In recognition for his work in forging self-sufficient Iraqi security forces at Al Kasik Military Training Base, Capt. Russell Waight, with the 18th Security Forces Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, has received the Bronze Star. On his year-long deployment, Waight led a six-person team in a multi-faceted mission that including writing security lesson plans, training and equipping 300 Iraqi troops to handle security on their own, and ensuring a safe environment for local and national elections.
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets were observed flying toward the Middle East on Feb. 11, the latest step in the U.S. military buildup in the region as the Trump administration weighs possible strikes on Iran.

