In today’s world, where the Air Force is encouraging airmen to switch to the Army as USAF tries to cut some 40,000 positions, Capt. Eric Trocinski is an oddity, since he crossed from green to blue. Trocinski, a helicopter pilot with the 41st Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, Ga., recently received the Air Rescue Association’s 2006 Richard T. Kight Award for his efforts while deployed to Southwest Asia. On one mission, following a mid-air collision of two F/A-18 Hornets, Trocinski flew for more than 12 hours in harsh weather.
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…