Nov. 18, 2016

Two-year probationary period now in effect for new civilians

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas — All new federal employees appointed within the Department of Defense to permanent positions in the competitive service are now required to serve a two-year probationary period. The new requirement took effect Nov. 26, 2015, as part of the fiscal year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.  The change does not apply to employees appointed prior to

Nov. 10, 2016

AF unveils latest ‘Veterans in Blue’ exhibit

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) — The seventh volume of “Veterans in Blue” is now available online. The exhibit captures 28 stories of heroism and service by Air Force veterans. Each veteran’s portrait is also displayed at the Pentagon.

Nov. 9, 2016

FYI: Blended Retirement System

The new Blended Retirement System is on its way, and with that comes some changes. In this episode of FYI, Tech. Sgt. Holly Roberts-Davis gives us some general comparisons to help us make an informed decision.

Nov. 9, 2016

Use-or-lose leave guidelines for civil service employees

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — As we approach the end of the year, federal civil service employees should examine their accrued annual leave, and make plans to use it if they are approaching the maximum. Employees may carry over to the new leave year a maximum of 240 hours of annual leave. Under certain circumstances, some personnel may carry over to the new year up to 360

Oct. 28, 2016

Motivated by movies

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — Senior Airman Victoria Leznik enlisted in the Air Force Reserve about two years ago, after thinking it wasn’t a possibility for her. “I never thought I was capable of joining the military because I wasn’t a citizen,” Leznik said.  Leznik was born in Russia then moved to a refugee camp in Germany with her family when she was a toddler. Fourteen

Oct. 26, 2016

Wing welcomes new Yellow Ribbon rep

Beale Air Force Base, California — The 940th Air Refueling Wing has its own Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program representative for the first time in nearly two years.Senior Master Sgt. Ellie Torres, superintendent of nursing services at the 940th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, started an extended active-duty tour Oct. 1 to help unit members participate in Yellow Ribbon, which promotes

Oct. 21, 2016

Five years, 158 days: One Airman’s journey to citizenship

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — Five years and 158 days after moving to the United States, Airman Aris D. Soltani became a citizen. Soltani raised his right hand and recited the Oath of Allegiance Oct. 11, 2016, at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Sacramento, California. “I don’t think I’ve ever really been so proud of myself,” said Soltani, a 940th

Sept. 27, 2016

ISR Airman honored during AFA Conference

WASHINGTON — Staff Sgt. Aaron Tobler was one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year recognized during the Air Force Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference in Washington, D.C., Sept. 19, 2016. Tobler is a geospatial intelligence analyst with the 50th Intelligence Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, California.

Sept. 22, 2016

Reserve commander discusses shaping the force for the future

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) — Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, the Air Force Reserve Command commander and chief of the Air Force Reserve, said the legacy of citizen Airmen of the past helped strengthen and shape the dynamic force that serves and defends the nation today during a session at the Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference here Sept. 20. Addressing the

Sept. 21, 2016

Maj. LaPray takes command of 940th Force Support Squadron

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — Maj. Alicia K. LaPray assumed command of the 940th Force Support Squadron from Lt. Col. Emily D. Dierhka during a change of command ceremony, Sept. 10, 2016 at Beale Air Force Base, California. Col. Roderick T. Grunwald, 940th Mission Support Group commander, was the presiding official and spoke highly of LaPray as the selection to be the 940 FSS