Air Force Honors and Briefings

Images of U.S. Air Force personnel engaged in briefings and award ceremonies, showcasing camaraderie and leadership in various settings.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Auriele Soltisz, AC-130J Ghostrider pilot with the 4th Special Operations Squadron, briefs Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., on Aviation Special Operations Task Units during his visit to Hurlburt Field, Florida, April 4, 2022. Browns visit also familiarized him with Air Force Special Operations Commands Force Generation Model to include: Mission Sustainment Teams and Special Operations Task Groups. Additionally, Brown held a sensing session with junior enlisted Airmen to discuss challenges faced in the command.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Ashley Kuglin with Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, speaks at a change of command ceremony on Sept. 18, 2022 at the Flemington National Guard Armory. Incoming battery commander Capt. Jennifer Wain replaced outgoing battery commander Capt. Clinton Bardley. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

040905-F-2352G-184. Base: Patrick Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spc. Sheyla Ixmatlahua, a human resources specialist (42A) assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, helps Pvt. Valery Campos complete a personal records review Feb. 2, 2024, at Fort Carson, Colorado. Spc. Ixmatlahua was the U.S. Army Forces Command Adjutant General Soldier of the Year winner. She took first place against three other competitors after three days of competition testing Army knowledge, physical fitness, and job specific questions. Army

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hold a Meet and Greet with U.S. Military and Interagency Team, in Doha, Qatar, on September 7, 2021.

Members of the 94th Airlift Wing simulate base out-processing procedures during an exercise at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, February 3, 2024. The exercise, FALCON STRIKE 24-01, was a four day-long exercise which evaluated the bases ability to survive and operate in wartime and contingency situations. Air Force

Col. Tony Nesbitt, commander, U.S. Army Medical Logistics Command, speaks to a breakout working group during the MEDLOG in Campaigning off-site at U.S. Army Material Commands headquarters at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, Sept. 12-14. The purpose of this off-site was to develop support frameworks for Class VIIIA distribution, materiel management, maintenance and information technology system integration to work within the current Army Sustainment Enterprise software solution, which is Global Combat Support System-Army.

SILVERDALE, Wash. (June 23, 2022) - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Robert Gaucher, commander, Submarine Group 9, left, addresses the official party and audience during a change of command ceremony at Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB). TRFB supports the nations strategic deterrence mission by repairing, incrementally overhauling, and modernizing Pacific Fleet strategic ballistic missile submarines during refits.

The Philip A. Connelly Award for Excellence in Food Service aims to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the Army food program. This award encourages food service providers to meet high standards in the culinary arts and recognizes their commitment to providing healthy and nutritious food service excellence to Army units.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass visits the Airmen of Wheeler Army Airfield for breakfast at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2022. Bass toured military installations and supporting facilities that service Airmen of Oahu.

240118-N-ML137-1004 ASAN, Guam (Jan. 18, 2024) Sailors assigned to Joint Region Marianas conduct a chief petty officer advancement exam, Jan. 18. To advance to the rank of chief petty officer is a significant milestone for a U.S. Navy Sailor as they are considered technical experts and deck plate leaders.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations MG Butch Graham along with USACE South Atlantic Division Commander BG Daniel Hibner stopped by the Emergency Operations Center - Forward in Sarasota, FL while they circulated the areas in southwest Florida recovering from Hurricane Ian, October 11, 2022. During their stop at the EOC they heard about how the Corps of Engineers team is supporting the unified response, how technology is being leveraged to help respond more quickly, and recognized a few individuals who have went above and beyond to help the residents of Florida recover.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, receive a tour of the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) while visiting Clear Space Force Station to hear from the Clear Team members on their operations and wellbeing. Whiting had a Space Command Chaplain Team and Space Command Guardians visiting along with him for them to have a chance to see the mission and hear from counterparts. The Clear Space Force members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons and 268th Security Forces, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

Maj. Gen. Greg Brady, Commanding General of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, speaks with Sgt. Beard (right) and Spc. Brady (left), air defenders assigned to the 13th Missile Defense Battery in Israel on June 25, 2022. The 13th MDB, headquartered outside of Tel Aviv, is part of the strong and enduring mil-to-mil partnership between the IDF and the 10th AAMDC built on trust developed over decades of cooperation. The 10th AAMDC and IDF work together consistently to strengthen the interoperability necessary for maintaining and improving Israel's air and missile defense capacity.

