Features

437th MXS PMELs attention to detail impacts all JB Charleston
June 6, 2012 — All equipment used in the military, from the smallest of screws to precision-guided weapons, depend on accurate measurements to properly function.The 437th Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory, located in the Test, Diagnostic and Measurement Equipment flight in Bldg. 707, is an 18-man shop with technicians who are... MORE

Airman 1st Class Herschell Miller, 437th Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory technician out of Joint Base Charleston, S.C., calibrates a dial caliper, May 29, 2012. PMEL Airmen perform and manage repair, calibration of test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Chacarra Walker)

JB CHS training helps motorcyclists from becoming a statistic
June 6, 2012 — As summer approaches, the number of motorcyclists from Joint Base Charleston will increase to enjoy the freedom of riding during their daily and recreational activities.Motorcycles are known for their outstanding gas mileage, unique looks and the excitement riders receive when cruising down the road. These two-wheeled vehicles may have some... MORE

War hero relives battle 70 years later
June 6, 2012 — On the quiet morning of June 4, 1942, 30 minutes before day break, the Sailors aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-5) were ordered to man their battle stations as Japanese bombers were quickly advancing on their position. The roar of the approaching aircraft engines and the sound of their wings cutting through the morning air filled the Sailors ears. The... MORE

U.S. Navy Capt. Thomas Bailey, Joint Base Charleston deputy commander, speaks with John Hancock, retired U.S. Navy captain and Battle of Midway survivor, before the Battle of Midway ceremony on board the USS Yorktown (CV-10), S.C., June 4, 2012. Hancock was on board the USS Yorktown (CV-5) during the battle. He served as a machine-gun operator and suffered wounds to his neck as well as a collapsed lung during the attack. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Dennis Sloan)

It's in his blood: Third generation air-crew member shares family legacy
April 25, 2012 — As long as there has been an Air Force in the United States, there has been a Skvarna in the skies defending it. For Staff Sgt. Matthew Skvarna, 17th Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster, 437th Airlift Wing, pinning on air crew wings, lacing up his combat boots and boarding a cargo plane is more than a military job; it's a family legacy... a... MORE

Staff Sgt. Matthew Skvarna stands in front of a C-17 Globemaster III on Joint Base Charleston - Air Base April 20. Skvarna is a third generation aircrew member. His father was a C-141 loadmaster and his grandfather was a right gunner on a B-29 Superfortress. His grandfather also received the Air Force Flying Cross for his efforts during the Pacific campaign during World War II. Skvarna is an instructor loadmaster with the 17th Airlift Squadron, 437th Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air Force Photo / Staff Sgt. Nicole Mickle)

Autism speaks at JB Charleston
April 18, 2012 — What many individuals consider routine or ordinary tasks can be very difficult for some. Social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication as well as repetitive behavior are just a few things individuals diagnosed with autism struggle with everyday.Autism is a general term for a group of complex disorders that affects behavioral development... MORE

Three-year-old Hunter, son of Tricia and Staff Sgt. Justin Hoffman, 15th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, 437th Airlift Wing, heads to the basketball courts at a Joint Base Charleston – Air Base Park with his younger brother Cage not too far behind April 14. Hunter was recently diagnosed with moderate to severe classical autism and receives Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to help counteract the symptoms of the disease. He enjoys playing sports and especially hockey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dennis Sloan/Released)

Shining a light on sexual assault
April 16, 2012 — It was a Saturday night in the dead of summer; the bar was filled with people who came to dance, drink and paint the town red through the streets of Charleston, S.C. In the midst of the crowd is Tech. Sgt. Matthew Hampton, 373rd Training Squadron C-17 maintenance instructor, who is enjoying the evening with his wife and friends.Through the sea of... MORE

(U.S. Air Force illustration / Staff Sgt. Nicole Mickle)

My sister, my wingman
April 11, 2012 — At 17-years-old, Michelle McMeekin was a high school graduate preparing for an adventure. Meanwhile, her 10-year-old sister, Wendy, was just preparing for middle school.In those days, the sisters were complete opposites. The elder sister, Michelle was the self-described 'mother-hen' of the family, always looking out for her little sisters and... MORE

(U.S. Air Force Photo / Airman 1st Class Ashlee Galloway)

Survivor relives a terrifying night
April 11, 2012 — The date was Nov. 3, 2007 in Jacksonville, Fla., a day just like any other day for Navy Lt. William Sever and his wife, Lori. But as the sun set below the horizon, leaving the skies dark and cool, tragedy took its toll - significantly changing and threatening a successful Navy career.On Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station, Sever is known as the... MORE

Navy Lt. William Sever is a survivor of an accident involving a drunk driver. (U.S. Navy photo/Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Hudson)

Every dog will have his day
April 4, 2012 — Dog lovers say their dogs are more than just pets; they're family. Dogs are there when we need them to lift our spirits when we are down and can protect us when necessary. We trust and believe in them and share a deep emotional bond. The 628th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs at the Joint Base Charleston - Air Base kennels... MORE

Akim, a Belgian Malanois, chews on his frisbee at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base March 29. The 628th Security Forces Squadron's K-9 unit animals undergo six to eight months of training for drug and explosive detection. Akim is a military working dog assigned to the 628th SFS. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Chacarra Walker)

The Green Knights Motorcycle Club: They serve, they ride
April 4, 2012 — The sound of thunder rolls from the tips of chromed steel horse exhausts and the noise echoes into the Carolina afternoon sky. Motorcyclists, every one dressed in faded denim, sunglasses, chains and leather, ride fast and loud through the winding freeway. They are bikers, but their official name is the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club,... MORE

Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Rothfusz sits on his motorcycle at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base April 2. The Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club is a non-profit organization for military and Department of Defense motorcyclists and has more than 100 chapters all over the world. Petty Officer Rothfusz is an electronics technician assigned to the Nuclear Power Training Unit and is the Green Knights Treasurer and Ride Director. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class George Goslin)