The Colorado Springs Gazette reports that the Air Force Academy is trying to turn the school’s athletic department into a nonprofit organization, sending Athletic Director Hans Mueh and Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni to talk last week with Congressional staffers about appropriate legislation. Apparently, the effort has been underway for about three years, as the academy seeks ways to maintain its sports coffers in the face of a major deficit that led to cuts in operations. (Earlier Gazette report) Mueh told the newspaper that he believes the legislation, which should be finalized next month, could be approved by March 2009.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
