Podcasts about cannon air force base

This Day in Legal History: Switch in Time that Saved NineOn February 5, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed a controversial plan to expand the U.S. Supreme Court, a move that became known as the “court-packing” plan. Frustrated by the Court striking down key New Deal programs, Roosevelt sought to add up to six new justices, arguing it would make the Court more efficient. His plan allowed the president to appoint an additional justice for each sitting justice over the age of 70 who refused to retire. Critics saw this as an attempt to undermine judicial independence and tilt the Court in Roosevelt's favor. The proposal faced strong bipartisan opposition, including from members of Roosevelt's own Democratic Party.While the plan ultimately failed in the Senate, the political pressure had an effect. Soon after, the Court began ruling in favor of New Deal legislation, a shift sometimes called “the switch in time that saved nine.” This shift preserved Roosevelt's policies without requiring changes to the Court's structure. By the early 1940s, Roosevelt had the chance to appoint multiple justices as vacancies naturally occurred. The controversy reinforced the principle of judicial independence and the separation of powers. It also set a precedent that court expansion efforts would be met with significant resistance.The court-packing episode remains relevant in modern debates over judicial reform. It serves as a historical lesson on the limits of presidential power and the resilience of the judiciary. Roosevelt, despite his immense political influence, could not force structural changes to the Supreme Court. The episode highlights the delicate balance between the executive and judicial branches, ensuring no single branch dominates the government.Pam Bondi was confirmed as U.S. Attorney General in a 54-46 Senate vote, positioning her to lead the Justice Department amid significant shifts under the Trump administration. Bondi, a longtime Trump ally, takes over as the department faces internal upheaval, with interim leadership forcing out officials involved in cases related to the January 6 Capitol attack. She has pledged to restore what she calls an "equal, fair system of justice" and to end the "partisan weaponization" of the DOJ.  Since Trump took office, the DOJ has realigned its priorities, focusing on immigration enforcement while reducing emphasis on other areas. One of Trump's first executive orders directed the agency to address alleged "weaponization" of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Bondi supports this effort, vowing to enforce the law vigorously while backing the administration's policy shifts.  Her tenure is expected to bring further changes, including tensions between the DOJ and the FBI. Recently, the FBI was asked to provide names of employees involved in January 6 investigations, prompting lawsuits from agents concerned about retaliation. Critics warn that the administration's moves risk politicizing the DOJ and eroding institutional knowledge as career officials depart.Bondi Confirmed as Trump's Attorney General to Lead DOJ Shake-Up - BloombergThe American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is suing the Trump administration to stop its voluntary resignation program, "Fork in the Road," arguing it violates federal law. The program allows federal employees who resign by February 6 to continue receiving pay and benefits through September 30, but requires them to waive their right to sue their employer. The union claims this promise is illegal under the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits federal agencies from committing funds before Congress approves them.  Congress has only authorized funding for most agencies through March 14, meaning agencies cannot guarantee salaries beyond that date. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, is the latest challenge to efforts by Trump and Elon Musk to reduce the federal workforce. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) argues that the resignation offer is legal because it does not provide “additional compensation.”  AFGE has received thousands of complaints from employees, saying the program forces staff to work extra hours while raising concerns about whether the government will honor its commitments. The Justice Department has not yet responded to the lawsuit.Federal Worker Union Sues to Stop Trump's Resignation Offer (1)Farmers in Curry County, New Mexico, are at a critical juncture in their fight against PFAS contamination from Cannon Air Force Base, with a key court hearing set for February 7. Art and Renee Schaap, once owners of a thriving dairy farm, were forced to slaughter their entire herd after discovering dangerously high levels of PFAS in their water supply. The chemicals, linked to firefighting foam used by the military, rendered their milk unsellable and their land contaminated.  A legal battle over the government's responsibility is unfolding, with the Schaaps' case becoming a test for broader national litigation. The Pentagon has requested dismissal of all claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act, arguing that its use of PFAS-containing foam was discretionary and therefore not subject to lawsuits. The government is also resisting cleanup demands under Superfund laws, which could delay remediation efforts.  If the court allows lawsuits to proceed, affected farmers and businesses may finally receive compensation and quicker environmental cleanup. Meanwhile, concerns over PFAS exposure continue to grow, with nearby cheese processors and residents installing costly water filtration systems to protect against contamination. The Air Force has begun cleanup efforts, including a planned $73 million water treatment facility, but obstacles remain, including regulatory changes and the lack of proven PFAS destruction technologies.  For now, the Schaaps and other local farmers face uncertainty, with their land value in question and their future livelihoods at risk. The case's outcome could determine whether the military is held accountable for widespread PFAS contamination affecting communities nationwide.Farmers Ruined by PFAS Face Key Moment in Fight AgainstDonald Trump's proposal to eliminate taxes on tips may seem like a win for hospitality workers, but it risks deepening wage inequities and further entrenching the service industry's reliance on gratuities. While tipped workers might see short-term benefits, the policy would leave out millions of low-wage workers in non-tipped sectors, such as retail or manufacturing, exacerbating disparities. It could also push more workers into precarious, tip-dependent jobs rather than stable, salaried positions.By making tips tax-free, employers may feel even less incentive to raise wages, worsening income instability for workers who already rely on inconsistent gratuities. The plan also ignores existing discrimination in tipping, which could become even more entrenched in an unregulated tip-based economy. Instead of piecemeal solutions that favor certain workers over others, policymakers should focus on raising the federal minimum wage and eliminating the tipped minimum wage exemption.The tipped minimum wage has been stuck at $2.13 per hour since 1991, despite inflation reducing its value over time. Phasing it out and aligning it with the federal minimum wage would offer workers more stability, ensuring they earn a livable income independent of customer generosity. A broader increase in the minimum wage is also necessary, as the current $7.25 rate, set in 2009, has failed to keep pace with inflation.While tax-free tips may sound appealing, they don't address the root causes of wage insecurity. True reform would prioritize fair pay for all low-wage workers, creating stability and reducing financial precarity across industries.Trump's Tax-Free Tips Proposal May Sound Good But Is a Risky Bet This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

