The Air Force has recognized 12 awards for upgrades, including possible Air Force Crosses to be lifted to the Medal of Honor. The Air Force held two review boards in May as part of a push by Defense Secretary Ash Carter to review Global War on Terror medals for upgrades. One board reviewed 12 Air Force Crosses, and another reviewed 135 Silver Stars. In total, 12 were selected for upgrade and are now on Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James’s desk for consideration, Air Force spokesman Maj. Bryan Lewis said in an email. The Air Force is currently the only service without a Medal of Honor for actions in the Global War on Terror. In August, it was reported that James is pressing to upgrade the Air Force Cross awarded to fallen TSgt. John Chapman, a combat controller who was killed in the 2002 battle at Takur Gar, Afghanistan.
Top Lawmakers Want 15 Percent Pay Raise for Enlisted Troops
April 19, 2024
A new law introduced by Congress would raise the pay rate 15 percent for junior enlisted troops and seek improvements on a range of quality of life issues, such as pay and compensation, child care, housing, health care access, and military spouse employment.