Maj. Anthony Diaz, operations officer with the 802nd Contracting Squadron at Lackland AFB, Tex., on June 14 received a Bronze Star medal for his meritorious service in Iraq. During a 12-month deployment that concluded earlier this year, Diaz served in Baghdad as a contracting advisor to US Forces-Iraq’s border enforcement transition team. He was cited for exemplary leadership and business skills in ensuring the timely processing of foreign military sales programs valued in excess of $1.2 billion. He also contributed to the successful turnover of numerous completed construction projects and participated in numerous convoys throughout Baghdad as a vehicle and convoy commander, driver, and gunner. (Lackland report by Mike Joseph)
The U.S. has approved a $310.5 million Foreign Military Sale to provide Ukraine with maintenance and training for its F-16 fighter jets, the State Department announced May 2. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force has been sending retired F-16s to Ukraine to be used for spare parts.