9 Nov 2006

Warrior of the Week: James Malachowski

Jim Malachowski, 71st Flying Training Wing historian, was nominated as Warrior of the Week because of "his outstanding service as only the third civilian historian to deploy in support of military operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom," according to his supervisor, Lt. Col. Bob Brumley. "His enthusiasm for his work is apparent in everything he

9 Nov 2006

Building a base: Army begins construction on Vance 65 years ago

Traffic on U.S. Highway 81 came to a near standstill as trucks began delivering construction materials to a flat area of farmland just south of Enid 65 years ago last month. Construction of what would become Vance Air Force Base began on July 12, 1941, and it seemed the entire area was only a cloud of dust for the next several weeks as two shifts

9 Nov 2006

Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. Richard White

Staff Sgt. Richard White, 71st Communication Squadron air-field systems craftsman, "is the most diversely competent technician I have ever worked with," according to his supervisor, Master Sgt. John Steurer. "There is no task he can't handle." His expertise probably comes from years of tinkering with electronics before he ever received formal

9 Nov 2006

Plan early to survive military moving season

It's summer, and the change-of-station orders you've been waiting for have finally dropped on your desk. You've got four months until your report date and most of your virtual out processing appointments are still a few months away, "Plenty of time to start making plans," you think to yourself. But don't wait too long -- you're in the midst of the

9 Nov 2006

Vance security forces: Deployed police officers keep overseas bases safe

Like other Air Force professions' deployments, security forces rotations have changed significantly since Sept. 11, 2001. "Gone are the days of simply guarding the gate or patrolling the base for 90 or 120 days," said Staff Sgt. Robert Novak, 71st Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of mobility and the squadron's unit deployment manager. Now,

9 Nov 2006

Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Danielle Ring

Senior Airman Danielle Ring, 71st Mission Support Group civil engineer readiness training manager, is "highly effective and an essential team leader" according to her supervisor, Staff Sgt. Thomas Bohl. "She always gives 100 percent to every task," he said. Airman Ring's work ethic comes easy because of the satisfaction she gets from doing her job.

9 Nov 2006

Readiness course prepares Team Vance for deployments

Twenty Team Vance warriors received critical warfighting training while attending the Combat Readiness Course June 12 to 16. The weeklong training, conducted by the 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron's Civil Engineer Readiness Flight, provided combat realism to ensure members could survive and operate in austere locations, while honing battle

9 Nov 2006

Vance security forces: Elite team handles elevated situations

If you see security officers with bulletproof shields, wearing bulletproof vests and helmets, lining up outside a door before breaking it down, you're not always seeing civilian forces in action. Look closely -- the team may be wearing battle dress uniforms underneath that protective gear. "We're the equivalent to a civilian (Special Weapons and

9 Nov 2006

Warrior of the Week: Kenneth Goodnight

On March 27, T-6 aircraft mechanic Kenneth Goodnight's "can-do attitude and willingness to go beyond the normal checklist requirements, possibly saved lives," said Carl Simmons, Computer Sciences Corporation flightline manager. Mr. Goodnight was doing a routine thru flight on a T-6 aircraft in March when he discovered a damaged override tube and

9 Nov 2006

Men encouraged to pay attention to health

Many times, men are forgotten by health advocates when it comes to their specific health needs. They also sometimes fall into the trap of doing things just because someone forces them to do it. This is particularly true for those who participated in high school and college sports. Men may have only been aware of certain health practices, i.e.