Features

For a job well done: the story behind commander’s coins
September 28, 2018 — Many military members can remember a time when they got coined, whether it was the first coin they ever received or a coin they were awarded from a special moment. Yet, few know how commander’s coins – once known as challenge coins – came from. However, there are many theories regarding the origin and purpose of this long-held military tradition... MORE

National Preparedness Month: Saving for disaster (Week 4)
September 25, 2018 — "Financial preparedness." People tend to see that phrase and think “Oh I’m fine I have a savings account.” In reality were you saving for an unexpected expense? Do you have a rainy day cash fund? If so that’s great and all, but when we get hit with a hurricane and there are no gas stations, hotels, or grocery stores that have power and you can’t use your debit card what are you going to do?... MORE

Heroes return home: Repatriation of WWII remains
September 21, 2018 — “I can’t even imagine being killed in action and then being left there,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brant Dixon, 437th Operations Support Squadron director of current operations. “I would want to come home – any way possible.” Many service members lost their lives fighting for America. Some were brought home to their families and laid to rest, others were buried on the foreign soil where they died and several went missing in action. However, these heroes are never forgotten... MORE

SSC Atlantic employee, Veteran uses fitness to raise awareness on PTSD
September 21, 2018 — Service to country is a lifelong commitment for every U.S. Marine and the moral compass inspiring one Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC) Atlantic employee and veteran to use fitness to educate thousands on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a computer scientist for SSC Atlantic, Robert Powell spends his work days impacting the wider Department of Defense through his responsibilities with the Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology Services Enterprise Information Systems upgrade (MCEITS EIS). This program provides IT services and network information assurance to Marine Corps users through a portal framework. Off-duty, however, Powell’s passion for the military community continues through his work as a fitness instructor and volunteer advocate for PTSD support for veterans and their families... MORE

National Preparedness Month: Checking your insurance (week 3)
September 19, 2018 — Insurance is the first line of defense when dealing with a natural disaster. You want to make sure you are prepared by ensuring your personal items are protected. One small step you can take to prepare is to document your property... MORE

Crew chief sets a JB Charleston flying record
September 5, 2018 — Dedicated, hard-working, professional – all characteristics Flying Crew Chief leadership has used to describe Tech. Sgt. Jasper Maple, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production team expediter. Maple has obtained the most recorded flying hours of any flying crew chief who has been stationed at Joint Base Charleston for over a decade, according to FCC manager records. With 4,422 flying hours and 1,194 days on temporary duty locations, ranging from day trips to neighboring states or week-long missions overseas, he has almost tripled the average of 1,500 flying hours normally garnered by his counterparts. ... MORE

Airman re-enlists with a twist
August 23, 2018 — Lt. Col. Karen Rupp, 437th Aerial Port Squadron commander, performed the re-enlistment ceremony of her son, Senior Airman Cody Rupp, 628th Communications Squadron cyber-systems administrator, Aug. 21, 2018, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. She also surprised him with some another piece of news... MORE

Breaking the habit: 628th MDG offers program to quit smoking
August 21, 2018 — Are you a user of tobacco products and want to quit? The 628th Medical Group Behavioral Optimization Program may have a solution... MORE

JB Charleston’s C-17 demonstration pilots showcase capabilities worldwide
July 18, 2018 — Picture this: the sounds of jets roaring past, smells of grilled food filling the air and the sight of the United States military branches showcasing their capabilities in the air and on the ground. Air show season is well underway and Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts, took the opportunity to showcase to the public how they defend the... MORE

Laying the Lowcountry’s best to rest
July 3, 2018 — JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. – An American flag is symbolically folded 13 times into a recognizable triangular shape. The sound of rounds being chambered and fired echoing in unison from an M-14, followed by the playing of Taps. The ceremony concludes with the presentation of the flag to the next of kin of the passed service member with a final salute... MORE