For review:1. IDF Deploys into Buffer Zone with Syria & Controls Strategic Mount Hermon.On Sunday, the IDF captured the Syrian side of strategic Mount Hermon, along with a buffer zone that has existed between the countries since the 1970s. The 235-square-kilometer demilitarized buffer zone was established in the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria, which concluded the Yom Kippur War, and has been manned for decades by UN peacekeepers. 2.  IDF Strikes Syrian Military Hardware Following Collapse of Assad Regime.On Sunday, the IAF hit advanced missile storage sites, air defense systems, and planes, helicopters, and tanks that belonged to the Assad regime's military. On Monday, Israeli planes bombed at least three major Syrian army air bases that housed dozens of helicopters and jets. 3. US Strikes ISIS Targets in Syria.US Central Command said that its warplanes conducted “dozens” of airstrikes on more than 75 sites, including known “ISIS leaders, operatives and camps.”The attacks used B-52 bombers, F-15 fighters, and A-10 Warthogs.4. Russia to provide warplanes to N. Korea in return for troop combat deployment. US Indo-PACOM Commander (Admiral Samuel Paparo): Russia has reached an agreement with North Korea to send MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter aircraft to Pyongyang in return for that nation deploying soldiers to help with Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.5. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes rare comment on troop causalities.The Ukrainian President said that some 43,000 Ukrainian Soldiers have been killed and 370,000 injuries had been reported, since the war with Russia began in February 2022. 6. US Military pauses V-22 Osprey Fleet following near-accident at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.The pause was recommended last week “out of an abundance of caution” by Vice Admiral Carl Chebi, the head of Naval Air Systems Command.

