-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a Prelude to War! 001448. Improved Air Force Web site offers more flexibility, access WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force has redesigned its public Web site, Air Force Link, to give users more flexibility and enhanced access to daily news. The new format debuts Sept. 27, and includes a redesigned USAF ONLINE news. It marks a major milestone in the Air Force's efforts to modernize and employ the latest technology for its Web site, according to Col. Johnny Whitaker, Air Force deputy director of public affairs. "With more than two million visitors weekly, AF Link is a proven resource that must evolve with changing technology," Whitaker said. One of the notable changes to the current Web site is the ability for visitors to personalize several aspects of the AF Link home page. Users will be able to include their favorite links, local weather, external media headlines and even personal reminders, Whitaker said. "It even gives them the opportunity to change some parts of the page design," he said. "We hope giving users this flexibility will encourage them to use AF Link as their personal home page." With the new AF Link, users will have a single online news product, from the merging of ONLINE news with the daily Air Force Print News pages. ONLINE news stories will now be updated daily rather than weekly. "Because it will be on the front page of AF Link, ONLINE news will have much more visibility. The Air Force will have a single, more visible online news product that can be updated as news happens -- much the way other news agencies currently operate," Whitaker said. "Users will still be able to print out the top news stories, and we will also send out a daily e-mail with headlines and links to ONLINE news for those who don't routinely check AF Link or use it as their home page. "Other permanent features include a rotating banner with photographs of Air Force people and its mission, some key links to sites we want to continually highlight and an improved navigation system to the rest of AF Link," the colonel said. "This new AF Link, combined with a more responsive ONLINE news, will provide a greatly enhanced experience for our customers," Whitaker said. 001480. Virtual MPF offers more services RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Military members planning to retire or separate can now complete their initial briefing from the comfort of their office or home computer. This enhanced service was launched by the Air Force Personnel Center this week as the second installment of the virtual Military Personnel Flight. The system, which went online for active-duty members July 28, is a Web-based service platform, allowing military members access to personnel services around the clock from anywhere they choose. New services include: -- CONUS Isolated Assignment Program: Allows members to volunteer for CONUS isolated assignments or request reassignment from a CONUS isolated location. -- Join Spouse Assignment Program: Explains program eligibility and ineligibility requirements, documentation and intent codes. It also allows military members married to military members to fill out the join spouse application. -- Permissive PCS Assignment Program: Allows members to get information and apply for the Permissive Join Spouse, Expanded Permissive, and CONUS Assignment Exchange Programs. -- Sole Surviving Son or Daughter Assignment Restriction: Allows members to review eligibility, document requirements and examples and fill out the program application. -- Proof of Service: Allows a member to print a proof of service letter, a document needed by the Veteran's Administration when members are trying to buy a home. It is also used by other various organizations. -- Initial Separation/Retirement Briefing: Allows members to complete their initial separation/retirement briefing, fill out and print all necessary memorandums, and lists all documents a member needs before reporting to the MPF. These new applications are only the basics. More than 200 personnel processes are targeted for vMPF service in the future. "We've taken the Air Force Instruction and put everything a person needs to know into this Web-based service program," said Capt. William Conley, operations officer, AFPC Field Operations Branch. "Individuals no longer need to rely on the MPF technicians to explain these programs. They can get all the information off of the Web." VMPF will alleviate the need for people to spend time in line trying to pick up an application, Conley said. "Everyone now has the opportunity to complete applications at their leisure and only report to the MPF to drop them off. "Not only is the vMPF a convenience for customers, the technology really improves customer service by streamlining the process and standardizing services," Conley said. Another service being launched is the personal data surf capability. Once this feature is online individuals will have the chance to review everything from their individual and performance report data, to duty assignment and qualification data, everything they normally review on their "Personal Data" printout provided by their commander support staff or unit orderly room. "Although all changes must be made through the MPF at this point, we are working towards programs that will allow customers to update data over the Web," Conley said. Individuals who wish to view these programs