Features

15 years of C-17s taking the fight to the enemy
June 3, 2008 — Fifteen years ago, the highly touted "Spirit of Charleston" made its long-awaited arrival to Charleston AFB. The first operational C-17A was delivered to the 17th Airlift Squadron June 14, 1993. Then Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Merrill McPeak, delivered the new aircraft to its new home in the Lowcountry. Congressmen, military members and... MORE

The "Spirit of Charleston," the first C-17 to be delivered to the Air Force flies over the Charleston AFB flightline during initial flights after delivery to the base. June 14 marks 15 years of service for the C-17. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. David McLeod)

Cargo outreach program can help units with ORI prep
May 28, 2008 — A major part of any operational readiness inspection is how cargo is prepared for deployment and redeployment. In an effort to help with this task, the 437th Aerial Port Squadron has developed the cargo outreach program. The cargo outreach program is a locally developed program designed to assist each unit get one-on-one time with the cargo... MORE

ATSO tip: How should Airmen care for protective mask?
May 6, 2008 — With our ever steady mission and constant workload, the August operational readiness inspection will be upon us before we know it. Within the wing, squadrons and flights are busy preparing their people and equipment for their part in the ORI. One of the most important items of any ORI is the ability to survive and operate. As the single largest... MORE

Do these 10 things to prepare for the ORI
April 16, 2008 — With the May fly-away mobility exercise just around the corner, and the August operational readiness inspection only 106 days away, it's time for Team Charleston to focus on preparation. Here are ten things Airmen must do to get ready for war in Alpena, Mich. 1. Plan leave and take care of family. The next four months are going to be extremely busy... MORE

ORI -- are you ready to go?
April 9, 2008 — Airmen are studying their Air Force Manual 10-100, getting chemical biological radiological nuclear explosive gear issued, inspecting gas masks, packing mobility bags and brushing up on self-aid and buddy care ... but is Charleston AFB really ready for the operational readiness inspection? Not all base Airmen are preparing to deploy for the ORI,... MORE

Air Force son plays violin to inspire -- no strings attached
April 2, 2008 — He walks into a room filled with an audience when his performance is announced, just as he has many times before. Daniel Davis motions to the sound crew at the back of the room to start the music as he raises his violin and bow. When he starts to play along, he entices the audience as they tap their fingers and toes while nodding their head to the... MORE

Daniel Davis plays the violin during his father's retirement ceremony March 18 at the chapel annex on base. Mr. Davis has been playing the violin since he was 12 years old and is the 19-year-old son of Chief Master Sgt. Reginald Davis who retired from the 437th Medical Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Melissa White)

Help others by ‘Linking Military Neighbors’
March 25, 2008 — Seventy percent of active-duty families assigned to Charleston AFB now live in off-base housing. Because the tri-county area is so large, it is very easy for Airmen to live in a community and not know if other military families are their neighbors. In an effort to help Air Force families develop supportive social relationships with other... MORE

Skydiving volunteer gives 42 years to Charleston AFB
March 5, 2008 — Military Wife of the Year, Woman of Distinction and skydiver; these are just a few of the many titles one member of Team Charleston holds. June Griggs, who turned 70 Feb. 14, celebrated her birthday by fearlessly jumping out of a plane. It was a very small plane and there was just enough room on the floor for myself, the instructor and the... MORE

Prevent cavities, maintain lifelong healthy smile
February 20, 2008 — Providing proper care and oral hygiene for children can mean a lifetime of good oral health. Research shows children who develop cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to develop cavities as an adult, which means frequent dental visits and lots of money. So how can a parent determine if their child is at risk for cavities? It all begins with... MORE

Youth Center sports director gives kids chance to play ball
February 13, 2008 — Taking his son to school one day in late October, Ron Keur, 437th Services Squadron Youth Center sports and fitness director, was not expecting to have a job offered to him. The principal at the River Oaks Middle School noticed he was always in work-out gear t-shirts, work-out pants and sneakers. She thought he could help her bring a basketball... MORE

The Charleston AFB Mavericks basketball team joins together for a final team chant during practice Feb. 8 at the Charleston AFB Fitness and Sports Center. The team is comprised of children of Airmen from Charleston AFB and students from River Oaks Middle School. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jennifer Arredondo)