The Air Force has selected the service’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2006: SMSgt. Michael Lemke, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; SMSgt. Henry Parker III, Lajes AB, Azores; MSgt. Renee Williams, Robins AFB, Ga.; TSgt. Bradley Reilly, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; TSgt. Billy Tramel Jr., Hill AFB, Utah; SSgt. Timothy Bishop, Andrews AFB, Md.; SSgt. Daniel Dierickx, Klamath Falls, Ore.; SSgt. Jeffrey Hansen, Holloman AFB, N.M.; SSgt. David Plachno, Andrews AFB, Md.; SrA. Polly-Jan Bobseine, Moody AFB, Ga.; SrA. Eric Pena, Travis AFB, Calif.; and SrA. Elizabeth Sewell, Vance AFB, Okla.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.