WASHINGTON , June 9, 2009 - The Defense Department is flying a 19-person crew and Navy equipment to Natal, Brazil, to aid in the search for Air France Flight 447’s data recorders, a Pentagon spokesman said today. Read More
'Pets of Patriots' Program Ensures Care of Pets
HONOLULU, June 9, 2009 - When Soldiers deploy they often leave behind loving family members, including small furry ones. To alleviate some of the concerns Soldiers have regarding their pet's care, the Hawaiian Humane Society offers a unique service called the "Pets of Patriots" program. Read More
Base Summer Reading Program Offers New Activities
ALBANY, Ga., June 8, 2009 - The Summer Reading Program at the Base Library, now underway, has been expanded from last year’s program. Read More
Soldiers, Charity Group Distribute Wheelchairs
BAGHDAD, June 8, 2009 - Some entered Sadr City District Advisory Council compound here in small groups Feb. 4, and others came alone. They were a diverse group -- former military men injured while fighting insurgents, victims of Saddam Hussein’s regime, the very old and the very young. Read More
Hero Encourages Rochester Grads To Get Involved
ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 8, 2009 - The commander of Naval Personnel Command challenged students to get involved and give back to community, their neighbors and their country, while speaking at his own alma mater in Rochester, N.Y., May 29. Read More
Airman Uses ‘Buddy Care’ to Help Man Hit by Train
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M., June 8, 2009 - Air Force Senior Airman Eric Slaugh was returning here from leave in December when he encountered a snowstorm in northeastern New Mexico, a storm that would detour him into assisting in saving someone's life. Read More
Fishing Community Gives Back to Military
SEWARD, Alaska, June 2, 2009 - Active-duty, Guard and Reserve servicemembers from each branch competed in the third annual combat fishing tournament here May 21. Read More
NCAA Coaches Visit Wounded Warriors
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, June 2, 2009 - Henry Bautista wasn't one of the U.S. servicemembers seven NCAA football coaches visited at a U.S. military hospital in Germany May 29, because servicemembers are not the only ones risking their lives in dangerous places like Iraq. Read More
Fort Leonard Wood Fair Helps Community Members FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo., June 1, 2009 - The Maneuver Support Center and Fort Leonard Wood held their Safety and Health Fair - as part of Summer Safety Days - at Nutter Field House, to warn the public about potential hazards and educate them in regard to health concerns. Read More
Jazz Ambassadors Connect with Youth Through Music WASHINGTON, June 1, 2009 - "Jazz speaks for life." This declaration by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival says it all. Read More
Bob Hope Commemorative Stamp Released WASHINGTON , June 1, 2009 - Aboard the USS Midway Friday the U.S. Postal Service released the 44-cent Bob Hope commemorative stamp on what would have been the world-renowned entertainer and philanthropist's 106th birthday. Read More
Air Force Named Among Top HBCU Supporters WASHINGTON, June 1, 2009 - In a 2009 survey, U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine recently named the Air Force among the "Top Supporters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities." Read More
Women Marines, Helping Heroes MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va., May 27, 2009 - A sweet aroma lingered in the atmosphere as they swirled various types of wine in their glasses, taking small sips in between laughter. Read More
Today’s Troops, Families Best Ever, Chairman Says WASHINGTON, May 27, 2009 - As the nation prepares to enjoy its Memorial Day holiday, the military’s top officer asked that U.S. troops and families be remembered for their sacrifices. Read More
Indy 500 Highlights Military Service INDIANAPOLIS , May 26, 2009 - Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, was the keynote speaker during Friday's memorial service downtown, and spoke prior to the 93rd Indianapolis 500 Sunday. Read More
Gates Urges Participation in Memorial Day WASHINGTON, May 22, 2009 - In his annual Memorial Day message to servicemembers worldwide, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urges the nation's men and women in uniform to observe a moment of silence on the holiday to honor their fallen comrades. Read More
Vice President’s Visit Boosts Soldiers’ Morale CAMP BONDSTEEL, May 22, 2009 - Vice President Joe Biden offered heartfelt thanks to the troops at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, noting that their service gives them a rare opportunity to be able to tell future generations what it was like when the Balkans became part of a free Europe. Read More
