The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Maj. Stephen Stilwell, the Missouri Air National Guard pilot who escaped on Nov. 2 from his disintegrating F-15, the aircraft that started the extended Eagle stand-down, says a routine training flight like he’s flown “a thousand times” turned instantly to “mayhem.” In the midst of a dogfight maneuver, Stilwell’s fighter threw him violently right then left, breaking his left shoulder, as it broke apart in flight. He managed to radio his wingman to break away and pulled the ejection handle with only his right hand because his left was useless. As he descended, he saw his fighter burning below, thankfully in an area clear of houses or vehicles. Doctors had to mend his broken shoulder with a 10-inch metal plate.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
