Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)

U.S. Navy Hospitalman Nathan Solares waits patiently for nearly two hours while he donates platelets at the apheresis section of the NATO Role 3 Hospital at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 25, 2012. The apheresis section is managed by a U.S. Air Force five-member team that collects platelets from repeat donors, which in turn is used to help trauma patients at the Role 3 hospital and 14 Forward Operating Bases throughout Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Clay Lancaster)

From Vietnam to OEF: Pilot flies last mission of career

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Routt an HC-130P King pilot with the 550th Special Operations Squadron, waits to taxi after transporting two injured Afghan local nationals to Khandahar Airfield, Afghanistan for treatment, April 9, 2012. Routt is currently the oldest active duty pilot in the Air Force and is augmenting for the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron. The mission of the 71st EQRS is to provide personnel recovery, casualty evacuation and aeromedical evacuation assets from hostile locations. The 71st EQRS is the only fixed wing aircraft squadron dedicated to medical evacuation missions in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Greg Biondo)

Operation Enduring Freedom

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Lane McCray Jr. a vocalist with the Air Forces Central Expeditionary Band Blue Hawk from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Carswell Field, Texas, interacts with young children during 4th of July festivities at the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, July 2, 2011. The AFCENT Band builds troop morale and public diplomacy while touring the Area of Responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Matthew Smith/Released)

Operation Enduring Freedom

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Shawn Clokey, a trombonist with the Air Forces Central Expeditionary Band Blue Hawk from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Carswell Field., Texas, plays during 4th of July festivities at the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic July 2, 2011. The AFCENT Band builds troop morale and public diplomacy while touring the Area of Responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Matthew Smith/Released)

Iraqis join PA 'family'

Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs NCO in charge, teaches a basic qualification course in U.S. Air Force Public Affairs to a group of Iraqi Air Force airmen and civilians at New Al Muthana Air Base, Baghdad, Iraq, March 12, 2011. The entire PA course lasted six months. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Larry Schneck)

Iraqis join PA 'family'

An Iraqi Air Force airmen speaks at a mock press conference June 15, 2011 at New Al Muthana Air Base, Iraq. The press conference was the last lesson in a six-month training course taught by U.S. Air Force Public Affairs members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chuck Broadway)