Alaska Army, Air Guard Save Two People in One Day CAMP DENALI, Alaska, May 22, 2009 - Two rescues in one day were recorded by the Alaska Army and Air National Guard on Monday. Read More
TX Community Brings Troops, Civilians Together PORT O’CONNOR, Texas, May 21, 2009 - Because soldiers spend most of their time with other soldiers, their everyday lives seem completely normal to them. But every once in a while, they run into someone who tells them that what they do is extraordinary. Read More
Paratroopers Build Team Spirit With Sports FORT BRAGG, N.C., May 21, 2009 - Sometimes a football game is more than just a game. Although tens of millions of Americans watch the Super Bowl every year, at the end of the day, it’s just a game. But when 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers participated in sporting events during this week’s All-American Week here, they knew that one day they might have to depend on their fellow players in combat. Read More
Obama, Pittsburgh Steelers Honor Wounded Warriors WASHINGTON, May 21, 2009 - What started as a White House tribute to the Super Bowl XVIII champion Pittsburgh Steelers today turned the spotlight to wounded troops and their families. Read More
Medical Assistance Aids Filipino Community SAPANG BATO, May 12, 2009 - Civilian and military medical specialists from Japan, Australia, Indonesia and Papua-New Guinea provided much-needed care to a community May 4 here as part of the 2009 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum Voluntary Demonstration of Response on Disaster Relief. Read More
Three States Respond to Spring Floods ARLINGTON, Va., May 12, 2009 - Adverse weather is affecting Kentucky, West Virginia and Alaska, and the National Guard is helping with relief efforts there. Read More
Nations Work Together to Help Community SAPANG BATO, May 12, 2009 - Representatives from four countries teamed up to improve the infrastructure and water supply here in early May as part of the 2009 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum Voluntary Demonstration of Response on Disaster Relief. Read More
Former Marine Named Military Spouse of the Year ARLINGTON, Va., May 12, 2009 - Military Spouse magazine and the United Services Automobile Association named Tanya Quiero the 2009 Military Spouse of the Year May 7. Read More
Political Humorist Colbert Tackles Basic Training FORT JACKSON, S.C., May 11, 2009 - While the vast majority of new Soldiers arrive to Basic Combat Training in a bus from the airport, the Army's newest private arrived in a style befitting his cult-like status. Pvt. Stephen Colbert, of The Colbert Report, showed up in front of the 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) May 8, in a stretch limousine ready to begin his in-processing. Read More
Coalition Team Gives Temporary Shelter to Students KAPISA PROVINCE, May 11, 2009 - More than 1,000 students at a decrepit school in eastern Afghanistan won’t have to wait more than a year for their new school to be built to learn in better conditions, thanks to a coalition team here. Read More
Fort Stewart Spouses Test Their Soldier Skills FORT STEWART, Ga., May 8, 2009 - More than 20 spouses and one mother of a Soldier assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team took part in the squadron's first Spouse Spur Ride at Fort Stewart, April 30. Read More
'Little Warriors' Surf Camp to Host Children WASHINGTON, May 8, 2009 - Mahalo! Surfs up! Military children of wounded or fallen servicemembers will be able to catch their first wave this summer, thanks to Freedom Is Not Free, a California-based troop-support group. Read More
First Lady Vows More Support for Military Families WASHINGTON, May 8, 2009 - First Lady Michelle Obama was surprised to learn that the majority of military families feel their struggles often go unnoticed, she said during an interview today with The Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service. Read More
Camp Pendleton Celebrates Mexican Heritage CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., May 7, 2009 - The Camp Pendleton Single Marine Program celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a day of Mexican cuisine at the 33 Area SMP building, May 5. Read More
Teacher of Year Works to Connect Educators WASHINGTON, May 7, 2009 - The project has been brewing since January, but within a month, the first 400-plus volunteers will begin to provide feedback to the creator of the Department of Defense Education Activity Teacher-to-Teacher project. Read More
Tri-Command 2nd Annual Father Daughter Dance BEAUFORT, S.C., May 5, 2009 - Fathers from across the Tri-Command area shined their shoes, polished their medals, put on their best shirt and tie to spend an evening with their princesses. The 2nd annual Father Daughter Dance was held Saturday at the Officers’ Club aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Read More
