Air Force band plays final tribute for President Ford

The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight accompanied by the Air Force Band of Liberty performed in the cold rain Jan. 3 to honor Gerald R. Ford, the 38th U.S. president.Conducting musical performances for state funerals is the Air Force Band of Flight's No. 1 mission, and with the passing of President Ford

Latest Roll Call focuses on AFSO 21

This week's Roll Call features Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, also known as AFSO 21, which is a program that encourages Airmen to maximize value while minimizing waste. AFSO 21 is about results. Senior leaders have identified the major result areas, which are called "Five North

Air Force may hold RIF board if goal not met

The Air Force will convene an officer reduction in force board in June if it fails to meet its force-shaping goal, said the service's senior most officer for manpower and personnel. "While the goal has been to reduce active-duty end strength through voluntary programs where possible, if at the end

Football: New Air Force coach meets the press

Air Force head football coach Troy Calhoun met local and regional media Jan. 4 for the first time since becoming the sixth coach in school history Dec. 22. Calhoun, a 1989 graduate of the academy, is the first graduate to hold the position. Calhoun also announced five members of his staff. Brian

Americans, Djiboutians build relationships

Reminiscent of a neglected, one-room schoolhouse, the Horsed Private School of English sits on a dusty, goat-lined road in the Balbala section of Djibouti City, Djibouti. Students pack the schoolhouse and sit on makeshift benches, eagerly waiting for members from Camp Lemonier and the Combined Joint

Space shapes today's front lines

Its existence is only acknowledged by its absence. It doesn't attract attention, yet it changes our behavior. It is there without asking; thus it is often taken for granted. Theater space operators put the power of space at the fingertips of warfighters. "We are combat integrators," said Maj. Troy

Officials announce civil engineer award winners

The Air Force and three civilian professional associations have announced their 2006 Air Force civil engineer award winners. The awards are sponsored by the Society of American Military Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Northeast chapter of the American Association of

Security forces Airmen help shape Iraq's future

They only come inside the wire to eat, sleep and work out. When members of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Detachment 7 go to work, they hit the streets of Baghdad right along side the Iraqi police. "It makes me nervous every time I have to send someone out," said Capt. Ian

AFSO 21 continues to improve operations

Last year, Airmen at Spangdahlem Air Base's propulsion shop had to walk to work. But this year, thanks to Air Force Smart Operations 21, these Airmen don't have to walk for miles each day just to do their jobs. "They told us we walked 10 miles a day just going to our cage to get tools," said Staff

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

Airmen train Iraqi police

It beats patrolling the flightline and issuing traffic tickets on base. Ask anyone assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Detachment 6 here. They're one of just two Air Force teams doing what they're doing: training Iraqi policemen in the province of Salah ad Din to run a

Registration open for Rodeo 2007

Registration for Air Mobility Expeditionary Rodeo 2007 is now open through April 2. This year's competition takes place July 22-28 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.United States Air Force teams can register online on Department of Defense computers at the Rodeo 2007 Web site,

New unit strengthens U.S.-Japan alliance

More than a year of planning reaches a milestone in strengthening the U.S.-Japan security alliance Jan. 5 with a ceremony activating Detachment 1, 13th Air Force, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.Col. Michael MacWilliam, formerly the 5th AF director of operations and plans, will command the detachment,

Airmen receive 2006 intelligence awards

The Air Force Intelligence Reserve and Alumni organization held its 56th annual holiday awards banquet here recently to recognize individual mobility augmentees, as well as several others, who supported the service's intelligence community throughout the year. The banquet was attended by 160 active

2006 a year of transformation for Airmen

In a year when Air Force operations around the globe helped positively impact countless lives affected by violence, intimidation and natural disaster, 2006 also served as a platform for evaluating how such missions can be accomplished more proficiently by capitalizing on training and technology.

