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Jennifer H. Svan

Air Force dress blues may shed their corporate look for a service uniform that reflects the service's heritage as Air Force leaders eye uniform changes.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
Air Force dress blues may shed their corporate look for a service uniform that reflects the service's heritage as Air Force leaders eye uniform changes.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Air Force wants to suit up with new uniform that draws on service’s heritage

The Air Force may follow suit with the Army by adopting a dress uniform that reflects its history.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

Divers conduct a mission for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to investigate the underwater wreckage of an aircraft located near the coast of Croatia in July 2017. DPAA conducts similar missions around the world in an attempt to locate, recover and identify Americans missing from past conflicts, including a renewed effort to account for missing World War II troops.<br>U.S. National Park Service photo courtesy of DPAA
Divers conduct a mission for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to investigate the underwater wreckage of an aircraft located near the coast of Croatia in July 2017. DPAA conducts similar missions around the world in an attempt to locate, recover and identify Americans missing from past conflicts, including a renewed effort to account for missing World War II troops.<br>U.S. National Park Service photo courtesy of DPAA

Searchers increase efforts to find those lost in past wars

The return of 1st Lt. William “Bill” Gray’s remains to his family reflects the renewed push for DPAA to bring fallen World War II troops home from across the European and Mediterranean theaters and expand its focus beyond the Vietnam War.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Vandervort, assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany's 52nd Medical Operations Squadron, was found unresponsive on autobahn A60 near the base, and declared dead at approximately 2:20 p.m. on July 31, 2018.<br>U.S. Air Force
Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Vandervort, assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany's 52nd Medical Operations Squadron, was found unresponsive on autobahn A60 near the base, and declared dead at approximately 2:20 p.m. on July 31, 2018.<br>U.S. Air Force

Dead Spangdahlem airman, found unresponsive near German autobahn, identified

The Spangdahlem airman found unresponsive on a German roadway and declared dead Tuesday afternoon has been identified as Staff Sgt. Justin Vandervort, base officials said Thursday.

This scene in one of the Marc Chagall stained-glass windows at St. Stephan's church in Mainz, Germany, is part of the motif titled "Creation."<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
This scene in one of the Marc Chagall stained-glass windows at St. Stephan's church in Mainz, Germany, is part of the motif titled "Creation."<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Europe Quick Trips

Colorful Chagall: A modern master’s art illuminates Gothic church in Mainz

To reach St. Stephan’s in the storied city of Mainz, Germany, you have to climb. But the heart-pounding pilgrimage is worth the effort, once you swing open the creaky, heavy church doors and see a sea of blue.

The farmer's omelet with vegetables at Du and Ich cafe in Wiesbaden, Germany, makes for a hearty meal.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
The farmer's omelet with vegetables at Du and Ich cafe in Wiesbaden, Germany, makes for a hearty meal.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Enjoy breakfast all day at Wiesbaden’s Du and Ich

It’s hard to choose a restaurant in Wiesbaden because, frankly, there are just so many. Seemingly countless cute cafes and posh eateries with names like Scotch N Soda and Chez Mamie beckon to hungry pedestrians wandering the old town’s cobblestone streets. A quick review of TripAdvisor led me to Du and Ich, a popular cafe that serves breakfast all day as well as lunch and dinner.

Lt. Col. Daniel McGuire, 57th Wing fighter pilot, sits in the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet assigned to the 24th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Feb. 27, 2018. A Government Accountability Office report says the military needs to get a better handle on how many pilots are leaving the service for the commercial airlines.<br>Andrew D. Sarver/U.S. Air Force
Lt. Col. Daniel McGuire, 57th Wing fighter pilot, sits in the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet assigned to the 24th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Feb. 27, 2018. A Government Accountability Office report says the military needs to get a better handle on how many pilots are leaving the service for the commercial airlines.<br>Andrew D. Sarver/U.S. Air Force

