Apr 30, 2011

Apr 30, 2011

The cookies brought smiles, but it was the letter that produced the tears

Apr 30, 2011

FORT IRWIN, Calif.- Jaquelyn Troya's father, Sgt. Ramon Troya, wasn't there for her first day of first grade at Lewis Elementary School, and he wasn't there when her youngest brother, 18-month-old Jordan took his first step. This morning Sgt. Troya and the rest of the 557th Maintenance Company returned home after being deployed to Afghanistan bringing an end to a year of separation from their families.

Apr 30, 2011

KABUL - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded two contracts totaling more than $11 million for the construction of two border police company stations for the Afghan National Police, April 29.

Apr 30, 2011

BAGHDAD - Country music star Toby Keith lit up the International Zone here during a brief stop on his United Service Organizations-sponsored "Locked And Loaded" tour.

Apr 30, 2011

Success in all wars, regardless of how large they may be, frequently comes down to the collective actions of individuals and small units. Recent joint operations in eastern Afghanistan involving U.S. Army Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, and the Afghan National Army's 3rd Koy, 3rd Kandak, 1st Brigade, laid the groundwork for future missions in Afghanistan.

Apr 30, 2011

Aerial view of the Az-Zubayr area of Basrah Province.

Apr 30, 2011

In what was an unusually warm and rain-free Washington morning, the I Corps command sergeant major and 21 command sergeants major from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, came together for a physical training session April 29, 2011, dubbed the Physical Mentally Emotionally Hard Gauntlet.

Apr 29, 2011

Redstone Arsenal remains closed Friday, April 28 due to the power outage caused by severe storms earlier this week in Alabama. USASAC mission essential capabilities continue at Redstone Arsenal at the new headquarters building. Other USASAC field offices outside the Redstone area remain fully operational.

Apr 29, 2011

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - "You guys really pack 'em in," exclaimed Cory Larrieu about the crowds attending the fourth Annual Earth Day Festival, here, April 20.

Apr 29, 2011

PEARL CITY, Hawaii - Mainland representatives from the National Interstate Compact Commission in Kentucky met with members of the Hawaii State Educational Opportunity for Military Children, here, April 15.

Apr 29, 2011

PUNAHOU, Hawaii - A Soldier assigned to the 715th Military Intelligence Battalion, 500th MI Brigade, is now the fastest human in Hawaii.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - Army-Hawaii single Soldiers bowled to "Strike Out Sexual Assault" at the bowling center, here, April 21.

Apr 29, 2011

HONOLULU - Current members of the U.S. armed forces who are permanent residents may be eligible for naturalization through their military service, under Section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Apr 29, 2011

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - The Army Emergency Relief fundraising campaign, here, continues through May 15.

Apr 29, 2011

WAIKIKI, Hawaii - Wall space around the offices at U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii is becoming a premium commodity, with so many awards and recognitions displayed.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- The Installation Management Command, Pacific Region was selected as an Employer of Choice by the Honolulu - Pacific Federal Executive Board (FEB) during its 55th Annual Excellence in Federal Government Awards ceremony in downtown Honolulu, HI, April 21.

Apr 29, 2011

With construction of their new 18,748-square-foot, state-of-the-art training facility 76 percent complete, The Army Ground Forces BandAca,!a,,cs Soldiers are feeling good about their move into their new building. "I'm excited and ecstatic about this world-class facility," declared Sgt. Maj. Leander Singletary after conducting an inspection on April 25. "It's certainly fitting for a band that has the prestige and significance that ours does." The band will move in June from Fort McPherson, Ga., to Fort Bragg, N.C., in accordance with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure legislation

Apr 29, 2011

Women across Fort Irwin gathered to "rediscover" themselves during the post's Women's Conference April 28 at Reggie's. The theme of this year's conference, sponsored by the Military and Civilian Spouses' Club, was "Rediscovering You."

