The National Aeronautic Association awarded the 2013 Mackay Trophy to four airmen who comprised Pedro 83 of the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB, Ga., recognizing the year’s most meritorious flight. Air Force Assistant Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog presented the award during a Nov. 12 ceremony in Arlington, Va., to: Capt. Vincent Powell, Capt. Brion Stroud, CMSgt. Norman Callahan, and TSgt. John Ballard. On Jan. 9, 2012, Pedro 83 answered a call from a special operations task force in the mountains near Mazar-e-Sharif to retrieve a wounded Afghan troop. The PJs arrived in two HH-60G Pavehawks. One aircraft hovered, providing close air support and reconnaissance, while the second descended into the riverbed below to pick up the patient. “The men and women of Pedro 83 Flight are just ordinary men and women, but are doing extraordinary things in the service of our nation,” said Hoog, in a Nov. 14 release. “To them, this type of heroic mission is just another day on the job. Their slogan says it all, ‘So Others May Live.’” (See Rescue Crew Takes Mackay Trophy.)
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.