Friday, January 9, 2026 l Vol. 51, Number 2
SERVING TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE AND THE MILITARY COMMUNITY OF SOLANO COUNTY
EXERCISE PALE SERPENT Page 3
F-35A LIGHTNING II Page 6
CYCLONE DITWAH AID Page 7
TAILWIND
TRAVIS
A product of Daily Republic
FRIENDSHIP
FESTIVAL
Yasuo Osakabe/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron is parked on the flightline as fireworks light up the night during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2025 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025. The two-day event welcomed tens of thousands
of visitors and provided an opportunity to celebrate and deepen the U.S.-Japan alliance. Through aircraft displays, cultural exchanges and live entertainment, the festival helped strengthen the enduring bonds between Yokota AB and the surrounding communities.
US Air Force updates fitness test requirements Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
bring comfort and a sense of home to service members in Europe, North Africa, India and the Pacific. Although the nickname carried into Vietnam, the mission evolved. Carmichael notes that during her tour, she never actually saw a donut. Assigned forward, Carmichael lived close to combat operations. At first light, she and other Donut Dollies boarded Huey helicopters carrying hot breakfasts to remote
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air Force announced an update to its physical fitness assessment standards and implementation timeline. Changes from the September 2025 announcement include a shortened physical fitness diagnostic testing period to end in June and the option for either the 2-mile run or the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run every six months. “We care about the long-term health of our Airmen and that starts with physical fitness,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “The habits airmen build by working out daily directly impact their quality of life in and out of uniform. I am confident our commanders will continue to implement a culture of fitness so our warfighters are healthy and ready.” The components of the updated bi-annual PFA offer airmen a choice between traditional and alternative exercises: Cardiovascular: 2-mile run or 20-meter HAMR. Strength: One minute of push-ups or two minutes of hand-release push-ups. Core: One minute of sit-ups, two minutes of crossleg reverse crunches, or a timed forearm plank. Body Composition: Waist-to-Height Ratio measurement. From March 1 through June 30, all fitness tests will be diagnostic to provide airmen time to adapt to the new standards. Beginning July 1, the Air Force will resume official testing under the new PFA standards. Fitness testing is currently paused to facilitate the transition to the updated program. Per the Secretary of War’s guidance, PFA scores will be included in officer and enlisted performance briefs beginning in February. The first groups to be affected by this change will be colonels in February, then lieutenant colonels, majors, and chief master sergeants in May. Senior airman EPBs closing out in March will not include PFA scores. The most recent PFA score included on an airman’s performance brief may include tests
See Dolly, Page 3
See Fitness, Page 2
Courtesy photo
Drawn by a mix of adventure and curiosity, Dorner Carmichael volunteered for service in Vietnam as an American Red Cross “Donut Dolly.” Today, Carmichael continues her lifelong
commitment to service through her work with the Red Cross, supporting the U.S. military community in Powidz, Poland, and other overseas locations.
Vietnam-era ‘Donut Dolly’ continues service with Red Cross Sarah Williams U.S. ARMY GARRISON POLAND
POZNAN, Poland — Dorner Carmichael grew up in rural Georgia with a curiosity about the world beyond her hometown. As the Vietnam War escalated and the draft loomed over her male classmates, she graduated from college determined to see more of the world and take part in the events shaping her generation. Carmichael learned about the Red Cross “Donut Dollies” while volun-
teering in college, teaching first aid with her local chapter. Drawn by a mix of adventure, curiosity and a desire to participate in history rather than watch it from a distance, she volunteered for service in Vietnam despite opposition from her mother and skepticism from friends. The term “Donut Dolly” originated during World War II as an affectionate nickname for Red Cross women who staffed club mobiles. Those vehicles were outfitted with coffee and donut machines and phonographs to