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Wounded Warrior Diaries: Hear their stories

Wounded Warrior Diaries

American servicemembers wounded in combat share stories of their service, including their hard-won battles on the road to recovery. Special

Healing the Invisible Wounds of War:PTSD

Healing the Invisible Wounds of War

Bandages and sutures cannot heal the sleepless nights, broken families and shattered lives caused by the invisible wounds of war. Military chiefs are determined to help troops combat what has become known as post-traumatic stress disorder. Special

Staying Power: Seriously Wounded Warriors Return to the Fight

Staying Power: Seriously Wounded Warriors Return to the Fight

Soldiers, sailors, arimen and Marines are returning home, some with wounds so serious they would not have survived in wars past. Remarkably modern medicine, changing policy and pure grit have allowed many to recover and return to active duty. Special

Cancer Awareness: One Woman's Story

Cancer Awareness:
One Woman's Story

Kathy Vantran, a former Army journalist who now works as a public affairs specialist for the Defense Media Activity, chronicles her battle with cancer. Special

Beirut Barracks Bombing: 25th Anniversary

Beirut Barracks Bombing: 25th Anniversary and Rememberance

Twenty-five years ago, on Oct. 23, 241 men gave their lives in the biggest non-nuclear explosion in history, catapulting this nation into a war now known as the global war on terrorism. Special

United States Africa Command (AFRICOM)

United States Africa Command (AFRICOM)

The United States Africa Command, also known as AFRICOM, is a new U.S. military headquarters devoted solely to Africa. It is one of the Defense Department's six regional headquarters. Special

Honoring the Pledge

Honoring the Pledge

About 88,000 servicemembers from past wars are still buried on foreign shores and at sea. Quietly, almost behind the scenes of the current conflicts, hundreds of military troops and civilians go about the business of bringing them home -- one by one. Special

Freedom Walk 2008

Freedom Walk 2008

Participants in the fourth annual Freedom Walk came to honor loved ones, friends and coworkers lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and to honor servicemembers who continue to sacrifice to defend the freedoms attacked that day. Special

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

On the seventh anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, Defense officials honored the fallen, reflected on how far we have come and what more might be done to counter terrorism and defend the nation. Special

Pentagon Dedicates 9/11 Memorial

Pentagon Dedicates 9/11 Memorial

On the seventh anniversary of the day a hijacked airliner slammed into the Pentagon, President Bush today dedicated a memorial near the crash site, calling it not only a place of remembrance, but also a reminder of the resilience of the American spirit. Special

Responding to Hurricane Gustav

Responding to Hurricane Gustav

As Hurricane Gustav approached the U.S. Gulf Coast, National Guard troops evacuated more than 17,000 citizens from New Orleans and worked closely with federal, state and local authorities to keep cities and towns safe. Special

Money Woes? Support You Can Turn To

Money Woes? Support You Can
Turn To

As part of the Defense Department's efforts to promote the importance of individual financial readiness, this Web site offers financial news and information, links to groups that can help with financial issues, and tips from a leading financial specialist. Special

Ramadan 2008: Understanding a Culture

Ramadan 2008: Understanding a Culture

With more than 250,000 U.S. troops serving throughout the Middle East – including Iraq and Afghanistan – the need for understanding Islamic culture is as important as basic soldiering skills. Special

2008 Employer Support Freedom Awards

2008 Employer Support Freedom Awards

The Department of Defense has announced the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipients. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given to employers for their support of their employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Special

Military Olympians

Military Olympians

U.S. servicemembers have been participating in Olympic games since they began in 1896. This year 15 military athletes representing the U.S. Army, Army Reserve and Air Force will compete in Beijing. Here, the Department of Defense highlights the accomplishments of America's military Olympians. Special

60 Years of Military Integration

60 Years of Military Integration

On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Executive Order 9981 to end racial segregation and discrimination in the military. Although it would take more than six years to fully implement, Truman's order set in motion a wave of reforms for equality for Afican-Americans. Special

28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games

28th National Veterans
Wheelchair Games

The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world's largest annual wheelchair sports competition. It brings together veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations or other mobility or neurological conditions to compete in 17 different events. Special

Dept. of Defense Celebrates 35 Years of All-Volunteer Force

35 Years of All-Volunteer Force

Until July 1973, the military operated under an involuntary draft policy to produce manpower to fight the country’s wars. Draftees served during both world wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. This year marks the 35th anniversary. Special

Symbols of America

Symbols of America

Over the years, several symbols have become renowned as uniquely American, celebrating not only the country's success as a democracy, but its unique, evolving and independent culture as well. Here, the Department of Defense highlights some of the most enduring symbols of America. Special

Flag Day: Personal Perspectives

Flag Day: Personal Perspectives

We present four current and retired servicemembers' personal perspective about the flag and how it's inspired them through their proudest as well as darkest days as a symbolism of patriotism, strength and resilience. Special

Service & Military Acadamies Graduation 2008

Service & Military Acadamies Graduation 2008

The nation's defense leaders traveled to the U.S. service and military academies this spring to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating classes of 2008, speaking to them about the power of freedom, the importance of duty and the virtue of self-accountability. Special

Memorial Day Profiles

Memorial Day Profiles

To many Americans, Memorial Day means a day off from work with picnics, pool openings and barbecues. But for those who have lost a comrade or loved one in combat, the day takes on a whole new significance. Here are some of their stories. Special

Airlift Delivered Blow to Communism

Airlift Delivered Blow to Communism

Sixty years ago, the U.S. Air Force launched an operation that relieved some 2.5 million beleaguered West Berlin residents and stretched the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain at its seams. Special

Warrior Care

Warrior Care

"I made a solemn commitment to the Congress, to the nation and to you to keep the welfare of men and women in uniform uppermost in my mind at all times," Secretary Robert M. Gates. Read the latest news about Warrior Care. Special

JCOC 75

JCOC 75

The Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, which began in 1948, is a Secretary of Defense sponsored outreach program to educate America's leaders who are interested in expanding their knowledge of the military and national defense. Special

Honoring WWI Survivors

Honoring WWI Survivors

Remembering those who fought in World War I, The Great War. Special

Military Women's Tradition of Service

Military Women's Tradition of Service

Celebrating the 2.5 million women who have served in the U.S. military since the American Revolution. Special

Celebrating African American History

Celebrating African American History

During National African American History Month, we honor the achievements and celebrate the rich heritage of African Americans. Special

MRAP Vehicles

MRAP Vehicles

"There is no failsafe measure that can prevent all loss of life and limb on this or any other battlefield. That is the brutal reality of war. But vehicles like MRAP, combined with the right tactics, techniques, and procedures, provide the best protection available against these attacks." - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Jan. 18, 2008.  Special

Gates Pays Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Gates Pays Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

"This is a day to remember a great American. It is also a day to reflect on what we can do to further the struggle for human freedom and dignity that Dr. King helped lead and for which he gave his life." - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates  Special

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