The Mississippi Air National Guard’s 172nd Airlift Wing has named one of its C-17s “The Spirit of the Purple Heart,” recognizing the US military’s oldest decoration. The airlifter, which, in 2006, flew the one-millionth hour mission for the C-17 fleet, now has a Purple Heart medal painted on its nose. (Report by TSgt. Mike Smith.)
More than two dozen F-35 Lightning II fighters are heading to Kingsley Field, Ore., after Air Force Secretary Troy Meink signed the official record of decision to base the jets there on Oct. 5, clearing the last bureaucratic hurdle for the Air National Guard base to host the service’s third…