Features

Know before you go
July 13, 2010 — The first time Tech. Sgt. Christina Gamez's husband deployed, she wanted to do everything herself, frustrating friends who wanted to help her. This time, she knows she will need her support network. She too is scheduled to deploy soon after her husband leaves this fall.Master Sgt. Rodolfo Gamez of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and... MORE

Master Sgt. Rodolfo Gamez and his wife, Tech. Sgt. Christina Gamez, hold their children, Tomas, 4, and Eva, 3, for a portrait outside of their home. The Gamezes are set to deploy to two different locations for year-long deployments later this year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

JB CHS senior airman deployed to Southwest Asia to support fire protection ops
July 13, 2010 — Senior Airman Joshua Reynolds is a fire protection journeyman with the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire Department at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia.As an emergency responder, Airman Reynolds and his fellow firefighters are responsible for protecting billions of dollars of Air Force assets and personnel for the 380th Air... MORE

Senior Airman Joshua Reynolds is a fire protection journeyman with the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire Department at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. Here he is pictured at his deployed fire station on June 2, 2010. As an emergency responder, Airman Malcolm and his fellow firefighters are responsible for protecting billions of dollars of Air Force assets and personnel for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing from fire. He is deployed from the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and his hometown is Schertz, Texas. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol/Released)

Honoring soldiers who served in the war that changed the world
July 7, 2010 — As the Fourth of July holiday weekend comes and goes, and we recover from the sensory overload of greasy grilled food, fireworks and too much Dave Matthews Band, we are left with what can be described as the afterglow of patriotism.Growing up in an Air Force household, the word patriotism in my mind has invariably become associated with serving in... MORE

World War II veterans participate in the Honor Flight Network program, which is designed to transport veterans from their hometown to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II memorial, and back, all in one day. (Courtesy photo)

Get off the debt wagon
July 7, 2010 — Debt. It's a four letter word. It's an American way of life. You hear about "keeping up with the Jones" and "I want it all and I want it now." Gone are the days when you actually had to "save" (according to some, another four letter word) to get something you want ... or are they? As the saying goes "everything old is new again" and this seems to... MORE

Accountability system proves vital during natural disasters, crises
July 6, 2010 — With hurricane season under way, the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System continues to help leaders take care of Airmen and their families affected by any natural disaster or crisis. Implemented in April 2009, AFPAAS aligns Air Force reporting with Department of Defense requirements for total force personnel accountability,... MORE

Don't rock the boat: stay safe with 5 top Coast Guard tips
June 29, 2010 — Whether it's pooling in a lake, flowing down a river or sloshing on the shores, water is not hard to miss in a Lowcountry summer. To aid members of Joint Base Charleston who take to it by boat, the command senior chief of Coast Guard Sector Charleston recently weighed in venturing out into South Carolina waters.According to Coast Guard Senior Chief... MORE

The following tips from the U.S. Coast Guard are highly recommended for boating and water sport safety:
1. Life jackets: Adults should don when conditions warrant, such as choppy water and high speeds. Children should always wear them.
2. Communications: Use a marine band radio, so other boaters and the Coast Guard can pick up a ?mayday? distress call. Don?t use a cell phone as a safety line.
3. Check the weather: Before going out on the water, know the weather conditions for the duration of the venture and know the weather limitations of the vessel to be used.
4. File a float plan: Leave an itinerary with a trusted individual. List dates, times and locations for the departure, arrival and waypoints. Also list other individuals traveling on the vessel. After making the plan, stick to it.
5. Intoxicated boating is illegal: Alcohol and boating don?t mix. The symptoms are the same on water as on the road - delayed reactions, impaired senses and lapse in judgment. The effects can be deadly.
(Courtesy graphic)

Honor Guard Spotlight: Airman 1st Class Jeromy Hamilton
June 29, 2010 — Name: Airman 1st Class Jeromy HamiltonHometown: Texarkana, TexasSquadron and job title: 437th Maintenance Squadron crew chiefTime in the Air Force: one year, seven monthsTime in Honor Guard: three monthsWhat inspired you to join honor guard? It was just the chance to honor to the fallen - in the highest way possible. What is your favorite aspect of... MORE

Airman 1st Class Jeromy Hamilton, 437th Maintenance Squadron crew chief

Fireworks: just leave it to the professionals
June 29, 2010 — Independence Day is knocking on the door. Ready or not, here it comes. So what are your plans? If you are staying in the local area there are some great things to do right here in the Lowcountry.July 2: Joint Base Charleston at Naval Weapons Station Charleston will host the Freedom Fest Independence Day celebration at Marrington Plantation,... MORE

The 2010 Freedom Fest will include a fireworks display July 2 at Marrington Plantation on Naval Weapons Station Charleston, just off of Red Bank Road. The display is scheduled to begin at approximately 9 p.m. Free parking is available and the gates open at 5 p.m. For a map of the base, visit www.militarynewcomers.com. Select "Navy" under "Base Guides," then "NWS Charleston." (U.S. Navy photo)

Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Paolo Santos
June 23, 2010 — Senior Airman Paolo Santos, 15th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, has been stationed at Joint Base Charleston for two years and is slated to deploy to the Middle East in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.His regular duties include weight and balance calculations, checking of cargo restraints and ensuring the safe placement of cargo and... MORE

Senior Airman Paolo Santos, 15th Airlift Squadron mission loadmaster

AADD brings volunteer spirit to Windwood Farm children
June 23, 2010 — Most Airmen Against Drunk Driving volunteers don't get to meet all the people they protect after driving a wingman home, and in turn, never fully see the many ways they provide a positive influence to those around them.In spite of this, driving under the influence is just one negative influence which exists in the community. There are many who are... MORE

The mission of Airman Against Drunk Driving is "Wingmen Saving Lives." The group of Airmen set out to change lives as well, through their volunteer spirit at Windwood Farm, helping children toward a brighter future June 19. To volunteer with AADD, call 963-3535 or e-mail the AADD organizational inbox at aadd.charleston@charleston.af.mil.