News

DOD and Charleston AFB support Red Ribbon Week 2009
October 21, 2009 — "Drug free is the key" is the 2009 Red Ribbon Week campaign set for Oct. 23 to 31. Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program, reaching millions of Americans every year during the last week of October. The Department of Defense has officially participated in this event to raise public awareness and mobilize... MORE

Executive order bans texting while driving for federal employees
October 21, 2009 — In an executive order issued Oct. 1, President Barack Obama banned federal employees from text messaging while behind the wheel on government business. "With nearly 3 million civilian employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving," President Obama said in the order... MORE

Hitman KO’s the competition, claims week 6
October 21, 2009 — John "Hitman" Hearn, a long-time Swami Cup contestant floored the competition with a blazing 12-2 record. His potent jab and vicious left hook has left his closest competitors, Beth "Rainbow" Trout (10-4) and Dan "One Night" Fling (10-4), unable to beat the referee's 10 count. In week six action, don't "Remember the Titans" as they were torched by... MORE

Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Calvin Allen Jr.
October 21, 2009 — Senior Airman Calvin Allen Jr., is a member of the 437th Airlift Wing Command Post and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than six years. He is currently deployed to the Middle East, and is assigned to the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron. In his deployed unit, Airman Allen is an Air Mobility Control Center controller and an... MORE

AMC's top enlisted leader retires after 30 years of service
October 21, 2009 — After more than three years as Air Mobility Command's top enlisted leader, Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Barron retired Oct. 16 after a ceremony honoring his 30-year Air Force career and tenure at Scott AFB. "The places I've been to, the opportunities I've had ... it's truly been an honor to serve with all of you," said Chief Barron. "I tried to... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Joseph E. Barron, command chief master sergeant of Air Mobility Command.

CAFB leaders learn eight steps of 'model' success
October 21, 2009 — Fourteen Charleston AFB leaders attended a two-day course Oct. 19 through 20, introducing each of them to the world of the 8-Step Problem Solving Model. The model is an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative, and is primarily offered through the University of Tennessee, both on campus and through courses held at Air Force bases... MORE

Military appreciation night with the S.C. Stingrays
October 21, 2009 — MORE

Col. John Wood, center right, joins, from left, Col. Steven Chapman, Navy Capt. Glenn Little Jr., and Coast Guard Cmdr. Scott Crawley for the puck drop at the start of the South Carolina Stingrays hockey team military appreciation night at the North Charleston Coliseum Oct. 16. The Stingrays donated more than 1,000 tickets for the game to military bases in and around Charleston, Beaufort and Columbia. Colonel Wood is the 437th Airlift Wing commander; Colonel Chapman is the 315th Airlift Wing commander; Captain Little is the Naval Weapons Station commanding officer and Commander Crawley is the Coast Guard Sector Charleston chief of enlisted personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daniel Bowles)

Bright Star 2009
October 21, 2009 — MORE

Staff Sgt. Matt Cunningham retrieves parachute bundles aboard a Charleston C-17 near Fort Bragg, N.C., during the preparation phase for Exercise Bright Star Oct. 8. Exercise Bright Star is part of U.S. Central Command's theater engagement strategy and is designed to improve readiness, interoperability and strengthen relationships between U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Sergeant Cunningham is a loadmaster assigned to the 14th Airlift Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jacob Bailey)

News briefs
October 21, 2009 — To submit a news brief, send an e-mail to 437aw.dispatch@charleston.af.mil. Make the subject line "NEWS BRIEFS." Submissions must be received no later than close of business the Friday prior to publication. Spotlight Retirement: The 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron will host a retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Reginald Glover Oct. 23 at... MORE

Airmen saving lives
October 19, 2009 — MORE

Airman 1st Class Daigerrys Leon prepares to give blood while Ashia Smalls sterilizes her forearm during a 437th Medical Group sponsored blood drive at the Fitness and Sports Center here Oct. 14. The Red Cross provided phlebotomists to take blood. For each Airman who donated, up to three lives can be saved. Airman Leon is a readiness journeyman with the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron and Ms. Smalls is a phlebotomist with the Red Cross. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katie Gieratz)