The Air Force has awarded a Silver Star to MSgt. Michael Keehan III for his actions at the start of combat operations in Iraq. Lt. Gen. Gary North, head of US Central Command Air Forces, presented the medal to Keehan during a special ceremony at Shaw AFB, S.C., on June 22, reports The (Sumter, S.C.) Item, courtesy of MyrtleBeachOnline. Keehan is a member of the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron, located at Ft. Stewart, Ga. In 2003, Keehan led a five-man team relaying enemy locations to coalition aircraft that continued its operations despite being in the midst of a major sandstorm and being surrounded by enemy forces. He will be making his third deployment to Iraq in September.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
