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U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force officials select 2010 team excellence award winners

    Air Force officials recently selected five teams to receive 2010 Chief of Staff Team Excellence awards for finding creative ways to enhance mission capabilities, improve operational performance and create sustained results. The innovations and business solutions the competing Air Force teams

  • Clinic offers disabled veterans new outlook on life

    Sitting in a kayak, gliding across the water, Richard Worlitz was at peace. Here, there were no boundaries, no limitations. And limitations are something he is very familiar with. An Air Force veteran, Mr. Worlitz is both visually and physically handicapped. He lost his vision six years ago and,

  • German partnership enhances mission, saves JTACs money

    From energy conservation practices to Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives, Airmen are looking for more efficient ways of conducting business. One task that has Air Force leaders here thinking outside the box is continued support for joint terminal attack controller training

  • Veteran recalls battle leading to Medal of Honor

    In 1968, a battle raged where heroes arose only to be unacknowledged for 18 years. Proper recognition occurred during a White House ceremony Sept. 21 when Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after saving three of his men in a battle that failed to make

  • President presents posthumous Medal of Honor to hero's sons

    President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry to the family of an Air Force chief master sergeant killed in action 42 years ago in Laos during a ceremony Sept. 21. "Today, we present the Medal of Honor to an American who displayed such gallantry more than four decades

  • DOD supports military children in public schools

    Department of Defense Education Activity officials are sharing resources and training tools with public schools supporting military families, particularly those heavily affected by deployment, an education official said."Our goal is to reach military children who attend public schools," said Kathy

  • New York National Guard members participate in South African air show

    More than 70 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard are participating in the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition 2010 from Sept. 21 through 25 in Cape Town, South Africa.The event is held at Air Force Base Ysterplaat and features aircraft from 35 countries and 135 manufacturers.The

  • Photo essay: Hunters track 'Igor'

    Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command 's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron known as the "Hurricane Hunters" fly a mission to collect data on Hurricane Igor here Sept. 17.View the slideshow.

  • RPAT responsibly moving equipment out of Iraq

    Airmen assigned to Redistribution Property Assistance Team here have been working alongside Soldiers, contractors and Department of the Army civilians to ensure equipment leaving Iraq gets to its proper location, and in a usable condition as U.S. forces continue to draw down forces in Iraq.First Lt.

  • Disabled veterans sports clinic begins in San Diego

    The third annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic began here Sept. 20, as more than 200 disabled veterans came out to participate in a number of activities, including surfing, kayaking, cycling, and track and field events. The week-long clinic gives veterans with disabilities an opportunity

  • TACP Airmen build park for Air Force Enlisted Village

    After about six weeks of hard work, sweat and dedication, several Air Force Tactical Air Control Party volunteer Airmen from Hurlburt Field, Fla., completed a new park at the Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, Fla. The AFEV held a ceremony recently to dedicate the newly-built park. The event

  • Medal of Honor recipients speak at AFA conference

    Three Medal of Honor recipients answered audience questions as part of a panel at the 2010 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15.Joe Jackson, George Day and Leo Thorsness all began their military careers as enlisted

  • Outstanding Airmen honored at dinner

    Air Force Association officials held a formal dinner honoring the 2010 Outstanding Airmen of the Year was held at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14 during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition."This is a proud moment for our honorees," said

  • Maintainers keep Galaxies, Globemasters flying through Iraq

    Maintainers with the 521st Air Mobility Operations Group, Det. 5, have kept on their toes maintaining C-5 Galaxies and C-17 Globemaster IIIs passing through Iraq, ensuring they are in "tip-top" shape to keep servicemembers and cargo moving through safely. "We've got C-5s coming in here and we're

  • Air Force Marathon sets attendance record

    A record field of 12,000 runners registered for 2010 Air Force Marathon events Sept. 17 - 18 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This year's race participation shattered the previous 2009 Marathon record of 9,969 runners, and by Sept. 14, had completely sold out at the pre-determined race cap

  • Altus responders save chief's life

    Airmen and staff at the fitness center here saved a life Aug. 9.Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Zahn, with the 97th Operations Group, was on a treadmill at the gym when he collapsed. Airmen in the cardio room with him and staff members at the fitness center quickly responded."I was riding the recumbent bike

  • Commanders play key role in accounting for members

    When a disaster occurs, chaos usually ensues. From caring for the injured to cleaning up the damage, it can overwhelm all involved. One of the key challenges for Air Force leaders after a disaster is accounting for all personnel. The Air Force relies on the Air Force Personnel Accountability and

  • JCS chairman says 'Happy birthday, Air Force!'