220330-N-XK809-1038 FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (March 30, 2022) Rear Adm. Stephen Donald, right, Vice Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet, speaks to U.S. Navy Reserve Sailors during Operation Cyber Dragon. During Operation Cyber Dragon, conducted Mar. 7 - Apr. 1, Reserve Sailors assigned U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, conducted scanning of the Navy's unclassified network to identify, remediate and implement corrective actions to reduce vulnerabilities.

U.S. Soldiers and senior leaders participate in a clap-out ceremony in honor of U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, center, the director of the U.S. Army Staff, accompanied by his wife, Cynthia, as he departs the Pentagon for the last time, in Arlington, Va., Jan. 5, 2024.

U.S. Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Celeste Lopez, Bioenvironmental Technician, left, Master Sgt. Alisha Sandage, Public Health Technician, middle, Tech. Sgt. Amanda Armstrong, Aerospace Medical Technician, right, and Senior Airman Charles Saulsbury, Aerospace Medical Technician, bottom, of the 185th Air Refueling Wings Medical Group listen to code blue procedure instruction at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, Georgia, on June 22, 2022. Code blue training is performed so that airmen know how to respond in emergency situations.

Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb, 18th Air Force commander, speaks with Airmen assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas over breakfast during a visit to the installation, April 19, 2022. The 18th AF command team toured the installation to connect with members of the local community and gain insight into the innovative ways LRAFB Airmen are supporting Air Mobility Commands mission.

Airman 1st Class Alexandria Hernandez, assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, receives a coin from Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, 8th Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 17, 2022. Coinings are traditionally used to reward and recognize service members for their exceptional work inside and outside of the workplace.

U.S. Airmen converse during a master sergeant promotion release at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 10, 2022. Those selected to promote were supported by their families as well as service members from across the installation.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Unit Ministry Teams for Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield complete an exercise during a UMT training event at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 18, 2024. Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists perform religious support activities according to their faith and those of other faith groups by coordinating with another Chaplain or qualified individual to perform the support needed.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Parker, 6th Mission Support Group commander, speaks to Airmen during Operational Cookie Drop at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 9, 2022. The event was held to increase the morale of the Airmen in the dorms in preparation for the holidays.

U.S. Air Force Col. Carol Kohtz, the 149th Fighter Wing Commander, addresses members of the 149 FW at a commanders call on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Feb. 4, 2024. Kohtz is the first female wing commander in the Texas Air National Guard. Air National Guard

Today the Minnesota National Guard recognized members of the Minnesota National Guards Saint Paul-based 133rd Airlift Wing and Duluth based 148th Fighter Wing will gather in support of their 2021 and 2022 Outstanding Airman of Year nominees. Each unit selected candidates based on job performance, leadership, community involvement, and personal achievement during the previous year. The awards honor the Airmens accomplishments and highlight their dedication and devotion to duty.The following Airmen will be recognized for 2021: Master Sgt. Jay Jakeway (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)Master Sgt. Shannon Housey (First Sergeant)Staff Sgt. Alaina Lathrop (Noncommissioned Officer)Senior Airman Benjamin Swenson (Airman)Capt. Brent Shouler (Company Grade Officer)The Outstanding Airmen for 2022 to be recognized will be:Master Sgt. Shane Trisco (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)Master Sgt. Sterling Hartwick (First Sgt.)Tech. Sgt. Michael Schuette (Noncommissioned Officer)Senior Airman Madison Moritz

Sharon Holan and 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Holan watch as Sharon's husband and Elizabeth's father, Col. Craig Holan, retires from the Illinois Army National Guard after nearly 40 years of service. Col. Holan, who commanded the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, retired with Col. Nick Johnson, who served for 32 years. The dual retirement ceremony was held on May 14 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Soldiers at 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) play air hockey in the new BOSS Center on Camp Bull” Simons, Fla. Oct. 14, 2022.

