Eight special tactics airmen last month received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device during ceremonies in Portland, Ore., and at JB Lewis-McChord, Wash. On Jan. 23, Air Force Special Operations Command boss Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel and Oregon Air National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Steven Gregg presented the medal to SSgt. David A. Albright and SrA. Chadwick J. Boles, combat controllers with the Oregon Air Guard’s 125th Special Tactics Squadron in Portland in recognition of their heroism in Afghanistan. On the following day at McChord, Fiel presented the medal to these six members of the base’s 22nd STS for their valor in combat: MSgt. Douglas Neville, TSgt. Michael Orlando, SSgt. Joshua Busch, SSgt. Jeremiah Roberts, SSgt. Jeffrey Salazar, and SSgt. Michael Wilhelm. The Bronze Star is the fourth-highest combat decoration in the US military. During the McChord ceremony, SSgt. Adam Krueger of the 22nd STS received the Silver Star Medal for his gallantry in Afghanistan. At both ceremonies, the Air Force recognized additional special tactics airmen for their service. (McChord report by Capt. Belena S. Marquez) (Portland report by TSgt. John Hughel)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
