NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • All for one - NATO aircraft monitor America's skies

    Nine years ago, Mike left his hometown of Lincoln, Neb., and joined the Air Force to see the world. And see the world he did. As an airborne warning and control system pilot in NATO, he's been to places that friends and family can only read about in travel magazines. In fact, he was participating in

  • 370th Group and squadron stand up

    The unit activation and assumption of command of the 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and Squadron took place at New Al Muthana Air Base April 22. "This event symbolizes the commitment of the U.S. Air Force in rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice, Coalition Air

  • Air Force leading contributor in keeping the world green

    Blue suiters can celebrate Earth Day April 22 with the knowledge that they play an important role in keeping the world green. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tabulates a quarterly listing of the top 25 partner organizations that purchase the highest amount of environmentally friendly power

  • Doolittle Raiders 65th anniversary kicks off at Randolph

    The 65th anniversary reunion of the Doolittle Raiders launched with an opening ceremony attended by more than 250 spectators April 17 here. The ceremony included several short speeches from Randolph Air Force Base leadership and the Doolittle Raiders' historian and manager. Second Lt. Austin

  • PACAF commander stresses importance of space

    With a command that stretches across 16 different time zones, Pacific Air Forces Commander General Paul V. Hester, is a fan of the work space professionals perform in the Pacific. The general spoke to a crowd of military, civilian and industry space professionals during the last day of the 23rd

  • New policy protects Air Force networks

    A new Air Force policy on encrypting and digitally signing e-mails is now in effect to ensure security and reliability of information as the battle for cyberspace dominance continues. Officially called the Air Force Public Key Infrastructure Policy on Encrypting and Digitally Signing E-mails, it is

  • Chilton delivers priorities for future space capabilities

    "Space has become so integrated in the fight, in the way we fight and indeed into our economy and in America," Gen. Kevin P. Chilton told an audience of more than 500 industry leaders, civilians and military members at the 23rd National Space Symposium here today. In his speech, General Chilton, the

  • Chief of Staff speaks on future of space operations

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley delivered a speech to a crowd of more than 400 at the 23rd National Space Symposium here April 11.The general's speech to a group of military, civilian and industry space professionals focused on the important part space plays in the defense of the

  • Troops embark on 'Why We Serve' public outreach mission

    Eight servicemembers with duty experience in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa, who have been selected to tell the military's story to the American public, met with Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England here March 30. It's important and it's vital, particularly now," Secretary England told

  • Bagram PRT rebuilds Afghanistan one school at a time

    The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team attended a ceremony March 26 marking the first day of class at a high school in Kapisa Province. The PRT also donated approximately 3,000 pine and fruit trees and boxes of school supplies. Both gestures were in support of the Afghan New Year

  • Two former top Air Force chiefs visit Keesler Airmen

    Two retired chief master sergeants of the Air Force addressed a capacity crowd March 2 as guest speakers at the 81st Training Wing's annual awards banquet. The first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey, and eighth, Sam Parish, took the opportunity earlier in the day to tour several

  • General encourages AFSO 21 mind-set for PACAF successes

    The Pacific Air Forces director of logistics outlined changes in the Air Force and what those changes mean to the logistics community within the command during a recent visit to Kadena. "In regards to our mission in the Pacific, our number one challenge is maintaining regional stability out here in

  • Afghan ambassador thanks Fairchild Airmen

    American military actions in Afghanistan are making progress toward ending tyranny and oppression in that country, said Afghanistan's ambassador to the United States, Said Jawad, in a speech here March 1. The ambassador visited Spokane this week at the invitation of the World Affairs Council of

  • Chairman of Joint Chiefs speaks to Airmen

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace spoke to Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, during a town hall meeting Feb. 23. The main message of his speech was only two words. "We came a long way to say, basically, two words to you and

  • Air Force leaders speak at annual AFA convention

    History and heritage, recapitalization and mission readiness and accomplishments were just a few of the topics covered by the Air Force's senior leaders at the Air Force Association's 23rd annual Air Warfare Symposium here Feb. 8 and 9. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne introduced his

