Maj. Dan Belden, deputy for mission design within the Space Development and Test Wing at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., received a Bronze Star medal Jan. 13 for actions in helping to reconstitute the Iraqi Air Force. During a one-year deployment that began in July 2007, Belden was part of the coalition air force training team in Baghdad and directly contributed to the growth of the IqAF from 28 to 71 aircraft. This included the acquisition of 22 Mi-17 helicopters for the Iraqis as well as the inaugural procurement of night-vision devices for Iraqi aircrews. Gen. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, presented Belden with the medal. “I am honored and humbled to be recognized with such a distinct award for serving with the outstanding men and women of CAFTT” as well as other coalition offices and organizations,” said Belden. (Los Angeles report by Michael Kleiman)
Airman Charged in M18 Shooting Death Found Dead
Oct. 27, 2025
The Airman arrested in connection with the M18 pistol discharge that killed a fellow member of Air Force security forces on July 20 in Wyoming was found dead earlier this month, an Air Force spokesperson confirmed.
