Dec. 31, 2020

Genesis trains defenders despite challenges

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — The 940th Security Forces Squadron created Genesis, a training program for new defenders, and executed it twice in 2020, despite the challenges presented globally and here at Beale Air Force Base, California.In January 2019, the Air Force made changes to the training for defenders including the elimination of their Career Development Courses (CDCs)

Oct. 23, 2018

Changes of Command Saves Time

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — A double change of command happened here Oct 14 when two new lieutenant colonels took command of the 940th Air Refueling Wing Aircraft Maintenance and Maintenance Squadrons. First, Lt. Col. John Neubecker relinquished command of MXS, then turned around and took command of AMXS.“I am not going far,” said Neubecker. “I’m just going down the road. I

April 12, 2018

“Summer”time starts at the 13th RS

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — Summer and Sunshine stood brightly onstage while rain poured outside the Valley Chapel. As Lt. Col. Karyn L. “Sunshine” Christen relinquished command of the 13th Reconnaissance Squadron April 7, Lt. Col. Summer A. Fields stepped up with a smile to fill her shoes. Col. David S. Edwards presided over the squadron’s change of command ceremony. He is

Feb. 28, 2018

“… Saw it as a way out…”

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — Promoting to chief master sergeant was an indescribable moment for Martez D. Banks, 940th Operations Group superintendent. He felt fortunate to accept such a trusted position, however, he never planned to climb so high up the ranks.“It wasn’t a relief,” he said, explaining how pinning on chief was never his goal. “It wasn’t like ‘I’ve

Jan. 1, 2018

“… Looking forward to a new start …”

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — “I’ve had a lot to overcome in the past couple years. In 2016, I was tested for a gene linked to breast cancer, called the BRCA 1 mutation, since multiple women in my family have battled it. After testing positive and being told I had a very high risk for developing breast cancer by age 40, I decided to go through with preventative surgery and

Dec. 31, 2017

Same job, different clothes

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — For many reservists, work life does not end when they take off the uniform. Maj. Francis J. Tobias is one of these Airmen. Aside from a change of setting and suit and tie, his profession remains the same."I do the exact same job; I just change clothes," he said. In uniform, Tobias serves as the director of Equal Opportunity for the 940th Air

Dec. 14, 2017

ANG provides aerial imagery support for Southern California fires

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) — Air National Guard members from the 195th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group at Beale Air Force Base are providing aerial imagery support to fire departments battling fires in Southern California. The 163rd Air Attack Wing is providing video of the Thomas Fire to the 195th ISRG by utilizing an MQ-9 Reaper.

Nov. 22, 2017

“…They’re the reason I do anything…”

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — “I was first assigned to Beale when I was active-duty. I was, and still am, an aircraft maintenance officer. I wanted to settle down and start a family, so I transferred to the Reserve. Now, I have been married for eight years and am a father of two. My wife loves Thanksgiving. We moved to a bigger home two years ago with the goal being to host all

Nov. 9, 2017

Suits and boots: Reserve readiness exercise

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — More than 90 Beale reservists demonstrated their readiness capabilities in a simulated chemical environment during their unit training assembly Nov. 4 here.   The Ability to Survive and Operate exercise prepared Airmen for working in hostile locations by allowing them to practice in gas masks and protective suits.   “It was a great exercise,”

Oct. 20, 2017

“…‘Til they can’t walk anymore …”

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California — “My uncle used to scare my siblings and me when we were younger every Halloween. He would always buy these unique, limited edition-type masks and come out when we weren’t expecting it. One of my favorite Halloween memories was the time I got him back. I put on the wolf mask I had for my costume, hid in my grandparent’s basement and waited for my