Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

The Climb On experience will allow single Airmen to engage in monthly indoor climbing events and quarterly high adventure programs. Outdoor Fitness indoor climbs are in a safe, controlled environment; great for beginners and experts.

Climb On will enhance resiliency and morale while building teamwork, and is a great way to engage with your fellow Airman. A specialized trip to Idaho’s City of Rocks has been scheduled for May 10-12. Cost is $125 and you can register at Outdoor Recreation, Tickets &Travel, Building 805.

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The other night I was driving home from work listening to the radio. A commercial came on for Mountain Dew and Jason Aldean, a popular country singer, said, "This is how I do" -- then went on to explain his life philosophy. Later I saw a commercial with another music star that was advertising for Mountain Dew. He also said, "This is how I do" and explained his philosophy. That "how I do" tagline prompted me to think about what we do as NCOs. In essence, "this is how we do."

In my 29 years in the Air Force I have seen a lot of things change but there has always been one constant -- Airmen. It does not matter what you are engaged in there are Airmen making it happen. Our senior leaders constantly remind us the world's greatest Air Force is dominant not because of technology but because of our team of Airmen. However, our technology may be having a detrimental effect on our team.

Chief Master Sgt. Eric Jaren, AFMC command chief, greeted the newest Hill AFB chief master sergeants at a ceremony Feb. 17 at The Landing.

He congratulated the new chief master sergeants and delivered remarks to encourage their continued success as leaders in an Air Force faced with exciting challenges and opportunities on the horizon.

Thanksgiving came a day early for the men and women of Hill Air Force Base's two fighter wings.

On Wednesday, Hill's 388th and 419th Fighter Wings held a combined Thanksgiving feast in one of the base's airplane hangars.

The massive meal fed more than 1,200 people, including Airmen and their families, using 30 turkeys, 45 hams, and nearly every food one could desire on Turkey Day.

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The U.S. Air Forces Central command chief has a good perspective on the lives of the Airmen serving in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom after more than 21 months on the job.

A younger generation of Airmen is adapting to an ever-changing operating environment, gaining experience and perspective that bodes well for the future of the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt.

WASHINGTON -- Current and former Airmen who were involuntarily held on active duty beyond an approved separation or retirement date as a direct result of stop loss between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, may be eligible for a Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay compensation of $500 for each month they were affected. Affected Airmen may start applying for compensation effective now.

The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriation Act set aside $534.4 million for the Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay compensation authority.