Air Force not being stealthy about upgrading B-2 fleet

The Air Force isn't being stealthy about plans to upgrade its B-2 Spirit fleet; officials say the bomber will need numerous upgrades over its life span. Some upgrades are already complete, but others are planned years, even decades ahead, said Lt. Col. Brian Zembraski, 509th Bomb Wing director of

Hydrogen-powered vehicles sign of future

Along with the increasing number of hybrid vehicles sharing the roadways with traditional fossil-fueled autos, there has also been an increase of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles on Air Force bases.Hydrogen station officials here say the concept of hydrogen isn't new. NASA has been using the

Honor Guard helps lay President Ford to rest

It's what many Airmen work for, day in and day out -- the chance to actually do what they have been training for, and to carry out their mission to the fullest. For members of the Air Force Honor Guard here at Bolling Air Force Base, this is that day. These honor guardsmen helped the nation pay its

Joint operations center keeps funeral plan on track

Every military operation requires a headquarters, even those that are ceremonial in nature. For state funeral honors of former President Gerald R. Ford, that role is being filled by the Forward Operations Center located in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel here.A conference room has been transformed into

Cheney lauds Ford's service during ceremony

With military members standing a solemn guard over the flag-draped casket in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Dec. 30, Vice President Richard B. Cheney eulogized former President Gerald R. Ford. By his pardon of Richard M. Nixon, President Ford prevented Americans from experiencing more political turmoil

Volunteerism at heart of medical evacuation mission

Airmen from the 908th Airlift Wing here have been transporting wounded, injured and sick servicemembers home from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., since September when Air Force Reserve Command took over primary responsibility for stateside aeromedical transportation. Operating from three hubs, located

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Kyna Davis

Tracking Santa's progress from the North Pole was not the only job a Kadena Airman had this holiday season. As a weather meteorologist from the 33rd Rescue Squadron, she was tasked to forecast weather patterns and brief squadron members for upcoming missions. Staff Sgt. Kyna Davis has been in the

Serving through the season: Tech. Sgts. Fernando and Flor Richards

It's a hectic holiday season for many servicemembers, especially for one husband and wife team.Tech. Sergeants Flor and Fernando Richards, mental health technicians at Kadena's Life Skills Center, put their holiday wishes aside for the sake of the Air Force mission. "During the holidays, it's a

Theater distribution center equips Airmen

Entering the 376th Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center's issue and return building correlates to walking into a wholesale outfitters store -- all the gear one needs to get through the mission. "The primary purpose of this ETDC is to outfit all battlefield Airmen going downrange to Afghanistan

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Adam Tisher

Like the members of any fire department, military or civilian, firefighters are tasked to be on duty 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, including Christmas. But also like the firefighters of any fire department, the members build a close bond with their co-workers; most become their second families.

Serving through the season: Master Sgt. Greg Curtis

Master Sgt. Greg Curtis may be serving in America's Southwest desert this holiday season, but his plans for the Christmas weekend still included some time on the ice.As the first sergeant for Task Force Yuma, a component of Operation Jump Start, Sergeant Curtis organized a Morale, Welfare and

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Eggel

Elizabeth Eggel has one more helmet and survival vest to inspect before she can call it a day. But, she'll do the same thing tomorrow and during the rest of the holiday season, ensuring the aircrew equipment is ready to go at a moment's notice. The staff sergeant would like to be at home with her

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Jacob Chavez

Training the men and women of the Air Force is a huge responsibility for military training instructors at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.Staff Sgt. Jacob Chavez takes on this responsibility every day, devoting a majority of his time, including holidays, to mentor and teach trainees the importance of

Bush notes progress on Iraq plan, praises troops, families

After a three-hour meeting with his national security team today, President Bush noted progress in defining the way forward in Iraq and praised servicemembers and their families for their sacrifices. Bush said input provided by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman

Rumsfeld remembers Ford as patriot

Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld remembered Gerald R. Ford as a patriot who led the United States through difficult days and helped restore confidence in its government."President Ford was a man of great decency and towering integrity," Rumsfeld said in a written statement released Dec.

