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  • U.S. Air Force graphic by Josh Plueger

    Next stop: Wine country

    When people think of Iowa, they might not think of vineyards or wine tasting tours. Few may know that Iowa has more than 400 commercial vineyards and more than 70 wineries.However, 11 members of Team Offutt will soon learn about the wine Iowa has to offer when they embark on the Western Iowa Wine Tour hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Office here
  • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Maj. Dave Jones, United States Strategic Command, plays a C-chord during a guitar lesson at the Community Activity Center here March 9. Major Jones has been taking lessons at the center for about nine months and practices about 30 minutes every day. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman (Released)

    Guitar lessons offered at Offutt

    For anyone with a desire to play like Jimmy Hendrix or entertain friends with smooth guitar licks, the community activity center here can help.Guitar lessons are available at Offutt's CAC every Wednesday night starting at 5:30 p.m. Each lesson lasts 30 minutes and costs $12.50.Robert Whitbeck, the instructor for each lesson, has been playing guitar
  • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Staff Sgt. Andrew A. Blascyk, a confinement guard, and Tech Sgt. Raymond C. Kubiaczyk, NCO in charge of confinement for the 55th Security Forces Squadron, prepare to secure the temporary cell space gate on March 3. The facility is the oldest operational jail west of the Mississippi River and can house up to 15 inmates. U.S. Air Force photo by Jeff Gates

    Facility welcomes all UCMJ violators

    For servicemembers who violate the Uniformed Code of Military Justice there's a place to take a short vacation from it all.This place can house up to 15 people and offers wonderful views from barred windows. Every guest starts with a 72-hour stay in one of three private rooms in the form of segregation cells. Those who check in have no amenities,
  • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Marcy Jameson, HAWC Flight Chief & Exercise Physiologist, gestures to participants in the Get Fit Run class at the Offutt Field House. Mrs. Jameson leads the class every Friday at 6:30 a.m. U.S. Air Force photo by D.P. Heard

    Running to success

    Dozens of feet pound the treadmills inside the Offutt Field House. Some are trying hard to maintain their pace, while others seem to be moving with ease. They won't be able to for long though.Soon a voice yells out to the runners, "Increase your incline to eight percent."The runners follow the voice's instructions while trying to maintain their
  • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Airman 1st Class Derrick Miller, an air traffic controller apprentice assigned to the 55th Operations Support Squadron, spends time in an air traffic control simulator with a 180 degree monitor with a detailed view of Offutt as part of routine training here, Feb. 24. U.S. Air Force Photo by Josh Plueger (Released)

    Air traffic controllers keep Offutt flying

    An aircraft may have a pilot at the controls, a dedicated crew and no mechanical problems, but it won't take off or land here without approval from Offutt's control tower.From 110 feet above the ground day or night, Offutt's air traffic controllers keep watch over the sky above, as well as the ground below and manage the base's busy arrival and
  • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Col. Carl Swanson, 55th Wing chief chaplain, addresses the audience at a special dedication ceremony Nov. 29 at Offutt's new Hero Park outside the SAC Memorial Chapel. Hero Park features a hero tree where Team Offutt members can hang ornaments, reflect on and pray for their deployed loved ones. U.S. Air Force photo by Charles Haymond (Released)

    Chaplain has huge impact

    His hair is white, the lines on his face show his age, yet his eyes are warm and determined. At 60 years old, Chaplain (Col.) Carl J. Swanson is the senior chaplain here and one of few Vietnam veterans still on active-duty.As Offutt's senior chaplain, Colonel Swanson ensures that his staff of seven do all they can to take care of Team Offutt. This
  • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Mental health is an important part of overall wellness. If the life stressers are overwhelming, seek help from teh resources available to you, whether it's your friends, fmaily or the professionals at the mental health clinic. U.S. Air Force graphic by Jeff Gates

    Warrior Health: seeking resources to stay mentally fit

    "Men are not prisoners of fate, but prisoners of their own minds." -Franklin D. RooseveltWith new Air Force physical training standards recently taking effect and an evolving fitness culture, focus is often placed on performance of physical strength and stamina. However, for a healthy whole-person concept, military members and their families should
  • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Airmen assigned to the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, prepare to leave on an RC-135 aircraft for a deployment. The 45th RS supports four mission platforms which involve strategic electronic reconnaissance, ballistic missile detection, nuclear debris detection and treaty verification. Squadron members must be ready to deploy at a moment's notice. U.S. Air Force photo by Josh Plueger

    45th RS brings four missions to the fight

    The phone rings and a young captain quickly answers it. The voice on the other end of the line explains that a team must be ready to deploy in less than 24 hours to support an operation half way around the world. The captain answers, "yes sir, we'll be ready." Phone calls like this are just a part of life for the members of the 45th Reconnaissance
  • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Sirois and her husband, Chief Master Sgt. Roger Sirois, are all smiles while they thank those in attendance at their dual retirement ceremony at the Patriot Club, July 6. With over 60 years of combined service, Chiefs Lisa and Roger Sirois' retirement ceremony symbolized both a commitment to the service of this country as well as one another. U.S. Air Force Photo by Josh Plueger

    30-year career, marriage depends on balance, commitment

    Two Chief Master Sgts. here celebrated not only their combined 60-years of military service at a retirement ceremony July 6, but also their 30-year journey as a married couple in the Air Force. Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Sirois, 55th Wing command chief, and her husband Chief Master Sgt. Roger Sirois, 55th Communications Squadron superintendent, were
  • WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Lt. Col. Douglas Taffinder contemplates his next move during the 2010 Air Force Chess Tournament here May 15. The lieutenant colonel, assigned to U.S. Strategic Command Headquarters at Offutt AFB, Neb., was crowned the Air Force chess champion and will represent the service during the 2010 Inter-service Championships set for Aug. 2 - 6 at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill. U.S. Air Force photo by Ryan P. Burger

    Playing to win mentality contributes to Air Force honors

    Play to win ... three simple words that guide many as they enter competitive events.Those same words led Lt. Col. Douglas Taffinder, a member of U.S. Strategic Command, to the title of 2010 Air Force Chess Champion during the service-wide tournament at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, May 9 - 15."I play in a tournament to win the event," the chief of
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