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  • Vet centers offer grief counseling to military families

    In an unprecedented expansion of its traditional client base, Department of Veterans Affairs officials are offering grief counseling to families of servicemembers who die while on active duty.VA’s readjustment counseling office offers the counseling services at its 206 community-based vet centers

  • Vet receives four-legged friend

    Retired Tech. Sgt. Matthew Slaydon, a former 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, was investigating an improvised explosive device in Kirkuk, Iraq, in October 2007, when it detonated nearly two feet from his face. As a result, Sergeant Slaydon lost his sight and his

  • Veteran helps others achieve American dream

    A bureaucratic mix-up. That's how Eugene Toni explained being drafted in the Army to his mother. If he had told her the truth, "she would have killed me," said the 58-year-old. In reality, there was no mix-up. Mr. Toni was attending Camden County College in New Jersey and working part-time at a

  • Veteran hiring increases

    Hiring of military veterans across the federal civilian work force increased in fiscal 2002, the government's director of personnel said recently.In fact, hiring of veterans in the federal work force was up more than 19 percent over the previous fiscal year, said Kay Coles James, U.S. Office of

  • Veteran recalls battle leading to Medal of Honor

    In 1968, a battle raged where heroes arose only to be unacknowledged for 18 years. Proper recognition occurred during a White House ceremony Sept. 21 when Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after saving three of his men in a battle that failed to make

  • Veteran recalls historic World War II bombings

    The beginning of the end of fighting in the Pacific during World War II began 59 years ago with a thunderous roar.Some people thought there was another way to get Japan to the peace table. Others thought the drastic measures taken by the United States saved more lives despite the cost.Whatever the

  • Veteran wheelchair games begin July 4 in Denver

    More than 500 wheelchair athletes who are all military veterans are headed to Denver to begin competition at the 30th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. The event, presented each year by officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, runs July 4 through July

  • Veterans' advocates hold forum to discuss homeless vets

    More than 400 participants from across the country took part in a two-day national forum on ending homelessness among veterans.Committee members discussed strengthening preventative measures and improving collaboration among government and private-sector organizations."For twenty years, we have

  • Veterans Affairs officials tackle root causes of homelessness

    No one who has ever served the United States in uniform should ever end up living on the street, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki insisted. So he and VA officials are committed to ending homelessness among America's veterans within the next five years, and said he's already seeing signs

  • Veterans Affairs secretary announces new gravesite locator

    The secretary of Veterans Affairs announced Oct. 16 here that the Department of Veterans Affairs has made the gravesites of more than 6.7 million veterans easier to locate using handheld devices with Internet capability, such as "smart phones." "This innovative program continues VA's commitment to

  • Veterans Day an opportunity to share service at Air Force Memorial

    (Editor's Note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes." These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Veterans Day is near and dear to my family since many family members have served this nation across several service branches. I've attended many

  • Veterans Day celebrated around the Air Force

    Base honor guard members fold the U.S. flag during the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Veterans Day retreat ceremony, Nov. 11, 2009, at an air base in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jason W. Edwards)

  • Veterans Day message from military leaders

    The military's top leaders released Veterans Day messages today thanking servicemembers for their dedicated service. In a video message, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld reflects on the origins of Veteran's Day and the significant contributions veterans have made in past and current

  • Veterans Day particularly significant while nation at war

    Observing Veterans Day is especially important this year as America's military members put their lives in danger to protect the country and defend its freedoms, Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson said. "We are a nation at war against an enemy that has openly vowed its desire to destroy

  • Veterans Day special: Veterans share war experiences

    The year was 1967. First Lt. Marko Milakovich stood on the side of Budda Mountain, about 10 miles from Quang Nhia in South Vietnam. The 25-year-old was on a site survey and had a weapons carrier and six Army bodyguards for safety. As he stood on the mountainside, leaflets fluttered to the ground

  • Veterans encouraged to submit claims for retroactive stop loss

    In working closely with the Office of the Secretary of Defense staff on a congressional action involving veterans submitting claims for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay, major command and wing level officials are working to inform veterans who were affected by stop loss. Eligible Airmen include

  • Veterans giving free phone cards to airmen

    Servicemembers who have served overseas in the past are once again giving assistance to those currently serving overseas.The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, through the Air Force Aid Society, is providing phone cards and other items to overseas Air Force members and to their families at

  • Veterans honor Berlin Airlift's 60th anniversary

    American, British and French veterans have returned to Germany to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. Dr. Helmut Trotnow, the curator of the Allied Museum in Berlin, attributed part of the dissolution of the Soviet blockade to the U.S. armed forces involved in the airlift. "This

  • Veterans honored

    WASHINGTON D.C. -- Military veterans from all branches of service gathered today at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony, then moved to the ampitheater for a commemoration in honor of Veteran's Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim

  • Veterans in Blue Volume IV out now

    For decades, Airmen have answered the call to serve and protect the nation’s interests, people and cherished freedoms that underpin it all, risking their lives for others, and thus, becoming heroes in the eyes of those they protected.

  • Veterans in Blue Volume V out now

    For decades, Airmen have answered the call to serve and protect the nation’s interests, people and cherished freedoms that underpin it all, risking their lives for others, and thus, becoming heroes in the eyes of those they protected.

  • Veterans in Blue: honoring those who served

    The Air Force maintains a special portrait display in the Pentagon as part of its commitment to honoring the devotion and service of veterans. Volume VI will replace volume V of the Veterans in Blue project this November.

