McChord Flightline Chatter
After serving for a few years as a Security Forces Air National Guardsman, Senior Airman Michael McCaffrey decided to cross train into the joint terminal attack controller career field. He wanted a position that got him closer to the front lines of the battlefield, he said. Serving with the Washington Air National
McChord Flightline Chatter
On his frequent trips to deliver cargo to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Maj. Todd Risk would hit the pool as part of his daily physical training regiment. Risk, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot with the 4th Airlift Squadron, began noticing that other pilots from his squadron had a similar affinity
McChord Flightline Chatter
A South Sound resident himself, Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Mack knows how diverse the area is when it comes to supporting Servicemembers in the different military branches.He believes a significant portion of people who show their support for military members don't know specifically about Reservists in the 446th Airlift Wing
McChord Flightline Chatter
As Staff Sgt. Verne Patterson stood on the stage of the base theater at McChord Field and received his Bronze Star with Valor, those in the audience watching waited patiently to show their excitement. When the opportunity presented itself for people to cheer for the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron Airman, the
McChord Flightline Chatter
As Tech. Sgt. Keith Sekora coasted across the finish line of the 2011 Iraq/Afghanistan Run for Remembrance on his recumbent bicycle, a great sense of accomplishment washed over him.The 446th Civil Engineering Squadron Reservist successfully completed the 5K race, part of the Seattle Marathon, over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It
McChord Flightline Chatter
The Washington Air National Guard honored Airmen from the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron during a ceremony Dec. 8 at the squadron's headquarters on Camp Murray. The Airmen recently returned from one of the largest deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in the squadron's history. Several emotional and heroic
Walkie Talkie Blog
HOUSING FOR ALL >>> As the administrator for homeless programs for Pierce County Community Connections, Troy Christensen works hard every day to eliminate homeless in the county and the surrounding areas. But that goal is getting much tougher these days. The programs Christensen oversees were making strides three years ago, as homeless in
McChord Flightline Chatter
It might be cold and it might be raining on the morning of Dec. 10, but a group of local Civil Air Patrol cadets will be out in force putting wreaths on the graves of local veterans. It's all part of Wreaths Across America, a week-long collection of events made possible
McChord Flightline Chatter
Drivers traveling the stretch of Interstate 5 from State Route 512 to Gravelly Lake Road may see a familiar name on the sign at mile marker 127. You might even say "Team McChord" owns that stretch of highway. The McChord Company Grade Officers' Council recently teamed up with the Washington State Department
McChord Flightline Chatter
It's not uncommon in Staff Sgt. Nicholas Quijano's job for him to be greeted in other countries with a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. It's something he's used to by now. A Phoenix Raven with the 627th Security Forces Squadron at McChord Field, Quijano travels with aircrews to remote locations
Walkie Talkie Blog
HOUSING FOR ALL >>> The Weekly Volcano is partnering with the United Way of Pierce County to run a 12-month campaign focused on the issue of homelessness and affordable housing. We will be highlighting community efforts around the issue and helping raise funds to go directly toward affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity For
McChord Flightline Chatter
Senior Airman James Santos left McChord Field in January as talented trumpet player prepared to tackle one of the most difficult challenges in his life. He will return to the base next week as a polished musician with more than 10 months of hard work underneath his belt. The 25-year-old Airman from
Walkie Talkie Blog
A SALUTE TO LOCAL MILITARY >>> South Sounders interested in an up close and personal look at what hydroplane racing is all about will have that chance this weekend. The "Scott and Linda Carson presents the 2011 Western Divisionals/Yapachino Memorial Regatta" championship hydroplane race, featuring the blown, 160-mph Grand Prix hydroplanes, runs
McChord Flightline Chatter
Car shows can be intimidating for entrants. Groups of judges circle cars, chronicling what is right and wrong with each entry. That fact alone can turn off many young car owners to the show scene. But Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers (BOSS) officials want to tear down those walls and take away the
McChord Flightline Chatter
The Air Mobility Command Rodeo will bring a host of visitors to McChord Field in July who are unfamiliar with the local area. Many will want to venture outside the gate to check out all the entertainment venues the South Sound has to offer. And Airmen Against Drunk Driving will be ready
