The Air National Guard recognized its six 2013 Outstanding Airmen of the Year at a ceremony at JB Andrews, Md. Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke, ANG director, praised these airmen for their accomplishments during the Aug. 14 “all call” meeting, according to an Andrews release. “One of the things I challenged everyone with is to serve with distinction,” said Clarke. “Here are some airmen who fully capture that ideal and take it to heart,” he said. The six enlisted airmen are: senior non-commissioned officer: MSgt. Andre S. Davis, Virginia’s 203rd RED HORSE unit; non-commissioned officer: TSgt. Melissa A. Knight, Iowa’s 185th Air Refueling Wing; first sergeant: SMSgt. Mike A. Schmaling, Wisconsin’s 128th ARW; airman: SSgt. Chadwick J. Boles, Oregon’s 125th Special Tactics Squadron; honor guard program manager: TSgt. Jamie L. Jones, New Jersey’s 108th ARW; and honor guard member: MSgt. Olympia D. Williamson, Texas’ 136th Airlift Wing. Davis is also one of the Air Force’s 2013 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. (Andrews report by Col. Nahaku A. McFadden)
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.