The Pentagon released the names of two Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agents killed in Iraq June 5—TSgt. Ryan A. Balmer, 33, and SSgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, 25. The two were traveling in a convoy struck by an improvised explosive device near Kirkuk. An Air Force release stated that Balmer of Mishawaka, Ind., deployed to Iraq from Hill AFB, Utah, and Kuglics of North Canton, Ohio, deployed from Lackland AFB, Tex. Balmer is the fourth airman from Hill to die in Iraq this year.
National Guard adjutants general from nearly two dozen states have signed a letter to Congress seeking multiyear funding for the Air Force to purchase between 72 and 100 new fighter jets per year to modernize the total force.The letter, sent to Congress last week, stresses the need for the Air…