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  • Lackland officer court-martialed

    During a military court martial Dec. 3 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, a captain was convicted of committing indecent acts with two children. Tthe court sentenced Captain Edward Hudson Dec. 4 to 10 years confinement, total forfeitures of pay and allowances and dismissal from the Air Force. The

  • Deployed Airmen remember Pearl Harbor

    More than 200 U.S. forces at an air base in Southwest Asia attended a memorial retreat in honor of the 2,340 killed and 1,143 wounded in the Dec. 7, 1941 attacks on U.S. military installations on Oahu, Territory of Hawaii. "We have come here today to pay honor and homage to our nations' heroes, the

  • Thrift investment board sets 2008 TSP contribution limits

    The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board here recently announced that 2008's elective deferral limit for regular TSP contributions is $15,500, which is the same amount for 2007.In addition, contributions for the catch-up plan will remain at the same $5,000 limit set in 2006 and 2007."TSP is a

  • Air Force civilians essential to mission; furloughs last resort

    With the Army announcing possibly civilian layoffs this month, Air Force leaders want civilian Air Force members to know they are monitoring the situation closely. "The Air Force does not view the possibility of civilian workforce furlough as an imminent issue," said Air Force officials. "While the

  • Tricare beneficiaries save with mail-order pharmacy

    Nearly 20,000 Tricare beneficiaries are saving money on their prescriptions after making the switch to mail order through the new member choice center. After only two months of operation, beneficiaries saved approximately $600,000 on prescriptions by switching from retail to the Tricare Mail Order

  • Aircraft dedicated to Purple Heart recipients

    One of the Air Force's most modern cargo aircraft was named after the nation's oldest military decoration Nov. 20 in a ceremony attended by Medal of Honor and Purple Heart medal recipients. The Mississippi Air National Guard's 172nd Airlift Wing named one of its C-17 Globemaster IIIs "The Spirit of

  • Aviation resource Airmen train for future success

    Known amongst each other as "one-charlies," Airmen in the Air Force's aviation resource management career field can get advanced training through a pair of courses in the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Mobility Operations School at Fort Dix, N.J. The Host Aviation Resource Management course,

  • Officials explain recoupment policy for wounded troops

    If you are wounded in combat and discharged as a result, you will not have to pay back your enlistment bonus, Defense Department officials said here Nov. 26. "Bonuses are not recouped simply for one's inability to complete an enlistment or re-enlistment agreement through no fault of the military

  • Secretary, chairman give thanks for troops, families

    The two top Defense Department leaders expressed gratitude today for the efforts of servicemembers and their families and called on the nation to remember those serving this Thanksgiving. "Let us give thanks for them and for the difficult job they do. Let us also remember their families, whom we

  • EagleCash lands at Ali Base

    An Air Force EagleCash Card program team has been flying throughout the area of responsibility for the past six months implementing a time- and money-saving technology in southern Iraq. The three-person team, which included a member of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and two members from U.S.

  • Fallen Airmen, Soldiers honored at Aviano

    Aviano Air Base officials held a memorial service Nov. 15 to honor the lives of four Airmen and two Soldiers who were killed when an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter attached to the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment here crashed Nov. 8. Friends and family members gathered to pay their respects

  • Air Force Reserve to operate with fewer reservists

    Air Force Reserve Command will operate with a smaller force in 2008. The fiscal 2008 Defense Appropriations Act signed by President George W. Bush Nov. 13 funds an end-strength of 67,500 reservists. Last year the projected end strength was 74,900. The new legislation also approves 9,999 full-time

  • Tricare to make access to dental care easier overseas

    Presently, host nation dentists often require military families to make full payment up front, and then wait for reimbursement from United Concordia, the administrator of the Tricare Dental Program. Now, Tricare has modified their dental contract in an effort to eliminate the problem by seeking out

  • Overseas Tricare dental program rule changes

    As of Dec. 3, Tricare Dental Program enrollees who live overseas must be command sponsored in order to receive the overseas TDP cost-share benefits. If a TDP enrollee is not command sponsored, he or she will be responsible for the same cost-shares as beneficiaries living in the United States. Before

