Airman gives aid at 37,000 feet

Today's Air Force prepares Airmen to be ready for any contingency, and often emergency situations arise at the most unexpected times. For Capt. Sam Millar, the 18th Operations Group Aeromedical Evacuation Branch chief, that situation arose about eight hours into a flight from Narita, Japan, to

JPAC teams serve on front lines of recoveries

Tech. Sgt. Valda Wilson is an Air Force photographer. But last month in a harvested wheat field in the village of Strass near Germany's Hurtgen Forest, she spent most of her days with her hands full of dirt. Sergeant Wilson is one of about 10 members of a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command team who

American Language Course graduates first class

Eighteen Iraqi airmen have accomplished one of the top training requirements for the Iraqi air force -- learning the English language. These airmen were the first to graduate from the American Language Course during a ceremony here Sept. 10. Because English is the international language for

CMSAF McKinley highlights 61 years of airpower

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to Airmen at the Air Force 61st Birthday Celebration at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., Sept. 18. Chief McKinley opened the celebration with a speech, highlighting events involving Airmen and the Air Force that happened since last year's

Chiefs discuss issues at AFA symposium

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley and five command chief master sergeants from the major commands answered a variety questions during a Command Chief Master Sergeant Forum Sept. 16 at the 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition. A few of the topics covered

General discusses role of Reserve

The Air Force Reserve Command's vice commander addressed a gathering of service members and civilians Sept. 16 during a presentation at the 24th Annual Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. Maj. Gen. Allan R. Poulin discussed the command's role in the war on

Servicemembers in Afghanistan honor Air Force birthday

Servicemembers from the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan honored the 61st anniversary of the Air Force Sept. 18 during a ceremony at Camp Eggers here. The day's celebration struck a cord with CSTC-A Airmen who work to mentor and advise members of the Afghan National Army air corps,

Hanscom Airmen learn how to identify drugs to fight crime

Airmen of the 66th Security Forces Squadron here learned to recognize drugs and drug paraphernalia in the event they encounter them during their day-to-day duties during Sept. 17 and 18 training.Detective James Donovan, a narcotics officer with the police department of Saugus, Mass., showed Hanscom

Wilford Hall Airmen aid Hurricane Ike evacuees

Approximately 100 medics from Lackland Air Force Base worked around the clock Sept. 12 through 14 to assist with Hurricane Ike evacuees from the Gulf Coast region who arrived at Port San Antonio. Wilford Hall Medical Center members assigned to the 59th Medical Wing staff helped move 137

Servicemembers to follow long absentee voting tradition

A pen-and-ink drawing in the Oct. 29, 1864, issue of Harper's Weekly portrayed a long line of Pennsylvania Soldiers outside their A-framed tents, each awaiting his turn to vote in the 1864 presidential election. Artist William Waud's rendering captured the high interest in the high-stakes election

Air Force officials honor 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Air Force officials here recognized the service's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year at an awards dinner Sept. 15 during the Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. The 2008 award recipients were drawn from 33 people representing major commands,

ACC runners seek 'niki' at Air Force marathon

Your heart feels like it's beating in your throat. Your shirt is soaked, and as you come around that last turn on the track, you feel great as you conquer your annual 1.5 mile fit test run. Now picture doing that 17 more times. On Sept. 20, several members of Air Combat Command will be doing just

Guard unit makes final preparations for Predator flights

Members of the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing here are now ready to begin training the Airmen on the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system. March Air Reserve Base officials expect to fly its first "live" training sortie in January from the former George Air Force Base, now known as Southern California

Gen. Schwartz addresses Air Force future

The chief of staff of the Air Force addressed Air Force Association Air and Space Technology Convention delegates Sept. 16 here to share his vision for the future of the service. "The work we must accomplish is serious stuff," Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said, "but I know we are up to the task." Part of

Air Force, Air National Guard partner for new mission

The Air Force and Air National Guard officials have agreed to establish a temporary mission qualification training detachment for the RC-12 aircraft at Key Field in Meridian, Miss. This mission, conducted by the Mississippi Air National Guard, will help bolster the Department of Defense's

Joint patrol provides Airmen with valuable knowledge

It's been more than 30 years since the Vietnam War ended and since the Air Force has been solely responsible for a base's defense in a war zone, but that's all about to change at Joint Base Balad by the end of September. The Air Force is taking responsibility for base defense from the Army, and to

Reserve rescue team pulls 17 from floodwaters

Air Force reservists assigned to the 331st Air Expeditionary Group, a inter-agency search and rescue unit based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, rescued 17 people from Hurricane Ike flood waters Sept. 13 in a small Texas town.The reservists, deployed from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force

Air Force develops plan for filling unmanned aircraft system positions

Air Force leaders are taking a two-pronged approach to address the increasing need for pilots of unmanned aircraft systems in Afghanistan and Iraq, an Air Force official said recently. The first approach will use a small percentage of undergraduate pilot training graduates for the short term. The

General Schwartz kicks off AFA convention

The Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition got underway here Sept. 15. In remarks to open the conference, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said service leaders will work to regain America's trust by improving its performance, citing work

Acting Secretary Donley speaks at AFA conference

From uniforms to deployments, nuclear priorities and the service's future, acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley spoke of a variety of topics at the Air Force Association convention here Sept. 15. "We are providers of tremendous capability of air and space," Secretary Donley said. "All

Phoenix Raven training highlights capabilities of security forces Airmen

For Staff Sgt. Ian Martin, the figure 1709 is more than just a number, it's the beginning of a new life.The number means the staff sergeant, who is from the 121st Security Forces Squadron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, is the 1,709th person to become a Raven. Air Force security

Ex-fighter pilot-led team trains flyers on data link network

A team of former fighter pilots and other experts are making sure F-15 and F-16 squadrons are fully prepared to use a sophisticated communication network critical to operational success across the globe. No U.S. fighter squadron can deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan without the critical data link

'Today's Air Force' features key milestones

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Air Force milestones in the war again terrorism and features the MQ-1 Predator passing 400,000 flight hours. Also, see how the Air Force continues to dominate airpower worldwide. In addition, witness how members of the Guard, Reserve and active units

Airmen, bears coexist on Hurlburt Field

Security forces members from Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base, along with local civilian officials, gathered at the weapons range learn bear aversion tactics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission here recently. The training participants learned various techniques to

Navy, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard join forces for Ike rescues

Navy helicopter rescue crews positioned here participated in a joint search and rescue effort Sept. 13 flying missions in response to Hurricane Ike's Sept. 12 landfall on the Gulf Coast. The Navy teams flew multiple sweeps over hard-hit areas of Louisiana and Texas looking for signs of people in

Rescue personnel fly first flights from Randolph

Three HH-60 Pave Hawks and aircrews belonging to the 331st Air Expeditionary Group took off from here earlier the afternoon of Sept. 13 carrying search and rescue personnel to the Galveston, Texas, area in the wake of Hurricane Ike. The flight marks the first of many that may leave from Randolph Air

JTF-129 Airmen rescue civilians stranded in Galveston

California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations rescued eight people Sept. 12 in Galveston, Texas. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians

Summer research program benefits Academy cadets

When officials at the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center here and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., launched a new and powerful mentoring program in March, it energized the center's involvement in the Academy's Cadet Summer Research Program. Six months later, seven

23rd Wing deploys rescue forces for Hurricane Ike response

As Hurricane Ike approached the Texas coast, the 23rd Wing began moving units on Sept. 11 to pre-stage for rapid rescue relief operations. The 23rd Wing is the only active-duty combat search and rescue wing in the Air Force. Units from the wing's two rescue groups, the 347th Rescue Group here and

Special tactics unit arrives in Houston to aid Ike relief

Members of the Oregon Air National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron arrived at the Reliant Center in Houston Sept. 12 to assist with Hurricane Ike relief efforts. The team's primary focus is to provide command and control where needed and work with other federal agencies to establish

Airmen stand ready to provide hurricane relief at Randolph

Airmen with the 331st Air Expeditionary Group are staged at Randolph Air Force Base ready to respond with aid Sept. 12 as Hurricane Ike bears down on the Texas coast. The group, made up of nearly 600 people, brings with it units and capabilities from across the Air Force. Among them are search and

Guard members in states of Ike's path ready, willing, able

National Guard members in Texas and four other states are preparing for the worst as Hurricane Ike looms just off the Gulf Coast Sept. 12. Guard members in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri have anticipated the problems associated with heavy rain and winds and will be ready to respond, said

'Landing Gear' aims to help at-risk Airmen

Air Force Medical Service officials are releasing a prevention education program that provides focused education specifically targeted at Airmen at risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and other deployment-related mental health problems. Entitled Landing Gear, the training fulfills

Patrick Airmen ready to help Hurricane Ike victims

Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing here flew two HH-60G Pave Hawks from Patrick Air Force Base to Gulfport, Miss., to preposition search and rescue aircraft to aid victims of Hurricane Ike Sept. 12. Airmen flew the two helicopters and two HC-130P/N Hercules long-range refueling aircraft will fly to

