US Air Force officials have announced they will be deploying F-22 fighter jets to Europe for training with other militaries and to reassure allies concerned about Russian Federation.
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In the instance of both the F-22 and A-10 deployments, the Air Force has reiterated that the main objective of the aircraft’s presence is to help train and familiarize the United States’ European allies.
James, who noted that she’d spoken earlier in the day with Stone and his mother, said that the 23-year-old would be nominated for the Airman’s Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the Air Force for noncombat.
“What the gunman didn’t expect, however, was a confrontation with our very own Captain America”, she said of Stone, adding that was his actual nickname during Air Force technical training.
The suspect, Moroccan citizen Ayoub El Khazzani, 26, had just fired upon a passenger and was attempting to use his AK-47. Stone’s thumb was almost severed by the attacker, who stabbed him with a box cutter.
Gen. Mark Welsh, Air Force chief of staff, said if investigations determine that the attack was an act of terrorism, the service would look at giving Stone, who was injured in the attack, the Purple Heart.
Stone suffered hand and eye injuries in the incident, which has already earned him France’s Legion of Honor, the country’s highest award.
Stone, together with Oregon Army National Guard Spc.
Stone, U.S. Military Spec. Alek Skarlatos, and good friend Anthony Sadler all jumped on the gunman as he moved via the practice with an assault rifle strapped to his chest.
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“Had it not been for this heroic quartet I’m quite sure we would be sitting here Monday discussing a bloodbath”, James said.
