Maj. John Seffern became the oldest person to graduate from the NATO Jump School in Texel, Netherlands. “I am, apparently, the oldest person, by far, to do this”—and it felt like it, too—acknowledged Seffern, who works in 8th Air Force’s plans, programs, and requirements office at Barksdale AFB, La. “They said they didn’t remember anyone in their 30s or 40s doing this, let alone me at the ripe old age of 55.” Despite the rigors of the jump course, Seffern credits the Air Force’s new physical training standards for whipping him into shape to keep up with the 19-year-olds at the school. He had retired from the Air Force Reserve in 2003 and was recalled to active duty last September. Upon completing his fifth and final jump to earn his jump wings, Seffern’s colleagues took notice and applauded his accomplishment. (Barksdale report by SSgt. Brian Stives)
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.