Apr 29, 2011

Gen. Robert W. Cone, incoming commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, is promoted according to congressional approval and assumes command of TRADOC on April 29, 2011, on Fort Monroe, Va. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Jill Cone, Cone's wife, participate in the ceremonies. Commanders of TRADOC's subordinate units and their colors attend the ceremony of assumption of command. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Angelica Golindano)(RELEASED)

Apr 29, 2011

Gen. Robert W. Cone, was promoted to the rank of general this morning at a ceremony at the Chamberlin Hotel on Fort Monroe, Va. Shortly after his promotion, Cone assumed command of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command in a ceremony hosted by Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and former TRADOC commander. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Angelica Golindano)(RELEASED)

Apr 29, 2011

Gen. Robert W. Cone, incoming commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, assumed command of TRADOC on April 29, 2011 at Fort Monroe, Va. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Jill Cone, Cone's wife, participated in the ceremonies. Commanders of TRADOC's subordinate units and their colors attend the ceremony of assumption of command. This marked the final four-star promotion and assumption of command at Fort Monroe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Angelica Golindano)(RELEASED)

Apr 29, 2011

The Iraqi Army is shaping its NCOs in the image set by the U.S. Army NCO Corps.

Apr 29, 2011

U.S. Army Human Resources command celebrates change of responsibility April 29, 2011. Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. John F. Gathers hands responsbility to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Bruce A. Lee. About 200 distinguished visitors, HRC employees, Fort Knox employees, friends and family attended the event.

Apr 29, 2011

The medical field just might get a few more recruits after third- and fourth-grade gifted and talented students from Saegert Elementary School in Killeen got a behind-the-scenes look at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center during a recent field trip.

Apr 29, 2011

Surrounded by more than 200 area school students, senior installation commander Maj. Gen. Nick Justice became a history teacher during APG's 2011 Arbor/Earth Day celebration April 29.

Apr 29, 2011

It was back to basics for military disaster response personnel at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as they set up a joint operations center to coordinate the Department of Defense response to a simulated Category 4 hurricane in Mississippi.

Apr 29, 2011

Edgar Krasa rolled up his left sleeve to reveal a number tattooed on the inside of his left forearm. It marked him as a Holocaust survivor. More than six decades after the tattoo was placed there by the Nazis, Krasa showed it April 28 to those assembled for a Holocaust Remembrance at Natick Soldier Systems Center.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT MONROE, Va. - Gen. Robert W. Cone assumed command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command in a ceremony today on Fort Monroe, Va. Earlier this morning, Cone was promoted from lieutenant general to general in a ceremony in the Chamberlin Hotel on Fort Monroe, prior to becoming the 14th commanding general of TRADOC.

Apr 29, 2011

About 120 area educators, industry leaders and government employees convened at Cecil College April 28 for STEM Summit II, the second in a series of meetings that is striving to develop a regional culture attune to science, technology, engineering and mathematics career development.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT POLK, La. - More than 20 youngsters invaded Fort Polk's Range 23A - more commonly known as the civilian shooting range - with bows and arrows April 27 as part of Child, Youth and School Services' Outdoor Adventure Week, held to commemorate the Month of the Military Child in April.

Apr 29, 2011

The U.S. Army Contracting Command announced today the consolidation of its two contracting centers at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., into a new organization: Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground. This action will leverage the enterprise capabilities of ACC and achieve greater efficiencies and effectiveness in providing America's Army with the equipment, supplies and services it needs to accomplish its global mission.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT POLK, La. - A little boy sat in a classroom at Rosepine Elementary School April 21 as more than 100 of his classmates chattered, eating cake and receiving goodie bags in a nearby auditorium: This was no normal school assembly, but a festive observation of the Month of the Military Child, celebrated every year in April. In the auditorium, parents - in uniform and out - sat next to their student or mingled with fellow military family members. Renaldo Mason, though, with his fifth-grade teacher, Jessica Deon, nearby, silently wept.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT POLK, La. - Soldiers of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment and the 162nd Infantry Brigade competed April 18-22 in a grueling series of tasks and examinations in hopes of earning the coveted Expert Infantryman's Badge.

Apr 29, 2011

The U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC) announced today the consolidation of its two contracting centers at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD into a new organization: Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground. This action will leverage the enterprise capabilities of ACC and achieve greater efficiencies and effectiveness in providing America's Army with the equipment, supplies and services it needs to accomplish its global mission.