Lt. Col. Martin Martinez, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, receives a donation from Wish for Our Heroes representatives Tim Neal and Raylee Hawks July 22, 2022, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Martinez's family is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, which provides information, referral, advocacy and other services to DoDs exceptional families.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Semaj Williams, 354th Maintenance Squadron low observable aircraft structural maintenance technician, participates in a simulated scenario at a Leading Inclusively Virtual Experience training at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 8, 2024. The L.I.V.E program uses mixed virtual reality to create an immersive learning environment where Airmen can have real-time, authentic conversations with human-controlled avatars and other participants. Air Force

Bruce Sturk, Langley Civic Leaders Association member and U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jina Callahan, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing career assistance advisor, brief Airmen and host families of the Adopt an Airman program at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Aug. 10, 2022. Adopt an Airman is an ongoing program attempting to match families with Airmen who share similar interests and characteristics, such as sports, hobbies, religions and other activities with which they identify; aiding in the morale and overall wellness of the Airmen to feel more connected within their new community.

Gen. John W. Jay Raymond, chief of space operations, engages with members of Space Delta 13 - Space Training and Readiness Command during a tour of their command center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 4, 2022.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Chiefs of Delegation and Alumni from 36, 41, 43, 46, 47, 49, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 and 61 for a 60th anniversary Celebration on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2022. During the celebration visitors participated in a campus tour, a Panel on Ethics and Strategic Leadership, a BBQ and an Alumni Recognition Ceremony, including the release of the 60th Anniversary Book Strengthening Strategic Leadership in the Americas”.

Members of the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) provide a capabilities brief for interagency officials during the 2022 East Africa Security Forum (EASF) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 11, 2022. More than 50 US government interagency officials working in more than 10 countries throughout East Africa attended the EASF. During the forum, representatives with the U.S. DoS, DoD, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and the National Security Council discussed topics ranging from overarching long-term strategy to specific security threats in the region.

The 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, JoAnne S. Bass, visited Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base on Jan. 6-7, 2024. Chief Bass participated in a base tour where she heard from subject matter experts about the mission capabilities and accomplishments of the 151st Wing. Afterward, she attended the Utah Air Guard Airmen of the Year Banquet, where Bass gave the keynote speech and celebrated with the Airmen of the Year award winners.

220913-N-UB993-1217NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 13, 2022) Ombudsman-at-Large Evelyn Honea speaks with Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) First Class Andre Cook during Master Chief Petty Officer James Honea's all-hands call at Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 13, 2022. Honea conducted his first fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

(Center front) Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General of U.S. Army Medical Command, recently visited Soldiers on assignment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sept. 22, 2022. He also met with Soldiers at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and the 531st Hospital Center, all on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to discuss operational readiness.

U.S. Air Force Airmen and civilians discuss the Extend the Bench program at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, September 28, 2022. Extend the Bench is about creating partnerships in the community because the stronger the relationships throughout the community, the stronger our Airmen and families.

Troopers took part in GREYWOLF Resiliency and Integration Training on 26 August, 2022. During the training troopers discussed stressors and issues they may have to deal with during a deployment and ways to deal with those issues. Training like this provides troopers with the tools to be resilient and overcome situations that could happen during a deployment.