must create an account for vMPF by going to the vMPF Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/km/vMPF/vMPFHelpHome.htm 001480a.gif and 001480a.jpg The virtual Military Personnel Flight enables Air Force members to update information or access specific personnel programs from their office or home computer 24 hours a day. Currently there are seven programs available to customers but more than 80 percent of MPF functions should be available to members by the end of 2001. (Photo by Senior Airman Oshawn Jefferson) 001484. Force shaping program eligibility ends for some health professions WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Phase III force shaping programs were so successful in reducing officer strength in some health profession specialties that goals for this fiscal year and next have already been met. As a result, Air Force officials said they are removing many specialties from the eligibility list. Effective immediately, duty Air Force specialty codes of the Nurses Corps, Biomedical Sciences Corps, and Medical Service Corps are no longer eligible for early retirement, limited active-duty service commitment, time-in-grade, commissioned service-time waivers, special line transfer program or voluntary separation incentives/special separation benefits. All programs for physician assistants (AFSC 42GX without shred outs) remain open. Retirement-eligible chaplains also remain eligible for limited active-duty service commitment and time-in-grade waivers. Military personnel flights will no longer accept applications for Phase III Force Shaping Programs from officers in the skills removed from the eligibility list. Applications already submitted to the Air Force Personnel Center will continue to be processed. They will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approved or disapproved based on individual merits of each case and Air Force needs. 001482. Twenty-five enlist during ceremony at Dover Downs International Speedway - Stand-alone photos 001482a.gif and 001482a.jpg DOVER, Del. (AFPN) -- Gen. Hal M. Hornburg, Air Education and Training Command commander, swears in 25 new Air Force enlistees here Sept. 24. The enlistment ceremony was part of Dover Downs Air Force Appreciation weekend. (Photo by Larry McTighe) 001482b.gif and 001482b.jpg DOVER, Del. (AFPN) -- Twenty-five Air Force enlistees were sworn in by Gen. Hal M. Hornburg, Air Education and Training Command commander, here Sept. 24. The enlistment ceremony was part of Dover Downs International Speedway's tribute to the Air Force. The Air Force NASCAR Winston Cup series car, shown in the background, raced at Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., May 20 and 28. (Photo by Larry McTighe) 001485. American Legion recognizes NCO for community service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- An Air Force staff sergeant was among five service members honored for community service and presented with the American Legion's first Spirit of Service award. The award recognizes exceptional volunteer service to the community by military members -- a long-held tradition of the Legion. Staff Sgt. Billy W. Fly, assigned to the 625th Air Mobility Support Squadron, Naval Station Rota, Spain, received the award in recognition of his community volunteer efforts. Fly was cited for organizing charity drives, tutoring elementary school students, supporting Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities, and for sponsoring efforts to assist underprivileged children in the Rota community. The NCO was chosen as the Air Force representative from a group of 13 nominees submitted by the major commands to a selection board. American Legion National Commander Al Lance presented the award to Fly and enlisted representatives from each of the other four services during the American Legion's 82nd National Convention. "His (Fly's) off-duty volunteer efforts not only mirror the spirit of service of the American Legion founders, but also speaks volumes by reflecting the best of all American citizens," Lance said. Other award winners were Army Sgt. Laura Jernigan, Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Corey King, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Annette Marie French and Marine Sgt. Evella Smith. 001483. Commentary: MTI duty offers ample rewards, satisfaction by Maj. Gen. Michael N. Farage 37th Training Wing commander LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- "The Air Force is hiring!" That message will become more visible over television as we progress into our multimillion-dollar advertising campaign. Tune in to anything from "NFL Today" to "The Simpson's" and you are liable to see ads aimed at recruiting yet another generation of airmen. Our success in recruiting has created yet another opportunity to excel. Will there be enough military training instructors available to handle the projected influx of young men and women? Are there enough airmen willing to rise to the challenge of ensuring a well-trained force to carry on the work of those that have gone before? We will be authorized 420 MTIs here Oct. 1. Currently, we are staffed at only 79 percent of that goal. What we have is a void that must be filled if we are to remain the world's best Air Force. There are those, senior airmen to master sergeants, who have conquered the challenges of their current career fields and are looking for new callings. These are the people we're