  • Air Force's top leaders address service concerns

    The Air Force secretary and chief of staff took the opportunity to discuss the service's challenges and ongoing efforts in the war on terrorism Feb. 8 at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla.Michael Wynne and Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke about the challenges of force

  • New Horizons kicks off in Nicaragua

    More than 500 Nicaraguans along with deployed members of the United States military celebrated the official start of the New Horizons 2007 humanitarian exercise Feb. 15. New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored readiness training exercise designed to help Nicaraguan people in Santa Teresa

  • Chief McKinley testifies before Congress

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to the House Appropriations Committee's quality of life and veterans' affairs subcommittee Feb. 9 in Washington, D.C. Chief McKinley spoke about training and quality of life initiatives in the Air Force. "America's Airmen know what it means

  • Bronze Star recipient chosen to attend State of Union Address

    When President Bush addressed the nation Jan. 23 for his annual State of the Union address, Airmen around the world listened via television, radio or the Internet. But one Airman watched from inside the U.S. Capitol building where the president gave his speech. Tech. Sgt. Michelle Barefield, an

  • Chief Parish helps honor new chiefs at Spangdahlem

    The eighth chief master sergeant of the Air Force was among those congratulating seven chief master sergeant selectees during a chiefs' recognition ceremony here Jan. 20.Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Sam E. Parish was the guest speaker at the event."It is a good hard, tough mission that

  • Fallen EOD Airmen remembered during Sather memorial

    A memorial Jan. 10 honored the lives of three 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen killed in the line of duty Jan. 7. The members of "Team Lima" -- Tech. Sgt. Timothy Weiner, Senior Airman Daniel Miller, and Senior Airman Elizabeth Loncki -- all deployed

  • December recruiting numbers exceed goals

    Last month's recruiting figures for all military services exceeded goals, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in testimony Jan. 11 before the House Armed Services Committee."I'm pleased to report that all active branches of the United States military exceeded their recruiting goals for the month

  • Bush outlines new strategy for course ahead in Iraq

    President Bush's new strategy for Iraq, announced Jan. 10 in a televised speech to the nation, includes more than 20,000 additional U.S. troops on the ground in Baghdad and Anbar province, increased responsibility for the Iraqi government and Iraqi security forces, and more diplomatic and economic

  • USAFE commander awards Air Medals to Danish pilots

    It's not often an American four-star general has the opportunity to present prestigious war medals to coalition partners, but Jan. 2 was a special occasion. Gen. William T. Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, flew to Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, Denmark, to present U.S. Air Medals to 35 Danish

  • Ford helped U.S. recover from Watergate

    Americans will remember former President Gerald R. Ford as a man with the courage to heal a nation.President Ford, who died at his California home Dec. 26 at age 93, assumed the presidency at a grim time in American history. In the midst of a distinguished career in the House of Representatives, the

  • Tyndall NCO Academy renamed after first CMSAF

    Tyndall AFB's NCO Academy was renamed to honor the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force Dec. 13 here. The Paul W. Airey NCO Academy Dedication Ceremony will be remembered as the second greatest thing to happen in the retired chief's professional life, said Chief Airey, only because becoming

  • Fisher DeBerry announces retirement as head coach at Air Force

    Air Force head football coach Fisher DeBerry announced his retirement Friday, ending over a quarter-century at the Air Force Academy. DeBerry just completed his 23rd season as the head football coach and 27th overall at Air Force. DeBerry has guided the Falcons to 17 winning seasons since taking

  • Senator urges military budget increases

    During a farewell speech in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee Dec. 7, Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO) said legislators must substantially increase military budgets over the coming decade if the U.S. military is to keep its edge. "There can be no doubt that without a substantial increase in

  • General briefs Air Force mission to Houston group

    Ken Scott and other members of the Houston Forum were briefed about the Air Force Mission by General Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, Dec. 7 here at a JW Marriott hotel auditorium. Mr. Scott owns a public relations and communications company in Houston and he knows how hard public

