Behind the scenes: SERE teaches survival skills
To say that the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Specialists at Cannon Air Force Base are mere instructors doesn’t begin to give them sufficient kudos for the skills, tactics and mission-essential tools they instill in aircrew members in the 27th Special Operations Wing.

Commentary: First sergeants focus on developing leadership
I can still remember my first day at Basic Military Training, Feb. 15, 1996. From the moment I got off the bus and my Technical Instructor started yelling in my face, the Air Force has been developing my leadership skills and giving me the tools necessary to become both a successful leader and follower.

Sweet treats sent to deployed troops
Base personnel and members of the Airman and Family Readiness Center from Cannon Air Force Base journeyed to Lubbock, Texas, to meet with a group of girl scouts and receive a very generous donation on April 28.

The late shift: Keeping planes in the sky
Operations at Cannon Air Force Base never rest and they never sleep. Many squadrons, such as the 16th Special Operations Squadron aircraft maintenance unit and the 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, keep working all through the night. Air Commandos skilled in hydraulics and engine mechanics work with crew chiefs to service the AC-130H Spectre gunship and keep it flying 24/7.

Ride raises funds for Levitow memorial
Sgt. Chase Taylor participated in a motorcycle charity ride with other members of Cannon Air Force Base in March. The charity ride was organized to raise money for a memorial honoring Sgt. John Levitow, who is recognized for being the lowest ranking airman to receive the Medal of Honor for exceptional heroism during wartime.

Summit focuses on veteran employment
Cannon Air Force Base Col. Buck Elton and New Mexico Department of Veteran Affairs Cabinet Secretary Timothy Hale, a previous military member, were guest speakers at the New Mexico Employer Summit on April 26 in Clovis.

More TRICARE increases could be on way
After an increase in TRICARE Standard fees for military retirees in October 2011, more increases could possibly be coming under a new TRICARE plan, according to U.S. Department of Defense officials.

The protectors: Airmen keep Cannon safe, secure
One of the most widely-known Special Operations Forces truths is that humans are more important than hardware, making personnel essential Air Force asset.

Clovis native recognized for role in rescue mission
A Navy petty officer from Clovis was honored earlier this month for his rescue efforts aboard an MH-60S helicopter in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, according to a Navy press release.