Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, augmented by troops from the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard units in multiple states, dowload relief supplies from aircraft around the clock at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the wake of Hurricane Maria Oct. 6, 2017. The unit’s Airmen established an aerial port of debarkation upon arrival here Sept. 23, and have processed more than 7.2 million pounds of cargo and humanitarian aid for distribution in the first three weeks of the operation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Dale Greer)

Professional performance, great resourcefulness.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week, Spc. Michael Hubbard, a combat medic assigned to Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, earned recognition for his superior performance of duty, displaying initiative above his pay grade and responsibility. Hubbard enlisted the help of U.S. forces, Iraqi Army and Peshmerga security forces to fortify the entry control point, improving protective measures at a combined security checkpoint in northern Iraq. Hubbard’s professionalism and initiative to lead this project in addition to his daily duties and responsibilities as a combat medic earned the Soldier from Topeka, Kan., the honor of “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier for the first week of 2011.

(U.S. Army photo)

003. Sgt. 1st Class Heidi Sigl, senior enlisted leader for the Bismarck-based 1919th Contingency Contracting Team, presents Dallas Eckholm, supervisory contracting officer for the United States Property and Fiscal Office, with a framed collage during a Freedom Salute ceremony Dec. 7 at Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck. Members of the highly specialized unit asked the Purchasing Contract Team of the USPFO to accept this token of their appreciation as their Distinguished Outstanding Center of Influence for leadership, guidance and training to the Soldiers prior to their mobilization to Afghanistan and other areas of Southwest Asia. Eckholm accepted the award on behalf of the Purchasing and Contracting Team. The Freedom Salute campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history, designed to publicly acknowledge Army Guard Soldiers and those who supported them during missions in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Jungels/Released)

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South Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers from the 1978th Contingency Contracting Team stand to be recognized during their welcome home ceremony Sept. 24, 2013, on Camp Rapid in Rapid City, S.D. The 1978th returned from a nearly 10-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Beck/Released)

The Stimson Center

Proper salute.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Spc. Jonathan Noriega, infantryman, Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, renders a salute to Brig. Gen. Paul LaCamera, deputy division commander of Task Force Lightning, before receiving the Purple Heart medal during an award ceremony at the Salie Gym on Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Diyala province, Iraq, March 26, 2011. Noriega, from Queen Creek, Ariz., received the Purple Heart medal for injuries he sustained during an enemy attack while on a patrol on Jan. 3, 2011.

(U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N)

Members of the U.S. Army Pacific Command Contingency Post and the Oregon National Guard joined Bangladesh and U.S. government and non-government organizations in brainstorming courses of action when faced with a major earthquake scenario as part of the table-top exercise during the second day of the 2013 Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise & Exchange (DREE) Aug. 19, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The four-day DREE, led by the USARPAC and the Bangladesh Government and Armed Forces Division, began Aug. 18, as a civil-military disaster preparedness and response initiative featuring table-top exercise followed by a field training exercise focused on command and control, urban search and rescue, engineering capacity, and debris management. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mary E. Ferguson)

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 13, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews. (Released - U.S. Air Force Photograph/Heide Couch)

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 13, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews. SSgt Brandon Pelfey, assigned to the 571 Golbal Mobility Readiness Squadron, kisses his baby daughte goodbye before he makes his departure. (Released - U.S. Air Force Photograph/Heide Couch)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian Leach, an aerial porter from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, directs the offloading of humanitarian cargo from a U.S. Air Force KC-10 aircraft at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Nov. 12, 2014. The cargo will be staged in Senegal before being transloaded to U.S. Air Force C-130J aircraft for delivery into Monrovia, Liberia, in support of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – An Iraqi Army helicopter fires flares over an objective while a perimeter of vehicles establishes security during a live fire practice exercise for Operation Lion’s Leap, April 19. The Iraqi Army planned and completed the live fire exercise with success, while U.S. forces maintained an advise, assist, and train role. Operation Lion’s Leap showcases Iraq’s defensive capabilities with Iraqi Security Forces leading the planning effort.

(U.S. Army photo by Capt. Chad Ashe, USD-N PAO)

Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq - Specialist Angel Turner, right, a

print journalist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th

Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, punches her opponent during

a boxing match at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2011. "I

viewed this event as a challenge; one final, lasting memory prior to us

going home," said Turner, a native of Fayetteville, Ga. The "Boxing Smoker"

was held as a morale booster by the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery

Regiment, 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div., for "Long Knife" Soldiers before they

return to Fort Hood, Texas, later this summer.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Gratitude.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, deputy commanding general, operations, U.S. Forces-Iraq, speaks to Soldiers assigned to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, during a visit to Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Jan. 25, 2011. Cone thanked the Task Force Devil Soldiers for their tireless efforts in support of Operation New Dawn. Cone also met with Col. Eric Welsh, commander, Task Force Devil, and presented the Purple Heart Award to Sgt. 1st Class Isaac McKee, platoon sergeant, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Skeens, a command post controller for Joint Task Force-Port Opening Senegal, coordinates air movement from a mobile airfield operations center Oct. 18, 2014, at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal. Skeens and more than 70 other Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group are operating a cargo hub in Senegal to funnel humanitarian supplies and military support equipment into West Africa as part of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to respond to the Ebola outbreak. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Contingency Sponsor decals from the Richard Petty Driving Experience #43 Car formerly found in the Test Track after show building.

