Secretary Gates pays a visit

Preparing for unexpected keeps vacation worry-free

Many Airmen stationed overseas have family and friends travel thousands of miles to visit, but sometimes they forget to be ready for to the unexpected like a potential medical emergency. A quick check of a person's insurance and being prepared medically and financially can prevent a vacation turning

AFSC eligibility for RIF updated

New vulnerability charts for force shaping have been released on the Air Force Personnel Center Force Shaping Web site, removing eight officer career fields from the reduction in force. Based on current Air Force projections for operational stress and strong voluntary separation rates, officers with

Early American combat aviators memorialized

Underneath the decorative arch of a recently refurbished monument built in 1928, several hundred American and French citizens as well as military personnel, tourists, and dignitaries came to pay their respects to 38 all-volunteer American aviators -- known as the Lafayette Escadrille -- who flew

USAFE leader honors fallen heroes at Flanders Field

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Airmen and Soldiers stationed in Europe paid tribute over the Memorial Day weekend to 368 U.S. servicemembers buried here who died on the battlefield while liberating Belgium during World War I. Gen. William T. Hobbins said no amount of time should ever

Incirlik Airmen remember those who gave ultimate sacrifice

Before 39th Air Base Wing members began their Memorial Day weekend, they took a few minutes to remember the reason for the holiday. "It is not about the beach, nor is it about cooking out. It is all about duty, honor, country and the ultimate sacrifice," said Col. Tip Stinnette, wing commander.

Week in Photos features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, firefighters battle a blaze as part of a training exercise. During the 101 Critical Days of Summer,

Air Force leaders call attention to Memorial Day significance

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley have signed a letter reminding Airmen that Memorial Day means much more than "merely a three-day weekend."The leaders wrote that "Memorial Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay homage to those who died

Chairman of Joint Chiefs sends Memorial Day message

On this Memorial Day, as we remember our fallen comrades in arms, let us reflect upon the countless battles with now familiar names such as Yorktown, Gettysburg, Iwo Jima, Chosin, Hue City, Mazar-e-Sharif and Fallujah. Each one reminds us that liberty has a cost, and that freedom is not free.

Plans unveiled for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center

At a Capitol Hill news conference May 23, exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum provided a first glimpse of the exhibits planned for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground facility slated for the National Mall near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as The Wall. "The center will

Brookwood and Cambridge: Places of remembrance

More than a half-million Americans were killed during the two World Wars, and 468 military members from World War I and 3,812 warriors from World War II have their final resting place in England. Just after the first World War, Army Gen. John Pershing started the practice of allowing America's dead

Lt. Dan Band salutes servicemembers overseas

Everywhere he goes, actor Gary Sinise is recognized as Lieutenant Dan from the movie "Forrest Gump." It was this recognition that gave him the inspiration for his band name: The Lt. Dan Band; a tool that Mr. Sinise uses to support the men and women in the Armed Forces by playing overseas tours and

Moving tips in time for summer

For people who are preparing to move due to PCS, separation or retirement, a successful move is not a matter of chance. It is the result of planning and hard work. Officials at the Air Force Claims Service Center say there are things servicemembers can and should do to safeguard their belongings

Airmen mentor Afghan depot personnel

Airmen stationed here supporting Operation Enduring Freedom are taking the time to mentor Afghan national army soldiers at the Central Maintenance Depot in Kabul. Serving a one-year deployment, the Air Force mentors are embedded training team members supporting the Central Maintenance Depot's

Cash flow easier for Airmen deployed forward

Deployed servicemembers here 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 deployed in

Bush proclaims May 11 Military Spouse Day

President Bush issued a proclamation May 10 commemorating May 11 as Military Spouse Day and laid plans to observe the day honoring servicemembers and their spouses personally at the White House. "America's military spouses inspire our nation with their sense of duty and deep devotion to our

Personnel Center reps demonstrate 'Excellence in Government'

