The Pentagon on Sept. 5 released the name of an airman who died on Sept. 4 near Bagram AB, Afghanistan. MSgt. Patrick D. Magnana, 38, of Martinez, Calif., did not die in a combat-related incident. He was assigned to the 31st Medical Squadron at Aviano AB, Italy.
Every year, Congress and the military debate which combat assets should head to the boneyard and which have more life left in them. Lawmakers often opt to keep Air Force systems that bring jobs to their districts, which complicates matters as the service looks to modernize and ditch certain platforms.…