Approximately 120,000 veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan receiving care through the Department of Veterans Affairs will get top priority when they try to access treatment, according to VA Secretary James Nicholson. Veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom make up two percent of VA’s total patient load, but they are just returning from combat, and they deserve priority for their physical and mental needs, Nicholson said.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