An individual and a team from the Air Force Personnel Center here received Alamo Federal Executive Board "Excellence in Government" awards during a luncheon May 4 honoring the nearly 90,000 federal employees in the San Antonio area. AFEB officials presented Emily Covarrubia, from the Civilian Force

Air Force plays part in entertainer's memorial

More than 10,000 visitors flocked to the shores of Waikiki Beach May 5 to pay their respects to singer and Air Force veteran Don Ho.Mr. Ho, who passed away in April at the age of 76, flew cargo planes in the 1950s. After his Air Force career, Mr. Ho continued to support the military with concerts

Panel recommends services for wounded vets

There is a new era of cooperation within the federal government to work together to provide services for troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Secretary Nicholson told the House Veterans Affairs Committee May 9. Secretary Nicholson reported on

New security measures added to myPay system

A new security feature has been added to protect myPay customers' data on the pay account system. As part of an on-going commitment to strengthen password and account security, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service has implemented the "virtual keyboard" to assist in protecting against malicious

Society honors Airmen who escaped, evaded capture

The commander of Air Mobility Command honored the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society with a ceremony here May 4 as part of the group's 2007 reunion. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb paid tribute to AFEES, a non-profit organization of Airmen who were forced down behind enemy lines and avoided captivity, or

Officials release latest force shaping board results

Air Force officials released the results of the 2007 Line of the Air Force Force Shaping Board.  Senior raters notified eligible officers of their retention status on May 2. The force shaping board which convened at the Air Force Personnel Center here March 12 selected for active duty retention

Romanian pilot returns favor, bridges gap in joint exercise

All his life he dreamed of being a pilot. Growing up near an air base, he always hoped he too would be able to take to the sky like so many pilots he saw day after day. That dream became a reality in 2001 when 1st Lt. Mihaita Marin began to fly. He started his journey toward flight in 1999 when he

Kansas Air National Guardsman completes first online retirement

A Kansas Air National Guardsman was the first Guard Airman to complete the new online Air Force retirement process, which became mandatory April 15. Tech. Sgt. Kenneth L. Ellis, of the 190th Civil Engineer Squadron, applied for retirement using the system March 15, the day the process went live, and

Air Force in Afghanistan aims high on low terrain

About 240 Airmen are working throughout Afghanistan to help build vital infrastructure as members of provincial reconstruction teams. Air Force members began leading six of the 24 PRTs in April 2006 as Airmen work to improve Afghanistan's security through reconstruction and economic development. The

Manas outreach program saves lives, one heart at a time

Since its inception in 2003, the Manas Air Base Outreach Society through the Children's Heart Fund has saved 76 children born with holes in their hearts. Sixteen children alone have been saved since January. "It's a great help," said Gula Tolkonbek, mother of 10-year-old heart surgery patient Nazik

Edwards team stars in 'Iron Man' superhero movie

Edwards Air Force Base recently became a Hollywood set, as about 150 Airmen, about a dozen Marines and some of the Air Force's new aircraft shared the spotlight with Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow in filming Hollywood's next superhero blockbuster. Director Jon Favreau and his

NFL, eKnowledge tackle college entrance exams

The Montgomery G.I. bill pays servicemembers' and their dependents' tuition at institutes of higher learning, but it doesn't help them gain admission to school. To give college-bound members of military families a leg-up, eKnowledge Corporation, which supplies interactive test-preparation products

A-10 provides top cover for troops in Iraq

The catalysts behind one of the most kinetically advanced air forces in the world can be found at the 438th Air Expeditionary Group's maintenance and fighter squadrons. The Airmen assigned to these units employ their kinetic energy by flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an aircraft that provides

Artist honors Air Force medical field with 20-foot mural

A mural, which pays tribute to the Air Force's medical readiness mission, from entering the military here at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to an actual deployment, was unveiled in a ceremony held here at the 59th Medical Wing. "The mural is dedicated to every deploying Air Force medical member,

