The Air Force has awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross to A-10 pilot Maj. Keith Wolak, who participated in the 2005 combat-search-and-rescue effort to retrieve a Navy SEAL in Afghanistan, reports the Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. Wolak, who currently serves as assistant director of operations with the 74th Fighter Squadron at Pope AFB, N.C., was part of a joint CSAR task force. His initial role was to coordinate the 17 participating aircraft, but he had to join in attacks on the Taliban forces closing in on the SEAL team and put down the infrared marking for the rescue helicopter.
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
