Hurlburt Field – In the cockpit of a CV-22 Osprey a flight engineer fires up the engines and begins his routine pre-flight inspections. 

Representatives from five northwest Florida counties spent two days in Washington D. C. last week hearing updates from top military officials and sharing ideas with lawmakers. The annual trip of the Northwest Florida Defense Coalition included representatives from Santa Rosa, Escambia, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties.

Washington – Air Force officials announced additional civilian workforce shaping initiatives March 26 in compliance with mandatory funding targets and continuing civilian workforce rebalance to meet skill demands for fiscal 2014 and beyond.

Hurlburt Field -- Four Special Tactics Airmen from Air Force Special Operations Command were recognized with medals for actions downrange in a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 14.

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) at Hurlburt Field is getting a new leader. An AFSOC Public Affairs Spokesman March 19 said Lt. Gen. Bradley Heithold has been confirmed and will become the new AFSOC commander. He had been nominated for the position by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas -- Hurricanes. It's no secret tropical storms can cause devastating damage across the landscape and lives of those it touches, which is why Sheppard and Eglin teamed up for a hurricane evacuation exercise March 11 and 12. 

The Navarre High School NJROTC Orienteering Team took home 12th place overall at the national competition in Elberton, Ga. March 8 and 9. A total of 22 schools and 331 students from as far away as California competed.

Hurlburt Field – “Off we go into the wild blue yonder..." begins the U.S. Air Force Song, but Airmen at the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron aren't leaving all the flying up to traditional pilots. 

Eglin Air Force Base – The Tricare Service Center at Eglin Air Force Base will close for walk-in services April 1.

The Florida Senate unanimously passed the Florida GI Bill, House Bill 7015, March 11, which is recognized as Florida National Guard Day at the Capitol.