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  • AFIMSC civilian honored for heroism

    Greg Gangnuss, a civilian member of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, was on a voluntary deployment to Afghanistan as a senior environmental advisor for the Ministry of Defense Advisor Program when a helicopter carrying nine coalition members crashed after striking a cable while

  • DBIDS upgrade provides faster, secure gate flow

    As visitors to Joint Base San Antonio go through the base gates, they may notice traffic is flowing faster but what they may not notice is security is also stronger. Thanks to a Defense Biometrics Identification System 5.0 upgrade, ID card scanning speed has been reduced to a single second or less

  • Security Forces provides FAST protection to aircrews in austere locations

    SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Last month, the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing flew more than 600 sorties in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Many of these missions involved flying into austere locations to deliver cargo and personnel to forward-deployed locations to aid in the fight against ISIS. Regardless

  • From expeditionary to enduring: 386th ECES conducts base improvements

    SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing has been at war for nearly 15 years. In that time, its U.S. Air Force Airmen have stood ready in the fight against violent extremism across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The wing has been vital in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq

  • Air Force announces 2016 Art Contest winners

    The Air Force recently announced the five winning artists from its 2016 Air Force Art Contest. This year there were a total of 2,177 art entries in the youth and adult categories.First place winners in each category were Makayla Lewis of Aviano Air Base, Italy (youth 6-8); Adriana Koertner of

  • AFMC promotes American Heart Month

    February is American Heart Month, and Civilian Health Promotion Services will be offering educational briefings throughout February focusing on how to lower your risk factors for developing heart disease.

  • Power pros vital to Iraqi rescue missions

    Imagine a work day without electricity. Imagine not being able to send emails or use radars. Imagine living in a tent with no heat or air conditioning. Luckily, this isn’t a reality for most bases, thanks largely to the Airmen who maintain the electrical systems. At forward-deployed locations such

  • Former Airman brings award-winning ‘Basic Training’ to San Antonio

    Kahlil Ashanti, a former senior airman who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1992-96, has one message he hopes Airmen will heed. “You’re more than your rank, and we’ve all had things or been through things that we’re possibly ashamed of,” said Ashanti, a former Tops in Blue member who now lives in

  • Air Force Club members going to Super Bowl LI

    Stephanie Crites and Marsha Nelson are ready for some football.The Air Force Club members recently won the Air Force Services Activity’s “Football Frenzy” grand prize -- two tickets with airfare and accommodations to attend Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5 in Houston. The game will pit the New England

  • Colonel’s American dream started in Vietnam

    Col. Quy Nguyen, budget execution and analysis branch chief for the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, describes his career and life as a “meaningful journey.”It’s a journey that began when his father, Anh, and mother, Lieu, loaded their six children on to a small rowboat in search

  • AFCEC translator, interpreter keeps communication clear

    Communication; it’s something people do every day. However, what is said and what is heard can often be two different things, even when speaking the same language. Add in other languages, and communication can get further muddled.Keeping the conversation clear at the Air Force Civil Engineer

  • AFSVA seeks players for international basketball tourney

    The Air Force Services Activity seeks Airmen who want to play on the 2017 Headquarters Allied Air Command, or HQ AIRCOM, Basketball Team for the upcoming HQ AIRCOM Basketball ChampionshipUnited States Air Forces in Europe applicants have priority since it’s a HQ AIRCOM event. However, non-USAFE

  • Goldfein addresses priorities for the 21st century

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein outlined his perspective on the future of American airpower and how Airmen “deployed in place” play a vital role in today’s Air Force during his discussion at the American Enterprise Institute Public Forum in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 2017.

  • Catfishing: Don’t get lured in

    Dating in today’s technologically savvy world seems to have become less personal. In many cases, finding someone to spend time with might be based on information obtained through dating websites, phone calls, texts, chats and instant messages. The big question amidst the barrage of electronic

  • AFIMSC helps shape installations of future

    When you walk through the building at the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center headquarters in San Antonio, you can’t help but feel the energy. According to Col. Marc Vandeveer, the buzz involves a new capability created behind the power of centralization of Air Force installation and

  • Air Force Entertainer of the Year voting begins Thursday

    Voting for the 2016 Air Force Entertainer of the Year is just a click away.Beginning on Thursday, Jan 12, you can visit the MyAirForceLife YouTube channel to vote for your favorite performer. Voting ends Jan. 27, 2017.A Google account is needed to vote for the performers, which is done by “liking”

