The Air Force has awarded a Bronze Star medal to TSgt. Cohen Young, a photojournalist assigned to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, for his actions while deployed to Iraq. He served as a combat cameraman, often operating outside the wire with dismounted patrols on combat and humanitarian missions. During one mission, Young helped provide emergency medical care to coalition personnel wounded by an explosion in an office building in Sadr City, where Iraqis had come to vote in a district election. The Army also awarded Young a Commendation Medal with Valor device and two Army Achievement Medals. (Hickam report by SSgt. Mike Meares)
The United States Air Force is flying less than historic norms and funding for acquisition and readiness is on a path to further hollow out this too small and old force to that is incapable of sustaining an enduring combat air campaign.