  • Vietnam wall speaks to both present and past

    At a time when wounds and memories of a long and bitterly protested war were still open and raw, when veterans were treated as villains instead of heroes, an Army veteran by the name of Jan Scruggs conceived the idea of building a memorial to honor those who served in Vietnam. Facing more opposition

  • Chief McKinley updates Airmen on Air Force priorities

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley recently reaffirmed the Air Force's three top priorities as winning the war on terrorism, developing and caring for Airmen and their families, and recapitalization and modernization. The Air Force's top enlisted Airman then spelled out where the

  • Fallen OSI agents honored

    A memorial service was held here Nov. 4 to honor the lives of three Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. Airmen and Soldiers gathered to pay their respects and celebrate the lives of Master Sgt. Thomas A. Crowell, 36, of Neosho,

  • Air Force agents killed in the line of duty in Iraq

    Special Agents Thomas Crowell, David Wieger and Nathan Schuldheiss from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations were killed Nov. 1 in the line of duty in Balad, Iraq. Defense officials announced the death of two Airmen and a Department of the Air Force civilian who were deployed in support of

  • Officials select civilians for strategic leader program

    Air Force officials have selected 84 civilians for the Civilian Strategic Leader Program, formerly known as the GS-15 Leadership Development Program. "The CSLP is designed to help institutionalize the total force development," said Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, chief of manpower and personnel for the Air

  • Air Force's top financial manager visits Keesler for schoolhouse opening

    John G. Vonglis, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller, visited Keesler Oct. 29 for the unveiling of the new financial management officer schoolhouse here. The event marked the official opening of the newly-renovated schoolhouse facility and

  • Air Force women's symposium kicks off

    The Air Force Women's Heritage to Horizons Training Symposium kicked off here Oct. 31with about 600 Airmen from around the globe in attendance. For the next three days, attendees will sit in on various forums and discussions, ranging in topics from professional development to women in combat. Guest

  • Open season begins Nov. 12 for civilian benefits programs

    Office of Personnel Management officials have announced an open season will be held Nov. 12 through Dec. 10 for three civilian benefit programs. The three programs are the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, and the Federal Flexible

  • Falcons self destruct in 34-31 loss

    It was easy to put a finger on why Air Force lost, 34-31, to New Mexico Oct. 25 in Mountain West Conference play at University Stadium in Albuquerque -- the Falcons couldn't keep their hands on the football. The bluesuiters lost a season-high five fumbles, three in the fourth quarter, which turned a

  • Randolph Airmen pay respects to fallen Soldier

    Hundreds of Airmen, Air Force civilians, and their family members lined both sides of the main street here Oct. 26 to pay their respects to a Soldier killed in Iraq. U.S. Army Spc. Vincent A. Madero, 22, died Oct .17 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated

  • Airmen, Marines team up for Djibouti humanitarian mission

    Smiles and laughter filled the air as Airmen and Marines provided live entertainment, toys and water to the residents of Nagad village Oct. 23 in Djibouti. Nagad was the site of a Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa civil affairs engagement, teaming Airmen of the U.S. Central Air Forces'

  • First Mach flight propels Yeager, Air Force into history

    It was just another test mission for Capt. Chuck Yeager. Captain Yeager arrived at Muroc Air Force Base, Calif., the morning of Oct. 14, 1947, for what would be his ninth powered flight piloting the Bell X-1. Each of the previous flights demonstrated incremental speed increases as the aircraft

  • New JCS chairman visits Bagram

    The military's top servicemember visited here Oct. 7 to check on operations in Afghanistan and hear the concerns of military members. Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thanked servicemembers for their sacrifices during an All-Hands Call for E-6s and below. The

  • New Iraqi air force continues to grow

    The Coalition Air Force Transition Team, 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron, is continuing its efforts to populate the new Iraqi air force. A combined graduation was held Oct. 10 for four Iraqi air force maintenance officers, five maintenance supervisors, eight fuels supervisors and 54 enlisted