  • Poland receives first F-16s

    The first F-16 Fighting Falcons acquired by the Polish air force arrived at the 31st Air Base here Nov. 9 and were featured at a special roll-out ceremony. Gen. Tom Hobbins, Allied Air Component commander and U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, represented the Air Force chief of staff at the event

  • Raptor wing does not forget its past on road to future

    Though a unit's past might be dotted with a book full of famous Air Force firsts, over the decades, its Airmen tend to forget that. And sometimes, living up to a fabled heritage is just not an easy thing to do. That is one reason Brig. Gen. Burt Field does not let the people of the 1st Fighter Wing

  • Unified Engagement 2006 kicks off

    In a welcoming speech to more than 300 military members and civilians at the Battle Command Training Center here, Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, kicked off Unified Engagement 2006. Participants from the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Australia are here from Nov. 1 to 8

  • Air Force "road show" ensures senior leaders share common message

    Air Force senior officers and enlisted leaders are taking the Air Force story on the road across the country. Recently, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley said that by actively engaging civilians and the press, senior leaders could help Americans better understand the Air Force

  • 8th Air Force to become new cyber command

    During a media conference here Nov. 2, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said the 8th Air Force would become the new Air Force Cyberspace Command. "I am announcing the steps the Air Force is taking towards establishing an Air Force Cyberspace Command," the secretary said. "The new

  • Army praises AFMC units for future battlefield improvements

    Two Air Force Materiel Command units -- the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate and the Aeronautical Systems Center Special Operations Forces Systems Group -- recently teamed with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center's Future Force Warrior Advanced Technology Demonstration

  • CSAF: Today's Air Force best in service's history

    Today's Airmen make up the best air and space force in the world, said the Air Force's top general during a speech here Oct. 20. Speaking at the 42nd Air Force Villages Chairman's Dinner, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said he is proud to wear the same uniform and serve alongside

  • SECAF: How do we prepare, mass and deliver precision strike in cyberspace?

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke to the Precision Strike Association Oct. 19 at Johns Hopkins University. During his speech, the secretary addressed the issues of cyberspace dominance, the "information mosaic," and the future of precision strike. Secretary Wynne also reflected on

  • Letter to Airmen highlights Air Force Memorial dedication

    In his latest "Letter to Airmen," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley discusses the two-day Air Force Memorial Dedication and the start of the year-long commemoration of the Air Force 60th anniversary."The Memorial dedication ceremonies showcased our rich heritage and paid tribute to

  • F-22 Raptor ready for its combat role

    While the 27th Fighter Squadron is still figuring out the processes needed to deploy its F-22 Raptors to war, it is ready to go now. Squadron director of operations Lt. Col. Kevin Fesler said the Langley Air Force Base, Va., unit is still normalizing its operations. But he said if the call comes,

  • Reductions necessary to recapitalize today's service

    Reducing the number of Airmen in the service is never easy business, but it's absolutely necessary to recapitalize today's service, said the Air Force's top personnel officer Sept. 26 at the annual Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference here. "This is a challenging time for all people in

  • Secretary Wynne speaks at AFA conference

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke to Air Force leaders and supporters Sept. 25 as part of the Air Force Association's 2006 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C. The secretary addressed such challenges as the aging aircraft fleet, force-shaping

  • Marine corporal questions war coverage

    A Marine corporal quizzed top leaders at a recent Pentagon employees' question-and-answer session about what the department can do to counter the reporting of negative news from Iraq and Afghanistan."Negativity in the press is absolutely detrimental to the morale of our forces and our efforts in

  • Strategic communication applies to every Airman

    All Airmen have within themselves the ability to be strategic communicators and share the Air Force story with the public, said the Air Force's director of strategic communication at the Pentagon. "Airmen should be proud of who they are and what they do, and they should be proud to share that with

