News

  • White House unveils new approach to military family support

    White House officials have released a report that unveils a new, governmentwide approach to military family support and details a sweeping, interagency effort under way to strengthen families and enhance their well-being and quality of life.President Barack Obama announced the results of a nearly

  • Navy Operational Support Center Omaha opens new facility

    While the weather outside may have been cold, dreary and gray, the mood inside was anything but as the Sailors of the Navy Operational Support Center Omaha cut the ribbon on their brand new facility here Jan. 22.The new $4.3 million, 19,000-square-foot facility includes computer training classrooms,

  • Air Force chief of staff releases 2011 reading list

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest professional reading list Jan. 21. "Effectively operating within our increasingly dynamic, interconnected and complex world requires steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth," Gen. Norton Schwartz said in a letter to

  • TRICARE officials improve online communication, access

    Additions to the TRICARE military health plan's website are giving beneficiaries easier access to their personal health data, more convenient appointment scheduling and better communication with their health care providers, the top TRICARE official reported.TRICARE Online, the military health

  • TSP contribution limits set for 2011

    Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board members announced the 2011 elective deferral limit for regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions will remain $16,500, and TSP catch-up plan contribution limits will remain at $5,500.TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan that gives investors an

  • ACC’s newest chiefs descend on Offutt

    More than 100 of Air Combat Command's newest chief master sergeant selects along with their numbered Air Force and major command functional managers braved snow and subzero temperatures to attend the ACC Chief Master Sergeant 2011 Orientation here Jan. 9 - 13. The purpose of the conference is to

  • AFWA intramural soccer team wins close one

    On Wednesday night, outside the Offutt Field House, freezing temperatures and blistering winds seemed to bring things to a standstill. Inside, however, was a completely different matter. The location was Offutt's indoor soccer field and the event was a rematch between the Air Force Weather Agency

  • Offutt captain saves Omaha man’s life

    When sitting through your next annually-required cardio-pulmonary resuscitation class, pay attention. The life of your friend, family member or Wingman could be at risk. You might not even know the person.On Nov. 29, 2010, Capt. Jonathan Fitzsimmons, assistant A Flight commander for the 45th

  • Air Force officials caution against geotags, location-based services

    Social media offers many Airmen another way to keep in touch with colleagues, friends and family, but users need to be aware of the risks associated with technical tools that help them share information, officials said Jan. 7.As more Airmen and their family members use smartphones to take pictures

  • Tax Center shares info for appointments

    For members of the Armed Forces serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area, the deadline for filing tax returns, paying taxes, filing claims for refunds, and taking other actions with the IRS is automatically extended.The deadline for taking action with the IRS is extended 180 days

  • First-Time Home Buyers Credit for Military Members

    As tax season approaches, the Offutt Tax Center has been receiving many calls concerning the first-time home buyers credit and wants customers to be aware of how this credit will impact the military community. If you received the first-time home buyers credit in 2008 of $7,500, then you will begin

  • Secretary Gates outlines 'Don't Ask' repeal process

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Jan. 6 described the Pentagon's three-step process for preparing to allow gays to serve openly in the military services.At a Pentagon news conference with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary Gates updated reporters on the

  • Air Force officials announce formal officer cross-flow program

    In an effort to balance officer skills across the active-duty component, the Air Force will offer cross-flow options for nonrated line officers in specified career fields, officials said here Jan 7. The nonrated officer cross-flow program is being announced as part of the fiscal 2011 Force

  • Team Offutt to host ACC's newest chiefs

    Air Combat Command's most recent chief master sergeant selects will travel to Offutt Jan. 9 - 14 to attend the command's annual Chiefs Orientation. The orientation, designed to prepare the selectees for the Air Force's top enlisted rank, is expected to focus on the roles and responsibilities of a

  • Nominations open for Military Child of the Year Award

    A nonprofit organization is giving Americans the chance to sing the praises of a group often called the nation's unsung heroes: military children.Operation Homefront, a troop- and military-family support group, is inviting people to nominate outstanding military children from all branches of service

  • Changes coming to the Post-9/11 GI-Bill

    The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was recently signed into law. Effective Aug. 1, 2009, but not payable until Oct. 1, 2011-- Certain National Guard members mobilized on Title 32 orders on, or after, Sept. 11, 2001 are now eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and any

  • 'Hero Miles' program supports families of fallen, wounded

    A popular program that turns donated frequent-flier miles into free airline tickets for wounded warriors receiving medical care, as well as their families, will expand in 2011, so families of the fallen and combat wounded can participate in two upcoming events.The Fisher House Foundation, which

  • Networthiness sets standards for DOD, AF networks

    The Air Force soon will have a relatively new term to add to its network operations lexicon: "Networthiness." Air Force Network Integration Center officials recently led efforts to develop the Department of Defense's networthiness concept, an operational assessment that goes well beyond information

  • Suicide prevention alliance focuses on troops, veterans

    A suicide-prevention task force for service members and veterans has been added to a national alliance that officials hope will help bring more attention to the issues and offer solutions in the future.Officials with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention last week announced that

  • Royal Air Force aircrew members to train at Offutt

    Whether it's performing strategic bombing missions in World War II, defending Europe during the Cold War, monitoring Iraqi no-fly zones, or battling the Taliban in Afghanistan, the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Royal Air Force have been close allies for many years.Recently, this partnership was