California Air National Guard assists Texas for Hurricane Ike

California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here, already deployed to Ellington Field in Houston for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations, relocated Sept. 11 to Kelly Field in San Antonio because of Hurricane Ike's projected path. Assigned to Joint Task Force 129, the

Chief McKinley visits Wright-Patterson AFB

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley held an enlisted call at the base theater here Sept. 9 where he touched on a variety of topics, including the Air Force's near-term priorities. The enlisted call was part of his two-day visit to the base Sept. 8 and 9. During his visit, Chief

Skills summit aims to streamline training for Airmen

The evolving war on terrorism has made Col. Jenny Pickett's personal mission of "keeping Airmen alive" more challenging these days. The commandant of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Operations School, which trains Airmen for deployment, says inconsistencies in where and how troops gain war-fighting

Team conducts emergency medical movement in Antarctica

Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica provided a two-person medical team and C-17 Globemaster III to conduct an emergency medical evacuation Sept. 10 for a 56-year-old male assigned to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. The patient needed a cardiovascular evaluation and was deemed

Annual unit, organizational award winners announced

The Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council here recently recognized the following organizations for 2007 and 2008 Air Force unit awards for the periods indicated below: The Meritorious Unit Award to:-- The 3rd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group for Dec. 13, 2006 through Nov. 25, 2007.

New benefit courses offered online to civilian employees

Three new online courses for federal civilian employees offer training in the benefits-related areas of retirement, financial planning and new-employee orientation. The training, available beginning Sept. 12 on the Web-based automated Employee Benefits Information System, applies to Air

Operational "Integrity" - lessons from the AFSO 21 Frontlines

The U.S. Air Force faces intense operational demands and resource challenges that sit at the heart of the role that Air Force Smart Operations, or AFSO, plays in improving mission performance. We all understand the need to strengthen fighting capability, recapitalize, increase financial efficiency

B-52s roar over Guam during bomber surge

Members of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flew surge missions and launched six of its B-52 Stratofortresses on a large scale training flights Sept. 4 and 5 from here. The training mission allowed crewmembers to practice more than the standard two-ship deconfliction plan while maintaining

AFOTEC launches student intern program

The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center is partnering with the University of New Mexico here for a student intern program. The program is aimed at recruiting and training candidates for potential employment opportunities either within AFOTEC, the Air Force or other government

Virtual reality project could improve UAS operations

An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-managed team here is building a virtual reality environment for the battlespace initiative to maximize the potential of unmanned aircraft systems. The team is applying advanced physical and eye-tracking systems and voice interfaces, said Dr. James Oliver,

Readiness centers: 1-stop, career shops for spouses

When Trish Kuettel and her husband, Tech. Sgt. Michael Kuettel, arrived at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., last summer, her "to do" list was long and daunting. One thing the mother of two didn't have to worry about was where to look for career and employment assistance. "Since I was unfamiliar

Online master's program earns award

Officials from the Air Command and Staff College's Distance Learning Directorate here developed and launched the Air Force's online master's degree program in 2007 and received the Muir S. Fairchild Award Aug. 29 for their efforts. The entire curriculum was created in-house, and the program, an Air

RED HORSE Airmen give Iraqis reason for hope

Six months ago, the town of Hawr Rajab was a mere shell of its former self. Local shops were closed, their windows boarded up. The streets were abandoned. Homes were badly damaged. The town was once an al-Qaida in Iraq stronghold where violence and intimidation forced residents to flee their homes.

Charleston Airmen welcome home warriors

More than 125 Airmen from the 14th Airlift Squadron returned to Charleston Air Force Base Sept. 3 after completing more than a 120-day deployment to Southwest Asia in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 14th AS Airmen deployed as the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to

DOD to observe Constitution Day, Citizenship Day

The Department of Defense will observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Sept. 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on that day in 1787. "Our Airmen are stationed and deployed around the world protecting the freedoms embodied in our Constitution," said Chief

Firefighters hone skills in midst of high ops tempo

As smoke bellows from a nearby structure, emergency responders rush to the scene and systematically begin to assess the situation. Within minutes, the firefighters are inside the facility and the threat is neutralized. "Endex," says a voice over the radio. The 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer

Labor Day weekend fatalities bring summer total to 115

Five servicemembers died in off-duty accidents during the Labor Day weekend, bringing to 115 the number killed this year during the "101 Critical Days of Summer." Labor Day marked the official end to the 101 Critical Days of Summer, the period between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day that