    Gen. Billy Mitchell believed that "in the development of airpower, one needs to look ahead" -- a fitting charge as we celebrate the United States Air Force's 63rd birthday tomorrow.Born in an era of incredible innovation and change following World War II, the United States Air Force has lived up to

  • Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

    The Air Force's top leaders send a message to the total force to celebrate the Air Force's 63rd birthday and to remind them to remember the commitment and sacrifice of all the Airmen deployed around the globe.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Air Force leaders discuss challenges, achievements

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted a multi-command panel of generals to address issues from the audience at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15.The panel discussion, which also featured Chief

  • Photo essay: Andersen Airmen train with mines

    Members of the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron prepare for Valiant Shield, a joint exercise which focuses on integrated training and interoperability among U.S. military forces here Sept. 14.View the slideshow.

  • Chief Roy shares what's in store for enlisted force

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force shared his perspective of where the enlisted force is heading during a presentation at the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 at Oxon Hill, Md.Some of the key points Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy

  • Air Force dentists bring relief to the Congo

    A medical training exercise gave residents here, including the U.S. embassy staff and families, an opportunity to receive dental care as part of Medical Flag 2010.Three Air Force Reserve dentists treated about 35 patients while training in the DRC as part of MEDFLAG 10."It's been about two years

  • AFSPC command chief advocates for space Airmen at AFA forum

    The merits and issues affecting the men and women of Air Force Space Command were brought to the forefront during a Command Chief Master Sergeant Forum at the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14 here. More than 150 conference attendees were on hand as

  • Nuclear enterprise individual recognized during Air and Space Conference

    The Airman with the most significant achievement within the Air Force nuclear enterprise was honored with the newly established Gen. Larry D. Welch award during the 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. on Sept

  • Suicide: Never knowing why

    "I know you'll grieve and wish that I was still here. I am here in the memories you hold dear.  Remember how much I love you and know I took your love with me. I do not wish for you to cry nor feel sad." -- excerpt from Kelvin Burford's poem Gone Away, written for Anthony ArlineAirman 1st Class

  • Security forces Airmen help prep RAF Regiment for Afghanistan tour

    Security forces Airmen from Royal Air Force Mildenhall participated in Exercise Enduring Shield 03/10 Sept. 5 through 10 at Stanford Training Area here to help Royal Air Force infantrymen prepare for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.With the countdown clock for an Afghanistan deployment

  • AFSPC commander focuses on leverage in space community

    The commander of Air Force Space Command detailed challenges of the space community during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 14. Gen. C. Robert Kehler outlined how leverage, integration and innovative thinking can all bring the space community

  • Air Guard exterminator handles pests

    As the lone pest management specialist in the Nevada Air Guard, it's one Airman's job to eliminate all of the creepy-crawly nuisances here. Staff Sgt. Damien Falconer of the Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Civil Engineer Squadron, continually works to eliminate insects, rodents, weeds and an

  • KC-10 crew performs humanitarian mission while training

    A flight crew of Airmen from here performed a mission Sept. 3 through 4 that will result in warmer winters for many Afghans. The reservists from the 76th Air Refueling Squadron flew a KC-10 Extender to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., for 10 pallets of winter clothing, blankets and shoes that

  • Cursor on Target conference to feature hands-on challenge

    Officials from the Electronic Systems Center here are slated to the host the Cursor on Target Users' Conference Sept. 22 and 23.The conference will include several presentations, but a scenario-based, 'friendly competition' will dominate much of the event.Officials here are expecting as many as 200

  • DOD acquisition chief outlines plan to help warfighters, taxpayers

    The Defense Department's $400 billion-a-year system for buying goods and services is about to undergo major changes designed to save taxpayer money without affecting mission readiness, a senior Pentagon official says."We're asking you to do more without more," Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of

  • Chief of staff highlights contributions of Airmen to national security

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke on the state of the Air Force during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14. His comments highlighted the contributions of Airmen to national security in the

  • Airman receives Bronze Star during AFA

    A tactical air control party member and one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year received a Bronze Star Medal with Valor during the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14. Staff Sgt. Kenneth I. Walker III

  • Generals discuss strengthening nuclear enterprise at annual conference

    Five generals sat on the nuclear enterprise panel at the 2010 Air Force Association Conference and Technology Expo to answer questions from Airmen and civilians Sept. 13 here.Gen. Roger A. Brady, the U.S Air Forces in Europe commander; Maj. Gen. Donald Alston, the 20th Air Force commander; Maj. Gen.

