Kirtland AFB NCO named DG at NCO Academy

Tech. Sgt. James Arent, 377th Security Forces Group, center, graduated Dec. 11, 2012, from the Robert Gaylor NCO Academy at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, where he was recognized as a distinguished graduate of Class 13-1. On the left is Chief Master Sgt. Russell Howell, the academy’s commandant, and on the right is retired Chief Master Sgt. Paul Weseloh, vice president of the Air Force Association’s Alamo Chapter. Courtesy photo.

'Order of the Nucleus' Induction

Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center commander, left, inducted a new class of five “Order of the Nucleus” recipients Jan. 24 at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. The “Order of the Nucleus” is an AFNWC award presented to those who are supporting and have supported the nuclear enterprise with great distinction. Dr. Carolyne Hart, second from left, retired from an illustrious 33-year career at Sandia National Laboratories. David Seely, third from left, has led Kirtland Federal Credit Union in Albuquerque as president and CEO since 1990. Gabriel Herrera, center, of the 898th Munitions Squadron, has supported the Kirtland Underground Munitions Maintenance and Storage Complex for more than 20 years. Bill Patterson, second from right, is a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War who retired after a 37-year career at SNL. Maj. Gen. Terrence A. “Terry” Feehan, right, is vice commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, Calif. Photo by Dennis Carlson.

Airman 1st Class Trevor Runyan

Airman 1st Class Trevor Runyan, a pararescue student stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, took first place in two events during a national table tennis tournament in Las Vegas in December.

A warm welcome

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Capt. Mike Gifford is welcomed home Jan. 13 at the Albuquerque Sunport by his girlfriend, Laura Keck, along with friends, coworkers and members of the Rio Rancho chapter of the Blue Star Mothers. Gifford, assigned to the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, was deployed to Afghanistan for four months. (Photo by Lt. Col. Cindy Feldwisch)

Volunteers help clean Sandia Base Elementary School

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. – As part of Wingman Day 2012, volunteers from here cleaned the grounds of Sandia Base Elementary School Dec. 12. (Photo by Ken Moore)

Breaking Bad joins forces with Marines for Toys for Tots

Members of the TV series “Breaking Bad” cast and crew joined forces Dec. 14 with the U.S. Marines at the Albuquerque Convention Center to help collect donations for the 2012 Toys for Tots campaign for less fortunate children during Christmas. Left to right, Jimmy Lopez, “Breaking Bad” transportation grip truck driver, Lance Cpl. Joaquin Moreno, Toys for Tots volunteer, Dennis Milliken, “Breaking Bad” transportation captain, and Gunnery Sgt. Lucas Rodriguez, Albuquerque Toys for Tots coordinator. (Courtesy photo)