Aug. 15, 2019

Breaking the cycle

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — He could’ve followed the destructive path of a young man who was raised in an unstable environment like his and ended up in jail or possibly dead. Growing up in St. Petersburg, Florida was a real test for Senior Master Sgt. Neco Johnson, 2nd Munitions Squadron first sergeant. From family issues and compromised home settings to a heavy presence of drug use, every day brought new challenges his way.

Feb. 21, 2018

OSI: eyes of the eagle

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Every day there are men and women who wake up, put on their suits, strap on their badges and adorn the title of special agent. Crime and threats to the mission are not confined to the walls of a base, and neither are these special agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Their purpose is to protect Air Force personnel, facilities and resources when someone threatens to harm them.

Feb. 14, 2018

Communications Airman literarily communicates passion

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — It’s a pitch black evening, just before midnight. The clicking sound of computer keys fill a dorm room as a bright screen illuminates the face of a young novelist. Senior Airman Payton Miller, 2nd Communication Squadron client systems technician, used his development in the Air Force to pursue and achieve his personal goal of becoming a self-published author.

Feb. 7, 2018

Defenders deliver hope for Andrew

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — One evening, shortly after midnight, members of the 2nd Security Forces Squadron were performing routine checks at the munitions yard when a call came over the radio. A pregnant woman on the east side of base housing was severely bleeding.

Jan. 24, 2018

Airman building Airmen

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Physical training can be a rewarding hobby or job, for one Airman it’s both. Senior Airman Alberto Mosqueda, 2nd Force Support Squadron guest services representative, uses the skills he learned as a former fitness center trainer to help others pass their fitness exam.

Jan. 17, 2018

Chaplain Lee boosts spiritual fitness

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Chaplains support one of the core pillars of resiliency by ensuring Airmen are spiritually fit. They can provide an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and guidance to those who need it. Barksdale’s newest 2nd Mission Support Group chaplain is 1st Lt. John Lee.

Jan. 10, 2018

Security forces: our first line of defense

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., — Whether it is rush hour or the middle of the night, situational awareness is critical when guarding the gate. Every time someone enters the base, a security forces Airman is surveying and monitoring them to ensure there are no threats or red flags that could compromise the base and the safety of Airmen and their families.

Dec. 13, 2017

Longstanding campaign, $8.2 billion raised

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Since 1971, after a national implementation, one campaign has been able to give $8.2 billion to a variety of different charitable organizations. The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is a means that is allowing federal employees and retirees to donate to a choice of one or multiple charities through a single electronic transaction online.

Nov. 1, 2017

Spouse uses diagnosis to educate

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — I would stare off into the distance for 10 minutes. People thought I was day dreaming. I wouldn’t even remember doing it. Something was wrong but I didn’t know what. That is how Tamika Rhinehart, military spouse and mother, felt before she was diagnosed with epilepsy. Her young battle with her disorder has taken eight months of her life, but she is staying strong and fighting back.

Oct. 18, 2016

Barksdale Airman shoots for All-Air Force Basketball Team

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Airman 1st Class Daryl Parker Jr., 608th Air Operations Center offensive duty technician, enlisted into the Air Force a year after graduating from Northside High School, Warner Robins, Georgia.