The (N.C.) Courier-Tribune reports on the work Air National Guard Maj. Steven Francis, a forward air controller with the North Carolina ANG’s 118th Air Support Operations Squadron, performed while serving in Iraq. Francis describes his sojourns into the field, where he encountered rocket-propelled grenades and “bullets whizzing” around his head. His job, of course, was to direct aircraft to provide close air support for troops on the ground. Read the article here.
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.


