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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. Barbara Whitehead, director of the North Carolina branch of Give2theTroops, said the group’s run is scheduled to coincide with the last two days of the national “Run for the Fallen.” The national event will cover more than 4,000 miles, one mile for each servicemember killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, by the time it ends at...

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. The Fueled by the Fallen Memorial Race Car Team -- a trio of cars bearing the names of Marines who died in Iraq -- makes appearances around the country to raise awareness of the sacrifices made in defense of the United States. Fueled by the Fallen also strives to provide support for the families of fallen heroes and to support and raise awareness for those who are afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder, Ken...

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2008 – Iraq’s interior minister thanked U.S. servicemembers and their families for their sacrifices on behalf of his country during a visit with wounded U.S. troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here today. Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bulani speaks with reporters after visiting with wounded U.S. servicemembers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., July 29, 2008. Bulani praised the sacrifices made by U.S. troops and their families on the behalf of Iraq. Defense Dept. photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Through an interpreter, Jawad al-Bulani told reporters...

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2008 – Wounded warriors and the PGA tour kicked off their Independence Day celebration a couple of days early with food and festivities yesterday at Mologne House, on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus here. PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, right, and Dan Nevins, Tour community outreach manager, welcome wounded warriors and their families to the “Birdies for the Brave” barbecue July 2, 2008, at Mologne House, on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus in Washington, D.C. Defense Dept. photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available....

BETHESDA, Md., July 2, 2008 – They may not be on the pro tour yet, but two military children got a taste of the big time when they helped pro golfer Fred Couples kick off the second AT&T National at Congressional Country Club here today. Jeffrey Dahl, 9, of New Jersey, left, professional golfer Fred Couples, and Margaret Rollins, 13, of Virginia hit the ceremonial first shot to open the second AT&T National golf tournament July 2, 2008, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. Both children’s fathers are servicemembers, serving in Pakistan and California, respectively. Defense Dept. photo...

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2008 – Hundreds of troops and their families were treated to a professional soccer match on Flag Day during D.C. United’s 9th Annual Armed Forces and Veteran’s Appreciation Day at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in the nation’s capital. “A whole night dedicated to servicemembers makes me feel good,” said Army Spec. Devin Calcote, a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” who presented the nation’s colors at the beginning of the match between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls. The team provided 1,000 free tickets for active-duty servicemembers. Discounted tickets for...

5/27/2008 - BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Airmen from Balad Air Base, Iraq, gathered to observe Memorial Day, May 26. The ceremony had personal significance for many Airmen in attendance. The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing suffered the loss of three of its brothers-in-arms during the first half of 2008 -- Tech. Sgt. Anthony Capra, Staff Sgt. Travis Griffin and Staff Sgt. Christopher Frost. This reality made the meaning of this Memorial Day more poignant for Airmen assigned to the wing. "Memorial Day here at Balad is not a holiday; it's a day like any of the other 180 I'll...

5/27/2008 - KABUL, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- One word was spoken, reflected upon, honored and emulated May 26: devotion. The servicemembers of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan gathered outdoors this morning to honor their fallen brothers and sisters who gave their lives in devotion to their country this Memorial Day. Coalition forces, civilians and servicemembers saluted the American flag at half-staff during the singing of the U.S. national anthem by Exelena Whitaker, Army Corps of Engineers-Afghanistan. Winchester, Mass., native, Army Brig. Gen. Andrew Twomey, CSTC-A deputy commanding general, reflected on the words of President Abraham Lincoln's tribute at Gettysburg, eulogizing those...

5/27/2008 - BRIDESBURG, Pa. (AFPN) -- Airmen paraded down the streets of Bridesburg adorned with red, white and blue flags and banners May 26 to kick off not only Air Force Week in Philadelphia but also the city's annual Memorial Day parade Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the commander of Air Mobility Command, led a contingent of Airmen and equipment in the parade that included a flyby of two KC-10 Extenders from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., as more than 10,000 spectators from throughout the region watched. With the general leading the way in a Humvee, approximately 75 Airmen from the...

5/27/2008 - PARIS (AFPN) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, along with several hundred American and French citizens, paid homage to a special group of World War I aviators May 24 at the Lafayette Escadrille memorial ceremony that took place outside of Paris. The Airmen of the Lafayette Escadrille were the United States' first combat aviators. It was an American squadron of volunteers who flew under the French flag during World War I. Many of them gave their lives in defense of French democracy. General Moseley said it is important that the aviation heroes be honored...

