Panetta Announces New Medal, Reflects on Tenure
DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta shared his perspective on his time in office during a Pentagon news conference, Feb. 13, 2013. Panetta also provided updates on budget and defense issues and announced the creation of a new medal to recognize service members who directly affect combat operations - even if they are not on the same continent as the action.
Carter Urges Lawmakers To Avert Sequestration Cuts
U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade
Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, left, described the impact of sequestration to members of the House Armed Services Committee during a hearing in Washington, D.C., Feb. 13, 2013. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, center, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, right, also testified.
Obama: U.S. to Decrease Troops in Afghanistan
Screen shot White House video
U.S. troops in Afghanistan will decrease by 34,000 over the coming year, President Barack Obama said in his State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., Feb. 12, 2013. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said he welcomed the president's decision, which was based on the strategic recommendation by Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, outgoing commander of U.S. and NATO Forces in Afghanistan.
Panetta Thanks Pentagon Staff at Farewell Ceremony
DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
The "great work" of Defense Department employees helps keep America safe, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said during his farewell ceremony in the Pentagon courtyard, Feb. 12, 2013. Panetta thanked staff members for their hard work and dedication, and paid tribute to their families for their sacrifice and support.
Panetta Inducts Romesha Into Hall of Heroes
DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta inducted former Army Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, Feb. 12, 2013. The ceremony took place one day after President Barack Obama presented Romesha with the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony. Romesha was honored for his actions in battle in Afghanistan.
DOD Honors Contributions Of African-Americans
National Archives photo
Each year, the Defense Department marks African-American History Month by honoring the contributions of African-Americans. In proclaiming February as African-American History Month, President Barack Obama noted: "In America, we share a dream ... that no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, no matter how modest your beginnings or the circumstances of your birth, you can make it if you try."
U.S. Troops Deliver School Supplies in Farah City
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Josh Ives
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Martin, left, and Ray Sudweeks, right, a U.S. State Department representative, passed out toys and school supplies to Afghan children in a village in Farah province, Afghanistan, Feb. 9, 2013. Martin, a civil affairs officer, is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah.