The Air Force and Army recently awarded Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service to several airmen. Maj. Natalie Bonetti, 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., spent a year in Iraq, where she commanded an expeditionary force support squadron. (Report by SrA. Dillon White) SSgt. Thomas Blandino, a military working dog handler at Columbus AFB, Miss., received his medal from the Army (Photo caption). MSgt. Steven Guthomson, a maintenance trainer at McConnell AFB, Kan., helped standup Afghanistan Air Corps aviation training and, because he speaks Spanish, Italian, and Dari, he moved to a forward base run by Spanish and Italian forces setting up an Afghan detachment; he also learned Pashtu and helped with NATO and Afghan force discussions. (Report by SrA. Jessica Lockoski) TSgt. Jeffery Salonga, Grand Forks AFB, N.D., helped train Afghan troops in convoy operations. (Report by SrA. Michael Longoria) MSgt. Fiafia Seau, Malmstrom, served for a year as an expeditionary forces first sergeant in Iraq. (Report by A1C Kristina Overton)
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.
