MSgt. Cary Miller of the Kentucky Air National Guard flew into the Hindu Kush Mountains in Afghanistan to aid in the rescue of a Special Forces crew from a downed Army CH-47 helicopter surrounded by hostiles. Lt. Gen. Steven Blum, head of the National Guard Bureau, who was introducing a couple of Guardsmen to Senators last week, said that Miller, an ANG pararescueman, “fought for seven hours,” calling in close air support “as close as 50 feet away.” Blum noted that for Miller’s “bravery, his concern for his fellow man, his leadership, his courage under fire” resulted in his receiving the Silver Star.
U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drones have been the standout platform in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said May 20.