Exploring St. James Episcopal Church in Clovis, NM: A Rich History and Vibrant Community Join Bishop Michael Hunn and the Rev. Simon Carian as they delve into the rich history and vibrant community of St. James Episcopal Church in Clovis, NM. Discover the town's origins as a railroad hub, its agricultural and dairy economy, and the presence of Cannon Air Force Base. Learn about the diverse ministry efforts—including community outreach, bilingual services, and unique events like the Blessing of the Animals and Chili Day— that make St. James a welcoming and active part of Clovis. Don't miss the stories of creative initiatives like the Hartley House purse drive, all aimed at strengthening the local community. Whether you're visiting Clovis or part of the diocese, St. James offers a warm welcome and a rich tradition of service and faith. 00:00 Welcome to St. James Episcopal Church 00:47 Discovering Clovis, New Mexico 02:19 The Agricultural and Military Influence in Clovis 04:41 The Heart of St. James Community 06:33 Reviving Traditions and New Celebrations 10:25 Blessing of the Animals 16:03 Community Outreach Initiatives 18:28 Introducing Bilingual Services 21:48 Understanding the Needs of the Spanish-Speaking Community 23:53 Conclusion and Invitation

Bart Sibrel's "Moon Man" is a revealing memoir recalling his harrowing journey investigating what really happened during America's famous Apollo missions. It features hair-raising and life-threatening encounters with government agencies. Sibrel joined guest host Richard Syrett (Twitter) to reveal why he thinks the Apollo moon landings were hoaxed and how government agencies have tried to stop the truth from getting out.Sibrel expressed his deep skepticism and conviction that the Apollo moon landings were staged. He argued that the anger and resistance people display when confronted with this idea stems from a reverence for science and the Apollo missions being treated as a sort of "god" figure. Sibrel suggested that exposing the moon landings as fraudulent would shatter this trust in government and scientific institutions. He recounted instances where individuals, including media figures like Glenn Beck, vehemently defended the moon landings despite evidence suggesting otherwise.Sibrel presented various pieces of evidence to support his claims, such as discrepancies in shadows in moon landing footage and the testimony of experts. He dismissed counterarguments about the possibility of moon landing authenticity, citing examples like China and Russia's alleged knowledge of the fraud and the destruction of technology and evidence by NASA. Sibrel also discussed the discovery of unedited footage showing the astronauts faking being halfway to the moon, which he sees as conclusive proof of the hoax.He reported on the deathbed confession of Cyrus Eugene Akers, who claimed to be head of security at Cannon Air Force Base where the first lunar landing was supposedly faked. Sibrel described how Akers confessed to his son about murdering a coworker who threatened to expose the fraud. He mentioned the involvement of high-profile individuals, including President Johnson, Neil Armstrong, and others, in the alleged deception. Sibrel also touched on broader issues of government corruption and the erosion of civil liberties, advocating for a reset to principles of liberty akin to those of 1776.Justice for Epstein VictimsEpstein Justice is a non-profit organization dedicated to seeking justice on behalf of the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators. In the first hour, the directors of the group, Nick Bryant and Pete Shinn, discussed their efforts to bring the perpetrators in the Epstein trafficking network to justice. They asserted that there are likely hundreds of victims of Epstein and his associates, and emphasized the need for a government investigation to determine the true extent of the abuse and ensure justice for survivors.The two men criticized the FBI's failure to act on reports of Epstein's activities, suggesting a cover-up by the state of Florida and the Department of Justice. The lenient treatment of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, coupled with suspicions of their connections to powerful individuals and potential blackmail operations, raises questions about their status as intelligence assets, they suggested. They recommended interested listeners stay informed through Epstein Justice's newsletter to demand accountability and justice for survivors. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/georgenoory/message

