The 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron recently arrived in Iraq to provide top cover for US forces as they complete their withdrawal from the country. The F-16 unit is comprised of Air National Guard pilots, maintainers, and support personnel from Arizona, Ohio, and Oklahoma. “We’re providing close air support for more than 40,000 troops leaving Iraq by the end of the year,” said Lt. Col. Rick Poplin, 125th EFS commander. “During this historic undertaking to re-posture personnel, equipment, and bases, force protection remains inherent in every operation we undertake.” Maj. Gen. Russ Handy, commander of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq, said this mission is helping to ensure that “every US service member and civilian transitions safely out of Iraq and on to their next challenge or home to their loved ones.” (Iraq report by SrA. Chuck Broadway)
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.