That’s how Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, described the work done by current and past airmen at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan since coalition operations began there in 2001. During an airman’s call on Oct. 21 on his first visit to the region since becoming the service’s top uniformed official, Schwartz said that the “economy of force operation” that evolved in that country is “about to change [to become] the main focus of activity in Central Command’s area of responsibility.” He called Bagram the “engine” of Air Force and other service activities in the region. (Bagram report by SSgt. Rachel Martinez)
We looked back on the past 12 months to find the stories that resonated the most with you, our audience, and these 10 topped the list. Maybe you missed one the first time around, or perhaps you’d like to revisit a favorite.