Writer/Editor of the Air Force Times Rachel Cohen, discusses the unusual connection of Childhood brain cancer and Cannon Air Force Base which is located near Clovis New Mexico with TJ on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out Bart's website at https://sibrel.comJoin his SubscribeStar at https://www.subscribestar.com/bartsibrelBart joins us for the second time. He talks about Cyrus Eugene Akers deathbed confession, the moon landing being filmed at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, James Webb, Gus Grissom, and so much more. Email us: thefacthunter@mail.comWebsite: thefacthunter.com

One year to the day after the publication of the revelatory book “Moon Man: The True Story of a Filmmaker on the CIA Hit List”, which divulges the deathbed confession of the former Chief of Security at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis New Mexico, who confessed thereon to his participation in the falsification of the first “moon landing”, his identity is finally revealed. This predetermined waiting period was previously negotiated with his sole surviving son, who himself passed away this year. Cyrus Eugene Akers detailed the information in the book, including not only the location of the filming of the first fake moon landing at his military base, the dates it was filmed, and the CIA codename for the operation, he also gave the names of fifteen government scientists and officials who were allowed exclusive observation of this historic government fraud, some of whom are still alive today. The list was given to Akers by President Lyndon Johnson, who was there at the first day of filming. Threatened with execution if he ever revealed this information, Security Chief Akers kept all of this to himself until his deathbed, the guilt from which prompted his tearful confession to his son, who was also threatened with assassination after sharing this information with the author of Moon Man, Bart Sibrel.Video link: https://youtu.be/wu5Z75ji3aU

Today we are joined by Jonathan Erskine on Episode 29 of The Hawkin Podcast. Jonathan is currently a Strength & Conditioning Coach in the tactical field at Cannon Air Force Base. Previously, Erskine held positions as Strength & Conditioning Coach at REEF Systems Corp, Intern Strength Coach at The University of Alabama, and Defensive Line Coach & Strength Coach at the High School level. Jonathan received his Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago. He also received a Master of Science and Bachelor's Degree in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management from Troy University. Coach Erskine's move from the sports world, into the tactical world, gives him a unique view of how strength & conditioning can better benefit all those that partake. Gives this week's episode a listen to learn more...   Time Stamps For Today's Episode:   00:00:07 When Jonathan Erskine caught the iron bug 00:02:15 From passion to profession 00:06:23 Building the roots 00:14:28 That “C'mon man” moment 00:20:39 Growth & change 00:25:33 Haircuts mid-episode? 00:28:12 Carryover from athletics to tactical 00:33:04 Implementation of sports science in the tactical setting 00:43:25 Advice for young coaches coming into tactical 00:53:53 Not everyone has the same means of motivation 00:59:42 Creating a buy-in culture 01:06:09 Moving properly before loading the body 01:13:20 The transition of the tactical realm 01:19:23 Jon's contact information & podcast   If you are interested in learning more about Jonathan Erskine, he can be found on LinkedIn here, Instagram here, by email at jmersko@gmail.com, or listen to his new podcast, The BROKE Strength Coach. Hawkin Dynamics is an industry leader in force plates, education, and support. Check out www.HawkinDynamics.com to learn more, or request a hassle-free quote to see what the HD System costs here.

Host Lou DiVizio runs through the top headlines in New Mexico, including news taxpayers could be on the hook for covering cleanup costs if PFAS contamination expands beyond the borders of Cannon Air Force Base. Then, Gene Grant speaks with Albuquerque's District 4 City Councilor Brook Bassan about her recent reversal regarding homeless encampments. And, Gene and the Line Opinion Panel react to that interview and discuss possible solutions. Host: Lou DiVizio Line Host: Gene Grant Guest: Brook Bassan, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 4 Line Opinion Panelists: Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law For More Information: City Councilor Brook Bassan Introduces Legislation to Repeal Sanctioned Encampments – City of Albuquerque Martineztown Residents Push Back Against Planned Homeless Camp - KRQE Neighbors, Mayor Declare Truce Over Gibson Center: Homeless Shelter Ok'd - The Paper NMiF on Facebook NMiF on Youtube NMiF on Instagram NMiF on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nmif/message