Maj. Jessica Warzecha relinquishes command of the Training Support Unit during a Change of Command Ceremony, April 5, 2022 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The incoming commander is Maj. Torin Roth.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen attend the Spring Into Wellness Information Fair in the Heat Seeker room, on Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on May 15, 2022. Airmen were provided resources for mental health and self care to look out for themselves and their wingmen.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ted Braxton, left, 449th Air Expeditionary Group senior enlisted leader, coins Tech. Sgt. Samantha Crucet, with the 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS), for her outstanding performance during a tour at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, May 28, 2022. Chabelley Airfield, operated by the 776th EABS, provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for AFRICOM and CENTCOM.

Jennifer Belden, 81st Training Wing personal financial counselor, speaks to Keesler personnel at the Dragon Blitz event in the Vosler Center on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 28, 2023. Dragon Blitz is a social event that gathers KeeslerÕs helping agencies in one space where they present their services and information to base personnel.

1st Lt. Robert Hull, 107th Attack Wing Civil Engineering Squadron, thanks members of the 107thfor helping to rebuild the wellness center, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, NY, Jan 18, 2024.Hull showed his appreciation to these members by thanking them each personally for their hardwork.

Senior Master Sgt. Gina Mezzacasa Arthur, first sergeant assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, speaks during an Additional Duty First Sergeant Symposium Aug. 10, 2022 at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri. Airmen from the Missouri, Kansas and Maryland Air National Guard were in attendance. The training focused on issues relating to Airman morale, welfare, and conduct.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tanya Nicolay, 87th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron public health flight chief, speaks to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst senior enlisted leadership at the Joint Perspective panel inside the 305th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment classroom on JB MDL, N.J., Oct. 3, 2022. As part of the Leading Edge program, the Joint Perspective panel is a class involving senior enlisted leadership from each military branch to meet with students to share their services perspectives on joint operations and how their branches integrate on the battlefield. JB MDL kicks off the Leading Edge program designed to prepare all service members in the ranks of E4 to E-6 with the basic foundations to further support joint base operations. During the program, students will be required to work in small groups, comprehend and synthesize information presented to them, and create solutions to the capstone objectives provided.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alison Long, 18th Combat Weather Squadron, discusses the impact weather has on aviation with students from the North Carolina State University STEM program during a base tour June 16, 2022, at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Bove)

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, the representative for Californias 53rd Congressional District, and U.S. Marine Col. Thomas M. Bedell, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, look at newly built bachelor enlisted housing during a tour at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, May 4, 2022. During her visit, Jacobs was shown Miramars microgrid, power plant, and bachelor enlisted housing.

Lt. Col. Brian C. Fiddermon (left), commander of the Army Support Activity-Black Sea briefs Maj. Gen. Oliver Kingsbury, Deputy Commanding General for Maneuver, V Corps, at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, Jan. 9. Maj. Gen. Kingsbury met with senior leaders at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base to tour the infrastructure and meet with the troops serving in the Black Sea Region.

Meguel Copeland, left, 426th Air Base Squadron services director, greets Col. Lisa Wildman, right, 501st Combat Support Wing vice commander, at the Jåttå Military Compound in Stavanger, Norway, June 15, 2022. Wildman met 426th ABS Airmen, civilians, and local nationals who support DOD members across the Kingdoms of Norway and Denmark.

1st Lt. Zacchaeus McEwen, 66th Comptroller Squadron acting commander, holds new uniform rank during a promotion ceremony to captain at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., July 26. McEwens promotion to captain is effective July 27.