  • Tinker senior NCO wins 2017 Jeep in Air Force Club Membership Giveaway

    A master sergeant assigned to the 552nd Air Control Network Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the grand prize winner of the Air Force Services Activity's Air Force Club Membership Giveaway program. Master Sgt. Steven Pruitt, the NCO in charge of the Cyber Security Office, was surprised

  • Patrol team’s unique desert mission

    Manning base gates and protecting the flightline are typical missions security forces Airmen experience during a deployment. They train to perform these regular assignments back home before heading overseas. Members of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron base security zone patrol team

  • 387th AEG, partner units complete road construction

    The 387th Air Expeditionary Group finished building a new road and entry control point at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Dec. 30. The group’s host nation required them to build the new road after transferring land to a contractor as part of multi-billion dollar civil works project.In

  • R4R vital to building ready, resilient Airmen and families

    Every few years, Airmen and their families face hardships ranging from deployments to moving.To alleviate the stress that these may bring, the Air Force Services Activity implemented Recharge for Resiliency, or R4R, as the capstone for resiliency programming across the U.S. Air Force.“R4R promotes

  • Driving sober for the holidays

    The holiday season is a time of year for family gatherings, office parties, and socializing with friends, but the holiday season is also known for being the deadliest season when it comes to buzzed driving. A driver’s license mixed with a few alcoholic beverages is dangerous. No one intends for

  • 75th CES handles first big winter storm

    The first big snowstorm of the season rolled through Northern Utah Nov. 27-28 bringing 7 inches of heavy, wet snow and the 75th Civil Engineer Squadron snow removal teams here were ready for it.

  • EOD Airman receives Purple Heart

    On Oct. 28, 2011, during a routine route clearance patrol in Afghanistan, an explosive ordnance disposal unit was hit by a series of improvised explosive devices. The unit was there in support of Marine and Army RCPs along with rapid IED response.“We were doing route clearance which clears roads for

  • Resident Energy Conservation Program: The 'power' of community

    This month, Corvias Military Housing community residents received their first electricity billing statements as part of the Air Force’s Resident Energy Conservation Program, three-month mock billing cycle; an Office of the Secretary of Defense’s policy to provide incentives to residents to conserve

  • Air Force Club Membership giveaway begins

    It pays to be an Air Force Club member. From Nov. 1-23, the Air Force Services Activity’s Air Force Club Membership Giveaway program will honor its members with weekly prizes to include computers, televisions and the grand prize -- a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The prizes are intended to show appreciation

  • AFCEC employee reflects on life, 70-year career

    Air Force Civil Engineer Center employee is retiring after a lifetime of service to our nation.Service began in Europe under Gen. George Patton in during World War II and ends there as an employee of AFCECr.

  • Art contest allows Airmen to express themselves, relieve stress

    Airmen and their families seeking to express themselves creatively can enter the 2016 Air Force Art Contest.The contest, sponsored by the Air Force Services Activity, is designed to feature, highlight, and celebrate art created by Airmen and their families, said Jon Grammer, AFSVA director of

  • Airman overcomes brain injury to win 2016 World Skeet Championship

    Staff Sgt. Andrew McNamara demonstrated remarkable readiness and resiliency at the 2016 World Skeet Championships almost two years after suffering a traumatic brain injury.McNamara, an aircraft mechanic with the 3rd Maintenance Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, finished first out

  • AFCEC Participates in Installation Reuse Forum

    Military communities across America are looking for ways to strengthen their ties to the military installations in their towns. They have learned that everyone comes out ahead when they work together. For active and closed installations, the issues can include redevelopment planning, environmental

  • CDC provides safe learning environment

    Childcare can be stressful for parents and guardians. Choosing a safe, educational and cost efficient service is a high priority but not always easy.  The Joint Base Charleston Child Development Center is a safe, secure learning environment where Department of Defense members can leave their

  • Air Force studying idle-reduction technology

    The Air Force Security Forces Center has joined the 441st Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron, the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and others to determine how to reduce costly idling time in security forces vehicles. Three idle-reduction systems are being

  • AFIMSC declares FOC

    The unit that consolidated more than 150 Air Force-wide installation and mission support capabilities a year ago has achieved full operating capability.