The Line Opinion Panel discusses the troubling news that both the Hermit's Peak and Calf Canyon fires began as prescribed burns conducted by the U.S. Forest Service. The Panel also touches on new concerns over the burn scar left by the fire. Experts say it could lead to disastrous flash flooding once monsoon season comes around. The Line Opinion Panel also discusses the economic implications of a potential interstate that would cut through New Mexico. The international trade route would stretch from Laredo, Texas, connecting to I-25 in Raton, New Mexico. In Clovis, N.M., Art Schaap of Highland Dairy has had to euthanize more than 3,500 dairy cows contaminated with toxic chemicals from Cannon Air Force Base. New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney talks about the pollution—and about the cow carcasses, which must be treated as “hazardous waste” because of the high levels of PFAS that remain in them. Warning: graphic content. Line Host: Gene Grant Line Opinion Panelists: Algernon D'Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun-News Sophie Martin, attorney Diane Snyder, former NM State Senator Correspondent: Laura Paskus Guest: James Kenney, secretary, New Mexico Environment Department For More Information: The Struggle for PFAS Pollution Accountability Art Schaap's Dairy Dilemma Former Cannon Firefighter Kevin Ferrara Talks PFAS Contamination Groundwater War: Reporters on the Challenges of Covering PFAS Forest Officials: Dormant Prescribed Burn Caused Calf Canyon Fire – Santa Fe New Mexican NM Wildfire Burn Scar has Forest Officials Worried – Western Slopes Now NM May Get New Interstate Highway - KRCC --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nmif/message

This is a SNEAK PEEK of VirtForce's new show The Duty Station Download, a video interview series coming to you soon! In this episode, we've pulled together a compilation of bases to give you Fall Festivities and some spooky haunts straight from the mouths of military spouses and veterans who have lived there. Today, we're talking about how to spend your Fall in: 00:57 ???? Washington DC 01:36 ???? Camp Lejeune 02:06 ???? Cannon Air Force Base 02:41 ???? Colorado Springs 07:32 ???? Most Haunted Military Installations 08:35 ???? Fort Hood 09:15 ???? West Point Tune in to hear about the best pumpkin patches, great places to eat Thanksgiving dinner and one very haunted ski lodge outside of Colorado Springs. ????Youtube: https://bit.ly/vf-youtube1????Sign up for the Duty Station Download Newsletter: https://bit.ly/vf-dsd So, what's The Duty Station Download you ask? It goes like this. When your spouse gets orders to a new base your head is swimming with questions – Where should I live? What fun things are there to do? Who is going to cut my hair?! Don't stress! We're giving you the 411 on the best of what your new duty station has to offer. Each week, Kimber will sit down with someone who has actually been stationed at that base, and find out everything you need to know, ranging from great places to live to where you can find the best slice of pizza. Subscribe! More episodes will be uploaded soon!

This is a SNEAK PEEK of VirtForce's new show The Duty Station Download, a video interview series coming to you soon! In this episode, we've pulled together a compilation of bases to give you Fall Festivities and some spooky haunts straight from the mouths of military spouses and veterans who have lived there. Today, we're talking about how to spend your Fall in: 00:57

Preached on October 17, 2021 at Cannon Air Force Base.

Kevin Ferrara, a retired U.S. Air Force firefighter, spoke to correspondent Laura Paskus from his home in Pennsylvania. Ferrara trained at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois in 1991 and was assigned to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, N.M. until 1995. During that time, he and other firefighters used Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), now known to contain toxic chemicals that have contaminated local waters at hundreds of military bases nationwide. Today, Ferrara is an outspoken advocate for the U.S. military and Veterans Affairs to acknowledge the potential health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on firefighters. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, home for the August congressional recess, sits down with senior producer Matt Grubs. The pair discuss bipartisan efforts to forge a compromise over nearly $1 trillion in infrastructure projects. They also explore other congressional issues, including comprehensive immigration reform and the growing challenges from the fast-spreading Delta variant of COVID-19. Rep. Leger Fernandez also spent a few minutes with Groundwater War Correspondent Laura Paskus to discuss her efforts to deal with contamination from AFFFs, or firefighting foam used at military installations in New Mexico. Correspondents: Matt Grubs Laura Paskus Guests: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, NM-CD3 Kevin Ferrara, USAF (Retired) For More Information: Kevin Ferrara Full Interview Groundwater War Website Infrastructure Plan Would Add Hundreds of Billions to Deficit – Washington Post Biden Signals Support for Unilateral Immigration Reform – New York Times

