The Air Force awarded MSgt. Duane Frey of the 65th Contracting Squadron at Lajes Field, Azores, a Bronze Star on May 22 for his work as chief of the procurement management review team for the Joint Contracting Command for Iraq/Afghanistan during a deployment to Iraq in 2008. Col. Peggy Poore, commander of Lajes’ 65th Air Base Wing, presented Frey with the award during a ceremony. During his deployment, Frey review of work under more than 1,300 contracts included numerous visits in the face of enemy fire to regional contracting centers scattered across Iraq. “I worked with many who endured much more than I did who will receive lesser honors,” Frey said at the ceremony. He added, “I accept the Bronze Star Medal on their behalf, and I will cherish my memories of serving with heroes.” (Lajes report by SSgt. Olufemi Owolabi)
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
