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  • Women in Aviation Day

    Innovation is a word that reminds us of our best selves; our endless zeal that demands we constantly push the limit of what is possible. As President John F. Kennedy said in his speech to Rice University in 1962, “We set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained, and new

  • New Program Awards Squadron Members

    The 117th Force Support Squadron recently adopted a new program designed to recognize more airmen for their hard work and efforts to support the air refueling mission.The “Sustainment Flight Recognition Program” is made up of board members who interview nominees each quarter and select those who are

  • Making Something Out of Nothing

    Metals technology Airmen here at the 117th Air Refueling Wing know how to be innovative.  Some of their job descriptions are the same as engineers and programmers. The shop has various pieces of equipment from manual lathes to welding tools, each requiring a different skillset in itself.“We can take

  • 117th Captain Earns Distinguished Awards

    "Excellence in All We Do." It's the Air Force core value that comes to mind when you notice the recent accomplishments by Captain Mitchell June. June recently returned from Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base where he was named a Distinguished Graduate, a title only given to the top

  • Alabama Airman Awarded Outstanding Woman of the Year

    The Alabama National Guard, much like the larger U.S. military as a whole, is a varied organization. Members come from all walks of life, from families where the military is a tradition, as well as those who are the first to serve. However, the popular image of the “military member” in many people’s

  • Love Week

    Most Airmen in the Air National Guard have to juggle two careers.  A call to duty may take them away from their home and civilian career at any time.  First Lt. Ben Ortiz is a pilot with the 106th Air Refueling Squadron in Birmingham and a systems engineer for Delta Airlines in Atlanta.  Ortiz

  • Aircrew Survival Training

    Airmen from the 117th Air Refueling Wing recently found themselves in an unfamiliar land, with unknown terrain, no security and no known point or time of departure.  With all of the uncertainty, a source of food and water had to be found.  The pressure intensified when they had to avoid enemy

  • 117th Civil Engineering Squadron Participates in Patriot South Exercise

    When thinking of natural disasters, the most common image is one of extreme destruction, like an engulfing flood or a menacing tornado as it barrels down the highway. We conjure up images of flying debris, cars thrown around like toys or water suddenly rising in our living rooms. But what we often

  • Airmen Learn Life Lessons From Sleight of Hand

    When a first sergeant shows a coin to his Airmen at roll call, they usually expect him to present it to someone under his command to be recognized for their exemplary service. So when this first sergeant made a coin disappear, it was unlike anything they had seen before. And when he lit a candle on