WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said the employers of Guard members and reservists are taking care of those who serve in the nation’s military by “hiring and retaining members of the Guard and Reserve, and by creating a culture of military support in the workplace,” in his proclamation issued today declaring Sept. 16 through Sept. 22 as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said the nation’s Hispanic citizens “have led movements that pushed our country closer to realizing the democratic ideals of America's founding documents, and they have served courageously as members of our Armed Forces to defend those ideals at home and abroad,” in his proclamation issued today declaring September as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, traveled to Romania to participate in NATO Military Committee talks, where he will meet with his fellow chiefs of defense to discuss Afghanistan and other NATO issues.

WASHINGTON - Navy Lt. Brad Snyder, a U.S. Paralympic team swimmer and triple medalist in the recently concluded games, was joined by fellow U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes as they received a warm welcome at the White House from President Barack Obama.

WASHINGTON - As they touched down for the last time on U.S. soil, four Americans killed during attacks this week at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, were honored with eulogies by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

WASHINGTON - DOD Comptroller Robert F. Hale, testifying before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, said that while modernization of the department’s business system environment is progressing, budget uncertainty has led to “time-consuming and unproductive planning efforts.”

WASHINGTON - The State Department has identified the two security officers who died Sept. 11 in Benghazi, Libya, while helping to protect their colleagues.

WASHINGTON - A Marine security team has arrived in Yemen to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy there, following the earlier dispatch of Marines to Libya in the wake of anti-U.S. demonstrations across the Middle East.

WASHINGTON - Artist Peter Hemmer knew he wanted a one-of-a-kind design when he set out to produce a poster highlighting the Defense Department’s participation in this year's National Hispanic Heritage Month.

WASHINGTON - National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, gives the Defense Department an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions made by the nation’s Hispanic-Americans, said Stephanie Miller, DOD’s Diversity Management director.

WASHINGTON - Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Mark Pheabus is looking forward to dressing up as a Civil War-era Confederate soldier during reenactments marking the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam in Sharpsburg, Md.

SIBIU, Romania - Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Sibiu, Romania, to participate in NATO Military Committee talks. Dempsey will meet with his fellow chiefs of defense to discuss Afghanistan and other NATO issues.

WASHINGTON - With investigation continuing into oxygen-deprivation issues involving the F-22 Raptor fighter, a senior Air Force official told Congress he remains optimistic about the program’s future and the jet’s ability to perform.

WASHINGTON - Caregivers, National Guard and reserve support as well as sports for the wounded are at the top of the Defense Department’s priorities for wounded warriors and their families, according to the deputy assistant secretary of defense for warrior care policy.

WASHINGTON - With less than eight weeks remaining before election day, American service members and other citizens overseas have more tools than ever available to help them register and vote, the acting director of the Federal Voting Assistance Program told Congress.

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has authorized deployment of a Marine Corps fleet antiterrorism security team to Libya to protect U.S. citizens there and to secure the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters.

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta will leave this weekend for his third visit to Asia in 11 months where he will meet with defense counterparts from Japan, China and New Zealand to discuss bilateral defense issues.

WASHINGTON - A three-star general who commanded the NATO and U.S. training missions in Afghanistan told a House subcommittee his command conducted a transparent investigation into alleged corruption at the Afghan-run Dawood National Military Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan.

KABUL, Afghanistan - A precision airstrike in the Mota Khan district of Afghanistan’s Paktika province killed an armed insurgent attempting to transport weapons toward a populated area. A post-strike assessment determined no civilian property was damaged and no civilians were harmed.

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan - When Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Payne considered joining the military, he realized the Marine Corps could offer him more opportunities than simply earning a paycheck. It also could give him the ability cultivate his own path in life.

NATICK, Mass. - Speaking to standing-room-only audiences at the Natick Soldier Systems Center, Kim Ruocco described the chain of events that led to her husband Marine Corps Maj. John Ruocco’s death in February 2005.

