419th Fighter Wing congratulates Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners

The 419th Fighter Wing announced the winners of the 2008 Outstanding Airmen of the Year awards at its annual banquet Saturday night at the Ogden Eccles Convention Center. First Sergeant of the Year Master Sgt. Cindy George 419th Medical Squadron Sergeant George is an outstanding first sergeant and

Commentary: In the reserve world, how much service is 'enough'?

I've never been fond of platitudes as a way to motivate people. In and of themselves, slogans and catchphrases don't generate commitment to a purpose. And in 1995, when the Air Force Core Values were declared in their current form - Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do -

Potential closure of Manas Air Base won't disrupt operations

Senior U.S. officials hope to continue operations at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, but would use other means to support troops in Afghanistan if the Kyrgyz government goes through with plans to close it, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Feb. 4. Neither the State Department nor the Defense

Air Force Reserve marks quarter-century with F-16s

During a formal ceremony here 25 years ago this week, the 419th Tactical Fighter Wing accepted the Air Force Reserve's first F-16 aircraft. Preparations for the milestone had been under way for several months and the unit would attain full operational capability with its new jet three months ahead

Several hundred Hill Airmen deploy to Iraq

About 300 personnel from Hill's fighter wings deployed late last week in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Airmen from the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and the reserve 419th Fighter Wing will make up the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Balad and most will be deployed to the

Decisions loom for Joint Strike Fighter Program

Decisions about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs are expected early in President Barack Obama's administration. The F-35 program manager said Jan. 15 he sees strong support for the F-35 from the services, allied partners and, so far, on Capitol Hill. Based on initial

Pilot program helps streamline disability evaluation process

Department of Defense officials here are working with the Department of Veterans Affairs staff to expand a pilot program that simplifies the current disability evaluation process for wounded, injured and ill servicemembers. The Disability Evaluation System pilot program is aimed at assisting wounded

419th reservists learn leadership, teamwork in creative ways

VA officials assist veterans with health care costs

For veterans struggling financially due to a job loss or decreased income, Department of Veterans Affairs officials offer an assortment of programs that can relieve the costs of health care or provide care at no cost. Veterans whose previous income was ruled too high for VA health care may be able

Afghan media learn about close-air support

Members of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing and Bagram Airfield Media Operations Center hosted an Afghan media day Jan. 5 here. Fourteen journalists and cameramen from various Afghan news agencies received an up-close look at close air support in Afghanistan, complete with tours of the F-15E Strike