15 provisions enhance benefits for Veterans

WASHINGTON — Effective Aug. 1, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented 15 more provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also referred to as the Forever GI Bill.

These provisions, in addition to the 13 implemented since the law was signed less than a year ago, will have an immediate and positive impact on Veterans and their families using VA benefits to pursue their educational goals.

By Claudette Roulo
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2018 The Defense Department will establish a sixth branch of the armed forces, the U.S. Department of the Space Force, by 2020, Vice President Mike Pence announced today.

In a speech at the Pentagon, the vice president also announced plans to establish a new combatant command -- U.S. Space Command -- as well as a Space Operations Force and a new joint organization called the Space Development Agency.

By Abigail Kelly
August 9, 2018

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Social media plays a significant role in everyday life, especially for military families. It helps them learn information about their next duty station and stay connected to the family and friends they leave. At the same time, the tool is also used by terrorists to seek out individuals and information.

Therefore, it is essential to follow Army regulations on social media use and protect operational security because if members of the military community put too much information online, and violate operational security, the safety of service members and their families can be at risk.

By Joe Versen on July 31, 2017

The Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service works daily to make sure that those who serve have the employment support they need when they transition back into civilian life. Here are three ways we’re getting veterans back to work:

1. Transition Training

As a component of the Transition Assistance Program, or TAP, the Labor Department provides a mandatory three-day employment workshop, as well as an optional two-day Career Technical Training Track curriculum focused on licensing, credentialing and apprenticeship programs that lead to well-paying civilian jobs and meaningful careers. During the 2016 fiscal year, the department hosted over 6,300 employment workshops worldwide for over 184,000 participants.

By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON August 28, 2015 -

America sends its sons and daughters to war, and a new play titled "I Will Wait" looks at the effect of these deployments across the generations.

The brainchild of Amy Uptgraft, the play connects the experiences of spouses from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq. Uptgraft wrote the play with Gregory Stieber, who also directed the play. It premiered July 31 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

From a Department of Defense Education Activity News Release

ALEXANDRIA, Va. August 26, 2015 —

Nearly 75,000 students are beginning the 2015-2016 School Year in Department of Defense Education Activity schools around the world. 

DoDEA schools educate children of service members and the civilians who support them in 12 nations, seven states and two territories. Through its Educational Partnership Branch, DoDEA provides support to more than a million military-connected students who attend public schools throughout the United States.

By Amaani Lyle
DoD News Features, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON August 26, 2015 -

Today, Women's Equality Day not only commemorates the ratification of the 95th anniversary of the 19th Amendment -- which solidified women's voting rights -- but it also coincides with current milestones for women in service, a Pentagon official said in an Aug. 24 DoD News interview.

Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management Director Juliet Beyler, who oversees department-wide policies that include promotions, assignments, separations, force management, and awards and decorations, said casting a wider net for talent and diversity across the force is critical.

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all Americans including all military members (active duty, retired, Selected Reserve, or Retired Reserve) and their eligible family members must have health care coverage that meets a minimum standard called minimum essential coverage or pay a fee. Your TRICARE coverage meets the minimum essential coverage requirement under the ACA.

"The term "active duty" means full-time duty in the active service of a uniformed service for more than 30 consecutive days".

By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON August 21, 2015 

TRICARE beneficiaries who take certain brand-name medications on a regular basis will be required to fill prescriptions at a military treatment facility or through a mail-in program beginning Oct. 1, a Defense Health Agency official said yesterday.

George Jones, DHA’s pharmacy operations division chief, said the new policy does not apply to active-duty troops, overseas beneficiaries, nursing-home residents and those with other health insurance that has a prescription-drug program. In certain circumstances, he added, some beneficiaries might be waived from the program on an individual basis.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. NR--
August 21, 2015

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be buried with full military honors.

Army Maj. Dale W. Richardson of Mount Sterling, Illinois, will be buried Aug. 29, in Mountain View, Ark. Richardson was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, and was the passenger aboard an UH-1H Iroquois (Huey) helicopter that was en route to Fire Support Base Katum, South Vietnam, when it was diverted due to bad weather. After flying into Cambodian airspace, the aircraft came under heavy enemy ground fire, causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. The Huey's four crewmen and its four passengers survived the landing. One crewman was able to evade being captured by enemy forces and later returned to friendly lines. The other three crewmen and one passenger were captured. Two of the captured crewmen were released by the Vietnamese in 1973, and the remains of the other two captured men were returned to U.S. control in the 1980s and identified. Richardson died at the site of the crash during a fire fight with enemy forces. His remains were not recovered after the fire fight. 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. NR-336-15
August 21, 2015

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be buried with full military honors.

Army Maj. Dale W. Richardson of Mount Sterling, Illinois, will be buried Aug. 29, in Mountain View, Ark. Richardson was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, and was the passenger aboard an UH-1H Iroquois (Huey) helicopter that was en route to Fire Support Base Katum, South Vietnam, when it was diverted due to bad weather. After flying into Cambodian airspace, the aircraft came under heavy enemy ground fire, causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. The Huey's four crewmen and its four passengers survived the landing. One crewman was able to evade being captured by enemy forces and later returned to friendly lines. The other three crewmen and one passenger were captured. Two of the captured crewmen were released by the Vietnamese in 1973, and the remains of the other two captured men were returned to U.S. control in the 1980s and identified. Richardson died at the site of the crash during a fire fight with enemy forces. His remains were not recovered after the fire fight. 

By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2015 - The 2015 Military Youth of the Year honor, presented jointly by the Defense Department and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, was awarded to an 18-year-old military daughter from Vogelweh, Germany, during a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial Naval Heritage Center here yesterday.

RianSimone Harris, 18, an 11-year member of the program, was selected from six finalists for her sound character, leadership abilities and willingness to give back to her community -- the partnership's goal in supporting youth programs and military youth, officials said.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. NR-328-15
August 11, 2015

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that servicemen, missing from World War II, have been accounted for and their remains are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Army Air Forces 1st Lt. William P. Cook of Alameda, California; Flight Officer Arthur J. LeFavre of Red Bank, New Jersey; Staff Sgts. Maurice J. Fevold of Chicago, Frank G. Lane Jr. of Cleveland and Ward C. Swalwell Jr. of Chicago; and Sgt. Eric M. Honeyman of Alameda, California, have been accounted for and will be buried with full military honors. Cook was buried Oct. 18, 2014, in Oakland, California. Fevold was buried Oct. 20, 2014, in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, and Lane was buried May 2 in Willoughby, Ohio. Honeyman was buried on June 22 in Trail, British Columbia, Canada. LeFavre will be buried on Aug. 18 in Arlington National Cemetery. The group representing the crew will be buried on Aug. 18 in Arlington National Cemetery. Swalwell will be buried on Aug. 20 in Arlington National Cemetery.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. NR-326-15
August 10, 2015

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.   

Army Cpl. Nehemiah E. Butler Pocomoke City, Maryland, will be buried today in Arlington National Cemetery. In late December 1950, Butler and elements of Company C, 19th Infantry Regiment (IR), 24th Infantry Division (ID), were deployed near Seoul, South Korea, when their unit was attacked by enemy forces. During the attempt to delay the enemy forces from advancing, Butler was separated from his unit while moving towards a more defensible position. Butler was reported missing Jan. 1, 1951.   

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. NR-321-15
August 06, 2015

 Airman Missing From World War II Accounted For 

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing since World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Stephen V. Biezis of Chicago will be buried Aug. 14, in Arlington National Cemetery. His co-pilot, 1st Lt. James F. Gatlin of Jacksonville, Florida, was buried Jan. 30, in Bushnell, Florida. On Dec. 23, 1944, Biezis and his crew of five were assigned to the 575th Bombardment Squadron, 391st Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force and were deployed to Germany. Biezis was the co-pilot of a B-26C Marauder that crashed after being struck by enemy fire while on a bombing mission against enemy forces near Ahrweiler, Germany. Biezis, Gatlin and three other crew members were reported killed in action. His remains were not recovered during the war.

By Amaani Lyle
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2015 - In remarks at the National Purple Heart Ceremony at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate today, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised heroes across wars and eras who have exemplified bravery and endured incomprehensible peril.

