Jan 31, 2010

<b>What is it' </b> February is African American History Month. Each year the Army commemorates the contributions and sacrifices made by its African American Soldiers and civilians with activities and events at installations throughout the Army. This year's theme is <i>"For Love of Liberty--Celebrating African American Soldiers throughout History."</i> A special PBS documentary also titled "For Love of Liberty" will air in February. This program highlights and celebrates the service of African-American patriots throughout history. African Americans at all levels - uniformed and civilian - have and continue to play, key leadership roles in the Army with fierce dedication to duty, honor and country.

Jan 31, 2010

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Multi-National Task Force-East (MNTF-E) officially will change its name to Multi-National Battle Group - East (MNBG-E) Monday, Feb. 1, signifying the task force's transformation to a more responsive and flexible force structure under KFOR's "Deterrent Presence" plan. The change is in response to the ever improving security situation throughout Kosovo, brought about by the hard work and cooperation of the people and institutions in Kosovo.

Jan 31, 2010

With only an hour to prepare, cook and display a top-notch meal, four teams of Soldiers and Kellogg Brown & Root employees from Victory Base Complex raced around the kitchen on Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq.

Jan 31, 2010

Six wounded warriors stepped off a C-130 Hercules in Baghdad, Jan. 31, and took their first steps in Iraq after being severely wounded the last time they were here. It was the fourth time wounded servicemembers returned to Iraq as part of Operation Proper Exit.

Jan 31, 2010

Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Regiment and the 5th Iraqi Tank Battalion conducted a combined search with the Iraqi tankers for weapons in a small area along the Tigris River.

Jan 30, 2010

The 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team is working to feed more than 50,000 Haitians displaced by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that left much of the infrastructure of the country's capital city in shambles, killing an estimated 150,000 and leaving around 400,000 homeless.

Jan 30, 2010

The U.S. military continues to work in conjunction with inter-agency organizations and the government of Haiti to meet the critical needs of the Haitian people.

Jan 30, 2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION BASRA, Iraq - The 546th Maintenance Support Team out of Fort Polk, La., keeps vehicles at Contingency Operating Location Basra, Iraq, mission ready and on the road.

Jan 30, 2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION BASRA, Iraq - The 159th Seaport Operations Company, an inland cargo transfer company, is directly responsible for the Central Receiving and Shipping Point at Contingency Operating Location Basra, Iraq.

Jan 30, 2010

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Two officials with the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) began supervising the renovations of the mosque Jan. 1 at Camp Taji, Iraq.

Jan 30, 2010

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - U.S. military medics held a mass casualty simulation for Iraqi Army medics to exercise their combat medicine skills Jan. 27 at Camp Taji, Iraq. Medics with the 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) conducted two three-day combat medicine courses for the Iraqi Army medics prior to the MASCAL exercise.

Jan 30, 2010

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - More than 3,000 Soldiers participated in the first fixed-wing redeployment operation out of Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan. 27.

Jan 30, 2010

Camp Adder, Iraq - For the first time in two years, a unit Equal Opportunity Leaders' course was held at Camp Adder, Iraq, graduating 19 students Jan. 8.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- As winter weather turns temperatures down, many people turn heaters up to provide warmth. Doing so presents some hazards like fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, but taking proper steps before using heaters can prevent severe injury or death, according to officials. The National Fire Prevention Association recently launched a new campaign touting the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms in every household. According to an NFPA press release, death rates in home fires without working smoke alarms is double that of ones that have properly working smoke detectors.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. - A panel of Army senior leaders discussed air-ground integration at Fort Rucker Thursday during the 2010 Army Aviation Senior Leaders Conference. Maj. Gen. James O. Barclay III, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general; Maj. Gen. Michael Ferriter, Fort Benning, Ga., commanding general; Maj. Gen. James M. Milano, Fort Knox, Ky., and U.S. Army Armor Center commanding general; and Maj. Gen. Perry L. Wiggins, U.S. Army North, 5th Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, commanding general, gave their thoughts on the challenges and future of integrating air and ground operations.

Jan 29, 2010

MUM was the word at the Manned-Unmanned Teaming session at Fort Rucker during the Aviation Senior Leaders Conference Jan. 27. Panel members turned attendees' focus to the "eyes of the Army" - Unmanned Aircraft Systems - and the communication in theater of unmanned aircraft systems with manned systems.