The 8th Theater Sustainment Commands Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Jered P. Helwig, hosts Congressional Staff Delegates on a visit aboard Logistical Support Vessel 4 (LSV4), the LT. Gen William B. Bunker, on Oct. 25, 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii. While underway, the Staff Delegates received a capabilities, operations, and activities briefing on Army Watercraft Systems, and the commands sustainment operations within the Indo-Pacific area of operations.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Shelby McCullough, a Personnel Airman from the 178th Force Support Squadron, Springfield, Ohio, assists a Personnel Support for Contingency Operations (PERSCO) team at Agile Rage 22, handing out room keys to participating Airmen at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 6, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Samuel L. Meyer, left, commanding officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Lt. Col. Eric Olson, executive officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, center, and U.S. Navy CMDR Derrick Rader, chief staff officer, Amphibious Squadron Seven, right, listen during a digital interoperability brief at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 8, 2022. Digital interoperability strengthens the capabilities of the Amphibious Ready Group Makin Island and the 13th MEU by allowing the dissemination of common operational pictures while in an emissions controlled status.

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, the SEA for the chief of the National Guard Bureau, speaks with National Guard Soldiers and Airmen as part of a tour of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 30, 2022. In addition to the tour, Whitehead also participated as a guest speaker in a panel discussing womens equality.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomed General de Ala DEMA Miguel Eduardo Hernández Velazquez,Incoming Chief of Delegation of Mexico to the IADBfor a visit to the IADC Campus on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Jan. 27, 2023. During the visit, the distinguished visitor conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Staff Sgt. Anthony Haney delivers a review of the combat medics performance in the “blood lab” at the Department of Combat Medic Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The medics must work through the lab using a combination of soldier and medic skills administering aid, but watching for hidden dangers such as homemade bombs and enemy weapons.

U.S. Sailors with the Expeditionary Medical Faculty - Jacksonville Reserve Component, discuss how they are going to safely transport the patient during a medical training exercise in support of Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 15, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase, scenario-driven training exercise conducted in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables commanders to focus on mission essential task requirements, warrior tasks, and battle drills.

Marine Corps Base Quantico staff and U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, a U.S. representative for Virginias Fourth Congressional District, visit the child development center during a base tour on MCBQ, Virginia, Jan. 29, 2024. During the tour, McClellan learned about the installation, Marines quality of life in the barracks, and the Child Development Center.

Paratroopers from across the 82nd Airborne Division participated in the fourth day of the Divisions Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C. on June 10, 2022. Today they participated in a 14-mile ruck march and a knowledge-based board.

220423-N-GK686-2029 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Apr. 23, 2022) -Rep. Yvette Clarke and Hospital Corpsman Carlton Thomas, both from New York, have a conversation before sitting down for a meal prepared by Ristorante Bella Etna Galley staff on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Apr. 23, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

The 2022 Minnesota National Guard Women's Leadership Forum was held at General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley, Sept. 17, 2022. Throughout the day, Minnesota National Guard service members participated in professional development, education and mentorship."A priority for the Minnesota National Guard is partnerships," said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. "And General Mills' support demonstrates our shared partnership and the depth of our shared partnership and common goal of diversity and inclusion and the desire to really lift women up." (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Sept. 23, 2022) The base youth program director Aimee Ladd, center, gives Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, Commander, Navy Installations Command, and staff a tour the youth center during an official visit onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 23 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes Brazilian General Sergio Negraes, Brazilian Armys Secretary of Finance and Economics to the IADC campus at Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2022. During the visit General Novaes spoke to students and was inducted into the IADC Hall of Honor. Additionally, he participated in an office call with leadership, received a college briefing and took a tour of the campus.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass pose with Airmen for a selfie after the wing all-call, at an undisclosed location, Southwest Asia, January 8, 2023. The wing all-call discussed National Defense Strategy, agile combat employment, multi-capable Airmen, and the spectrum ofresiliency.

U.S. Air Force Airmen sit down and prepare to eat a meal at Fast Brrreak at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 7, 2022. Fast Brrreak is a non-appropriated funds facility that opened on July 27, 2022.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 48th Medical Group had the chance to speak with Benjamin Hall, a British-American field reporter for Fox News, at RAF Lakenheath, England, Feb. 21, 2024. Liberty Wing Airmen had the opportunity to converse with Hall after hearing his story of resilience and gratitude. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Donna Prigmore, the commander of the Oregon Air National Guard, recognizes Capt. Caitlin Thinnis, a Citizen-Airman with the 173rd Security Forces Squadron, who accompanied her on a state partnership program visit to Bangladesh in mid-October, at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore., Oct. 26, 2022. The Oregon National Guard State partnership with Bangladesh began in 2008 and focused on seaport and airport security for the nation.