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia stressed that the Purple Heart is a decoration of explicit distinction, recognizable not just to the American citizen, but to people around the world. "Many nations, militaries envy our culture and the dignified manner that we hold to our fallen, but also how we recognize and care for our wounded," he said.

By Amaani Lyle
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2015 - Military children may have opportunities to live in interesting places but they also face unique challenges that can affect their education, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command said yesterday at the Military Child Education Coalition seminar here.

Navy Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr. said the MCEC offers customized tools and information to give military children the greatest opportunity for a successful education, with long-term impact.

U.S. Transportation Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., Aug. 29, 2014 - Many service members may not know of their entitlements when shipping personal vehicles as they move overseas or return stateside, according to U.S. Transportation Command officials.

"Our customers have reasonable expectations on the delivery of their vehicles," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul H. Guemmer. "I know I do." 

Guemmer is the Deputy Director (Military) for the Strategy, Capabilities, Policy, and Logistics Directorate at Transcom, which is headquartered here. He is responsible for DoD's transportation strategy across the entire Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise, to include infrastructure, long-range programs, future requirements, coalition integration, and mobility partnerships with industry. 

August 28, 2014
Online Resource Provides Student Veterans with Key Education and Benefits Information

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched an improved version of the GI Bill® Comparison Tool, which was first launched in February 2014.  The GI Bill Comparison Tool is designed to make it easier for Veterans, Servicemembers, and dependents to estimate their GI Bill education benefits and learn more about VA’s approved college, university, and other education and training programs across the country.  It also provides key information about college affordability and value so beneficiaries can choose the best education program to meet their needs.

In the past 6 months, nearly 350,000 people have accessed the tool on VA’s GI Bill website.  The top schools searched by users include: American Public University, Harvard, University of Texas at Austin, Arizona State University, and University of Washington. 

Please include 1-3 ideas for ensuring that a move goes smoothly. Also, if possible, include your name (first name, last initial is fine) and email address (for any follow up questions).

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Thursday August 28th at 5 pm EST for a chance to be featured in an article.

By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2014 - The Defense Department has issued a request for proposals to modernize its electronic health records and allow DoD to share health data with the private sector and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

It is a multi-billion dollar request to replace many of the current DoD legacy health care systems. This includes Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA), Composite Health Care System (CHCS) (inpatient), and most components of the Theater Medical Information Program-Joint (TMIP-J), with the objective of achieving initial fielding of a modernized replacement by the end of calendar year 2016. 

August 25, 2014

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new Medical Appointment Scheduling System; the next step in a series of actions VA has taken to replace its antiquated legacy scheduling system.  The new system will improve access to care for Veterans by providing medical schedulers with cutting-edge, management-based scheduling software.  The RFP will be made public by the end of September 2014; eligible vendors will have 30 days to respond from the day of issuance.

by Lt. Col. Sandra Kent 
7th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate Office

8/5/2014 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Election season is right around the corner and political campaigning is ramping up. It's a good time to review campaigning restrictions placed on military members and civilian Department of Defense employees. 

Restrictions are imposed to avoid any inference that an individual's political activities imply or appear to imply official sponsorship, approval or endorsement by the DoD. Even though there are restrictions on political activities, military members and civilian employees may vote for whomever they choose.

August 5, 2014
VA launches new identity theft website and toll-free help line

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it has launched a new campaign to educate Veterans about identity theft prevention. The new campaign, titled More Than a Number, references the personally identifiable information that VA encourages Veterans to protect.

“We recognize that for Veterans, as for all Americans in the digital age, identity theft is a growing concern,” said Steph Warren, VA’s Chief Information Officer. “Our goal is to help educate and protect those who have protected this great country.”

by Staff Sgt. Ian Hoachlander
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

"JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas" - The number of Airmen and families moving overseas without the proper passport or VISA is increasing, according to Air Force Personnel Center officials.

This costs Airmen time and money during a permanent change of station, and it's a waste of Air Force funds as well.

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2013 - As a new school year begins, a Department of Veterans Affairs official announced today that VA will nearly triple the number of colleges and universities it partners with to offer on-campus vocational and rehabilitative VA counseling through its "VetSuccess on Campus" program.

Curt Coy, VA's deputy undersecretary for economic opportunity, told reporters during a conference call that the program, which began in 2009, will expand from its existing 32 campuses to 94. Its primary goal is to provide on-campus counseling and referral services to student veterans as they transition to civilian life, Coy said.

By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2013 - Department of Defense Education Activity students, parents and employees should expect quite a few changes in the upcoming school year, the DODEA director said in an Aug. 23 interview.

Those changes will be both visible and behind the scenes, but they all are geared toward improving the quality of education at DODEA schools, Marilee Fitzgerald told American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2013 - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the second round of HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing funding to local public housing agencies across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

The $7.8 million in added funding will provide housing and clinical services for 1,120 currently homeless veterans.

By Ellen Crown
U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 15, 2013 - Experts from the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs gathered here yesterday to discuss the future of veterans' mental health and traumatic brain injury research efforts at the Military Health System Research Symposium.

Discussion leaders included Health Affairs Director of Medical Research Dr. Terry Rauch, Acting Chief Officer of the VA Office of Research and Development Dr. Timothy O'Leary, U.S. Army's Combat Casualty Care Research Program Director Col. Dallas Hack, Deputy Director of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Katherine Helmick, and Uniformed Services University School of Medicine's Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Director Dr. Robert Ursano.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2013 - Today, the Department of Defense announced its plan to extend benefits to same-sex spouses of uniformed service members and Department of Defense civilian employees, according to a DOD news release issued today.

After a review of the department's benefit policies following the Supreme Court's ruling that Section Three of the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, and in consultation with the Department of Justice and other executive branch agencies, the Defense Department will make spousal and family benefits available no later than Sept. 3, 2013, regardless of sexual orientation, as long as service member-sponsors provide a valid marriage certificate.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 575-13

August 09, 2013

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. service member, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Marine Corps Pfc. Jonathan R. Posey Jr., 20, of Dallas, will be buried Aug. 12 in Arlington National Cemetery. In December 1950, Posey, assigned to L Battery, 4th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, was serving provisionally as an infantryman with the 7th Marine Regiment at Yudam-ni in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir. On Dec. 2, 1950, Posey was killed in action while the 5th and 7th Marine Regiments were withdrawing to Hagaru-ri.

From a TRICARE Management Activity News Release

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug. 7, 2013 - The Defense Department will reduce the number of TRICARE Prime service areas in the United States beginning Oct. 1, affecting about 171,000 retirees and their family members.

Those beneficiaries, who mostly reside more than 40 miles from a military clinic or hospital, received a letter earlier this year explaining their options. They will receive a second letter later this month.

By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2013 - As part of the Integrated Mental Health Strategy, the Defense Department's National Center for Telehealth and Technology and the Veterans Affairs Department's mental health informatics section have partnered to develop an interactive online educational and life-coaching program. Moving Forward, at http://www.startmovingforward.org, is designed to teach problem-solving skills to members of the military community, Dr. Robert Ciulla, director of the mobile health program at the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, told American Forces Press Service today.

Moving Forward is focused on addressing stress -- specifically, recognizing when a person is stressed, identifying stressors and developing stress management skills.

by Master Sgt. Marvin Preston
Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The schedule of a military spouse is an arduous one.

Appointments, dinners, and family time are vital to maintaining the normalcy that can strain military life. Add volunteerism and the schedule can get as challenging as that of the crafter at the grinding wheel, but a military spouse is earnestly involved and focused.

Alicia Hinds Ward, the 2013 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, is another in the long line of military mothers and spouses who work a multitude of tasks -- seemingly at the same time.

Calling all CHEFS and PROFESSIONAL COOKS! Food Network is giving you a chance to win up to $20,000!

Do you have the ability to make something out of nothing? Can your recipes prove as inventive as they are delicious?

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2013 - Savings and the ability to reprogram funds made possible today's announcement by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel that unpaid furlough days for about 650,000 civilian employees are being reduced.

Hagel signed a memo cutting furlough days for about 650,000 Defense Department civilian employees from 11 to six. This means that for most employees, the furlough will be over Aug. 17.

DALLAS - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and The Walt Disney Studios are teaming up to offer first-run films to military families at continental United States Exchange movie theaters.