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. April Brown

This holiday season, it will be a sure bet that Staff Sgt. April Brown will be watching the skies over Iraq, ensure routing of aircraft over northern Iraq. Of course, like other Airmen serving around the globe, she'd rather be home with her family, and not deployed half way around the world. "I

National Civic Outreach Program keeps public informed

The mission of informing the public about the military can be a difficult task and one of the tools of the trade is the base tour. The focus of the tour can be local or national. Capt. Rob Lazaro, deputy director of the Air Force National Civic Outreach Office, said that national tours are a bit

Chief of staff visits hero at Malcolm Grow

Officials select civilians for leadership program

Sixty nine Air Force civilians were selected recently for a new leadership development program that provides a total force development vision for Air Force civilians in the GS-15 grade, preparing them for senior roles in the Department of Defense. The civilians were selected from 115 candidates by a

Special visitors spread cheer to Airmen in Afghanistan

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander visited Airmen deployed to Afghanistan to thank them for what they do. He also brought along the USAFE popular music band Direct Hit to spread holiday cheer. The high-quality blend of rock, pop, and rhythm and blues delivered right on target, but Gen. Tom

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

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Fredric Rosario

Airmen here toil through all kinds of weather, situations, and exercises. Sometimes the simplest job becomes difficult when you know what you are missing out on: holidays with your family and friends. Having to work on a holiday is nothing new to Staff Sgt. Fredric Rosario of the 724th Air Mobility

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Charles Gillman

"To be honest, you never get used to being away from family and friends during the holidays. What helps me the most is that they understand why." The sentiments of Staff Sgt. Charles Gillman, a missile security controller with the 341st Security Support Squadron who has been in the Air Force for six

Air Force dining facility in Baghdad honors hero

While many Americans removed bows and pulled back ribbons from neatly wrapped presents, Airmen here unveiled a tribute to a fallen hero, stressed the importance of airpower and cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the first Air Force dining facility in Baghdad. Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central

Balad leads from front in season of giving

No matter what holiday you celebrate -- Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other -- this time of year is generally regarded as the season for giving and a time to share. One might wonder, then, why the spirit of this season isn't observed all year. But it is here at Balad, where many Airmen

Pentagon Channel documentary focuses on storied 'Old Guard'

They are the very public face of ultimate military discipline. They wow stadiums packed with football fans with their complex rifle drills. They honor fallen comrades with solemn processions. They guard the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock at Arlington National Cemetery. And on Dec. 15, they

Ground radar techs enable control of tactical air battlespace

Precision and attention to even the slightest detail is crucial when you're responsible for maintaining ground radar systems. Providing 24-hours-a-day support, Airmen in the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron's ground radar shop ensure Balad's ground radar systems work flawlessly. "Our job is

Task force on future of military healthcare established

Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England announced Dec. 22 the names of the 14-member future military healthcare task force; the task force will evaluate and recommend alternatives to ensure the stability of military medicine over the long term. As directed by Congress in the National Defense

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Lara Koler

If Staff Sgt. Lara Koler had her 'druthers, she'd be taking hay rides and singing carols with her parents and other relatives during traditional holiday activities in Wendell, Idaho. Instead, the Eugene, Ore., native will be watching radar tracks dance across her computer screen at the Western Air

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Mark Kreul

Senior Airman Mark Kreul is hoping his Christmas this year is a lot like his Thanksgiving was. "There are a lot of awesome people around here; people you don't even know. They just open their arms for you on the holiday," Airman Kreul said. He is a member of the South Dakota Air National Guard's

Warren team, Colorado road crew join forces in rescue

A missile facility manager and security forces team from Warren, along with a Colorado state roads and grounds crew came to the aid of a man Dec. 21 whose vehicle was engulfed by four-foot drifts of snow for 13 hours. The Logan County Sherriff's Department requested ground search and rescue

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Mario Williams

While many Airmen are preparing to head home for the holidays, many others will be on duty working at home stations and deployed locations across the world. One particular MacDill Airman won't be heading home, but he will be together on Christmas with a member of his family -- sort of. Staff Sgt.

