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  • F-22 pilot-physician takes healthcare, safety to new heights

    Most people know what a doctor is, and most people know what a pilot is. But what most don't know is that one of Tyndall Air Force Base's very own is both a doctor and a pilot in the most advanced jet fighter on the planet.F-22 Raptor operations involve the combination of complex technology with the

  • Air Force boats keep waterways safe

    The Gulf Coast is known for its crystal blue waters and seafood, both of which are a means of income for many living in Bay County.Patrolling these waterways and protecting the safety of recreational boater and commercial fisherman, falls on the shoulders of a unique Air Force unit."I have owned a

  • War is hell, resiliency is survival (Defender series: Part 4)

    In war, things can change in a heartbeat.A major challenge in ensuring Airmen are technically, mentally, physically and spiritually prepared to honorably endure battle, even if all hell breaks loose, and resilient enough to return to a state of normalcy afterward.Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, 366th

  • More than a decade of service, military dog retires

    For a few weeks in January, Mountain Home Air Force Base held the distinction of having the longest-serving military working dog in the Department of Defense.Base leadership, fellow defenders and other members of the Gunfighter family came out to say farewell to Tanja as she left the 366th Security

  • Eyes of the eagle - Ellsworth's OSI

    Agents with the Office of Special Investigations can be found around the world - working behind the scenes to ensure the successful completion of the Air Force mission is not impacted by subversive forces.Like those serving in this elite cadre, Ellsworth's OSI Detachment 226 is responsible for

  • Hitting the dusty trail

    Capt. Collin O'Bryant, 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron EC-130 pilot trains and runs ultra-marathons that range from 40 to 55 miles each week. An ultra-marathon consists of running more than 26 miles at a time.O'Bryant began to realize when he moved to Tucson in 2010 from Columbus, Miss., how much he

  • Waterproof: Missile Retrievers not afraid to dive in

    When the weather channel reports tall waves, mean currents and high winds, the last thing anyone is eager to do is jump into open water.But, for Ray Gallien and Chris Geradine, commercial divers aboard one of three 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron's Missile Retrievers, it sometimes becomes part of the

  • SFS Airman fights as team, heals alone (Defender series: Part 3)

    He fought among unfamiliar brothers and then returned to heal alone. He was misunderstood, he said, feeling "leadership had no idea."Combat wasn't easy for Tech. Sgt. James Zientek, yet the Air Force learned from the lessons security forces Airmen taught.As a squad leader in Iraq, Zientek, a 366th

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Combat boots by day, roller skates by night

    The pounding of wheels on a flat track is muffled under a roaring crowd as girls slam into one another.For one Airman, this is the jet fuel that lights her burners.Staff Sgt. Emily Kruithoff, 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron aircraft general evaluator, is an avid roller derby participant with the

  • Committed (Part 1): AF Tech. Sgt. welcomes life's surprises while deployed

    Editor's Note: Airmen leave their families due to deployment taskings in support of different operations each year. Having to leave family members to fulfill these tasks can bring about several challenges on the home front. This article is part one in a three part series on a USAF technical sergeant