Wednesday, December 24, 2025 l Vol. 50, Number 52
SERVING TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE AND THE MILITARY COMMUNITY OF SOLANO COUNTY
S4S SPACE OPERATOR Page 2
K-9 HOLISTIC HEALTH Page 4
OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE Page 5
TAILWIND
TRAVIS
A product of Daily Republic
AIR-TO-AIR
REFUELING
Master Sgt. Darius Sostre-Miroir/U.S. Air Force file
A 305th Rescue Squadron HH-60W Jolly Green II receives fuel during helicopter air-toair refueling off the coast of California during exercise Steel Knight 25, Dec. 7. Steel
Knight is a joint exercise that improves interoperability, boosts readiness, and enhances coordination across the battlespace.
Guardian Resilience Team’s proactive care model pays off Abigail Behan
SPACE BASE DELTA 1 PUBLIC AFFAIRS
showing up for neighbors, separated by thousands of miles, but connected by compassion. It’s about partnership across nations, cultures and communities.” Operation Christmas Drop not only provides critical aid, but also enhances aircrew training, fosters interoperability among allies and strengthens partnerships to ensure regional stability and humanitarian readiness. “Teamwork isn’t built on
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — The U.S. Space Force is prioritizing the well-being of its service members through a proactive healthcare model tailored to the demanding, technically driven nature of their roles. The Guardian Resilience Team integrates physical therapy, medical support, mental health resources and spiritual care to ensure guardians and airmen assigned to SBD 1 are not only mission-ready but also resilient in the face of operational stressors. The GRT model emphasizes early intervention and a holistic approach. Physical Therapist Kyle Warf, a GRT provider, recently encountered a case during a routine visit with Maj. Jonathan Geerts that highlights this approach. “Maj. Geerts presented in excellent physical condition, yet his reported pain level seemed disproportionate during relatively light exertion. On examination, notable inflammation was observed on the inside of his thigh,” Warf said. “That inconsistency raised a red flag.” The atypical location and superficial inflammation raised concerns about a vascular issue beyond typical muscle soreness. “Findings were concerning for possible vascular pathology rather than musculoskeletal strain. Due to his risk profile, further vascular assessment was recommended to rule out superficial femoral vein thrombosis,” Warf said. “Maj. Geerts went to the ER where a superficial femoral vein thrombosis was confirmed and treated appropriately.” Beyond individual cases, the GRT focuses on prevention, integration and mission alignment. The GRT’s goal is to ensure guardians and airmen are not only physically fit for duty but also equipped with the resilience necessary for long-term success. “We bring together medical, psychological, physical and spiritual support to ensure guardians are equipped to meet the unique demands of space operations,” Warf said. “By embedding these services directly into the GRT, we ensure that guardians are not only fit for the mission today but are building the resilience necessary for future challenges.”
See OCD25, Page 4
See GRT, Page 4
Senior Airman Samantha White/U.S. Air Force file photo
Lt. Col. Sara Wofford, 36th Airlift Squadron director of operations, stands before a formation of C-130J Super Hercules and C-130H Hercules aircraft from the U.S., Japan and Republic of Korea air forces participating in an elephant walk during Operation Christmas Drop 2025 at Andersen
Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 13. Operation Christmas Drop highlights U.S., allies’ and partners’ capabilities to quickly mobilize and project power and airlift operations at a moment’s notice. This multinational effort underscores a shared commitment of regional security and stability.
OCD25 delivers holiday cheer, supplies to Pacific islands U.S. Air Force ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Operation Christmas Drop 2025 came to an end at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 14. This year marks the 74th iteration, bringing together service members from the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Republic of Korea for the Department of War’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission. Around 270 bundles were constructed, filled and loaded onto C-130 Hercules aircraft, provid-
ing essential goods to 56,000 Pacific Islanders across 59 remote islands in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. This year’s Operation Christmas Drop extended humanitarian assistance reach, providing aid to a new chain of islands: the Republic of the Marshall Islands. “Operation Christmas Drop, at its core, is a story of people helping people”, said U.S. Air Force Capt. Nicolas Westrick, Operation Christmas Drop 2025 president. “It’s about