Vice President Dick Cheney has made recent stops at two Air Force bases, where he thanked the airmen—active, Guard, and Reserve—and their families for their efforts in the Global War on Terror. At Charleston AFB, S.C., Cheney presented Bronze Stars to three airmen—CMSgt. Ronald Owens, CMSgt. Michael Schmiege, and TSgt. Carl McCoy. At Scott AFB, Ill., the Vice President helped conduct a mass re-enlistment of nine airmen and swear-in of a new recruit. A portion of his remarks were keyed to each base, including saying he was “familiar” with the work of Scott from his days as Secretary of Defense when he “had real power and influence.” (Read Charleston and Scott remarks.)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