Jan 29, 2010

MUM was the word at the Manned-Unmanned Teaming session at Fort Rucker during the Aviation Senior Leaders Conference Jan. 27. Panel members turned attendees' focus to the "eyes of the Army" - Unmanned Aircraft Systems - and the communication in theater of unmanned aircraft systems with manned systems.

Jan 29, 2010

A new tax law helps military spouses be more selective about where to file state taxes. The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act was signed last November by President Barack Obama and gives spouses more choices regarding taxation. With tax season running now through April 15, everyone may have questions about other changes and filing options. To help the process run smoothly, installation Legal Assistance staff are here to help.

Jan 29, 2010

"Lock and load your weapons," echoed throughout a dark room. Future warrant officers took aim. As M-16 rifle shots rang out and .50-caliber machine guns thundered, those firing anxiously awaited their results. Those shots Jan. 21, however, didn't take place at the firing range, but at the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000. Weapons are electronically modified and targets are displayed across large computerized screens during the training.

Jan 29, 2010

While the helicopters flying overhead usually command the most attention from the post community, numerous static displays across the installation are reminders of their use in Aviation history. Steve Maxham, U.S. Army Aviation Museum director, is tasked with the upkeep of more than a dozen fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft placed around post. Several helicopters are also displayed at Cairns Army Airfield and Lowe and Shell Army heliports.

Jan 29, 2010

Corey Holloway's hot shooting Jan. 21 powered the Fort Rucker Bulls to a 6-6 tie with the Fort Rucker Lakers, helping the team snap a three-game losing streak. The Bulls and Lakers faced off in 8-and-under Dale County Youth Basketball League play, battling at the Child, Youth and School Services gymnasium. Four Fort Rucker teams play with two Daleville teams to form the league.

Jan 29, 2010

When aiming for fitness success, people should create plans best suited for their bodies and stick with it, said Sgt. 1st Class (P) Jeffrey Herzog. There is no prescribed fitness routine that works for everyone, the Noncommissioned Officer Academy instructor and certified personal trainer said. People should tune in to their bodies and set individual goals to create effective exercise routines. Some basic workout tips, however, are applicable for all, he noted.

Jan 29, 2010

Area Pony Club members consider Phillip Dutton to be their hero. Saturday, they met the man, who is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist for Australia's Three-Day Eventing Team and International Eventer. He's also won U.S. Eventing Association's Leading Rider of the Year title for 11 years. Dutton taught about 15 area Pony Club members, ages 8-18, proper flatwork and jumping basics at the Riding Stables here.

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

As winter weather turns temperatures down, many people turn heaters up to provide warmth. Doing so presents some hazards like fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, but taking proper steps before using heaters can prevent severe injury or death, according to officials. The National Fire Prevention Association recently launched a new campaign touting the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms in every household.

Jan 29, 2010

As winter weather turns temperatures down, many people turn heaters up to provide warmth. Doing so presents some hazards like fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, but taking proper steps before using heaters can prevent severe injury or death, according to officials. The National Fire Prevention Association recently launched a new campaign touting the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms in every household.

Jan 29, 2010

Laboring to continue upstream, a lone chum salmon spent its last moments of life being revered and celebrated by a gathering of people along the shore of Muck Creek in Roy, Wash.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT LEWIS, Wash. - When Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors deploy to hostile environments around the globe, they expect to experience stress. For the families they leave behind, finding help to prepare them for the difficulties of separation and the anxiety of having loved ones in combat can be daunting. A new program on Fort Lewis aims to provide valuable training and coping strategies for military families.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT LEWIS, Wash. - Believe it or not, the technology to create an energy-independent lifestyle already exists, and the Army is pioneering ways for it to become a reality, in part through its strict green building standards.

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

FORT LEWIS, Wash. - The Army is putting its money where its heart is through its commitment to Soldiers and families via the Army Family Covenant. In a time of widespread budget constraints, senior Army leadership continues to fund robust growth in programs and facilities under the covenant, including many visible on Fort Lewis.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT LEWIS, Wash. - Joint Base Lewis-McChord will begin its history at 10 a.m. Monday when Col. Thomas H. Brittain cases the colors of Fort Lewis' U.S. Army Garrison and unfurls those of the Joint Base Garrison.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT LEWIS, Wash. - Are you suffering from winter blues' Does spring seem a little too far around the corner' The Fort Lewis Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is inviting the military community to get out and enjoy a day of free pampering, giveaways and entertainment. Rain or shine, it promises to be a good time.

