Features

A bitterSweet love story - Andrews widow, widower find happiness after tragedy
July 21, 2011 — Framed portraits line the edges of Master Sgt. Christopher Sweet's office desk. As if offering guidance from filtered glass, loved ones watch over every decision made during the work day. Down and to the left, nearest the keyboard, one image offers up more than guidance to the Sweet. Through this picture, absolute distress and heartache, along with... MORE

Newly-married Master Sgt. Christopher Sweet and Danielle Balmer pose for pictures on their wedding day, July 4th at the Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Hans and Nicole Photography)

National Capital Region Servicemembers go airborne
July 20, 2011 — The twin rotors of a Maryland Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter chopped the hazy, humid July air, blowing dust and grass into the faces of Airmen and Soldiers as they ran out to meet the giant craft, leaning into the tremendous rotor wash that earned the helicopter the nickname, "Big Wind."Members of the 11th Security Forces Squadron and... MORE

11th Wing Security Forces Airmen load a litter onto a static CH-60 Blackhawk as they train for airborne operations at Davidson Army Airfeild, Va. July 19. Members of the 89th Communications Squadron from Joint Base Andrews, Md., 579th Medical Group from Joint Base Annacostia-Bolling, and the 55th Signal Company from Fort Meade, Md. also attended the training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Torey Griffith)

Riders 'revved up' for motorcycle safety day
July 18, 2011 — Service members, along with Department of Defense employees, retirees and civilians gathered for the Joint Base Andrews Motorcycle Safety Day here July 15.The event, which included a group ride through Maryland's Prince George's County, was designed to inform riders of all skill and experience levels on how to combine their passion for two-wheeled... MORE

Terry A. Yonkers, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, and Col. Ken Rizer, commander of the 11th Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md., address motorcyclists at the JBA Motorcycle Safety Day July 15, 2011. As a part of the Air Force's Year of Motorcycle Safety, the event was held for riders on JBA to increase their awareness of the need to ride safely. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Torey Griffith)

Andrews Library 'opens the drawbridge' for summer reading fun
June 23, 2011 — Miniature lords and ladies built castles, made shields and romped in a ball-pit castle here Tuesday as the Andrews Library kicked off its "A Knight's Tale" themed summer reading program.The free for all ages program provides an incentive to read during the summer months in the form of a prize for every log sheet turned in, with a grand prize for... MORE

An essential piece of the puzzle
June 15, 2011 — The Air Force is often compared to a puzzle. There are thousands of integral pieces that must fit together flawlessly to complete the picture, or mission.One piece of the 1st Helicopter Squadron mission is comprised of the Aircrew Life Support team, and the important equipment they provide the Chief's Own UH-1N fliers."We are here to provide... MORE

Airman 1st Class Richard Rodriguez, 811th Operation Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, stows a flight helmet in a pilot's locker after he inspected it for function and servicability. AFE inspects and maintains other equipment as well, to include night-vision goggles, life preservers and survival kits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Torey Griffith)(released)

Un-'CoRC' your volunteer ponential
June 9, 2011 — Servicemembers volunteer their time for many reasons. Some have an upcoming evaluation, others are volun-told by their supervisors, and others feel a real need to make the world around them a better place.No matter what the reason, Joint Base Andrews has a one-stop shop for volunteer opportunities called the Culture for Responsible Choices."We are... MORE

Not your average finance briefing
June 6, 2011 — Whether they're heard at the First Term Airmen's Center or around one's nightly dinner table, discussions about finances can either be an enlightening experience or ... the complete opposite. These financial talks don't always have to end up in tears though. By making an appointment at the Airman and Family Readiness Center here, one can not only... MORE

One call might disconnect your driving privileges
June 6, 2011 — While driving along Perimeter Road here, the phone rings. The point of destination is only moments away and your hands free device is not connected, but the call may be important. In a fumble to answer the phone, you slow your driving, causing the vehicle behind you to nearly rear end your vehicle. Though no harm done, this time, but that lapse in... MORE

Staff Sgt. Daniel Hadley, 11th Security Forces Squadron crime prevention NCO, simulates writing a ticket for Senior Airman Desantis C. Symonette, 11 SFS Visitor Control Center security clerk during a seatbelt and cell phone selective enforcement check May 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bahja J Jones)

Getting Heavy at JSOH
May 22, 2011 — The aeronautical spotlight often falls on the Air Force's light and agile fighter aircraft, but behind the scenes, the heavies are making things happen.From old to new, several examples of huge haulers were on hand at the 2011 Joint Service Open House here May 21 and 22."The C-5 Super Galaxy is the largest aircraft in the Air Force's inventory,"... MORE

Visitors at the 2011 Joint Service Open House seek shade under the massive shadow cast by a C-17 Globemaster III here May 21. The JSOH affords the public an opportunity to meet the men and women of the Armed Forces and to see military equipment from the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard. The JSOH is planned and conducted through the efforts of active duty, guard and reserve servicemembers, as well as civilian employees, retirees and family members.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Torey Griffith)

Fathers and sons bond to the sound of jet propulsion at 2011 JSOH
May 21, 2011 — Korey Burrows, 8, of Waldorf, Md., snaps his neck up and down in fast succession as a truck with a jet engine strapped to it's bed speeds by, racing an aircraft and leaving a trail of smoke in it's wake. His father, Marcus, tries to direct his attention to the cool water bottles he bought for all three of his sons, who are now standing up out of... MORE