Guard Assists Elderly Couple on ‘Rebuilding Day’ NANJEMOY, Md., May 5, 2009 - When you’re in your mid-80s, climbing atop the roof of your home to repair a leak can be dangerous, if not impossible. So can simple tasks like cutting the grass or painting. Read More
‘Mobile USO’ Will Allow Group to Better Serve WASHINGTON, April 28, 2009 - A vehicle recently donated to the United Service Organizations here will help the volunteer-driven group better serve military members and their families. Read More
NY Guardsmen Stay on Alert to Save Lives BAGRAM AIRFIELD, April 28, 2009 - While all Airmen assigned to rescue squadrons throughout the Air Force know and follow the motto "So that others may live," there is one rescue squadron deployed to Afghanistan that takes this personal. Read More
Commander Helps Polish 'Jewels' Shine CONLEY, Ga., April 27, 2009 - One aspect of education is to expand a child's vocabulary, but April 16, a dozen girls from Jewell C. Anderson Elementary School in Conley were encouraged to decrease their lexicon. Read More
National Guard Responds to Myrtle Beach Wildfires ARLINGTON , Va., April 27, 2009 - National Guard members from North and South Carolina responded to wildfires burning near Myrtle Beach, S.C., today. Read More
Group to Honor, Pamper Veterans' Caregivers WASHINGTON , April 24, 2009 - Helping veterans with physical and emotional problems can be overwhelming for caregivers, but despite the long hours and magnified stress, nurses continue to provide quality care to wounded warriors across the country. Read More
Tiger Woods Plans Fourth of July Weekend Treat BETHESDA, Md., April 24, 2009 - Golfer Tiger Woods vowed April 20 to dedicate his AT&T National PGA Tour event to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces for the third consecutive year. Read More
Sailors Support Earth Day, Help Clean Up Bike Path AIEA, Hawaii, April 23, 2009 - More than 100 Sailors assigned to commands throughout the Oahu region participated in the 3rd annual Historic Pearl Harbor Bike Path clean-up during for Earth Month 2009 April 18. Read More
‘Operation Purple’ Provides Family Retreats WASHINGTON, April 23, 2009 - It’s no secret that deployments put stress on a family, and the National Military Family Association has developed a new “Operation Purple” program at no cost to military families. Read More
Army Europe Spelling Champ Prepares for Nationals GRAFENWOEHR, April 22, 2009 - Aria Sharon, a Netzaberg Middle School eighth-grader, is preparing for a trip to the nation's capital to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee next month. Read More
Group Names First Military Child Award WASHINGTON, April 22, 2009 - An Army family member has earned $5,000, a laptop computer and a trip to the nation’s capital as the first Military Child Award winner for a national troop-support organization.Read More
Air Force Cadets Fulfill Boy's Dream U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo., April 22, 2009 - For eight years, Academy cadets have been making wishes come true for ill youngsters. Read More
Mass. National Guard Supports Boston Marathon HOPKINTON, Mass., April 21, 2009 - Almost 400 Massachusetts National Guardsmen were called up to support yesterday’s 113th running of the Boston Marathon.Read More
Obama Honors Navy Football Team WASHINGTON, April 21, 2009 - President Barack Obama presented the winning U.S. Naval Academy football team the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy today during a White House Rose Garden ceremony. Read More
31st MEU Places High Priority on COMRELs CLARK AIR BASE, April 21, 2009 - Republic of the Philippines Armed Forces personnel, along with Marines and sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are poised to launch multiple community relations projects across Central and Southern Luzon, in the Republic of the Philippines, providing crucial items to Filipinos throughout the region, April 21. Read More
Man With No Limbs Inspires Servicemembers MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Va., April 21, 2009 - Imagine going through life having both hands tied behind your back and not being able to use your legs. Read More
Volunteers Help to Fuel Continuing Promise PORT AU PRINCE, April 16, 2009 - Several dozen pallets stretched across a docking area here yesterday – a fraction of those waiting to be loaded onto trucks for distribution throughout Haiti -- providing a tangible symbol of evolving partnerships officials call key to Continuing Promise 2009’s success.Read More
Marine Inspires Youth Through Football MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, April 17, 2009 - While growing up in the inner city of St. Louis, Marine Corps Sgt. Timothy Craig had two choices: turn to sports or the streets.