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 27, 2008 – Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England and other senior officials began the Memorial Day weekend by participating in a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse here May 23 that included the unveiling of a memorial honoring 22 Marines and a Navy corpsman killed in Iraq. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England praises the heroism demonstrated by fallen Marines of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines during a dedication of a memorial in their honor in Columbus, Ohio, May 23, 2008. Defense Department photo by Kevin Wensing  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The memorial consists of...

Old Guard Soldier Master Sgt. Steven Colbert places a flag on a gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. This year he brought along his son, Jordan, 8, to assist. Photo by Adam Skoczylas FORT MYER, Va. (Army News Service, May 23, 2008) -- The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) began their rounds Thursday afternoon to place a small American flag into the ground in front of every grave marker at Arlington National Cemetery. The Old Guard became the Army's official ceremonial unit in 1948 and on that Memorial Day every available member of the regiment stood one foot in...

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2008 – In the first “full honors” ceremony he’s hosted as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen welcomed his counterpart from Poland at the Pentagon today. In full-dress Navy “whites,” Mullen greeted Gen. Franciszek Gagor, chief of general staff of the Polish armed forces, and his staff when they arrived in black sport-utility vehicles. In less formal receptions -- known as “honor cordons” -- the military leaders would have disappeared into the Defense Department headquarters without much fanfare. In contrast, before their closed-door meeting today, Mullen led Gagor onto a podium...

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md., May 16, 2008 – Award-winning columnist and commentator Andy Rooney feted top Defense Department communicators here today, musing about his own days as a reporter for Stars and Stripes and the challenges and rewards of telling the story of a military at war. Rooney, who got his journalist start covering World War II operations in Europe, was the keynote speaker at the 2008 Department of Defense Communicators of Excellence Awards Ceremony, held here at the Defense Information School, known as DINFOS. The annual competition recognizes the best military journalists, broadcasters, photographers, graphic artists and...

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., May 16, 2008 – The current generation of warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan is poised to be the next “greatest generation,” the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. James Cartwright talks with retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard "Tex" Brown at the 2008 Daedalian Awards dinner at Fort Walton Beach, Fla., May 15, 2008. Cartwright was the keynote speaker, presenting awards to military pilots. Defense Department photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution...

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2008 – Military Spouse magazine honored Michelle McIntyre-Brewer as the 2008 Military Spouse of the Year here today. The wife of an Army second lieutenant, McIntyre-Brewer somehow finds time to volunteer at the United Service Organizations, Soldier’s List, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and March of Dimes, all while raising two young children, including a daughter born with a heart defect. During the award ceremony today, McIntyre-Brewer, 29, said the award represents the idealized military spouse, one who supports the mission of an American military that aims to improve conditions in parts of the world less...

4/30/2008 - SAVANNAH, Ga. (AFPN) -- The Air Force vice chief of staff paid tribute to members of the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society April 26 during the society's 44th annual reunion near Savannah, Ga. The AFEES primarily comprises Air Force World War II veterans who were forced down behind enemy lines and avoided or escaped captivity to return to allied territory. The society also includes members of the French, Dutch, Belgian and other resistance networks who harbored allied aircrews and guided them to safety. "I cannot thank you enough for your noble service, your selfless sacrifice and for...

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates praised Navy Adm. William J. Fallon during his retirement ceremony today for bringing “unparalleled energy, ideas and diplomatic skill” to U.S. Central Command and for 41 years of service that has left the United States stronger and safer. Adm. William J. Fallon kisses his daughter Christi at the end of his retirement ceremony onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt at Norfolk Naval Station, Va., April 18, 2008. Fallon ended a 41-year naval career that started as an aviator during the Vietnam War and concluded with him overseeing a two-front war as...

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2008 – President Bush today posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy SEAL whose mortal sacrifice in Iraq saved the lives of two fellow SEALs and several Iraqi soldiers. Video President George W. Bush weeps Tuesday, April 8, 2008 during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House before presenting the Medal of Honor to George and Sally Monsoor for the actions of their son Petty Officer 2nd Class, Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy SEAL, during combat in Iraq. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer...

BUCHAREST, Romania, April 3, 2008 – Deep within the cavernous marble walls of the Palace of the Parliament here today sat two Texans, casually talking about – what else – Texas. Army Spc. Monica Brown, far right, stands with 25 other soldiers representing all 26 nations of the NATO alliance during an April 3, 2008, ceremony during the NATO Summit Conference in Bucharest, Romania, honoring those who have served in NATO operations around the world. Brown received the Silver Star for heroism in combat in Afghanistan. NATO photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The first was President Bush,...

