News

Just report it Security clearances depend on it
August 3, 2007 — It can be a hassle. All of the forms, the fingerprints, researching old addresses and phone numbers, stressful background interviews, friends calling to say the FBI came to their house asking questions, the stress of not knowing what is taking so long ... did they find something? Then, finally, six months to two years later, the security manager... MORE

Chilled water pipe bursts in wing headquarters
July 27, 2007 — The 316th Wing headquarters building experienced flooding in the AB, B and BC corridors of the second and third floors and parts of the first floor Tuesday morning. "There was a break in a 4-inch chilled water return line for the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system," said Maj. Michael D. Miller, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron operations... MORE

316th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters route water out from the third floor of the 316th Wing headquarters building after a 4-inch chilled water return line from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system burst, gushing water for several hours. Some sections of the third-floor were covered by water.

316 SVS to hold food tasting board, vendor review
July 27, 2007 — The 316th Services Squadron has scheduled a menu review board and vendor food show 3 p.m., Aug. 3, at the Freedom Hall Dining Facility. The purpose of the food tasting board is to receive feedback from the authorized patrons of the dining facilities on what is good, bad and what can be improved in the services rendered, quality, quantity, taste and... MORE

The first step is always the hardest
July 27, 2007 — One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to mental health is that those needing help have to be a complete lunatic to see a counselor or a doctor. Everyone encounters difficult struggles and hardships in their lifetime. Each individual has their own means of handling problems, though not always in the most beneficial way. When faced with... MORE

Town Hall meeting kicks off new school year
July 27, 2007 — The Town Hall meeting for the new school year will be held at the Reel Time Theatre from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m Aug. 9. Dr. John Deasy, Prince George's County Public Schools superintendent, will speak regarding the state of Prince George's County Public Schools. He will bring others with him from the county to discuss important topics such as the... MORE

Excellent! 89 AW passes UCI with flying colors
July 27, 2007 — The 89th Airlift Wing is built on Four Universal Truths and according to the chief of the AMC/IG Inspection Division; the SAM FOX team is doing an excellent job living up to those universal truths. "A top notch performance by the SAM FOX wing," said Col. Stanley Dougherty, whose team was here to grade the 89 AW's Unit Compliance Inspection. "You... MORE

Rodeo team leaves for McChord Saturday
July 20, 2007 — The 89th Airlift Wing and Team Andrews will send the AMC Rodeo 2007 team off in style today with a cookout at 11:30 a.m. in Hangar 3 at the 89 AW Commander's Call. Rodeo team members from the 99th Airlift Squadron, 1st Airlift Squadron and the 89th Aerial Port Squadron have been training hard for this event, since the teams were announced in... MORE

New Main Gate opens
July 20, 2007 — MORE

Col. Paul R. Ackerley, 316th Wing commander, cuts a red ribbon stretched across the identification check point, marking the opening of the new Main Gate as Col. Jeffery Bateman, 316th Security Forces Squadron commander, left, Curt Brinkley, Weston Solutions, Inc. Main and Virginia Gate construction superintendant, Col. Stewart S. Price, 316th Mission Support Group commander and Lt. Col. Brian P. Duffy, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, hold the ribbon steady. (U.S. Air Force/SSgt Tanika Belfield)

New prosthesis could help keep troops in the fight
July 19, 2007 — A new prosthesis under development will give servicemember amputees more flexibility and help them better perform their military jobs if they choose to stay on active duty. A preview of the new technology July 17 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here drew key staff and several servicemember amputees. The open forum allowed users to see... MORE

Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake, an amputee who remained on active duty as a pilot, demonstrates July 17 how he manually switches modes on his computerized prosthesis as Sven Zarling observes. The colonel's current prosthetic leg has two modes, one for walking and one for flying. An improved prosthesis is being developed that will have up to 10 modes and allow for remote-controlled switching. Mr. Zarling is from Otto Bock HealthCare, the company developing the new prosthesis. (DOD photo/Fred W. Baker III)

General visits injured
July 13, 2007 — MORE

Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc, Air Force District of Washington commander, thanks an injured service member for his service during his visit to the Aeromedical Staging Facility July 10. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tanika Belfield)

Team Andrews promotees
July 13, 2007 — The following Team Andrews members have been selected for promotion to Colonel: Robert S. Holba, 89th Operations Group Henry P. Pandes, 89th Maintenance Group Scott M. Turner, Presidential Airlift Group Donald C. Locke, Jr., Air Force District of Washington Herbert H. Wesselman, 744th Communications Squadron Sandra C. Tynes, 79th Medical Group The... MORE

Andrews hosts Afghan general
July 13, 2007 — The commander of the Afghan National Army Air Corps recently visited Andrews Air Force Base to learn how the 89th Airlift Wing and 316th Wing transport national leaders. Maj. Gen. Mohammed Dawran toured and received briefings at the 89 AW headquarters building, the Squadron Operations facility and the 1st Helicopter Squadron during his July 5... MORE