Flight Nurse Provides Care in the Air BAGRAM AIRFIELD, April 16, 2009 - While troops on the ground are risking their lives fighting terrorism, Capt. Susan McCormick feels it's her mission to provide the best emergency care to wounded troops so they can return to the fight or return to their families back home.
Group Joins Branson, Mo., in Saluting Veterans WASHINGTON, April 16, 2009 - The Military Order of the Purple Heart, a Virginia-based troop-support group, will join the city of Branson, Mo., April 24 and 25 in a special “Hand in Hand” weekend honoring Purple Heart veterans across the country.
Deployment Brings Brother, Sister Together CAMP ECHO, April 16, 2009 - Typically, deployment marks a separation from family. It can be a difficult sacrifice that walks hand in hand with selfless service to answer the nation’s call.
MN Guard Joins with Community to Battle Flood MOORHEAD, Minn., March 30, 2009 - After a week of filling sandbags and watching the Red River continue to rise, residents of this western Minnesota community are growing weary.
U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi Police Deliver Wheelchairs BAGHDAD, March 27, 2009 - Eighty-two Iraqi kids found a new reason to smile, thanks to efforts from Iraqi National Police officers and U.S. Paratroopers in the Rusafa district of Baghdad, March 23.
ND Guard Soldiers, Airmen, Civilians Work Together FARGO, N.D., March 27, 2009 - The human sandbag chain in north Fargo on March 26 was evenly represented by civilian and military volunteers.
CO Employers Eager to Hire, Support Reservists DENVER, March 27, 2009 - Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. signed on to the Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative at a March 20 ceremony here that also drew 11 private-sector employers.
Guard Battles Winter Storms in Five State ARLINGTON, March 25, 2009 - Rain and melting snow continue to increase flooding in five states across the northern United States today.
Camp Offers Summer Fun to Military Kids WASHINGTON, March 26, 2009 - The National Military Family Association will host more than 9,000 military children at “Operation Purple” youth camps across America this year.
Family Academies Unite Military Families SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 26, 2009 - Eighteen-year old Daphney Bell had a baby girl, Addilyn, in February, but something was missing -- Addilyn’s father.
Soldier-Musicians Provide Musical Therapy WASHINGTON , March 26, 2009 - On a chilly Sunday afternoon in March in Portland, Maine, there was nothing but warmth within the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital.
Airmen Dedicate Time, Energy to Flood Preparations GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, March 26, 2009 - Emergency preparations began when Govs. John Hoeven, North Dakota, and Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota, declared a state of emergency in the Red River Valley recently after waters began rising at a record rate.
THE HEART OF AMERICA March 23, 2009
From a Marine Gunnery Sergeant in Iraq. - On each patrol we take through the city, we
take as many toys as will fit in our pockets
and hand them out as we can. The kids take
the toys and run to show them off as if they
were worth a million bucks.
2nd MEB Families Prepare for Deployment March 23, 2009 - The Marines, sailors and families of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s Command Element gathered here March 19 and 20 for pre-deployment briefs.