Local, state and federal agencies prepare for a simulated fire aboard a container ship as part of an oil and hazardous substance response exercise at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor Sept. 10, 2014. The exercise was designed to test and evaluate core components of the Hawaii Area Contingency Plan, Chevron Facility Response Plan and various emergency response plans during a simulated fire and oil spill. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Melissa E. McKenzie)

Securing from a line.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Iraqi Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, get on line during training at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Feb. 22, 2011. U.S. Soldiers led IA units of the 3rd IA Div. during the second iteration of training at GWTC, part of Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi training initiative to modernize IA division capabilities through collective unit-level training. During the 25-day training rotation at GWTC, Iraqi soldiers trained with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in preparation for a battalion live fire exercise, Feb. 24, 2011, the culminating training event for the training cycle.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Family members, friends, fellow Soldiers and Virginia Guard senior leaders bid a formal farewell to the Soldiers of the Virginia Beach-based 1945th Contingency Contracting Team, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group Feb. 8, 2014, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. Virginia Sen. Jeffrey L. McWaters of the 8th District, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Green, the Virginia National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Col. Michelle Rose, commander of the 329th RSG, Lt. Col. Michael Waterman, commander of the 529th CSSB, Lt. Col. Brent Carey, team leader of the 1944th CCT, and Capt. Bert Hankins, commander of the 1945th CCT, were among the speakers at the ceremony. The four-Soldier team will now head to Camp Shelby, Miss., for premobilization training before they head to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

Aerial porters from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group offload pallets of humanitarian aid from a U.S. Air Force KC-10 aircraft onto a Halverson cargo-handling vehicle at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Nov. 12, 2014. The Kentucky Airmen will stage the cargo in Senegal before transloading it to U.S. Air Force C-130J aircraft for delivery into Monrovia, Liberia, in support of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, augmented by Airmen from the Mississippi Air Guard, work to establish an air cargo and aeromedical evacuation hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, Aug. 30, 2017, in support of Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The 49 Airmen arrived aboard two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with 90 tons of equipment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Horton)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Staff Colonel Hasen Ali, senior Iraqi Army officer for the Ninewa Combined Coordination Center, speaks with Lt. Col. Ted Stuart, commander of the NCCC, about current operations at the center, July 25, 2011. Stuart, a native of Fort Knox, Ky., currently assigned to Task Force Sword, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, is responsible for working with Iraqi and Kurdish Security Forces to oversee security operations in northern Iraq.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD – N)

Firefighters with Chevron Fire Department prepare to respond to a simulated fire aboard a container ship as part of an oil and hazardous substance response exercise at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor Sept. 10, 2014. The exercise was designed to test and evaluate core components of the Hawaii Area Contingency Plan, Chevron Facility Response Plan and various emergency response plans during a simulated fire and oil spill. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Melissa E. McKenzie)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Specialist Justine McCoy, a chemical specialist assigned to Forward Support Company G, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, clears and performs a functions check on a .50- caliber machine gun during a “Spur Ride” at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2011. On her first deployment, McCoy, a native of Lansing, Mich., took part in the cavalry tradition in an effort to earn the privilege to wear silver spurs at designated unit functions and events.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Spc. Alexander Quebedeaux, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), bottom, grapples with Ultimate Fighting Championship star Kyle Kingsbury during a UFC Tour mixed martial arts workshop at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 24, 2011. Kingsbury and UFC welterweight Mike Swick headlined the clinic, where the group answered questions from service members about fights, nutrition and fitness training. After signing autographs and posing for photos, Kingsbury and Swick invited the service members to test their skills and learn new techniques on the mat.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller/Released)

-----------------------------------

Strobist: SB900 jammed into an orange cone as a light stand at 1/8th power, front right. Fired from the popup commander on the D300S, also at ~1/8th for some on axis fill. Finally got a chance to do some OCF work over here!

