FIRSTHAND ACCOUNTS Published Dec. 2, 2009 By Retired Senior Master Sgt. Harry Mirra Philadelphia Via e-mail -- I see the Air Force is really putting Torch photographer Tech. Sgt. Matt Hannen through the ropes -- first up in Alaska ("The 13th Student," 15th Anniversary Issue, page 29) for some winter training and then "playing" with Arthur, the military attack dog who has a few screws loose ("Arthur Is King," 15th Anniversary Issue, page 19). The stories are more real when you experience the weather and the dog attack firsthand and are able to write about the feeling. It must be interesting to be able to witness many different events and maybe help someone to be more aware of danger th is just around the corner. Your special anniversary issue was well done with a lot of facts of past mishaps that could have been avoided. Torch is still a big hit at the Philadelphia Airport USO and in care packages we send to our troops. Last month, we had 5,000 troops visit us. Sergeant Hannen definitely made a positive impact on the magazine and its readers. As a matter of fact, he did such a good job that in October the Air Force assigned him to Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Md. There he will use his talent and experience to train others and help create a new generation of military photographers.