News

Obama vows not to waver in America’s defense
January 21, 2009 — President Barack Obama pledged a "prudent use" of military power as the nation works toward "ushering in a new era of peace" in his inaugural address to the nation Jan. 20. "Our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint," he said from the west side of the Capitol... MORE

President Barack Obama waves to the crowd at the conclusion of his inaugural address Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. The 44th president of the United States assumed his duties as commander in chief and vowed not to waver in defending America. (Defense Department photo/Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley)

Warrior of the Week: Airman 1st Class William Gazaway
January 21, 2009 — Airman 1st Class William Gazaway is a member of the 437th Medical Group and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for about two years. He recently returned from a deployment to Bagram AB, Afghanistan, as a medical logistics journeyman for the 455th Task Force Medical Group. Airman Gazaway's responsibilities included receiving and distributing all... MORE

Airman 1st Class William Gazaway (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Ian Hoachlander)

CDC earns national accreditation
January 21, 2009 — The Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Mikolajcik Child Development Center recently earned national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The NAEYC is the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals. "The staff did a wonderful job of reviewing the [423] criterion and putting systems in place," said... MORE

Madelyn Southall plays music with Sophia Ayala on a xylophone in the pre-toddler room at the Brig. Gen. Thomas R. Mikolajcik Child Development Center here Jan. 20. The CDC recently eared national accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Ms. Southall is a program assistant at the center and Sophia is the daughter of Tech. Sgt. Jose Ayala of the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jennifer Arredondo)

Precision at work
January 21, 2009 — MORE

Airman 1st Class Ryan Yeager calibrates a torque screwdriver for Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, Ga., in the 437th Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory here Jan. 21. PMEL Airmen assess the capability of test equipment to make sure measurements are accurate and reliable in order for organizations base-wide to perform their operations with excellence. Airman Yeager is assigned to the 437 MXS as a test, measurement and diagnostic equipment apprentice. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Ian Hoachlander)

Commander's Fitness Challenge pushes teams to 100K
January 21, 2009 — The current Commander's Fitness Challenge, which started here Jan. 20, is a base-wide competition to see which squadron can complete 100,000 push-ups and sit-ups first throughout the course of 100 days. Twenty-nine teams will have until 4 p.m. April 29 to reach 100,000 points, where 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will be announced and awarded a prize... MORE

Lauren Wilson and Colt Brock kick off the 100 Days of Push-ups and Sit-ups Commander's Fitness Challenge during their morning physical training session at the base fitness center Jan. 20. The challenge is a base-wide event for teams of 10 to complete 100,000 push-ups and sit-ups in 100 days. Wilson and Brock are assigned to the 437th Contracting Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marie Cassetty)

Former MSG chief remembered
January 20, 2009 — The former superintendent for the 437th Mission Support Group passed away Jan. 8 while temporarily deployed to Offutt AFB, Neb. Chief Master Sgt. Denise Mikolajczyk was assigned to Charleston AFB from April 2007 to September 2008 until she was assigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command A1 Personnel at Langley AFB, Va. While the passing of Chief... MORE

News briefs
January 20, 2009 — To submit information for News Briefs, send an e-mail to airlift.dispatch@charleston.af.mil with subject NEWS BRIEFS. Submissions must be received no later than close of business Friday the week before publication. Spotlight Retirement: The 437th Airlift Wing Law Center will host a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Donna Hughes Jan. 23 at 2 p.m... MORE

14 Airmen receive honors during quarterly awards ceremony
January 20, 2009 — Fourteen Team Charleston Airmen were recognized as top performers during the fourth quarter awards ceremony held here Jan 15. The following is a complete list of base-level award recipients: Senior Company Grade Officer: Capt. Zach Hall, 16th Airlift Squadron Senior Company Grade Officer Warrior: Capt. James Lovell Jr., 437th Aerial Port... MORE

HMEEs load onto C-5
January 15, 2009 — MORE

Staff Sgt. Brad Gardner directs a third-generation High Mobility Engineering Excavator into the nose of a C-5 on the Charleston AFB flightline Jan. 14. A total of eight third-generation HMEEs will be flown overseas to deployed locations in Southeast Asia to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Gardner is with the 167th Airlift Wing Air West Virginia, National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Taylor)

Not just another day off: Remember the dream
January 15, 2009 — Team Charleston Airmen came together to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a breakfast held at the Charleston Club here Jan. 14. "The [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 80th Commemorative Birthday Celebration] breakfast is a tribute to Dr. King's birthday and is an opportunity to remind all that the holiday is not simply just a... MORE

Staff Sgt. Clary Butler recites his rendition of "I Have a Dream" speech during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 80th Commemorative Birthday Celebration held at the Charleston Club Jan. 14. The event was held to celebrate Dr. King's birthday and to remember the price he paid for his belief in equality for all. Sergeant Butler is with the 315th Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Taylor)