Friday, June 26, 2026 l Vol. 51, Number 26
SERVING TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE AND THE MILITARY COMMUNITY OF SOLANO COUNTY
STORM FLAG 26-07 Page 2
CLOSE-QUARTERS BATTLE TRAINING Page 3
388TH OSS Page 6
TAILWIND
TRAVIS
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Tech. Sgt. Shawn White/U.S. Air Force file
Paratroopers from the U.S. Army, Air Force and allied forces jump into a drop zone during a D-Day commemoratation at La Fiere, France, June 7. D-Day 82 commemorates
the courage and sacrifice of Allied forces who fought for freedom, reminding us of the enduring strength of alliances and shared responsibility.
Patriotism and partnership: US 250th, 80 years of Philippine ties Air Force Band of the Pacific
Daniel Martinez/U.S. Air Force file photos
Sharon Hall, American Red Cross volunteer and therapy dog handler, sits outside the 55th Medical Group’s clinic with
her therapy dog, Izy, in Bellevue, Neb., Feb. 13. Izy visits medical facilities to provide support to patients.
Four-legged therapist is on duty Air Force Medical Service Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — Behind a big goofy smile, wet pink nose, and wagging tail, the soft patter of furry white paws gently treads through the halls of the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic in search of the next belly rub or head pat. A medical facility may be the last place to expect such an encounter, but for a female, nine-and-a-half-year-old therapy dog such as Izy, it’s just another day to make new friends. “Our purpose is just to brighten [everyone’s] day,” said Sharon Hall, American Red Cross volunteer, therapy dog handler and Izy’s owner. “I think there’s a noticeable differ-
Izy receives pets during a visit at the 55th Medical Group’s Ehrling Bergquist clinic in Bellevue, Neb., Jan. 9. ence when you have an animal with you. And so, when you have somebody who’s stressed out at work or is just having a bad day, it’s a little added brightness to that day.”
What started as a love for dogs – golden retrievers in particular – became a mission to provide comfort, support, and reprieve from the stress of being a patient needing medical attention. Hall and Izy visit numerous medical facilities to help those who could use some levity at often difficult times. “I love dogs – I see the reaction that you get when you come in with a dog,” Hall said. “There’s a lot of benefit to animal therapy, including reducing blood pressure, some hormonal effects in the human as well as on the dog … a little relief from some of the stress that [patients] might be feeling, and it seems like it’s working See Dog, Page 6
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — In celebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence, the Air Force Band of the Pacific completed a musical tour across the Philippines from March 4-14. Combining patriotism with purpose, the six airman musicians performed side-by-side with Filipino servicemembers, students, and civic organizations throughout Manila, Tuguegarao, Cebu and Puerto Princesa. The performances also came as the United States and the Philippines approach the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty, a milestone that reflects decades of shared commitment to regional security and cooperation. In Cagayan, the band performed for Gov. Edgar Aglipay and other regional officials. The event was featured by local influencers reaching an audience of more than 1.5 million Filipinos. “Through performances like these, the bonds between nations are strengthened, not only through See Philippines, Page 2
Courtesy file photo/U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
U.S. Air Force guitarist Master Sgt. Daniel Santos shares musical tips and fruit with girls and women at a center for rescue from abuse and human trafficking, March 11.