Chief Master Sgt. Thomas E. Temple and Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, Headquarters Air Force Manpower, Personnel and Services, learn about the engraving process for urns from Staff Sgt. Jayaira Grhim-Harvey, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations uniforms noncommissioned officer in charge, during their visit to AFMAO at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Nov. 16, 2022.

Sgt. 1st Class Luis Cruz, a U.S. Army liaison with Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, points out details of the Army Service Uniform during a National Funeral Directors Association Webinar Jan. 11, 2023 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. AFMAO has partnered with NFDA for a series of webinars in 2023 dedicated to educating funeral professionals on the Department of Defense standards for the care of fallen service members, veterans and retirees. Cruz is a mortuary specialist assigned to the Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Division, Human Resource Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force participate in the Caribbean Task Force training during Exercise TRADEWINDS 2022 in Belize City, Belize, on May 10, 2022. Photo: Cpl Alevtina Ostanin - Visual Communications Support (VCS)

U.S. Space Force Capt. Rachel Alessi (right), SPACE FLAG 22-3 tactical assistant, brief SPACE FLAG distinguished visitors on her role guiding exercise players through the mission planning and execution process at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Aug. 16, 2022. Considered a tactically-focused exercise, SPACE FLAG is designed to provide tactical space units with advanced training in a simulated contested, degraded and operationally-limited environment. The exercise is conducted using live, virtual and constructive simulations which immerse Guardians and participants into a synthetic virtual battlefield.

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. ONeil McKenley, a survey team member with the 773rd Civil Support Team, 7th Mission Support Command, promotes to the rank of staff sergeant during a ceremony, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at Panzer Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The 7th Mission Support Command is the U.S. Army Reserve presence in Europe. Comprised of 26 units across Germany and Italy, the 7th MSC provides logistical and sustainment support for U.S. Army Europe - Africa missions across the theater. For more stories and information on the 7th Mission Support Command, follow us on Facebook, @7thMSC. Army Reserve

U.S. Marine Maj. Darrin Carrier, right, an admissions counselor with the U.S. Naval Academy, talks to Cpl. Travis Davis, a material management specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, during a brief at the Base Education Center on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 26, 2022. The Naval Academy held an in-person information session explaining the admission opportunities to encourage junior enlisted Marines to apply for admission. Carrier is a native of Lawrence, Michigan, and Davis is a native of Sanford, Florida.

Tanya Edmondson, a counselor with Dayton High School, Dayton, Nev., 12th Marine Corps District, Western Recruiting Region, talks to a drill instructor during a mock receiving event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 14, 2022. Educators from Los Angeles and Sacramento attended the workshop to learn about recruit training, the fleet Marine Force, and the Marine Corps as a whole.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Lambert, Deputy Commander - Maneuver for the 3rd Infantry Division, and his wife, Shannon Lambert, receive congratulations from attendees after Lamberts promotion ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 2, 2022. Two-way communication with Soldiers and Families ensures that Dogface Soldiers will excel in their jobs, feel a sense of belonging, and build successful lives in the Army, increasing our ability to fight and win on tomorrows battlefields.

U.S. Army Col. Kelley Togiola, chief of global health engagements, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), writes on an easel alongside other Soldiers during a group exercise in the Women, Peace and Security class at Justified Accord 2024. JA24 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, running from February 26 - March 7. Led by SETAF-AF, and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise will incorporate personnel and units from 23 nations. This multinational exercise builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response. Army

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks meets with service members at U.S. European Command Headquarters, Stuttgart, Germany, May 24, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

020315-F-1851U-006. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

BARRIGADA, Guam (April 15, 2020) - Guam National Guard Soldiers and Airmen assigned to Joint Task Force 671 Task Force Medical discuss daily operations at the command headquarters at the GUNG Barrigada readiness center April 15. JTF 671 was stood up to support the government of Guams efforts to combat COVID-19.