3/24/2008 - KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Hundreds of Kirkuk Air Base Airmen commemorated the fifth year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom by honoring the 42 Airmen who gave their lives supporting the war on terrorism March 20 here. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, a flag-folding ceremony performed by the base honor guard, and ended with a bag pipe performance of taps and "Amazing Grace." Members of the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron also set up a memorial in-front of the formation to honor the sacrifices of two Airmen from the 727th EACS who died during combat operations...

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2008 – The Defense Department honored Army Col. Valerie Ratliff last night for her efforts to break down barriers for future generations of women. But Ratliff hopes the recognition, conferred on her and dozens of others here during the department’s 2008 Women's History Month Outreach and Observance Reception, will soon be made obsolete by virtue of future women’s continued success. “This is just the beginning of the trailblazer recognition,” she told American Forces Press Service today. “And it will be a good thing when we won’t have to recognize it in the same manner. “The history books...

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2008 – Defense Department officials honored one of the world’s last living World War I veterans in a ceremony at the Pentagon today. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, left, talks with Frank Buckles, 107, one of the last known living World War I veterans during a Pentagon ceremony March 6, 2008. Buckles was honored during the ceremony, which included the unveiling an exhibit of veterans' portraits by photographer David DeJonge. Defense Dept. photo by R. D. Ward  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “I feel honored to be here as a representative of the veterans of...

WASHINGTON - Heading toward the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, President Bush on Sunday celebrated the nation's 16th president as a man of steadfast convictions and honorable ideals. "It's fitting that we honor Abe Lincoln," Bush said in the ornate East Room of the White House. "Of all the successors to George Washington, none had a bigger impact on the presidency and the country." Bush spoke in early tribute to the 199th anniversary of Lincoln's birthday. Lincoln was born Feb 12, 1809. On Tuesday, first lady Laura Bush will speak at Lincoln's birthplace of Hodgenville, Ky., as part of the...

BAGHDAD, Feb. 3, 2008 – Civilians and servicemembers gathered at Al Faw Palace here Feb. 1 to reflect on the cost of war and pay their last respects to fallen warriors during a Multinational Corps Iraq end-of-tour memorial ceremony. The ceremony honored those killed and wounded while the U.S. Army’s 3rd Corps was the maneuver command element from December 2006 to February 2008. Multinational Corps Iraq Commander Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said the ceremony was a time to reflect on the bravery and selfless service of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. “These individuals are...

SIERRA VISTA — Wreaths to remember the fallen, honor those serving and teach the value of freedom were placed at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Saturday. Those present joined more then 200 other locations across the United States, 24 veterans cemeteries in foreign countries and on U.S. ships in the seven seas for the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Civil Air Patrol Airman 1st Class Anthony Petonic, 14, right, stands with fellow patrolmen holding wreaths to be laid during Saturday’s ceremony at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The event is one of many done nationwide in an effort to...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2007 – A group of entrepreneurs and department acquisition officials earned praise from Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England at a Pentagon award ceremony yesterday for their support of disabled-veteran-led businesses. Talon Award recipient Air Force civilian employee Reggie E. Selby is a small business specialist at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Enlisting small companies owned by service-disabled veterans to work with the Defense Department is good business and the right thing to do, Selby said at the first Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Awards ceremony held at the Pentagon on Nov. 5, 2007. Photo by Gerry...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2007 – The founder of an organization that provides comfortable and functional adaptive clothing to wounded servicemembers is being honored for her efforts. Ginger Dosedel, an Air Force wife and founder of the group "Sew Much Comfort,"� is one of the National Military Family Association's 2007 Very Important Patriots, an honor for which a friend secretly nominated her. "I was very surprised and honored,"� Dosedel said. "It's nice when recognition comes from a friend unexpectedly."� Sew Much Comfort provides clothing specially adapted for wounded troops recovering in military hospitals. Off-the-rack clothing often doesn't accommodate medical devices. She...

Army Honors Its 'Top Dogs' Sep 21, 2007 BY Lynn Davis Sgt. Scott Warner and Junior get below the wires on the obstacle course low-crawl. The team is with the 241st MP Detachment at Fort Meade. Photo by Department of the Army FORT MEADE, Md. (The Military District of Washington, Sept. 21, 2007) -- The Military District of Washington held the 2007 Canine Competition at Fort Meade last week. Twenty-four teams, each consisting of a handler and his dog, from Fort Meade, Fort Belvoir, Fort Myer, Fort Lee and the National Security Agency competed for four days trying to prove...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2007 – Paralyzed Veterans of America held its annual Americana Gala at the National Building Museum here last night. In keeping with the evening’s theme of “Building a Better Tomorrow,” the event paid tribute to visionary individuals and corporate leaders who have championed improved quality of life for veterans and people with disabilities. These improvements include working toward an accessible, barrier-free America and ensuring better access to job-seeking tools and employment opportunities. “Imagine an America where veterans with disabilities and their families have everything they need to thrive,” said Homer S. Townsend Jr., the organization’s acting...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2007 – Six military women of Hispanic descent were honored for their service to the nation at Latina Style Magazine’s 4th annual awards luncheon held here Sept. 6. Army Sgt. Maj. Venus Carpenter is one of six Hispanic military women who were honored at Latina Style Magazine’s annual awards luncheon held here Sept. 6. Photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The Defense Department co-hosted the event, titled “Latinas in the Global Fight on Terror.” The luncheon traditionally heralds other Hispanic-American Heritage Month activities, held Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Award recipients...