  • Reserve chief proposes closer look at active and reserve force mix

    The commander of the Air Force Reserve Command who also is chief of the Air Force Reserve spoke to a standing-room only crowd about military structure for the 21st Century Sept. 13 at the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2010.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. was

  • ESC officials to begin testing 'Venture Catalyst' solutions

    Electronic Systems Center officials are preparing to conduct seven demonstrations, each designed to test a specific technology solution they might have known little or nothing about just months ago.The seven technology demos emerged from a 'Solutions Workshop' held here in late July, run in

  • MEDCEUR classes set stage for success

    Tents, medical supplies and field hospitals stand ready for the moulaged patients of live, mass-casualty exercise scenarios at Medical Training Exercise in Central & Eastern Europe 2010. Before the European and American medical personnel spring into action during these scenarios, they spend days in

  • Social starts week celebrating outstanding Airmen

    The Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year attended a social here Sept. 11 to kick off a week of events planned to honor them.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and his wife, Paula, welcomed the Airmen and their guests to Airey House, their official residence named after the first

  • 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference kicks off

    More than 1,000 attendees were on hand for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition on Sept. 13 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. During the ceremonies, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Space Command Inspector General: 24th Air Force ready for full operations

    The Headquarters Air Force Space Command Inspector General team concluded a four-day, full operational capability assessment of 24th Air Force units here today with a briefing to the commander stating that the numbered Air Force and its subordinate units are "ready" to be declared fully

  • Medics showcase patient care concepts to Afghan airmen

    Air Force medics introduced some of their patient care concepts to Afghan airmen Sept. 8 here.For the first time, 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility Airmen oriented four Afghan airmen to methods used to secure patients and load and move

  • Kadena's conservation efforts net federal award

    For the second consecutive year, civil engineers here have been awarded a federal energy and water management award for their aggressive conservation efforts on Okinawa.In 2009, the 718th Civil Engineer Squadron was honored for having one of the best 2008 energy efficiency and energy programs within

  • Falcons rout Cougars, 35-14, in Mountain West Conference opener

    Air Force's defense held BYU to just 126 yards of total offense in the final three quarters during the Falcons' 35-17 win in the teams' Mountain West Conference opener in front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 47,000 here Sept. 11.The rout breaks a six-game losing streak to BYU, who last lost to Air

  • Members of Kunsan Air Base remember Sept. 11 events

    A quiet and somber crowd gathered here early Sept. 10 to remember the events in America Sept. 11, 2001, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives that day.Airmen representing firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical services, among official guests and others, attended the 8th Fighter

  • Air Guard 400 race to determine NASCAR's top 12

    Better known for its airpower than its horsepower, the Air National Guard will sponsor the Air Guard 400 at Richmond International Speedway Sept. 11.The 400-mile NASCAR race will include the Air National Guard-sponsored #26 car driven by Jeff Green and owned by Latitude 43 Motorsports."With NASCAR

  • More focus needed to end suicides, Mullens say

    A silent killer is rapidly infiltrating the military, claiming lives at an alarming rate each year.It does not discriminate, taking aim at the young and old, male and female -- from the battle-hardened Soldier to the new recruit."It's an area that can't get enough focus right now," said Navy Adm.