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 13, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews. (Released - U.S. Air Force Photograph/Heide Couch)

Staff Sgt. Joseph Bigelow, a crew chief for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, marshals a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 Hercules during Capstone '14, a homeland earthquake-response exercise at Fort Campbell, Ky., on June 17, 2014. The 123rd CRG is joining with the U.S. Army’s 688th Rapid Port Opening Element to operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening here from June 16 to 19, 2014. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

Pfc. Daniel Summey a food service specialist with Forward Support Company, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and a native of Charlotte, N.C., stirs a giant pot as he heats up food for hungry soldiers at Contingency Operating Station Garry Owen, Iraq, Sept. 19.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Several Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers, assigned to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Iraqi Army Division, acquire a good sight picture with their AK-47 rifles during weapons and range training at the Field Engineer Regiment compound, near Tikrit, Iraq, March 19, 2011. The range training followed intelligence and reconnaissance training provided by U.S. Division-North Soldiers assigned to Mobile Training Team, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, during 10 days of training at the FER compound.

(U.S Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

A little one-on-one.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – First Lt. Lowell Garthwaite, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division plays soccer with a student who will be attending a newly opened school located in the rural farm village of al Noman south of Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 7, 2011. The newly opened education facility replaced a two-room mud building which could only support 20 students and would collapse during the rainy season. “Wolfhound” Soldiers of 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt. distributed school supplies and soccer balls to the students following a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the official opening of al Noman School.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Colonel Brian Winski (left), commander of 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine Overstreet, senior enlisted advisor, case the brigade’s colors during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, Sept. 4, 2011. Soldiers of 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div., transferred authority to the 4th AAB, 1st Armored Division, from Fort Bliss, Texas. “Long Knife” Soldiers of the 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div., redeployed to Fort Hood, Texas, following the ceremony.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD – North)

Family members, friends, fellow Soldiers and Virginia Guard senior leaders bid a formal farewell to the Soldiers of the Virginia Beach-based 1945th Contingency Contracting Team, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group Feb. 8, 2014, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach. Virginia Sen. Jeffrey L. McWaters of the 8th District, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Green, the Virginia National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader, Col. Michelle Rose, commander of the 329th RSG, Lt. Col. Michael Waterman, commander of the 529th CSSB, Lt. Col. Brent Carey, team leader of the 1944th CCT, and Capt. Bert Hankins, commander of the 1945th CCT, were among the speakers at the ceremony. The four-Soldier team will now head to Camp Shelby, Miss., for premobilization training before they head to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, conduct an interview with an Iraqi citizen during a patrol of Kirkuk, Iraq, Aug. 26, 2011. The artillery Soldiers spend 12 hours patrolling the areas outside of Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, to deter improvised rocket assisted munitions attacks.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Crystal Hudson, 29th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 13, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews. (Released - U.S. Air Force Photograph/Heide Couch)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Lieutenant Colonel Matt Tedesco, commander, Division Special Troops Battalion, far left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Keith Moore, the battalion’s senior enlisted leader, far right, cut the Army birthday cake with the help of the oldest and youngest Soldiers deployed to Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, at the North Dining Facility, June 14, 2011. Sergeant 1st Class Walter Richard, 57, a motor sergeant with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Division – North, began his military career in 1970, serving in multiple branches of the military in the following years before settling with the Oregon Army National Guard. Private Erica Daggett, 18, a cargo specialist with 89th Transportation Company, 6th Transportation Battalion, 49th Quartermaster Brigade, enlisted in the Army in August 2010 and deployed in March 2011, just two months after arriving at her first permanent duty station.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

The second of the ex SC Ribble Volvo B10s is P133XCN (No.20133), seen here at the rear of the depot.

A quartet of R***XVM B10s are also recent arrivals.

These, and no doubt a few more, will be in storage until next year when they will be used to cover for newer vehicles which will be operating in London for the duration of the Summer Olympics.

Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group offload a Humvee from a Mississippi Air National Guard C-17 at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 6, 2013, as part of Exercise Gateway Relief, a U.S. Transportation Command-directed earthquake-response scenario. The 123rd is joining forces with the U.S. Army’s active-duty 689th Rapid Port Opening Element from Fort Eustis, Va., to stand up and operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening through Aug. 9. A JTF-PO, which combines an Air Force Aerial Port of Debarkation with an Army trucking and distribution unit, ensures the smooth flow of relief supplies into affected areas by airlift, and coordinates their final distribution over land. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Orme, a special vehicle mechanic for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, reads the electrical schematics for a 25,000-pound Halvorsen Loader while performing maintenance on the cargo-handling vehicle outside the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 27, 2014. More than 70 Kentucky Air Guardsmen are operating an Aerial Port of Debarkation in Senegal to funnel humanitarian supplies and military support into West Africa as part of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Walter Payton Man of the Year Madieu Williams.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq –Madieu Williams, a defensive back for the Minnesota Vikings, reacts to the announcement that he is the recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, during a visit with Soldiers of 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North Headquarters, Feb. 4, 2011. Participating in the Super Sunday Tour, a Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored event brining National Football League players and cheerleaders to visit Soldiers deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, Williams learned of his selection via a special video teleconference with the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award Luncheon in Dallas. Williams won the award for his charitable contributions providing medical care and education for people of Sierra Leon.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO)

