Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week visited Whiteman AFB, Mo., where he served, in 1967, as a second lieutenant, coming back at the request of the base community council. While there he presented a Bronze Star medal, a Purple Heart, and Combat Actions Medal to TSgt. Michael Shumate, reports A1C Stephen Linch. Shumate, who is an explosive ordnance disposal technician, received the awards for his actions while deployed to Iraq.
A record Air Force development investment will help the United States win the long-term technology race with China, even while shrinking the fleet size before a possible mid-decade Taiwan contingency, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said May 17. “With the Air Force, Space Force, we need to transform two different…