25 Oct 2007

New Executive Director brings wealth of experience

When Gregg Kraver, formerly of the 45th Launch Group, was told he had been selected to be executive director of the 45th Space Wing earlier this month, it was a high point to an already long and full career.He grew up in the Satellite Beach area, where his father served as chief of maintenance and logistics for the Eastern Space and Missile Systems

18 Oct 2007

Telling how they "Do Something Amazing"

In the shadow of Space Launch Complex 41 with the Atlas V rocket perched atop the pad, Mike McCoy, Bandito Brothers film director, interviewed members of the 5th Space Launch Squadron."So, tell me about your job?" Mike asked in his easy going interview style. This interview, along with many others with 45th Space Wing Airmen, was conducted Oct.

20 Sep 2007

Local retirees reflect on Air Force's first day

Two local retirees, who were on active duty when the Air Force became a separate service, reflected on the historic day.When Joseph Pannitto joined in January 1947, he enlisted in the Army Air Force. "I was just a young kid, I wasn't interested in politics," he said, "but I was interested in planes."It was during his training at the signal school

3 Aug 2007

'Number please?' Operator has been on job for 50 years

When Ruth Wotring, also known as "Operator 13," started working on the switchboard at Patrick AFB in 1957 gas was 31 cents per gallon, Dwight D. Eisenhower was President, the Soviets launched "Sputnik" and there were only 48 states in the union. She celebrated 50 years of service July 1.When Ms. Wotring, now a contractor for the 45th Space

22 Nov 2006

Stand proud with the Patrick Honor Guard

In his off time, Airman 1st Class Marcus Torbert pursues modeling. Staff Sgt. Jennifer Drake has performed professionally on Broadway. Yes, they definitely lead exciting lives. However, for one week per month, they do something that each are proud and thrilled to do: they don crisp blue uniforms and spotless white gloves while performing at such

14 Nov 2006

'Texas Hold 'em' big deal at Patrick

Cigar smoke doesn't fill the air and no one will lose their paycheck on a bad "flop," but there's no mistaking - the Tides has "Texas Hold 'em." Frank Martinez, The Tides operations manager, partnered with the owner of Finaltabletour.com to bring professional Texas Hold 'em dealers and equipment to the club to give players a Texas Hold 'em