Features

Celebrate with fireworks safely
June 30, 2008 — The American summer is filled with parades, cookouts and fireworks. Let's enjoy the season, especially our nation's birthday on the Fourth of July safely. Each year, fireworks turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using them. Although legal consumer fireworks comply with safety regulations, all... MORE

Child safety seats: Are they used safely?
June 30, 2008 — If a child is in a child safety seat, is he really safe? Most parents and caregivers believe they install their child safety seats correctly. However, according to National Safe Kids Coalition, 85 percent of child safety seats are incorrectly installed. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 79.5 percent of children were not... MORE

Most child safety seats have an average life of six years from the date of manufacture. These are examples of expiration dates that can be found on child safety seats.

Army, Air Force, Navy team up for Global Medic 2008
June 18, 2008 — They're learning skills they hope they never have to use, but nearly 2,500 military members are braving the elements across the country to practice what might one day play a key role in saving the lives of America's wounded warriors. "I pray to God that my sons never end up needing the things we are practicing here," said Army 1st Lt. Kristense... MORE

“Reliability, maintainability and availability:” a challenge fulfilled
June 18, 2008 — A former squadron commander here made a list of characteristics, which included military commitment and availability, experience and rank with retainability. He also expected excitement from his Airmen for the new C-17. Summing it all up he said, "I need a squadron of locomotives." It is safe to report that 15 years later, having current Airmen... MORE

Initial cadre from the 317th Airlift Squadron at Charleston AFB gather on the flightline following the first C-17 all-reserve mission. As a team, the 315th and 437th Airlift Wings have more than 157 years of total time in Globemaster IIIs. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Bill Murton)

15 years of C-17s taking the fight to the enemy
June 3, 2008 — Fifteen years ago, the highly touted "Spirit of Charleston" made its long-awaited arrival to Charleston AFB. The first operational C-17A was delivered to the 17th Airlift Squadron June 14, 1993. Then Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Merrill McPeak, delivered the new aircraft to its new home in the Lowcountry. Congressmen, military members and... MORE

The "Spirit of Charleston," the first C-17 to be delivered to the Air Force flies over the Charleston AFB flightline during initial flights after delivery to the base. June 14 marks 15 years of service for the C-17. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. David McLeod)

Cargo outreach program can help units with ORI prep
May 28, 2008 — A major part of any operational readiness inspection is how cargo is prepared for deployment and redeployment. In an effort to help with this task, the 437th Aerial Port Squadron has developed the cargo outreach program. The cargo outreach program is a locally developed program designed to assist each unit get one-on-one time with the cargo... MORE

ATSO tip: How should Airmen care for protective mask?
May 6, 2008 — With our ever steady mission and constant workload, the August operational readiness inspection will be upon us before we know it. Within the wing, squadrons and flights are busy preparing their people and equipment for their part in the ORI. One of the most important items of any ORI is the ability to survive and operate. As the single largest... MORE

Do these 10 things to prepare for the ORI
April 16, 2008 — With the May fly-away mobility exercise just around the corner, and the August operational readiness inspection only 106 days away, it's time for Team Charleston to focus on preparation. Here are ten things Airmen must do to get ready for war in Alpena, Mich. 1. Plan leave and take care of family. The next four months are going to be extremely busy... MORE

ORI -- are you ready to go?
April 9, 2008 — Airmen are studying their Air Force Manual 10-100, getting chemical biological radiological nuclear explosive gear issued, inspecting gas masks, packing mobility bags and brushing up on self-aid and buddy care ... but is Charleston AFB really ready for the operational readiness inspection? Not all base Airmen are preparing to deploy for the ORI,... MORE

Air Force son plays violin to inspire -- no strings attached
April 2, 2008 — He walks into a room filled with an audience when his performance is announced, just as he has many times before. Daniel Davis motions to the sound crew at the back of the room to start the music as he raises his violin and bow. When he starts to play along, he entices the audience as they tap their fingers and toes while nodding their head to the... MORE

Daniel Davis plays the violin during his father's retirement ceremony March 18 at the chapel annex on base. Mr. Davis has been playing the violin since he was 12 years old and is the 19-year-old son of Chief Master Sgt. Reginald Davis who retired from the 437th Medical Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Melissa White)