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

FORT LEWIS, Wash. - One of Fort Lewis' best-kept secrets is getting a lot of attention despite thousands of troops being away on deployment. The Automotive Skills Center is one example of Fort Lewis' commitment to providing families with a supportive environment through the Army Family Covenant. With hours to accommodate even the busiest person, the ASC offers plenty of time, space and tools for military ID holders and DOD civilians to work on their vehicles.

Jan 29, 2010

Eight pallets of medical supplies left Fort Bragg, N.C., last night for the Haiti relief effort, and the post continues to send containers of water and rations to be air-dropped onto the island.

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

Six-year-old Mackenzie Riley has only been ice skating for two years but has already earned three gold medals and skated with celebrities. In November, Mackenzie took home first prize in three events at the Ice Skating Institute's Fall Classic in Hampton Roads, Va. Not long after that, she was invited to skate with Minnie Mouse when Disney on Ice came to the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Retired Staff Sgt. Paul Delacerda suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2005 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Military Police from across Fort Carson participated in the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course, a road test designed to familiarize MPs with their vehicles, situational driving and obstacle navigation skills Jan. 12.

Jan 29, 2010

The Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center is part of the Armed Services Blood Program. The blood collected at the Fort Bragg location and the other 19 centers across the country and around the world is sent to a centralized location. From there, the ASBP determines where the blood is needed most and ensures it gets there.

Jan 29, 2010

YOUNTVILLE, CA--Growing up, Celia Ruiz, never heard much about her father Alejandro Ruiz's World War II service with the New York Army National Guard's 69th Infantry Regiment. Her father was always telling the story about how he was charged with stealing a cow-which just happened to be in the back of his truck one day -- and given the choice between the Army and jail, she recalled. But her father, who died on Nov. 23, 2009, never said much else about World War II. "Dad always smiled and had a twinkle in his eye when he told that story. He had a great sense of humor so we have never been sure how true it is," she said. "As far as what happened in Okinawa he never really talked much about it." What happened on Okinawa, according to Army records, is that on April 28, 1945 Pfc Alejandro Ruiz, a riflemen in the 165th Infantry Regiment (as the 69th was then designated) earned the Congressional Medal of Honor. On Jan. 24-25, Lt. Col. John Andonie, the Commander of the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, and battalion Command Sgt. Major Jorge Vasquez , traveled to California to remember Ruiz with a wreath laying ceremony, and to present their respects to his daughter.

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

Since a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti Jan. 12, troops from the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team have deployed to Port-au-Prince for rescue and recovery missions. Many other units at Fort Bragg, such as the geospatial analysts with the 100th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Brigade, have helped the mission progress, each with their own special skills. The unit, located at the Geospatial Readiness Center, provides maps of everything from towns, lines of communication and routes to soil and flood analysis, said Chief Warrant Officer Julio Toala, geospatial information technician for the company.

Jan 29, 2010

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Jan 29, 2010

The military has a language all its own, and in the Army we have our own distinct dialect. Over the past few years, we've adopted several new catchphrases to describe changes in the way we do business. Among the most popular of these expressions is "transformation" and "culture change," concepts we've applied to Army safety as well. Since these terms may mean different things to different people, I'd like to share with you my ideas regarding "safety culture."

Jan 29, 2010

FORT MEADE, Md. - Last week, the number of fans on the installation's Facebook page reached more than 1,000.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Fort Carson electrician Jeff Morris deployed to Iraq to help save Soldiers' lives and government facilities using his training with electrical systems.

Jan 29, 2010

Fort Meade bore witness to history last week as the Marine Corps took a big step into a brave new world. In a ceremony Jan. 21 at the National Cryptologic Museum, Marines unfurled the colors of the service's newest operational component command, Marine Corps Forces, Cyberspace Command.