Airman pleads guilty, sentenced to 10 years confinement

An Airman charged with murder received 10 years confinement, reduction in rank to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and a dishonorable discharge during a court martial that concluded April 24 here. Airman 1st Class Kyle J. Dalton pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and failure to obey

Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

Six fallen Airmen were honored during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial held April 21 at Eglin Air Force Base's Kauffman Annex. "It's an honor to be here and pay our respect to fallen warriors and families who gave so much," said Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg, the Air Force civil engineer,

Air Force civilians win presidential rank awards

Several Air Force civilians were presented the 2006 Presidential Rank Awards here in a ceremony held April 20 in the Women's Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. The President of the United States annually awards distinguished and meritorious ranks to career members of the senior executive

Yokota residents pay tribute to Holocaust victims

The Constitution protects American citizens' rights to worship as they choose by allowing the "free exercise thereof," but history shows citizens of other countries have not been as fortunate. Yokota Air Base residents exercised "the right of the people peaceably to assemble" at a memorial service

German policemen invaluable asset at Ramstein

The German Civilian Security Police, also known as ZPs, are an invaluable asset in making sure things run smoothly here. With the high deployment rate of their military counterparts, the ZPs have stepped up to make sure there are no gaps in safeguarding security.They are fully integrated into the

Ready Reserve Push-Pull 2007 exercise slated for June

More than 300 Individual Ready Reserve Airmen will participate in a Defense Department-required exercise in June, which conducts an end-to-end test of key mobilization processes and systems. The Air Force will begin Exercise Push-Pull 2007 June 18 when officials will "push" about 320 IRR Airmen, or

Air Force officials finance fight from consolidated center

The creation of the Air Force Financial Services Center, which will save the Air Force money and help "finance the fight," moved closer to reality April 18, as financial services transformation teams kicked off a series of visits to bases around the world starting with those in Air Force Space

Fusion system aids war on drugs in Afghanistan

An effort between the 350th Electronic Systems Group here and one of its small-business partners has yielded a big pay-off for U.S. and coalition forces waging the war on terrorism. An Afghanistan-based fusion center they developed has helped officials seize more than 45 tons of narcotics and

Airman shows way for Afghan National Army recruiters

To serve and protect the nation is one of the top three reasons U.S. citizens take the military oath of enlistment, and Staff Sgt. Matt Leas learned firsthand that it is also the top reason Afghans join the 207th Zafar (Victory) Corps. The 364th Recruiting Squadron systems administrator recently

Baseball: Falcons fall in first of double-header

The U.S. Air Force Academy baseball team lost the first game of its doubleheader 10-6 to New Mexico April 15 at Falcon Field here. The second game was called due to darkness with the game tied 12-12 after a wild 10 innings. The Falcons (6-27, 0-8) and Lobos (16-21, 5-6) will resume the second game

Air Force undersecretary: celebrate successes, secure the future

A top Air Force official provided insight to the year's successes and upcoming challenges at the 23rd National Space Symposium here April 10. Dr. Ronald Sega, undersecretary of the Air Force, addressed a near-capacity crowd of military, civilian, space industry and academic leaders gathered for the

Airmen get smart with sexual assault training

With bad intentions in their heart, they wait to take advantage of the person who isn't paying attention. Sam Rush-Walton, a Fullpower Workshop instructor, trained a crowd of Peterson Air Force Base active duty, civilians and dependents about how to protect themselves from becoming victims of

Best Air Force journalism announced

A panel of civilian journalists, teachers and public relations professionals have selected the best in Air Force print and broadcast journalism for the 51st annual Air Force Media Contest. Senior Airman Brian A. Stives, of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is the Air

CMSAF visits Aviano Airmen

Aviano Airmen had a chance to meet and talk with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley during his visit here April 9 and 10. The Air Force's top enlisted Airman paid a visit to Aviano as part of his U.S. Air Forces in Europe tour. During his stay, he hosted an Airmen's breakfast and

