U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vincent Cavazos, 51st Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of force protection, overcame two broken legs, spinal damage, a traumatic brain injury and months of rehabilitation to earn back-to-back podium finishes at the 2024 and 2025 CrossFit Games. Cavazos' resilience and lead-by-example mentality exemplify the U.S. Air Force and its core values.
U.S. Air Force service members pose with the Operation Kiddy Car plaque during an anniversary ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 17, 2025. Lt. Col. Russell Blaisdell, a chaplain, and Staff Sgt. Merle Strang commandeered several trucks at the port of Incheon, transporting more than 1,000 children to an air base in Gimpo, where they boarded 16 Douglas C-54 Skymasters and were evacuated to Jeju. The actions of Blaisdell and Strang exemplified courage, compassion, and decisive leadership in the face of crisis, showcasing the core mission of the Chaplain Corps by safeguarding innocent lives amid chaos and uncertainty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams)