In an effort to prevent homelessness among veterans, primarily those returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that both agencies will invest a combined $15 million in five selected communities near military installations.
The HUD and VA grant funding is intended to provide housing assistance and supportive services to veterans who might otherwise be living in homeless shelters or on the streets.
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Two Global Strike Command missile crews launched Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile test vehicles June 16 and 30, respectively, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Missile maintenance and operational task forces from F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and Malmstrom AFB, Mont., combined with the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg AFB to launch the missiles.
The launches give the crews a unique training opportunity to turn the launch keys that send an actual missile rocketing into the sky, said Capt. Isaac Earnhart, the 341st Operations Support Squadron missile combat crew commander..
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Explosive ordnance disposal technicians are trained to apply classified techniques and special procedures to lessen or remove hazards created by the presence of unexploded military, criminal, biological, nuclear or terrorist homemade ordnance.
Airmen here help provide this training by fabricating EOD training aids for military customers.
The devices that are replicated at the 982nd Maintenance Squadron represent a considerable cost savings to the customer, said Roberto Huezo, the 982nd MXS trainer development flight chief.
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Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said a series of tours he'd taken on and above the island of Guam gave him broader insight into the challenges that lie ahead for that U.S. territory, as well as an appreciation of the historical significance of the region.
"It's very helpful to see the geography," Mr. Lynn said July 28 while en route home from Guam. "These are relatively small islands and understanding the limits and capacity of the islands is very important. It's difficult to do that without putting your eyes on location."
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When an aircraft comes back from a sortie broken, and the part to repair it doesn't exist in the supply chain, all hope for repair might feel lost. However, in the distance, an Airman wields a glimmering, 35,000 degree Fahrenheit light of hope.
The 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron's metals technology flight uses a lathe, drill press, torch and imagination to repair, and at times create, parts that are no longer available.
"If it's made of metal, and it's on this base, or you have a schematic of it, we can fix it or make it," said Senior Airman Lloyd Davis, a 332 EMXS metals technology journeyman.
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Last week, I hit the 2.5 year mark of being cancer free, and in that time I have been learning to accept the "new normal" that comes with that. Not everything will be as it was, but I do know that the Air Force that I serve in will be there to ensure I'm taken care of.
Earlier this year, I was selected to participate in the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., which was the military's first Paralympic-style competition of nine sports. Initially, I thought running would be my sport, but during preparation for the games, recumbent cycling unexpectedly made its way into my life.
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The final Air Force police transition team in Iraq completed its mission July 26 as Iraqi police officials have reached a self-sustaining level.
In a ceremony here, 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Det. 2 officials transferred authority to officials from the Army's 94th Military Police Company, who will be taking over in an advise and assist role with the Iraqi police.
"We're officially the final Air Force police transition team in Iraq," said Maj. David Lederer, the Det. 2 commander.
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Pregnant women are given a lot of information about what changes to expect during the 40 weeks it takes to carry a baby to term. They are told they should maintain a balanced diet, continue to exercise, and that they can expect to gain 25 to 35 pounds.
With the ongoing emphasis on physical fitness and new bi-annual testing requirements, it's more important than ever for new moms to get back into shape after having a baby.
That is where health and wellness center officials can help. The staff at the HAWC makes continuous efforts to create innovative programs to cover practically every aspect of physical fitness improvement and injury prevention. One of the newest physical training programs was designed especially for new active-duty mothers.
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Four Airmen were killed when a C-17 Globemaster III crashed here July 28. Three were members of the Alaska Air National Guard and the other was an active duty servicemember here.
"Our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of those Airmen killed in this crash. Yesterday, we lost four members of our Arctic Warrior family, and it's a loss felt across our entire joint installation," said Col. John McMullen, the 3rd Wing commander. "Right now, our immediate focus is on providing all possible support to the loved ones of our fallen aviators. We are also engaged in a deliberate investigative process."
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Four Airmen were killed when a C-17 Globemaster III crashed here July 28. Three were members of the Alaska Air National Guard and the other was an active duty servicemember here.
"Our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of those Airmen killed in this crash," said Col. John McMullen, the 3rd Wing commander. "Yesterday, we lost four members of our Arctic Warrior family, and it's a loss felt across our entire joint installation. Right now, our immediate focus is on providing all possible support to the loved ones of our fallen aviators. We are also engaged in a deliberate investigative process."
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