Apr 29, 2011

April 19, 2011 -- Secretary of the Army remarks at the VMI Marshall Awards

Apr 29, 2011

The U.S. Army brigade responsible for security operations in Paktika province, Afghanistan, was faced on arrival with an enemy that felt at home, the unit's operations officer said.

Apr 29, 2011

Kevin Stabinsky (left), Sentinel editor, and Keith Williams, information technician specialist, U.S. Army Garrison Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation, dig into a pile of mulch to spread around the Garrison Headquarters (Bldg. 65) April 22. Members of the Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem communities got together April 18 through 22 for some spring clean up.

Apr 29, 2011

Maj. Gen. Mark MacCarley, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve, First Army, speaks to members of the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta April 19. MacCarley spoke to the group about First Army's mission of training and deploying Reserve and National Guard Soldiers for missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Egypt, Guantanamo Bay, Horn of Africa and Haiti, and the status of the relocation of its headquarters from Fort Gillem to Rock Island, Ill., this summer as a result of the 2005 BRAC Act.

Apr 29, 2011

In 2008, roughly 83 percent of the Wounded Warriors assigned to Walter Reed's Warrior Transition Brigade were using prescribed narcotics. With the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, that number had been reduced to 10.2 percent, according to officials.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT POLK, La. -- You may have noticed recently that the Department of the Army security guards that usually man the access control points at Fort Polk were replaced by military police officers.

Apr 29, 2011

Many people have speculated that the next big war will be fought over water. Though no one can say if this will happen for sure, and if so, when, one thing that is known is that it is important to protect our water ways. To educate people on this end, the BRAC Environmental office held information booths April 21, a day before Earth Day, at the Mini Mall at Fort McPherson and the Commissary at Fort Gillem. Literature, information packets and specialists from Wenck Associates, Inc., an engineering, environmental and consulting company, were on hand to educate people.

Apr 29, 2011

Members of the Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem community rose early Easter morning to celebrate the rising of their savior. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the keystone of the Christian faith, as the resurrection symbolizes victory over death and sin. "If you can't get excited about the resurrection of Jesus, I don't know what can," said Chap. (Lt. Col.) Bob Phillips, U.S. Army Garrison chaplain, as he welcomed the congregation to mass at the flagpole on Hedekin Field at Fort McPherson.

Apr 29, 2011

A Fort Wainwright Military Police Soldier finished the U.S. Half-Marathon 2 in the top five percentile April 10

Apr 29, 2011

Every May 1, Americans celebrate , giving them an opportunity to reflect on the rule of law and the foundations of our legal system. It's a time for citizens to celebrate the history of America's judicial system and to consider its future. On Law Day, Americans from all walks of life, public figures and private individuals, reaffirm in words and deeds their shared national allegiance to the rule of law.

Apr 29, 2011

Two athletes will represent Fort Wainwright at the 2011 National Physique Committee sanctioned Alaska State Bodybuilding competition and national qualifier Saturday in Anchorage.

Apr 29, 2011

Man on the street: This week the Sentinel asked community members: "What's your fondest memory of Fort McPherson'"

Apr 29, 2011

My generation survived bicycle riding without helmets or knee and elbow pads. Footwear' For sissies!

Apr 29, 2011

On Wednesday Fort McPherson will celebrate its 126th, and last, birthday as an Army post. Like everyone's birthday, the day will give us a chance to reflect on Fort McPherson's past, celebrate its present and wonder about its future.

Apr 29, 2011

Fifty-nine garrisons from around the world, to include Fort Wainwright, will participate in the "Strong B.A.N.D.S" promotion in support of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

Apr 29, 2011

Several thousand military family members enjoyed carnival games, prizes, and the music, songs and dances by Muppets of the Sesame Street USO Experience Saturday, courtesy of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the United Service Organization and their sponsors.

Apr 29, 2011

I had the pleasure of attending the U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) Symposium April 19-21. The company I kept during those three days in San Antonio looked very much like the group we have here at Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem - a gathering of Soldiers, DoD Civilians, contractors and Family members.

