SSgt. Israel del Toro Jr., a Tactical Air Control Party operator in Afghanistan when he was severely wounded, received a Purple Heart from Gen. Michael Moseley, Air Force Chief of Staff, during a ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Tex. There were some 200 people attending the June 23 ceremony. Del Toro was on a patrol mission in December 2005 with the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Brigade, when an improvised explosive device exploded near him, burning him severely. Moseley praised del Toro for his accomplishments during his recovery, adding, “You represent everything good about the Air Force.”
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.