  • Robins officer makes a splash with Air Force swim team

    When not crunching numbers as a budget analyst, one Air Force first lieutenant is busy making a splash in the pool. Ryan Fitzgerald, former team captain for the Air Force Academy swim team was recently selected for the Air Force swim team. Fitzgerald, who specialized in long distance events, is a

  • Interest in space wanes despite America's space dependency

    Too many Americans feel the "dark void" above them is of little consequence, but nothing is further from the truth warned one congressman during the Space Education Symposium held by Air University's National Space Studies Center in Montgomery, Ala., in September. In a video presentation at the

  • Air Force Week Atlanta kicks off

    Air Force Week Atlanta began with the reading of the proclamation order Oct. 8 at the Marietta Conference Center here, announcing the Oct. 8 through Oct. 14 dates amid a race car, motorcycle, fighter plane flyovers, a band, Airmen and citizens of the Peach State.Signed by Georgia Governor Sonny

  • Session advances Tinker efforts to realign supply processes

    In preparation for the transition of part of the 776th Maintenance Support Squadron here to the Defense Logistics Agency in February 2008, Air Force and DLA officials conducted a kickoff session here in mid-September. The support squadron, part of Tinker's 76th Maintenance Wing, is one of the

  • Air Force leaders discuss need to control cyberspace

    Military and industry leaders who gathered here this week spoke about the tremendous warfighting value of controlling cyberspace, but they were just as clear about the inherent threats. "If we lose our ability to use cyberspace, we lose our ability to war-fight," said. Col. Tony Buntyn, director

  • Aviano undergoes Renaissance

    It once had an uncertain future. But the huge Aviano 2000 construction project is proof this base has a life that's being cast in concrete.  (Note: This article reprinted from Airman magazine, November, 2000.)Once upon a time, there was a small Air Force base at Aviano. It was tucked-away in a lush

  • Legal assistance helps Airmen manage stress

    Earlier this year, Air Force officials introduced a year-long campaign that highlights monthly initiatives to help Airmen and their families manage stress. The initiative for the month of September is "legal assistance." "Legal assistance is an incredibly valuable resource available to all Airmen

  • POW/MIA Day: Remembering those who are not home

    Retired Lt. Col. John Yuill looks forward to National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day every year. Not because he longs to relive his time in a Vietnamese prison camp, but because he understands how important it is to remember those who have still not made it home. "I love this

  • Air Force awarded 'best of best' for ozone sustainment

    The Air Force received the Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award for outstanding leadership in stratospheric ozone protection from the United Nations Environmental Programme and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award was part of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the

  • Air Force will not cut special duty assignment pay in 2008

    Air Force officials here recently announced that previous plans to reduce special duty assignment pay are being rescinded. Initially, reductions to fiscal 2008 special and incentive pay called for officials to consider reductions in existing special duty assignment pay; however, after considering

  • Civilian pay raises become more performance-based

    Department of Defense officials will use half of a January 2008 government-wide pay increase to adjust base salaries for eligible National Security Personnel System employees. Remaining funds will be distributed by pay pools based on an assessment of individual employee performance in meeting

  • Financial service center opens doors at Ellsworth

    The new Air Force Financial Services Center officially opened its doors Sept. 14 with an assumption of command and ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne. During the assumption of command ceremony, Col. Judy Perry assumed command of the center. "Opening the

  • Korean War aces enlighten multitudes about their exploits

    After they dined with dignitaries, fielded questions from international media and signed hundreds of autographs, eight Korean War Aces are on the final leg of their visit here. After laying a wreath on the morning of Sept. 15 in a commemoration of Incheon landing operations, that evening they are

  • Airmen in Afghanistan pay tribute to Air Force anniversary

    Coalition servicemembers and Airmen assigned to the Combine Security Transition Command-Afghanistan gathered to pay tribute to six decades of air and space power by celebrating the Air Force's 60th anniversary Sept. 14 here. The celebration, titled "Heritage to Horizons: Commemorating 60 years of

  • South Dakota veterans may be eligible for bonuses

    The state of South Dakota is paying a veterans' bonus of up to $500 to certain servicemembers based on monthly service during qualifying dates. Bonuses are available to servicemembers who: -- were legal residents of the state for at least six months immediately preceding entry into the armed forces.

