TSgt. Cole Shebat and TSgt. Patrick (last name withheld at airman’s request), joint terminal air controllers with the New York Air National Guard’s 274th Air Support Operations Squadron at Hancock Field in Syracuse, have received Bronze Star medals. Each received the medal for meritorious service while deployed to separate locations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. “I feel honored to receive the award, but there are others who are just as deserving,” said Shebat. Patrick added, “It’s strange to be commended just for doing your job. We do it because we like our job.” (Hancock report by 1st Lt. Greta Lewis)
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.