Logistics readiness returns to basics

Air Force logistics readiness officials are teaming to end a string of missteps in compliance and accountability by stressing a return to high standards of excellence through an enterprise-wide campaign that draws upon a back-to-basics approach to tasks. "In the past few years, we've witnessed

National Guard in four states prepare for Hanna

Officials in four states along the East Coast are employing their National Guard units as Tropical Storm Hanna nears. Officials in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina have almost 40,000 Army and Air National Guard members available to their governors, if needed. This includes almost

AF Survival School becomes reality TV

Americans get the opportunity to step into the boots of an Air Force Survival School student by watching the reality show Survival School starting Sept. 9 on the MOJO HD channel at 9 p.m. EDT. The ten half-hour episodes will track 47 Airmen as they face the limits of their skill during the Air Force

Air Force halts wing reorganization

Air Force leaders halted plans to perform a global wing restructure which was designed to realign fighter, bomber and rescue airlift maintenance units into flying squadrons. Maintenance and flying squadrons will remain separate and will continue doing business "as they have for the past four or five

Rescue squadrons provide support for Hurricane Gustav

Airmen from rescue helicopter squadrons from across the Air Force came together here to provide personnel recovery support in the event it was needed for Hurricane Gustav that stormed through Louisiana Sept. 1. Active and Guard rescue squadrons from Alaska, Arizona, California and New York combined

E-9 accident report released

Pilot error caused the May 1 crash of an E-9 Widget at the Tallahassee Regional Airport in Tallahassee, Fla., according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released today. The aircraft's landing gear was not lowered for a touch-and-go maneuver during the routine training

Commander praises Gustav preparations, response

In the wake of Hurricane Gustav, residents of Louisiana are slowly heading to their homes and beginning to pick up the pieces left by the storm. Nearly half the state is without power, many people are running out of money and more than 70,000 Louisianans are still living in shelters. Yet, though

Airmen, Soldiers train for provincial reconstruction team

Servicemembers from the Army and Air Force have come here to train and become the next Zabul Province Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. Nearly 100 servicemembers representing the Air Force, Army, Army Reserves and Army National Guard, will combine with USAID, Department of State and the Department

Multinational exercise sustains international readiness

The 2008 Northern Viking exercise, which began with a ceremony here Sept. 1, aims to reinforce the resolve of the U.S. and its NATO partners in assisting in the defense of Iceland. Approximately 150 Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe have joined forces with more than 300 U.S. Navy Seamen, as well

Operation Deep Freeze 2008-2009 season begins

Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation, is scheduled to kick off the 2008-2009 season Sept. 4 as the first C-17 Globemaster III delivers passengers and cargo to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The C-17, based out of McChord

Medical professionals focus on traumatic brain injuries

One of the results from the war on terrorism is an increase in traumatic brain injuries among deployed personnel. As of July 23, the Department of Defense requires that every deploying member be tested with the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics within 12 months prior to deployment. A

Tinker unit earns Shingo Prize

The B-1B Programmed Depot Maintenance team here is the recipient of the Shingo Bronze Medallion in the public sector category. The Shingo Prize is often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of manufacturing."It was established in 1988, and promotes Lean manufacturing concept awareness and recognizes

Air Force Reserve eclipses recruiting goal again

For the eighth consecutive year, the Air Force Reserve met and eclipsed its annual recruiting goal. Reserve recruiters across the country and around the world tallied the 8,000 mark at 12:38 p.m. EDT, Aug. 28. The recruiting cycle coincides with the Department of Defense fiscal year, which runs from

AMC poised to support post-hurricane operations

Air Mobility Command planners and operators held a collective breath as Hurricane Gustav made landfall Sept. 1. Although most AMC aircraft and personnel were pulled back from the U.S. Gulf Coast area Aug. 31 -- hours before the hurricane's projected landfall -- the command was still fully engage in

Maxwell officials prepare for Hurricane Gustav

As Hurricane Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast, Maxwell Air Force Base officials are bedding down federal and state emergency management units and evacuees from military bases in the storm's path.Maxwell is a designated National Logistical Support Area for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

AFPC commander discusses support for deployed Airmen

The commander of the Air Force Personnel Center discussed how her agency continues to improve its support of deployed Airmen during a visit here Aug. 27. AFPC is streamlining how it tracks deployments and re-examining how it balances deployments with assignments and training, said Maj. Gen. K. C.

