Some 900
soldiers of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division working out of the New Orleans airport now have the cool comfort of an Air Force tent city, courtesy of the 4th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. One soldier said it will be the first time in 22 years of service, he has slept in a tent with air conditioning. Many of the soldiers banded together with the airmen to get the tents set up. Said one soldier, “I’ve never really hung out with Air Force people before.” Welcome to the Blue.
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.


