Features

March 1, 2010
Inspired by love: Staff sergeant says life's events have made her a better Airman

After Sept. 11, 2001, Staff Sgt. Sparkle Reid was a different person. She wasn't like most Americans who were changed by the events themselves but more so in that she was in one of the 2,973 families who grieved after losing a family member in the tragedy.Sergeant Reed lost her uncle, Louie A.
Feb. 24, 2010
Deployed Air Force Reservist leads command post mission

In his 14 years of active duty and Reserve time in the Air Force, Master Sgt. Paul LaFleur said where he's working right now as the chief of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Command Post is where he wants to be to "support the success of the mission."Sergeant LaFleur is an Air Force Reservist
Feb. 24, 2010
Deployed Andrews communicator, Bronx native, supports combat zone COMM needs

Every day Airman Adam J. Gonzalez, deployed to the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, finds himself on the front lines.In a May 2009 letter to Airmen, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, said, "In executing our Air Force mission of fly, fight, and win, our Airmen, civilians and
Feb. 10, 2010
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst staff sergeant, Bronx native, manages learning resources in Southwest Asia

For the nearly seven years of his Air Force career, Staff Sgt. Michael Sala has been helping people. The staff sergeant has continued that effort as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Learning Resources Center for his deployed base.Sergeant Sala, a services craftsman, is deployed with the
Feb. 2, 2010
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Airman, Wilson native, keeps KC-10s flying for Southwest Asia missions

On each KC-10 Extender, there are three General Electric CF6-50C2 turbofan engines that can provide up to 52,500 pounds of thrust each. For each of those engines to be in peak operating capacity for combat air refueling missions, it takes people like Senior Airman Justin Lassiter to maintain
Jan. 22, 2010
Travis KC-10 pilot, Norco native, flies combat air refueling missions from Southwest Asia base

Every time Capt. Wes Spurlock steps with his crew to fly a combat air refueling mission, the 10-year Air Force veteran said he knows the importance behind what he does."Operations are happening every day that require fuel at a moment's notice," said Captain Spurlock, a KC-10 Extender pilot deployed
Jan. 20, 2010
Pope security forces NCO, West Salem native, works with host nation to secure Southwest Asia base

Working as a partner in joint patrols with host nation security forces, Staff Sgt. Justin Canada of the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron says he has a role that directly protects and secures the areas of his deployed base.Sergeant Canada, a security forces craftsman deployed with the
Jan. 20, 2010
Pope NCO, Detroit native, serves as security forces team leader in Southwest Asia

Air Force security forces have to be ready for a response at moment's notice...and sometimes less. Known as "defenders" to many in the Air Force community, Airmen like Staff Sgt. LeTari Myles are ready to take action when called upon."While deployed, myself, along with my fellow security forces,
Jan. 15, 2010
Air Force's only female deployed command chief credits small town upbringing, past experience for successful career

In early 1982, Cedar Springs, Mich., had a population of just over 2,600 people. Among them was 20-year-old Suzan Simmons, destined to become Chief Master Sergeant Suzan Sangster. In this typical "small town U.S.A." atmosphere, Chief Sangster found herself surrounded by family and friends who wished
Jan. 15, 2010
Travis traffic management Airman, Roy native, prepares vital shipments for expeditionary wing

If you need official cargo packed and shipped in a hurry, then Airman 1st Class Te'Anna R. Drake is one of the people to call at a non-disclosed base here.Airman Drake, a traffic management journeyman with the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, packs and ships out official priority

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