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  • Hitting the right notes: Singing boom operator inspires others

    MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.— Growing up in a poverty-stricken, single-parent family, he used singing as a kind of therapy.Airman 1st Class Julian Awari, 349th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, was only 6 when he first realized he had a talent for singing, and it was a hobby he would stick

  • The dawn of the future starts in the past

    Wing historians are responsible for collecting, documenting and writing historical reports for the units they are assigned. They capture significant accomplishments and challenges experienced by the units which help commanders make future decisions.

  • Heart to heart: Air Force steps up to help Airman’s family

    MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.— Five days after their baby was born in 2011, they realized something was wrong. When they took her back to the hospital, they found out they were in for a long, rough road ahead.“They quickly rushed us over to the neonatal intensive care unit, and we met with a

  • Jack of all trades

    Tech. Sgt. Clayton Allen, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Plans and Programs NCO in-charge, isn’t a communications Airman by trade, he’s a water and fuels systems maintenance Airman pulled from the 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron. He is self-taught in computer programming, satellite and ground command and

  • All Hale the victor!

    Capt. Millie Hale, 350th Air Refueling Squadron aircrew flight equipment flight commander and KC-135 Stratotanker instructor pilot, recently received the Airlift/Tanker Association Young Leadership award for her impact both to the base and the Air Force.This award recognizes individuals who have

  • New training equipment increases MWD readiness

    MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.— The 22nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog kennel recently received an upgrade to its obstacle course to help ensure readiness and installation security. The obstacle course, or confidence course, is meant to mimic obstacles that the handler and dog will

  • The Air Bridge: Connecting to civic neighbors

    (This story is part of a series to highlight McConnell AFB honorary commanders and their impact on the base and the community.)Editor’s Note: The Honorary Commander Program is designed to bring the base closer to our civilian counterparts in Wichita and the surrounding communities. Honorary

  • WWII POW shares story with McConnell Airmen

    In the two-story building, between the iron sights of his rifle, Ray Avila could see a German soldier. Two more German soldiers walked through the door with fixed bayonets. He knew what he had to do to keep himself and his unit safe. Avila pulled the trigger, dropping one of the enemy soldiers.

  • McConnell doctor travels to promote partnerships, humanitarian efforts

    MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – The U.S. military is known for its prowess in dealing with threats with a clenched fist, as well as assisting the less fortunate with an open hand. Approaching each, often requires traveling to distant lands.Lt. Col. Daniel LaMothe, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron

  • Airman puts MX skills to use on motocross track

    MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – He ran the motorcycle through a five-foot pool of water, wrecking the bike; everything he had worked for all his life seemed to be over. Staff Sgt. Thomas Tangedal, 22nd Maintenance Squadron aircraft metal technology journeyman, was completing a practice run on a