  • AFMC executive director discusses challenges

    Air Force Materiel Command's top civilian leader discussed several challenges facing the Air Force, including the increasing costs of personnel and military health care, during a speech to the International Test and Evaluation Association Antelope Valley chapter Sept. 5 here. Barbara A. Westgate,

  • Korean War veterans give sage advice to Airmen

    Eight Korean War fighter pilots, many now in history books, gave advice to Airmen at Yongson Army Garrison Sept. 10 during their tour of South Korea. After laying a wreath at the South Korean National Cemetery in honor of all those who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953,

  • Air Force to transform financial services

    Air Force financial services are undergoing a major change that will save millions of dollars and return hundreds of Airmen to the fight, said a senior Air Force financial management official here Sept. 12. As part of a two-year plan, the Air Force Financial Services Center will open its doors Sept.

  • Eagle Cash card: Money spreads its wings

    Deployed servicemembers in Southwest Asia can now access their funds 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a new, automated money management program called Eagle Cash. Co-sponsored by the Army and the Department of the Treasury, Eagle Cash is a financial management tool to support military members

  • Afghans train Afghans with American mentorship

    Afghan instructors are training Afghan national police officers in a series of security forces classes here, while two American Airmen provide watchful mentorship. The Afghan national police sustainment training is a giant step forward for the future of the Afghan National Army and the Afghan

  • Kunsan Airmen remember Sept. 11

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing here Sept. 11 paid a special tribute to the victims and emergency responders involved with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.Members of the base fire department, 8th Medical Group and 8th Security Forces Squadron formed a special emergency services flight

  • Commander highlights AETC mission, impact, initiatives

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command treated a crowd of more than 2,000 to a look at "The First Command's" mission, initiatives, and impact on the Air Force during opening comments at the 2007 AETC Symposium Sept. 6 in San Antonio. Gen. William R. Looney III highlighted the three main

  • 3 private housing projects to begin Oct. 1

    The Air Force's top civil engineer has signed a lease for his future home at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., one of 3,189 to be built by a private developer as part of a 50-year partnership with the service. "This is nothing but good news for our Airmen and their families," said Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg,

  • Summer safety campaign sees near-record

    The Air Force wrapped up one of its most successful 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaigns Sept. 3.Nineteen Airmen died in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, whereas in 2006, the Air Force's safest summer season, 17 Airmen died in the same period. These figures don't include

  • Small rewards program results in big explosion

    A small rewards program led to a big explosion as explosive ordnance disposal Airmen detonated more than 900 pounds of munitions turned in by local Afghans Sept. 1 near Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam. The detonation destroyed mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, rockets, bullets and other

  • Hickam Airman to play during Air Force Week

    One Hickam Air Force Base Airman will get the chance of a lifetime to take the stage before the Air Force's premiere talent showcase, Tops in Blue, at the Waikiki Shell during the Air Force Week Honolulu celebration Sept. 7 through 15. Tech. Sgt. Daniel Baduria, an air Reserve technician with the

  • AFPC testing new external applicant recruitment tool

    External applicants interested in working for the Air Force may have an easier road to travel because of a new recruitment tool, said Air Force Personnel Center officials at Randolph Air Force Base. The new tool is called USA Staffing, a human resources hiring tool that is integrated with the

  • Airmen participate in joint exercise along Panama Canal

    Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers came together for the U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, joint and multi-national training exercise, Fuezas Aliadas (Allied Forces) PANAMAX 2007 Aug. 29 to Sept. 7 in Panama and Honduras.The joint exercise focuses on ensuring the security of the Panama Canal by

  • Tricare beneficiaries save time, money with new service

    Registering for the Tricare mail-order pharmacy is now just a quick phone call or click of a mouse away for military families and retireees with the launch of the new Member Choice Center. With this new service, beneficiaries obtain enrollment assistance, and MCC members contact the physician to

