Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University earlier this month bestowed an honorary degree to Maj. Brad Funk, an instructor pilot at Sheppard AFB, Tex., who was killed May 1 in a T-38 crash on the base. The Times Record News of Wichita Falls, Tex., reported June 7 that Funk received a posthumous master of aeronautical science degree with honors during the 2008 commencement ceremony at the university’s Sheppard campus on June 6. Funk, 35, was working on his master’s degree at Emory-Riddle the time of his death. The T-38 crash also took the life of 2nd Lt. Alec Littler, a student pilot.
Boeing’s receipt of the 10th lot contract award for the KC-46 Pegasus this week leaves just three lots left to complete the Air Force’s buy of the tanker, although a further buy of 75 additional aircraft as a “bridge” to the Next-Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS) seems increasingly likely.