WASHINGTON - The crew of USNS Mercy is returning to their home port of San Diego after a five-month Pacific Partnership mission, the largest annual humanitarian civic assistance mission in the Asia-Pacific region.

WASHINGTON - A senior government official revealed details of the deadly attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four State Department officials and wounded three others.

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta condemned the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, in the “strongest possible terms,” said a senior government official, noting Panetta "also extends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.”

RENO, Nev. - Service members facing behavioral health challenges should feel comfortable asking for help, military leaders said at the 134th National Guard Association of the United States General Conference in Reno, Nev.

WASHINGTON - Efforts to improve management of civilian contractors performing critical mission support functions are creating a cultural shift in the way the military prepares for battle, senior Defense Department officials told the House Armed Services Committee.

WASHINGTON - The United States condemns in the strongest terms the outrageous and shocking attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other American personnel, President Barack Obama said.

WASHINGTON - The attack in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the deaths of U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans should “shock the conscience of people of all faiths around the world,” Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said.

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed the death or arrest of three key Taliban operatives. Forces also detained several suspected insurgents and destroyed a cache of assault rifles, grenades, explosives and illegal narcotics.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Twin brothers, Marine Corps Sgt. David Haines and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Haines, saw each other for the first time in five years on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, where both are deployed.

WASHINGTON - Eleven years later, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff reminded 9/11 remembrance ceremony attendees gathered in the Pentagon’s center courtyard why the war against terrorism is “personal.”

WASHINGTON - With flags flying at half-staff and under a cloudless blue sky hauntingly similar to the day America was attacked 11 years ago, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta paid tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon and praised America’s service members.

WASHINGTON - Military personnel who take part in sensitive operations like the one that took out Osama bin Laden must stand by the promises they made to the United States, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said during an interview broadcast on “CBS This Morning.”

WASHINGTON - Thousands of heroes died during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, many while helping others in the chaos around them, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a service at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

WASHINGTON - The 9/11 victims at the Pentagon, the Twin Towers in Manhattan or in a Pennsylvania field will remain “heroes forever,” Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told a somber audience during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial.

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces confirmed the death of two senior Taliban leaders, including the suspected mastermind of an August 2008 ambush that left numerous French soldiers dead and 21 wounded.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama, joined by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said America is stronger than ever during a 9/11 remembrance service at the Pentagon Memorial.

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Air Force Lt. Col. Chris Lachance is one of a handful of American airmen working to ensure that Iraqi Air force units at Al Sahra Airfield in Tikrit are getting the level of training they need to protect their skies.

SHANKSVILLE, Pa. - On the eve of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta toured the Flight 93 National Memorial here and called the passengers and crew of the ill-fated plane American heroes.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama signed a proclamation designating the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States as Patriot Day and National Day of Remembrance.

COMBAT OUTPOST SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan - Marine Corps Cpl. Charlemagne Jennings was one of four children who grew up while his father was in prison, and credits enlisting in the Marines with changing his life.

WASHINGTON - NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed progress in Afghanistan, the brutal civil war in Syria and 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks during his monthly news conference.

WASHINGTON - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several armed insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban attack commander in the Alisheng district of Afghanistan’s Laghman province.

WASHINGTON - September, National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, is a reminder to everyone in the military community to watch out for each other, a senior defense official said.

LONDON - Despite sustaining a spinal cord injury during a high-altitude jump in 2003, retired Army paratrooper Centra “Cece” Mazyck continues to answer the nation's call as a javelin thrower at the 2012 Paralympic Games.

LONDON - Many U.S. Paralympic athletes have persevered through tough circumstances and refused to give up after acquiring a disability. Former Navy Lt. Cmdr. Steven Peace is no exception. He continues to beat the odds after a stroke left him without the use of the right side of his body.

LONDON - During his 10-year journey to reach his first Paralympic Games, one U.S. athlete found opportunity where some would not, and now he says he wouldn't change the path that led him to London.

