Lt. Gen. Daniel James III formally retired Wednesday as the director of the Air National Guard, serving in that post since June 2002. Over his 38-year career, James accumulated more than 4,000 flying hours, including flying 300 combat missions in Vietnam and earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses. In a speech at Andrews AFB, Md., in March, James thanked ANG airmen for their service, – emphasizing the role of the Air Guard in securing America’s skies after the 9/11 attacks and moving 48,000 Guard members to the Gulf Coast after last year’s Hurricane Katrina. “You make it look so effortless,” he said. “Thank you all for what you do.”
Back from a Thanksgiving week recess, the push to pass the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act hit another snag Nov. 29, as the Senate voted against ending debate on its version of the bill. At the same time, Congress is staring down a Dec. 3 expiration date for its continuing…