  • 100th SFS Airman emigrates from India, fulfills Air Force dream

    American Airmen don’t have to be born on U.S. soil; it’s what their character is made of that gives them integrity first, allows them to put service before self, and makes them strive for excellence in all they do.Various cultures and backgrounds make the Air Force stronger and provide the framework

  • Yearend closeout culminates fiscal journey of teamwork

    As the calendar moved from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, budget experts at the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center paused briefly to take a deep breath. The organization’s whirlwind first year of managing and distributing funds to Air Force units worldwide had just culminated in a successful

  • All-Air Force Softball Teams fare well in Armed Forces Tournament

    The All-Air Force Men’s Softball Team showed it’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Despite having 12 first-year players and three with only a year of experience, the team almost captured the gold medal in the Armed Forces Softball Tournament, losing 21-19 to the U.S. Army in eight

  • Football has Air Force club members in a “frenzy”

    The Air Force Services Activity is kicking off this year’s football season with new opportunities for Airmen to cheer on their favorite NFL teams with friends and family, participate in game day events and enter to win prizes throughout the season.

  • FitFamilies initiative promotes holistic wellness for Airmen, families

    Get up. Get out. Get fit. Together.That’s the motto for FitFamilies, a new U.S. Air Force initiative designed to promote the holistic wellness among Airmen and their families. The Air Force Services Activity will administer FitFamilies and installation force support squadrons will operate it.“We

  • CEMIRT performs periodic maintenance of caterpillar generator, other repairs

    Repairing large industrial generators while saving taxpayer dollars is just the beginning of what the Civil Engineer Maintenance Inspection and Repair Team, or CEMIRT, does regularly at installations around the world. A team from the Travis Air Force Base, California, division of the Air Force Civil

  • September Energy Express released

    The September Energy Express is now available. In this issue: The Air Force takes home six FEMP awards, more than 100 Air Force energy experts attend the 2016 Energy Exchange and the AFCEC energy surety expert weighs in on resiliency. Read about these and more here.

  • Contest entries are picture perfect

    My Air Force Life in Focus, the 2016 Air Force photography contest, attracted 537 entries from budding to accomplished shutterbugs. The contest, sponsored by the Air Force Services Activity, was open to authorized patrons of Air Force force support squadron programs.“The quality of the work

  • World class athletes honored to represent Air Force

    The Air Force has a proud tradition of athletic achievements on the world stage. In the 1948 Olympic Games in London, Tuskegee Airman Malvin G. Whitfield won two golds and a bronze in track. In 1952, Whitfield, then a Korean War tail gunner, became the first active-duty American serviceman to win

  • AFIMSC commander retires

    The first commander of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center completed a distinguished 31-year military career July 22 during a retirement ceremony here.

  • Air Force Olympian raising the bar

    First Lt. Cale Simmons, a contracting officer currently assigned to the Air Force World Class Athlete Program, is going to the 2016 Summer Olympics to represent the United States in track and field. Look for the 2013 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate during the opening ceremonies and pole vaulting

  • New commander sees strength of cross-functional capability

    Early in his career as a security forces officer, Maj. Gen. Bradley Spacy learned the value of military cross-functional capability, and he’s been a firm believer ever since.It’s fitting, then, that the 28-year veteran with vast combat support experience took command of the Air Force Installation

  • New AFSVA commander emphasizes family, service

    Col. Donna Turner emphasized two virtues in her new role as commander of the Air Force Services Activity. “I firmly believe, regardless of your position and rank, it’s all about serving and learning,” Turner told AFSVA Airmen July 14 at the Bob Hope Theater here. “I love to give back, and I love to

  • Air Force Clubs award scholarships

    The Air Force Services Activity’s Food and Beverage Division has awarded scholarships to six Air Force Club members or their family members. The 2016 Air Force Club Scholarship Program offered three scholarships in each of two categories: written and video essays. There were 85 written and 26 video

  • STEM-stimulating growth through education

    For most kids, once school is out for the summer, it’s all about vacations and staying up late playing video games until the next school year comes around.

