Some 200 airmen deployed to support the Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa do more than deliver supplies, provide medical care, and handle search and rescue—they “try to change peoples opinions” about Americans, says CMSgt. John Harris, command chief for the JTF-HOA area of responsibility. TSgt. Greg Bluethmann reports that many US military personnel take time to visit in the community near Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, working to change attitudes about Americans through such endeavors as English Discussion Groups.
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.…