The Air Force has awarded Bronze Stars to two explosive ordnance disposal airmen for their actions during tours in Iraq. TSgt. Michelle Barefield from Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., came under attack three times, took part in a gun battle, and took charge of the scene after an improvised explosive device killed one airmen and wounded another, sweeping for additional dangers and providing first aid. SSgt. Lawrence Lipinski from Little Rock AFB, Ark., disarmed more than 60 IEDs on 170 combat missions.
For the Air Force and Space Force, an influx of additional resources could be an opportunity to accelerate a massive modernization portfolio and ramp up aircraft and satellite production, defense analysts and former officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
