TSgt. Anthony E. Salazar, 40, of Hermosa Beach, Calif., died on April 13 in a non-combat-related incident at an air base in Southwest Asia, announced the Pentagon on Tuesday. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led air campaign against ISIS forces in Iraq and Syria. Salazar was deployed with the 577th Expeditionary Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force Squadron, according to the Defense Department’s release. The incident is under investigation.
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty.

