Air F
orce Reserve Command airmen from the 304th Rescue Squadron in Oregon joined with Air National Guardsmen from the 152nd Airlift Wing in Nevada to help hunt for three hikers missing on Mt. Hood in Washington. Severe weather has hampered rescue operations, which continued into its second week. The 304th RQS at one time had 12 pararescuemen on the mountain, while Capt. Ross Wilson, 304th combat rescue officer, flew with the Air Guard airmen in their C-130, equipped with thermal imaging equipment.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.