Maj. Anthony Diaz, operations officer with the 802nd Contracting Squadron at Lackland AFB, Tex., on June 14 received a Bronze Star medal for his meritorious service in Iraq. During a 12-month deployment that concluded earlier this year, Diaz served in Baghdad as a contracting advisor to US Forces-Iraq’s border enforcement transition team. He was cited for exemplary leadership and business skills in ensuring the timely processing of foreign military sales programs valued in excess of $1.2 billion. He also contributed to the successful turnover of numerous completed construction projects and participated in numerous convoys throughout Baghdad as a vehicle and convoy commander, driver, and gunner. (Lackland report by Mike Joseph)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
