Features

Organize with checklist to prepare for emergency situations
July 15, 2008 — With hurricane season in effect until November and the possibility of other serious weather, Team Charleston members should be ready for emergencies at a moment's notice, according to base safety officials. Experts suggest everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours following an emergency. Pack emergency items in one... MORE

Even though the recent Hurricane Bertha was not a threat to Charleston AFB, the possibility of an emergency situation is probable as the season continues, according to base safety officials. (Courtesy graphic)

Better to be safe with a mouth guard than sorry
July 15, 2008 — It's easy to take some things for granted until they are suddenly gone. Imagine what it would be like to lose one or two front teeth. A properly fitted mouth guard is an important piece of athletic gear to protect a smile. So what is a mouth guard? A mouth guard is a resilient plastic appliance that has been designed in a fashion where it covers... MORE

Senior Airman Stephanie Bernique-Garcia tests the fit of a sports guard with Tech. Sgt. Fred Hearn at the 437th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Deily Dental Clinic at Charleston AFB July 14. The use of mouth guards is recommended when playing any sport to protect the jaw, mouth and other tissues. Airman Bernique-Garcia is a dental assistant and Sergeant Hearn is a dental lab technician. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Katie Gieratz)

Prevent heat injuries or death during ‘dog days of summer’
July 8, 2008 — Hundreds of heat-related deaths and injuries occur each year throughout America. The onset of heat stress, heat stroke and death can occur quickly when the situation is ignored. It is important that Airmen are aware of when their environment and bodies approach their limits in regards to heat. Monitoring and preventing these conditions are... MORE

Airlift squadron delivers crucial supplies to war fighters
July 8, 2008 — The aircraft commander plants her C-17 down firmly, reversing the four turbine engines and applying the brakes hard to compensate for the short runway. A cloud of red clay dirt and pebbles kicks up into a rooster tail and trails the jet down the austere air strip of a forward operating base in Afghanistan. The 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron... MORE

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Harmon stacks rollers prior to securing them to the C-17?s deck at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, June 19. Sergeant Harmon ensures that supplies being airlifted are distributed evenly in the cargo hull. The 14th Airlift Squadron is currently deployed as the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. Sergeant Harmon is a loadmaster with the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tong Duong)

Berlin Airlift lays foundation for today’s air mobility
July 7, 2008 — Sixty years ago on June 26, the fledgling United States Air Force airlifted its first of 2.3 million tons of coal, food and supplies to the besieged city of Berlin. Stalin had cut off all ground transportation through Soviet Union-held territory to the surrounded city of Berlin. The Berlin Airlift sustained a city of more than 2 million citizens... MORE

West Berliners watch as a U.S. cargo plane delivers desperately needed supplies during the Berlin Airlift. (File photo)

Public Health helps keep Airmen ready, fit to deploy
July 7, 2008 — Are Charleston Airmen getting ready to deploy or participate in an exercise? The 437th Medical Group, with the help of Airmen, ensures Team Charleston is medically fit to deploy. The Public Health Flight is a key player in coordinating with other flights within the medical group, as well as the wing, in getting all deployers out the door. The... MORE

Celebrate with fireworks safely
June 30, 2008 — The American summer is filled with parades, cookouts and fireworks. Let's enjoy the season, especially our nation's birthday on the Fourth of July safely. Each year, fireworks turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using them. Although legal consumer fireworks comply with safety regulations, all... MORE

Child safety seats: Are they used safely?
June 30, 2008 — If a child is in a child safety seat, is he really safe? Most parents and caregivers believe they install their child safety seats correctly. However, according to National Safe Kids Coalition, 85 percent of child safety seats are incorrectly installed. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 79.5 percent of children were not... MORE

Most child safety seats have an average life of six years from the date of manufacture. These are examples of expiration dates that can be found on child safety seats.

Army, Air Force, Navy team up for Global Medic 2008
June 18, 2008 — They're learning skills they hope they never have to use, but nearly 2,500 military members are braving the elements across the country to practice what might one day play a key role in saving the lives of America's wounded warriors. "I pray to God that my sons never end up needing the things we are practicing here," said Army 1st Lt. Kristense... MORE

“Reliability, maintainability and availability:” a challenge fulfilled
June 18, 2008 — A former squadron commander here made a list of characteristics, which included military commitment and availability, experience and rank with retainability. He also expected excitement from his Airmen for the new C-17. Summing it all up he said, "I need a squadron of locomotives." It is safe to report that 15 years later, having current Airmen... MORE

Initial cadre from the 317th Airlift Squadron at Charleston AFB gather on the flightline following the first C-17 all-reserve mission. As a team, the 315th and 437th Airlift Wings have more than 157 years of total time in Globemaster IIIs. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Bill Murton)