A combat control journeyman with the 21st Special Tactics Squadronat Pope Field, N.C., SrA. Daniel T. Skidmore is one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011. Skidmore was among the first airmen in Haiti, deploying just 26 hours after the earthquake struck there on Jan. 12, 2010. He quickly worked to set up airfield operations. He and five other combat controllers ran the international airport out of rucksacks, averaging takeoffs and landings every five minutes for more than 4,100 sorties with no mishaps. Skidmore personally marshaled more than 100 aircraft and worked with Haiti air traffic personnel and Miami Center. He also helped rescue several American citizens. At his home base, he briefed a Senate delegation on ground operations in Haiti. In a recent deployment to Afghanistan, he participated in 60 combat missions and three firefights. In one ambush with his team pinned down, he returned fire while calling in close air support, successfully directing F-15E fighters and Army AH-64 helicopters on precision strikes. He also organized and led CAS training for Army Special Forces. Skidmore’s home of record is Houghton, Mich. He represents Air Force Special Operations Command among this year’s outstanding airmen. The Daily Report is shining the spotlight on each OAY. Also featured to date: SrA. Ulla B. Stromberg and SrA. Raven S. Taylor.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
