Lifestyle Archive

The USO opens it’s doors to a new center – designed especially for recovering troops, their families and caregivers.  The following is from blogger Sarah Camille Hipp:

More than 40,000 troops have been visibly wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more than 300,000 troops suffer from invisible wounds, like post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury. In addition, the Pentagon said the military reached a record high of 349 suicides in 2012, highlighting the need for increased mental and emotional care for America’s returning troops. While these numbers are upsetting, we have to face the fact that returning troops need us now more than ever. It is a particularly important time for recovering troops to have a stress-free and supportive environment as they heal and reintegrate into civilian life.

Since 1941, the USO has been there for our troops. As we continue to adapt to meet the needs of our military and their loved ones, we are thrilled to open the doors to a new center – designed especially for our recovering troops, their families and caregivers – in just a few days.

Located steps away from the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, the USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir, Va., will offer activities for recovering troops, their families and caregivers that will help them relax, have fun and reintegrate into society.

The New Year has arrived and with it, those darn resolutions.  If your New Years resolution involves getting into shape or taking off a few pounds, the Marine Corps, with the help of Pinterest, has some options to help you to Dump the Plump!

Meet Khalil Quarles, a ten year old Baltimore boy who has always dreamed of being in the Army, but his life is being cut short by terminal cancer.  Through the power of social media, Fort Meade’s 200th MP Command hosted its first “Operation Secret Soldier” to grant Khalil’s wish.  Khalil’s surprise started with a skype conversation with a Soldier in Kuwait and ended with an enlistement formation. 

Read more about Kalil story here.

Watch as Khalil shares what he thinks Soldiers are supposed to do.

In commemoration of Veterans Day, the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies (AIE) and the U.S. Department of Defense proudly announce the 12 “Best in Show” featured in AIE’s 50th anniversary “Serving Abroad…Through Their Eyes” photography exhibition.  From the State Dept Website:  

 A year ago on Veterans Day, Military, Civil Service and Foreign Service personnel were invited to submit photographs illustrating their life while serving abroad. More than 3,200 images were submitted, from which 161 finalists were chosen; ultimately, the 12 “Best in Show” were identified. These photographs, selected by a panel of distinguished photo-journalists, depict themes of friendship, places, faces, loss or triumph, providing a window on the complexity, diversity and courageous work performed by America’s heroes throughout the world.

To veiw the photos click here.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and that means it’s time to cook!  Even the best cooks can use a tip or two and the Grill Sergeants have a few for you.  Cook along as they make roast turkey, dressing Ya-Ya and the ever necessary lumpless gravy.  Watch here.  

And no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without pie!  Grab your rolling pin and join the Grill Sergeants as they create yummy goodness in the kitchen.  Watch here.     

From our table to yours….Happy Thanksgiving!

Phil Vassar headlines Operation Gratitude’s “Concert that Cares” at Camp Pendleton, Califorinia.

From Operation Gratitude:

Rising country music artists, Miss Willie Brown and teen pop-indie duo, Brandon & Savannah round out this year’s tribute that honors U.S. servicemembers on Veterans Day, Sunday November 11, 2012.

For the thousands of U.S. servicemembers stationed all over the world, this special presentation will air only the Pentagon Channel.

You can see it here now.