GAO report says military must learn why pilots leave for commercial airlines

The military needs to get a better handle on why pilots are leaving the military and how many are leaving for jobs with commercial airlines, a new Government Accountability Office report said.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer takes off in support of an exercise in the Baltics from RAF Fairford, England, on June 2, 2018, shortly before a safety stand-down grounded the fleet. <br>Emily Copeland/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer takes off in support of an exercise in the Baltics from RAF Fairford, England, on June 2, 2018, shortly before a safety stand-down grounded the fleet. <br>Emily Copeland/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force

Air Force’s B-1B Lancers cleared to return to flight after fleetwide safety stand-down

The Air Force’s B-1B Lancers have been cleared to resume flying after a safety stand-down that grounded the fleet on June 7 because of concerns about the plane’s ejection seat components, officials said.

Army Pvt. Jacob Williams, right, with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, teaches Polish soldiers how to use a Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System during the Saber Strike exercise at Wyreby, Poland, on June 7, 2018. The U.S. Senate approved a measure last week that would call on the Pentagon to consider the feasibility of permanently deploying U.S. troops to Poland to counter Russian aggression.<br>Hubert Delany/U.S. Army
Army Pvt. Jacob Williams, right, with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, teaches Polish soldiers how to use a Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System during the Saber Strike exercise at Wyreby, Poland, on June 7, 2018. The U.S. Senate approved a measure last week that would call on the Pentagon to consider the feasibility of permanently deploying U.S. troops to Poland to counter Russian aggression.<br>Hubert Delany/U.S. Army

Senate may require Pentagon to study permanent US presence in Poland

Specifically, the Pentagon is to examine whether a permanently assigned Army brigade combat team would be effective and how Russia might react to such a move. Poland currently hosts U.S. Army and NATO forces, who rotate between Poland and the three Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

Soccer fans serving with the U.S. military overseas will get to watch the World Cup on American Forces Network when it starts on Thursday.<br>Courtesy of AFN
Soccer fans serving with the U.S. military overseas will get to watch the World Cup on American Forces Network when it starts on Thursday.<br>Courtesy of AFN

No last-minute deals this time: AFN secures World Cup rights early, will broadcast starting Thursday

Soccer fans serving with the U.S. military overseas will get to watch the World Cup on American Forces Network when it starts Thursday.

The drywall ceiling inside this family housing building on Vogelweh near Kaiserslautern, Germany, collapsed on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. No one was injured, but 31 families in two multistory housing complexes on the base are being directed to move after last week's collapse.<br>
The drywall ceiling inside this family housing building on Vogelweh near Kaiserslautern, Germany, collapsed on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. No one was injured, but 31 families in two multistory housing complexes on the base are being directed to move after last week's collapse.<br>

31 families to move after ceiling collapse at Air Force’s Vogelweh housing

Air Force housing officials are preparing to move 31 families from two Vogelweh multistory housing complexes as quickly as possible after an apartment ceiling collapse that brought down a fan and lighting fixtures.

The drywall in the ceiling inside this family housing building on Vogelweh near Kaiserslautern, Germany, collapsed on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. No one was injured but Air Force officials are asking residents of similar buildings to report any suspected damage such as cracks in the ceilings to housing officials.<br>Jennider H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
The drywall in the ceiling inside this family housing building on Vogelweh near Kaiserslautern, Germany, collapsed on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. No one was injured but Air Force officials are asking residents of similar buildings to report any suspected damage such as cracks in the ceilings to housing officials.<br>Jennider H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

No one injured in apartment ceiling collapse at Air Force’s Vogelweh housing area

Residents of an apartment in a multistory building at Vogelweh were fortunate not to be home Tuesday evening when a ceiling collapse brought down lights and a ceiling fan and exposed electrical wires.

