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  • Fostering children, fostering hope

    The saying “treat others the way you want to be treated” is often told to children at a young age. Some take that advice to heart and work a little to make a difference, others go much further.
  • Sgt. David Wandel, a 28th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, stands alongside his family in an undated holiday photo. In December 1975, Wandel and three of his fellow crewmembers – Capt. Martin E. Graham Jr., Capt. Joseph M. Furda and 1st Lt. Karwin M. Plucker – passed away in a plane crash just south of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. There was a memorial dedicated to the Ellsworth based crew in June 1976. (Courtesy Photo)

    Happy tears after 20 years

    In December 1975, David M. Wandel and three of his fellow crewmembers – Capt. Martin E. Graham Jr., Capt. Joseph M. Furda and 1st Lt. Karwin M. Plucker – passed away in a plane crash just south of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. There was a memorial dedicated to the Ellsworth based crew in June 1976. Eventually, the plaque was found in the South Dakota Air and Space Museum’s inventory.
  • Children play with a parachute at Vacation Bible School at the Chapel Community Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 21, 2019. Approximately 70 children, ages 6 through 12, participated in the weeklong event, which had songs, bible lessons, cinema time, and outdoor activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Quentin K. Marx)

    Chapel hosts Vacation Bible School

    Approximately 70 children attended Vacation Bible School July 21-25, at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
  • Staff Sgt. Jacob Restemayer, assigned to the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron, deadlifts more than 400 pounds during the first component of the Ellsworth Air Force Base’s Strongest Competition at the Pride Hangar on Ellsworth AFB, S.D., April 25, 2019. Event participants faced off for the title of strongest man or woman on base, competing in the five different areas: max-out deadlift, farmer’s carry, tire flip, keg run and vehicle pull. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jette Carr)

    Who’s the strongest: Ellsworth Airmen compete to find out

    The Ellsworth Air Force Base’s Strongest Competition was held on Ellsworth AFB, S.D., April 25, 2019. Competitors performed feats of strength throughout five different exercises: max-out deadlift, farmer’s carry, keg run, tire flip and vehicle pull.
  • Helen Romeyn, the 28th Medical Operations Squadron New Parent Support Program manager, has been helping care for Ellsworth AFB families since 2003, providing useful information on prenatal growth, child development, parenting skills, promoting family bonding and more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Denise Jenson)

    28th MDOS New Parent Support Program provides resources for parents

    Being a servicemember can be stressful, but the responsibility of having or starting a family adds to the already heavy burden. But luckily for expecting mothers and new families, the Air Force provides an important resource for them.
  • Military members considering leaving the military to pursue a career in the civilian sector can contact the Airmen and Family Readiness Center for further information at 605-385-4663. (Courtesy photo)

    Civilian life 101

    Some Airmen have served for four years, some have served more than 20. One thing all Airmen have in common is: a plan for the future. Thinking about separating is something that is on the minds of all whose careers in the Air Force draw closer to their conclusion.
  • Airmen from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Flight practice using a rapid deployment craft in order to perform “rescues” during training at Canyon Lake in Rapid City, S.D., Feb. 12, 2019. Although a team of two is on thecraft, there’s still a four-to five-man team on the ice nearby ready to pull them back to safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michella Stowers)

    Breaking the ice: Base, local fire departments train for winter water rescues

    Airmen from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Flight practiced life-saving techniques alongside Black Hills firefighters during a three-day ice water rescue training event. Hosted by the Rapid City Fire Department, initial training began in their station’s classroom, after which the group traveled to Canyon Lake in Rapid City for hands-on experience. The training was meant to provide firefighters with the knowledge and skills necessary to keep themselves and others safe in the event of an ice water emergency.
  • Financial readiness enables Airmen to focus on the Air Force mission without the stress of financial distractions. Financial readiness also equips Airmen with the tools to prepare for their futures. For more information, contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 605-385-4663. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)

    Financial readiness: It makes cents

    Financial readiness prepares Airmen for more than just paying their bills on time. It enables Airmen to plan for the future in addition to removing financial distractions that may hamper their ability to support the Air Force mission.
  • The Airman Retraining Program provides Airmen the opportunity to retrain from their current career fields to another. To find out more about the Air Force retraining program, Airmen are encouraged to visit the Air Force Personnel Center’s website. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Christina Bennett)

    Retraining 101

    The principal purpose of the Airman Retraining Program is to maintain an equilibrium of manpower across all Air Force specialty codes (AFSCs). The program allows Airmen to retrain into career fields to alleviate manpower shortages. In addition, it grants Airmen the opportunity to move from their current AFSC to another.
  • Chaplain (Capt.) Benjamin Quintanilla, assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, visits with children on a trip to Adjumani, Uganda, in January 2019. Quintanilla visited Adjumani to work alongside Tutapona, an organization that provides trauma rehabilitation to refugees. (Courtesy photo by Candice Lassey)

    Africa: A journey of healing

    When an Airman needs spiritual guidance, counseling or someone to talk to confidentially, they seek out the assistance of an Air Force chaplain. But where do chaplains turn when they encounter trying times? Of course chaplains can always turn to their spiritual companions, but sometimes they need to get away and focus on their own spiritual and mental health.
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