WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Airman 1st Class Gina Reeves hand threads aircrew flight equipment Nov. 22, 2011. It is important to keep survival equipment in top condition because someone's life may depend on it. Reeves is an Aircrew Flight Equipment Apprentice assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Senior Airman Jacque Olson pulls thread through a sewing needle to repair aircrew flight equipment Nov. 22, 2011. Life support staff members ensure pilots' survival equipment is in top condition prior to them stepping. Olson is an Aircrew Flight Equipment technician assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Senior Airman Jacque Olson check to make sure the ejector caps on the survival vest is operational Nov. 22, 2011. Life support staff members ensure pilots' survival equipment is in top condition prior to them stepping. Olson is an Aircrew Flight Equipment technician assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Senior Airman Jacque Olson tightens a screw on a HGU 55/P Light Weight helmet Nov. 22, 2011. The helmet is designed to provide enhanced peripheral vision. Life support staff members ensure pilots' survival equipment is in top condition prior to them stepping. Olson is an Aircrew Flight Equipment technician assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Senior Airman Jacque Olson checks the operational capabilities of a HGU 55/P Light Weight helmet Nov. 2, 20112. The helmet is designed to provide enhanced peripheral vision. Life support staff members ensure pilots' survival equipment is in top condition prior to them stepping. Olson is an Aircrew Flight Equipment technician assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Senior Airman Jacque Olson checks the operational capabilities of a HGU 55/P Light Weight helmet Nov. 22, 2011. The helmet is designed to provide enhanced peripheral vision. Life support staff members ensure pilots' survival equipment is in top condition prior to them stepping. Olson is an Aircrew Flight Equipment technician assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura Goodgame)

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Stitching for survival

Published Nov. 29, 2011