  • Air Force Week art exhibit opening set for Sept. 13

    "Heritage to Horizons: Living History through Air Force Art" is one of the featured events of Air Force Week Honolulu set to take place Sept. 7 to 15.  Plans for the art exhibit in honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary will showcase 50 paintings from the Pacific Air Forces' collection of about

  • Air Force officials announce 2008 force-shaping plans

    Air Force officials recently announced plans to meet the 2008 fiscal year end-strength of 328,600, which calls for a force reduction of about 5,400 officers and enlisted members through normal attrition, retirement or force-shaping measures. The reductions are in line with Air Force efforts to

  • Programs help Airmen, families prepare for deployment

    As part of ongoing efforts to inform Airmen about ways to manage stress, Air Force officials here introduced a monthly campaign to highlight initiatives to help Airmen and their families cope with life's difficulties, and the initiative for August is deployment readiness.Air Force officials employ

  • Hickam Airmen conduct 4-ship airdrop training

    Four C-17 Globemaster III aircrews from the 535th Airlift squadron conducted multi-element airdrop training over the Kahuku training range Aug. 13 here allowing aircrew members to maintain currency while increasing proficiency and capability. Strategic airlift for the eight C-17s at Hickam AFB is in

  • Women's contributions to Air Force honored

    In conjunction with the Air Force's 60th anniversary celebration this year, the country's youngest military service is paying tribute to women's contributions to its rich history and heritage. "Heritage to Horizons: Earning Our Wings and Reaching the Stars" is the theme of the 2007 Air Force

  • Retired Airmen don uniforms once again to teach JROTC cadets

    More than 1,900 Junior ROTC instructors, who teach at 869 school units throughout the world, finished their initial instructor training here last week. Jo Alice Talley, chief of JROTC instructor management at Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools, said the newly hired instructors were

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights Airmen's education benefits

    This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights the importance of education for the professional and personal development of all Airmen. Through base education centers and the Air Force Virtual Education Center, Airmen have countless educational benefits right at their fingertips. The Air Force Tuition

  • Full replacement value for personal property begins soon

    Department of Defense customers, including servicemembers and DOD civilians, will soon be eligible for full replacement value protection on most DOD-funded personal property shipments. Full replacement value coverage will apply to personal property shipments with a pickup date on or after: -- Oct.

  • Improved health care plan for reservists starts in October

    Reservists can begin signing up Aug. 11 for more affordable Tricare Select Reserve health care that starts Oct. 1. For some, it means they will pay a third of what they are paying today. "All drilling reservists, including individual mobilization augmentees, will have access to the health-care

  • Services, mission support merger complete at test bases

    The merger of services and mission support squadrons at six Air Force bases is now complete. The new combined organizations, called "force support squadrons," are paying huge dividends through improved service to customers, better synergy between organizations and increased efficiency in processes

  • Manta Airmen continue their counterdrug war

    American forces flying from here to hunt down drug runners could soon have to pack up their whole operation and move elsewhere. That is because Ecuadorian President Raphael Correa wants American forces out of the Andean country. He vows not to renew a 1999 agreement with the United States that

  • Air Force, Navy hold 'Warfighter Talks'

    Air Force and Navy top uniformed leaders gathered Aug. 2 in Washington for "Warfighter Talks" to discuss ways the two services can improve upon their legacy of cooperation and interdependence as the strategic striking arms for the nation. "The Air Force and Navy are complementary strategic forces

  • Artists document Rodeo competition

    Whether it's the sound of a pencil scratching paper or the flash of light from their digital cameras, four artists with the Air Force Art Program are working to portray Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 through their art at McChord Air Force Base. More than 2,500 competitors and observers from the

  • Air Force NSPS update released

    The Air Force has deployed more than 39,000 employees to the National Security Personnel System. When fully implemented, NSPS will cover more than 128,000 Air Force employees and affect civilian employees, civilian supervisors and military members who supervise civilian employees. The Air Force