The agreement marks the first time in the Exchange's 118-year history that movies will be shown at continental United States Exchange theaters on the same day of general market release. First-run movies have previously only been available at Exchange theaters outside the continental United States.

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2013 - A White House and Defense Department challenge to hire 50,000 military spouses by the end of 2015 surpassed its goal Aug. 1, the acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness told members of the Defense Department's Military Family Readiness Council at the Pentagon today.

The effort to hire 50,000 spouses reached fruition through the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, a group of more than 180 employers that vowed to recruit military spouses, Jessica Wright said.

By Tim Hipps
U.S. Army Installation Management Command

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 6, 2013 - A group that got its start in Army Entertainment is the driving force behind the American Military Spouses Choir, an "America's Got Talent" quarterfinalist scheduled to perform tonight at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

The show will be televised live on NBC at 9 p.m. EDT.

From a Department of Veterans Affairs News Release

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2013 - The Department of Veterans Affairs announced yesterday that veterans filing an original fully developed claim for service-connected disability compensation may be entitled to up to one-year of retroactive disability benefits.

The retroactive benefits, which are in effect Aug. 6, 2013, through Aug. 5, 2015, are a result of a comprehensive legislative package passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama last year.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2012 - Bells have rung in 194 Department of Defense Educational Activity Schools around the world, marking the start of another school year.

Marilee Fitzgerald, the director of the agency, spoke during a Pentagon news conference today about changes to the school system and the unique role these schools play.

From a Federal Voting Assistance Program News Release

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 28, 2012 - Service members, their families and U.S. citizens living overseas now have voting information at their fingertips with the Federal Voting Assistance program's new mobile website.

The site provides an interface that quickly leads users to voting information in an easy-to-read, mobile-friendly format.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2012 - While U.S. service members in Afghanistan made mistakes in handling Qurans in February, there was no intent "to disrespect the Quran or defame Islam," the general investigating the incident wrote in his report.

U.S. Central Command released the results of the investigation into the incident, in which Qurans removed from a library for detainees were mishandled at Bagram Airfield.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 709-12
August 27, 2012

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of three servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, were recently identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Army Sgt. 1st Class William T. Brown of La Habra, Calif., Sgt. 1st Class Donald M. Shue of Kannapolis, N.C., and Sgt. 1st Class Gunther H. Wald of Palisades Park, N.J., will be buried as a group on Aug. 30, in a single casket representing the three soldiers, in Arlington National Cemetery.  Brown and Shue were each individually buried on Sept. 26, 2011, at Arlington and May 1 in Kannapolis, N.C.

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2012 - The White House initiative to hire veterans and military spouses has surpassed its goals, having led to the hiring or training of more than 125,000 veterans and spouses in the past year, First Lady Michelle Obama announced today.

Speaking to sailors and their families at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Fla., the first lady said 2,000 companies have hired 125,000 employees through their pledges to the "Joining Forces" campaign, and, of those, 140 employers have hired 28,000 military spouses.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 696-12
August 22, 2012

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, has been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. John E. Hogan, of West Plains, Mo., will be buried Aug. 24, in Arlington National Cemetery.  On Sept. 13, 1944, Hogan and eight other crew members were on a B-17G Flying Fortress that crashed near Neustädt-on-Werra, Germany.  Only one of the crewmen is known to have successfully parachuted out of the aircraft before it crashed.  The remaining eight crewmen were buried by German forces in a cemetery in Neustädt.

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2012 - Finwe Wiendenhoeft is a military-connected kid living the kind of healthy lifestyle First Lady Michelle Obama encourages through her "Let's Move [ http://www.letsmove.gov ]" campaign ? and one endorsed by the Defense Department [ http://defense.gov ].

Healthy is a way of life for Finwe, 9, who lives with her family on 30 acres in southwest Wisconsin, according to her mother, Kristina, and it was their recipe for a meatless burger that earned the two seats at the first-ever "Kids' State Dinner [ http://www.letsmove.gov/kids-state-dinner ]" at the White House yesterday.

From a Department of Labor News Release

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2012 - The Labor Department today awarded grants totaling $11.53 million through the Veterans' Workforce Investment Program to provide an estimated 5,500 veterans with job training and skills development services.

"These grants will increase the skill sets of veterans and result in training and credentialing for jobs in high-demand industries," Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis said. "Our veterans made sacrifices on behalf of our nation, and I ask all employers to renew their commitment to veterans, because the best way to honor our veterans is to hire them."

VetJobs and its veteran service partners are assisting MasterCard with an educational study to identify financial issues faced by enlisted personnel and their families.

We are conducting focus groups on August 28 and August 29 in Virginia Beach. Focus group participants will be paid $50.00 for their time. The focus groups will last 60 to 90 minutes.

By Gary Sheftick
Army News Service

LONDON, Aug. 9, 2012 - Air Force family member Janay DeLoach leaped 6.89 meters last night at Olympic Stadium here to take the bronze medal in women's long jump at the Summer Olympics.

USA teammate Brittney Reese won the gold with a jump of 7.12 meters, and Russia's Elena Sokolova earned the silver with a jump of 7.07.

By Lisa Daniel
Aug. 9, 2012

Families of wounded warriors already are benefitting from a program that started last month to make it easier for them to travel with their loved ones for medical treatment.

The Defense Department and Fisher House Foundation have teamed up to oversee the Hotels for Heroes program, which allows the American public to donate their unused hotel reward points to families of wounded warriors so that they might stay for free in hotels around the country while their family member receives medical treatment.

Mark Pomerville

U.S. Nationwide, August 8, 2012 – COUPLES RETREAT - A New Docu-Reality Program, is looking to help MARRIED COUPLES get a fresh, honest start in their marriage.

For the first time ever, married couples struggling with secrets of infidelity, will have the opportunity to take part in a groundbreaking new program to help their marriage get back on track, while clearing their conscience.

By Tim Hipps
U.S. Army Installation Management Command

LONDON, Aug. 8, 2012 - Team USA coaches did not recognize their wrestler as Army Spc. Justin Lester -- or Harry Lester, as some know him -- as he finished eighth in the Olympic men's Greco-Roman 66-kilogram tournament yesterday at ExCel North Arena 2 here.

"He was lacking the normal Harry Lester zip that he has," Team USA Greco-Roman head wrestling coach Steve Fraser said. "Harry, or Justin, looked a little bit sluggish, and he looked like he got a little bit tired."

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 658-12
August 06, 2012

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Air Force Lt. Col. Charles M. Walling of Phoenix, Ariz., and Maj. Aado Kommendant of Lakewood, N.J., will be buried as a group at Arlington National Cemetery on Aug. 8 -- the 46th anniversary of the crash that took their lives.  Walling was individually buried on June 15, at Arlington National Cemetery.

By Tim Hipps
Army News Service

LONDON, Aug. 6, 2012 - Jamie Gray, wife of U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit shooter Staff Sgt. Hank Gray, won an Olympic gold medal in the women's 50-meter rifle 3-positions event Aug. 4 at the Royal Artillery Barracks here.

U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program rifle coach Maj. Dave Johnson, who leads Team USA's rifle shooters in London, coached Gray to the victory.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 - A website launched last week that lists recipients of the military's highest awards for valor for actions since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks has been updated with service cross recipients, Defense Department officials announced today.

The site -- at http://valor.defense.gov -- is designed to raise awareness of service members' heroism and to help deter those who falsely claim military honors, officials said.

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2011 - Beneficiaries of the TRICARE military health plan can obtain 90 days of home-delivered medication with no copayment and can get free vaccinations at participating pharmacies without seeing a doctor.

These measures can make life a bit simpler for beneficiaries of the military health plan, Navy Rear Adm. (Dr.) Christine Hunter, TRICARE Management Activity's deputy director, said in an Aug. 26 interview.

By Jane Gervasoni
U.S. Army Public Health Command

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., Aug. 30, 2011 - More than 40 years ago, Army 1st Lt. Robert C. Berkshire earned a Bronze Star Medal for valor during his service in Vietnam. On his way stateside following his Vietnam tour of duty, Berkshire's duffel bag was stolen -- in the duffel bag was his Bronze Star. He never saw his medal again.