  • Pain is no match for defenders

    Getting hit in the face with oleoresin capsicum spray is much like crushing a handful of cayenne peppers into your eyes – if cayenne peppers hurt 100 times worse.This is what every security forces defender has to experience when they join the career field, and five more lucky souls got the chance

  • Airman participates in EOD immersion

    Leaving a career field can be a scary proposition for an Airman who has been performing and learning the ins and outs of their job for the better part of a decade. The new career they choose may or may not be a good fit.Despite that, Staff Sgt. Michael McNally, 355th Maintenance Group scheduler,

  • Force Support carrying the Silver Flag

    Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center training development experts came together to discuss curriculum and processes for Force Support Silver Flag, the expeditionary training course that prepares Airmen for real-world bare-base beddown, sustainment and post-attack recovery contingencies

  • USAF/USAFE swimmers dominate NATO Allied Air Command Championships

    The Air Force/U.S. Air Forces Europe swim team outraced representatives from four allied air forces to win the NATO Allied Air Command Championship May 10-12 at Aviano Air Base, Italy.The Air Force/USAFE team ended the meet ranked No. 1 with 141 points. The German Air Force team claimed second with

  • Community Commons brings activities for Airmen under one roof

    Maximizing convenience and efficiency are the main goals of the U.S. Air Force’s “Community Commons” initiative. More importantly, it’s meant to foster camaraderie to build and sustain ready and resilient Airmen and their families.

  • Air Force marksman right on target

    Civil engineer Airman hits the mark at the National Rifle Association Mid-Range Regional Championship hosted by the Santa Margarita Gun Club at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 21-22, 2016.

  • Nature’s hazards: Mosquito-borne diseases

    Mosquito bites can be annoying, but they can also cause serious viral diseases, such as Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya and Dengue. If an infected mosquito bites a bird or mammal, including humans, it can transmit the illness to them.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West

  • EOD compound named for fallen Airman

    The 20th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight’s compound was renamed for a fallen EOD Airman here, May 20.Christina Kazakavage, mother of Tech. Sgt. Adam Ginett, an EOD Airman assigned to the 31st CES at Aviano Air Base, Italy, attended the event to commemorate her son.“This

  • Defenders make memorial shine

    790th Missile Security Forces Squadron defenders gathered outside of the 90th Security Forces Group building Memorial Day, May 30, to rededicate the newly cleaned memorial to fallen members of the SFG.The memorial bears the names of 90th SFG defenders who have died in the line of duty. The plaque

  • Andersen opens doors to renovated dining facility

    The Magellan Inn, Andersen Air Force Base’s dining facility, opened its doors to the base May 26 after more than a year of renovations to help improve the quality of life for Team Andersen.Airmen assigned to the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron led the construction efforts with assistance from Naval

  • ‘American Idol’ winner David Cook begins Air Force installations tour

    There’s an important reason why 2008 “American Idol” winner David Cook performs concerts for U.S. military personnel.“To get a chance to say thank you, in person, for their service and sacrifice is huge,” said Cook, who is performing at 16 U.S. Air Force installations as part of the Air Force

  • Air Force bowling centers offer range of events

    The Air Force Services Activity, headquartered on JBSA-Lackland, offers programs and special events that appeal to Airmen and their families by providing fun, exercise and competition in a safe environment.“Our bowling center upgrades and programs will enable single Airmen and those with families to

  • New website makes it easier for Airmen to enjoy the great outdoors

     Airmen and their families wanting to spend time in the great outdoors camping, boating or just relaxing can use a new Air Force Services Activity database.To make it easier for members of the Air Force family to determine what Air Force recreational opportunities are available, AFSVA catalogued a

  • CHPS coordinators focus on wellness of AFMC workforce

     Enhancing the health and well-being of the Air Force Materiel Command workforce was the focus of the Civilian Health Promotion Services coordinators meeting held here in April. As stated in the 2016 AFMC strategic plan, “Our people are AFMC’s most precious resource.” AFMC leadership’s support and

  • AcqDemo team outlines planned activities related to transition

     In late May to mid-June, Air Force Materiel Command employees who will transition into the Department of Defense Civilian Acquisition Workforce Demonstration Project will receive information detailing their individual conversion into the new pay system. The AcqDemo transition effective date is June

  • Got thoughts? Take the AF Food Services Assessment Survey

    Taking care of Airmen and families remains one of the Air Force’s top priorities. Providing the best food service possible is an important aspect of doing that.  It’s essential to listen to and respond to what people have to say.  The 2016 Food Services Assessment Survey or FSAS, available now, is a

