The Air Force awarded the Bronze Star medal to SMSgt. David Smith for his actions while deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Smith is a contracting specialist at Tyndall AFB, Fla. Maj. Jonathan Terry, 325th Contracting Squadron commander, said,” This award comes as no surprise. … [Smith’s] efforts positively impacted over 280,000 Army, Marine, Navy, and Air Force personnel.” During his tour, Smith often faced hostile fire as he traveled throughout Iraq to support 12 different forward operating bases. (Tyndall report by A1C Veronica McMahon)
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.