Those former CIA employees of the iconic “Air America” clandestine flight service who were not already military veterans have been trying to get the Air Force to recognize their efforts in Southeast Asia as active duty service—making them eligible for veterans benefits, according to National Journal. An Air Force review board turned them down once for lack of evidence they actually supported military missions, but it is now reconsidering based on newly revealed documentation. The effort parallels one by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Rep. Shelley Berkeley (D-Nev.) to give the AA crowd civil service benefits.
OA-1K Skyraider Crashes in Oklahoma, Crew Uninjured
Oct. 24, 2025
An Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II crashed near Oklahoma City on Oct. 23, with a civilian contractor and Active-duty Airman escaping uninjured. The OA-1K was on a training mission when the crash occurred, less than 10 miles from the base.