Jan 29, 2010

FORT KNOX, Ky. - An additional 40 Soldiers from Fort Knox's 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) deployed to Haiti Wednesday, Jan. 27, in support of relief operations in Haiti. The Soldiers will join 3d ESC members already on ground to form the Joint Logistics Task Force - Haiti, led by 3d ESC commander, Col. (P) Robin Akin, and to provide logistical expertise to the relief effort. This group of Soldiers will bring the total number of 3d ESC Soldiers on ground to approximately 60.

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

Speeding up critical medical-evacuation times in Iraq and Afghanistan must be balanced against flight crew safety, said the Army's surgeon general.

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

A centralized sustainment community is paramount to the operational Army of today and the future, said Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr.

Jan 29, 2010

"I have directed the commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, Gen. Charles Campbell, to review the recommendations and take action as he deems appropriate with regard to Army personnel identified in the report within 90 days. "We remain in close contact with the families of our fallen from this battle, and they will be invited to a comprehensive briefing on the investigation following Gen. Campbell's actions. "We must be an Army that is committed to continuous self-assessment and improvement. Analysis of this investigation's findings provides us the opportunity to better ensure we are doing everything possible to safeguard the lives and treasure entrusted to us while ensuring mission success."

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

Fort Carson Soldiers and Family members become US citizens.

Jan 29, 2010

The military has a language all its own, and in the Army we have our own distinct dialect. Over the past few years, we've adopted several new catchphrases to describe changes in the way we do business. Among the most popular of these expressions is "transformation" and "culture change," concepts we've applied to Army safety as well. Since these terms may mean different things to different people, I'd like to share with you my ideas regarding "safety culture."

Jan 29, 2010

Recording artist Leigh Jones is humbled to headline the I. A.M. STRONG Tour headed to 24 Army installations during the next two months.

Jan 29, 2010

In just a few short days, millions of people will gather for Super Bowl XLIV parties in homes, bars and restaurants across the country to watch what analysts have billed as a meeting of "super-sized offenses." As these great gatherings start to take shape, officials at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center are reminding all party hosts and attendees to keep the "offenses" on the field.

Jan 29, 2010

The Director of Quality, Safety, and Mission Assurance for Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Randy Stone, visited U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Jan. 14-15 to view MDA's operations here.

Jan 29, 2010

Animal health professionals from Kosovo, KFOR and the international community met here Thursday, Jan. 28, for a veterinary "Grand Rounds" event exploring animal disease and public health. The chief veterinarian for Multi-National Task Force-East's Task Force Med, Col. Scott Cornwell, Fort Myers, Fla., said the meeting's objective was to develop enduring relationships among animal health professionals working in Kosovo.

Jan 29, 2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq - Mississippi Army National Guard members here conducted a record number of vehicle recovery missions Jan. 18 - 19.

Jan 29, 2010

"For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots" will air during February on Public Broadcasting System stations across the country.

Jan 29, 2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq - Soldiers of the 163rd Ordnance Detachment, 395th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), played the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Inc. guards, employees of a civilian contractor, in the first of what became regular soccer matches at the field here Dec. 12.

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq - Sgt. Irving Newberry, a Washington native and an A Company, 15th Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), multi-channel transmission system operator-maintainer won the noncommissioned officer of the month board for his battalion here Dec. 29.

Jan 29, 2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq - Mississippi Guard members received recognition for helping to maintain their battalion's high safety record in a ceremony and cookout here Jan. 20.

Jan 29, 2010

More than three months into fiscal year 2010, and the U.S. Army Garrison still doesn't have a clear picture of its annual budget. But the leadership knows money will be tight and to expect a decrease from the 2009 figures. The Natick garrison isn't the only garrison facing a possible budget shortfall. Funding shortfalls have hit the entire Installation Management Command (IMCOM) in 2010.

Jan 29, 2010

As if a normal Soldier's day isn't hard enough, one 54th Engineer Battalion Soldier is volunteering his free time twice a week to make the Bamberg military community a little better for everyone.

Jan 29, 2010

Four and a half months after Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, redeployed from Iraq, 25 Soldiers from the company took part in a Warrior Adventure Quest scuba diving trip to a converted sauerkraut factory in Munich, Germany, Jan 12.

Jan 29, 2010

Jan 29, 2010

Adolescents who believe that America supports the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and that Soldiers are making a difference in the world are less likely to suffer from anxiety and stress when their parent deploys, according to research unveiled Thursday.

