Members 
of the Air Force Band and Air Force Honor Guard from JB Andrews, Md., performed in the 2012 Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City before more than three million spectators and a television audience of some 55 million, said service officials. The 200-airmen formation was the largest deployment of the band and honor guard outside of the National Capitol Region, according to their Nov. 22 release. “It’s important that the military is represented at this event and I’m very thankful to do so for all airmen serving in the US and at deployed locations around the world,” said MSgt. Jake McKray, a band saxophonist. The band and honor guard marched some two and a half miles through the city streets before performing a patriotic tribute titled “This is My Country” on the NBC main stage in Herald Square, states the release. “We all had a blast and are proud to serve our country,” added A1C Kamiron Smith of the honor guard. (New York report by SrA. Steele C. G. Britton)
Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force
Sept. 16, 2026
The Air Force will consider acquiring new F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to answer capacity shortfalls in its aging fighter fleet, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. These discussions are happening as the Air Force is building its proposed fiscal 2028 budget and the five-year spending plan that goes…
