Fires are raging across Oklahoma and Texas and National Guard Bureau officials say they have Air Guard and Army Guard helicopter crews on alert in both states to provide assistance. States officials have said the fires are the worst in the region in five years. As of Dec. 28, blazes had broken out in 12 counties in Oklahoma and 39 in Texas. NGB leaders also pressed Louisiana Guard members into action, sending some helos and crews to Texas.
Congress is making moves to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, but lawmakers have only a few days left to clear the procedural hurdles necessary to ensure troops get paid Nov. 14. The issue is particularly pressing for tens of thousands of uniformed personnel in the Air National…
