Civilians have received benefits for work at the Nevada test site, but Cold War-era regulations still do not allow veterans to prove they were there, too.
Brig. Gen. William Parker, 94th AAMDC chief, recalled an old air defense building bearing a "Will work for food" sign, a stark contrast to the role today.
The U.S. defense budget request for Fiscal Year 2027 has raised the prospect of an increase in the monthly stipend paid out to troops in dangerous regions.