Joan Baker, an anthropologist, and Marine Corps Cpl. Julian Temblador remove small stones from the top of a grave next to a church in Pokojisce, Slovenia, on July 17, 2017. A team representing the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency conducted a mission in Slovenia in July to search for the remains of Sgt. Alfonso Duran, an airman missing since World War II. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Joan Baker, an anthropologist, and Marine Corps Cpl. Julian Temblador remove small stones from the top of a grave next to a church in Pokojisce, Slovenia, on July 17, 2017. A team representing the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency conducted a mission in Slovenia in July to search for the remains of Sgt. Alfonso Duran, an airman missing since World War II. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

More than 74 years after his B-24 Liberator was shot down, a US airman is coming home

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency found the remains of Army Air Forces Sgt. Alfonso O. Duran's remains last summer next to a church in the Slovenian countryside. He had been missing since his plane was shot down during World War II.

An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle is pictured here on the ramp at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018.<br>Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes
An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle is pictured here on the ramp at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018.<br>Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes

Air Force begins operating Reaper drone from Poland

U.S. Air Forces in Europe said in a recent statement that it is operating an MQ-9 Reaper aircraft at Miroslawiec Air Base “as a visible expression of U.S. efforts to enhance regional stability.”

Ramstein's Jose Serrano leads the pack in the boys 1,600-meter race at the DODEA-Europe track and field championships in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Friday, May 25, 2018. Serrano won in 4 minutes, 28.73 seconds.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Ramstein's Jose Serrano leads the pack in the boys 1,600-meter race at the DODEA-Europe track and field championships in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Friday, May 25, 2018. Serrano won in 4 minutes, 28.73 seconds.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Serrano couldn't be beaten at season-ending meet

Jose Serrano set a new European mark in the 3,200 - his fourth gold in two days after winning the 800, 1,600 and anchoring the Royals’ winning 3,200 relay team.

Jada Branch reacts after setting a new DODEA-Europe record in the 400-meter race at the European championships. She finished in 57.28 seconds, breaking the record set in 2000 by Christina McDuffie of Hohenfels.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Jada Branch reacts after setting a new DODEA-Europe record in the 400-meter race at the European championships. She finished in 57.28 seconds, breaking the record set in 2000 by Christina McDuffie of Hohenfels.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

There's apparently no limit to Branch's track feats

Kaiserslautern’s Jada Branch spent the first few weeks of her track and field season this spring nursing an injury.

Military members and families moving back to the U.S. that used United to fly pets overseas will now be able to fly them back on the airline, regardless of the carrier's stricter pet travel rules that ban some 25 breeds of dogs and cats starting in June.<br>Stephen Beard/U.S. Marine Corps
Military members and families moving back to the U.S. that used United to fly pets overseas will now be able to fly them back on the airline, regardless of the carrier's stricter pet travel rules that ban some 25 breeds of dogs and cats starting in June.<br>Stephen Beard/U.S. Marine Corps

United says military families worldwide can ship pets back to US, but for how long remains uncertain

All U.S. military families overseas — regardless of where they are stationed — are eligible to use United Airlines to fly their pets to the States under an exception to policy for military members announced by the carrier and the Defense Department this week.

Some U.S. military families moving back to the States from the Pacific may now be able to fly United Airlines with their pets, regardless of the carrier's stricter pet travel rules that ban some 25 breeds of dogs and cats starting in June.<br>Stephen Beard/U.S. Marine Corps
Some U.S. military families moving back to the States from the Pacific may now be able to fly United Airlines with their pets, regardless of the carrier's stricter pet travel rules that ban some 25 breeds of dogs and cats starting in June.<br>Stephen Beard/U.S. Marine Corps

United will fly barred pets home if they originally sent them overseas

Some U.S. military families moving back to the States from the Pacific may be able to fly United Airlines with their pets, regardless of the carrier’s stricter pet travel rules that ban some 25 breeds of dogs and cats.

Mark Gregory, 25, a citizen of the United Kingdom, worked at Chili's on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, for nearly four years until leaving this year. He was disappointed with how the 86th Force Support Squadron handled the transfer of third-country nationals into the host nation employment program.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Mark Gregory, 25, a citizen of the United Kingdom, worked at Chili's on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, for nearly four years until leaving this year. He was disappointed with how the 86th Force Support Squadron handled the transfer of third-country nationals into the host nation employment program.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

New rule forces some base workers to accept changes to pay, benefits or lose jobs

Ramstein is believed to be the first base overseas to convert services jobs held by foreign employees to the host-nation or non-U.S. employment program earlier this year. At least one other base in Germany is considering the same conversion.