Intelligence wing supports Gustav efforts

Even though Hurricane Gustav made landfall hundreds of miles away, Airmen from the 480th Intelligence Wing here are playing a critical support role. The same intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets that are used to support contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, also play a

Air Force IT Conference highlights education

The professional education of thousands of Airmen and Air Force civilians is on the fast track to change, according to officials at the Air Force Information Technology Conference Aug. 26. "Air Education and Training Command's vision is to deliver unrivaled air, space and cyberspace education and

Keesler officials assessing Gustav damages

Officials here are preparing preliminary damage assessments from the effects of Hurricane Gustav. Peak sustained winds received from Gustav topped out at 42 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 61 miles per hour.  Keesler leaders remain cautious about the residual threat of tornadoes as the storm

'Today's Air Force' features global vigilance, reach, power

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how the Air Force safeguards America by providing global vigilance, global reach and global power in the war on terrorism.Also highlighted is an essential type of training: Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, or SERE training.  See how this

McChord aircrew deploys for hurricane response efforts

Airmen here put the words "Any time, any place" into action in the early hours Aug. 30 as a C-17 Globemaster III headed to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., for Hurricane Gustav preparation efforts. Without knowing what or who they were picking up, Airmen from the 10th Airlift Squadron headed to

Hurricane relief efforts underway

An Air National Guard C-130 Hercules flew in to San Antonio Aug. 30 carrying 23 evacuees from Beaumont, Texas. The aircrew was from the 181st Airlift Squadron at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. The members on the aircraft were activated for evacuation relief efforts due

Aircrews take wounded warriors home

Almost three years have passed since aircrews in the 440th Airlift Wing here started flying special missions known as Integrated CONUS Medical Operations Plan missions. These ICMOP missions are designed to get injured servicemembers home as quickly as possible after arriving in the United States

CSAF defers heritage coat decision, focuses on current uniform issues

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz decided on Aug. 28 to defer a decision on the Air Force heritage coat until the summer of 2009 to address current uniform issues, according to a senior Air Force official. "We are going to fix, improve and upgrade uniforms in our current inventory,"

Air Force leaders discuss AFSO 21's future

The Air Force's senior leaders met Aug. 26 to discuss the future role of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century during a quarterly AFSO 21 Process Council meeting on Bolling Air Force Base. Brig. Gen. John Posner, AFSO 21 director, presented to the council a draft proposal to formally

Air Guard officials discuss top concerns at leadership summit

Safety, culture and the Air National Guard's future were among topics adjutants general, wing commanders, command chief master sergeants and others from around the nation discussed at a recent conference in Wisconsin. More than 500 Air National Guard senior leaders and safety experts met at the Volk

F-15 accident report released

Pilot error caused the Feb. 20 crash of two Eglin-based F-15C Eagles off the coast of Florida, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Aug. 28. One pilot , 1st Lt. Ali Jivanjee, was killed in the mishap. The other pilot, Capt. Tucker Hamilton, ejected from his

Officials accepting physician assistant applications

Air Force officials are taking applications from active-duty enlisted Airmen for Physician Assistant Phase I training classes beginning January, April and August 2010. Completed applications must arrive at HQ AFPC/DPAMW, 550 C Street West, Suite 27, Randolph AFB TX 78150-4729 no later than Jan. 25

Senior leaders meet to discuss, decide way ahead for force

Senior Air Force leaders gathered for a strategic summit Aug. 27 at Bolling Air Force Base to discuss the way ahead for the Air Force as a part of the August emphasis on strategic planning. "The summit allows us to identify issues that need senior leader review and decide on matters affecting the

Paralympic athletes train at Kadena

Southern Command transformation promotes new approach to regional challenges

Along with U.S. Africa Command going fully operational Oct. 1, the Defense Department will reach another milestone as U.S. Southern Command officials complete a major reorganization that also promotes joint, interagency and even private- and public-sector cooperation. The concept supports universal

Airmen enhance Army medical evacuation mission

Airmen of the 305th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron here have flown more than 300 medical evacuations for coalition forces and Afghan nationals since March as they carry out their mission of saving lives.Members of the 305th ERQS and their HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters are deployed to Kandahar Air Base

Reservists oversee Dover C-5 modernization program

Bought a C-5 lately? Chief Master Sgt. Donald Cunningham has. He technically hasn't purchased anything but "buying" C-5s is part of the 512th Acceptance Check Flight superintendant's job. It's the term the 512th ACF uses for the C-5 Galaxys they've inspected and accepted back into the Air Force

AFPC expertise raises manning for 31 critical skills career fields

Thirty-one critical skills career fields received a boost in manning recently when 1,888 volunteers were accepted for retraining. This number included 315 exception-to-policy Airmen who were contacted for the first time and approved by personnel experts at the Air Force Personnel Center here.

