Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

Among the crowd gathered at Hangar 37, two young girls’ smiles were mirrored on their mom’s face as they walked with their dad, Master Sgt. Adam Schmidt, who kept looking at his family. “The girls all really missed him, we all did,” said Ashley, his wife.

Their dad was part of the incoming Fighting Fuujins back from a 6 ½ month assignment in the Pacific.

Col. Kathryn Kolbe, 75th Air Base Wing commander, presented awards to the top performers on base April 10 at the Hill Aerospace Museum.

The event gives all host and tenant units the chance to nominate their best Airmen and civilians.

Hundreds of attendees heard from keynote speaker, Col. Scott Long, 388th Fighter Wing commander, who praised the awardees and nominees and spoke on the theme of maintaining strength during these challenging times for our nation.

The holidays are a time for traditions, and Hill AFB carried out one of its own by giving back to the people who give so much all year round. The annual Team Hill Airmen's Cookie Drive once again provided people with a delicious taste of home they might not get to experience with their own families.

The skies may have been cloudy and gray over Hill AFB on Dec. 8, but the smiles from many happy children were simply beaming from ear to ear.

The 388th Fighter Wing entertained more than 175 guests at its annual Christmas party in Hanger 37.

Santa arrived in style, in an F-16 escorted by Lt. Col. Henry Rogers. "Santa Steve Brierley" also graciously donated his time, visiting with the children as they patiently waited in line. Santa is the step-father to the 388th Operations Support Squadron Honorary Commander, Karen Von Colln.

More than 230 members of Hill Air Force Base's active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th Fighter Wing recently departed for a deployment to the U.S. Pacific Command Theater.

The pilots, maintainers and support personnel will provide F-16 air support in the Western Pacific region as part of a routine theater security package rotation.

Dedicated crew chiefs were recognized on Sept. 27 as members of the 388th Fighter Wing and 419th Fighter Wing held a ceremony to acknowledge its dedicated crew chiefs.

The Raptors Hill Apprciation Night is Friday, August 10, in Ogden. Col. Scott Long, 388th Fighter Wing commander, will be throwing out the first pitch.

This annual event is graciously provided by theTop of Utah Military Affairs Committee and the Ogden Raptors organization. General admission tickets can be picked up in the 75th Public Affairs Office in Building 180, Room 109. The Raptors will be hosting the Grand Junction Rockies in Pioneer League competition; play begins at 7 p.m.

History was made July 16-27 at Red Flag 12-4 when the 388th Fighter Wing trained alongside the Colombian Air Force during Colombia's first time exercising in Red Flag.

During this historic event Colombia also became the 29th country to participate in Red Flag, which is often held bi-annually at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

The Hill AFB open house and air show boasted thrills and chills, not just as a result of viewing agile aerial demonstrations of skill as the weather ended up playing a large role in the Warriors Over the Wasatch: A Legacy of Valor May 26-27. With events scattered throughout three days, including pre-show events on Friday, May 25, bursts of rain, even occasional hail, did stir up the schedule somewhat on Saturday and Sunday but determined crowds came out in force and were rewarded with Thunderbird flights each afternoon.

A 388th Fighter Wing pilot ejected safely from his malfunctioning F-16 fighter jet Friday morning, May 3, during a flight over western Utah's Test and Training Range.

At the time of the accident there was one person on board. The pilot successfully ejected and was evaluated by medical personnel. Emergency response teams from Hill Air Force Base responded immediately to the accident.