Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the Koren Kolligian Safety Trophy to Texas Air National Guard pilot Lt. Col. Booth Johnston for his outstanding airmanship during an October 2007 sortie in which he managed to safely land his F-16 despite having suffered back and neck injuries during a high-G maneuver. During the June 16 ceremony at the Pentagon, Schwartz thanked Johnston for his “courage, tenacity, and focus.” The Chief of Staff said of Johnston, “not only did he match the standards established for this award, but I think it is a reflection of how people rise to the occasion no matter how difficult the circumstances.” According to an earlier F-16.net release, Johnston serves with the Texas ANG’s 111th Reconnaissance Squadron. (Air Force report by MSgt. Stan Parker)
A legislative standoff has led to a lapse in a $4.26 billion small business innovation contracting program widely used by the Air Force and could spell the end of it entirely, industry sources warned Air & Space Forces Magazine.
