The Air Force has awarded a second Bronze Star medal to SMSgt. Ken Pettibone, an explosive ordnance disposal technician at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, for his actions while deployed for more than a year to Iraq—his fifth deployment to Southwest Asia. This time, Pettibone led a weapons intelligence team at forward operating bases, investigating the aftermath of improvised explosive devices. (Spangdahlem report by SMSgt. Cheryl Toner)
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.