US Air Force airlifters have been operating around the clock to deliver blankets, firewood, medical supplies, and food to areas of Afghanistan cut off by extreme cold and deep snow. Winter makes such mission more urgent; however, since such humanitarian missions began in October 2004, airmen have dropped more than 2.1 million pounds of aid. According to USAF journalist SSgt. Melissa Koskovich, the Southwest Asia air mobility division average about four aid drops per week to areas selected by the Afghan National Army.
On Dec. 8 at 9:30 a.m. EST, the Air Force Association's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies will host USAF Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Lt. Gen. Joseph T. Guastella for a discussion about how the service is maintaining aircraft and pilot readiness, the development of the Advanced Battle Management…