SSgt. John T. Self, 29, of Pontotoc, Miss., was killed May 14 in Iraq, the Pentagon said yesterday. Three other airmen, whose names have not been released, were wounded by the improvised explosive device that killed Self in southern Baghdad. Self was a security forces specialist who had deployed from Little Rock AFB, Ark., on a year-long tour to help train Iraqi police forces, according to a base release.
Congress Passes $839 Billion Budget for Defense
Feb. 3, 2026
Congress officially passed the fiscal 2026 defense spending bill Feb. 3 after a House of Representatives vote, approving $839 billion in Pentagon funding and sending the package to President Donald Trump for his signature.