Mandatory separation ages change for Reserve officers

Air Force Reserve officers, if otherwise eligible, can now stay in the service longer before reaching their mandatory separation age. The change is a result of provisions in the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act, but eligible officers still have the option of voluntarily separating or retiring

Air Force releases combat action medal criteria

Air Force officials at the Air Force Personnel Center released criteria this week for award of the new combat action medal, an award for Airmen who have been involved in direct fighting situations where they risked their lives in an enemy engagement. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

B-17 aircrew remembered

Airmen from Hickam Air Force Base and the Hawaii Aviation Preservation Society held a memorial ceremony honoring 10 B-17E Flying Fortress crew members who lost their lives here 65 years ago. The Flying Fortress, returning from a routine combat patrol, crashed into the cliffs of Mt. Keahiakahoe near

CMSAF kicks off USAFE tour with visit to Lajes Field

The top enlisted Airman began his tour of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations during a visit here April 4 and 5. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said he and his wife, Paula, enjoyed spending time with Airmen assigned to this island, which is located about 900 miles off the

Yokota students show precision, dedication

"Squad, halt!" The uniformed members in polished dress shoes marching in formation with shined-brown rifle stocks parading in a small gym come to a stomping halt. The nine young men and women stand at a position of attention. These young men and women aren't servicemembers -- they're high school

Air Force Reserve manpower authorizations reduced

Nearly 5,000 Air Force reservists will receive letters in April, telling them they have to make career decisions because of authorization reductions. To help pay for force modernization, the Air Force Reserve Command will reduce its manpower authorizations by 7,700 over the next four years. Part of

New housing on the way for Spangdahlem

Airmen of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB are witnessing the base grow and improve as the Air Force is spending $83 million to rip up the old housing units and building new ones in their place. The 139 new homes will be completed by 2010 as demolition of old stairwell housing has been going

FM Center of Expertise celebrates first anniversary

Last April, after 15 months of studies, surveys, and hard work, the Air Force Financial Management Center of Expertise, or FM CoE, opened its doors and introduced a single stopping point for cost analysis decision support for commanders and senior leaders. "The mission of the FM CoE is to provide

Lt. Col. Chase Nielsen service held March 28

Friends, family and servicemembers paid their respects March 28 to retired Lt. Col. Chase J. Nielsen, a member of the Tokyo Doolittle Raiders, who died March 23 at his home in Brigham City, Utah. A service was held in Logan, Utah, and his interment at a cemetery in Hyrum, Utah.Although inclement

Air Force clubs offering scholarships

Air Force Services Agency officials are offering $25,000 in scholarships for club members and eligible family members.Through its Air Force Clubs Division, the agency is offering the annual scholarship program for the 11th year, sponsored in part by Chase Bank and Coca-Cola."This is an exclusive

AFSO 21 money-saving initiative increases capabilities

A cross-squadron team of Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have succeeded in another Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiative that will continue to increase combat capability for the wing, and save money which can be diverted into Air Force recapitalization priorities. An initiative was

Air Force Week ends with show of force

Air Force Week ended here March 25 when the second day of  "The Show of Force '07 - From Heritage to Horizons Air Show" culminated. Aerial demonstrations consisted of more than 17 performers each day of the two-day event, but before they got off the ground, Brig. Gen. Noel "Tom" Jones, commander of

Processing claims streaming online

The Air Force Judge Advocate General's corps is consolidating the processing of certain claims, commonly known as personal claims, at a single location in Dayton, Ohio. These claims involve loss or damage during shipment of household goods and privately owned vehicles, as well as during storage at

Cadet faces Article 32 hearing March 28

An Article 32 hearing for an Air Force Academy cadet charged with three violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice convenes here March 28. Cadet 3rd Class David J. Watson was charged March 7 with violation of Article 92, for failure to obey an order or regulation; Article 108, damage,