  • New tinted windows 'shades' light on tower

    Air traffic controllers here now have a clearer view of commercial and military operations, thanks to the installation of new glass and lighting in the control tower. Base engineers accomplished the final inspection and accepted the work July 23 on more than $41,000 in upgrades. Previously, Kyrgyz

  • Dedication recognizes Airmen who deliver under fire

    Senior Enlisted Leader Summit participants and officials recognized the perseverance of Airmen on convoy duty at the Air Force Convoy Gun Truck Dedication at the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall July 23 at Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex, Ala. More than 350 people in attendance dedicated a

  • Ceremonies mark official start for Air Mobility Rodeo 2007

    The head of Air Mobility Command welcomed more than 2,500 competitors and observers from the U.S. and 34 other countries July 22 to the largest Air Mobility Rodeo in history. "The fact that we had so many allies and friends that came to join us in this great competition, I can't tell you what that

  • Art exhibit draws crowd to Air Force heritage

    A collection of art illustrating Air Force heritage since before the service's beginning through today's expeditionary operations was the spotlight for local military, civic and business leaders during a gathering July 18 in honor of the Air Force's 60th Anniversary. The exhibit, titled "Heritage to

  • Drink up: Tigris River is life for troops in Baghdad

    It is no different now than it ever has been in Baghdad; life is sustained by the Tigris River. This 1,150-mile-long channel of water is known for its swift flow and ancient history -- and every bottle of water in the Victory Base Complex is filled to the brim from this river. The VBC is home to

  • Defense leaders build on strong relations in Hawaii

    Defense officials are working to make Hawaii a better place for military members and their families to live. Navy Adm. Timothy Keating, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, met here with Dr. David Chu, under secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, this week to discuss key issues. Solid

  • New prosthesis could help keep troops in the fight

    A new prosthesis under development will give servicemember amputees more flexibility and help them better perform their military jobs if they choose to stay on active duty. A preview of the new technology July 17 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here drew key staff and several servicemember

  • CMSAF observes USAFE missions, visits wounded troops

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force completed an aeromedical evacuation mission from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Ramstein Air Base and back July 7 through 10 to observe the process firsthand. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley wanted to experience step by step what the

  • Air Force chief discusses upcoming senior enlisted summit

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley paid a visit here June 27 and spoke to students at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy and Air Force First Sergeants Academy at Gunter Annex about Air Force priorities and issues that affect enlisted members. He also took a few moments to field

  • Expeditionary Wing celebrates Independence Day

    Just a few miles off the Persian Gulf, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing bustled with more than 8,000 servicemembers hard at work, but also taking the time to honor America's independence.For a moment, expeditionary Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians felt like they were back home, where

  • Air Force leaders send Independence Day message

    The following is an Independence Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "To the Airmen of the United States Air Force: "On July 4, 1776, 56 men signed a document that established the foundation for new nation where "all men

  • 'Transformers' put Airmen, aircraft on big screen

    More than 300 Airmen and numerous aircraft will be seen around the world in the latest DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures film, "Transformers" being released to theaters July 4.The movie combines the use of live action with computer-generated imagery to enhance the story as Airmen served as extras in the

  • VA guarantees home loans for servicemembers

    Servicemembers returning to the states from overseas can now take advantage of a valuable home buying guarantee from the Department of Veterans Affairs.Contrary to what some may think, the VA does not offer home loans, instead they offer a home-loan guarantee, said Tan Johnson, a VA representative. 

