Sergeant named Illinois Innovative Blood Drive Coordinator

Illinois Senator Kyle McCarter presents Senior Master Sgt. Rebeca Gabel, Headquarters Air Mobility Command Military Personnel Programs manager, the Illinois Innovative Blood Drive Coordinator award Sept. 27, 2012, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Illinois State Representative Paul J. Evans was also in attendance to present the award. Gabel, who also serves as the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center coordinator for Scott AFB, facilitated 16 blood drives collecting more than 500 units of blood and affecting more than 1,500 lives in the surrounding community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jaeda Waffer)

Jim Cornelison

Maj. Cristina Moore Urrutia, U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America commander, presents the band guidon to Jim Cornelison signifying the start of his tenure as the band's honorary commander during a ceremony at Scott AFB, Ill., Sept. 12, 2012. Cornelison is the national anthem singer for the Chicago Blackhawks professional hockey team. In addition to the ceremony, Cornelison spent the day learning about the missions and capabilities of Air Mobility Command and the Band of Mid-America.

Airman summits Mount Rainier’s 14,410 feet for birthday victory

Capt. Rebecca Bissette, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) executive officer, and her group of climbers composed of people she met throughout her Air Force career, climb 14,410 feet to the top of Mount Rainier to celebrate Bissette’s birthday. Mount Rainier is one of the most difficult mountains in the United States and one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. (Courtesy photo)

Airman summits Mount Rainier’s 14,410 feet for birthday victory

The view from the top of Disappointment Cleaver as seen by Capt. Rebecca Bissette, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) executive officer, during her rise to Mount Rainier. Bissette climbs mountains to challenge herself and to see the vista. (Courtesy photo)

Running relationships

Melanie Truschinski and Maj. Ryan Truschinski, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) Special Missions Division deputy chief, after running the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning in 2011 with their children Jason, Joyce and Noah. The Truschinski family has made running a family affair by involving their children and incorporating running into their everyday lives. (Courtesy photo)

Running relationships

Melanie Truschinski and Maj. Ryan Truschinski, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) Special Missions Division deputy chief, ran their first 10K on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary in 2009. Three years later, their first half marathon will be the Air Force Half Marathon, Sept. 15, 2012, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "Team Ski", as they dub themselves, has used running to strengthen their relationship. (Courtesy photo)