  • AF defenders, SKorea soldiers train to fend off opposing forces

    Defending the men and women of Osan Air Base is one challenge to the 51st Security Forces Squadron, but defending an entire country is quite another. To bring a force multiplier to the table, the 51st SFS defenders trained with South Korean army special operations forces during a training scenario

  • As Armed Forces soccer tournament nears, Air Force team kicks into high gear

    Themselves. That’s the only thing holding back the All-Air Force men’s soccer team as it prepared to enter the Armed Forces tournament May 6-14 in Fort Benning, Georgia, head coach Lt. Col. Derrick Weyand said.“The key to airpower is to be flexible, and that’s what this team is,” said Weyand, of the

  • Initiative gets kids to eat healthy, LiveWell

    Across the Air Force, children ages 3-18 will soon learn the importance of nutrition thanks to the Air Force Services Activity’s Kids LiveWell Healthy Initiative.The Air Force-wide initiative is geared toward kids, but it has another purpose, said Jonathan Grammer, AFSVA programs director.“It’s

  • Air Force teams with Army, law enforcement during EOD exercises

    As threats continue to emerge, interoperability and cooperation will be crucial for explosive ordnance disposal Airmen, said Maj. Mark Hope, deputy commander of the 301st Civil Engineer Squadron, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base.“They’ll have better networking, better relationships

  • Financial management team wins DOD award

    The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s financial management analysis team recently won an Undersecretary of Defense Comptroller Award for its work in AFIMSC’s standup.Brig. Gen. John M. Pletcher, financial management and comptroller director for Air Force Materiel Command, announced

  • MacDill’s new visiting quarters opens

    On April 15, the long-anticipated MacDill AFB Visiting Quarters opened. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for May 2. The facility will feature 350 guestrooms, two conference rooms and an on-site food operation to provide guests a casual dining option.Thanks to its state-of-the-art Davis

  • AFMC command chief reflects on 30-year career

    Air Force Materiel Command’s top enlisted member will end his military career May 6, 2016, closing out what he calls a “wonderful journey” around the world.Chief Master Sgt. Michael Warner, AFMC’s command chief, will retire in a ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Retired

  • Goldfein nominated as 21st CSAF

    Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced April 26 that the president has nominated Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein to be the 21st chief of staff of the Air Force, succeeding Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who has served in the position since 2012.“I'm extremely humbled by the nomination

  • Internship program offers hands-on experience in military setting

    Graduating college seniors can get hands-on experience working with child and youth programs on military installations worldwide, thanks to the Military Extension Internship Program, or MEIP.  The MEIP enables students to integrate their schooling with more professional knowledge and skills gained

  • Air Force Clubs to award $23,000 in scholarships

    May 20 is the deadline to apply for the 2016 Air Force Club Scholarship Program.During the past 17 years, the program has provided college tuition assistance to more than 440 Air Force Club members and their eligible family members. As in the past, applicants must be club members or their eligible

  • AFMC’s Wingman Intervention program going strong

    Across Air Force Materiel Command, Airmen continue to embrace the command’s culture of respect and resiliency. This is especially evident in their behavior as wingmen.AFMC has been consciously building the concept of wingman intervention for nearly three years. The goals are to raise awareness of

  • Many AFMC employees to convert to AcqDemo Pay and Appraisal System

    Some 13,000 Air Force Materiel Command personnel have been notified they will transition to the Department of Defense Civilian Acquisition Workforce Demonstration Project, or AcqDemo, pay system June 12, 2016. For those converting to AcqDemo, their current GS performance period will end on June 11,

  • ‘The Walking Dead’ promotion enlivens AFSVA Summer Bowling League

    The theme of “The Walking Dead,” AMC’s hit series about life after a zombie apocalypse, was an easy selection for this year’s Air Force Services Activity Summer Bowling League, said Don Freund, Air Force Bowling Program Manager.“It happens to be the No. 1 show on television, especially among the

  • JBER, Patrick win 2016 active-duty Hennessy awards

    Congratulations to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, winners of 2016 John L. Hennessy Awards for active-duty U.S. Air Force food service operations.Earlier this year, installations from six major commands were nominated from each region: the Eastern