Features

89th Aerial Port Squadron: Air Mobility Command’s cornerstone of excellence
February 3, 2012 — If you envision a Fortune 500 Company, you might think of an institution that has a long-standing reputation for commitment, respect from its shareholders and one that has made few mistakes to reach its pinnacle of success. Although the 89th Aerial Port Squadron is not on that list, it has garnered respect for its commitment and dedication to its... MORE

Col. Ken Rizer, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, escorts President Barack Obama to Air Force One during an outbound mission here Jan. 25. The 89th Airlift Wing Special Air Mission Passenger (SAMPAX) element is the only one of its kind in the Air Force. SAMPAX is responsible for coordinating ground operations for aircraft transporting the President and Vice President and U.S. and foreign heads of state. (Photo/Bobby Jones)aircraft during a presidential-level mission here Jan. 25. (Photo/Bobby Jones)

Carbon Monoxide: A small molecular compound with enormous impact
February 3, 2012 — Unlike most things lethal to humans, it is unseen, unheard and nearly undetectable - until it's too late. It's not a stealth B-2 Spirit bomber or F-35 Lightning II fighter; it's a simple compound found everywhere on earth made of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom.Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that is a byproduct... MORE

JBA Marines complete Lance Corporal's Course, excel as future leaders
January 27, 2012 — As a military installation primarily made up of Air Force assets, the majority of missions coming out of Joint Base Andrews focus on its blue and white aircraft - to include Air Force One. However, unknown to the majority of personnel who live and work here, Andrews is also home to two U.S. Marine Corps squadrons.One squadron, Marine Transport... MORE

Marine Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Hyde, Marine Transport Squadron Andrews NCO in charge, speaks to Lance Corporals Samael J. FanesteEspina and Jean Henry, Marine Transport Squadron Andrews operations technicians, about the different tools they can use as physical training leaders during their Lance Corporal’s Course here, Jan. 10. The course provides training in drill, Marine Corps history, codes of conduct, mentorship and many other classes geared toward improving the Marines before they take on the responsibility of becoming NCOs. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Perry Aston)

Joint Base Andrews members reflect on MLK legacy
January 19, 2012 — In the midst of celebrating the 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial day, Joint Base Andrews members paused to reflect on what MLK's journey for civil rights meant to them at the newest monument on the Washington Mall -- "The Stone of Hope" memorial that commemorates Dr. King's contributions to racial equality. "Every day we are living... MORE

Robert Jenkins, a 95-year-old Navy veteran and part-time bagger at the Andrews Commissary, sees Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a role model for all generations. (photo/Bobby Jones)

Joint Base Andrews member gives account of his life as an American Indian
December 9, 2011 — Joint Base Andrews members were educated by a resident Air Force veteran on what it's like to grow up as an American Indian on an Indian reservation during an American Indian Heritage Month celebration at the Community Activity Center here Nov. 30. This year's theme was entitled "Service, Honor and Respect: Strengthening our Cultures and... MORE

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Col. Ken Rizer, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, presents Chuck Tsinnie, 11th Force Support Squadron marketing illustrator, with a parting gift for sharing his life story during an American Indian Heritage Month event at the Community Activity Center on Nov 30. (Photo/Bobby Jones)

Andrews spreads Holiday cheer with 'Parents and Children Fighting Cancer' party
December 9, 2011 — Hangar 3 was transformed into a winter wonderland Dec. 3, with festive holiday décor for the annual Parents and Children Fighting Cancer holiday party. The yearly event started 24 years ago, inspired by a Team Andrews family with a child battling cancer. "The Family Support Center director, Jeanette Ruffing, thought it would be nice to throw a... MORE

Kialani, 8, daughter of Karl Briales from Lorton, Va., places an ornament on a Christmas tree during the Parents and Children Fighting Cancer holiday event in Hangar 3 on Dec. 3. This is the third year the family has attended the holiday event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Bahja J. Jones)

Paradise Lost: The Legacy of the 11th Bomb Group
December 8, 2011 — Imagine you're an Airman stationed in Hawaii, sleeping in on a Sunday morning with a balmy December breeze that caresses your body with a whisper of wind. Suddenly, the loud retort of an explosion in the distance upsets the fragile tranquility. Then come many more explosions. Then you hear the air sirens and realize that you're about to be thrust... MORE

Airmen, Sailors and Marines scramble to get U.S. aircraft in the air or out of harm’s way as they come under attack on Dec. 7, 1941. U.S. service members fulfilled their military missions while protecting their comrades-at-arms in the face of a surprise assault by an overwhelming enemy airpower, continuing a legacy of service that inspires new generations of military. (Courtesy Photo/National Archives and Records Administration)

