TSgt. Scott Lagerveld, a flight engineer with the 33rd Rescue Squadron, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic action in Afghanistan last summer. On June 27, 2010, Lagerveld was part of a search and rescue team charged with supporting direct operations and transferring patients. He and his crew were assigned to Bagram Airfield, when they heard “heavy gun fire.” He ended up participating in eight back-to-back casualty evacuation missions, during which his “extreme discipline and actions” led to the recovery of 13 US soldiers and coalition forces that day. Four other crew members also received the DFC for their actions, but their names were not included in the release. “We don’t do our job for medals or awards,” said Lagerveld. “We do it for the guys on the ground.” Lagerveld was presented the medal during an Oct. 17 ceremony at Kadena AB, Japan, where he is now assigned. (Kadena release by A1C Brooke P. Beers)
F-15E Aviator Missing in Iran Rescued by US Forces
April 5, 2026
The second crew member of the F-15E shot down April 3 has been rescued from Iran. U.S. forces recovered the aviator alive and all American forces involved in the operation are believed to be safe, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.