  • Secretary Wynne tells cadets interdependence is future of U.S. military

    Air Force secretary Michael W. Wynne told West Point cadets Sept. 14 they will witness the U.S. military's evolution from maneuver to interdependent warfare. The secretary was at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., for his 40th class reunion. He addressed about 4,000 cadets at the cadet

  • Bush: Terrorists view Iraq as linchpin in global battle

    An early U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq would play into terrorists' plans of establishing a new world order of radical Islam, President George W. Bush told members of a military officers' group here Sept. 5. "These evil men know that a fundamental threat to their aspirations is a democratic Iraq

  • B-52 Stratofortress ages like wine

    First deployed in 1955, the B-52 Stratofortress is already twice the age of many Airmen who maintain it. Despite its age, Airmen assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing here have an affinity for flying and maintaining this Air Force legacy aircraft and recognize its relevance today. "She gets finer with age

  • AMC Airmen take part in Tuskegee Airmen convention

    Nearly 90 Air Mobility Command Airmen participated in the 35th Annual Tuskegee Airmen National Convention here July 31 to Aug. 4, celebrating the history of the nation's first black combat pilots. The event was particularly memorable for one participant attending his first convention."I found out

  • St. Louis to host inaugural Air Force Week

    Air Force officials have announced the first-ever Air Force Week.  It will begin Aug. 6 in St. Louis, culminating in an open house and air show at nearby Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Aug. 12 to 13, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.The St. Louis metro region was selected by Air Force

  • Gen. Moseley: New long-range bomber on horizon for 2018

    A new bomber scheduled for operation as early as 2018 will enhance America's long-range strike capabilities, according to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in a recent Armed Services Committee speech. In a step to develop future long-range strike capabilities, Air Combat Command is

  • Author, activist speaks with Airmen

    Cloaked behind stories, imitations and comedy, a former Air Force technical sergeant, New York Times bestselling author and activist shared his message of doing what must be done to not only survive, but thrive.Dave Pelzer, author of a number of books, including "A Child Called 'It,'" volunteered

  • Former astronaut takes command of Air Force Space Command

    Gen. Kevin P. Chilton assumed command of Air Force Space Command in a ceremony here June 26, presided over by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. Current and former national defense leaders, active and retired senior officers, community leaders and active-duty servicemembers gathered

  • Chief of staff presents sergeant with Purple Heart Medal

    A sergeant severely wounded in action in Afghanistan received the Purple Heart Medal today, pinned on his chest by the Air Force chief of staff. Staff Sgt. Israel del Toro Jr. accepted the medal from Gen. T. Michael Moseley at a ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San

  • Medical Airmen train with Honduran ENT residents

    The hallways inside Hospital Escuela and sidewalks outside are lined with patients who have come here from throughout Honduras. The patients are waiting to be seen by medical residents at this training hospital specializing in the ear, nose and throat treatment. The residents have been joined by

  • Technology improvements keep information flowing to warfighter

    During the recent Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., the Air Force demonstrated new technology that provides warfighters with greater connectivity and more timely information. During the exercise, the Air Force tested the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node.

  • Whatever you do this summer, stay safe

    Each year, the Air Force stresses the importance of zero mishaps during the 101 Critical Days of Summer through PowerPoint slides, commander’s calls and safety briefings. For the most part, Airmen do their part to put safety at the forefront. But what about those safety issues that tend to fall

  • Lt. Gen. James says farewell to Air Guard members

    Lt. Gen. Daniel James III retired as the 11th director of the Air National Guard in a ceremony at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., on May 10.He earlier bid farewell to members of the Air National Guard in a short speech that focused almost entirely on them and barely on himself.“You’re very special

  • CMSAF Murray enjoys day at work with his children

    Not many children can say they have shaken hands with a former astronaut or wandered the halls of the prestigious E-ring at the Pentagon as their parent conducts business with some of the Air Force's top leaders. But not every child has the highest-ranking enlisted Airman for a father, either. That