AFDW Commander discusses civilian workforce restructuring
November 7, 2011 — Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darren McDew held the first of four town hall meetings today to discuss Air Force-wide workforce restructuring following the Nov. 2, 2011, Air Force announcement that approximately 4,500 civilian manpower positions must be eliminated in calendar year 2012. [See related story.]The announcement... MORE

Youngest Air Force Chaplain calls Andrews home
November 4, 2011 — Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Kamzan, 11th Wing Jewish chaplain, calls Joint Base Andrews home. Despite his short-lived Air Force career, the 27-year old chaplain is making a name for himself in the "Chief's Own." Revered as a leader by single Airmen during chapel-run retreats and regarded with respect and reverence by those to whom he offers counsel,... MORE

The youngest chaplain in the Air Force, Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Kamzan, 11th Wing Jewish chaplain, is currently stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lindsey A. Beadle)

844th Communications Group hosts Warrior Day
November 4, 2011 — Airmen from around Joint Base Andrews came together to participate in and support the annual 844th Communications Group Warrior Day competition and exercise Oct. 21 near Freedom Park. The competition was made up of a number of exercises that challenged the Airmen to use skills such as Self Aid Buddy Care, unidentified explosive ordnance... MORE

Airman 1st Class Carl Free, 744th Communications Squadron radio frequency transmissions systems technician; Senior Airman Jermaine Anderson, 744th CS official floor lead; and Master Sgt. Keith Moss, 744th CS quality assurance evaluator, ready their M-16’s under the supervision of Master Sgt. Eric Marsh, 11th Security Forces Group NCO in charge of training, as they head toward their defensive fighting positions during the annual 844th Communications Group Warrior Day Competition on Oct. 21. During this portion of the warrior day, 11th Wing Security Forces acted as opposing forces and led strategic attacks on the DFPs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Bahja J. Jones)

Andrews pays respect to Republic of Korea president
October 21, 2011 — A visit to the United States concluded Oct. 14 for the Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak and his wife, Kim Yoon-ok, with a formal departure ceremony on the Joint Base Andrews flightline. The departure, complete with a 21-gun salute and the playing of the Republic of Korea national anthem by the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" herald... MORE

Republic of Korean President Lee Myung-bak and his wife, Kim Yoon-ok, wave goodbye before departing the Joint Base Andrews flightline Oct. 14. President Lee Myung-bak was in the nation’s capital to attend a state dinner hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. During the visit, Presidents Obama and Lee Myung-bak welcomed a new trade deal and solidified close ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Keyonna Fennell)

AFDW/CC: uniform changes coming at "right time" for NCR Airmen
October 4, 2011 — Monday, Oct. 3, Air Force District of Washington personnel will be Air Force 'blue' more often, with the implementation of a new policy for Airmen within the National Capital Region. "Every Airman should feel a great sense of pride and espirit de corps wearing the blue uniform of the most powerful Air Force in the world. Our blues are part of our... MORE

Airmen achieve confidence, personal insight during JBA Chapel Wilderness Retreat
September 30, 2011 — When asked to describe how his day at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing in New Castle, Va., was going, Airman Basic Patrick Prendergast, 11th Operations Group ceremonial guardsman, chose just one word to define his day. "Awesome," said Prendergast."The time that I've been here has helped me and the rest of these Airmen actually get out and meet... MORE

From left to right, Airman 1st Class Katie Bumann, 779th Aeromedical Squadron aerospace physiology apprentice, Senior Airman Tamika Montgomery, 779th Aeromedical Squadron aerospace physiology journeyman, and Airman 1st Class Togma Chauvin, 89th Communications Squadron client systems apprentice skim, through their copy of “Strength Finder, 2.0” by Tom Rath. During the five-day, wilderness retreat, Airmen participated in workshops which not only helped them build team camaraderie, but also gain insight and perspective into their own personal strengths they could bring to future team functions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lindsey A. Beadle)

Team Andrews kicks off charity campaign
September 30, 2011 — Jobless rates are through the roof. Inflation and deficits are on the rise worldwide and many experts project nothing but downward trends for the economy. In these tough economic times, many families need help.Charities exist to lend a helping hand to families in need, and many federal employees are doing their part to help their fellow man through... MORE

Col. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost 89th Airlift Wing commander, and Col.
Dale S. Holland, 89th Airlift Wing vice commander, along with wing senior
Leaders, sign pledge forms for the 89th Airlift Wing's Combined Federal
Campaign kickoff ceremony Sept 28.

