Deployed guard troops return home

Air Force officials to begin involuntary phase of retraining for NCOs

In order to rebalance the NCO force, more than 700 Airmen volunteered this fall to retrain through the NCO retraining program. However, more than 300 additional Airmen are needed to retrain to ensure all career fields are equally manned.Phase II, which identifies non-volunteers for retraining,

'Stop Loss' payments on way

After an initial delay caused by software and manpower issues, the first retroactive payments will be disbursed next week to Soldiers who were retained on active duty involuntarily under the so-called "Stop Loss" program.Maj. Roy Whitley, program manager for the Army's Retroactive Stop Loss Special

Army updates health promotion regulations

The Army has revised its regulations on health promotion and suicide prevention to provide an improved, comprehensive "how to" guide for commanders and Soldiers.The updated Army Health Promotion Regulation (AR 600-63) and new Army Suicide Prevention Pamphlet (PAM 600-24) provide a holistic approach

Airmen graduate ALS

Congratulations to the following Airmen for graduating from Airman Leadership School Class 10-A. The development of Airman Leadership School, and all professional military education, is based upon the premise that the Air Force needs efficient leadership at all levels. ALS is the first phase of an

USO officials honor 5 Air Force Medal of Honor recipients

Officials of the Metropolitan New York USO held their 48th Annual Armed Forces Gala and Gold Medal Dinner and honored the only five living Air Force Medal of Honor recipients Dec. 9 in New York City. The USO's Distinguished Service Award was presented to Col. Bernard F. Fisher, Col. James P.

Families can see off, greet troops at airport gates

It's a scene that's played out in airports across the country numerous times in the past eight years: Families and servicemembers clinging to each other, either sad to leave or happy and vowing to never let go again. The emotion always is appropriate, but the location of the scene - just beyond the

2010 Thrift Savings Plan contributions remain at 2009 limits

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board here announced Dec. 11 the 2010 elective deferral limit for regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions will remain at $16,500, unchanged from 2009. Contributions for the TSP catch-up plan also remains at the $5,500 limit set in 2009."TSP is a long-term

Joint Chiefs chairman sends birthday message to National Guard

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends the following birthday message to members of the National Guard: "On the 13th of December each year, we celebrate the creation of one of America's most enduring institutions: our National Guard. The Guard has a proud history of

Promotion to E-8 to require resident Senior NCO Academy

Completion of the resident Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy or a sister service equivalent becomes a requirement for promotion to senior master sergeant effective Jan. 1, Air Force officials announced Dec. 9 as part of a policy change.The change in the professional military education