VR-53 - saving lives in Dominican Republic
July 13, 2007 — During a recent weekend in April, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Five-Three embarked on an important humanitarian mission to the Caribbean Island nation of the Dominican Republic. A beautiful tropical destination, the Dominican Republic is home to a thriving tourist industry and extensive tobacco crop. But the island also houses some of the... MORE

Town hall meeting on education
July 13, 2007 — Andrews community members are invited to attend an "education focused" town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m., August 9, at the base theater. Topics for discussion will be geared towards school-aged children in anticipation of the upcoming school year. Families with school-age children, who reside on Andrews as well as off-base but still within Prince... MORE

New cellular phone laws go into effect for teen drivers
July 13, 2007 — Most military personnel are familiar with the Department of Defense directive that forbids motorists to drive and talk on their cellular phones without a hands free device. Now, similar rules have gone into effect in Virginia and Maryland and the District of Columbia -- at least for younger drivers. In Virginia, July 1 signaled the enforcement of a... MORE

Afghanistan National Army AIr Corps visit
July 10, 2007 — MORE

Col. Margaret H. Woodward, 89th Airlift Wing commander, presents Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dawran, Afghanitan National Army Air Corps commander, with her personal coin during his visit to the 89 AW, July 5.

Boy Scout soars to Eagle Scout
July 6, 2007 — MORE

Master Sgt. Stephen B. Ladd congratulates his son, Shaun, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Shaun earned a total of 27 merit badges over a four-year period, and built a relocatable guard house for the 316th Security Forces Squadron as part of a community service project for his final task to earn Eagle Scout. Master Sgt. Ladd is assigned to the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Operations Flight as equipment support supervisor. (Photo by Bobby Jones)

BBQ shack serves Team Andrews for nearly 20 years
July 6, 2007 — A tiny little dining establishment on the east side of Andrews has been serving up homemade barbecue for nearly 20 years now. But the place, Loretta's Barbecue, is easily missed. It looks as if a trailer had partially melted into the ground and reinforced with paint, a wooden overhang and a walk-in cooler. But what Loretta's lacks in style, it... MORE

Loretta Windsor, owner of Loretta's Barbecue, prepares her signature barbecue pork and cole slaw sandwich for regular Team Andrews patron. (Photo by Bobby Jones)

Andrews VTF welcomes new veterinarian
July 6, 2007 — As we all know, the coming of summer brings the season of the Permanent Change of Station. During this PCS season, the Andrews Veterinary Treatment Facility gives well wishes to Army Capt. Albert R. Olexia, our current base veterinarian, as he PCSs to an overseas assignment. While his assignment to Sinai, Egypt will be an exciting one, we are sure... MORE

79 MDOS: Cancer screening saves lives
July 6, 2007 — Cancer is one of the words patients fear most, and for good reason. Nearly half of men, and one third of women, will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. But despite advances in cancer treatment, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the Unites States. Cancer screening remains one of the most important factors in fighting... MORE

Trooper talks highway safety
July 6, 2007 — A Maryland state trooper gave a highway safety briefing to service members gathered in the Andrews base theater Friday. Blending humor with facts and honesty, the trooper gave helpful tips that are useful for the 101 critical days of summer, as well as the rest of the year. The state trooper, Cpl. Anthony Washington, suggested getting at least... MORE

Tech. Sgt. tee's off with Tiger Woods
July 5, 2007 — MORE

Tech. Sgt Andy Amor, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron, shakes hands with Tiger Woods after completing their round during a Pro-Am at Congressional Country Club. Sergeant Amor was selected to represent the Air Force at a Pro-Am event before the start of the AT&T National Golf Tournament at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., July 4. Tiger Woods is the event host as well as a contestant and spokes person. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dan DeCook)

New AFDW commander takes the reins
June 29, 2007 — MORE

Gen. John D.W. Corley (left), Air Force vice chief of staff, hands the Air Force District of Washington guidon, signifying command, to Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc, the new AFDW commander, June 29 on the U. S. Air Force Ceremonial Lawn on Bolling during a combined retirement and change-of-command ceremony. General Gorenc replaces Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen, who retired after 33 years of military service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dan DeCook)

Wounded NCO's will to fly remains undaunted
June 29, 2007 — An Andrews Air Force Base Airman remains committed to the Air Force and his love of flying even after being shot down over Iraq and nearly losing an eye. Life was good for Tech Sgt. Christian MacKenzie for nearly 10 years as he served in his dream job as a special operations flight engineer aboard an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter. Since his boyhood in... MORE

Then-Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper visits Tech. Sgt. Christian MacKenzie at Wilford Hall Medical Center in 2004 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Sergeant MacKenzie, who served as a special operations MH-53 Pave Low flight engineer, was shot down April 13, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Andrews Boy Scout earns highest honor
June 28, 2007 — Shaun Ladd, 15, a member of Andrews Boy Scout Troop 404, recently received the rank of Eagle Scout, scouting's highest achievement. It took him only four years to earn the rank. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank;... MORE

Joint Base Andrews News