Student set for medical college with Air Force scholarship

As most 18-year-old students in the U.S. brush up on their grammar skills for college English 101 in the fall, Maria Kravchenko reviews advanced chemistry for medical school with help from the Air Force Medical Corps Health Professions Scholarship Program. Following graduation from the University of

Iraqis sign container contract with Joint Base Balad

An Iraqi businessman, a local tribal leader and the commander of Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan gathered here Aug. 21 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the latest contract for the Iraqi First program between Joint Base Balad and the Miran Co. Hashim Abd Al-Amir Mahdi of the Miran Co. won

General, spouse recognized for AF contributions

 A former Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, wing commander and his wife recently received the 2008 General and Mrs. Jerome O'Malley award. Brig. Gen. Darrell D. Jones and Mrs. Holly Jones were recognized for their contributions to the nation, the Air Force and the local community as a

Task force visits Kunsan to study how Airmen use their time

An Airmen's Time Task Force visited Kunsan Air Base Aug. 20 and 10 Air Force bases across several different major commands and continents to study how much time Airmen spend away from their primary duties. Made up of members from the Air Staff, the Air Force Personnel Center and the Air Force

Labor officials launch 'America's Heroes at Work' Web site

U.S. Labor Department officials have launched a Web site called "America's Heroes at Work" to help veterans afflicted with traumatic-brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder succeed in the workplace. "America's Heroes at Work really focuses on the employment challenges of our returning

Airmen provide care to 1,500 Guatemalans

California Air National Guard members provided care to more than 1,500 Guatemalans over a three-day period from Aug. 18 to 20 living in Aldea Estanzuelas near Santa Rosa.Members of the 163rd Medical Group are in Guatemala as part of a two-week medical readiness training exercise as the Airmen

Airmen receive Sijan leadership award

The Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb presented the Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award to four Airmen during a ceremony Aug. 20 at the Pentagon. The award, named after the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor, recognizes Airmen who

NATO AWACS conducts Strike Eagle dogfights

A NATO E-3A Sentinel and its crew arrived here Aug. 8 to conduct training missions with 4th Fighter Wing aircrews. The Sentinel, which is an Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft from Geilenkirchen, Germany, will conduct mock dogfights between the wing's fighter aircraft. Using its

Air and Space Basic Course celebrates 10 years

Air University's Air and Space Basic Course here marks its 10-year anniversary in August as course and local officials are celebrating. In a surprise announcement Aug. 19, Montgomery, Ala., Mayor Bobby Bright proclaimed that Aug. 23 would be known as Air and Space Basic Course Day in Montgomery. "We

Early lessons shaped Air Force chief of staff's perspective

The Air Force chief of staff recently shared some insight on the experiences that shaped his career and perspective he carries with him in his new position. The general spoke as part of Air Force Week in the Heartland Aug. 15 at the Criss Auditorium of the Bellevue University here. Gen. Norton A.

Guard members bring medical relief to Guatemalan citizens

Thirty-one Airmen from the California Air National Guard's 163rd Medical Group traveled to Guatemala Aug. 18 for a two-week medical readiness training exercise in and around Santa Rosa.Hosted by Guatemala and with the cooperation of the Guatemalan military and public health department, the American

Reestablished council reaches milestones

The Air Force's reestablished Force Management and Development Council has reached two milestones, securing the vice chief of staff's endorsement of the Air Force Learning Committee and the Officer Force Development Panel. The council, chaired by Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, reestablished its charter

Airmen gather for professional development conferences

Airmen from around the globe will assemble in San Antonio for the Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 23 to 27. "This conference is a tremendous opportunity for those serving in and supporting our Air Force to meet and share their knowledge and ideas," said Chief

University course teaches principles of information operations

In the midst of the Korean War in the 1950s an American fighter pilot came up with a revolutionary concept that changed tactical, operational and strategic war planning. Based on his tactical dogfighting experience with North Korean MiGs, Col. John Boyd coined the term - OODA (observe, orient,

PRT proving ingenuity is all it takes to make a difference

In a country where the reality is that parents will have to bury one of their children before the age of 5, members of a coalition provincial reconstruction team at Zabul, Afghanistan, are working to reverse this staggering trend. After two Air Force medical professionals spent some time on the