  • Air Force's top uniformed leaders visit Shaw

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen from across the installation here during a base visit Sept. 7 and 8.After touring areas and meeting with representatives of the 9th Air Force, Air Forces Central and the 20th Fighter

  • Officials welcome new Air Force chief of safety

    In a Sept. 1 change-of-command ceremony here, Maj. Gen. Gregory A. Feest assumed command of the Air Force Safety Center from Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presided over the change of command. In his comments, he highlighted AFSC's performance under the

  • Air Force officials increase deployment times

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced a change to the air and space expeditionary force rotational baseline from 120 to 179 days for most active component Airmen. According to Air Force officials, 71 percent of Airmen are already deploying outside the 120-day baseline. The revised

  • Undersecretary visits Wilford Hall Medical Center

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton visited Wilford Hall Medical Center here Sept. 3 to learn about the Air Force's premier health care, medical education, research and readiness wing.Ms. Conaton met with Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas W. Travis, the 59th MDW commander, and other senior leaders

  • Incirlik weather techs train to support contingency operations

    Once a quarter, weather technicians with the 39th Operations Squadron here can be found training with a piece of equipment that can help save lives, prevent disastrous mishaps and some say even predict the future. This piece of equipment is called a Tactical Meteorological Observing System. The TMOS

  • Joint exercise kicks off with community day

    More than 100 servicemembers from U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Army Europe and Marine Forces Reserve arrived Sept. 7 in Podgorica, Montenegro, to participate in the 10th annual Partnership for Peace a Joint Chiefs of Staff-sponsored medical training exercise. U.S. and Montenegrin servicemembers

  • Photo essay: Airmen clean up after typhoon

    Airmen from the 18th Wing here got together Sept. 2, 2010, to clean up debris at the Okuma Recreation Area after Typhoon Kompasu struck Okinawa Aug. 31.View the slideshow.

  • Deployed air refueling unit helps fuel the Afghanistan surge

    On Dec. 1, 2009, President Barack Obama announced that an additional 30,000 troops would be sent to Afghanistan to help stabilize the country. Whether in support of airlift missions or combat operations, aircraft fuel delivered by members of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here is

  • Mobility Airmen support Pakistan flood relief

    Mobility Airmen have been involved in the Pakistan flood relief effort since floods began affecting the country in late July. Among the Airmen deployed to Pakistan are about 30 members from Air Mobility Command's 818th Contingency Response Group, 621st Contingency Response Wing, from Joint Base

  • Chief of staff to participate in the Air Force Marathon 10K

    The Air Force chief of staff is putting himself on the starting line during Air Force Marathon events here, joining thousands of others ready to show their dedication to physical fitness.Gen. Norton Schwartz plans to return to the Air Force Marathon for the second year in a row, this time running

  • Nonprofit groups step up to help military families

    America's support of our troops and their families has been a welcome theme during this past decade of war. The stories of support are abundant, from top leaders encouraging Americans to salute troops to neighbors pitching in to help a deployed family.Some people have taken this support even a step

  • Kadena DFAC staff gives menu 'heads up' on Twitter

    Kadena's dining facility staff has found a new use for social networking websites to keep Airmen informed."When people ask us where the menu is, we tell them it's now on Twitter," said Tech. Sgt. Lacey D. Brown, the 18th Force Support Squadron Marshall Dining Facility manager. "Now you can (view) it

  • Air Force survives 1st-half scare, overcomes Demons, 65-21

    If Air Force's home opener was supposed to be an easy ride, Northwestern State missed the memo. The Falcons brought down a stubborn Demons team, but only after they overcame a few demons of their own.Air Force rallied in the second half, outscoring Northwestern State 41-0 in the second half en route

  • Leaders issue joint Labor Day holiday message

    The Air Force's top leaders remind the entire Air Force family to minimize safety risks this weekend and beyond in a Labor Day message. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following

  • Airmen assist BLM during wild horse round-up

    Members of the 366th Operations Support Squadron and 266th Range Control Squadron recently supported the Bureau of Land Management during its emergency gathering of 198 wild horses after a wildfire charred the land the animals usually roam. To perform this rescue mission, BLM officials needed access

  • Fitness testing begins for deployed Airmen

    Airmen deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility will roll physical fitness testing into their wartime responsibilities starting Oct. 1. Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, recently approved a policy authorizing fitness testing in the AOR for

  • AF transfers northern airspace to Iraq

    The Air Force handed over the Kirkuk sector of airspace, 15,000 feet and above, to the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority Sept. 1. The Kirkuk sector of airspace consists of the northern 1/3 portion of Iraq, which previously had been controlled by the Air Force out of Kirkuk Air Base. "Tonight marks a

