Maj. Dag can’t reveal his last name in print, but this class of ’84 Frog can share that he provided air cover for U.S. Special Forces that had a “direct impact liberating many Afghan cities, and eventually the nation itself,” while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom as a B-52 instructor radar navigator last fall. In between 20 sorties and nearly 300 flying hours, the “Rev.” as he’s known among his crew, taught Christian classes and helped chaplains meet the spiritual needs of the troops.

A former Horned Frog band member, Dag serves as a staff pastor of a church near Barksdale AFB. He also writes that he is grateful for the support from his church and community. “The one thing I would say to the public is thank you! Knowing that the American people are behind us makes it easier to do the job. Don’t stop the support. Understand that we still have troops overseas and will for a while. We need home support to do the job of protecting the nation.”