The Air Force has selected the service’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2006: SMSgt. Michael Lemke, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; SMSgt. Henry Parker III, Lajes AB, Azores; MSgt. Renee Williams, Robins AFB, Ga.; TSgt. Bradley Reilly, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; TSgt. Billy Tramel Jr., Hill AFB, Utah; SSgt. Timothy Bishop, Andrews AFB, Md.; SSgt. Daniel Dierickx, Klamath Falls, Ore.; SSgt. Jeffrey Hansen, Holloman AFB, N.M.; SSgt. David Plachno, Andrews AFB, Md.; SrA. Polly-Jan Bobseine, Moody AFB, Ga.; SrA. Eric Pena, Travis AFB, Calif.; and SrA. Elizabeth Sewell, Vance AFB, Okla.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.