The Defense Department has authorized campaign stars for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal to recognize designated campaigns in those two countries. There are three for Afghan operations, ranging from Liberation of Afghanistan to Consolidation II, which is still ongoing. There are four campaigns designated for Iraq, starting with Liberating of Iraq and through the ongoing National Resolution campaign. (For specific dates, see the DOD release.)
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.