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  • Lisa Vinacco is recognized as Kadena’s Key Spouse of the Year for 2015. Vinacco received the Kadena Key Spouse of the Year award for her unwavering dedication to the mission and families of the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (Courtesy Photo)

    Kadena recognizes outstanding spouse

    Lisa Vinacco has a busy schedule. Balancing a life filled with appointments, teaching, and family time is vital to maintaining normalcy despite the strain of military life overseas.Vinacco, the 2015 Kadena Key Spouse of the Year, represents another milestone in the long line of military mothers and spouses who balance a multitude of tasks,
  • Eight things that Kadena pet owners should know about their pets regarding the Noncombatant Evacuation Operation process. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Naoko Shimoji)

    Eight things you should know to have your pets ready for evacuation

    U.S. Army Capt. Tricia Culbertson, Military Working Dog Officer in charge of the Okinawan Veterinarian Activity, answers eight questions that Kadena pet owners should know about their pets regarding the Noncombatant Evacuation Operation process.1. What are the requirements for pets in order to get off the island?In a NEO environment, all our pets
  • U.S. Air Force Capt. Costas Dracopoulos, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron flight safety officer, holds a toy car in front of his squadron emblem Feb. 17, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Having been personally affected, Dracopoulos organized a toy drive to send toys to the families of the victims of the San Bernardino shootings. The 961st AACS sent more than 50 toys in less than a week to support the families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Corey M. Pettis)

    U.S. service member delivers relief to families of shooting victims

    Dec. 2, 2015; a day that will forever be ingrained in the minds of millions around the world. With 14 people killed and 22 seriously injured, the San Bernardino attack shook the lives of all involved.While many grieved and sent condolences to the families involved, one man decided to take action. Capt. Costas Dracopoulos, 961st Airborne Air Control
  • U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Adan Lopez, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew chief, inspects an F-15 Eagle before loading munitions during a weapons load competition Jan. 8, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The weapons load competition was for the first quarter of 2016 against the 44th Fighter Squadron with the winner gaining bragging rights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel)

    Weapons loaders keep fighters ready to go

    Working long hours day in and day out can be rough for an F-15 Eagle maintainer.However, these proficient Airmen are able to keep Kadena ready to go at a moment's notice anywhere, anytime by maintaining their Eagles year round."I love my job," said Senior Airman Adan Lopez, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew chief. "I don't always
  • (U.S. Air Force photo courtesy of the 18th Wing Historian Office)

    The 67th: 75 years of heritage, innovation and family

    Celebrating 75 years of heritage, the 67th Fighter Squadron is more than a single squadron; it is an all-encompassing family.According to Lt. Col. James McFarland, 67th FS commander, the unit is made up of some of the best men and women of the 18th Wing and F-15 Eagle community. Activated at Selfridge Air Field, Michigan, Jan. 15, 1941, not only
  • U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class William Wright is an avionics specialist with the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Maldonado maintains and repairs the multiple onboard systems of F-15 Eagles, a job requiring precise attention to detail since proper maintenance can mean the difference between mission success and failure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard)

    Through Airmen's Eyes: A Maintainer's Story

    The sound of freedom pierces the air as a jet passes by and a maintainer looks up briefly to see his aircraft back in action.When Airman 1st Class Christian Maldonado enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in 2014 he had no idea that he would become an F-15 Eagle maintainer."I wanted to become a computer programmer," Maldonado said. "This is even
  • U.S. Air Force Maj. William Wright, 18th Dental Squadron clinical flight commander, reflects on how he got to perform his dream job, Dec. 16, 2015, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Wright decided to become a dentist while attending Kadena High School and began his career as an enlisted dental technician in the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard)

    Through Airmen's Eyes: Full Circle

    Twenty years ago, Okinawa was a much different place than it is today. The Kadena Clinic didn't exist and the expressway was just a concept. The 18th Medical Group was located where the 18th Security Forces Squadron building stands today and Maj. (Dr.) William Wright was a student at Kadena High School.Wright, now the 18th Dental Squadron clinical
  • Impaired Driving Graphic (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Naoko Shimoji)

    Drinking abroad: celebrate responsibly

    It's no secret, the holiday season is a time for celebration.With longer weekends, some people come together to rejoice in their religious practices, some enjoy spending extra time with their families and some also celebrate responsibly with a couple of adult beverages.When drinking abroad, it is important to become familiar with the laws of the
  • U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Katheryn Pae and Airman James Tufarelli are 18th Communications Squadron cyber transport technicians. These Airmen, along with Airman 1st Class Daniel Olszewski, 18th Communications Squadron cyber transport technician, helped save the life of a Chinese tourist while they were vacationing on Zamami Island in October. They were able to apply Self-Aid and Buddy Care techniques they had learned through Air Force training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lynette M. Rolen)

    Kadena Airmen save tourist's life

    What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Care about those around you? Be available to help whenever needed? How about saving someone's life?On Oct. 3, three Airmen from the 18th Communications Squadron assisted in saving the life of a Chinese tourist while on Zamami Island.The Airmen were able to use Self-Aid Buddy Care techniques that they learned
  • U.S. Air Force Capt. Yolanda Miller (left), Capt. Joseph Wise (center), area defense counselors, and Master Sgt. Stephanie Clark (right), Area Defense Counsel paralegal, make up the ADC team. The ADC is comprised of two attorneys and a paralegal who provide legal counsel to Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Corey M. Pettis)

    ADC: Defending those defending freedom

    Who's on your side? Sometimes it seems like the deck is stacked against you. From Letters of Counseling all the way to Courts Martial, the Area Defense Counsel will always be on your side.The ADC is an organization that represents Airmen in instances of legal repercussions and advises them on the legal aspects of their case and what their next move
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