  • Air Force officials seek nominees for Ph.D. program

    Air Force officials are seeking to develop officers as strategic thinkers through a program that will allow them to obtain a doctorate in strategic studies.The Air Force Chief of Staff Ph.D. program will allow officers to attend a top-tier university to complete their doctorate in studies such as

  • Air Force sergeant honored by American Legion for community service

    A sergeant stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., received The American Legion's Spirit of Service Award Aug. 31 in recognition of his extensive volunteer efforts in the community.Staff Sgt. Edward L. Perez, who serves as an airfield systems installation technician with the 688th Information

  • Air Force general reflects on Iraq tour of duty

    After spending more than a year coordinating airpower in Iraq and helping to ensure U.S. forces there drew down to less than 50,000 boots on the ground, the top Aiman in Iraq is headed home.Serving as the director of the Air Component Coordination Element in Iraq, the director of the force strategic

  • Healthy habits for children

    Teaching healthy habits to children at an early age can carry those habits through the teen years and into adulthood. Here are some important habits to teach children:Routinely and regularly washing hands is very important to stop the spread of germs and diseases and to avoid getting sick. All that

  • Net-Centric Ops Conference to examine changing environments, apps

    The theme for the eighth annual Net-Centric Ops Conference, to be held Sept. 20 at the Wentworth-by-the-Sea Hotel and Resort in New Castle, N.H., is "Changing Environments -- Changing Applications." Organizers of the conference say discussions will be focused on fully realizing net-centric

  • Top Airman in Iraq reflects on 18 months in country

    After spending more than 18 months coordinating and synchronizing airpower for U.S. servicemembers in Iraq and helping to ensure U.S. forces reached their goal of less than 50,000 boots on the ground, the top Airman in Iraq is headed home.Serving as the director of the Air Component Coordination

  • Joint aviation coordination cell established to aid Pakistan flood relief

    A number of Pakistan, U.S. and international organizations, both military and civilian, gathered at Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala, Pakistan, Aug. 28 to form a joint aviation coordination cell aimed at streamlining air operations supporting Pakistan's flood relief efforts. After torrential rains

  • Three spouses of Airmen in Norway earn citizenship

    Three spouses of Airmen stationed at the NATO Joint Warfare Center and the 426th Air Base Squadron took their oath of allegience to become U.S. citizens Aug. 19 in Stavanger, Norway.A complex process for new citizens, Andrea Rodriguez-Sanchez, Rowena Jarman and Cornelia Jude, was made simpler thanks

  • Dr. Condoleezza Rice receives 2009 TD White Award

    Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice received the 2009 Thomas D. White National Defense Award during a visit here Aug. 26.Dr. Rice, currently a professor at Stanford University, received the award for contributions to the defense and security of the U.S. during her career as a professor,

  • Ammo Airmen support explosive mission

    Members of a munitions flight here are tasked with building bombs.It's a job some might take for granted, or a thought that will never cross the minds of others."Most people seem to think that bombs actually come preassembled, but these Airmen are out here building them with their hands," said

  • Enlisted force development initiatives approved

    The Force Management and Development Council members approved an initiative that will change the way the Air Force grows the next generation of senior enlisted leaders. The initiative originated with the Enlisted Force Development Panel and will enable the enlisted force to move forward in

  • Airmen respond to Pakistan relief efforts

    Active duty and Reserve aircrews assigned to the 62nd and 446th airlift wings departed here Aug. 23 for Pakistan humanitarian relief operations.Officials said the U.S. has responded immediately and generously to Pakistan's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that started

  • Photo essay: Balad Airmen move Pave Hawks

    Maintainers from the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter for transportation out of Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Aug. 12, 2010.View the slideshow.

