Briefs
Advertiser Staff
AIR FORCE
Squadron to be activated
The Air Force will activate the 535th Tactical Airlift Squadron to meet the needs of eight C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets expected at Hickam Air Force Base in late 2005.
The unit was first activated as the 535th Fighter Squadron in 1943, according to Steve Diamond of the 15th Airlift Wing's history office. The 535th provided replacement pilot training during World War II, Diamond said.
The squadron was reactivated and deactivated in 1949-51. It became the 535th Troop Carrier Squadron in 1967. The squadron flew C-7A Caribous in Vietnam, providing airlift, support of Special Forces, medical evacuation and other combat services.
Army commends Hickam man
A man from Hickam Air Force Base received the Army Commendation Medal on Nov. 14 for the assistance he provided in a grenade attack on an U.S. soldier in Iraq in July.
Special Agent Chad Bostian, part of the Air Force Office of Special Investigation Region 6 Anti-Terrorism Team, was returning from a counterintelligence mission along with Special Agent Thomas Lehberger when a Humvee approached their vehicle from behind at high speed, the Air Force said.
As the Humvee passed, the pair noticed that the passenger door was covered in blood. A soldier had been injured trying to get rid of a grenade that had been thrown into the Humvee in the city of Abu Ghurayab near Baghdad.
The Air Force OSI agents took the injured soldier into their Humvee, gave first aid, and drove him to the 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron at Baghdad International Airport, the Air Force said.
ARMY
Copter pilot decorated
An aviator from the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, received the Distinguished Flying Cross on Nov. 17 at Wheeler Army Airfield for his actions in combat in Iraq.
The Army said Chief Warrant Officer Alan G. Jewett was cited for heroism and extraordinary achievement as a team leader and pilot of an OH-58D Kiowa helicopter that was the lead aircraft supporting ground troops as they advanced into Karbala.
After Jewett spotted a military compound with training area and obstacle course, his helicopter began to receive and return fire.
"Some of the rocket-propelled grenades would explode so close, we could feel the concussion," Jewett said.
Jewett and his team made four to five trips to the compound between ammunition and fuel stops. The helicopter was hit by numerous rounds, the Army said.
RESERVISTS
Commissary use without limits
National Guard and reservists now have unlimited access to commissary stores.
Guard and Reserve members had been authorized only 24 commissary shopping days per calendar year until the president signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which eliminated that provision.
The Pentagon said commissaries have immediately adopted the new provisions, which means Guard and Reserve members no longer have to present a commissary privilege card when they shop.
