The Air Force selected SrA. Leon Keochangthanivong at Scott AFB, Ill., as the 2007 Air Force Weather Airman of the year. He serves with the 15th Operational Weather Squadron, routinely preparing 24-hour forecasts for five active duty locations including the northern and central plains. (Scott report by Monte Miller)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.