Published Roll Calls to resume next week

Roll Call, a one-page print product that is posted online each Friday, will return Dec. 29 after the Christmas holiday. Roll Calls are found on the Senior Leader Viewpoints page in the Library section of Air Force Link. Each Roll Call covers one or two topics and is designed to help supervisors

Eglin performs largest 'cook-off' test ever

No one does cook-offs bigger than the members of the 46th Test Wing here. Members of the 780th Test Squadron suspended a rocket motor Dec. 14. over a 2,622 square foot pan full of approximately 28,000 gallons of jet fuel and lit it on fire, which is called a fast cook-off test.This test, which took

Air Force officials take 'strategic communication to next level'

Top Air Force leaders attending a strategic communication summit here Dec. 19 outlined an ambitious blueprint for Airmen to tell the nation about their service's contributions to the war on terrorism. In a day-long, wide-ranging discussion, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne and Chief of Staff

Gates, Pace laud troops serving far from home

New Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Dec. 22 thanked American servicemembers and their families "for the sacrifices they're all making and for their bravery in pursuit of our nation's security." Secretary Gates, on his final day of a three-day visit to Iraq, said he is very impressed with the

College of American Pathologists lauds Ellsworth lab

Officials from the College of American Pathologists recently accredited the medical laboratory here after a thorough inspection, examining everything from needles and giant rubber bands to each of the more than 1,000 processes involved in maintaining a lab. "(The inspectors) actually go through each

Puerto Rico Airmen support two wars

When Tech. Sgt. Jose Melendez volunteered to deploy with his unit on his first combat tour in Afghanistan, he didn't quite know what to expect. He'd never been to war. But when he got to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, it didn't take the guardsman long to learn what Airmen are doing in support of the

Airmen train to walk among the stars

There are some Airmen who train to push a 4,000 pound hunk of steel and electronics out of their way with a flick of their pinky finger. Some Airmen train to fly at more than 17,000 mph, or roughly 5 miles per second. And some Airmen even train to "fly" without the use of any aircraft at all. But

TRANSCOM commander visits Air Mobility Warfare Center

Saying he was impressed by the remarkable people and their wide-ranging missions, the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command wrapped up a two-day tour Dec. 14 of units at McGuire Air Force Base, nearby Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, the Air Mobility Warfare Center here, as well as

Gates urges Americans to remember servicemembers

New Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, here on a surprise pre-Christmas visit Dec. 20, urged Americans to remember military members and their families throughout the holiday season. "I hope that everybody at home here at the holiday will remember that all these men and women are away from their

Serving through the season: Airman Marilyn Torres

It's already on the schedule -- Amn. Marilyn Torres will celebrate the holidays inside the 726th Air Mobility Squadron's supply warehouse, ensuring heavy aircraft assigned here are mission-ready. Like many Airmen new to the Air Force, she'll also spend some time doing details, such as cleaning the

BASH lowers Eglin aircraft incidents nearly 75 percent

While most Air Force bases around the world have a Bird and Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard, or BASH, program, Eglin AFB officials have refocused and enhanced their efforts to more effectively deal with the diverse and rather large wildlife population. Eglin's wildlife strikes dropped by almost 75

Serving through the season: Senior Airman Jose Reyes

Senior Airman Jose Reyes knows all about spending the holidays with a large family. As the youngest of nine brothers and sisters growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., he did it and now he's doing it with a new family. "It's easier to spend that time together with them," said Sergeant Reyes, an Air Force

