Airman Honored for Saving Lives

Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor

Thursday, March 6th, 2014, 3:06pm

A Nellis Air Force Base airman was honored for saving the lives of 54 high school students and teachers just before a bus explosion in December 2012.

Major Shaine Thrower was awarded the Airman's Medal last month. It is given to airmen whose heroic actions save lives outside actual combat.

Maj. Thrower was on his way to pick up his daughter from a school trip through West Career and Technical Academy nearly two years ago when he noticed smoke and fire was coming from the bus. He ran in front of it to warn the driver.

When everyone was evacuated, the bus's wheel well exploded. Pieces of shrapnel hit Maj. Thrower, breaking his leg.

Thrower said his years of Air Force training allowed him to act quickly.

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Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor

Wednesday, March 5th, 2014, 5:56pm

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate is heading for a showdown over legislation to curb sexual assaults in the military by stripping senior commanders of their authority to prosecute rapes and other serious offenses.

A highly anticipated vote sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, could come as early as Thursday.

The Pentagon's top brass firmly opposes the measure, arguing officers should have more responsibility, not less, for the conduct of troops they lead. Gillibrand has won the support of 54 of her Senate colleagues.

The backing illustrates the deep frustration among Republicans and Democrats over the military's failure to stem the epidemic of sexual assaults in the ranks.

Gillibrand, however, will likely need 60 votes to clear a procedural hurdle that could prevent the Senate from even voting on her bill.

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Submitted by 8 News NOW

Tuesday, March 4th, 2014, 5:26pm

LAS VEGAS -- One of the largest training exercises on the planet is taking place now at Nellis Air Force Base.

Red Flag exercises brings in equipment and personnel from all over our country and from our allies. Organizers say the training is essential to being able to work together.

Pilots compete against each other in realistic dog fights and attacks. Red Flag is a combat training exercise born out of the Cold War.

Some pilots are labeled "bad guys" and they still wear a hammer and sickle, symbols of the old Soviet Union.

Lieutenant Colonel Jordan Grant, deputy commander 414th Training, says the current standoff between Russia and Ukraine is a reminder that in an unpredictable world airmen can always be called to action.

"Regardless of anything going on in the world, that is always going on in the back of our mind," Lt. Col. Grant said.

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Submitted by 8 News NOW

Friday, February 28th, 2014, 6:11pm

LAS VEGAS -- The 85-day dry spell for Las Vegas ended with rain showers Friday. Around two-tenths of an inch of measurable rain was reported at McCarran International Airport.

Rain showers from a wet Pacific storm headed to the valley from California which was hammered by bad weather Friday. There have been some reports of lightning in Pahrump. Some valley neighborhoods could get from .25 to .75 inches of rain.

Lower parts of the Spring Mountains and Mount Charleston got more than an inch of rain, and at least a foot of snow is reported at higher elevations. A flood watch is in effect for the Spring Mountains from until 10 p.m. Thursday. The areas of concern are the Carpenter 1 burn areas which include Lovell, Trout, Rainbow and Harris Canyons. Rain could be heavy and cause mud/debris flows in those areas. There is also a wind advisory in effect for Clark County until 8 p.m.

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Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor

Thursday, February 27th, 2014, 2:12pm

Motor Speedway Says Better Parking Exits will Help Traffic Troubles

Officials at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway expect less traffic troubles for the upcoming NASCAR weekend than in years past.

The officials are pointing to changes at the Lucky 7 Preferred parking lot as one of the reasons traffic will not as bad as years past. The parking lot is the only paid lot on the motor speedway property. This year a third exit lane will be open on Saturday and Sunday.

“We have a commitment to people who purchase a premium parking pass to expedite their exit as quickly as possible,” LVMS president Powell said. “For those who are concerned about making a quick exit, we recommend either purchasing a Lot 7 pass or using one of the various means of mass transportation.”

The motor speedway also says there will be an emphasis on people parking illegally along Hollywood Boulevard. Cars parking along the street in areas with a posted no parking signs will be towed.

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Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014, 1:47pm

Maverick Helicopters Offering Rides for NASCAR Weekend

NASCAR will return to Las Vegas March 7 through 9, and the race always brings traffic headaches.

Maverick Helicopters is again offering rides to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway as a way to avoid the traffic tie ups.

The company is the only helicopter company to provide air travel to and from the speedway. Last year, more than 600 race fans used the service.

Round-trip transportation on Saturday and Sunday is $500 per person, while a one-way flight on Sunday will be $300 per person. The package price includes ground transportation from all Strip properties.

All flights depart and arrive through the company's private terminal at 6075 Las Vegas Boulevard South, near Mandalay Bay.

Maverick Helicopters are accepting reservations now at (888) 261-4414, or at flymaverick.com.

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Submitted by 8 News NOW

Tuesday, February 25th, 2014, 4:00pm

LAS VEGAS -- About 50 wounded warriors were introduced to paralympic sport competition at Nellis Air Force Base Tuesday, and for at least one of them, it was a life changer.

Even with a debilitating injury, Staff Sgt. Melissa Guzman is an impressive athlete.

A security forces hand-to-hand combat training exercise severely damaged arteries, veins and nerves throughout her upper body.

"I don't have feeling in these three fingers, the whole backs of my arm, my chest, my back, the back of my neck," Guzman explained.

However, this day is different.

"I feel alive today," she said.

Guzman's easy smiles on the volleyball court are especially bright, considering how dark the past six years have been.

"I would lay in my bath tub and cry with the hot water on me," Guzman said.

Guzman's injury forced her into retirement. The Air Force was her life. She fell into depression.

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