News

New TRICARE regional contractors selected
July 22, 2009 — The Department of Defense announced the selection of new TRICARE Managed Care Support contractors for the North, South and West TRICARE regions in the United States July 13. This is the third generation of TRICARE managed care support contracts. The contracts are worth an estimated $55.5 billion over the base and five options periods. Transition... MORE

Charleston Reservist gets four with ‘Get 1 Now Program’
July 22, 2009 — Many service members often hear of the additional benefits they receive, such as health insurance, job security, educational benefits and travel around the world. But what about the free camcorders, satellite radios, iPod Nanos and 5.1 surround sound computer speakers? For one Airman here, these items were not issued at boot camp, but followed not... MORE

CAFB provides dignified training of Army chaplains
July 15, 2009 — More than 170 Army chaplain candidates gathered on the flightline here July 14 to receive training in the honors given to fallen service members during dignified transfers of human remains. In August, the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School at Fort Jackson, S.C., began working in coordination with Charleston AFB to provide a learning environment... MORE

Army Chap. (Capt.) Joseph Odell salutes as a U.S. flag draped transfer case is prepared to be carried aboard a C-17 by Charleston AFB honor guard members on the flightline here July 14 during training for dignified transfers of human remains. More than 170 Army chaplain candidates traveled to Charleston from Fort Jackson, S.C., to take part in the the training event. Chaplain Odell is the class leader for the Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course, Class 09-002. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daniel Bowles)

Wing remembers fallen master sergeant
July 15, 2009 — Members of Team Charleston gathered together July 8 for a memorial service in honor of a fallen Airman at the base chapel. Charleston AFB lost Master Sgt. Jermode Pharr, a member of the 437th Force Support Squadron, in a tragic car accident July 4 at the age of 37. He was the laid to rest during a funeral service held July 9. The memorial service... MORE

A memorial for Master Sgt. Jermode Pharr is displayed during a ceremony in the base chapel here July 8. Family, friends and comrades from across the base met at the chapel in remembrance of Sergeant Pharr and to mourn the loss of a faithful Airman. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daniel Bowles)

1 CTCS comes out on top in double-header
July 15, 2009 — MORE

Jeremy Lock of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron makes a diving catch during a softball game against the Aerial Port Squadron July 14. 1CTCS dominated the field Tuesday night as they played a double header against the 437th Aerial Port Squadron they won 10-7 and against the 437th Force Support Squadron they won 10-2. Lock is a combat photographer in the 1 CTCS. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Nicholas Pilch)

Commander's 5K Run/Walk Challenge
July 15, 2009 — MORE

Airmen with the 437th Communications Squadron pace themselves beside vehicles traveling at reduced speeds along Hill Boulevard during the Commander's 5K Run/Walk Challenge here July 10. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daniel Bowles)

News briefs
July 15, 2009 — To submit a news brief, send an e-mail to airlift.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 Maintenance Squadron will host a retirement ceremony for Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Kolva July 17 at 10 a.m. in... MORE

Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. David Munton
July 15, 2009 — Staff Sgt. David Munton is a member of the 437th Medical Group and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for about four-and-a-half years. He was recently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan with the Medical Task Force, where he worked with the patient movement element. Sergeant Munton's responsibilities... MORE

Seeing double
July 15, 2009 — MORE

Staff Sgt. Alexis Alexander repairs a pair of glasses at the base optometry office here July 13. The optometry office receives 10 to 15 pairs of glasses a week for repairs ranging from missing screws and nose pads, to bent frames. Sergeant Alexander is the NCO in charge of the base optometry office. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daniel Bowles)

Charleston's Rodeo Team is ready to compete in Rodeo 2009
July 14, 2009 — More than 30 Airmen from the 437th Airlift Wing will depart July 17 for McChord AFB, Wash., to participate in Rodeo 2009, Air Mobility Command's premier mobility competition. Rodeo 2009 is scheduled to take place July 19 through 24. The international competition focuses on readiness and improving worldwide air mobility forces' professional core... MORE

More than 30 Airmen from the 437th Airlift Wing will depart July 17 for McChord AFB, Wash., to participate in Rodeo 2009. Charleston's Rodeo Team members have been preparing for this competition for several months and will compete alongside more than 100 teams and 2,500 people from the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, as well as allied nations, that are expected to participate.