Russian Air Force Commander Decorated

In accordance with a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Air Force Commander-in-Chief General of the Army Anatoli Kornukov has been decorated with the Order for Services to the Homeland, 3rd degree. In line with the presidential instructions, the Commander was presented with the award on Thursday by General of the Army Anatoli Kvashnin, the Chief of General Staff. Congratulating General Kornukov, Anatoli Kvashnin stated that this officer "was a pioneer in the move to unite two of the most complicated armed services, namely the Air Force and the Anti-Aircraft Defence, the move which resulted in the country's growing defence potential."