Candidates sought for civilian leadership program

Air Force officials are now accepting applications for the Civilian Strategic Leader Program, formerly the GS-15 Leadership Development Program, through April 20. Although the name of the program has changed, the goal remains the same: to develop eligible GS-15, Pay Band 3 or equivalent-level

Air Force selects developer for Langley privatization

Langley took another step toward privatization when the Air Force announced BLB Family Housing, LLC, as the highest bidder for Langley's Military Housing Privatization Initiative recently. BLB, a venture between Hunt ELP, Ltd. and Pinnacle American Management Services, will be responsible for

Airmen mentor Afghan National Army soldiers

At the Kabul Military Training Center, Airmen among other U.S.military service members are supporting the Afghan National Army's progress into a full, independent military. Nineteen Air Force personnel at KMTC contribute to that effort by mentoring ANA soldiers into professional military members.

Air Force Claims Service Center opens

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne officially opened the Air Force Claims Center here March 23 with the cut of a ribbon. Now, Airmen stationed around the world have a centralized claims center to file legal claims and it can all be done online. The chief of the Air Force Claims Service

'Que Bien' Air Force Week

The Air Force showcased its assets, capabilities and Hispanic Airmen during Air Force Week to 15 countries around the world March 21-22. Univision reporter Tony Dandrades of "Primer Impacto," a nationally televised, 60-minute Spanish-language news program, told the Air Force story during his time at

Officer VSP deadline extended to May 31

The deadline for the officer Voluntary Separation Pay application has been extended to May 31.Previously the deadline was March 31. Since the 2007 goal for officer separations has not been met, the decision was made to extend the application filing window, according to Brig. Gen. K. C. McClain,

DOD investigates hacking of troops' personal computers

Defense Department officials have launched an investigation into recent computer hackings of servicemembers' home computers that compromised personal information and led to the redirection of funds from their military pay accounts. Over the past eight months, nearly two dozen Defense Finance and

Air Force program delivers a touch of home

Representatives from Armed Forces Entertainment flocked to Austin for the 2007 South by Southwest, or SXSW, music and film festival. Their mission was to recruit new talent for their tours that travel around the globe. The groups are not paid to participate, but all of their expenses are covered and

Stepping up foreign language, cultural awareness for Airmen

Air Force officials are broadening their vision of the expeditionary Airman. Armed with a wide range of combat skills, serving multiple deployments in wartime theaters, this leaner, more agile Airman must now learn to navigate the global cultural landscape. "Our Air Force needs Airmen who can

Blue uniforms continue presence in Puerto Rico

Since 1939, an American blue uniform presence has been on Puerto Rico to maintain a military force and to deter enemy forces from here or the homeland. From 1939 to 1973, Air Force bluesuiters were stationed at what was once called Ramey Air Force Base in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico.  When

Cadet faces Article 32 hearing

An Article 32 hearing for an Air Force Academy cadet charged with drug use convenes here Wednesday, March 21. Cadet 1st Class Andrea Taylor, a senior, was charged March 13 with one violation of the Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, for wrongful use of the controlled substance

Manas Airmen reunite sister cities Bishkek, Colorado Springs

Airmen from the base, representing the city of Colorado Springs, Colo., paid a visit March 14 to the mayor of its sister city, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The meeting, which included Marie Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, took place as a renewal of cultural ties established between the

Additional charges filed against cadet

Academy officials have filed additional charges against a cadet. Cadet 2nd Class Christopher Wolff, a junior, was charged March 14 with two more violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The new charges are two specifications of violating Article 92 of the UCMJ, failure to obey an order or

Developmental education application deadline set

Officers and civilians considering intermediate or senior developmental education in 2008 have until April 13 and May 1, respectively, to submit their applications for selection board consideration. Officers apply using a Web-based application, while civilians submit their applications through their