Courageous Airman receives Purple Heart
September 22, 2011 — Improvised explosive devices are a real threat to every service member deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of continued combat and reconstructive operations. American and coalition security patrols, reconstruction teams, supply convoys and even peoples native to the area are under constant threat by these hidden dangers, and deployers... MORE

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shakes hands with Tech Sgt. Michael Danylec, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, after presenting Danylec with the Purple Heart on Sept. 16. Danylec was severly injured while disarming an improvised explosive device while deployed to the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lindsey Beadle)

History of the Grey Geese
September 21, 2011 — Pioneering the world's most iconic bombing platforms such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-29 Superfortress and the B-52 Stratofortress, as the 11th Bombardment Group "Grey Geese," the 11th Wing's proud strategic bombing heritage has repeatedly been instrumental in establishing America's air superiority.The story of the 11th Wing begins in 1940 at... MORE

11th Wing shield (color), U.S. Air Force graphic

Fighting for those who fight - Air Force Sergeants Association
September 15, 2011 — "Paternity leave, patient travel reimbursement, a transferable Post 9/11 GI Bill and continued annual pay raises," said Master Sgt. Paul Grugin. "There's more too." The Joint Base Andrews Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 102 president is passionate about AFSA, and when asked to name recent legislative acts that AFSA has had direct influence... MORE

Master Sgt. Paul Grugin, left, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant and Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 102 president, chats with Master Sgt. Maurice Osborne, 1st Airlift Squadron flight attendant and AFSA legislative trustee, Sept. 12 about issues necessary for discussion at an upcoming AFSA meeting. Through legislative review, all issues brought to AFSA Chapter 102 members are evaluated by the special-interest group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lindsey A. Beadle)

Team Andrews defenders take part in Ruck March to Remember
September 8, 2011 — More than two months ago, security forces Airmen tied their boots tight and armed up for a 2,000-mile journey to remembrance. Instead of carrying weapons, however, these defenders were carrying a guidon, pride and professionalism.The march began at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, with members of the 4th Security Forces Squadron who marched nearly... MORE

Brig. Gen. Jimmy McMillian, headquarters director of Security Forces, and 2nd Lt. Sean Long, 11th Security Forces Squadron flight commander, lead the way during the Ruck March to Remember. Team Andrews defenders marched the guidon more than 150 miles from West Virginia to Pennsylvania. (courtesy photo)

Whether the weather is hot or cold, the 89th Weather Flight is in the fight
August 16, 2011 — Unlike the local news station weather person, who is typically expected to give slightly erroneous predictions nearly all the time, the meteorologists the 89th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight meteorologists don't have the luxury of low expectations.Supporting such assets and missions as Air Force One, the 1st Helicopter Squadron and the... MORE

Tech Sgt. Jonathan Liska, 89th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight chief, uses an instrument that determines the ceiling, or height of the clouds, at Joint Base Andrews July 29. The weather flight provides information for mission planning and execution, base activities and asset protection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Torey Griffith)

Retired 82nd Airborne Commander is example for all JBA Airmen
August 4, 2011 — A lifetime of Selfless Service - that's what Dr. Reginald Grier has. In addition to his extensive 30-year Army career, Grier is a man who has come away from the military with qualities which most Airmen on Joint Base Andrews only wish they could have achieved by the end of their enlistment.In 1946, a temporary reoccupation of the Philippines was... MORE

Photos of Dr. Reginald Grier showcase the beginning and near end of his extensive 30-year Army career. Having seen numerous countries and been deployed numerous times, Joint Base Andrews members are among greatness with Grier being a frequent visitor of the on-base facilities here. (Courtesy photos)

Cool Beans - Team Andrews members delight in visit from Jelly Belly leadership
August 4, 2011 — Joint Base Andrews members satisfied their sweet tooth Wednesday when Mr. Herman G. Rowland Sr., Jelly Bean Candy Company Chairman of the Board, along with Mr. Robert M. Simpson Jr., Jelly Belly Candy Company, President and Chief Operating Officer, spoke here for the sixth installment of the Andrews Leadership Series.The Jelly Belly Candy Company... MORE

Tips for Monumental success shine through during Andrews Leadership Series
August 4, 2011 — Building 1535 is home to a row of Andrews Leadership Series posters. The most recent installment highlights Mr. Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman and majority owner of Monumental Sports and Entertainment. Among his signature on his poster, Leonsis encourages all who read it to "make your list," a poignant phrase uttered by Leonsis throughout his forum... MORE

Mr. Ted Leonsis, founder and chairman of Monumental Sports and Entertainment signs his Andrews Leadership Poster after the seventh installment of the Andrews Leaders Series in the Air Force Conference Center here Aug. 3. The monthly guest speaker forum provides a unique venue for nationally recognized leaders to motivate and inspire Joint Base Andrews military and civilian personnel. (Photo by Bobby Jones)

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)

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