The Airmen’s ministry: making a difference in Airmen’s lives

By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 
Staff writer

For many Airmen, Friday nights are a night to get out of the dorms and go out on the town. However, thanks in large part to the Pope Chapel staff, that trend is starting to wane as some dorm residents are opting to “stay in” rather than “go out.”

When Chaplain (Capt.) Jason Botts first began the Friday Night Alternative back in February, he had no way of knowing it would grow from a c

Created by Melissa Garcia May 1, 2009 at 1:24pm. Last updated by Melissa Garcia May 1.

“First There”

Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell 
Editor

Editor’s note: Combat Control instructors and students are identified by their rank and first name only. This is part five of a 13-part series.

The combat controller motto of “First There” reaffirms their commitment to undertaking the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines. These men learn how to rapidly inject themselves into the most hostile areas by whatever means necessar

Created by Melissa Garcia May 1, 2009 at 1:24pm. Last updated by Melissa Garcia May 1.

Recruiter story

By Emily Farrington-Smith 
Staff writer

As a child, Tech. Sgt. Rachael Darnes, 43^rd Force Support Squadron, knew she wanted to go to college and do something important with her life. Thirteen years ago, she made the decision to join the Air Force and has not looked back since.

“I grew up in Central Penn. where the economy thrived on steel mills and coal mines, then when I was 12 my family moved to upstate New York wher

Created by Melissa Garcia Apr 17, 2009 at 9:20am. Last updated by Melissa Garcia Apr 17.

And then there were 19

Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell 
Editor

Editor’s Note:  Combat Control Students are identified by their rank and first name only. This is part three of a 13 part series.

Week three has started and the original group of 21 trainees has been reduced to 19 as Class 09-003 continues on their 13-week block of instruction at Pope’s Combat Control School. As the weeks progress and the trainees begin to truly experience what i

Created by Melissa Garcia Apr 17, 2009 at 9:19am. Last updated by Melissa Garcia Apr 17.

Pope Airman battles for Air Force boxing spot

By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 
Staff writer

Some of Nick Alwan’s fondest childhood memories involve his  dad getting home from a late-night shift and waking him up to eat pizza and watch boxing on the television. This unique bonding ritual formed within him a fervor for the sport which would come alive when he joined the  Air Force three years ago.

Created by Melissa Garcia Apr 3, 2009 at 2:07pm. Last updated by Melissa Garcia Apr 3.

To Exceed the Standard

Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell 
Editor

Editor’s Note:  Combat Control Students are identified by their rank and first name only. This is part one of a 13 part series.

“To Exceed the Standard” is the motto and goal of those who have the honor to wear the red beret of the combat controller. It is the way of the combat controller and it is the way the next 21 trainees hoped to learn as they began their 13-week training a

Created by Melissa Garcia Apr 3, 2009 at 2:06pm. Last updated by Melissa Garcia Apr 3.

43rd LRS 3-peat as Intramural Basketball Champions

Story and Photos by Irvin Gourdine 
Staff writer

Not once or twice, but three times the 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron has won the intramural basketball championship. This year LRS had three different teams, two of which made it to the playoffs. LRS (A) was the team consisting of the players who won the last two titles. They came into this season with confidence, dominating the regular season with a record of 14 – 0 and scoring 687 points.  They ar

Created by Melissa Garcia Mar 27, 2009 at 9:26am. Last updated by Melissa Garcia Mar 27.

DDRP dissuades drug abuse

Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 
Staff writer 

In a day and age where drug abuse is so prevalent, the Air Force has put a program in place to combat the abuse of such illegal drugs among its members and Air Force community.

Drug abuse is defined as the wrongful, illegal or illicit use of a controlled substance, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication or intoxicating substance (other than alcohol)

Created by Melissa Garcia Mar 27, 2009 at 9:26am. Last updated by Melissa Garcia Mar 27.

14th ASOS makes time for war vets

By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 
Staff writer

War veterans are an integral part of our military history. Their stories are part of a carefully constructed fabric woven into the culture of our lives.  Many of us take time to reflect on their achievements during nationally designated holidays, but how many of us really take the time think about them when not reminded by our calendars?

Four Tactical Air Control Party members of the

Created by Melissa Garcia Mar 20, 2009 at 10:30am. Last updated by Melissa Garcia Mar 20.

AFAF Endurance Run Promises Fun For All

By 2nd Lt. Chris Hoyler 
43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs 

The 2009 Team Pope Endurance Run benefiting the Air Force Assistance Fund will be “Going The Distance” to keep up with a tradition started in 2007 and 2008, when more than $25,000 was raised by Team Pope for the AFAF.

This year’s event, which is sponsored by the Company Grade Officer’s Council, will kick off April 2 at 9 a.m. and conclude April 3 at 9 a.m. Throughout

Created by Melissa Garcia Mar 12, 2009 at 9:51am. Last updated by Melissa Garcia Mar 12.