SSgt. Don Elias, a member of the 88th Security Forces Squadron at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is one of the thousands of Air Force members who has taken on roles in support of the Global War on Terror that have traditionally been carried out by soldiers. Deployed now to Qalat, Afghanistan, as part of the Zabul provincial reconstruction team, he volunteered for his current duty as a convoy driver and security team member for the PRT. “I wanted to go to Afghanistan to help make a difference in people’s lives,” said Elias, who’s official title is NCO-in-charge of force protection. In this role, he is also responsible for training and managing the flight of Afghan Security Guards that provides security for the PRT’s compound. Elias said he feels like he’s making a difference and his work “beyond the flightline” is an experience like no other. “I know that there is a lot of negative media about the war in Afghanistan, but I am faithful to the cause,” he said, adding, “It gives me great pleasure to have supported this mission.” (Qalat report by SSgt. Tammie Moore)
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…