New Mexico's environmental regulators learned from the Air Force in 2018 that it had contaminated local waters with PFAS from fire fighting foams used at Cannon and Holloman Air Force bases. Since that time, the state has been sued by the U.S. Department of Defense for trying to compel the military to clean up that pollution--and in June, the Biden administration's DOD called New Mexico's attempts to compel cleanup under one of the military's permits "arbitrary and capricious." Meanwhile, Kenney is also asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for help in setting federal pollution standards for the toxic substances. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force announced in June a $16.6 million contract to build a pilot water treatment plant at the southeastern corner of Cannon Air Force Base, to test three different options for removing PFAS from the groundwater. If all goes according to plan, the "pump and treat" plant will begin operations in 2023. Plus, Host Gene Grant speaks with Rep. Melanie Stansbury, whose victory in the special election for New Mexico's 1st Congressional District was watched closely by politicos in the U.S. and abroad. The congresswoman, who was sworn into office Monday, discusses her policy priorities. Correspondents: Gene Grant Laura Paskus Guests: Chris Gierke, remedial project manager, U.S. Air Force Sec. James Kenney, NM Environment Department Rep. Melanie Stansbury, (D-NM) 1st Congressional District

David Grossman is one of America's most prolific and controversial police trainers. His courses on 'kill-ology' put violence and the act of killing at the heart of law enforcement. In the aftermath of Black Lives Matter, Grossman's methods have come under question. Host:David AaronovitchGuest:Laura PullmanClips:ABC, CBS, Warner Bros., Cannon Air Force Base See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Clovis, NM! Clovis began in 1906 when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway was being constructed in the area and the engineers were told to choose a town site. Originally it was known as Riley's Switch, but was formally named Clovis in 1907. It is thought by some that it was named after "Clovis Culture", the oldest known culture in the United States. The first "Clovis Culture" artifacts were discovered at what became the Blackwater Draw archaeological site in 1929, and the culture was subsequently named after the city it was closest to, not the other way around. The city was actually named by the daughter of a railway official who was studying the first king of the Franks, King Clovis. Clovis is home to Cannon Air Force Base and the Norman and Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum. The museum is designed to give visitors a glimpse into the Norman Petty Studios, where early rock greats like Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly recorded some of their hits.

In this episode, Scott and Joe got the chance to catch up with one of their dearest friends, Hope Skibitsky, the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. During their chat, they explored the evolution of her leadership, the negative impact of gossip, the power of positive intent and much, much more. Hope's Book Recommendations: Message to Garcia – Elbert Hubbard | https://amzn.to/2AsvhIh The Happiness Hypothesis – Jonathan Haidt | https://amzn.to/3irHYnD The Coddling of the American Mind – Jonathan Haidt, Greg Lukianoff, et al. | https://amzn.to/2C0f5hU The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion | https://amzn.to/31LDHFN Hope's Llama Leadership Article - “Words Matter” | https://tinyurl.com/ycjn9ntd LLAMA LINKS Website: http://www.llamaleadership.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/llama-leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LlamaLeadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llamaleaders/

Searchlight New Mexico's April Reese discusses her reporting on the effects of toxic chemicals from Cannon Air Force Base on local groundwater—and the severe toll these toxins have taken on the viability of a dairy business and the health of its owner.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a captain pilot on active duty, Tim Mergen had a lot going for him, flying the C-146A "Wolfhound" out of Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. But God's call to the priesthood proved too persistent for the up and coming officer from Wisconsin to ignore. So in 2014, he separated from active duty, took a demotion in rank to Second Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve, and entered Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmittsburg, MD, in hopes of returning to active duty one day as an Air Force chaplain. He is now well into his formational studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, scheduled to be ordained a priest in 2020. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Tim shares how he discovered his vocation and what it was about God's call that persuaded him to give up a promising military career path in order to be of pastoral service to those who serve in the Air Force.

