The Air Force has awarded a Bronze Star to TSgt. Patrick Ashford for action during his deployment to Iraq, reports The State newspaper. Ashford, who is with the 20th Security Forces Squadron at Shaw AFB, S.C., deployed for a year to Joint Base Balad in Iraq, where he aided a unit under attack, helping evacuate several airmen.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.