Master Sgt. John Perez is promoted to senior master sergeant at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., May 14, 2022. Perez is currently assigned in the 117 Air Refueling Wing command post.

Lt. Col. Nathan P. Bastar relinquishes command of Headquarters and Service Battalion to Lt. Col. Peter C. Dunning aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., July 8, 2022. Headquarters and Service Battalion is in charge of running the administration and logistics elements of the depot.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Nathaniel Perry Jr., the Air Force First Sergeant special duty manager at Headquarters, presents a patch from the office of the chief master sergeant of the Air Force to Airman 1st Class Nilsa Mendez, public affairs, 156th Wing, at the Rising 6 council breakfast event during Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass visit at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass engaged with Airmen during her visit to the 156th Wing and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

011001-F-5171M-007. Base: Minneapolis-St Paul Iap/Ars State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Brig. Gen. Toni Lord, Virginia National Guard air component commander, congratulates Airman 1st Class Aaron Burton, 192nd Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, for winning the 2021 Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award at the National Guard Bureau level in the Airman category, on Aug. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (Dec. 8, 2022) U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Mary Krueger, commander Regional Health Command Atlantic, speaks with crew members during a tour of hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Continuing Promise 2022, in Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on Dec. 8, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Combat medics from U.S. Armys 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Italian Soldiers from the Liaison Monitoring Teams teach a basic first aid class to students at Skenderbeu High School in Glogovoac, Kosovo, May 11, 2022. Kosovo Force Regional Command East continues to operate in an impartial manner in order to assist the people of Kosovo to develop a civil society based on respect for the human rights of all Kosovars, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Matthew Damon)

Chief Master Sgt. Theresa Grolla, left, Air Force Materiel Command chief enlisted manager, talks to Master Sgt. Jeremi Isaacs, 66th Comptroller Squadron Financial Operations Flight chief, during a visit to Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Feb. 2. Grolla visited Hanscom along with Brig. Gen. Frank R. Verdugo, director, Budget Operations and Personnel, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Budget, to meet with members of the 66th Air Base Group and 66th Comptroller Squadron to learn about financial management challenges, issues, and big wins within the ABG.

U.S. Air National Guardsmen from the 151st Maintenance Group hosted students from the Salt Lake Community College Aviation Course on a base tour on 28 Nov at Roland R. Wright Air Base, Utah. Members from the 151st MXG showcased the different sections of aircraft maintenance.

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (MIG) participate in a professional military education class led by Mrs. Laura Lacy, author of Ortiz: To Live a Mans Life, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 3, 2022. II MIG has dedicated WC504 as Ortiz Hall in honor of the late Col. Pierre "Peter" Ortiz.

Pvt. Jared Haggard (left), chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist, 208th Transportation Company, 653rd Regional Support Group, explains his background to Staff Sgt. Mark Morton (right), human resources noncommissioned officer, 653rd RSG, after completing a height and weight with fellow competitors prior to a brigade Best Warrior Competition, Jan. 30, Armed Forces Reserve Center, Mesa, Ariz.

Ms. Allison Neilsen (left), an air traffic training manager with the 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, speaks with Kuwait Air Force First Sergeant Salem Al-Harib (Right), senior air traffic controller, at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Jan. 16, 2023. Due to air traffic control tower upgrades, controllers at Ali Al Salem can now look forward to improved radios, upgraded electrical equipment, and a beacon on top of the tower for increased safety measures. The cooperation between Kuwait and the United States for these upgrades will improve mission capabilities for years to come.

