Retired Col. Bernard Francis Fisher, a Medal of Honor recipient, received his diploma in fine arts from the University of Utah during an ROTC commissioning ceremony of nine second lieutenants.

“The University of Utah is extremely proud to call and claim Colonel Fisher as one of its own,“ said J. Steven Ott, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science, who presented the diploma. It has been almost 57 years since Colonel Fisher attended the university.

Asked how it felt to receive his degree after so many years, Colonel Fisher said, “It's simply amazing. I didn't think I was ever going to get my diploma. I'm very proud to have it.“

During the commissioning ceremony, ROTC detachment officials presented the first Col. Bernard F. Fisher Leadership Award to its top graduating cadet as well as the detachment’s Distinguished Alumnus Award to Colonel Fisher.

Colonel Fisher earned the Medal of Honor for action above and beyond the call of duty by risking his life to save a fellow pilot who was shot down in Vietnam’s A Shau Valley in 1966. Then-Major Fisher landed his A-1E Skyraider on an airfield controlled by the enemy under intense ground fire, pulled the downed pilot from the wreckage and took him aboard his aircraft.

The aircraft Colonel Fisher was flying that day is displayed at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Environmental changes at exchanges

As part of a continuing effort to be a good steward of the environment, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is introducing reusable bags to military shoppers. Made of non-woven polypropylene mesh, the bags are available at most stores.

‘‘Military shoppers continue to express a strong desire for environmentally friendly products,” said Maggie Burgess, AAFES’ senior vice president of sales. ‘‘In fact, AAFES has seen compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) light bulb sales increase by 160 percent in 2008 compared to the same time period last year. With that said, we anticipate exchange customers will enthusiastically embrace AAFES’ new, environmentally friendly shopping bag options.”

The AAFES recycled-reusable bag line, capable of carrying up to 35 pounds, will consist of a small shopping bag and wine bag for 99 cents each, a large shopping bag for $1.49 and a thermal bag for $1.99.

Besides the bags, AAFES is implementing ‘‘green initiatives” at exchange facilities to include energy efficient vending machines, inventive ‘‘pollution solutions” in fast food restaurants and CFL options within the stores. Future real estate efforts will focus on energy and water reduction, and the incorporation of earth-friendly materials into building design.

NCO academies feel drawdown

Enlisted Air Force retirees who helped further their careers by matriculating at a non-commissioned officers’ academy are saddened to learn that the number of these schools are dwindling. The academy at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., will close its doors May 20. It is the second of at least four NCO academies that the Air Force is closing to trim costs and in recognition of declining end strength.

The NCO Academy at McGuire AFB, N.J., closed a year ago. The school at Goodfellow AFB, Texas, is scheduled to close May 28 and the one at Kirtland AFB, N.M., is set to close next year. The academy at Keesler AFB, Miss., has been proposed for closure.

Stateside NCO academies remaining open are at Lackland AFB, Texas, Maxwell AFB, Ala., McGhee-Tyson ANGB, Tenn., Peterson AFB, Colo., and Tyndall AFB, Fla. Remaining open outside of the contiguous 48 states are academies at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, Hickam AFB, Hawaii, Kadena AB, Japan, and Kapaun AS, Germany.

Wheelchair Games scheduled for Omaha

The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Omaha, Neb., July 25-29, will attract more than 500 veterans and retirees with disabilities. It is the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world.

The games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments.

Veterans will compete in swimming, basketball, track, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad rugby, nine-ball, field events, bowling, table tennis, archery, hand-cycling, wheelchair slalom, trapshooting, a motorized wheelchair relay and power soccer. An exhibition event in sled hockey will also take place this year.

For the second year, several stand-up events will be held for athletes with amputations who choose to compete using prosthetic devices instead of competing in their wheelchairs.

Sports are important in therapy for many disabilities. VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapeutic programs available at VA health care facilities across the nation. For many injured veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics.

NPRC online easiest for records requests

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis makes it easier for retirees and veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents, such as their discharge certificate (DD-214) from their military files.

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members can use NPRC’s online military personnel records system to request documents. The Web-based application eliminates the records center’s mailroom processing time. Also, because the requester is asked online to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask for additional information are minimized.

The application can be accessed at http:⁄⁄vetrecs.archives.gov. Users will be required to complete the application online and then download a signature verification document that must be signed and mailed to NPRC WEB, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 or faxed to 314-801-9049 within 30 days. If NPRC does not receive your signature within 30 days, your request will be automatically deactivated and removed from their system.

A service request telephone number (314-801-0800) is provided for follow up, if necessary. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180 which can be downloaded from the Web at www.archives.gov⁄st-louis⁄military-personnel⁄standard-form-180.html.