December 15, 2011 By Sgt. Jessica M. Kuhn, XVIII Airborne Corps PAO FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- "As your commander in chief and on behalf of a grateful nation, I am proud to finally say these two words -- welcome home," President Barack Obama said, causing a loud joyful roar from the crowd at Pope Army Airfield here, Dec. 14. More than 3,000 service members gathered to witness … [Read more...]
Exchange Gift Cards Will Fill Airmen’s Stockings this Holiday Season
12/14/2011 - DALLAS (AFNS) -- According to the National Retail Federation, more than half of all shoppers in 2010 said they'd like to receive gift cards, marking four years in a row that gift cards have topped consumers' holiday wish lists. For service members serving far from home, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's 3,100 retail facilities in all 50 states and some 30 … [Read more...]
Obama Announces, ‘War is Over’
By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2011 – When the last U.S. troops in Iraq case their colors and move to Kuwait, they can leave with their heads held high, secure in the knowledge they did what was right for America and peace in the region, President Barack Obama told service members at Fort Bragg, N.C., today. Obama noted the end of the war … [Read more...]
Air Force Lifts Hiring Freeze Dec.15
by Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel 12/13/2011 - (AFNS) -- The hiring freeze implemented in August will be fully lifted Dec. 15, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced. The freeze, preceded by hiring controls, was one of several measures implemented in 2011 to bring manning down to mandated 2010 levels. In addition, voluntary separation incentives were recently … [Read more...]
Highest Percentage of Veterans Hired by the Federal Government in Over 20 Years
December 13, 2011 White House Office of Communications Washington, DC – The President’s Council on Veterans Employment, which is made up of 24 cabinet level and other independent agencies, met to discuss the progress made in implementing Executive Order 13518, Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government. Discussion included Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 preliminary data … [Read more...]