Jun 20, 2011

Two years after receiving a traumatic brain injury in Iraq, and just days before heading into harm's way again, a change in policy allowed Lt. Col. Erich Campbell to receive the Purple Heart on Fort Riley, Kan., April 27, 2011.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Boating and speed enthusiasts in the Wiregrass have an opportunity to see the worlds of water sports and drag racing collide at Lake Tholocco April 30.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- It took two games, but in the end the Advanced Individual Training students of A Company, 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, took home the intramural basketball championship April 26.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Before parents drop their children off at someone's home for child care on post, they need to make sure the providers are certified by Fort Rucker's Family Child Care program.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Asian-Pacific Heritage month kicks off April 29 and runs throughout May at Fort Rucker with multiple events to celebrate the rich heritage these cultures bring together.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Sliding down the double flume water slide, playing in the spray park with its 13 water features and eating lunch at Tiki Bay are a few signs that summer has arrived at Fort Rucker.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The C. Company "Nighthawks" of 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment stood up at an activation ceremony at Fort Rucker April 20 under the command of Capt. John A. Plitsch.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Being proficient in equipment use and repair is common-place for Soldiers in the 597th Maintenance Company, but now the unit is trying to spread that knowledge around.

Jun 2, 2011

Learn more about the two most recent Medal of Honor recipients.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fort Rucker's Wings Chapel opened during a ribbon cutting ceremony April 25 as a crowd gathered eager to view the inside of the new chapel.

Apr 29, 2011

Photo slideshow of Operation Lion's Leap, a combined-arms, live-fire exercise conducted by the Iraqi Security Forces at Khor az-Zubayr of Iraq's Basrah Province, Apr. 28, 2011.

Apr 29, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Army Aviation leaders past and present gathered April 18-21 for the 2011 Army Aviation Association of America professional forum and exposition in Nashville.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Soldiers of the 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group set foot on the soil of Fort Rucker for the first time in a year April 25.

Apr 29, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Soldiers of the 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group set foot on the soil of Fort Rucker for the first time in a year April 25.

Apr 29, 2011

A two-story duplex in River Village was lost as a result of a fire shortly after midnight on April 20.

Apr 29, 2011

On Friday, the First Family hosted 30,000 people, including 50 members from Fort Meade, in their backyard for the 133rd White House Easter Egg Roll. This year's theme, "Get Up and Go!," focused on promoting health and wellness, a central part of the First Lady's "Let's Move!" initiative to raise a healthier generation of kids.

Apr 29, 2011

Jeff Lychwick is working hard to change the perception of the Fort Belvoir Golf Club to one where both military and civilian patrons are welcome.

Apr 29, 2011

The rain started at 9 a.m. on April 16 but that didn't stop Picerne Military Housing from hosting its fifth annual Egg Hunt at the Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The hunt is usually held outdoors, but the rain that Saturday morning brought the party indoors.

Apr 29, 2011

Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes in the country.

Apr 29, 2011

Over the past year, Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center has made many improvements. An upgrade to services has been the hiring of additional primary care managers (PCM) to meet health care needs and to implement a team-based approach.

Apr 29, 2011

Teenagers with Fort Belvoir's Youth Center Hired! Program had one thing left to do before embarking on their week away from the classroom.

Apr 29, 2011

Lt. Col. Claudia Velez-Rosado (left) and Sgt. Rachel F. Epstein, the oldest and youngest U.S. Army Reserve service members assigned to First Army Division East, participate in a cake cutting ceremony Friday at First Army Division East Headquarters to commemorate April 22 as the 103rd U.S. Army Reserve Command birthday.

Apr 29, 2011

Apr 29, 2011

The USO warehouse on Fort Belvoir was alive with children's laughter and ringing bells April 21 during the organization's third annual children's stuffing party hosted by Operation USO Care Package.

Apr 29, 2011

Fort Meade is hosting a Community Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the PX. The event is in support of the National Drug Take Back Day. The Army Substance Abuse Program staff in conjunction with the Fort Meade Pharmacy and the Department of Emergency Services is collecting your unneeded, unused and/or expired medication.

Apr 29, 2011

There's an all new look to Fort Belvoir's main homepage - bringing everything users need right to their fingertips.

Apr 29, 2011

Computer systems used to digitally document patient care and reorder medical supplies in garrison aid stations have been added to the U.S. Army Europe Network domain. Now from a central location in Miesau, Germany, the U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (G4) Logistics Automation Branch (LAB) can remotely patch and update Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care (MC4) systems.