After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1971, Berkshire never said anything to his family or friends about the loss of his award. However, about a year ago, the subject of his military career came up while he was talking with David Kurk, a friend and fellow civilian employee in the laboratory at the U.S. Army Public Health Command here.

By Elaine Sanchez 
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2011 - When children walk into a Defense Department school this year, they may be handed a laptop or electronic reader, or perhaps they'll be asked to build a robot or try out a simulator on the school lawn.

Technology has long since changed the nation; it's now time to use these advances to transform its schools, the acting director of the Department of Defense Education Activity said.

By Donna Miles 
American Forces Press Service

FORT MEADE, Md., Aug. 18, 2011 - A program launched at the Military Entrance Processing Station here has started the military on a path to welcoming family members into the fold before their loved ones ever ship off for entry-level training.

The Baltimore MEPS, one of the busiest of 26 MEPS stations dotting the country, is expanding the family orientation program it introduced in 2009 to reach more new military families, the station's commander, Army Lt. Col. Christopher Beveridge, said.

By Elaine Sanchez 
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2011 - About a year ago, Air Force Maj. Nicholas Sabula received word of an upcoming assignment following his deployment in Afghanistan.

He became concerned, however, when he learned that his new duty station and the local area didn't have adequate services for his son, who was diagnosed with autism in 2006. But shortly after, based on a recommendation from his Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator, Sabula's assignment was cancelled and he moved here instead.

By Debbie Gildea
Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Air Force Personnel Center Airmen donated more than two tons of food and hygiene products to the San Antonio Food Bank in support of the Feds Feed Families food drive, organized locally by the Alamo Federal Executive Board.

The Air Force Personnel Center's donation was delivered to the food bank July 28 by Alamo Federal Executive Board executive director Ellen Nelson, her assistant Bruce Bebow, and fellow AFEB volunteer Andrew Pruett, Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service.

By Marine Corps Cpl. Reece Lodder
 Marine Corps Base Hawaii

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Aug. 13, 2011 - Removed from an ambushed platoon of Marines and soldiers in a remote Afghan village on Sept. 8, 2009, his reality viciously shaken by an onslaught of enemy fighters, Marine Corps Cpl. Dakota Meyer simply reacted as he knew best - tackling what he called "extraordinary circumstances" by "doing the right thing -- whatever it takes."

Nearly two years later, the White House announced yesterday that the 23-year-old Marine scout sniper from Columbia, Ky., who has since left the Marine Corps, will become the first living Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in 38 years. Retired Sgt. Maj. Allan Kellogg Jr. received the medal in 1973 for gallantry in Vietnam three years earlier.

By Karen Parrish 
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011 - The third round of 2011 changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill will take effect Oct. 1, a Department of Veterans Affairs official said today.

October's changes allow eligible students to pay for more education and training programs with the GI Bill, Keith Wilson, director of VA's education service, told reporters today during a telephone conference.

By Elaine Sanchez 
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011 - A young service member saddled with debt and in need of some quick cash doesn't have to go far. Lenders offering same-day loans sit outside the gate of nearly every military installation in the nation.

But the lure of fast and easy cash can lead strapped troops down a path of steep interest rates and fees that far surpass their initial loan.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2011 - I was on call last weekend when the news broke about the downed helicopter in eastern Afghanistan. As the morning waned, it soon became clear that the nation had suffered a devastating loss.

Thirty U.S. service members and eight Afghans lost their lives in the Aug. 6 Chinook crash.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 692-11 
August 08, 2011

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being buried with full military honors.

Army Pfc. William F. Stehlin of Dayton, Ky., will be buried on Aug. 11 in Arlington National Cemetery. On Nov. 20, 1944, Stehlin, as part of the 333rd Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, went missing near Sueggerath while his unit conducted a largely successful offensive to capture towns in Western Germany. In 1951, after an extensive search, his remains were determined unrecoverable by U.S. Army Graves Registration personnel.

By Rob McIlvane 
Army News Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2011 - Beginning Jan. 1, most soldiers will deploy for nine months, giving them more time at home between deployments, Army officials announced today.

Army Secretary John M. McHugh signed a directive instituting a nine-month "boots on the ground" policy for deployed soldiers, providing more "dwell time" at home for soldiers and their families.

By Elaine Sanchez 
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2011 - After her husband was killed in Iraq in May 2007, Taryn Davis didn't know where to turn.

The 21-year-old didn't live near a military installation, and while her family and friends were supportive, she yearned for the support of other military widows who could relate to her struggles.

So one night on a whim, Davis turned to the Internet and "Googled" the word "widow." The search engine suggested she try searching for "window" instead.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 670-11 August 02, 2011

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Chief Warrant Officer George A. Howes, of Knox, Ind., will be buried Aug. 5 in Arlington National Cemetery. On Jan. 10, 1970, Howes and three aircrew members were returning to their base at Chu Lai, South Vietnam aboard a UH-1C Huey helicopter. Due to bad weather, their helicopter went down over Quang Nam Province, Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.). A search was initiated for the crew, but no sign of the helicopter or crew was spotted.

By Elaine Sanchez 
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2011 - Brian Campbell knew some challenges were in store for him after he left his Navy career to follow his military wife across the country.

But what he didn't count on were the additional challenges brought on not by his status as a military spouse, but by his gender.

"I was the first [nonmilitary] male spouse in that command ever," Campbell said in a podcast posted on Military OneSource.

By Donna Miles 
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2011 - Retired Army 1st Sgt. Renee Floyd wasn't about to let a disability stop her from realizing her dream of having her own business.

Applying 21 years of experience as an Army mechanic, she launched BRF Mobile Lube Service in Phenix City, Ala., in 2009 and began traveling to people's homes and businesses to provide convenient oil changes and maintenance services.

By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., (8/4/10) -- The National Guard is willing to help family members around the country, no matter which branch or component their servicemember belongs to, the Guard's top family programs official said Aug. 3.

By Army Sgt. Darron Salzer
National Guard Bureau

NEW ORLEANS, (8/4/10) -- More than 25,000 children of Guard and reserve members have been affected by a deployment since 2001, but their teachers may never have known about their unique situation. 

By Sgt. Darron Salzer
National Guard Bureau

 NEW ORLEANS, (8/2/10) - National Guard leaders said today that if citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen continue to deploy in support of overseas missions, their family readiness groups will need to be supported at the same pace.

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2009 - The Defense Department's first joint family readiness conference in nearly a decade will take place next week in Chicago, the director of the Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth said.

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2009 - More college-educated professionals will enter the next generation's professional work force as a result of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said this week at the American Legion's 91st National Convention in Louisville, Ky.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2009 - The Defense Department has launched a blog called "Family Matters" that is dedicated to providing resources and support to military families.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2009 - The Veterans Affairs Department is taking steps to help veterans seeking compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced today.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 639-09
August 21, 2009

The Department of the Army announced today a series of planned unit activations, inactivations, relocations and conversions at four installations. These force structure actions will result in an increase of 2,440 soldiers at Fort Riley, Kan., an increase of 418 soldiers at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., a decrease of 295 soldiers at Fort Irwin, Calif.; and a decrease of 376 soldiers at Fort Carson, Colo. Implementation of these changes is expected to be completed in September 2011.            

Greetings!!

I'm a US Army chaplain serving with the 1-227th ARB (Apache helicopter) battalion in Camp Taji, Iraq.  I'm with a committee of Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and contractors who want to have the "biggest" humanitarian event around the base. 

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Matwey
Special to American Forces Press Service

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del., Aug. 17, 2009 - In 2003, Catherine Roberts, a midwife and a 25-year quilter from Seaford, Del., wanted to give a wounded soldier a quilt to bring him comfort during his recovery.

By Army Lt. Col. Matt Leonard
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2009 - The Yellow Ribbon Program is "off and running," said the program's deputy executive director, James "Scotty" Scott.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 620-09
August 17, 2009

The Department of Defense today launched a new home page, http://www.Defense.gov , designed to invite participation from the public and make military news and information more accessible.  The new Web site will provide quick access to those sites that are most sought by Web site visitors, including DoD social media sites, the Pentagon Channel and DoD news stories.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2009 - Under a personnel rule that takes effect next month, some military spouses could be quickly hired for federal jobs without going through the usual competitive process.

