<p>undercvraviator,</p>
<p>Going back to your OP, I think you’ve been given your answer by all here: Yes, there has been, is now, and will remain for the forseseeable future, AF (and Navy, and Marine, and Army) aviation assets in the air over Iraq and Afghanistan providing crucial support to the current battle. </p>
<p>But let’s not forget: at this very moment, there is a young AF Airman who is probably manning the turret on an up-armored Humvee as part of a convoy on some dangerous road in those places. At this moment, there is a young AF Security Forces specialist “manning the wire” at Balad AB and Bahgram AB, and a dozen other not-so-safe sites in those areas. At this moment, there is a young enlisted JTAC riding shot-gun with his Army or SF buddies, ready to help take down an insurgent stronghold by providing Close Air Support command and control. AT THIS MOMENT, there are young men and women from ALL the services doing things “in-country” that should make all Americans proud of their sacrifices and the job they do. God Bless Them ALL!</p>
<p>Yes, the AF is contributing every day to the Global War on Terrorism, not just in the air but on the ground with our Army and Marine brothers. The air support is crucial to this current struggle; however, boots on the ground are the key, and we (the AF) are contributing daily there as well.</p>