Friday's successful launch of a Delta II booster from Cape Canaveral carried a NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite into orbit. It was the 158th launch from Space Launch Complex 17A.

From her desk at Patrick AFB, Maj. Janice Hance could hear waves rolling in and rockets flying from Cape Canaveral AFS. From her desk at Phoenix Base in Baghdad, she hears a daily barrage of gunfire and explosions, and sees people scarred by war. Yet, she feels she has lots to be thankful for.

In his off time, Airman 1st Class Marcus Torbert pursues modeling. Staff Sgt. Jennifer Drake has performed professionally on Broadway. Yes, they definitely lead exciting lives. However, for one week per month, they do something that each are proud and thrilled to do: they don crisp blue uniforms and spotless white gloves while performing at such venues as the Daytona 500 or Orlando Magic games as part of the base's Honor Guard Program.

The soft, echoing voice of a fallen Vietnam Veteran broke the dead silence as he spoke to his family - telling them everything was OK. The veteran, his mother, wife and son, played by members of the Airman Leadership School, Class 05-1, held the nearly 200 guests mesmerized during the opening ceremony of the ALS graduation at The Tides Nov. 15.

Air Force Association luncheon

Cigar smoke doesn't fill the air and no one will lose their paycheck on a bad "flop," but there's no mistaking - the Tides has "Texas Hold 'em."

Tears of joy ran down Marcie Blake's cheeks Wednesday morning as her husband, Senior Master Sgt. Larry Blake, walked into a crowded room at the base Medical Clinic and was told by Lt. Col. Jay Burks he'd been selected for promotion to chief master sergeant.

Veterans have been such an important part of the military's past, but they are still a vital part of the Air Force today at Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Airmen taking care of Airmen is the fundamental theme behind the third annual Patrick, Cape Canaveral Wingman Day, Nov. 17. The day-long venue is an opportunity for all Patrick and Cape personnel to stop and reflect on the health of the force and to reinforce a culture of looking after each other throughout the year. 

Last week, the Secretary of the Air Force announced that Eighth Air Force would become the Air Force's lead command for Cyberspace. The Eighth is now responsible for organizing, training and equipping the Air Force for cyberspace operations. This is an important next step in securing a new frontier, something the Air Force has always been good at.