The Air Force has awarded a Bronze Star Medal to SMSgt. Shawn Ricchuito, with the 886th Civil Engineer Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, for his actions while deployed to support operations in Southwest Asia. Ricchuito served as chief of the 379th Expeditionary CE Squadron, part of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which supports operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ricchuito shepherded 240 personnel from 35 installations during four air and space expeditionary force rotations. (Ramstein photo release by SSgt. Jocelyn Rich)
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.