It turns out the “improvement” Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, made in scheduling testimony earlier in the budget cycle for veteran service organizations was not such a good turn. (DR, 11/10/05) Vet groups denounced the move, claiming that Buyer’s plan deprives them of the opportunity to study the President’s budget submission—normally made in February—before presenting their views. According to The Hill, VSOs believe Buyer wants to avoid the PR calamity of veterans groups taking shots at the White House budget proposal.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.