From Wikipedia: Aponte was raised and educated in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. After receiving his primary and secondary education, he enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico and joined the campus ROTC program. On December 29, 1972, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Aponte was assigned to Moody Air Force Base in the state of Georgia and completed his pilot training in August 1974. He was then reassigned to the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexicoas pilot-weapons system officer and aircraft commander General Dynamics F-111D. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on May 1, 1975. Aponte flew the F-111 F and D models, the 02-A and T-38 aircraft.F-111 - Type of aircraft flown by Aponte Aponte became a Captain on May 1, 1977 and served as aircraft commander and instructor pilot of the F-111F aircraft of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom from August 1978 to May 1981. During this period, he earned his Master of Science degree in management science from Troy State University. In May 1981, he returned to the United States and served as instructor pilot of the 0-2A aircraft, assigned to the 549th Tactical Air Support Training Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. During this period, Aponte attended the United States Marine CorpsWeapons and Tactics Instructor School in Marine Corps Air Station Yuma located in Arizona, the United States Air Force Squadron Officer's School and United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College (the latter two by correspondence). He served at Patrick Air Force Base until May 1984, when he was sent to Howard Air Force Base in Panama. Aponte was promoted to major on October 1, 1984 and was the chief of the Latin American Political Military Affairs Division and deputy director for Latin American Affairs. On June 1988, Aponte was reassigned to Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico where he served as aircraft commander F111-D, 523rd Tactical Fighter Squadron and from 1989 to December 1989 as chief, Quality Assurance of 27th Tactical Fighter Group.[ In August 1990, Aponte joined the Air Force Reserve and was assigned to Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and Space Operations Western Hemisphere Division in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.. At the Pentagon, Aponte was the international political officer who led the reserve officers assigned to the Western Hemisphere, European and Defense Attached Directorates. In 1992, the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds, selected him as the Spanish Language Narrator for their highly successful Latin America Tour. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on June 18, 1993 and completed by seminar Air War College in 1994. From November 1999 to January 2001, he served as individual mobilization augmentee to Deputy Under Secretary International Affairs. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel on August 1, 1997. In January 2001, he was assigned as a mobilization assistant to the deputy to the Chief Air Force Reserve. There he led transformation efforts and was a tiger team member in response to frequent mobilization and demobilization issues resulting from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In April 2003, Aponte became the Deputy Director for Operations, Headquarters United States Southern Command in Miami, Florida. Aponte was promoted to Brigadier General on March 1, 2003. In October 2004, he was named Director, J-7, of the United States Southern Command. His directorate is the focal point for transformation initiatives, knowledge management, experimentation and gaming within the U. S. Southern Command. The directorate seeks out new concepts and rigorously tests them both in simulation and as part of operational experiments. The first transformation initiative was the startup of the Secretary of Defense mandated Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ). The SJFHQ, consists of planning, operations, knowledge management, and information superiority experts who form the backbone of the Joint Task Force command structure in the event of contingency operations. Aponte retired July 1, 2007.

This episode, the first in a special three-part series, chronicles Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith's travels to rural New Mexico in January 2018 as a pilot for her second-year project, "American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities." Anya Creightney of the Poetry and Literature Center will reflect on the trip, and we'll hear from a few of the folks our poet laureate met on the road.

The premiere episode of the new "How It's Done" series for Cannon AFB. This episode features parts of the CV-22 and how they help the aircraft fly.