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2009 - Google is tinkering with a new service that could transform the way troops on the frontlines communicate with their families on the homefront.

For Immediate Release
August 13, 2009

"Mad Men" Join Military Families And Veterans At Beverly Hills Premiere Of "The Way We Get By "

AMC TV'S MAD MEN stars RICH SOMMER and MICHAEL GLADDIS will be joining volunteers from HandsOn Network and L.A. Works along with military families and veterans from Operation Homefront for the August 14, red carpet event beginning at 6:30 PM in Beverly Hills.

Hi,

My name is Amanda and I work for SimplyBabyFurniture.com.  I'm contacting you about our new Military Discount program.  I came across your website and can see that you offer information to military personnel and I thought you might be interested in getting the word out about our Military Discount program. 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 610-09
August 12, 2009

The U.S. Air Force announced today that Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, has been selected as the permanent location of the 24th Air Force headquarters, a numbered air force (NAF) designed to conduct cyber operations activities for the Air Force.

Good Morning BJ 'n Cindy!

I came across your site today and wanted to extend to you an opportunity for a Ladies Night out. We at the Washington Mystics, women's professional basketball in our Nation's Capital, are dedicated to family fun and a wholesome environment.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2009 - American Forces Press Service has launched a military blog called "Family Matters" dedicated to helping military families deal with the challenges and situations unique to a military lifestyle. The blog features tips from experts, useful resources and timely responses to comments and questions. Upcoming topics include back-to-school tips, education benefits, dealing with deployments, childcare and more. Read "Family Matters" at
 http://afps.dodlive.mil/category/family-matters/.

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2009 - The Defense Department is shifting the way it selects the civilian companies that move servicemembers and defense civilians to new duty stations by focusing on customer service rather than on cost.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 586-09
August 06, 2009

The Department of the Army announced today a series of planned unit activations, inactivations, and realignments at four installations. These force structure and stationing actions will result in a decrease of 387 soldiers at Fort Bragg, N.C., a decrease of 432 at Fort Campbell, Ky., an increase of 454 at Fort Carson, Colo., and an increase of 274 at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; and will continue until complete in October 2011.

American Forces Press Service

CHICAGO, Aug. 6, 2009 - The Army Reserve and National Guard signed partnership agreements with dozens of Chicago and Illinois state employers yesterday to enhance job opportunities for soldiers and veterans.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2009 - Department of Defense Education Activity officials are reminding parents to review their children's immunization records to ensure they're up to date by the first day of the school year.

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2009 - Tricare is enhancing its programs and services as part of an ongoing commitment to provide quality health care for military families, the new deputy director of Tricare Management Activity said.

MMEDIATE RELEASE No. 571-09
August 02, 2009

The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) has positively identified remains recovered in Iraq as those of Captain Michael Scott Speicher. Captain Speicher was shot down flying a combat mission in an F/A-18 Hornet over west-central Iraq on January 17th, 1991 during Operation Desert Storm.

By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gina Wollman
Special to American Forces Press Service

NORFOLK, Va., July 31, 2009 - First lady Michelle Obama welcomed home the crews of two Navy ships and expressed her support for their families while speaking to more than 500 servicemembers at Naval Station Norfolk here today.

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2008 - The Reserve Health Readiness Program ensures that reserve-component servicemembers have the ability and access to meet their deployment requirements, the program's director said yesterday.

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2008 - Military members receive some buffers from hard times through benefits like housing and meal allowances, commissaries and a strong support network. But they feel the crunch of increasing prices like everyone else.

By Jon Myatt
Special to American Forces Press Service

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., Aug. 29, 2008 - As central and northern Florida communities recover from Tropical Storm Fay's flood waters, Florida's Department of Military Affairs and the state's National Guard are refitting and shifting focus to the potential effects of other storms.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2008 - With Armed Forces Voters Week set to start Aug. 31, the Federal Voting Assistance Program has launched a full-court press to get servicemembers, their families and Defense Department civilians the absentee ballots they need to participate in the upcoming election.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2008 - The husband-and-wife team who designed the Pentagon Memorial spent a gray, misty afternoon with their creation yesterday, just two weeks before its public opening.

American Forces Press Service

BATON ROUGE, La., Aug. 29, 2008 - As Tropical Storm Gustav gains strength and approaches the Gulf Coast, about 3,000 Louisiana citizen-soldiers and -airmen have been activated in support of emergency operations and are prepared to support civil missions and assist with various needs and emergencies expected to arise across the state.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2008 - Starting a business requires cold, hard cash and moral support, both of which are now available to military spouses through a Virginia-based organization.

By Navy Lt. Neil Myers
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 29, 2008 - In a perfect world, military personnel on deployment always would be assigned to jobs within their specialties. But it's not a perfect world, and some sailors assigned to provincial reconstruction teams are serving in general service positions, meaning prior military training is not required.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2008 - More military spouses than ever before are heading back to school this year, and they've earned some financial help to study for their chosen degree, National Military Family Association officials said.

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Don Branum
Special to American Forces Press Service

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq, Aug. 28, 2008 - Coalition air forces in Iraq unleashed a new precision-guided weapon against enemy forces Aug. 12 when two F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots with the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron here executed the first combat employment of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition against a moving enemy vehicle in Diyala province.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 724-08
August 28, 2008

The Department of Defense announced today that the United States will cease operations at 15 U.S. Army, Europe, sites in Idar-Oberstein, Dexheim and other locations in Germany.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2008 - Servicemembers who think their spouses are top-notch now have the opportunity to tell the world why everyone else should agree.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2008 - The mayor of Anchorage, Alaska, has asked his fellow mayors around the nation to publicly declare their support for their military employees.

American Forces Press Service

SCOTT AIR FOCE BASE, Ill., Aug. 26, 2008 - U.S. Transportation Command and the Army's Military Surface Distribution and Deployment Command have announced the initial rollout of a new automated system for movement of servicemembers' and government civilians' household goods.

By Cheryl Harrison
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 26, 2008 - Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the program "Sesame Street," and the United Service Organizations joined forces to bring "The Sesame Street Experience for Military Families" to 43 installations across the country.

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2008 - The Military Health System is planning a late-September update to its behavioral health Web site, AfterDeployment.org.

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2008 - Fifteen minutes before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack at the Pentagon, two sisters, both Defense Department employees, sat in the building's five-sided center courtyard to talk about their family's newest development.

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2008 - The Coast Guard is testing and compiling initial lessons learned from its ongoing Arctic operations, a senior officer said last week.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va., Aug. 25, 2008 - It started as a leap of faith, but more than 10 million steps later, a 10-man relay team arrived here, at what the memorial run's organizer called the most sacred place in America.

By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2008 - Because they are military veterans and have a unique understanding of the sacrifices servicemembers make, some of the top leaders of the law firm Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice have created a military-friendly work environment that supports not only veterans, but also employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve.

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2008 - Recent cyber attacks against government information systems overseas should serve as a lesson that the United States needs to continue to strengthen its defenses against those who would target the country's financial, business and military systems, the commander of U.S. Northern Command said today.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2008 - Award-winning music will greet participants in the 4th Annual National America Supports You Freedom Walk when they reach the Pentagon on Sept. 7.

By Kristen Noel
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2008 - The U.S. Labor Department launched a Web site called "America's Heroes at Work" this week to help veterans afflicted with traumatic-brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder succeed in the workplace.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2008 - It took a Massachusetts troop-support group to get the country's two major political parties to find a sliver of common ground, literally, during this election year.

By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2008 - Being chosen to design the Pentagon Memorial that will be dedicated here Sept. 11 is an achievement that may never be topped in an architect's career, one of the Pentagon Memorial's lead designers said.

American Forces Press Service

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug. 21, 2008 - The Tricare military health system's 9.2 million beneficiaries now have an easy way to receive the latest newsletters and stay informed about changes in coverage, pharmacy updates and other news.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2008 - Military families, mental health professionals, educators, pastors and other interested parties are invited to attend an educational seminar addressing issues facing military families who don't live near installations.

