Americans still hold their military in high regard, according to the latest Gallup Poll. Gallup’s annual survey of public confidence in major American institutions shows that 73 percent have a great deal or a lot of confidence in the US armed forces. Closest in the ranking are policemen, while the least popular institutions are health maintenance organizations, big business, and Congress. The poll offered more bad news for a beleaguered Presidency: It fell 11 points in the percentage who hold it in high confidence.
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.


