6 Apr 2006

Calling for 'culture of responsibility'

For several months, the “0-0-1-3” concept, a shorthand device representing the Air Force’s commitment to a culture of individual responsibility, has been a buzz phrase here. Standing for zero tolerance for driving under the influence, zero instances of underage drinking, a maximum of one drink an hour and three per night, 0-0-1-3 is less about

30 Mar 2006

Fighting war for readiness

Alpena Air National Guard Base, Mich., was transformed for a seven-day exercise recently as members of the 446th Air Reserve Wing and the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., and the Warriors of the North joined forces to create the 602nd Air Expeditionary Wing. Members of the three wings started to arrive at Alpena March 17, with a

23 Mar 2006

FeedBRAC: Commander addresses realignment at community summit

The post-BRAC environment has been a confusing one to navigate for many base and community residents. “Sign posts” of rumor and speculation have led many to reach false conclusions. Among these rumors are that aircraft and personnel moves associated with the base’s realignment have already occurred (they haven’t) and that there are “specific” dates

23 Mar 2006

TRANSCOM's top Airman inducts peers

The advice from U.S. Transportation Command’s highest-ranking enlisted person to Grand Forks’ newly-inducted Chief Master Sergeants was simple: “treat them like they are your own kids.” He had a personal reason to offer that particular insight on how the new Chiefs should approach their troops: his 18-year old son, Kyle, had recently enlisted in

19 Mar 2006

Wing follows roadmap to readiness

An essential element to the wing’s preparations for this summer’s Operational Readiness Inspection is the exercise of its capability to carry out missions in support of U.S. Strategic Command. During certain contingencies, Grand Forks’ tankers become part of USSTRATCOM’s aerial refueling force, led by the 18th Air Force Headquarters at Scott Air

19 Mar 2006

Team to address BRAC uncertainties

Months after the Base Realignment and Closure committee reached its final recommendations, questions about the future of Grand Forks Air Force Base still resonate throughout the base and local community – but the answers may be just around the corner. Although the BRAC recommendations called for the realignment of the base’s tanker mission (and a

19 Mar 2006

0013 means base, community partnership

Base leaders recently sent letters and flyers to the local community asking for help in promoting a responsible drinking culture in the area. In the letter to alcohol vendors, Col. Bill Bender, the 319th Air Refueling Wing commander, suggested a number of practices alcohol establishments could use to help curb alcohol-related accidents. “…new,

24 Feb 2006

Air Force 2007 budget released

As part of the president’s fiscal year 2007 budget plan, the Air Force is set to receive $105.9 billion. This budget meets the vision of Air Force leaders to fight and win the global war on terrorism; to develop, train and care for Airmen; and to recapitalize and modernize the force, said Maj. Gen. Frank R. Faykes, Air Force deputy assistant

24 Feb 2006

GFAFB receives N.D. thanks

“It happened very fast,” said Ellen Houska, remembering the fire that claimed her home Jan. 23. Minutes after waking to the panicked cries of her three children and the sounds of fire alarms, the wife of North Dakota National Guardsman Wayne Houska (on temporary duty then to Fort Hood, Texas) and her family were left homeless. Scant days later, the

24 Feb 2006

Base tax center open for business

On Monday, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center opened for business. Located behind Fast Eddie's in the Community Activity Center, the VITA Center helps Air Force members and their families file federal and state income tax returns. In 2005, the free service helped base personnel file 963 electronic and 252 paper tax returns, saving members