Jada Branch reacts after setting a new DODEA-Europe record in the 400-meter race at the European championships. She finished in 57.28 seconds, breaking the record set in 2000 by Christina McDuffie of Hohenfels. <br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Jada Branch reacts after setting a new DODEA-Europe record in the 400-meter race at the European championships. She finished in 57.28 seconds, breaking the record set in 2000 by Christina McDuffie of Hohenfels. <br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

European track - Day 2

Branch, Serrano wow crowd, set new marks

Kaiserslautern senior breaks second mark in two days by winning 400, while Ramstein senior finishes with five gold medals and sets new record in 3,200.

Kaiserslautern's Jada Branch repeated as the girls triple jump champion at the European finals, with a leap of 39 feet, 6 inches, breaking her own DODEA-Europe record.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Kaiserslautern's Jada Branch repeated as the girls triple jump champion at the European finals, with a leap of 39 feet, 6 inches, breaking her own DODEA-Europe record.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

European track - Day 1

Branch breaks own record on sweltering K-town track

Branch’s jumping feat was part of an exciting day of competition that saw another record almost fall on the track, a slew of new champions emerge, and a few familiar faces exert their dominance again.

Helmets worn by F-16 pilots with the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, display pilots' call signs on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. More retired pilots have the chance to return to the cockpit and other rated positions under an expansion of the Air Force's voluntary return to active duty program.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Helmets worn by F-16 pilots with the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, display pilots' call signs on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. More retired pilots have the chance to return to the cockpit and other rated positions under an expansion of the Air Force's voluntary return to active duty program.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Air Force tries to ease pilot shortage by asking more retirees to come back

The Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty program is being expanded to all pilots and maximum tour lengths are being more than doubled to help ease a serious shortage of qualified aviators.

Amber Walker, then 10, stands between her parents, Claudia and Edmond, at Heidelberg Castle in Germany in 2013. Amber was killed on a ride at Holiday Park in Hassloch, Germany, in August 2014. Germany's highest court cleared the supervisors of an operator at Holiday Park, who previously were found guilty of criminal negligence in the death.<br>Photo courtesy of Claudia Walker
Amber Walker, then 10, stands between her parents, Claudia and Edmond, at Heidelberg Castle in Germany in 2013. Amber was killed on a ride at Holiday Park in Hassloch, Germany, in August 2014. Germany's highest court cleared the supervisors of an operator at Holiday Park, who previously were found guilty of criminal negligence in the death.<br>Photo courtesy of Claudia Walker

German court affirms acquittals of Holiday Park employees in 2014 death of former soldier’s daughter

A German appeals court has ruled that two amusement park employees were not responsible for the 2014 death of a former U.S. soldier’s daughter on a family ride, even though the men were found to have been lax in some of their duties.

The U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds conduct their first training flight in Las Vegas on April 18, 2018, following an aircraft mishap on April 4. <br>Ned T. Johnston/U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds conduct their first training flight in Las Vegas on April 18, 2018, following an aircraft mishap on April 4. <br>Ned T. Johnston/U.S. Air Force

Thunderbirds to resume first air shows since fatal crash in April

The Air Force Thunderbirds announced Monday they’ll perform next week in Virginia, their first air show since the April 4 death of team member Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno during a training flight.

About 75 parents and educators of teenagers in the Kaiserslautern Military Community attended a forum to discuss emotional resilience for teenagers on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Ramstein Middle School in Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
About 75 parents and educators of teenagers in the Kaiserslautern Military Community attended a forum to discuss emotional resilience for teenagers on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Ramstein Middle School in Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Military parents, educators reflect on their own resiliency to help their teens

Organizers of an event said parents and mental health professionals are seeing increased reports of teen depression, anxiety, self-harm and other mental health issues in the Kaiserslautern Military Community.

