Features

Good economy, bad economy: education still ranks first for AF recruits
June 4, 2009 — 2008 was the first year since 2004 all active-duty branches of the military met or exceeded their recruiting goals and they are on their way to continuing the trend, having achieved the same results in the first six months of fiscal year 2009. For the Air Force, excellent recruiting isn't the most recent of success stories. In fact, for the past... MORE

Fluorescent findings keep aircraft flying
June 1, 2009 — Black lights, green liquid and aircraft parts makeup a recipe for success for one base work center. Ensuring sound structural integrity for both weapon and non-weapon system assets, the 437th Maintenance Squadron's non-destructive inspections lab inspects a wide variety of parts from C-17s and aerospace ground equipment, such as ground generators... MORE

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lilia Linares utilizes a fluorescent magnetic particle process to inspect an aerospace ground equipment hook for cracks at Charleston Air Force Base S.C., May 27, 2009. The non-destructive inspection section inspects more than 40,000 pieces of weapon systems and non-weapon systems assets a year. Airman Linares is a non-destructive inspection journeyman with the 437th Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by James M. Bowman)(Released)

Non-residents can say no to vehicle sales tax
February 17, 2009 — Thinking about buying a car while stationed in South Carolina? If so, there are a few things Airmen should know. Pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 12-36-2120 (25), if Airmen are not a resident of South Carolina and are stationed on orders in the state, they are exempt from paying sales tax on all purchases of motor vehicles, except... MORE

Life-risking Airmen save mission, assets
February 11, 2009 — The Block 15 aircraft battery began to deteriorate during routine maintenance into a condition known as thermal runaway. The battery became dangerously hot, emitted an excessive amount of hydrogen gas and began spewing electrolytes everywhere. At this point, the battery was self-destructing and if something was not done shortly, the hydrogen-rich... MORE

Senior Airman David Stricker performs an electrolyte test on an aircraft battery in the 437th Maintenance Squadron Electrical and Environmental Battery Shop Feb. 11. The ELEN battery shop is responsible for maintaining all the C-17 batteries for Charleston AFB. Airman Stricker is an electrical and environmental systems journeyman with the 437 MXS. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Ian Hoachlander)

AFSA stands tall for Airmen, families behind stripes
February 11, 2009 — Editor's note: This is the second in a three-part series about Air Force organizations that advocate for Airmen, retirees and their families. Is there anything in the Air Force dedicated solely to Airmen of the enlisted force? The Air Force Sergeant Association is an enlisted organization available and dedicated to all enlisted Airmen whether they... MORE

Charleston Airmen train Iraqi Air Force maintainers
November 12, 2008 — Charleston Airmen are helping to re-establish the Iraqi Air Force and put them back in the air. The Iraqi Air Force was once the largest Air Force in the region with more than 1,500 aircraft ranging from fixed wing to rotary and 50,000 people. Today, the Iraqi Air Force has 68 aircraft and 2,000 people spanned across five bases. Master Sgt. Raymond... MORE

CAFB Airmen speed delivery of lifesaving medicine
November 3, 2008 — Airmen are deployed across the world to work together with other Airmen and other military services where they are needed most. Regardless of job or location, Charleston Airmen are in the fight, too. Coordination and hustle between several American military agencies here enabled a lifesaving package to reach an Iraqi snakebite victim and save a... MORE

Senior Airman Michael Rodriguez stacks cold bricks on top of medical supplies as Staff Sgt. Michael Bonecutter logs the reicing time Oct. 23 at an air base in Southwest Asia. The unit processes thousands of pounds of medical supplies and equipment for shipment to units in the area of responsibility. Airman Rodriguez, an 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron special handling technician, is a native of Saint John, Mich. He is deployed from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Sergeant Bonecutter, an 8th EAMS special handling supervisor, is a native of Pilot Grove, Mo. He is deployed from Little Rock AFB, Ark. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady)

Manage energy use in workplace
October 20, 2008 — Every workday, everyone has the chance to make decisions that create a more sustainable work environment. Many of the choices they can make are easy to do, while others can be substantial but, in every case, these decisions can make a difference for both the environment and the bottom line. The backbone of any energy-saving initiative is the staff... MORE

Cut back household electricity during energy awareness month
October 6, 2008 — It is easy to make changes that can reduce energy costs in the home. Through a mix of careful use and smart appliance purchases, it is usually possible to save substantially on electric, gas and home heating bills. Whenever people save energy, they not only save money, they also reduce the demand for fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas... MORE

In the winter, set the thermostat at 68 degrees in daytime; in the summer, keep it at 78. By exercising a few steps, families can cut annual emissions by thousands of pounds and energy bills by a significant amount. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Katie Gieratz)

Know when to vote early or by absentee ballot
October 3, 2008 — Just because some Airmen don't vote in person at a local polling place does not mean their vote doesn't count. There are two additional methods available for those who want to participate in the electoral process in selecting the 44th president of the United States. Early voting allows any registered voter to appear in person and vote prior to... MORE