Features

  • Reserve medical Airmen learn about PTSD

    Anywhere from 11 percent to 20 percent of servicemembers who deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan, return with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the National Center for PTSD. That includes Reservists here, who often transition from a deployed environment to their civilian lives in only a few

  • Reservists save lives on the fly

    The C-17 Globemaster III ramp drops and 20 Reservists rush on to transform the plane into an air hospital. They work together to latch in place the metal frames that will hold litters carrying supplies and patients.As stretchers full of defibrillators, bandages, and fluids are loaded into the plane,

  • McChord Reservist shoots straight from the hip about new command

    In the midst of 280 acres of flat Colorado farmland, stands a man with the gaze of Clint Eastwood. His day will include bailing hay, tending his barn or herding cattle with his son. It's hard work, but at least he can look out at his ranch and admire the fruits of his labor. This dream life is a

  • Reserve loadmaster completes career with 40 years of service

    Like any other year, 1972 had originality. Bobby Fischer became the World Chess Champion. The last U.S. ground troops were withdrawn from Vietnam. Disco lights and lava lamps sold for just under $27. "The Godfather" and "Dirty Harry" were released in movie theaters. John Lennon, David Bowie, and Led

  • Reserve officer reaches large goals in little time

    You might think whoever came up with the saying, "records are made to be broken," was referring to 1st. Lt. Francisco Vidal III.Shattering his basic training squadron's fitness record in 2011 was just a warm up for the 33-year-old Citizen Airman. Less than two years after raising his right hand and

  • McChord Aircraft Maintenance leadership eyes sharper vision

    Crafting an organization's mission and vision statements can be a challenge. The perfect set of words need to concisely address the agency's priorities while reflecting its values. Chief Master Sgt. Tim Meyer, from Lacey, Wash., has taken the helm of developing these statements for his organization

  • Commentary: Meeting an American hero

    America's Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are heroes. Quiet heroes who go about their lives with little fanfare. Yet, if we pay attention, we will find ourselves in the company of these quiet heroes and have an opportunity to say thank you.I had one such opportunity not too long ago. A couple

  • 'Good Neighbor' Reservist earns second Bronze Star

    Tony Edwards strives at a task many people have an issue doing in life- planning. As a State Farm Insurance agent, he routinely sits down with clients to discuss a plan on navigating potential obstacles in life. He is able to move people from one stage in life to another. The Citizen Airman from

  • Reservists hit their tour running

    While the sun poked its head out of the clouds, Maj. Regan Ramos, thought to himself "I'm in trouble" as he trekked down the flight line. Ramos, deputy flight commander of readiness with the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, felt the blistering sun and knew he had to stay motivated to conquer his

  • Math teacher calculates success in his Reserve maintenance career

    Some career advisors might recommend careers in computer science, operations research, finance, or cryptography for a person who specializes in mathematics.But a Coupeville, Wash., high school math teacher decided to use his skills to fix C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in joining the 446th Aircraft

  • Gift cards excellent choice when supporting deployed Airmen

    In a recent news magazine, it was reported that 90 percent of gift cards in America each year are actually used by the recipients. And while most any gift card will work for most people, military supporters have long struggled with finding just the right one for troops serving far from

  • Checks go high-tech at AAFES

    In 2004, a federal law took effect that virtually eliminated the "check float."   While most business took advantage of the Check 21 law, as it was called, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service lagged behind.  Until now.The check "float" at the BX/PX is going the way of rotary phones and dot matrix

  • 446th MSS Airman & Family Readiness Center has something for everyone

    Some people may think the 446th Mission Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center here mainly helps Reservists find a job or manage their finances. Others may believe it exists only to help Reservists who are or have been deployed. And there are those who assume the A&FRC caters only to

  • Reservists get free membership to Sittercity program

    Thanks to the Department of Defense, Reservists can now join the national in-home provider online network, Sittercity, free of charge. Sittercity is the nation's largest and most trusted online resource for finding local babysitters, child care providers, nannies, elder care companions,

  • Campaign encourages families to save

    The annual DOD Military Saves Campaign has started.Department of Defense  has launched the 2010 Military Saves Campaign with Military Saves Week, February 21-28, 2010. The campaign is conducted annually in cooperation with the official DoD Financial Readiness Campaign nonprofit partner, the Consumer