A lifetime of service

Spanning more than four decades of history with the Air Force, in both the military and civilian capacities, Richard J. Cherpak, 911th Airlift Wing comptroller, retires December 31, 2014.When he retires, Cherpak will be the second longest serving member here.  Although he's looking forward to

Trainees fly into Air Force career

"It will make me stronger: Funds for college: Family encouragement: To try something new in life." These are just a few of the reasons that trainees of the Development and Training Flight with the 911th Airlift Wing have for joining the United States Air Force Reserve.While they all have joined for

Command Chief for higher education

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Zator, command chief with the 911th Airlift Wing, has something interesting on the wall of his office. It's not a painting, nor a photo, nor anything decorative at all. It's not even all that noticeable. But pounded into the wall, below his two Community College of the Air

Airman of the Burgh: Senior Airman Courtney Schwenk

As a medical records health administrator with the 911th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Senior Airman Courtney Schwenk plays a vital part in deploying Airmen to theatres around the globe, making sure all the medical records of personnel on the base are complete and up to date.Growing up in Erie,

Air Drop - A look behind the scenes

It was a rainy day with low visibility, not the most ideal for an air drop.The two C-130 Hercules aircraft, loaded with more than 7,600 pounds of simulated cargo, were fighting through the weather as they made their approach to the Cadiz, Ohio drop zone. The wind was too strong to make the first

Taking core values to heart

The words of the Air Force core values, emblazoned on the surface of every Airman's coin, are more than simply words. From the beginning of their career, whether officer or enlisted, Airmen are taught to integrate them into their career and daily lives. They form the basis of everything the Air

Serving up some holiday cheer

Col. Jeffrey A. Van Dootingh, 911th Airlift Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian L. Zator, 911th AW command chief, serve food to Airmen during the holiday meal at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Dec. 6, 2014.

911 AW upgrades parachute simulator, ensures safety culture

"Look up. Now look down," said Tech. Sgt. Chris Heaney, an aircrew flight equipment specialist with the 911th Airlift Wing Operations Support Squadron at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. Heaney directed a Naval Operations Support Center member on how to view his surroundings

Security Forces team effort highlights two time CGO of the Year

Capt. Nick Megyesi, now the two time winner of Air Force Reserve Command's Security Forces Company Grade Officer of the Year Award, tailors his approach to his day with three things in mind; maintaining strict discipline, strict standards, all while taking care of his people.As the operations

911 AW exercises hijacking procedures