Serving through the season: Staff Sgts. Chace and Maria Morris

Chace and Maria Morris met and married more than four years ago. This holiday season they are serving their country at a Southwest Asia forward operating base in support of the war on terrorism. The staff sergeants are thankful the Air Force gave them the opportunity to deploy together, instead of

Air Guard leaders explore ways to reset force

The challenges for resetting the Air National Guard became more apparent to its senior leaders here Dec. 11 to 13 when Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, director of the Air National Guard, hosted the senior leadership conference, Minuteman Heritage -- Preparing for New Horizons. More than 1,000 leaders

Serving through the season: Airman Basic Alex Diaz

For many people, cooking for a holiday gathering may mean about 10 people, but for the staff at the Hale' Aina Dining Facility here, this holiday crowd can mean more than 300 Airmen and retirees. Airman Basic Alex Diaz is assigned to the 15th Services Squadron. He and other services Airmen at the

Magical weekend ends on ice

Gary Komppa watched the National Hockey League action on the ice, and for a short time the pain of his loss melted away. The 11-year-old has not had much to smile about the last few months. He is now the man of the house after his father, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Komppa, died Oct. 25

Serving through the season: Staff Sgt. Joey Crowell

After more than six years in the Air Force, Staff Sgt. Joey Crowell has gotten accustomed to working during the holidays. That's why Christmas this year in the Crowell household probably won't be happening on the 25th. "Being away five Christmases of those six it's really easy if you're flexible,"

Military aircrews support Mount Hood rescue effort

After finding the body of one missing climber on Mount Hood, Ore., members of the Oregon Army National Guard, Nevada Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units continue to search for two other lost climbers Dec. 18. Rescue crews, joined by civilian volunteers, planned to take advantage of

Air Force leaders advocate Voluntary Protection Program

Air Force leaders here are advocating an enhanced safety program that focuses on developing and caring for the safety of Airmen, civilians and their families. The Voluntary Protection Program originates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and focuses on incorporating the Air

Gates sworn in as defense secretary

Robert M. Gates was sworn in as the nation's 22nd secretary of defense in a ceremony Dec. 18 at the Pentagon. After President George W. Bush introduced Secretary Gates as "an experienced and thoughtful leader," Vice President Richard B. Cheney administered the oath of office. Secretary Gates was

6th SOPS delivers critical weather data to warfighters

The motto, "Get data or die" holds special significance for the 6th Space Operations Squadron, an Air Force Reserve Command unit here whose Airmen must deliver data to their customers within 10 minutes of downloading it from their satellites.The squadron's data transforms weather from a force of

Air Force announces top recruiters for 2006

Twelve Air Force recruiters garnered top honors in their field for fiscal year 2006 as winners of Operation Blue Suit XXVIII, Air Force Recruiting Service officials announced Dec. 18. The winners include:-- Master Sgt. Richard Cuddeford, 343rd Recruiting Squadron at Offutt AFB, Neb.-- Tech. Sgt.

Roll Call to help supervisors keep Airmen in the know

A new weekly publication titled "Roll Call" is designed to help shop- and office-level supervisors explain complex, yet important Air Force issues to their Airmen during daily or weekly meetings. Roll Call is a one-page print product, posted online every Friday. It covers one or two topics, in full

Retired colonel provides air support for Snowball Express

Retired Lt. Col. Roy White picked up the phone and on the other end was an opportunity to contribute to the military again.The phone call was from Michael Kerr, the founder of Snowball Express, and he wanted to get every military family who had a lost a loved one in the war on terror to California

Airmen wrap up airdrop campaign

The Air Force C-130 Hercules team Dec. 14 wrapped up its six-day campaign of airdropping more than 211,000 pounds of supplies into the flood-ravaged Dadaab region of eastern Kenya. But to children on the ground, it was the last 60 pounds that maybe made the most difference. As a way to say goodbye