LONDON - The Paralympic movement continues to grow as competition improves and opportunities to compete increase, providing fundamental growth to this burgeoning movement, the U.S. Paralympics chief said.

WASHINGTON - In his weekly address, President Barack Obama paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks and honored the first responders and U.S. service members who have fought and sacrificed ever since to keep the United States safe.

WASHINGTON - The Defense Department has welcomed the decision by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to designate the Haqqani network a terrorist organization, Pentagon Spokesman George Little said.

KABUL, Afghanistan - A precision airstrike killed a Taliban cell leader during a security operation in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province. The leader is believed to have commanded an attack cell and directed insurgent activity throughout western region of the province.

WASHINGTON - Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano honored the outgoing chief of the National Guard Bureau, Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, presenting him with the Homeland Security Department’s Distinguished Service Medal.

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s special requirements branch is a one-stop shop for finding rate and transportation modes for Defense Department shippers.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Standing over 6 feet tall, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin Nobles can look pretty intimidating. But anyone who spends a few minutes talking to him quickly finds a soft-spoken guy with a country accent who loves to fix radios.

WASHINGTON - Cabinet secretaries, service chiefs and other government and military leaders gathered at the Pentagon to mark a change in leadership at the National Guard Bureau.

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta hosted a change of responsibility ceremony to swear in Army Gen. Frank Grass as the new National Guard Bureau chief and to pay tribute to outgoing chief Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley’s nearly 40 years of service.

LONDON - Leadership and teamwork are two of the primary attributes key to success for current and former service members competing in the 2012 Paralympic Games, said Will Groulx, U.S. wheelchair rugby team captain.

WASHINGTON - Officials at Joint Interagency Task Force South are welcoming the contributions that a 200-member Marine Corps detachment is making toward tracking drug traffickers and other transnational criminals.

WASHINGTON - Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised the Marine Corps and thanked military families for their sacrifices in supporting service members during remarks at the Marine Corps Association and Foundation’s professional dinner.

FORT MEADE, Md. - The Defense Information Systems Agency is taking a new tack by embracing smartphones, tablets and other commercial mobile-device technologies considered vital to improving communications access and data sharing.

WASHINGTON - In a presentation for the Defense Department’s historical speakers series, retired history professor Tom Clemens said Union Army Gen. George McClellan, considered by many historians to be an ineffectual commander, was in fact hamstrung by political and military jealousies that ultimately led to his removal from command.

WASHINGTON - The threat of attacks on coalition service members by Afghan security forces is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive, integrated and combined response from coalition and Afghan officials, said Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force.

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban network leader in the Kandahar district of Kandahar province. The leader is believed to have directed distribution of weapons and explosives in the region.

ARLINGTON, Va. - For the past four Christmases, Army Sgt. John Baker left his wife and son to spend the holiday with three strangers whose names he did not even know at Arlington National Cemetery, Va.

LONDON - Navy Lt. Bradley Snyder, one of three active duty service members competing in the 2012 Paralympic Games, recalled the day he lost his sight while serving in Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON - With Election Day about two months away, absentee military and overseas citizen voters can enjoy a streamlined process to register, obtain a ballot and exercise their right to vote, Pam Mitchell, Federal Voting Assistance Program acting director, told reporters.

WASHINGTON - The Defense Department is dealing with long-term budget reductions by working more closely with international partners and continuously improving performance, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics told an international audience of government and industry representatives.

WASHINGTON - Less than a week before the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a senior U.S. officer assigned to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan said each such observance “serves to remind me of why we are here.”

LONDON - The opportunity to compete in the 2012 Paralympic Games and to represent the United States has been a humbling experience, Navy Lt. Bradley Snyder told reporters in London.

WASHINGTON - Coalition forces and Afghan government leaders are attacking the issue of insider threats in Afghanistan on several levels, a top commander in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said.