  • New York civic leader earns highest Air Force public service award

    The secretary of the Air Force awarded a public relations pioneer with the highest public service award given to a civilian here Aug. 24. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented Chester Burger the Distinguished Public Service Award for his 15 years of volunteer service as an Air Force

  • Teamwork keeps Sather Air Base's passenger terminal moving

    As servicemembers in Iraq prepare to transition from combat operations to an advise and assist role, members of the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here continue to support the drawdown through continuing 24-hour operations. The Airmen process up to 20,000 passengers and 1,200 tons

  • Airmen, aircraft showcased in Times Square

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Afterburner Monster Truck were two exhibits parked in the middle of Times Square here Aug. 26 as part of Air Force Week New York.Various Air Force exhibits were spread over two blocks of Times Square to help educate citizens of New York about Airmen and the Air Force

  • Airmen help beautify New York landmark

    More than 30 Airmen helped clean up one of New York City's well-known military memorials as part of Air Force Week here Aug. 25.Despite rainy weather, Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst donned gloves and ponchos while they beautified the 11-acre Grand Army Plaza. This plaza is the opening

  • Ramstein Airmen train with sister wing in Poland

    Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Contingency Response Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, traveled to the 33rd Air Base here Aug. 13 through 19 for combined training with Polish military forces. Operation Screaming Eagle, the weeklong off-site training, aimed at sharing knowledge,

  • Direct communication between Airmen key to suicide prevention

    More than a decade in the making, the culture of the "wingman" approach to suicide prevention is still evolving as risk factors and causes of suicide are becoming more widely understood. The wingman concept should be very familiar to most Airmen. Suicide prevention training has been incorporated

  • Air Force Week kicks off in the Big Apple

    Throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Airmen are sharing their stories, and their appreciation during Air Force Week here Aug. 24 through Aug. 29. The New York City Police commissioner, on behalf of the Mayor of New York City, proclaimed this week Air Force Week in a ceremony aboard the

  • Former professional baseball player says Air Guard is his winning team

    When Staff Sgt. Trevor Harvey lights the candles on the altar before Mass on drill weekends, he favors the hand that once pitched to Ken Griffey Jr. "During one game I pitched, he hit a ball over 500 feet," said Sergeant Harvey, who now serves as the chaplain's assistant with the Arizona Air

  • Air Force filling holes in communication during drawdown

    While convoys are operating in areas where ground communications are limited, joint airborne battle staff crews are stepping in to bridge the gap during the responsible drawdown of forces where communication is critical to ensure U.S. Forces redeploy safely.The drawdown has been a continuous process

  • Ask the question

    When Tech. Sgt. David Bales got the call that an Airman he supervised was drunk and talking about "ending it all," he immediately drove to the dormitory. He'd been around too many successful and attempted suicides to just attribute "ending it all" to a case of drunken rambling. As an intelligence

  • Veterans encouraged to submit claims for retroactive stop loss

    In working closely with the Office of the Secretary of Defense staff on a congressional action involving veterans submitting claims for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay, major command and wing level officials are working to inform veterans who were affected by stop loss. Eligible Airmen include

  • Deployed aircrew brings relief to flood-torn Pakistan

    As Air Force operations in support of flood relief operations in Pakistan resumed, aircrew and support personnel from the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia prepared to forward deploy to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to ease the workload of the local

  • Airmen assist with Army ground movements in Iraq

    Tactical air control party teams assigned to the 4/2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team here help to keep their convoys safe by being a liaison to Airmen in aircraft flying above, when convoys are on the move.A TACP team consists of two Airmen: a joint terminal attack controller, and a radio operator,

  • Air Force chief of staff thanks Airmen, families in accepting award

    The Air Force's highest ranking officer was awarded one of the Air Force Sergeants Association's top honors during the organization's Professional Airmen's Conference and International Convention here Aug. 18.In pre-taped remarks, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz accepted the 2009

  • Renovated heritage museum reopens

    Air Force officials reopened a newly-named and renovated enlisted heritage museum here Aug. 12.In addition to spending $730,000 to renovate a building that has housed the museum since 1956, the name was officially changed from the History and Traditions Museum to the USAF Airman Heritage Museum.Gen.

  • Airman earns $10k through IDEA program

    A staff sergeant here had a good idea that led to a $10,000 payday. Staff Sgt. Jonnie Deitz, a 4th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, is the most recent member of the Seymour Johnson AFB community to receive an Innovative Development Through Employee Awareness Program

  • 2011 retraining program in full swing

    Airmen have almost a month remaining to voluntarily retrain in Phase I of the 2011 NCO Retraining Program before the program's involuntary Phase II begins Sept. 20. Air Force officials identified 1,061 opportunities for Airmen to retrain out of their current career field under NCORP. Airmen can