Snowball Express kicks off weekend festivities

Orange County businessman Michael Kerr decided his part in the War on Terror was to give families of fallen military heroes one magical weekend, complete with a trip to Disneyland. Mr. Kerr is the founder of the Snowball Express, a Dec 15-18 event offered to the families of service members who died

Air Force releases KC-X draft request for proposals

Air Force officials announced Friday the release of an updated draft Request for Proposals for the KC-X, the aerial tanker replacement aircraft. "This continues our open and transparent acquisition process," said Sue Payton, the Air Force senior acquisition executive. "We're releasing this document

Airforce.com: Online link to 'Cross into the Blue'

For seven years, the official Air Force recruiting Web site has provided the public information on officer and enlisted careers as well as benefits the Air Force offers. Monday through Friday six decorated, retired recruiters man airforce.com chat lines, each managing up to seven chats at a time and

Secretary Rumsfeld bids servicemembers farewell

For these past six years, I have had the opportunity, and, I should add, the privilege, to serve with the greatest military the world has ever known. To all of the men and women in uniform, all across the globe, I wish it were possible for me to meet with each of you personally today so I could look

Academy officials open training facility at Pueblo Airport

Officials from the Air Force Academy's 306th Flying Training Group will officially open a new facility Dec. 15 at the Pueblo Airport Industrial Park east of Pueblo, Colo. Staff members from Detachment 1 of the 306th FTG have been overseeing a contracted Air Force Initial Flight Screening program in

Combat Hammer tests air-to-ground bombing capabilities

Eglin Air Force Base's western range, Bravo 70, was the site for the largest-ever Combat Hammer weapons system evaluation program Dec. 4 to 8, sponsored by the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron. More than 40 precision-guided weapons were dropped, including laser-guided bombs, joint direct attack

Course prepares flag officers to project airpower

Historically, air superiority has meant the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield. Army Field Manual 100-20, Command and Employment of Air Power, written four years before the Air Force's birth in 1947, stated:"The gaining of air superiority is the first requirement for the

Airmen challenged to make better choices

"Work hard and play smart" may soon be a new mantra for Airmen after duty hours. In February, the Air Force kicked off a new program titled "Culture of Responsible Choices." The program, called CoRC for short, is more of a change in mindset than an actual new formal program. It is a mindset where

Chief McKinley says roll call good for Air Force

Some Airmen are not getting information they need to make them better and more productive, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. That is why he believes the start of a roll call program, which he said could start "within days," will help bridge the communications gap between

Honor guard lays to rest Airmen killed in Iraq

The tradition of laying to rest one's own carries with it the heavy burden of knowing a fellow Airman and hero has just departed. While this is the everyday job of ceremonial guardsmen, sometimes a death hits home a little harder and makes a lasting impact on those who take a part in the funeral.

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

Web site commemorates National Guard birthday

The National Guard turns 370 years old Dec. 13, and the National Guard Bureau is celebrating with a Web site dedicated to the organization and its history. The site, www.ngb.army.mil/features/birthday/index.html, chronicles the Guard's history, starting in 1636 when the General Court of the

AFMC leaders plot 'One Materiel Command' course

"Pushing widgets out your door but having those widgets stack up in front of another Air Force Materiel Command unit's door really hasn't helped the enterprise." With that statement, Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC commander, explained his concept of 'One Materiel Command' to 103 AFMC senior leaders

Chief McKinley visits Airmen at Soto Cano

Delivering 12,000 cookies to Airmen at forward operating bases is just one of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley's many jobs. But the prospects of meeting with Airmen at four Central and South American and Caribbean bases put a smile on the face of the Air Force's top enlisted

Air Force plays in pandemic flu exercise

The Air Force is participating in a pandemic flu exercise Dec. 11-13 in Boerne, Texas, linking a variety of major south Texas crisis response agencies and Air Force medical personnel. The Regional Pandemic Flu Conference, facilitated by the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, involves 59th