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. The fourth annual “Tribute to the Troops” ride and concert will begin Sept. 7 and conclude two days later. “This year, on Sept. 7 and 8, (more than) 90 motorcyclists will participate in three separate rides that will be visiting 18 families from Lake City to Moorhead, including seven families in the Twin Cities area,” said Gregg Schmitt, the group’s executive...

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2007 – Radio talk-show host Laura Schlessinger is used to millions of people listening to her. Today, however, it was her turn to listen, as Defense Department officials acknowledged her support of America’s servicemembers. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England (left) presents radio personality Laura Schlessinger (right) with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service on July 30, 2007, at the Pentagon. Schlessinger was recognized for her efforts to raise public awareness of, and funding for, troop-support group “Operation Family Fund.” Photo by Cherie Thurlby  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Deputy...

Army News video: "Freedom of the City" honours military unitsBRANDON, Manitoba - 1RCHA marches through city in a tradition over a hundred years old.

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2007 – The most successful team in Major Leagues Soccer’s 11-year history paid special tribute to America’s military men and women here last night. D.C. United hosted its 8th Annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day with several pre-game festivities at RFK Stadium. More than a thousand military personnel were invited to the game free of charge, and the team distributed military appreciation T-shirts to the first 5,000 fans. “It is a privilege and an honor for D.C. United to host members of the armed forces and their families each season,” Stephen Zack, D.C. United executive vice president,...

BETHESDA, Md., May 30, 2007 – Thirty thousand active-duty servicemembers and guests will be able to attend the inaugural AT&T National invitational golf tournament July 3-8, professional golfer Tiger Woods announced here yesterday. Golfer Tiger Woods fields questions during a May 29 news conference at Congressional Country Club, in Bethesda, Md. He held the conference to get the word out about the July 3-8 AT&T National golf tournament, which he's hosting. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Woods, who’s hosting the event at Congressional Country Club here, made the announcement from the storied venue’s...

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2007 – Seven months ago, on Veterans Day, Army Spc. Jace Badia was carried off the battlefield in Ramadi after an insurgent bomb left him nearly dead -- his left leg gone, his right leg shattered and his right arm and back broken. Hollywood actor Gary Sinise and the wounded warriors serving as Grand Marshal’s of the National Memorial Day Parage in Washington, D.C. May 28, 2007, wave as they pass the reviewing stand. Defense Dept. photo by Fred W. Baker III  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. A testament to the will of today’s warriors...

FORT BELVOIR, Va., May 15, 2007 – Two local woodworking groups followed a Civil War custom today by presenting a ceremonial cane to a soldier who lost his leg in Iraq. Retired Army Lt. Col. Dennis Walburn, who lost a leg while deployed to Iraq and now serves as deputy chief of operations for the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force, accepts an eagle cane from the Northern Virginia Carvers and Capital Area Woodturners, Inc., during a ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Va. Photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The groups seek to extend the ritual to all...

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2007 – The Washington Nationals baseball team saluted the U.S. military during an evening pre-game program May 11 that featured fireworks, a group enlistment and servicemembers tossing ceremonial pitches. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England shakes the hand of new Air Force member Stefon Brown, 20, during pre-game Military Appreciation Night activities at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Washington, D.C., May 11. Photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Military Appreciation Night activities held at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium here also included Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England, who met with Army,...

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2007 – The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors paused May 1 to recognize those who help make their program possible during the TAPS 10th Annual Honor Guard Appreciation Luncheon here. Actor Ben Stein speaks at the 10th Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Annual Honor Guard Appreciation Luncheon in Washington on May 1. Stein, who said he’s “humbly grateful” for servicemembers, has spoken extensively on behalf of TAPS and said he plans to continue to do so. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “The Honor Guard Luncheon is our opportunity once a...

