It turns out the “improvement” Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, made in scheduling testimony earlier in the budget cycle for veteran service organizations was not such a good turn. (DR, 11/10/05) Vet groups denounced the move, claiming that Buyer’s plan deprives them of the opportunity to study the President’s budget submission—normally made in February—before presenting their views. According to The Hill, VSOs believe Buyer wants to avoid the PR calamity of veterans groups taking shots at the White House budget proposal.
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…