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany - Professionals from 61 countries have gathered at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, to share ideas about countering violent extremism across the globe.

KABUL, Afghanistan - A Taliban leader behind an Aug. 7, 2012, attack on a coalition base in Afghanistan's Logar province was killed by Afghan and coalition security forces in the Pul-e Alam district, military officials reported.

PATROL BASE DETROIT, Afghanistan - For deployed Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nathan Pontious, the ability to speak Pashtu helps make life easier for himself and his fellow Marines as he continues to build relationships with Afghan soldiers and area residents who aren't able to speak English.

CAMP SMITH, Hawaii - As they reach out to long-time allies and new partners alike to increase regional engagement through U.S. Pacific Command’s exercise program, officials are finding that one of the biggest enticements is a common threat: Mother Nature.

WASHINGTON - Six current or former military officers have been appointed to the 2012-2013 class of White House Fellows, the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships has announced.

WASHINGTON - Though no Defense Department personnel or their families were exposed to radiation causing adverse health conditions following the nuclear accident in Japan last year, the department has established a registry to provide information to those who served in the stricken country.

WASHINGTON - U.S. and Israeli forces will team up this fall for Austere Challenge 12, a major exercise that provides important training for the defense of both nations, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

WASHINGTON - Defense Department officials continue to weigh their legal options against a former Navy SEAL who may have revealed classified information in a book he wrote about the Osama bin Laden raid, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a news conference.

WASHINGTON - U.S. special operations forces have paused training for 1,000 new Afghan local police recruits, but partnered operations between coalition forces and established members of the local police remain ongoing, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - National Interagency Fire Center officials sent home two military C-130s equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System over the Labor Day weekend, due to a decrease in fire activity.

LONDON - Mario Rodriguez, a former Air Force staff sergeant and member of the U.S. Paralympic fencing team who competed at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, said athletic competition gives him a means to belong to something larger than himself.

WASHINGTON - An Afghan special operations unit, supported by coalition troops, arrested a suspected Taliban explosives dealer during an operation in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province.

WASHINGTON - The military’s top enlisted leader wants service members to use September’s National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month as an opportunity to learn what to do when a fellow service member, family member or veteran reaches out for help.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Puerto Rico-born Army Col. Francisco Rentas is among the developers of the Golden Hour Human Blood Transport Container, which has saved the lives of many service members over the years.

LONDON - Many Paralympic athletes participating in the 2012 Paralympic Games have overcome diseases, injuries or other afflictions. But not many have suffered through a combination of all of those factors and still rose above them to experience success in their chosen sports the way Jennifer Schuble has been able to.

LONDON - Marine Corps Cpl. Rene Renteria is one of three active-duty service members competing in the Paralympic Games and he credits his family with keeping him focused, especially during tough times.

KABUL, Afghanistan - Suspension of training for about 1,000 recruits in the Afghan Local Police program while officials re-vet 16,300 Afghans providing security in remote areas of Afghanistan has no operational impact for Afghan police and other security forces, the International Security Assistance Force’s deputy commander said.

WASHINGTON - A quarterfinals archery matchthrilled the 2012 Paralympic Games crowd in London, as two U.S. teammates squared off in a tight contest that came down to the last arrow.

WASHINGTON - Navy Lt. Bradley Snyder carried over his strong performance in June’s U.S. swimming trials by setting a Paralympic record in his qualifying event for the 100-meter freestyle and earning a gold medal in the final round during the Paralympic Games in London.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Forces Afghanistan officials have suspended the training of about 1,000 Afghan Local Police recruits, pending re-vetting of current participants in the program.

LONDON - A sharpshooting Army sergeant who helped to usher in an innovative prosthesis that has helped countless wounded warriors has brought his sharp eye to compete in the 2012 Paralympic Games.

WASHINGTON - A day after carrying his message of gratitude to soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas, President Barack Obama commended service members and their families in his weekly address to the nation.