Prevention, education key to winning war against HIV

In the military's fight against HIV/AIDS, prevention is the key to winning the battle, said Dr. Judith Delmar, a staff physician with the Air Force's HIV program at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Speaking at the sixth annual international HIV/AIDS Strategic Planning and Policy Development course, the

Spang Airmen compete for Mr. Universe title

Representing the United States and the Air Force two Airmen from Spangdahlem Air Base traveled to Cuxhaven, Germany, to compete in the legendary Mr. Universe competition Dec. 2. Troy Saunders, Men's Class II competitor, and Justin Usery, Men's Class III competitor, were asked to participate in the

Florida base provides mix of support for shuttle launch

The Air Force's 45th Space Wing out of Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. supported NASA's launch of Space Shuttle Discovery from Kennedy Space Center Dec. 9 on the shuttle's first night launch in four years. Several units across the 45th SW played vital roles such as helping validate the pad after the

Kadena Airmen live life of Japan self defense force

Six Kadena Air Base NCOs recently had the opportunity to experience what life is like in the Japan Air Self Defense Force. As part of the NCO Bilateral Exchange Program they traveled in JASDF aircraft Dec. 5 to Tsuiki Air Base in mainland Japan. There, they spent nine days living and working

Air Force delivers much needed supplies to Kenya

After weeks of a deluge that seemingly had no end in sight, something besides rain finally fell from the Eastern Kenya sky -- compliments of a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing based in Southwest Asia. What began as a normal storm in late October in the

Hurlburt Airmen grant Honduran Christmas wish

A group of Airmen here are taking a break from their holiday hustle and bustle to make a special trip and grant Christmas wishes for others. More than a dozen Airmen from the 6th Special Operations Squadron, 15th SOS and 73rd SOS travel Dec. 11 to La Ceiba, Honduras, to carry out Operation Christmas

SECAF visits Balad Airmen

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne visited deployed Airmen here Dec. 9. Secretary Wynne spoke to Airmen during a town hall meeting in order to discuss issues affecting them and the impact Airmen are having on Operation Iraqi Freedom. He commented on how relevant was the mission statement of

New combat turret design named for fallen Airman

Sometimes a tragedy inspires others to strive for excellence. That's what happened here for two Air Force units near Baghdad as they worked together to bring in some good for fellow Airmen.Airman 1st Class LeeBernard Emmanuel Chavis was killed while patrolling the streets of Baghdad Oct. 14 in the

Airmen, Soldiers revel in America's pastime in Iraq

If you visit the softball diamond on any weekend at Logistics Support Area Anaconda, Iraq, you're likely to see a co-recreational game with players on both sides swinging the bat, circling the bases and trading friendly barbs with one another.At first glance, the scene would appear no different than

Spectrum Summit focuses on warfighters' communication needs

Servicemembers on patrols and convoy missions in Iraq and Afghanistan sometimes have to choose between having access to radios to call in close-air support if they need it or to call for jammers to disable improvised explosive devices they encounter along the route. That is a decision troops

Airmen play role in homeland defense exercise

A simulated catastrophe hit Davis-Monthan AFB Dec. 4 and tested base Airmen's ability to deal with a major accident with nuclear implications here. Exercise Vigilant Shield 07, a national-level scenario which kicked off at Davis-Monthan AFB, connects the departments of Defense, Homeland Security,

Special retreat held for fallen Airman

A special retreat ceremony was held Dec. 6 for Capt. Kermit Evans the 27th Civil Engineer Squadron's Exposive Ordnance Disposal flight commander here. Captain Evans was killed Dec. 3 when the Marine CH-46 helicopter he was traveling in was forced to make an emergency water landing near the shore of

General talks to next greatest generation

The four-star general looked into the crowd of eager-eyed cadets -- the next generation of Air Force leaders looked back at him. General Paul V. Hester, the Pacific Air Forces commander, visited Houston for the strategic outreach plan "Air Force Road Show" and took time to talk with the University