Apr 29, 2011

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout the DoD community and the nation as a whole. Some anti-sexual violence efforts focus on stopping victimization through risk reduction while other efforts focus on stopping perpetration.

Apr 29, 2011

A director, an actor and narrator, Gary Sinise has captured the hearts and minds of people through films like Forrest Gump, Of Mice and Men and Truman. However, on April 23, he came to Fort Stewart for an entirely different reason. Sinise is the bassist for the Lt. Dan Band, a cover band that travels the world playing for the military and veterans.

Apr 29, 2011

As part of National Volunteer Week, service members, Families and civilians gathered in Spates Community Club ballroom Thursday to recognize volunteers who have devoted their time and assistance to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Apr 29, 2011

In September 2010, the Army surgeon general authorized the creation of a task force to build a culture of trust throughout Army medicine-continuing its heritage of bringing value and inspiring trust with patients. As the surgeon general stated: "The Culture of Trust Initiative will permeate all facets of Army medicine."

Apr 29, 2011

"Willingly render loyal services to superiors, subordinates and peers in every organization of which they are members. Teach other people in a way that effectively expand and perpetuate the scope of their technical competence."

Apr 29, 2011

During a two-day visit to Iraq, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen awarded five service members and a civilian with joint service medals and re-enlisted eight Soldiers in the Al Faw Place, on Camp Victory, April 22.

Apr 29, 2011

Congressman Bartlett tours C4ISR Center of Excellence at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

Apr 29, 2011

SCHWETZINGEN, Germany -- Child care experts from U.S. Army garrisons across Europe converged April 26-29 at the Installation Management Command Europe Training and Development Center to receive training and certification in infant massage.

Sep 29, 2011

About 3,000 National Guard members were responding to weather-related domestic disasters in 11 states on Friday, many in tornado-ravaged Alabama, while hundreds still tackled rising waters in North Dakota, the epicenter of flooding now challenging seven states.

Sep 30, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- "Together We Can Help Japan" is the modified school motto for kindergarteners and first grade students at the Fort Rucker Primary School.

Apr 28, 2011

Apr 28, 2011

President Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate Gen. David H. Petraeus to become the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Apr 28, 2011

<b>What is it' </b> U.S. Army has partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, providing a venue to dispose of unused prescription drugs. This is an opportunity to remove potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from their medicine cabinets.

Apr 28, 2011

Active duty and Active Guard Reserve lieutenant colonels and majors interested in becoming professors of military science need to have their master's or higher degree by May 31, 2011, to be considered for positions in the August board at U.S. Army Human Resources Command.

Apr 28, 2011

The 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade recently hosted the third annual BfSB Symposium at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. More than 100 personnel attended from the three active-duty and the seven National Guard BfSBs in the Army. Even the commander of 504th BfSB returned to JBLM for the intel conference from Afghanistan.

Apr 28, 2011

Three 643rd Engineer Company Soldiers were called upon to help in remembering a fallen veteran. The Soldiers were requested to participate in the flag presentation and memorial of Arturo H. Ebalo, from Candelaria, Zambales, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Apr 28, 2011

A major consolidation of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord 9-1-1 call answering service took place early Wednesday morning and because everything went according to plan, no one noticed the change. Now, those calling 9-1-1 for any reason from either Lewis or McChord will talk to an operator at the Emergency Communications Center near the new Fire Station on Lewis-Main.

Apr 28, 2011

Apr 28, 2011

Joint Base Lewis-McChord volunteers help clean up Solo Point Beach April 20 to help preserve the wildlife during a Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation sponsored Earth Day event.

Apr 28, 2011

The Military Strategy Forum is an on-the-record, discussion series organized by CSIS and sponsored by Rolls-Royce North America. The Forum hosts senior Department of Defense and military service leaders who present their insights and vision on the direction of U.S. national security and defense policy. Events are attended by a diverse audience including defense professionals, senior policymakers, corporate executives, selected journalists, and academics.

Apr 28, 2011

She's been accepted to four Ivy League universities. She's also been in a wheelchair since she was 5 years old.