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Air Force announces NCO Career Status Program for Airmen with 12 years of service
October 30, 2019 — The Air Force announced Oct. 30 it will implement the new Noncommissioned Officer Career Status Program for active duty Airmen, which will affect reenlistment contracts executed on or after Nov. 18... MORE

TRICARE copayments on prescription drugs going up
October 30, 2019 — On Jan. 1, some copayments for prescription drugs will increase for the military retiree family who get prescriptions through the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or at a retail network pharmacy. There’s still no cost to fill prescriptions at military pharmacies... MORE

Total Force Initiative creates 147th Operations Group, Det. 1, at 558th FTS
October 30, 2019 — A congressional mandate for increased total force integration authorized the 147th Attack Wing of the Texas Air National Guard to stand up a small Air Education and Training Command Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training, or URT, detachment... MORE

An instructor sits next to a student at a tabletop simulator to help guide him with proper procedures. This simulator is specifically to help train sensor operators. It has a keyboard and three levers.

Air Force transitions all U.S. military treatment facilities to DHA administration and management
October 30, 2019 — This October, U.S.-based Air Force military treatment facilities transferred administration and management to the Defense Health Agency. Congress directed this transfer in the fiscal year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act... MORE

This October, U.S.-based Air Force military treatment facilities transferred administration and management to the Defense Health Agency. (U.S. Air Force illustration)

Navy Recruiting District San Antonio brings cheer to special child
October 30, 2019 — To bring some happiness to a local child, Sailors assigned to Navy Recruiting District San Antonio at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston visited the New Braunfels home of Isaac Juarez, 7, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer... MORE

Cmdr. Nicholas Gamiz, Navy Recruiting District San Antonio commanding officer, conducts a mock swear-in of Isaac Juarez during a visit by NRD SA Sailors at Isaac’s New Braunfels home Oct. 28. Isaac, 7, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, was presented with an Honorary Sailor Certificate, an America’s Navy ball cap, a Forged by The Sea t-shirt, a Navy Fiesta Medal, and a copy of the U.S. Constitution.

U.S. Army proposes innovative solution for historic housing
October 29, 2019 — The Department of the Army recently notified the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) of the Army's intent to request a "Program Comment for Army Inter-War Era Historic Housing (1919-1940)" in order to efficiently rehabilitate historic homes while preserving their historical integrity... MORE

The Department of the Army recently notified the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) of the Army's intent to request a "Program Comment for Army Inter-War Era Historic Housing (1919-1940)" in order to efficiently rehabilitate historic homes while preserving their historical integrity.

Cole High School cross country teams advance to UIL state meet
October 29, 2019 — The Roger G. Cole High School Cougars varsity girls' and boys' cross country teams used grit and persistence at the University Interscholastic League Region IV Championships Oct. 25, advancing to the UIL state meet Nov. 9 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas... MORE

The Roger G. Cole High School Cougars varsity girls' and boys' cross country teams used grit and persistence at the University Interscholastic League Region IV Championships Oct. 25, advancing to the UIL state meet Nov. 9 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas.

Reserve Citizen Airmen fly to Corpus Christi to welcome new pilot to the fold
October 29, 2019 — At about three feet tall, Alessandra "Ale" Alaniz might be the shortest pilot ever, but what she lacks in stature, she makes up for in charisma... MORE

Corpus Christi, Texas Driscoll Children's Hospital patient, and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Pilot for a Day Alessandra "Ale" Alaniz poses for a "hero" shot with her new Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, aviation teammates (left to right) Lt. Col. Doug Hayes, 96th Flying Training Squadron; Capt. Roland Kern, 86th Flying Training Squadron; Capt. Anthony Giebelhaus, 86th FTS, and Maj. Wade Dahlgren, 96th FTS. Ale is the 100th child selected for the NAS Corpus Christi program. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Air Force releases criteria for new Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal
October 29, 2019 — The new medal, established by then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, is part of a continuing effort to recognize U.S. Air Force military members in a non-deployed status who directly participated in a Department of Defense combat operation from a remote location... MORE

Fort Sam Houston Elementary students help spread Red Ribbon Week message
October 28, 2019 — Students at Fort Sam Houston Elementary prepared for Red Ribbon Week at their school Oct. 28 and the school message on their marquee outside reads “Taking a Stand Against Bullies & Drugs.”... MORE

Pre-kindergarten and first-grade students kick off Red Ribbon Week wearing their red shirts while watching an animated video at the Fort Sam Houston Elementary Library Oct. 28.