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW) based at Travis Air Force Base, CA, deploy to Central African Republic (CAR) for humanitarian support, on December 13, 2013. AFRICOM is beginning to transport African troops from Burundi to CAR using US Air Force C-17 aircraft operating out of Entebbe as part of a larger effort of African nations supporting the African crisis in CAR. C-17s will to fly about a dozen missions from Entebbe over a week time frame, transporting a Burundian light infantry battalion of about 850 men and equipment from Bujumbura to Bangui in CAR. The C-17’s are staged at Entebbe airport as a convenient mid-way point with the proper facilities to service the aircraft and support aircrews. (Released - U.S. Air Force Photograph/Heide Couch)

Army Sgt. Ronald Taylor, communications team chief for the U.S. Army’s 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, discusses disaster-relief operations with Maj. Gen. Barbara Faulkenberry, vice commander of 18th Air Force, during Exercise Gateway Relief at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 7, 2013. The exercise is designed to test the ability of the 689th and the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group ability to stand up and operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening, which receives relief supplies by airlift and stages them for movement over land. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

U.S. Airmen with 123rd and 156th Contingency Response Groups and the 172nd and 146th Contingency Response Flights help to load a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi National Guard, with personnel and cargo following exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Wunstorf Air Base, Wunstorf, Germany, June 27, 2023. Exercise AD 23 integrated U.S. and allied air power to defend shared values while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression worldwide. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michelle Ulber)

Spc. Anthonay Kimball with Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery, 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard, listens as Col. Ronald Kapral, the commander of the 81st BCT, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Sweeney, the command sergeant major of the 81st BCT, speak to their Soldiers during a visit Feb. 7 at Contingency Operating Base Marez, Iraq. About 2,400 Washington National Guardsmen and 900 California National Guardsmen deployed with the 81st BCT based out of Seattle in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in October. They are scheduled to return home this summer.

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules conducts air mobility operations at Holland Drop Zone on Fort Bragg, N.C. during Joint Operations Access Exercise 12-02, June 7, 2012. JOAX is a two-week forcible entry and ground combat exercise to prepare Air Force and Army service members to respond to worldwide crises and contingencies.

Soldiers and civilians volunteer to be hypnotized.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Soldiers and civilians stationed at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, volunteer to be hypnotized by Chuck Milligan during his performance at the North Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Center, Jan. 17, 2011. With the aid of music and crowd silence, Milligan sent his volunteers into a deep, sleep-like state. "Five minutes in the deep, hypnotized state is equivalent to one hour of deep, normal sleep," said Milligan. The performance tour across Iraq is Milligan's third since the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO)

Sgt. Justin Lynn, right, an infantryman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, emplaces a water impulse charge, an explosive tool designed to blow down metal doors, during live fire training on Fort Bragg, Sept. 9, 2013. The White Falcons, currently part of the Global Response Force, conducted a two-week intensive training cycle designed to reinforce combat skills for the nation’s airborne assault-capable, contingency unit.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Hull)

A convoy of fuel trucks pull into Convoy Support Center Adder during the early morning at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. The CSC allows convoy members a chance to refuel, grab some chow, get some sleep, and relax before they have to get back onto the road.

Job well done.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – Col. Malcolm Frost, left, brigade commander of 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, commends 1st Lt. Joshua Donecker, executive officer of 512th Military Police Company, from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., for his hard work during his deployment to Iraq, during an awards ceremony Jan. 23, 2011 at the Salie Gym at Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Diyala province, Iraq. The 512th MP Company, attached to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., deployed to Iraq in March 2010 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, transitioned operations from a supporting security role to an advise and assist role in support of Operation New Dawn.

(U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jarrod Blanford, an aerial porter from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, directs the placement of a pallet of humanitarian cargo from an all-terrain forklift onto a Halverston Loader at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Nov. 4, 2014. The cargo will then be transferred to a U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, for delivery to Monrovia, Liberia, in support of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Walk along the river, sweet lullaby, it just keeps on flowing,

It dont worry bout where its going, no, no.

Dont fly, mister blue bird, Im just walking down the road,

Early morning sunshine tell me all I need to know

Chorus

Youre my blue sky, youre my sunny day.

Lord, you know it makes me high when you turn your love my way,

Turn your love my way, yeah.

Good old sunday morning, bells are ringing everywhere.

Goin to carolina, it wont be long and Ill be there

Good day' all