Jan 29, 2010

Military law enforcement agencies from all service branches came together Thursday (Jan. 29, 2010) to confer on crime trends, security concerns and information exchange.

Jan 29, 2010

BAMBERG, Germany - A 'social club' for new and soon-to-be parent at U.S. Army Garriosn Bamberg offers valuable information for raising children.

Jan 29, 2010

Only a few years ago, it might have been hard to believe a quiet, peaceful patrol on the streets of Baghdad where U.S. Soldiers work together with Iraqi authorities could be possible. Today, seeing is believing as Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, regularly carry out presence patrols in Baghdad mahalas, or residential neighborhoods, with Iraqi Federal Police planning and leading the missions.

Jan 29, 2010

Females are becoming more and more prevalent in military flight crews. Being a woman in a male-dominated field can be an intimidating obstacle for many to overcome. However, Staff Sgt. Katie Replogle and Spc. Bernice Garcia have managed to find a way to fit in.

Jan 29, 2010

CPT Patrick Robinson and SGT Robert Harshbager of the Heidelberg Tax Assistance Center talk with Jesse Granger about tax season 2010. Topics include new changes to tax law, the issues of filing tax returns from overseas and other frequently asked questions concerning tax season. For more on tax season or the U.S. Army in Eurpoe check out hqusareur.army.mil and click on the "Tax Season" link.

Jan 29, 2010

Though President Barack Obama announced a three-year discretionary federal spending freeze during his State of the Union Message Wednesday night, it won't apply to defense spending.

Jan 29, 2010

SCHINNEN, Netherlands - The Military Saves Campaign, a Department of Defense-wide financial readiness program, kicks off Military Saves Week, Feb. 21-28.

Jan 28, 2010

<b>What is it' </b> On June 12, 2009 the North Atlantic Council endorsed the creation of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (NTM-A) to oversee training and advising for the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police. NTM-A stood up on Nov. 21 2009 and merged with Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A) into one integrated command under a dual-hatted commander. NTM-A is a NATO command, with military, civilian and police professionals from 19 nations, that teams with the Afghan Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior to develop the capabilities of the Afghanistan National Army and Police using a comprehensive approach. This approach coordinates the efforts of military, civilian, non-governmental and international organizations to build the capacity and capability of the Afghan National Security Forces to enable a successful transition of security responsibility.

Jan 28, 2010

One of the most experienced Army Reserve aviation battalions has once again been called upon in support of humanitarian relief.

Jan 28, 2010

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Jan 28, 2010

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Jan 28, 2010

FORT BENNING, Ga. Aca,!" Your students get regular report cards; now, their schools will, too. Thanks to an initiative launched this month by the Department of Defense Education Activity, parents can check the progress of their childrenAca,!a,,cs schools with online, school-based report cards.

Jan 28, 2010

Col. Rick Kaiser, JTF-Haiti, Engineer and commander of the 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C., spoke with the media about restoring essential services to the people of Haiti Jan. 27. The JTF-Haiti engineers are assessing ports, airfields, roads, the electrical grid and water to determine what is needed for repair so that the Government of Haiti can restore essential services as quickly as possible, Kaiser said.

Jan 28, 2010

The Army Sustainment Command held its quarterly ASC commanders conference Jan. 19-22 at headquarters located at Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. Maj. Gen. Yves Fontaine, ASC commanding general, met with Army Field Support Brigade commanders and command sergeants major to discuss command issues and successes.

Jan 28, 2010

Jan 28, 2010

The Red Rockets soared to a 48-32 victory against the Jungle Cats in post intramural basketball Tuesday at Kefurt Fitness Center.

Jan 28, 2010

The Columbus Lions and Operation Homefront are teaming up to offer children of active-duty military a chance to be a part of an all-military arena football team in the Youth Football League at the Columbus Civic Center. Sponsored by Operation Homefront and other various organizations, the equipment and jerseys will be provided at no charge. Registration cost is free.

Jan 28, 2010

FORT BENNING, Ga. - Batteries can die, signals can fade and global-positioning equipment can malfunction at inconvenient times. That's why Soldiers with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 192nd Infantry Brigade, spent Tuesday in the woods armed with compasses and maps.