We reported earlier that TSgt. Ruben Vazquez, a medical technician with the 36th Medical Operations Squadron at Andersen AFB, Guam, had earned a Bronze Star for heroic actions while deployed to Iraq. Now, he’s gotten an “instant promotion” to master sergeant, delivered by Gen. Paul Hester, commander of Pacific Air Forces.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.