American Forces Press Service

NAPLES, Italy, Aug. 21, 2008 - Two Navy ships and a Coast Guard cutter are transporting humanitarian relief supplies to Georgia.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2008 - More than 100 runners are expected to participate in a 99-mile run Aug. 23-24 hosted by a Greenville, N.C.-based care package group in honor of the 117 North Carolinians who have lost their lives serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2008 - One Florida neighborhood's younger residents recently turned a simple lemonade stand, the ages-old financial bastion of kids looking to make some pocket change, into a fundraiser to help out an area troop-support group.

By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2008 - Union Pacific is a company that is proud of its strong ties with the military. Hundreds of thousands of Civil War veterans helped build the first transcontinental railroad in the 1860s, which was considered vital to national defense. During World War I and II, the railroad canteen in North Platte, Neb., was a resting place for many troops on their way overseas.

By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2008 - At least 14 Arizona Army National Guard soldiers and two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters continued to assist in the evacuation and emergency care of residents and campers near the Grand Canyon yesterday after heavy rains overflowed the Redlands Earthen Dam and cut off routes to a remote village and reservation.

By Tim Hipps
Special to American Forces Press Service

BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2008 -
(Tim Hipps works in the U.S. Army Family and Moral, Welfare and Recreation Command Public Affairs Office.)

U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit shotgun shooter Pfc. Vincent Hancock set two Olympic records and prevailed in a four-target shoot-off against Norway's Tore Brovold to win the gold medal in men's skeet on the Beijing Shooting Range.

By John Myatt
Special to American Forces Press Service

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 18, 2008 - The Florida National Guard activated about 125 soldiers and airmen for its planning cells and alerted other units in preparation for Tropical Storm Fay as the storm approached Cuba over the weekend.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2008 - For more than 60 years, a group of California-based volunteers has worked to ensure that no hospitalized veteran anywhere in the country making a worthwhile request gets "no" for an answer.

By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2008 - Because it always has been a family-owned and -operated business, it's no surprise that Coastal Windows, a small Hawaii company, knows how to take care of its employees.

By Ray Johnson
Special to American Forces Press Service

TRANSINNE, Belgium , Aug. 18, 2008 - With Joshua Mayo in the pilot seat and flight director Daniel Arvleo-Perez overseeing a mission control center hundreds of miles away, the space shuttle landed flawlessly. Not bad for a couple of teenagers.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2008 - Coast Guardsmen soon will be training to join Navy SEAL teams, a senior Coast Guard officer said today.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2008 - With fall general elections approaching, U.S. servicemembers and civilians living overseas should now be thinking about obtaining absentee ballots to vote, the Defense Department's senior voting official urged today.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2008 - Listeners who log on to listen to Stardust Radio's "Talking with Heroes" program on Aug. 17 will learn how they can honor veterans past and present and commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

By Army Capt. Kathryn Rains
Special to American Forces Press Service

CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Aug. 14, 2008 - As deployments have remained consistent for soldiers and family members of the 4th Infantry Division, separation has been commonplace.

By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008 - Two troop-support groups hosted a "Military Showers of Appreciation" for 15 expectant military mothers July 27 at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

By Army Capt. Bryan Woods
Special to American Forces Press Service

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany, Aug. 14, 2008 - The U.S. Army's 21st Theater Sustainment Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe began working Aug. 12 to begin emergency humanitarian assistance for the people of the former Soviet republic of Georgia.

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2008 - The U.S. military-led mission to provide humanitarian aid in Georgia will be "continuous and robust," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said today, calling on Russia to commit to keeping open the lines of communication and transportation during relief efforts.

By Tim Hipps
Special to American Forces Press Service

BEIJING, Aug. 13, 2008 - At age 56, Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Elizabeth "Libby" Callahan became the oldest U.S. woman competitor in Olympic history with a 25th-place finish in the women's 25-meter pistol shooting event today at the Beijing Shooting Range Hall.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2008 - As summer ends, so goes the summer TV season, which means many favorite shows will go into hibernation for the winter.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 690-08
August 13, 2008

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.  

By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2008 - Kim Robinson knows that when military members deploy, they face a lot of stress overseas on top of worrying about their families at home. To help alleviate that stress, Robinson has committed to do what he can to ease the burden on the families of his employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

By Mary Beth Vorwerk and Tim Hipps
American Forces Press Service

BEIJING, Aug. 12, 2008 - Army Spc. Glenn Eller won the gold medal in double trap shooting at the Summer Olympics here today, setting an Olympic record with a total score of 190.

By Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning
Special to American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 12, 2008 - More than 1,000 residents of Ud Kheil village here were treated by Afghan medical staff and received medicine, vitamins and personal items through a joint assistance operation conducted by New York Army National Guard, Afghan and British soldiers Aug. 7.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2008 - A new change to the Joint Federal Travel Regulations authorizes the military to pay to move servicemembers and their families whose landlords default on property the military members are renting.

By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2008 - During World War I, the Choctaw Nation began a long tradition of service to the country when a group of Choctaws volunteered as "code talkers," sending messages for the military in a code derived from their own language to confuse German spies.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2008 - A California group is offering active-duty servicemembers the chance to secure a key component to finding a job before they reenter civilian life: experience.

American Forces Press Service

ORLANDO, Fla. , Aug. 8, 2008 -  AMVETS leaders welcomed scores of members of the veterans support group from across the country to Orlando for the 64th AMVETS National Convention on Aug. 5.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2008 - Whether it's just a nail that's needed to hang a family photo or a new saw blade for tackling bigger projects, a Dallas-based support group is playing hardware store for deployed troops.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2008 - Wounded and disabled veterans transitioning back into civilian life can continue serving their country through a program that helps them settle back into their communities as leaders.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2008 - The Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation has recommended fee changes to Tricare, the military's health care system.

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2008 - The Defense Department has extended by one month the deployments of about 1,250 Marines working as trainers to Afghan security forces, a U.S. Marine Corps official said today.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 652-08
August 04, 2008

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, has been identified.            

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2008 - A panel looking at military compensation has recommended dramatic changes in the military retirement system.

The recommendations are part of the second volume put out by the 10th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2008 - A California troop-support group is paying tribute to servicemembers who died while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom with a mobile memorial.

By Army Sgt. David Turner
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq, Aug. 5, 2008 - Two years after the Army raised the maximum age for enlistees, it is not uncommon to find soldiers over the age of 40 in the junior enlisted ranks.

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2008 - Two videos produced by Army Medical Command and the American Academy of Pediatrics to help children and adolescents cope during a parent's deployment are gaining in popularity.

By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
Special to American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 4, 2008 - Up to 1,200 National Guard citizen-soldiers and -airmen stand ready today as Tropical Storm Edouard approaches Texas.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2008 - A military child's education is one of many things a servicemember's injury or death in the line of duty could jeopardize.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2008 - Letters a Minnesota couple has received thanking them for musical instruments they've sent to deployed troops show that just a simple note can change the atmosphere in the desert.

FREEDOM'S SOURCE

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier, who salutes the flag...who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag...who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

Were it not for the brave... there would be no land of the free."

Author Unknown

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2007 - Since 2004, a group of Minnesota motorcyclists has visited more than 40 families throughout the state who have lost a loved one while serving the country, and this year will be no different.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2007 - For injured servicemembers, the transition between hospital and hometown can be a rough one. Kathy Pearce is working to make that transition a little smoother in Arizona's Sun Valley with monthly "Hometown Heroes Dinners."

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2007 - Troops from Tennessee are finding a local group is there to offer them a helping hand when they need it.

By Elaine Wilson
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 24, 2007 - Since June, Brooke Army Medical Center here has implemented a series of sweeping changes designed to improve the quality of care for "warriors in transition" and their families.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2007 - With traditional "American Spirit" at the heart of its mission, one California group is working to make a difference in the lives of wounded servicemembers and their families.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2007 - A group that supports wounded servicemembers and their families is offering troops a friendly ear with its newest program, "Hear 4 You."

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

FORT RICHARDSON, Alaska, Aug. 23, 2007 - Pvt. Elias Kvasnikoff is traveling down a dusty road through a small Iraqi village when suddenly his Humvee lurches, the windows shatter and the convoy comes to a screeching halt. He has taken a direct hit by an insurgent's rocket-propelled grenade. If he's not dead, he's lucky.

