A pass and registration clerk with the 81st Security Forces Squadron at Keesler AFB, Miss., SSgt. Angelo C. Banks is one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012. During a deployment to the Transit Center at Manas in Kyrgyzstan, Banks led a quick-response fire team providing security for 90 sorties delivering vital cargo for Operation Enduring Freedom and trained Kyrgyz military members how to search vehicles for improvised explosive devices. Also supporting OEF, he led 19 flyaway security missions to 39 austere forward operating bases and spearheaded a vulnerability assessment footprint for air mobility protection. His home station efforts included streamlining base access registration for 25,000 technical school airmen; strengthening base defenses; and championing an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative that led to an Air Education and Training Command “best practice” for an electronic entry authorization list system. Banks’ home of record is Salina, Kan. The Daily Report is shining the spotlight on each OAY. Also featured to date: SSgt. Cory T. Branham, SrA. Bryenna L. Brooks, SrA. Matthew J. Butler, and SrA. Nicholas A. Hurt.
When President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, he could reverse policies regarding abortion and transgender service members, though recent pushes in Congress to improve military pay and quality of life will likely continue, according to a leading national security expert.