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  • ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Mr. Eric Thayer, 97th Force Support Squadron section chief of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, sprints toward the finish line during a physical fitness test May 9. Mr. Thayer has achieved perfect scores on his Air Force PT tests for seven consecutive years. To achieve a perfect score Mr. Thayer had to do at least 44 push-ups in one minute, 50 sit-ups in one minute, complete a 1.5-mile run in less than 9 minutes 45 seconds and have a waist measurement less than or equal to 32.5 inches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman/ 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs)

    Civilian aims for nothing less than PT perfection

    Sweat pours down his face as his heart palpitates so hard it feels as if it will explode from his chest. The only thing beating harder than his heart is the music in his ears, which is muting the sound of his heavy breathing and blocking the pain in his lungs. Then, after nine minutes exactly, he crosses the finish line at the 1.5-mile mark. He has

  • Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with homemade Mexican cuisine

    Do you know how Cinco de Mayo celebrations began? Most people think Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican Independence Day, which is incorrect.Cinco de Mayo is actually a celebration of the victory at the Battle of Puebla, which took place in Puebla de Los Angeles, Mexico, May 5, 1861 during the French-Mexican war. The victory at the Battle of Puebla
  • MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY HILL, N.C. -- (Second from left in back row) 1st Lt. Virginia Aguilar, 97th Medical Support Squadron medical readiness and medical information systems flight commander, poses with the 2011 All Air Force Women’s Volleyball Team. “It’s a great opportunity because even coming in, there’s no difference between great officer or enlisted players,” Lieutenant Aguilar said. “We’re all teammates coming together for this common experience. It’s a great experience meeting people from all over the world.” (Courtesy photo)

    Altus LT volleys for chance at Military World Cup

    When 1st Lt. Virginia Aguilar isn't working on medical readiness and medical information systems for the 97th Medical Support Squadron here, she's usually playing sports. This hobby quickly transitioned from the background of Lieutenant Aguilar's focus to the forefront when she made the All Air Force Women's Volleyball Team in March. She and her 11
  • ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Rob Morrow, 97th Air Mobility Wing lead motorcycle instructor, briefs a group of motorcyclists before a motorcycle mentor ride here March 25. A motorcycle mentorship program is established to provide both experienced and inexperienced operators an opportunity to share information to be better equipped to ride safely. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman/ Released by 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs)

    Motorcycle, recreational vehicle safety vital during summer

    Now that the weather is changing and spring fever has arrived, people are starting to dust off their motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and dirt bikes. Along with the fun these vehicles provide also comes great responsibility. "Usually about this time of the year there will be an influx of people needing [motorcycle] training," said Mr. Leon Pike,
  • JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Staff Sgt. Mathew Johnson loadmaster, 58th Airlift Squadron, Altus Air Force Base, Okla., guides a forklift operator at Managua Airport, Nicaragua, as he unloads pallets off of a C-17 Globemaster III from Altus AFB Feb. 20. The delivery was possible because of the Denton Program, which allows donors to use space available on U.S. military cargo aircraft to transport humanitarian goods and equipment to people in need. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman/ Released 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs)

    Denton Amendment allows Altus AFB to support humanitarian operations

    Organizations across the world are eager to donate resources to third world countries in need, but the logistics of delivering goods is complicated and expensive. Thanks to the capabilities of the 97th Air Mobility Wing and the Denton Cargo Program, two third-world countries garnered enough food and supplies to help thousands in need. Altus Airmen
  • ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Airmen 1st Class Michael and Stephen Greer are identical twins and currently training to be C-17 Globemaster III loadmasters students in the 97th Training Squadron. The identical twins postponed their enrollment to the University of Mississippi to compete in pole vaulting in order to join the 172nd Airlift Wing at Jackson Air National Guard Base, Miss. The brothers will resume their education in August. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Clinton Atkins 97th Air Mobility Wing)

    Twins ‘bound’ for ANG service

    Two identical twins from Clinton, Miss., put their promising academic and athletic futures on hold to answer the call to serve.Airmen 1st Class Michael and Stephen Greer joined the Air National Guard to become C-17 Globemaster III loadmasters after high school at age 17 before continuing their education. The twins received scholarships to the
  • ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- These are some of the snacks that are commonly found in snack bars and vending machines. These foods contain little nutritional value. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman)

    Bad eating habits: Advice to help servicemembers eat healthier

    One fast food cheeseburger ... 900 caloriesOne large order of French fries ... 500 caloriesOne large soft drink ... 250 caloriesImproving your eating habits ... PricelessObesity is a major problem in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bad eating habits affect both civilians and military members."Bad

  • 54th ARS boom operator trades boom for gold bars

    He lays on his stomach with his head supported by a chin pad keeping his eyes steady. Both hands are carefully operating two joysticks that control the 20-foot boom off the end of the KC-135 Stratotanker. His eyes focus as he makes contact with the aircraft he is refueling 2,000 feet above the ground. But soon, this boom operator will let go of the

  • They call him the yo-yo guy

    "Being able to show them something that possibly blows their mind gets them talking, gets them more personable, and gets them more focused on what we're doing. Also, it gets them to want me to get done quicker so I can show them more yo-yo tricks."Staff Sgt. Toby Ratcliffe pauses, considering the impact he has had on first term Airmen at Altus Air
  • U.S. Air Force Chaplaincy (official Air Force graphic)

    Chaplains pray for those thinking suicide

    It was small gathering; a few professionals, and some who have simply come because they care, very deeply. Some have been touched by tragedy, and others are doing what they can to avoid it. Each of those present believe in a Higher Purpose."Let us pray..."Chaplains at the Altus main chapel gathered together at the invitation of the Air Force Chief
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