  • Los Angeles AFB dedicates new Schriever Space Complex

    The Space and Missile Systems Center here officially dedicated its Schriever Space Complex April 24.“Welcome to our new home,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Hamel, SMC commander. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of military space.” Originally called SAMS -- Systems Acquisition

  • Cheney thanks Fairchild Airmen for support

    Vice President Richard B. Cheney told servicemembers gathered at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., they are playing a key role in the war on terrorism and that their countrymen believe in them and their mission. The vice president visited the home of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing April 17 and told a

  • Missile defense site named after President Reagan

    The missile defense site here took on a new name April 10. The Ronald W. Reagan Missile Defense Site honors the 40th president of the United States who was a champion of the need for missile defense.Attendees at the ceremony included former First Lady Nancy Reagan; Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon

  • Moseley: Air Force’s job won’t get easier

    The Air Force chief of staff told visitors at Capitol Hill Club in the nation’s capital April 4 the service will face serious challenges in the coming years. However, Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the service will use all its capabilities to continue its joint warfighting efforts while going through

  • Secretary Wynne considers Airmen as diplomats

    Warfighting is about relationship building as the Air Force moves forward in the 21st century, especially in the Pacific where bilateral exercises are taking on increasing importance. That was one of the messages from the secretary of the Air Force as he addressed a crowd of about a thousand Airmen

  • WWII Airman receives belated Purple Heart

    March 21 was a special day for one Airman. It was the day that he received his Purple Heart Medal. It was a proud day, and a long overdue one at that. Mr. Leo Bach received his medal after suffering injuries to his right leg and back after bailing out of his B-17 Flying Fortress nearly 62 years ago.

  • SECAF speaks on Capitol Hill

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke at the Capitol Hill Club on March 15. Some of the topics he spoke on were the Quadrennial Defense Review and the war on terrorism. To listen to his speech, click on the related link.

  • Commander declares 2006 ‘Rebirth of SMC’

    Stressing processes, partnerships and people, the Space and Missile Systems Center commander told about 100 Aerospace Corporation employees they play a vital role in the “rebirth of SMC” and continued mission success. Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel spoke Feb. 16 as part of The Aerospace Corporation’s

  • General Scott, “God Is My Co-Pilot” author, dead at 97

    Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott Jr., World War II fighter ace and author of the 1943 book “God Is My Co-Pilot” has died. The general passed away Feb. 27 in Warner Robins after a stroke. He was 97. Though the general retired from the Air Force in 1957, for the following decades he continued to serve the

  • Total force in action with Predator operations

    The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center’s implementation of total force initiatives continues as more Guard and Reserve members integrate into Predator operations here. In an Air Force first, the center selected Reserve Lt. Col. John Breeden, to command the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron, one of three

  • Air Force implements new cell phone restriction

    The Air Force is implementing a new cell phone restriction for drivers. Beginning Feb. 27, drivers are not allowed to talk on their cell phones while driving on Air Force installations without a hands free device. This policy is part of the Department of Defense’s Joint Traffic Guidance. This

  • General Lord receives highest enlisted honor

    Air Force Space Command’s enlisted personnel bestowed the Order of the Sword upon Gen. Lance W. Lord, Air Force Space Command commander, Feb. 11. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor enlisted Airmen can bestow on a leader. More than 500 active-duty and retired enlisted Airmen gathered from

  • First lady visits Aviano

    On her way to the 2006 Winter Olympics, the First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush, visited Aviano Air Base, Italy today. As the head of the official U.S. delegation to the games in Turin, Mrs. Bush traveled here with her daughter, Barbara, and five former Olympic medalists. “These athletes

  • Sergeant thanks Congress for helping keep her team together

    As the president spoke to the nation during the State of the Union address, an Airman sat in the gallery, dressed in blues, displaying the combat medals she earned in Iraq. America’s most prominent leaders were gathered in one room on Capitol Hill for the annual speech Jan. 31. Sitting attentively

  • Mechanics turn wrenches to save lives

    Mechanics often talk about vehicle maintenance as if it were life and death. For the gun-truck maintainers of the 732nd Logistic Support Squadron, the idea is more than a figure of speech. The trucks they maintain help provide convoy security, traveling some of the most brutal roads in Iraq.

