Gen Russell E. Dougherty, Former SAC Commander-in-Chief Dies
General Russell E. Dougherty, USAF (Ret.), a former commander-in-chief of the Strategic Air Command and the director of strategic target planning (Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff) at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, died on September 7, 2007 at his home in Potomac Falls, Virginia. General Dougherty served as Executive Director of the Air Force Association from 1980 to 1986. A strategic thinker and planner, as commander of SAC, Dougherty oversaw the most lethal nuclear arsenal in the world, including bombers, tankers, reconnaissance aircraft and intercontinental ballistic missiles. He was considered an airpower visionary and served on various government and commercial defense-related boards after retiring from the Air Force. Click here for more.

The Washington Post and Legacy.com have a page available (until October 17) to share your memories or express condolences at http://www.legacy.com/WashingtonPost/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=94288480

May Our Veterans Rest in Peace
The Air Force Association recently pledged its support to Congressman Chris Carney's legislative initiative, the "May Our Veterans Rest in Peace Act of 2007". There has been a significant increase in the theft of grave markers from our veterans' cemeteries and current sentencing guidelines for those convicted of such crimes are not serving as an adequate deterrent. AFA supports significantly increasing the penalties in section 994 of title 28, United States Code. The desecration, theft and trafficking in grave markers and monuments from our veterans cemeteries is a despicable act and one that warrants escalating punishment standards higher than are available in the current code. Click here for more information on Representative Carney's proposed legislation.

Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition
The 2007 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition will be a historic gathering of leaders from the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, and the aerospace industry. September 24-26, 2007, Washington, DC. Click here for details and to register.

Air Force Memorial Project Book Signing at Air & Space Conference
Colonel Walter J. Boyne, USAF (Ret), the author of the United States Air Force Memorial project book, SOARING TO GLORY, will be signing copies of his book on Tuesday, September 25th, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Atrium of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel at the Air & Space Conference. Books, which regularly sell for $100, may be purchased for $80 during the signing.

Happenings at the Air Force Memorial
The following special activities are scheduled at the Air Force Memorial through the end of September:

• Sept 18 - 9 AM: Air Force 60th Anniversary Wreath Laying Ceremony
• Sept 21 - 10 AM: National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony
• Sept 23 - 8AM : AFA Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony

For more information on the Air Force Memorial, please visit www.airforcememorial.org or call 703.979.0674.

Airman Missing from WWII Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Sept. 5 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified. Second Lt. Harold E. Hoskin of the Army Air Forces from Houlton, Maine, was buried Sept. 7 in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Click here for story.

Air Force Marathon Week Kicks Off
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base officials are gearing up for the largest Air Force Marathon ever held. Click here for Air Force story.

Bagram Airmen Celebrate Air Force's 60th Birthday
Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines were in attendance for the Air Force 60th Anniversary Ball held Sept. 8 at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The multiservice crowd had dinner and watched videos highlighting the past, present and future roles of the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt. Craig Seals)

Shingles Vaccine Available to VA Patients
A vaccine for shingles, which Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers helped develop, is available to veterans who are patients at VA medical facilities nationwide. VA physicians will offer the vaccine to patients with appropriate medical conditions, usually those who are 60 years of age or older and have healthy immune systems. A single dose of the vaccine offers protection against shingles, which is scientifically named Herpes Zoster. VA researchers and patients from across the country participated in studies which led to the vaccine's approval by the Food and Drug Administration. The vaccine is available immediately to those who are recommended for the treatment.

VA Suicide Prevention Hotline Successful
On a hot August night, a Vietnam veteran with a history of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found out his wife was leaving him. This was the last straw. He had a gun and a plan to kill himself. As a last resort, he called VA's newly established around-the-clock Suicide Prevention Hotline. He told the counselor that he was severely distressed. Although the veteran declined the counselor's offer to provide immediate 911 services, the counselor convinced him to leave his gun behind and drive to the nearby VA hospital.

VA health care providers met him at the emergency room door, escorted him through the system and admitted him for intensive mental health services. He is now safe and receiving treatment. The local Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC) is following his care and maintaining contact with him.

Several hundred similar stories with successful outcomes have taken place since the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) set up its 24-hour, seven-days-a-week Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), in late July. The Hotline has received more than 1,000 calls from veterans since it became operational.

TRICARE Reserve Select Deadline Approaching
National Guard and Reserve members currently in the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) health care plan must sign up for the restructured TRS by Sept. 30, 2007, in order to continue their coverage. Effective Sept. 30, the "old" TRS ceases to exist. A restructured TRS begins Oct. 1, 2007. Click here for more.

Correction - Free Blue Star Flag from Grantham
Grantham University, AFA and AFAVBA's online education partner, is pleased to provide AFA members and their families a FREE Blue Star Flag. This flag has come to mean more than just your service to our country. It means that your devotion to protecting our freedom is not forgotten back home. Last week, the website incorrectly stated that you must be Active Duty, Guard or Reserve to receive the flag, but all AFA members who have family serving (or who have served) are eligible for the free banner. Click here to receive your Blue Star Flag.

For more information on the full 4-year degree scholarship program Grantham provides an AFA member each year, click here

For information on AFA member discounts for online tuition at Grantham University, click here

Air Force Magazine Highlight
The Air Force Century: 1907-2007
The nation's air arm, which began with three people and no airplanes, has marked its 100th anniversary. Click here for AFA's Air Force Magazine story.

.