  • Education benefits run out for too many, too often

    Education benefits are still among the top reasons many individuals join the military. Despite this fact, more than 40 percent of Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits go unused each year, according to officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs. One major cause: Time. "Unfortunately, G.I. bill benefits

  • Tricare beneficiaries can skip co-pay during over-the-counter test

    A two-year test authorized by the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act allows Tricare beneficiaries to substitute over-the-counter versions of certain prescription drugs without a copayment. For now, the test includes the Tricare mail order pharmacy only.  Plans call for expansion to retail

  • Chief Pfingston loses fight with cancer

    Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary R. Pfingston died of cancer June 23 in San Antonio. "Today the Air Force mourns the loss of a great enlisted leader," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "Gary's life was a shining example of service to our nation and we

  • Lackland remembers fallen agent

    On June 18, Airmen gathered in honor of Special Agent Matthew Kuglics. Instead of celebration, however, they paid tribute; instead of a steady drum beat, the sounds of memories and personal reflection filled the air. Agent Kuglics, a member of the Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 352

  • First phase of Reserve mobility exercise concludes

    More than 150 Individual Ready Reservists finished a week-long active duty tour June 22 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The five-day tour of duty was the conclusion of the "Push" portion of the "Push-Pull 2007" exercise. The exercise tests and evaluates the IRR mobilization process, said Lt. Col.

  • 'Living legends' discuss Air Force of yesterday, today

    In keeping with the Air Force's 60th anniversary theme, "Heritage to Horizons," a panel of four war veterans gathered June 14 at the Pentagon Conference Center to discuss the challenges and triumphs of air power over the years. The theme of the discussion was, "The Jet Age: Korea, Vietnam, Cold

  • Reserve Airmen test mobilization at Lackland

    With the start of the Air Force "Push-Pull 2007" exercise here June 18, some 320 Individual Ready Reserve Airmen from across the country have been called to active duty.  A push-pull exercise, typically conducted every two years, tests the mobilization process and evaluates the skill level of the

  • Airmen, Soldiers pay respects to fallen comrade in arms

    An empty pair of boots placed in front and, just behind, a helmet sat atop the inverted rifle that held hanging dog tags -- the memorial display stood center stage and served as a focal point for the many Airmen and Soldiers who had come to pay respects to an Airman whose ultimate sacrifice was

  • Kunsan Airmen pay tribute to triple ace fighter pilot

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the "Wolf Pack," honored Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, who passed away June 14, during a commemoration event June 19. General Olds, former commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and also known as the first "Wolf," was a triple ace fighter pilot who shot down 16

  • National Air and Space Museum family day wows visitors

    More than 17,000 people got an up close and personal look at several civilian and military aircraft during the "Reach for the Sky" family day at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center here June 16. The event paid tribute to the Air Force's 60th Anniversary celebration, and featured a

  • Kadena NCO court-martialed for child porn

    A non-commissioned officer recently received nine months confinement, reduction in rank to airman basic and a bad conduct discharge for possessing and displaying child pornography here. Staff Sergeant Jason M. Hooks, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, pleaded guilty to the charges before a military

  • Fallen pilot remembered

    Maj. Kevin Sonnenberg, assigned to the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, died June 15 when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed shortly after takeoff. He had just departed on a mission to provide air support to coalition ground forces fighting anti-Iraq forces. Major Sonnenberg, known as "Sonny" to

  • Civil engineer Airmen paving way for Iraqi Army

    Members of the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron are constructing a 44,000-square-foot concrete drill pad at Camp Mittica, Iraq. The pad will be used for training by the Iraqi Army. The Air Force was approached by the United Kingdom Brigade forward commander for assistance in standing up

  • Rollover trainer turns up the HEAT on safety

    Before security forces teams deploy from Moody, they are now being put through the "spin cycle" of the Air Force's only vehicle rollover trainer. The Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer, or HEAT, is able to realistically simulate a vehicle rollover in a safe environment and will save lives in a

  • Final tributes paid to Airmen killed in Iraq

    Two memorial displays, each with a pair of boots, an inverted rifle, a helmet and a set of dog tags, stood side by side reflecting the camaraderie and teamwork and service of Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer and Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, whose ultimate sacrifices were honored in a ceremony here June

  • Defense secretary, servicemembers reflect on D-Day heroism

    The defense secretary was among hundreds of people who walked above the windswept cliffs and paused among fog-shrouded headstones here June 6 to honor those who died during the D-Day invasion 63 years ago. Secretary Robert M. Gates took a private moment in the American Cemetery, reflecting on row