looking for -- the ones willing to spend the long hours and expend vast amounts of energy and talent to make a difference in other people's lives. The job offers benefits; $275 per month in special duty pay and an annual supplemental clothing allowance. But the real reward is in the finished product. The rewards gained by those who choose a career as an MTI are more of the heart and mind. It is the reward of the teacher who successfully imparts knowledge and skills to those who had no clue of their own potential. It is the satisfaction mentors enjoy when they have given direction to a life caught up in aimless pursuits. An MTI is a sculptor who molds and carves raw material into the functional and recognizable shape of an airman. Teachers may have to wait until the end of the school year, or longer, to reap the rewards of their efforts. Mentors may have to wait until the subjects score their first major successes in life. A sculptor's true contributions may only be recognized after their death. For MTIs, the sweet taste of success occurs every six weeks as members of their flights stand tall during basic military training graduation ceremonies. Nearly every week, I have heard the awe and amazement expressed by family members who see their sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, spouses and fianc�s who have been transformed by the efforts of these miracle workers in blue hats. I am constantly amazed. There is a sense that the MTIs have effectively imparted the Air Force core values of excellence, integrity and service before self to those who are just beginning their great adventure, probably their first real challenge. All MTIs hope their preparations will allow their charges to effectively meet the challenges of the future. We have a particular need for women who feel they can contribute to the MTI program. Currently, 27 percent of all trainees are women, but less than 14 percent of MTIs are female. More female instructors would portray women in supervisory positions; perfect role models for trainees and a more accurate reflection of the Air Force at large. We are responsible for sending the Air Force the best prepared airmen in the world. To do this we must call upon the top performers in the field to come back to their roots at Lackland Air Force Base and help perpetuate what we have worked so hard to sustain. There is a step beyond current professional job competence, and right now the need is strong. If we are to maintain our position as the best, there must be those willing to come to Lackland AFB, the "Gateway of the Air Force," and help us usher new airmen through this gateway on their way to productive careers. It is the ultimate repayment. 001481. Preserving Hispanic heritage by Lt. Col. Ed Memi 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) -- Maintaining a strong emphasis on education and ensuring children remain bilingual to preserve their heritage were two key thoughts of retired Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Parsons during a Hispanic heritage luncheon here. A member of the Governor's Committee for Hispanic Affairs, Parsons, who spent most of his 28-year Air Force career in recruiting and supply, currently works as a district sales manager for a financial company. Parsons cites four essentials in rearing children to honor their heritage. "We need to teach them about the supreme being; provide them love and security at home; ensure they carry a last name that they can be proud of and give them a good education," he said. Hispanics, defined by Parsons, are those people from Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Latin and Central America. Hispanic is not a race, but an ethnicity Parsons said. Hispanics will soon make up the largest minority group in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics comprised approximately 10.3 percent of the population in 1995, and today they already comprise 11.8 percent. In five years, Hispanics have grown from 27 million to 32 million people. Master Sgt. Edison Velez Jr., Hispanic heritage luncheon coordinator and a loadmaster in the 14th Airlift Squadron here, said (Hispanic heritage events) help people to better understand their culture and heritage. "For my 22 years in the Air Force, I've always been involved in these types of events," Velez said. "We need to share our cultural experience with others to show our diversity and how we contribute to society." Parsons worries that more and more Hispanic families will abandon teaching Spanish to their children and said that is a tragic mistake. Citing an old proverb on the importance of teaching children to be bilingual: "success speaks many languages." Parsons also said that bilingual ability allows your children to stay better attuned to their heritage and may even make them more employable. "As Hispanics, we have strong cultural ties and prefer to speak in our own language, just like any other group of people," Parsons said. "We prefer to do business with people we have something in common with, but many of our children have not learned Spanish. We need to look at the opportunities that are being lost." (Courtesy of Air Mobility Command News Service) *COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for nonprofit research and educational purposes only.[Ref. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml ] Want to be on our lists? 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