TALLADEGA, Ala., April 30, 2007 – A soldier, a sailor, an airman and a Marine received expressions of thanks over and over again from members of the crowd at Talladega Superspeedway during the Aaron’s 499 yesterday. Marine Sgt. Noah Tretter thanks Pace Car Driver Brandon Thompson for three 120 mph-plus laps around the newly paved Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Amy Kirk  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Olson, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Virginia Mayo, Air Force Tech Sgt. Robert Jubie and Marine Sgt. Noah Tretter attended...

PHOENIX, April 13, 2007 – The Defense Department recognized the city of Peoria, Ariz., yesterday for its stalwart support of the military. Mayor Bob Barrett of Peoria, Ariz., right, accepts the Office of the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award from Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications, April 12. The city received the award for its support of servicemembers. Defense Dept. photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Peoria Mayor Bob Barrett accepted the Office of the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award on behalf of...

/2/2007 - CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan (AFNEWS) -- The command surgeon for the Combined Security Transition Command, Col. Donald Thompson received the Ghazi Mir Bacha Khan High Medal recently. The award was presented by Afghan President Hamid Karzai in appreciation of outstanding military and civil services rendered by Colonel Thompson. Within the presidential decree, President Karzai stated, "I approve the awarding to Mr. Donald F. Thompson, head of coalition forces healthcare in Afghanistan, in honor of his services; who has performed important and valuable health services in our country." Colonel Thompson has been deployed for more than a year and has...

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2007 – A letter from a soldier added bittersweet importance to Packages From Home’s participation in Tucson Navy Week’s weekend activities at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and an Arizona Diamondbacks preseason baseball game. Packages From Home volunteers stand ready to tell people attending Tucson Navy Week all about their group and America Supports You. Packages From Home, a Phoenix-based troop-support group, sends care packages to deployed servicemembers. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Kathleen Lewis, founder of the Phoenix-based troop-support group, received a letter March 15 from Army Staff Sgt. Darrel Kasson thanking her...

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2007 – More than 60 wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., spent last night clowning around at Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus’s Military Appreciation Night. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler and Kenneth Feld, chairman and chief executive officer of Feld Entertainment, hold the America Supports You dog tag hanging from a show elephant at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus show at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., March 22. Photo by William D. Moss  (Click photo for screen-resolution...

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2007 – The Military Officers Association of America announced it will present its highest award to an actor and a corporation for their strong support of military servicemembers. Gary Sinise and the DuPont Company, with headquarters in Wilmington, Del., will receive the MOAA Distinguished Service Award for 2007. MOAA looks for indicators of strong support for military employees when considering organizations for this award, retired Air Force Col. Steve Strobridge, MOAA’s director of government relations, said. “(That includes) making up the pay between military pay and their old salary, continuation of benefits, support for the families,...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2007 – About 160 family members of U.S. troops killed during the Persian Gulf War gathered at an Army officers’ club at Fort Myer, Va., today as part of an annual observance to remember fallen loved ones. Marine 1st Sgt. Bobby Barnett accompanies Lujaine al-Habib, daughter of a Kuwaiti diplomat, as she places the U.S. Marine Corps’ flag onto a tablet of remembrance at the Fort Myers Officers Club, Fort Myers, Va., today as part of an annual observance ceremony honoring U.S. servicemembers who died during the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War. Defense Dept. photo by Gerry...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2007 – In Japan, people make origami paper cranes for the sick and injured as a prayer for their recovery. U.S. Army Pfc. Marissa Strock , left, a double-leg amputee wounded in Iraq, and her mother, Sandi Ogden, follow Japanese Lt. Col. Ichiro Sato's instructions as they fold origami paper into cranes during an evening at Ambassador Ryozo Kato's residence Feb. 23 in Washington, D.C. Defense Dept. photo by John J. Kruzel  '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. A group of 70 wounded U.S. veterans and their family members found such cranes waiting for them on...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2007 – Anchorage ’s community spirit was in fine form last night as about 1,000 people came out in evening dress and black tie to pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens introduced the military’s top ranking officer as the event’s guest speaker. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife Lynne, traveled from Washington , D.C., for the 30th Annual Salute to the Military hosted by the Armed Services WMCA of Alaska. The gala’s guest list included all of...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2007 – Servicemembers in the national capital region were honored by the Washington Capitals hockey team last night during a “Salute to the Military Night” at the Verizon Center. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England thanks Washington Capitals ownership, players and corporate sponsors of the "Salute to the Military Night" at the Verizon Center, Feb. 8. Photo by Carmen L. Gleason   '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The National Hockey League’s Capitals, along with 10 corporate sponsors, donated more than 6,000 tickets to troops and their families for the team’s match-up against the Los Angeles Kings,...