Changing the way the military communicates

Filed under Air Force by on June 15, 2009 at 2:49 pm {3 comments}

DOD released an interesting story today regarding how DOD has its sights set on changing the way we communicate.  Story is posted here.  There’s an effort moving forward to harness more emerging technologies, and mediums like blogging and video-sharing.  The story highlights Mr. Price Floyd, the Pentagon’s new Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs. 

Air Force PA has recently started to move in this direction with recent additions, like this blog, live-Twitter feeds from bases supporting the front lines, Airmen blogging about their personal experiences and the re-design and release of Air Force Link, which now offers a feed-back mechanism for comments.  Expect more from military communicators in the future.

From PACAF Pixels–Giving a ‘lift’ to a friend in need

Filed under Air Force by on June 11, 2009 at 1:15 pm {no comments}

As Pakistan reaches a crossroads in its development, following years of militant presence, the United States is helping build relationships and create opportunities that will benefit the citizens. Whether providing citizen care, temporary housing, or in this case, helicopters, the U.S. and other foreign governments are offering support in numerous ways.  Lt. Col. Don Langley (in photo) shares his perspectives in this story he wrote for PACAF Pixels about delivery of helicopters to the Pakistani Army.

PACAF is the Pacific Air Forces, one of the Major Commands of the U.S. Air Force. Lt. Col Langley is a Public Affairs Officer currently serving with the Office of the Defense Representative at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.

USAF Art Collection Visits Air Force Week, Salt Lake City

Filed under Air Force by on June 10, 2009 at 9:05 am {no comments}

AF ART EXHIBIT @ Salt Lake City Library

Local artist shines

Many facets of the military, particularly the Air Force, were on display last week in Salt Lake City, Utah. Air Force Week sheds light on another area of the Air Force which is not common knowledge to the public: the United States Air Force Art Collection. The Air Force Art Program began its extensive collection in 1950. This week’s display features unique, original artwork spanning from present day to one piece that dates back to 1963.

Air Force Week Salt Lake City was honored to have Air Force Art Program member, Richard “Buz” Sawyer in our area—both he and his own artwork were on display last week in the Salt Lake City library. The library sees many notable exhibits pass through its doors, and the work of Buz and his fellow artists were right on par with the best—a privilege for Salt Lake City area residents to view and appreciate.

Mr. Sawyer has had an impressive career in the Air Force, spending 34 years in the Reserves. He spent eight years as a weapons loader and well over 20 years working in the Intelligence career field. One significant point in his profession was being sent to the desert within a month of the September 11 attacks. Such a hearty career allowed many travels, and Buz claims he’s been “everywhere but Australia, Africa, and China.”

His artistic abilities allowed him to keep the military close; Buz was a technical illustrator at Hill Air Force Base for eight years. Today, his work goes far beyond technical orders and diagrams. Several of his displayed pieces depict the F-16s gained by the Air Force Reserves in 1984.
Sawyer retired from the Air Force Reserves on April fool’s Day, 2006, but he hasn’t strayed too far from his military roots. His talents portray the pride we all share as members of the United States Air Force.
Thanks to Jason Carrion, 75 ABW Public Affairs, for providing this story and James Arrowood for the photo.

Air Force Week–Salt Lake City

Filed under Air Force by on June 9, 2009 at 12:57 pm {no comments}

Due to some technical issues, these stories from last week’s Air Force Week are running a bit late. Thanks to 2nd Lt. Shannon Laubenthal for reporting from Air Force Week and sharing these posts with us.

LUNCH BUNCH Falconaires Concert @ SLC Gallivan Center

The Wasatch Front is an explosion of military connections between service members old and new, past and present. Air Force Week Salt Lake City is home to infinite venues in which such connections are fostered and continued.

Such was the case on Tuesday afternoon. The Air Force Academy Band Falconaires’ jazz tunes and big band sounds, in addition to the park-like, summer setting of the Gallivan Center, catered to a unique social scene.  Many sauntered in and out of the concert, while others sat and enjoyed lunch with coworkers and comrades. Recruiters manned their posts near the Air Force Super Car and other promotional pursuits, while patrons struck up conversations with fellow attendees.

One such conversation was a discussion between a brand new military member and a soldier of yesteryear named Fred. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1947. Fred served a short three years, but like many veterans of his era, he could easily write a novel about his time. He was trained in electronics and started his time in Guam, working primarily with the Emergency Rescue Squadron.

After moving through several states, Fred eventually settled as a civil servant. He has since retired and now lives in the Salt Lake City area near three of his children. His present-day connection to the military resides in several areas, one of which is through collecting Air Force art. Another is listening to the playing of live music, from the era when he served.

A great venue, great scene, and great atmosphere… The phenomenal summer setting was the perfect backdrop for a conversation with a new Air Force connection.

IMAX MOVIE: “Fighter Pilot” @ Clark Planetarium

As we settled ourselves in front of the massive IMAX screen at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City, there were mixed expectations as to how our pilot community would be portrayed by the movie, “Fighter Pilot.” Their career field is, after all, an Airman’s reason for being; all of our efforts and support ultimately exist to sustain our flying, fighting, and winning through ‘Airpower.’

“Fighter Pilot” allowed the audience to extend its appreciation for our fighters in the sky—their intense training, dedicated time, and finely tuned talents are awe inspiring. Watching the IMAX big-screen flick as it focused on two weeks of their training—a small slice of time in the grand scheme of their career. Audiences are exposed to their efforts, with support from their maintenance counterparts, allowing us to put a few of the pieces of the intricate Air Force operations puzzle together.

The IMAX movie was another excellent showcase of America’s Airmen, enabling us to applaud and appreciate a group of Airmen whose world is full of wonder.

Dispatch from Ali Base, 5 June 2009

Filed under Air Force by on June 8, 2009 at 3:15 pm {one comment}

Lt. Col. Richard Hughes (photo right) is deployed here as the deputy commander of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group. Recently, he led a short-notice “hero flight” ceremony for a fallen Soldier returning home. The colonel wrote a moving commentary (“A Higher Calling”) about the event that is circulating around the blogosphere. As the 1988 graduate of The Ohio State University writes in his commentary:

“When one of our own makes that final, ultimate sacrifice, we must do everything we can to make sure he or she is given the highest level of honor and respect. Nothing interferes with that obligation. That is why – despite the heat, the sand and the wind – we gathered on a flightline in southern Iraq. It is what needed to be done for a soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice – one who met a ‘higher calling.’”

Colonel Hughes is deployed here from the 116th Air Control Wing where he is commander of the 116th Mission Support Group Active Duty Element and deputy commander of the 116th Mission Support at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

Ali Base sings…courtesy of “Ali Idol” hosted by the 407th AEG’s First Four Council. (“First Four Council hosts Ali Idol”)  The June 3 event featured 10 musical acts. Winner of the competition was Army Pvt. Chris Lawson who sang Maria Carey’s “Hero.” (photo right)

“Talent shows are very popular right now, so we (First Four Council) figured we should host an Ali version of ‘American Idol,’” said Senior Airman Christina Cordova, 407th AEG and show co-host.

The Northern Star Brass Quintet from the U.S. Army’s 34th Infantry Division “Red Bull” Band provided additional music between the acts. The band is from the Minnesota National Guard. Senior Airman Jay Cason, 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron and “Ali Idol” project officer, praised the band’s professionalism.

“The band was really involved with the whole show,” said the Phoenix, Ariz., native. “They made impromptu performances to cater to the acts, and they also played three excellent pieces. They were very skilled and funny.”

As you read this next bit, play in your mind Walt Disney’s “It’s a Small World (After All).” Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz, 332nd AEW Public Affairs, wrote an excellent article (“From sandbox to sandbox”) about how two boys who played together in a sandbox at Mather Air Force Base, Calif., in 1963 now find themselves in another sandbox 46 years later. The two Airmen are Brig. Gen. Brian T. Bishop and Master Sgt. Jeffrey Dunn. The NCO is deployed to the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, which falls under the 407th AEG. The group is part of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, whose commander is General Bishop. In the two photographs, the Airmen are in opposite positions.

It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small world.

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