Pfc. Christian Jacob “Jake” Chandler was killed while on a combat patrol in Afghanistan on April 28, 2014, about the same time Abdol Moghadas S. was said to have helped attack a U.S. convoy with the Taliban guerrillas. Chandler’s mother says she was disappointed German authorities didn’t investigate the case more thoroughly.<br>Department of Defense
Pfc. Christian Jacob “Jake” Chandler was killed while on a combat patrol in Afghanistan on April 28, 2014, about the same time Abdol Moghadas S. was said to have helped attack a U.S. convoy with the Taliban guerrillas. Chandler’s mother says she was disappointed German authorities didn’t investigate the case more thoroughly.<br>Department of Defense

Germany sentences asylum seeker to prison for role in attacks on US, Afghan forces

An Afghan refugee seeking asylum in Germany has been sentenced to four years and 10 months in jail for his role in attacks against U.S. and Afghan government forces while he was a teenager in Afghanistan.

Visitors check out artwork at the opening night of the DODEA art show in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Thursday, May 3, 2018. The exhibit at the city hall runs through the end of May. <br>Jennifer Svan/Stars and Stripes
Visitors check out artwork at the opening night of the DODEA art show in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Thursday, May 3, 2018. The exhibit at the city hall runs through the end of May. <br>Jennifer Svan/Stars and Stripes

DODEA students brighten Kaiserslautern city hall with art

An exhibit features watercolors, mixed-media works, photographs, pencil drawings, ceramics and other kinds of art from six Defense Department schools in the Kaiserslautern, Baumholder and Wiesbaden communities.

A dog waits to be picked up by its owner after arriving at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in March 2016. United Airlines has announced new restrictions to its pet transportation program that go into effect next month. They include a ban on 25 breeds of short-nosed dogs and cats and oversize crates for large-breed dogs.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
A dog waits to be picked up by its owner after arriving at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in March 2016. United Airlines has announced new restrictions to its pet transportation program that go into effect next month. They include a ban on 25 breeds of short-nosed dogs and cats and oversize crates for large-breed dogs.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

New United pet ban could spur military family heartache

When United Airlines resumes shipping pets in June, it will no longer transport some 25 breeds of dogs and cats and will bar oversized carriers commonly used for large dog breeds, such as Labradors, golden retrievers and German shepherds.

Outdoor seating flanks Carla Ohio Coffee and Things, a new cafe in the pedestrian zone in Kaiserlautern, Germany that specializes in coffee drinks and healthy lunches.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Outdoor seating flanks Carla Ohio Coffee and Things, a new cafe in the pedestrian zone in Kaiserlautern, Germany that specializes in coffee drinks and healthy lunches.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Carla Ohio another fine coffee hangout in Kaiserslautern

Considering how bustling the Kaffeeroesterei is, it stands to reason that Kaiserslautern has room for another establishment dedicated to fine coffee. Carla Ohio Coffee and Things is trying to fill that niche.

Chief Culinary Specialist Dominique Saavedra, assigned to the USS Michigan, is pinned with her enlisted submarine qualification at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Aug. 2, 2016. The Navy has extended the deadline for female enlisted sailors to convert to submarine force ratings. <br>Kenneth G. Takada/U.S. Navy
Chief Culinary Specialist Dominique Saavedra, assigned to the USS Michigan, is pinned with her enlisted submarine qualification at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Aug. 2, 2016. The Navy has extended the deadline for female enlisted sailors to convert to submarine force ratings. <br>Kenneth G. Takada/U.S. Navy

Deadline extended for female sailors to convert to sub force ratings

Sailors in ranks E-1 to E-8 now have until June 1 to apply, the Navy announced this week. The deadline had been April 11.

