Memorial Day

(photo illustration by Virginia Reyes)

Defenders compete in warrior challenge

Airman Jamile Cochran leads his team during the last leg of a 40-pound ruck march in the Security Forces warrior challenge during National Police Week May 17, 2011, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The warrior challenge consisted of pushups, a 40-pound ruck march, a litter carry and Humvee pull. National Police Week is celebrated across the U.S. and abroad by Security Forces units to commemorate and honor those who serve as law enforcement officers. Airman Cochran is an entry controller assigned to the 354th Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

Legacy of the Linebacker II

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - The Arch Light Memorial honors those Airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Linebacker II, Dec. 18, 1972 to Dec. 29, 1972. Linebacker II began after peace talks between the U.S. and North Vietnam broke down. Though the operation was a success, 15 B-52s and 33 crewmembers were lost as they flew more than 700 sorties, carrying 15,000 tons of bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Carlin Leslie)

Legacy of the Linebacker II

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - The ?Old 100? relic located in the woods by HSC-25 here is a reminder of the Vietnam War and the sacrifices that were made Dec. 18, 1972 to Dec. 29, 1972. More than 700 sorties were flown out of Andersen and 15,000 tons of bombs were dropped during the Linebacker II campaign. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Carlin Leslie)

Air Commandos honor fallen comrades with memorial flight

Senior Master Sgt. Randy Perreault, a loadmaster with the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, watches as a MC-130H Combat Talon II starts its’ engines Feb. 26. This tribute venerated brethren lost 30 years ago when a 1st SOS MC-130E, call sign Stray 59, crashed during a training exercise near the Philippines. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen)

Air Commandos honor fallen comrades with memorial flight

Staff Sgt. Zachary Kelhi, a loadmaster with the 1st Special Operations Squadron, fills out preflight forms aboard an MC-130H Combat Talon II Feb. 26 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Flight was to honor fallen brethren lost 30 years ago when a 1st SOS MC-130E, call sign Stray 59, crashed during a training exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen)