There are hundreds of airmen in Iraq who are working Army convoys—filling non-traditional missions. Recently the Army singled out 12 airmen of the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, assigned to Balad AB, Iraq, for their support as convoy escorts. Receiving the Army Bronze Star were: Capt. Maria Roberts, 1st Lt. Edward Torres, CMSgt. Paul McGinnis, MSgts. David John, James Muncy, and Gary Vercher, TSgts. Timothy Waggoner, Lance Boeding, Michael Powers, and Richard Snider, and A1C Aaron Mendez. MSgt. Donna Noel received the Army Meritorious Service Medal. (Read about convoy airmen in “The Expeditionary Force Under Stress.”
The Air Force is renaming its traditional aviation bonus program in 2024 and continuing a new, experimental second program, ordered by Congress, aimed at getting aviators to extend their commitment sooner and for longer. While the programs can’t be doubled-up, aviators may be able to move from one to the…