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2007 - To prepare the 18th Airborne Corps for its upcoming lead role at Multinational Corps Iraq, some 600 servicemembers are engaging in an exercise Aug. 13-24 to replicate the "rigor, complexity and realism" of Iraq's combat environment, a corps spokesman said today.

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

KULIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Alaska, Aug. 21, 2007 - Air Force National Guard Col. Chuck Foster is going to miss his Tastee Freez.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2007 - Between physical and fiscal challenges, severely injured servicemembers and spouses who don't hold college degrees may find earning one a bit daunting. The University of Idaho is working to change that.

By Senior Airman Shaun Emery, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service

PISCO, Peru, Aug. 21, 2007 - Members of Joint Task Force Bravo's medical disaster relief task force, deployed from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, continue to assist citizens here following a magnitude 8 earthquake that struck the region Aug. 15.

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska, Aug. 21, 2007 - Long-range, heavy airlift resources for wartime and humanitarian efforts across the globe will be a day's flying time closer to the need in less than a month.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2007 - The Defense Department announced today that it will close the TALON intelligence reporting system Sept. 17 and maintain a record copy of the collected data in accordance with intelligence oversight requirements.

No. 1028-07 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2007

 DoD's Counterintelligence Field Activity (CIFA) will close the TALON Reporting System effective Sept. 17, 2007, and maintain a record copy of the collected data in accordance with intelligence oversight requirements.

By Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2007 - About 4,700 National Guard soldiers and airmen, most from Texas, were making final preparations today for a rapid response should Hurricane Dean strike the Texas coast later this week.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2007 - A charitable group in Washington state has made it its goal to create warm, safe and accessible homes for injured veterans.

American Forces Press Service

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Aug. 20, 2007 - U.S. Northern Command officials are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Guard and the state of Texas on hurricane response preparations.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2007 - Veterans health care facilities have a friend in a newly formed nonprofit organization.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2007 - A U.S. Air Force medical team consisting of six doctors, a physician's assistant, a pharmacist and six medical technicians will deploy Aug. 18 from Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, to Ica, Peru, to assist residents affected by an 8.0 magnitude earthquake Aug. 15.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2007 - Thousands of servicemembers get care packages with surprises in them every day, thanks to caring folks back home. Some of the surprises, however, are bigger than others.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

YONGSAN, South Korea, Aug. 16, 2007 - Whether it's through military service or another means, young Americans should find some way to serve their country, the U.S. military's top officer said here today.

By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2007 - Denying the enemy sanctuary is the major capability brought to bear by surge forces in Iraq, a commander in the region said today.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2007 - Though its number of suicides increased in 2006, the Army's suicide rate still is lower than the rate for the same age and gender group in the overall U.S. population, according to a report the service released today.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2007 - An Indiana group is employing what it considers its most powerful weapon in its quest to support the nation's servicemembers: prayer.

No. 1007-07 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2007

 The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2007 - The National Football League's Dallas Cowboys took a break from training camp recently to express team members' gratitude to injured servicemembers recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Aug. 13, 2007 - A troop-support group and a national home-building company launched their new partnership with a surprise announcement during an Aug. 11 event here.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2007 - The all-volunteer military force is serving the nation well, and no one in the Pentagon is considering a return to a military draft, a Defense Department official said today.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2007 - During the eighth annual Newman's Own Awards Ceremony at the Pentagon today, 10 groups that support troops and their families received a total of $75,000 in grants to continue their work.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2007 - Volunteers in San Jose, Calif., are providing some of the niceties of home to troops serving in hostile and remote areas of the world.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2007 - The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the United Service Organizations yesterday for the support the group gives men and women in uniform.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2007 - Each year, the country pauses to remember the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and all who perished in them. One group, however, works year round to honor the 343 firefighters killed that day and to help servicemembers and their families.

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska, Aug. 9, 2007 - The Air Force's newest fighter officially made its home here yesterday, as six F-22A Raptors landed during a ceremony marking their official arrival to the state.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2007 - Midway through its humanitarian assistance deployment to Latin America, the hospital ship USNS Comfort has met with success and a welcoming attitude as it provides medical and humanitarian assistance to countries in the region, the ship's commanders reported yesterday.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2007 - When Gen. George Washington created the Purple Heart Medal in 1872, he probably never envisioned it would be so huge. Literally.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2007 - Navy divers will aid in recovery efforts at the site of the Aug. 1 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Defense Department officials said today.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2007 - Deployed servicemembers worldwide have been receiving a steady stream of care packages, e-mail and "snail mail" since 2004 from a group of "Proud Patriots" in Arizona.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2007 - Multinational Division Baghdad helicopter crews killed four armed insurgents yesterday in northwestern Baghdad.

American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, Aug. 6, 2007 - Fed-up with violent and indiscriminate terror tactics, a group of more than 80 residents of the Adhamiyah district, on the east side of the Iraqi capital, banded together yesterday to oust suspected terrorists from a local mosque.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2007 - Since operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom began, patriotic Americans have stood at the ready, willing to provide servicemembers with comfort and support.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2007 - A troop-support group in California is working to connect military parents and their children one dog tag at a time.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 - When a Military Sealift Command ship that routinely delivers ordnance to Navy ships makes its next delivery, the Pacific Fleet should be set for a movie marathon.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 - In an effort to bolster the growth of the Army by more than 34,000 soldiers, Army officials are implementing a new bonus for recruits who sign up by the end of this fiscal year.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2007 - New York National Guardsmen will start deploying to Afghanistan late this year, Defense Department officials said today.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2007 - Deployment to a war zone can exact a unique toll on not only those in imminent danger but also their loved ones back home. One group, however, is working to lessen these effects.

No. 950-07 August 01, 2007

DoD Announces Unit For Next Afghanistan Rotation

The Department of Defense announced today that the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard, will deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to train the Afghan National Security Forces. Initial personnel will begin to deploy in late 2007, with the majority of the approximately 1,700 service members deploying in mid 2008.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2006 - Simi Valley, Calif. -- home of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library -- is planning a Freedom Walk to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to show the community's support for the nation's servicemembers.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2006 - Waxhaw, N.C., is planning an all-American celebration of freedom to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honor the nation's servicemembers.

By Spc. Chris Erickson, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

HOLIDAY, Fla., Aug. 30, 2006 - A new middle school named in honor of a Florida soldier who earned the Medal of Honor for heroism in Operation Iraqi Freedom was dedicated here Aug. 25.

By Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla., Aug. 30, 2006 - Terrorists and their supporters around the world soon will be under the gaze of a powerful "unblinking eye" providing information on their whereabouts to a "brain" here.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2006 - Las Vegas will remember those lost in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, with a Freedom Walk on Sept. 9.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2006 - Troop-support volunteers in Milwaukee are gearing up for the city's first Freedom Walk, a local organizer said today.

By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2006 - Female military doctors, lawyers and chaplains are more likely than their male counterparts to leave the military after serving five to eight years. The Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services wants to know why.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Aug. 28, 2006 - As members of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit here make last-minute preparations for their upcoming deployment, Staff Sgt. Danny Sava and his family are getting their own affairs in order so they're ready for another long separation.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 28, 2006 - Staff Sgt. Chris Salgado, a California Army National Guard member based here, remembers his wife calling him to the television set Aug. 10 to see news reports about a terrorist ring unearthed in London that was planning attacks on U.S.-bound airliners.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2006 - Defense Department officials and agencies have geared up to provide whatever support the Federal Emergency Management Agency may need in response to Hurricane Ernesto.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2006 - Country music star Tammy Cochran has enlisted to perform at the Freedom Walk in Aurora, Colo., on Sept. 9, according to event organizers.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2006 - A small community in Iowa is among 86 cities and towns in 39 states planning Freedom Walks to honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, as well as the nation's veterans, past and present.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2006 - Severely injured servicemembers and their spouses are seeing doors open to meaningful civilian careers, thanks to a partnership between the Defense Department and the private sector.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 - Residents of Crawfordsville, Ind., will gather to participate in an America Supports You Freedom Walk, joining an ever-growing number of Americans who will pay similar tribute to the victims of 9/11 and the nation's past and present veterans.

