SSgt. Jonta L. Paten put his rope and high-angle rescue training to work when he aided Prince George Country (Md.) firefighters bring down electrical engineer Josh Vinson from atop a 200-foot water tower on Andrews AFB, Md. Vinson was conducting routine maintenance when officials say his blood sugar level dropped suddenly, putting him in a diabetic shock. Paten, of the 89th Civil Engineer Squadron, climbed the 200-foot tower to set up the descending devices as Prince George’s firemen administered aid. Paten secured the basket as they lowered Vinson to the ground.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…