"The Smell Test"

"The Smell Test": There is great disc

ontent in Nebraska over the Air Force's selection of Barksdale AFB, La., as its preferred location to host the new nuclear-centric Air Force Global Strike Command. News of the outrage expressed by Nebraska elected officials has largely been supplanted by revelation of the budget axe Defense Secretary Robert Gates took to major Air Force weapons programs last week. We covered statements by the Nebraska Congressional delegation, calling the decision outrageous and contradictory. But we also find that, in addition to letters sent to the Air Force and DOD by Sen. Ben Nelson (D), Sen. Mike Johanns (R), and Rep. Lee Terry (R), Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman wrote an April 6 letter to President Obama, asking him to suspend the Air Force action. He writes: "The Air Force is ignoring its own evaluation process in not selecting Offutt Air Force Base. Offutt finished first in every evaluation category. This decision is unfair and unjust." In calling for an independent investigation into the matter, Heineman concludes, "This decision doesn't pass the smell test."

4/13/2009

Verbatim

Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

Verbatim

Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.