Making it personal: Air Force Critical Days of Summer

Senior Amn. LaDarius Reed, 187 Fighter Wing, Force Support Squadron, Customer Service Representative and Master Sgt. Tony Mathews, 187 Fighter Wing, Knowledge Operations Manager, staying hydrated during their intramural softball game. Proper hydration is key to preventing accidents in the Alabama summer heat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

Artists exhibit works at FRIC

Dr. Bruce Murphy (left), vice president for academic affairs at the Air University, and Dr. Frank Luzius, Director, Fairchild Research Information Center, look at artwor during a reception May 17 at the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center. The exhibit features artwork from the Capital City Artists.

Four Airmen Receive 2012 Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley delivers remarks during a ceremony to award four Airmen with the 2012 Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award May 11, 2012, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The award is the Air Force’s most prestigious award for leadership in the professional military education environment. (Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers-Cox)

Four Airmen Receive 2012 Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award

(From left to right) Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presents the 2012 Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award to Air War College student Col. David Lowthian, Royal Canadian Air Force, while Lt. Gen. David Fadok, president and commander of the Air University, looks on during a ceremony May 11, 2012, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Lowthian was the first Air University international student to receive the award, which is the Air Force’s most prestigious award for leadership in the professional military education environment. In addition to Lowthian, Donley presented the award to three other Airmen attending Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School, and the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, respectively. (Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers-Cox)

Maxwell kicks off Spouse Appreciation Week

Suzie Schwartz, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, discusses her experiences as a military spouse May 7, 2012 at the Maxwell Event Center at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Schwartz was the guest speaker during the Spouse Appreciation Week kick-off event, which also included an information fair featuring base agencies. (Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox)

DANGER! Area flora and fauna should be handled with care

Poison ivy, which features three leaves, has hairy vines that can climb up trees. The leaves can turn a deep red in the winter. All of the plant – leaves, stem and vine – contain skin-irritating oils. (Air Force photo by Kelly Deichert)

Holocaust service tells stories of resistance

The audience stands during a Holocaust Days of Remembrance commemoration event held April 18 at the Officer Training School. Attendees included, front row from left, Col. David Cohen, the Air University’s director of staff; Sandi Killough, spouse of 42nd Air Base Wing commander Col. Brian Killough; Col. Thomas Coglitore, OTS commander, Col. Susan Schlacter, 42nd Air Base Wing vice commander and Chief Master Sgt. Cornell Johnson, 42nd Medical Group superintendent. (Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox)

Firefighters turn up the heat with readiness training

Maxwell Fire Department firefighters battle the blazing inferno during a training session on April 19. The spray is aimed at the base of the fire strategically to put out the flames as quickly as possible. (Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

Firefighters turn up the heat with readiness training

Maxwell fire fighters prepare to rush into action before simulated burning aircraft training on April 19. The trucks are parked away from the inferno at first to prepare for entering the situation in a timely manner. (Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

Firefighters turn up the heat with readiness training

Jonalan Wright, firefighter at Maxwell Air Force Base, suits up for a training exercise on April 18. Firemen must be dressed in full gear and on the truck within 60 seconds of the alarm sounding. (Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

Fallen Airman’s family accepts medal for a hero

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steven Hollon is recognized by Air Force personnel with the posthumous presentation of the Airman's Medal to his wife Karen, daughters Faith and Renae, and his mother Sara. Sergeant Hollon was killed while protecting his youngest daughter during a catastrophic tornado outbreak on 15 April 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox)

Joining the Long Blue Line

Officer Training School held a graduation parade for the Basic Officer Training Course, Class 12-04, April 10, reviewed by Lt. Gen. David Fadok, commander and president of the Air University. Basic Officer Training prepares and commissions second lieutenants to fulfill Air Force active-duty and Air Force Reserve requirements in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. The training consists of 12 weeks of military instruction and leadership development for college graduates leading to a commission as a second lieutenant. BOT is designed to instill high standards of conduct and provide officer candidates with the essential military knowledge and skills needed for effective performance as Air Force leaders. There are seven BOT classes per fiscal year. (Air Force photo by Bud Hancock)