Treasure Hunt Does Triple Duty WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2007 - A nonprofit group is using a treasure hunt to get people interested in helping military families. “We hope treasure hunters, individuals and corporations will generously donate to the scholarship fund for the families of our brave men and women in uniform who protect our freedoms each and every day,” said Gayle Osterberg, a spokeswoman for the group, ThanksUSA. “More than 1,300 scholarships have been awarded to the kids and spouses of active-duty military personnel in all branches of the service, … including those in the Guard and reserves.” Article
Dog Tags Help Keep Kids, Parents Connected 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. Article
Project Aims to Help Vets Rebuild Connections 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.Article
Project Aims to Help Vets Rebuild Connections WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 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. Article
Movie Snacks En Route to Pacific Fleet 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. Article
Blue Star Mothers Gather for Annual Convention WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 - Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., has announced that its annual national convention is being held in Albuquerque, N.M., for the first time in its 47-year history.Article
Group Provides Troops Vital Link to Home WASHINGTON, July 18, 2007 - A Tennessee-based organization provides deployed servicemembers with a link to home and the gratitude of the American public, through care packages and letters it sends. Article
Former Marine Angles to Honor Troops WASHINGTON, July 19, 2007 - For servicemembers, “Operation Open Arms” is all about fun in the southwestern Florida sun. It’s about much more than that for Capt. John Bunch, however. Article
Servicemembers Are Group's Driving Force WASHINGTON, July 20, 2007 - What began as a shared love of German cars has morphed through friendship into a passion to honor, educate and entertain servicemembers, Operation Wheels of Freedom's program director said.Article
NASCAR Fans Support Troops WASHINGTON, July 20, 2007 - Earlier this season, Budweiser and race-car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. drew attention to a little-known charity with big aspirationsArticle
F-16 Crashes in Iraq BAGHDAD - A U.S. F-16 warplane crashed during takeoff at a base north of Baghdad on Sunday, but the pilot was uninjured, the military said. Article
Robot Attack Squadron Bound for Iraq BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq - The airplane is the size of a jet fighter, powered by a turboprop engine, able to fly at 300 mph and reach 50,000 feet. It's outfitted with infrared, laser and radar targeting, and with a ton and a half of guided bombs and missiles. Article
Pressure Mounts for Speedy Iraq Results BAQOUBA, Iraq - U.S. commanders say they've learned from past mistakes and are trying to lay the foundation for stability as they clear insurgents from this battleground city. But it's a slow process at a time when Congress and the U.S. public are demanding speedy results.Article
‘Hero Hugs’ Founder Honored for Supporting Troops WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007 - She’s only 11 years old, but Bailey Reese has logged more community service than many Americans twice her age, all to ensure servicemembers know their sacrifices are appreciated.Article
Radio Program to Give Troops a Voice WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007 - Thanks to a Phoenix talk show host and troop-support group, Operation Homefront of Arizona, troops with Internet access will be able to hear what their comrades are saying. Article
Homeland Defense Foundation Helps Families WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007 - The National Homeland Defense Foundation distributed more than $500,000 in temporary financial assistance to over 300 families of deployed military personnel since 2005, according to the foundation’s president.Article
Deployed Airmen Elect ‘Best Squadron Mom’ BAGRAM AIRFIELD, July 13, 2007 - Senior Airman Jennifer Cianfrocca may get the most mail at Camp Cunningham’s post office here, but her care packages are not just for her alone -- they are also for everyone with whom she works.Article
Home-Front Groups Partner to Help Troop WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007 - No single troop-support group can meet every request servicemembers make, but through partnerships with three other groups, Silver Star Families of America is coming closerArticle
War Plan Heading for Tough Fight Military.com, July 10, 2007 - A top architect of the Iraq surge plan said Monday the increase in U.S. forces flowing to Baghdad and its outskirts has crippled al Qaeda, forced the Sunni insurgency into compromise and hobbled Shiite extremists seeking reprisal. Article
San Diego Padres Salute Military SAN DIEGO, July 6, 2007 - In a tribute to the military and Independence Day, Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres went with a different-looking uniform for their game at Petco Park here, July 4, 2007. Article