Eighth-grade students at the Bahrain school work on an assignment on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015. DODEA eighth-graders in 2017 led the nation in the latest national reading assessment released this week.<br>Stars and Stripes
Eighth-grade students at the Bahrain school work on an assignment on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015. DODEA eighth-graders in 2017 led the nation in the latest national reading assessment released this week.<br>Stars and Stripes

DODEA students get high marks in America's report card

U.S. military students are right up there with academic powerhouse Massachusetts, according to the latest national test results. The Department of Defense Education Activity held its own against a state that traditionally outperforms the nation in student assessments.

The train station in Kaiserslautern, Germany. A former U.S. military sergeant allegedly killed a German civilian in a fight early Friday morning at the train station.<br>Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes
The train station in Kaiserslautern, Germany. A former U.S. military sergeant allegedly killed a German civilian in a fight early Friday morning at the train station.<br>Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes

Former US servicemember arrested after German train station fight turns deadly

Police said a 33-year-old American killed a German man outside the Kaiserslautern train station last month.

Giant replica dinosaur bones take up space in the main entry area inside Gondwana - Das Praehistorium, an interactive dinosaur museum near Kaiserslautern, Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Giant replica dinosaur bones take up space in the main entry area inside Gondwana - Das Praehistorium, an interactive dinosaur museum near Kaiserslautern, Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Europe Quick Trips

Interactive exhibits at German dinosaur museum educate, entertain, frighten

When you visit Gondwana - Das Praehistorium, you’re in for a few surprises.

Oscar Rodriguez, pictured here, and another former airman are suing the Air Force for violating their religious liberty, dating back to a retirement ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., in 2016, when Rodriguez was thrown out for what he alleges was for a speech referencing ''God.''<br>Photo courtesy First Liberty
Oscar Rodriguez, pictured here, and another former airman are suing the Air Force for violating their religious liberty, dating back to a retirement ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., in 2016, when Rodriguez was thrown out for what he alleges was for a speech referencing ''God.''<br>Photo courtesy First Liberty

Vets say Air Force should have allowed retirement speech that mentioned God

A retired senior master sergeant, Rodriguez had been invited by Master Sgt. Charles Roberson to speak while the flag was folded during Roberson’s retirement ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., two years ago.

Col. Leland Bohannon. The Air Force has ruled that Bohannon, who declined to sign a letter of appreciation for the same-sex spouse of an airman in his command, was unfairly reprimanded and had the right to exercise his religious beliefs.<br>U.S. Air Force
Col. Leland Bohannon. The Air Force has ruled that Bohannon, who declined to sign a letter of appreciation for the same-sex spouse of an airman in his command, was unfairly reprimanded and had the right to exercise his religious beliefs.<br>U.S. Air Force

Air Force: Colonel had religious right to refuse signing same-sex spouse appreciation letter

The Air Force has affirmed the religious rights of a colonel who claimed he was wrongly disciplined for refusing to sign a certificate of appreciation for the same-sex spouse of one of his airmen last year.

U.S. military, school and German construction officials shovel a pile of dirt on March 28, 2018, to symbolically mark the start of construction on a new Ramstein High School near Kaiserslautern, Germany. The school is scheduled to be ready for students and teachers by fall of 2021.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
U.S. military, school and German construction officials shovel a pile of dirt on March 28, 2018, to symbolically mark the start of construction on a new Ramstein High School near Kaiserslautern, Germany. The school is scheduled to be ready for students and teachers by fall of 2021.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Construction begins at Ramstein on biggest DODEA school in Germany

The new high school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2021, which means this year’s 8th graders will be the first class to attend and graduate from the new school.

Air Force Junior ROTC cadets take a familiarization flight in a 1st Special Operations Wing aircraft at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 27, 2017. <br>Joseph Pick/U.S. Air Force
Air Force Junior ROTC cadets take a familiarization flight in a 1st Special Operations Wing aircraft at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 27, 2017. <br>Joseph Pick/U.S. Air Force

As Air Force grapples with pilot shortage, Flight Academy provides hope for the future

The Air Force plans to put kids into the cockpit to teach them how to fly in hopes of sparking youth interest in aviation as the military struggles with a pilot shortage.