Air Force chief of staff outlines priorities

The Air Force chief of staff outlined some of the Air Force's priorities during a visit here March 13. During a breakfast with Airmen and also during an interview with local reporters, General Moseley talked about the future of the Air Force, and more specifically, the future of the base in regards

Three Air Force cadets facing court-martial

Three cadets have been charged with violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and each could face a general court-martial. Cadet 1st Class (senior) Andrea Taylor was charged with one violation of Article 112a of the UCMJ for wrongful use of a controlled substance (D-Amphetamine). If

Future is bright for Air Force space assets

The Airmen of Air Force Space Command are tracking a lot more than the man-made space junk that orbits the Earth. Space operators are troubleshooting the way they do business. They're focusing on getting their capabilities -- the ones most Americans know little about -- to the forefront of the

Secretary Gates: Care for America's returning wounded warriors

When I was nominated to take this post just over three months ago, I said that the patriots who have volunteered to serve in our armed services have no equal in the world. I made a solemn commitment to the Congress, to the nation, and to you to keep the welfare of men and women in uniform uppermost

Keep important papers updated, in safe place

Safeguarding important papers is something we all have been taught to do. Some of us lock them in a box underneath the bed; others store them in a safety deposit box, or tuck them away in a 'secret' coffee can. Whatever the method, we know these papers must be kept safe. But what is the point in

Air Force officer reduction board to convene in June

The Air Force will convene an officer reduction in force board June 11 here at the Air Force Personnel Center. All eligible officers should have received an Officer Pre-selection Brief around Feb. 15. Officers are responsible for reviewing their records for accuracy and ensuring information their

Air Force Reserve tests activation process

The first of 24 bases scheduled for musters of individual ready reserve Airmen took place at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., on March 2. The Air Reserve Personnel Center conducts IRR musters, which are required by law, to enhance readiness and ensure the Air Force can "reach out and touch" the IRR

Air Force heroes: 20 fallen Airmen honored in Afghanistan

The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here held a formal retreat March 4 to honor the 20 Air Force members who have died in Afghanistan since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001. Route 56, the wing's NCO advisory council, planned the retreat. The council wanted "to remind everyone of the pride and

Manas Airmen train with Kyrgyz firefighters

Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing fire department here have worked and trained side-by-side with Manas International Airport firefighters for five years. With each new Air Expeditionary Force rotation, a new crew of Airmen arrives and trains with the Kyrgyz firefighters of the MIA to stay

Defense Department tops nation in child care efforts

Child care is a critical issue for many families around the country, and the Defense Department stands alone as a model for quality child care in the nation, an independent study released March 1 finds. In the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies' ranking of state child

Air Force captain sentenced to 50 years

Captain Devery L. Taylor of the 96th Medical Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., was sentenced for 50 years Feb. 28 after being found guilty on four counts of forcible sodomy, two counts of attempted sodomy, two counts of kidnapping and one count of unlawful entry. In addition to confinement,

Tax credits, deductions save Air Force members money

It's tax season again and new tax codes have changed some credits and refunds. Knowing what credits and deductions to claim allows Airmen to keep more of their own money. The Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities, or HERO Act signed by President George W. Bush May 29, 2006 allows military members

Iraq deployment opportunities open to federal civilians

The Department of Defense needs DOD civilian volunteers to serve with the Department of State's provincial reconstruction teams in Iraq. The PRTs are designed to promote security and economic development in Iraq and assist the Iraqi people in rebuilding and administering their country. A foreign

Reserve pararescuemen help rescue Mount Hood climbers

Air Force Reserve pararescuemen from 304th Rescue Squadron, Portland International Airport, Ore., were called Feb. 18 to assist in the search and rescue effort for three stranded climbers. While attempting to descend Mount Hood, Ore., the three people and a dog, who were roped together, fell through

Firefighters free pilots from cockpits in worst case scenarios

Firefighters use exercises as a venue for training in specialized scenarios. Extended hours and varied shifts for the Misawa AB members recently provided firefighters the opportunity to conduct training sessions that require extra attention and set up. One such scenario is pilot extraction. If a

