Three airmen assigned to US Air Forces in Europe headquarters at Ramstein AB, Germany, last week received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Southwest Asia. Lt. Col. Antonio Castillo was recognized for his work in standing up NATO’s Regional Support Team-Capital in Kabul, Afghanistan, as its commander from Sept. 5, 2009, to March 3, 2010. He also participated in more than 100 combat missions and 30 dismounted patrols. Lt. Col. David Sumera earned his medal for leading the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, the second largest communications unit in Southwest Asia, from July 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010. He ensured continuous communications were available throughout the AOR. Maj. Robert Firman was honored for heading NATO’s Regional Support Command-Capital in Kabul from Feb. 28, 2010, to Aug. 28, 2010. Among his accomplishments, he helped plan and execute the growth of Afghan National Security Forces. (Air Force photo caption by TSgt. Sarayuth Pinthong)
The Space Force expects to award $905 million in contracts over the next five years through a new Maneuverable GEO program, which aims to form a commercial fleet of mobile communication satellites in geosynchronous orbit.
