News

Defenders sharpen the warrior heart
January 26, 2024 — Defenders from the 87th Air Base Wing seized a unique opportunity to receive advanced BJJ instruction from Master Machado at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 17-18, 2024... MORE

An 87th Security Forces Squadron member performs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu maneuvers during a training course at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 18, 2024. Master Carlos Machado, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor, crafted BJJ instruction to expand on the hand-to-hand combat skills crucial to the Security Forces mission, merging BJJ tactics with elements of mindfulness, physical readiness, as well as honing the craft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Monica Roybal)

Win as One: Warfighters Connect to Care
November 3, 2023 — Picture it. Amidst the nonstop energy of an active flight line stands a dedicated Airman consumed in the demands of his duty, the chaos of jet engine roars and radio chatter mirroring the weight of his responsibilities. It's a day like any other, yet today the pressures of the job feel heavier. Unwavering in his commitment to the mission and his teammates, he resists the urge to isolate. Realizing his need for connection, he spots a stranger sporting a bold blue and yellow tab affixed to their uniform - a Warrior Connect tab. He remembers this symbol of support as an opportunity for connection. It's more than a patch; it's a support system any Airmen can lean on... MORE

The Warrior Connect Program is a peer-to-peer support and connectedness program, dedicated to maximizing the visibility of those who can link members with helping agencies and reducing the stigma of seeking help for JB MDL service members, Department of Defense civilians and family members.

605th AMXS Crew Chief Embodies the Warrior Heart
October 14, 2022 — Mobility Airmen that answer the call to serve at the Department of Defense’s only tri-service base learn to make an ally of resiliency. For Senior Airman Austin Sondergard, a crew chief with the 605th aircraft maintenance squadron, recovering from a life-threatening condition meant waging a war of attrition against his own mind and body. His journey on the road to recovery, while fraught with daily challenges, is paved with the support of friends, family, and a warrior heart’s passion. ... MORE

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Sondergard, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on a KC-10 extender at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 10, 2022. Sondergard received brain surgery to remove an arteriovenous malformation, and later suffered losses to both memory, speech, and motor skills due to a stroke. Recovered, Sondergard returned to his duties as a Crew Chief and hobby as an avid powerlifter.