One year after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Tech. Sgt. Jose Rodriguez shares his story of first-hand experiences while supporting the people of Puerto Rico in their time of need. He worked beside agents from Federal Emergency Management Agency and local authorities to document hurricane damage and the relief efforts that followed. Portions of the infrastructure are being rebuilt as federal agencies support the Government of Puerto Rico’s plan to restore the island’s lifeline systems and enable Puerto Rico to withstand the storms to come. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Franklin E. S. Harris Jr.)
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C.— It’s a dark night on the flightline. Vehicles dart back and forth bringing tools and maintainers from one aircraft to another or back to their respective shops. On one of the lines ends, a transient C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., sits bathed in orange light from the giant sodium vapor lamps that surround the line. Behind it, three maintainers are setting up to begin their nights work.
Former Senior Airman Jennifer Stone separated from the Air Force after being shot in a drive-by shooting while on leave. The bullet tore into her arm, ripping through her chest and devastating major organs.
Retired Col. Rogers Porter, in 1946, took a flight in a surplus Army Stearman, which ignited a passion for flying. A local flying school let him fly for the price of gas, giving him an opportunity to earn his private pilot license. Once he had his license, he applied for the Aviation Cadet program.
