Deputy Charged in Hurlburt Airman’s Killing Booked Into Okaloosa Jail
Former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Lee Duran, Jr. was arrested for the negligent manslaughter of Senior Airman Roger Fortson and is awaiting court proceedings.
Eglin Units Provide Support for Ukrainian F-16s
The 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base has successfully integrated advanced EW systems into F-16s being transferred to Ukraine, bolstering its defense against Russian electromagnetic threats.
General Gary Luck -“Father of America’s Joint Force” Dies
Retired Army General Gary Luck, a distinguished military leader and mentor, passed away at 87, with a memorial service to be held on September 19.
7th Group Soldiers Keep A Wary Eye as Unrest In Venezuela Intensifies
The 7th Group Special Forces recently returned from Honduras but are on alert due to increasing instability in Venezuela. They face the dual challenge of preparing for potential intervention in Venezuela’s crisis and adapting to new large-scale combat operations (LSCO) against near-peer adversaries like China and Russia.
Brother of Slain Hurlburt Airman Roger Fortson Shot and Killed in Atlanta
Tragedy strikes again for the Fortson family as the younger brother of a slain Hurlburt Field Airman is fatally shot in Georgia, amid a surge of teen violence in Atlanta.
Eglin AFB Announces Construction of New Daycare Facility in Crestview. Here’s When It Opens:
In response to the growing childcare needs of military families near Eglin Air Force Base, the Air Force announced plans to build a new child development center (CDC) in Crestview, Florida, slated for completion by 2028. The project is part of a broader effort to expand childcare access, including increasing staffing, restoring facilities, and collaborating with local providers to enhance care options for military families.
Eglin General Fires Group Commander. This Is Who Will Replace Him:
Colonel Jeremiah Hammill has been removed from his position as commander of Eglin’s 96th Test Wing Civil Engineer Group due to a “loss of confidence to lead and maintain good order and discipline,” as announced by Eglin Public Affairs. Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro emphasized the importance of taking care of the unit’s personnel in his decision. Colonel Michelle Sterling will replace Hammill, with a formal assumption of command ceremony taking place this week.
Eglin Air Force Base Welcomes New Commander
Eglin Air Force Base welcomed its new commander, Brigadier General Mark A. Massaro, in a ceremony held at the Eglin Climatic Hangar. Amidst dignitaries and airmen, Brigadier General Jeffrey Geraghty was relieved of his duties and will move on to serve at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Niceville Man Arrested For Sending Classified Eglin Documents Illegally
Paul J. Freeman, a 68-year-old resident of Niceville, has been indicted on charges of unauthorized possession and transmission of classified national defense information. The indictment alleges that Freeman shared sensitive information about U.S. Air Force aircraft and weapons with unauthorized individuals on multiple occasions between November 2020 and March 2021. If convicted, Freeman faces up to ten years in prison for each of the nine counts.
Slain Airman’s Mother Lays Blame At Okaloosa Sheriff’s Feet
In an emotionally charged NAACP town hall meeting, Chantemekki Fortson delivered a powerful speech condemning Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden’s handling of her son Roger’s fatal shooting by former deputy Eddie Duran. Fortson called for Aden’s defeat in the August primary election, citing a loss of trust and accountability. The town hall, attended by approximately 250 people, also featured updates on the ongoing investigation and discussions on broader issues like racial bias and Christian Nationalism.
