Watching the “Price is Right” game show faithfully for years, an Airman here was invited to “Come on Down,” for his chance to bid in contestants row.“It has been my dream to be on a game show,” said Senior Airman Roger Thomas, an information manager with Air Combat Command Training Support

  • Airmen ride to nation’s capital for Memorial Day

    Fifteen motorcyclists from here started a three-day road trip May 26 to participate in Memorial Day activities at the nation’s capital. The team will join thousands of other riders paying tribute at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They will be part of the annual Memorial Day “Rolling Thunder”

  • Military, civilian medics join forces

    About 400 civilian and military medics joined together here recently for a high-level medical conference held by the Air National Guard’s medical service.The Readiness Frontiers Medical Conference explored, among other matters, the relationship between the civilian and military medical

  • Officials announce annual medical-service awards

    Air Force Medical Service officials announced the winners of the annual medical-service awards for 2003.Lt. Gen. (Dr.) George Peach Taylor Jr., Air Force surgeon general, thanked the winners for their voluntary commitment to America and devotion to their profession. "As Americans, and especially as

  • Airman carries on female family tradition

    Throughout history, men in the same families have served side by side and generation after generation.Grandfathers, fathers and sons fought together in the Revolutionary War. Brothers clashed with brothers during the Civil War. It was not unusual to find brothers, uncles and in-laws serving

  • Firefighting aircraft deploy to Arizona

    Two Air Force Reserve Command C-130 Hercules aircraft and their crews deployed to Mesa, Ariz., May 23 to prepare for fire season in Arizona.The planes, equipped with the modular airborne firefighting system, are being pre-positioned to augment the Forest Service. The system disperses a liquid fire

  • Airmen help rural Thai preschool

    More than 12 Airmen from Kadena Air Base, Japan, helped a preschool near here May 19, offering supplies, building materials and a playground renovation.Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group arrived at the rural school, located 30 miles south of here, at about 10 a.m. They began

  • Common sense key to safety

    Air Force officials want Airmen to use common sense and not fall victim to accidents during the “101 Critical Days of Summer.”These 101 days fall between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is the time period when the Air Force sees a rise in off-duty injuries caused by increased activity and risk

  • Joint weather team aids Cobra Gold aircrews

    Multinational, multiservice weather forecasters here put their skills together in predicting curveballs Mother Nature may throw at Cobra Gold 04 participants.Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, joined forces with U.S. Marine and Thai weather forecasters

  • Americans teach Thai teenagers English

    Passakorn Bungaow never spoke English with a foreigner before. That changed May 21 when Airmen visited a local school to help teach Thai students studying English. The visit was part of the speaking and listening program run by English teacher Sompong Phothijark.“The (Airmen) are very, very good at

  • Airmen destroy grenade launchers

    More than 600 rocket-propelled grenade launchers collected by coalition forces throughout southern Iraq, were recently destroyed by Airmen of the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here. Normally destroyed using explosives, this amount of weapons required too much. “In order to destroy

  • Firefighters, community preserve Air Force history

    People of the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services department here recently finished restoring a 1958 O-6 Cardox fire crash truck. They presented it to the military firefighter’s heritage museum at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, during a dedication ceremony May 18.Mark