General swears in new Airmen at Daytona 500 race

Airmen, start your engines! Thirty six delayed-entry-program recruits were sworn into the Air Force Feb. 18 by Gen. Ronald Keys, Air Combat Command commander, before the NASCAR Daytona 500 race. The event took place outside the track at the Air Force recruiting booth, which featured large scale

Baseball: Air Force sweeps Kansas Wesleyan in doubleheader

Timely hitting and strong pitching for the second-straight day carried Air Force to a doubleheader sweep of Kansas Wesleyan (1-6) Feb. 19 at Falcon Field. The Falcons took game one 8-2 and game two 5-4 and improved to 4-4 on the season. The three-game series sweep was the Falcons' first since 2003,

Airmen foster relations as ambassadors

It was smiles galore as Airmen paid a visit to a local foster home Feb. 16, while here for a joint air show with the Peruvian Air Force. More than 400 children were treated to a performance by the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest and conversation with Airmen. The children, some of whom are

Eagle Flag role players: Airmen helping Airmen

In a matter of minutes, one master sergeant here became a "chief" during a briefing for Exercise Eagle Flag 07-3 Feb. 5 at Fort Dix, N.J. "As a role player, you're deployed here to help push the students to do better, but we learn right beside them," said Master Sgt. James Gardner of the 60th

Propane plant fuels utility alternatives for Moody

Members of the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron are using a new propane-air mix system to create an alternative source of fuel, allowing the base to avoid paying high contract fees for natural gas. The system, which Moody AFB officials began using in November, substitutes propane for the natural gas

Program encourages troops to save money, reduce debt

A new Defense Department program encourages servicemembers to become better money managers by paying off or avoiding credit card debt and starting savings accounts, a senior official said Feb. 15. "Military Saves" is an ongoing, DoD-wide program that also sponsors money management seminars titled,

Vandenberg Airman sparks change throughout DOD

When she stood in front of senior leaders Dec. 21 at Breaker's Dining Facility here and voiced her concern, she had no idea her question would be heard by Department of Defense officials. The question Airman 1st Class Erica Hudson presented during an Airmen's breakfast that morning came from a

Helicopter support trailer provides rapid mobility

It appears to be just a plain gray box, with a drop down rear ramp and external lighting. There are no flashy unit murals or logos. In fact, there is no labeling on the trailer at all, other than a government license plate. This nondescript trailer, recently purchased by the 723rd Aircraft

Moody Airman receives Purple Heart

When a sniper's bullet careened off his turret-mounted machine gun and struck his side, the last thing the young Airman thought was that he had just been shot. Senior Airman Jeremy Birchfield, 824th Security Forces Squadron turret gunner, had just paid a local Iraqi boy to get him a pizza, while he

America Supports You: eCarePackage Program available

Americans interested in sending Valentine's Day-themed care packages to a servicemember or military family can do so through Operation Homefront's eCarePackages.org Program. Operation Homefront is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans and the

The making of an air commando

I had never heard the song before, but the melody was vaguely familiar: "Swamp rat, swamp rat, where do you hi-ide? "Come out in the open and I'll be your guy-ide." The raspy voice bounced off the tall pines in Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana: I'm a friendly guerilla who'll take you

Air Force converts largest group of civilian employees to NSPS

The Air Force converted the largest group of civilian employees to the National Security Personnel System in its recent spiral. NSPS is implemented in stages call "Spirals." Spiral 1.2H conversion began Jan. 21. Approximately 26,000 employees converted, bringing the number of Air Force employees

MyEDP provides real answers for real Airmen

Airmen needn't look further than their computer screens for candid advice and information regarding their service careers, thanks to the My Enlisted Development Plan Web site, now up and running through the Air Force Portal.Designed as the Air Force's cradle-to-grave enlisted developmental tool,