Maj. John Mangan, an HH-60G helicopter pilot, has won the Cheney Award for the rescue of two critically injured marines in Helmand Valley, Afghanistan, on July 2, 2009. Mangan, assistant director of operations for the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB, Ga., led his formation of two HH-60s on that day to reach the marines, executing multiple approaches into two different landing zones despite intense enemy fire and a lack of communications with ground forces. He credits his team for completing the daunting mission. “There were 15 people on the flight who put their lives at risk to do the right thing and save these guys; it wasn’t just me,” he said. The Cheney Award is presented annually to aviators who demonstrate an act of valor, extreme fortitude, or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian venture. (SAF/PA report by TSgt. Amaani Lyle)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
