Woodward reflects on AFAFRICA’s success

aj. Gen. Margaret Woodward has been taking time from her whirlwind schedule lately to reflect on the achievements of her unit and her time at Ramstein. With the pending inactivation of the 17th Air Force (Air Forces Africa) April 20, the general has kept up the command’s obligations as the air component for U.S. Africa Command, visiting Ghana, Djibouti and Morocco in the last 30 days. She has also been taking time to eflect and recognize the contributions of AFAFRICA since its 2008 stand up. (Courtesy photo)

Honoring a hero

French air force Maj. Guillaume Vernet shows his pride after receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz July 13, 2011, at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Marnes-la-Coquette, France. Vernet was awarded the decoration for repeatedly flying into hostile territory in December 2009 while deployed to Afghanistan as an exchange officer with the 41st Rescue Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Ga. During that mission, Vernet rescued an urgent casualty whose injury put the lives of 160 British soldiers in jeopardy. (Courtesy photo)

Gen. Mark A. Welsh III takes command of USAFE

U.S. Air Force Gen. Roger A. Brady watches his flag furl during his retirement ceremony after relinquishing command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Dec. 13, 2010. Gen. Brady, relinquished command of USAFE during the change of command ceremony after providing command and control for air, space and missile defense for activities in an area of operations covering almost one-fifth of the globe which included 51 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Pierce)

Gen. Mark A. Welsh III takes command of USAFE

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, speaks to the those in attendance after accepting the command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe during a change of command ceremony, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Dec. 13, 2010. Gen. Roger A. Brady, relinquished command of USAFE during the change of command ceremony after providing command and control for air, space and missile defense for activities in an area of operations covering almost one-fifth of the globe which included 51 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Pierce)

Gen. Mark A. Welsh III takes command of USAFE

U.S. Air Force Gen. Roger A. Brady, outgoing U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, gives a last inspection to his Airmen during a change of command ceremony, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Dec. 13, 2010. Gen. Brady, outgoing USAFE commander, relinquished command during the change of command ceremony after providing command and control for air, space and missile defense for activities in an area of operations covering almost one-fifth of the globe which included 51 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Pierce)

Gen. Mark A. Welsh III takes command of USAFE

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, European Command and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, Gen. Roger A. Brady, outgoing U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, and incoming Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, present arms during the posting of the colors and playing of the National Anthems to begin a change of command ceremony, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Dec. 13, 2010. Gen. Brady, outgoing USAFE commander, relinquished command during the change of command ceremony after providing command and control for air, space and missile defense for activities in an area of operations covering almost one-fifth of the globe which included 51 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Pierce)