ARNORTH evaluates ANG Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team
October 28, 2019 — Evaluators from U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston observed the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 3rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team Oct. 25, checking on its ability to identify nuclear, radiological, chemical and biological contaminants, advise on response measures... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. Brandi Tipton decontaminates U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Foscue during the Pennsylvania National Guard's 3rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team evaluation exercise Oct. 24 at the Steam Town National Historic Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania. The team was evaluated by U.S. Army North on its ability to identify nuclear, radiological, chemical and biological contaminants, advise on response measures and assist with requests for support during notional training scenarios.

Vietnam POW recounts experiences to 149th Fighter Wing members
October 25, 2019 — Members of the 149th Fighter Wing heard from guest speaker retired Air Force Lt. Col. Barry Bridger about his experiences as a Vietnam prisoner of war Oct. 22... MORE

Members of the 149th Fighter Wing listen to retired Lt. Col. Barry Bridger speak about surviving six years as a prisoner of war during Vietnam. Bridger was shot down by a surface-to-air missile over a North Vietnamese city in January of 1967.

Army South hosts Colombian Sergeants Major
October 25, 2019 — Members of the Ejército Nacional de Colombia Sergeants Major Academy observe U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Combat Medic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis during PISAJ 12 Oct. 24. ... MORE

Members of the Ejército Nacional de Colombia Sergeants Major Academy observe U.S. Army Combat Medic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis during PISAJ 12 Oct. 24.

2019 TRICARE Open Season, Federal Benefits Open Season starts next month
October 25, 2019 — Did you know that the TRICARE Open Season and Federal Benefits Open Season happen only once a year?... MORE

TRICARE Open Season applies to anyone enrolled in or eligible for a TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select health plan. Federal Benefits Open Season is for enrollment in a Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program dental and vision plan. Both the TRICARE and FEDVIP open seasons will run from Nov. 11 to Dec. 9. The enrollment choices that you make during this period will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Joint Army-Air Force-Navy medical partnership saves lives downrange
October 25, 2019 — At any given time, there are over 100 medics deployed worldwide from the 59th Medical Wing, executing a Joint U.S. mission in support of global operations. ... MORE

Airmen work with members of the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation team to save the life of a NATO troop at the Craig Joint-Theater Hospital on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 18, 2016

Sixteenth Air Force to streamline cyber weapon systems tools
October 25, 2019 — Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) leaders recently launched an initiative to streamline its cyber weapon systems tools... MORE

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 33rd Network Warfare Squadron conduct cyber operations at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Aug. 27. The 33rd NWS utilizes a cyber weapon system that employs more than 40 tools and applications. The “12N12” initiative aims to reduce this number to 12 in 12 months.

433rd AW's C-5M Super Galaxy living large at Wings Over Houston Airshow
October 25, 2019 — Aircrew with the 68th Airlift Squadron represented the 433rd Airlift Wing with a C-5M Super Galaxy static display at Ellington Airport Oct. 18-20 at the Wings Over Houston Airshow. ... MORE

An Air Force Reserve Command C-5M Super Galaxy assigned to the 433rd Airlift Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland sits on display at the Wings Over Houston Airshow at Ellington Airport in Houston Oct. 19.

Pilot Training Next, NASA launch collaborative research agreement
October 25, 2019 — Officials from Air Education and Training Command’s Pilot Training Next have established a strategic partnership with NASA, focused on biometric data collection and the application of emerging technology into PTN curriculum that will innovate the student pilot learning environment... MORE

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jay Pothula, Det. 24 Pilot Training Next instructor; Derrick Ng, NASA aerospace engineer intern; and Alex Garbino, NASA extravehicular activities physiologist, monitors 2nd Lt. Gabe Cavender, PTN student, during a virtual reality sortie as part of the collaborative research agreement between Air Education and Training Command and NASA Oct. 22 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The goal of the agreement is to help both AETC and NASA collect physiological and cognitive data and leverage each organization's knowledge and skills to maximize learning potential for individual students.

Classes explore resume writing for civilian, federal jobs
October 25, 2019 — Those seeking a strong resume for civilian and federal jobs can learn more in classes set for Nov. 12 and 15 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Military & Family Readiness Center... MORE

Those seeking a strong resume for civilian and federal jobs can learn more in classes set for Nov. 12 and 15 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Military & Family Readiness Center. A resume is often called one of the most crucial steps in a job search, said Terry Wise, JBSA-Randolph M&FRC community readiness consultant.

Honduran readiness exercises provide invaluable surgical, training opportunities
October 25, 2019 — Brooke Army Medical Center personnel participated in two separate medical readiness exercises in Honduras recently... MORE

(From Left) Army Spc. Abdiel Santos-Soto, Air Force Maj. Julia Nuelle and Air Force Capt. Tayt Ellison harvest bone to perform a fibular bone graft Sept. 19 during a Medical Readiness Exercise in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. A team of 19 military medical personnel from Brooke Army Medical Center and other military treatment facilities completed 128 procedures from Sept. 14-27.