221012-N-RQ186-3002NORFOLK, Va. (October 12, 2022) Air Commodore Mike Baulkwill, center, commander of the United Kingdoms combat air force, discusses the Maintenance Operation Center (MOC) Aircraft on Ground (AOG) with MOC leadership during a visit, Oct. 12. The MOC AOG works to assess, improve, and properly organize the efforts that keep mission-capable aircraft fully ready to fly wherever the Navy needs them.

U.S. Air Force basic trainee, Thomas Jones, left, 331st Training Squadron, Flight 676 chow runner, reports in to U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Powell, 331st TRS, Military Training Instructor, and requests permission for his flight to enter the dining facility Sept. 20, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas while other MTIs observe and correct procedural errors. Flights must request permission from the "Snake Pit" so there is control of how many flights enter and exit the dining facility ensuring the area does not become overwhelmed with too many people at one time.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hold a Meet and Greet with U.S. Military and Interagency Team, in Doha, Qatar, on September 7, 2021.

U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Helbees Tawadrous, a translator assigned to 378th Air Expeditionary Wings Host Nation Coordination Center, teaches a basic Arabic language lesson at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 15, 2022. The class, held every Friday, covers Arabic greetings, introductions, and an overview of Arabic Culture.

Members of the West Virginia National Guards Task Force Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Enterprise (CRE) (TF-CRE), seal and secure a room during operations to sanitize spaces at a daycare facility in Scott Depot, West Virginia, April 25, 2020. TF-CRE utilized multiple Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP) systems to fog rooms within the facility, helping to clean the rooms and combat the possible spread of the infectious COVID-19 pandemic virus.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Katherine Moore and Senior Airmen Jake Sprindis, aircrew flight equipment technicians at the Wisconsin National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, perform a visual inspection on a skeletal lower gravity garment at Truax Field Madison, Wisconsin, April 2, 2023. The skeletal lower garment is an integral part of the flight equipment that pilots assigned to the wing will require as the it transitions to F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

Portsmouth, Va. (Apr. 1, 2022) Senior Chief Navy Counselor Jamie Gilbert, assigned to Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, reads the Chief Petty Officer Creed during the 129th Chief Petty Officer birthday celebration held at Naval Medical Forces Atlantic April 1, 2022. Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia, provides well-trained medical experts, operating as high performance teams, to project medical power in support of naval superiority.

U.S. Army Soldiers who compete in the III Armored Corps Best Squad Competition 2022 stand at the position of parade rest at the final ceremony on Fort Hood, Texas, June 25, 2022. At the final ceremony, the Soldiers are briefed by Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur "Cliff" Burgoyne, the III Armored Corps and Fort Hood Command Sergeant Major, who gave feedback about their experience for next year, and announces the winners of the competition. The squad from the 89th Military Police Brigade won this year's competition. The III Armored Corps pulled only the best from across its divisions and separate brigades to compete in this years inaugural competition. The best squad goes on to compete in the U.S. Army Forces Command competition on Fort Hood in August.

220423-N-GK686-3088 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Apr. 23, 2022) - Representatives from U.S. Congress visit 324th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron as part of a static display tour around Naval Air Station Sigonella, Apr. 23, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

221006-N-LN093-1028 PHOENIX (Oct. 6, 2022) U.S. Navy Construction Electrician 1st Class Charlette Smith, a native of Oxford, Mississippi, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Phoenix, speaks with an applicant at Navy Talent Acquisition Station Goodyear. Thomas was featured as a recruiter in spotlight for Navy Recruiting Command, which consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions, and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations across the world. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of Americas Navy.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman October Christen-Malone, 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron airfield management, right, asks a question to James Holtsnider, U.S. Embassy Kuwait Charge d'Affaires, during an all-call for 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, September 27, 2022. Holtsnider answered questions from Airmen after his brief on topics such as his experiences working in the region and working as the U.S. Embassy Kuwait Charge dAffaires.

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