By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 - Beginning next week, 13 servicemembers from across the force will fan out across the country to speak about their military experience.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 - A new Web site being developed by the Defense Department will provide information on electronic voting options for servicemembers and other U.S. citizens living overseas.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2006 - San Diego will honor its military heritage with a Freedom Walk planned to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

DEL MAR, Calif., Aug. 24, 2006 - Del Mar Thoroughbred Club pulled out all the stops yesterday as it saluted more than 1,000 sailors of the USS Ronald Reagan just returned from a deployment to the Persian Gulf.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2006 - Defense Department civilians and contractors who are deployed overseas will be included in military health protection measures for the first time as part of an upcoming new policy, senior DoD officials said here today.

NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense
No. 805-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2006
Missing World War II Airmen Identified

The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) today announced three airmen missing in action from World War II have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2006 - The Dallas/Fort Worth area will hold a Freedom Walk on Sept. 11 to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks on the United States five years ago and to honor the nation's veterans, past and present.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2006 - Jim Mayer is "lovin' it."

Yesterday, with Ronald McDonald on hand, a Washington-area McDonald's restaurant honored the "Milkshake Man," as Mayer is better known, for providing injured servicemembers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here with their shakes and his support for more than 16 years.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2006 - Since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast a year ago next week, the Army Corps of Engineers has worked tirelessly with federal, state and local officials, industry partners, and thousands of volunteers to repair damage done in the area and prepare for future disasters, the corps' chief said here yesterday.

By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2006 - President Bush has authorized the Marine Corps to call up Marines from the service's Individual Ready Reserve, which may mean a return to duty for some recently discharged veterans.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Aug. 23, 2006 - This Southern California base, home of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group and other units with sky-high operations tempos, has experienced firsthand what other military posts have come to recognize: Deployments are challenging for servicemembers and spouses, but they're especially difficult for children.

By Tech. Sgt. Melissa Phillips, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del., Aug. 23, 2006 - Whenever Air Force Tech. Sgt. Randy Gardner drove a short distance from the protected gates of Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan to pick up rental vehicles, he always felt uneasy.
He told himself it was only for a few minutes, but he admits now that each time he left the protected bubble he was scared.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2006 - Two military relief agencies were the beneficiaries when amateur and professional clay shooters took aim in July during the Pawling Mountain Invitational, at the Pawling Mountain Club in New York.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2006 - A weekend of events in Sacramento, Calif., saluting America's military veterans and current servicemembers will culminate in a candlelit walk on the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2006 - A veteran Utah Army National Guardsman from Salt Lake City is coordinating efforts to hold the municipality's first Freedom Walk.

By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2006 - Over the past two and a half years, about 500 severely wounded servicemembers and their families have enjoyed 5,000 free dinners out on the town thanks to Hal Koster and Marty O'Brien.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2006 - The Army has authorized award of the Bronze Star Medal for Service to the living Canadian veterans of the 1st Special Services Force for their service to the U.S. Army during World War II.

By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 18, 2006 - As during the Cold War, the spread of freedom remains America's most valuable tool in combating the nation's enemies, a senior Defense Department official said here yesterday.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2006 - Moving frequently is not always beneficial to military spouses' careers, but RE/MAX officials hope to help change that.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2006 - In conjunction with similar events across the country, up to 1,000 people are expected to walk the streets of downtown San Antonio Sept. 11 to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and to thank America's veterans, past and present.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

FORT BELVOIR, Va., Aug. 18, 2006 - There's plenty of fuel available to fill the tanks of U.S. military vehicles and aircraft despite widely reported accounts of a commercial oil pipeline rupture in Alaska, a senior Defense Department logistician said here yesterday.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2006 - The most important thing military leaders can offer their people is an up-front assessment of what they're facing, as exemplified by the way the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team's leaders informed the troops about their extension in Iraq, DoD's top enlisted adviser told American Forces Press Service.

By Elaine Wilson
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 17, 2006 - Wounded warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center here now have a place to call home during their recovery thanks to a generous influx of money from global war on terrorism funds.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2006 - At the exact site of the most painful event in the Pentagon's history -- the Sept. 11, 2001, attack that claimed 184 lives here -- a couple brought together through the tragedy recently became the first to exchange wedding vows in the Pentagon Memorial Chapel.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2006 - A temporary medical annex being constructed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here will provide better facilities for wounded troops undergoing post-amputation care, a senior official said today.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2006 - The newest United Service Organizations center will open its doors this week at Fort Bliss, Texas, to serve the post's 36,000-member military population.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2006 - Momentum continues to build as 48 U.S. cities -- a number that continues to grow -- prepare to sponsor America Supports You Freedom Walks to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2006 - A German army officer who has donated money to a group affiliated with DoD's America Supports You organization plans to take a more personal role in confronting global terrorism.

By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2006 - Three hundred one soldiers with an Alaska-based unit extended in Iraq will return to the combat zone to serve with their comrades in arms, Army officials announced yesterday.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2006 - The Department of Justice has launched a Web site to protect servicemembers' rights, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzalez said yesterday.

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2006 - The first city to join the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program is preparing to host a Freedom Walk on the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2006 - Some 550 active-duty soldiers from Fort Lewis, Wash., will be conducting a different kind of firefight in the days ahead: helping control wildfires that have burned more than 83,000 acres in Washington's Okanogan and Wenatchee national forests.

By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2006 - Three years ago, up and coming singer-songwriter Rockie Lynne wrote a song called "Home" to honor the sons and daughters of the Midwest who died while serving the nation. Some friends added photos and made a DVD.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2006 - Residents of Munster, Ind., will gather on Sept. 11 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York and Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon.

By Norris Jones
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, Aug. 11, 2006 - Bettering the lives of Iraqi youngsters is what Peter Debski says is the best part of his job.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2006 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff this week urged students at the National War College to examine ways to make interagency processes work better and to get to know international members of the school.

No. 764-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2006

Soldier Missing in Action From the Korean War is Identified

 The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2006 - The overnight arrests of 21 suspected terrorists by British authorities is a stark reminder that the United States is still at war with "Islamic fascists" who are intent on destroying freedom-loving people, President Bush said today.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2006 - All active-duty military components met or exceeded their July recruiting goals, Defense Department officials announced today, marking the 14th consecutive month the services have met or exceeded their goals.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2006 - The city whose native son helped turn the United States into a nation of motorists will shun Henry Ford's invention for a time on Sept. 11.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2006 - The National Guard's mission at the southwestern U.S. border is a balance of shared responsibility between the federal and state governments that is already improving border security and reducing illegal immigration, the National Guard's top leader said here today.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2006 - Transitioning from the military into the civilian work force can be as simple as trading one type of headgear for another through "Helmets to Hardhats."

No. 757-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug 08, 2006

Missing WWII Marine is Identified

The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that a U.S. Marine missing in action from World War II has been identified and is being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2006 - A workshop today and tomorrow at Fort Gordon, Ga., is providing career guidance for wounded servicemembers.

By Ashleigh Covington
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2006 - Decked out in special camouflage jerseys, a Maryland baseball team tonight will show their support for men and women in uniform.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2006 - The Defense Department this month kicked off a program to help prevent activated reservists and National Guardsmen from facing financial hardships.

By Monique Reuben
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2006 - Eighteen cities and counties in Virginia's Hampton Roads region are planning Freedom Walks to commemorate victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and show support for veterans past and present.

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2006 - President Bush praised the National Guard yesterday for its speedy response to the U.S. border security mission and pointed to solid signs of its success: the U.S. Border Patrol's seizure of 17,000 pounds of illegal drugs and apprehension of 2,500 illegal immigrants.

By Ashleigh Covington
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2006 - Passion for sewing and a desire to show support for the military combined to inspire a Chicago woman to launch an effort she calls the "Patriotic Pillow Project."

WASHINGTON, August 2, 2006

The Army is taking significant steps to ensure soldiers and families of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team are taken care of now that the unitâ?Ts deployment to Iraq has been extended four months.

DoD Announces Units for Next Afghanistan Rotation
Aug 02, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today major units scheduled to deploy as part of the next rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan.  This announcement involves a combat brigade, headquarters element, and combat support and combat service support units totaling approximately 11,000 service members as presently envisioned.  The scheduled rotation for these forces will begin in late-2006.  Decisions made by the secretary of defense at the recommendation of military commanders in Afghanistan may result in changes to this rotation and may affect units now being identified and advised to prepare to deploy.