Re: Proposed Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability
The program completely disregards those who have served for more than 20 years and retired before the arbitrary date of Aug. 1, 2009.
Col. (Ret.) Eddie Douglas
New Braunfels, Texas
5/7/2009
Re: National Security Personnel System goes under microscope
This story gives me hope that leadership is still questioning the application of NSPS. Whereas the new personnel system has much to recommend it, there are still serious gaping flaws in the underlying design and subsequent practices that must be addressed. As someone who has had to work under this system since October 2006, I am very anxious to supply my own experiences and perspective to those conducting this study. However, if past experience is any indication, I will be surprised if I am given an opportunity to contribute any input.
YA-02 Nancy Givler
Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
5/6/2009
Re: Facts, testimony bust IDEA myths
I had two IDEAs approved back in early 2007. Both were small and I got $300 to $400 total, but they tax that. One thing is funny to me; I needed to bring up my idea and reference it, but guess what? They only keep IDEAS in the system for two years. I am now digging through old emails to reference one of those to use now. Can you imagine having to put in an IDEA to not discard approved IDEA submissions after just two years?
Master Sgt. Steven Mayne
Minot Air Force Base, N.D.
5/6/2009
Comment: Reserve Airmen complete deployment to Guam
As a retired Reservist, who served as an Air Reserve Technician at Grissom ARB, Ind., I am proud to see our Reservists commend themselves honorably and with distinction. Our Reserve today is a far cry from the force I entered after active duty in 1973. A half dozen C-130A models with three-bladed props and somewhat older support equipment, along with a will to excel, helped us become the integrated fighting force we've arrived at today. Hats off to the Hoosier Wing. View story
Maj. (Ret.) John Koztecki
Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany
5/6/2009
Comment: NCO brings calm over camp, Beethoven brings in buyers
Just wanted to say that this story has a good meaning behind it. If you're feeling down and frustrated to the point of no return, stop and think about what you can do to better the situation. Be creative and find something that can bring your spirits up and maybe even help those around you feel better as well. View feature
Staff Sgt. Shannon Neil
Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
5/5/2009
Comment: Facts, testimony bust IDEA myths
In 2003, I submitted a suggestion through the IDEA program that would save the Air Force Technical Applications Center over $120,000 at my detachment alone, plus at least $60,000 each at two overseas detachments. Here is my take on the "myths" that are "busted" in this article: "Myth 1: I have no ideas worthy of a submission." Good call. Our idea was great! "Myth 2: The program is only for those on the flightline." Another good call. Our idea was for seismic research and maintenance. "Myth 3: My idea doesn't save the Air Force money. " Our team directly saved over $120,000. "Myth 4: Very few cash rewards are distributed." My team and I never got one red cent out of it, even though it was approved and implemented. "Myth 5: It takes too long for ideas to be evaluated." The evaluation process took over six months for approval, then another four months before I PCS'd and never heard form IDEA again. In fact, they deleted all references to us on the Web site. "Myth 6: No one really cares about my ideas." They cared about the idea, they just didn't want to pay for it. This was my second run-in with the program. Back in 1990, I submitted an AF Form 1000 the old-fashioned way. After I PCS'd away from the unit, they quietly implemented my idea, but I never even got a "thank you," much less a monetary reward. View story
Master Sgt. S. J. Jack Padilla
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
5/5/2009
Comment: Equal opportunity crosses service lines
I was glad to attend the course and learned a lot. Thanks for the interview. View story
Army Sgt. Kyle Kizer
Joint Base Balad, Iraq
5/5/2009
Re: Separating E-7, E-6 promotion release dates
In reference to Sergeant Crammer's letter, keeping the release date in June, as it has been for the past 12 years, would still mean that the 2009 line numbers are out before all of the 2008 promotees have sewed on as July 1, 2009 is the last month of your promotion cycle. This happened to me four times and, guess what, it didn't take away from my promotion one bit. Enjoy the fact that you made it the first time in 2008. Also, rejoice with those who will make it in 2009.
Chief Master Sgt. Tom Young
Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.
5/1/2009
Re: Separating E-7, E-6 promotion release dates
Releasing the E-7 list in May is a slap in the face to people who made E-7 in 2008 and have yet to sew on. If you move the release date you need to move up the promotion months. I made E-7 my first time testing in 2008. Now I will be joined by the 2009 promotees in having a line number. If you want to seperate the E-6 and E-7 release dates, to give each their time to be noticed, then let those how made it the previous year sew on before the new release comes out so they can be noticed too.
Tech. Sgt. John Crammer
Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
5/1/2009
Re: Deployment volunteers needed
Just a thought...I have volunteered multiple times for 365s to Iraq and Afghanistan. If there is a decline in numbers then maybe we should extend the amount of time an Airman has to volunteer, combined with proactive SNCOs getting the word out to us on how and where to go to volunteer. Also, I have spoken with many troops and found that most of them don't know about the incentives that are there for them as well.
Senior Airman Christopher Turknett
Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
4/30/2009
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