Maxwell Air Force Base personnel and family members gathered on 27 September 2023 to unveil a memorial plaque honoring the memory and contributions of Lt. Col. Brian Copper, Jr.  Maxwell will be building a new Commercial Vehicle Inspection gate that will bear Copper’s name. Copper, who passed away in 2020 while on active duty, was a previous commander of the 42d Security Forces Squadron at Maxwell. He went on to serve at the Air Staff where he contributed to the largest modification of Security Forces training in more than 20 years. (US Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox)

(Left to right) Judith Copper, Brian Copper, Sr., Col. Ryan Richardson, Maj. Brent Luch, Chief Master Sgt. Kerry Thompson, and Tabatha Copper unveil the memorial plaque honoring the memory and contributions of Lt. Col. Brian Copper, Jr., Sep. 27, 2023.

Defender Family,

At the end of August, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on the current threat landscape and the future direction for the career field at the 2023 SF Worldwide Symposium. We thank all involved for supporting, briefing, attending, and engaging in the Worldwide. It was a tremendous success because of their contributions.

Our Department of the Air Force leadership has been talking a lot about strategic competition lately. In fact, at the Air Force Association Air, Space & Cyber Conference in September, Air Force leadership spoke extensively about the topic and how it will guide our future efforts.

A Proclamation on Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2023

May 26, 2023
From The White House

“On Memorial Day, we honor America’s beloved daughters and sons who gave their last full measure of devotion to this Nation.  We can never fully repay the debt we owe these fallen heroes.  But today, we vow to rededicate ourselves to the work for which they gave their lives, and we recommit to supporting the families, caregivers, and survivors they left behind.

For generations, stretching back to the formation of our country, these courageous people answered duty’s call, willing to give their lives for that which we all hold dear.  They fought for our Independence.  They defended our democracy.  They sacrificed for our freedom.  And today, as they lie in eternal peace, we continue to live by the light of liberty that they so bravely kept burning bright around the world.”

Enjoy your weekend, and please remember those who are no longer with us.

Mothers of the Mighty 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus AFB, OK
ALTUS, OK, UNITED STATES
9 May 2023, 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Maria Fox, 97th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, stands outside her patrol car with her daughter, Alina, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, 9 May 2023. There are 120,618 active duty Air Force service members with children. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)