  • 'America Supports You' marks first anniversary

    One year ago this week, the Defense Department launched "America Supports You." This program showcases the nation's support for its men and women in uniform and the many ways citizens are expressing that support. Today, what began as a six-month campaign, has snowballed into a full-fledged effort

  • Newest vets get VA medical care priority

    Some 120,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans receiving Department of Veterans Affairs medical care are getting top priority at some of the world's best-quality medical treatment, the secretary of Veterans Affairs said. R. James Nicholson spoke to the American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon

  • Transportation commander discusses separation of commands

    Change, not only in the delineation of command responsibility among Air Mobility Command and U.S. Transportation Command, but also in the way USTRANSCOM projects military power, was the theme of the opening address at the 37th Annual Airlift/Tanker Association Conference here Oct. 28. Gen. Norton

  • Falcons wake up at the right time

    Air Force football players, like many athletes, are creatures of habit. So the prospect of playing an early-morning game against the University of Nevada Las Vegas wasn’t exactly greeted with high-fives. But judging by their 42-7 route of the Rebels Oct. 15, the Falcons may want to re-set their

  • Airmen reflect on Sept. 11

    Four years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Airmen here still think back to that day as they prepare to deploy for, or continue to support, the global war on terrorism, remembering exactly where they were, what they were doing and what they thought the next few years would be like

  • CLEP testing saves money, time, headaches

    There is a way for Airmen to earn their degrees using knowledge gained from work and personal study, while at the same time saving money and shortening time spent in classes.The College Level Examination Program and the Excelsior examination program are available to servicemembers in pursuit of a

  • World War II vets honored at 60th anniversary of war's end

    World War II veterans gathered with military, political and diplomatic leaders and the public to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the war's end Sept. 2 at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall here.Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld sponsored the event, and military leaders from every

  • Hearing aids available for active-duty families

    Beginning Sept. 1, active-duty family members who meet specific hearing-loss requirements, will be eligible to receive hearing aids, including services and supplies, as a Tricare benefit.This benefit is extended to family members as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2002.

  • Guard, Reserve integrate seamlessly into Nellis organization

    Organizations at the Air Warfare Center here are taking the concept, “One Team, One Fight,” literally and are combining active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command personnel in all mission areas.“This is a smarter, better way of doing business, because we’re able to capitalize on

  • 50th anniversary marks future cadets taking oath at academy

    Fifty years ago, 306 civilians took the oath July 11 at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver to become the first Air Force Academy cadets.Lt. Gen. Hubert R. Harmon was recalled from retirement to become the academy’s first superintendent. General Harmon, along with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Nathan F.

  • New law to affect SGLI payments, premiums

    Defense Department and Veterans Affairs officials are ironing out details of programs that will expand benefits provided through Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.The $82 billion supplemental legislation signed into law by President Bush on May 11 increases maximum SGLI coverage to $400,000 and

  • Air Force family opens arms to autism

    The walls in the Dallas’ home are not festooned with art, but with boards. There are boards with schedules, charts and pictures to guide 4-year-old Liam, and establish routines for everyday tasks such as washing his hands or using the potty. The charts are part of structured, routine life they must

  • Family learns life lessons through autistic son

    Having a child is what some would refer to as a life-changing experience, but for a couple here it was more of a change than they expected.Seven years ago, Rich Quick, a logistics analyst for the 542nd Combat Sustainment Wing, and his wife, Nubia, learned that their 1-year-old son Matthew was

  • Brain Injury Center treats new affliction for war on terrorism

    Land mines, rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices are taking their toll on deployed U.S. troops’ bodies. What is not as easily recognizable is the damage these weapons are doing to servicemembers’ brains.Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is becoming an increasingly common

  • U.S. must work to maintain lead in space

    Space industry leaders applauded a speech on maintaining the United States’ lead in space presented by the commander of Air Force Space Command during the National Space Symposium here April 5. Gen. Lance W. Lord addressed more than 900 people consisting primarily of corporate officers from the

  • 'Near space' enhances joint warfighting

    "Near space" can be the Air Force’s focus, said the commander of Air Force Space Command during his speech Feb. 17 at the Air Force Association’s 2005 Air Warfare Symposium here.“It can be our legacy if we work hard to integrate the effects of the medium of space in a way that supports the joint

  • General Jumper: Air Force will uphold standards

    The Air Force will uphold its standards, and people who break the service’s core values “will pay the price,” the Air Force chief of staff said.Gen. John P. Jumper also told the more than 1,000 attendees at the Air Force Association’s annual Air Warfare Symposium here Feb. 17 the service will not

  • General Jumper charts course for future

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper gave a vector for the Air Force’s future during a speech Feb. 17 at the Air Force Association’s 2005 Air Warfare Symposium here.General Jumper followed Peter B. Teets, acting secretary of the Air Force, at the convention in which about 1,000 people

  • Relief effort switches gears

    The tsunami relief effort has switched gears and moved out of the crisis-response stage, the commander of the Air Force expeditionary airlift wing at Utapao, Thailand, said.Sixteen days after tsunamis hit 12 countries in Southeast Asia, the flow of aid into the region has moved into a more

  • Officials close unit in France

    The 774th Expeditionary Air Base Group officially closed its doors here during a ceremony Dec. 17, ending more than a decade of U.S. and French cooperation.Because the peacekeeping presence in the Balkans is scaling down, the group of more than 100 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen will begin

  • Drug testing increased for troops in Afghanistan

    The Defense Department has increased drug testing for troops stationed in U.S. Central Command’s area of operations, DOD officials said Dec. 10.Mary Beth Long, deputy assistant defense secretary for counternarcotics, said the services have already increased the number of urine tests given in

  • Weekly Reader asks students to write president's address

    Weekly Reader magazine wants to know what its readers would say to the world on Jan. 20, the date President George W. Bush takes the oath of office and gives his second inaugural address.The school-based educational and news magazine posed that question to its more than 7 million readers for its

  • Airman discovers her American Indian heritage

    The questions lingered in her head each day she attended school while growing up in rural South Dakota. Who am I?For the first 16 years of her life, Airman 1st Class Haida Boyd, a descendant of Seminole, Cherokee and other eastern American Indian tribes, knew nothing of her culture.“I felt

  • Space assets critical to winning war on terrorism

    Space-based assets are proving critical to winning the war on terrorism, according to the commander of Air Force Space Command.“You cannot go to war and win without space,” Gen. Lance W. Lord said during a live appearance on “Fox and Friends” here Nov. 11.The command comprises about 40,000 space

  • 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association convention convenes

    Signifying the tremendous role that reserve forces play in the air mobility mission, the leaders of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve kicked off the 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association Convention here Oct. 29. Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, ANG director, and his reserve component colleague,

  • Airmen need to heed Hatch Act rules

    As the election season swings into high gear, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel has filed complaints against two federal employees deemed in violation of the Hatch Act.The complaints address the use of "politically partisan electronic-mail messages while on duty," OSC officials said.The Hatch Act

  • Thirteen years later, Air Force dedicates its memorial

    Soaring 270 feet into the sky over America’s capital, three stainless-steel spires forming an equilateral triangle will memorialize the U.S. Air Force.The groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication for the Air Force Memorial was Sept. 15, in Arlington, Va. The ceremony included speeches by Chief

  • U.S. ambassador visits reservists in Niger

    The U.S. Ambassador to Niger, Gail Denise Mathieu, visited here Aug. 17 to see 12 Air Force reservists who are treating local residents at the clinic.Ambassador Mathieu toured the medical compound and visited each of the examining rooms.“We are here because we have the opportunity to visit with a