  • Veterans more likely to avoid foreclosure with VA-backed loan

    Despite problems in the nation's housing market, mortgage loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs had a lower foreclosure rate than any other type of home loan in the industry, as of the end of the last fiscal year."The dedication of VA's loan professionals, the support of our partners in

  • Veterans reflect on Veterans Day meaning

    As Airmen around the world honor the service, dedication and sacrifices of veterans today, America's veterans are thankful. "We are all very grateful for our troops our seas," said retired-Maj. John Yingling. "I wish I had something more uplifting to say, but it's just that simple." Mr. Yingling is

  • Veterans reflect upon D-Day, turning tide of war

    They are known as “the greatest generation.” On D-Day, they proved it. Before dawn June 6, 1944, Airmen of the 398th Bombardment Group awoke to a day that would turn the tide of the war in Europe and end with 3,000 Americans dead. Like most in the Army Air Forces, 1st Lt. Ike Alhadeff trained for

  • Veterans remember canines with care packages

    Staff Sgt. Erick Trusty is tired and dirty. Another day has come and gone that he survived. At least on this day an improvised explosive device -- one of the enemy's deadliest weapons of choice in Iraq -- didn't hit his team. And the raid he and others carried out on a house full of weapons and

  • Veterans return home 5 years after Katrina

    Armed Forces Retirement Home residents expected to be displaced for only a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina damaged their facility in 2005. The first 126 veterans returned home five years later to a larger and more lavish facility.The residents lived at the Armed Forces Retirement Home's Washington

  • Veterans send gifts to deployed Airmen

    Servicemembers and DOD civilians serving here began receiving military assistance communication kit packages Nov. 4.The MACK Packs were donated through a Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary VFW program called Operation Uplink. The packs contained a writing tablet, holiday cards with

  • Veterans show true colors

    In a jam-packed room, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dennis Linn stood explaining his artwork to curious viewers, and how his acrylic painting and raised sand/plaster sculpture earned him two gold medals and a spot in the 2009 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in the San Antonio Municipal

  • Veterans thank those who led them to freedom

    A Belgian woman risks her safety to help more than 130 airmen avoid capture by Germans. A bombardier survives a crash landing with his crew behind enemy lines and escapes with help from members of the French Underground. A tail gunner bails out of his badly damaged B-17 Flying Fortress and

  • Veterans urged to wear military medals on Veterans Day

    With National Veterans Awareness Week under way and the national Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11, the Veterans Affairs secretary is urging all veterans to show their pride by wearing their military medals.R. James Nicholson's "Veterans Pride" initiative calls on veterans to wear the medals they

  • Veterans use NASA anti-gravity treadmill in treatment

    Veterans undergoing physical therapy at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center in California can now walk or jog on an "anti-gravity" treadmill that uses a unique differential air pressure technology allowing the veterans to feel as if they are "walking on the moon" by reducing the pressure

  • Veterans wheelchair games kick off in Spokane

    More than 500 disabled veterans rolled into the convention center here to take part in the 2009 National Veterans Wheelchair Games July 13 through 19. The event, which is sponsored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America and Department of Veterans Affairs, began July 13 with a wheelchair basketball

  • Veterans with disabilities in Pittsburgh for wheelchair games

    More than 600 disabled veteran athletes will compete in a variety of sport competitions at the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Pittsburgh, Aug. 1st through the 6th. The event is presented each year by officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of

  • Veterans, first timers benefit from Red Flag exercises

    During the Red Flag 09-5 exercise here, young and veteran pilots train in realistic combat scenarios through Sept. 4. The large-force employment includes various airframes from sister services and allied nations. The pilots train in a combined an joint atmosphere in a training area spanning more

  • Veterans: Be aware of VA services during the holiday season

    The holidays are a traditional time of joy, laughter and sharing with family and friends. They are also a time of remembrance of past celebrations and anticipation of family gatherings. While the holiday season is often experienced as a season for celebration and giving thanks, for many, the

  • Veterinary care helps build relations with nomadic tribe

    Airmen and Soldiers from the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team vaccinated hundreds of animals in preparation for the long, hard Afghan winter in October here. In a region where the average income is less than a dollar a day, the PRT's veterinary civil assistance patrol not only strengthened the

  • Veterinary mission morphs into lifesaving trek

    With only seconds to react, U.S. military members made a daring rescue pulling a young African man out of a raging torrent April 14 in Dikhil, Djibouti. After a day of heavy rain, the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa team was assessing a river crossing site they planned to use the

  • VFW officials give troops free talk time on Veterans Day

    Deployed and hospitalized servicemembers are expected to make about 120,000 calls home this Veterans Day, and it won't cost them one thin dime. Officials from the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization are once again offering "Free Call Day" through its Operation Uplink program. USAA, which offers

  • Vice chairman 'cautiously optimistic' about new Iraq approach

    The nation's second-highest-ranking military officer said he is cautiously optimistic about the new approach to Iraq after a three-day visit there that ended Feb 2."It is clear that most of the senior officials (from the) coalition, Iraq and United States I talked with during my time in Baghdad are

  • Vice chairman expresses comfort with nuke production freeze

    The nation's second-ranking military officer said April 6 he's comfortable with a new U.S. policy that halts future production of nuclear weapons. The freeze on developing new nuclear platforms, save for extraordinary cases requiring presidential approval, is an element of the Nuclear Posture

  • Vice chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff views Tinker capabilities

    The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 1 to learn more about the missions of the Air Force Sustainment Center and the contributions of associate units toward the nation's strategic nuclear deterrence.

  • Vice chairman: Deterrence plays into overseas basing decisions

    The overseas basing choices the United States makes for its military forces are a factor in deterring potential enemies, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said June 4 here. Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright told a gathering at the Center for International and Strategic Studies here

  • Vice chief airs readiness concerns to Congress

    Today's high operational tempo is affecting the Air Force's ability to conduct necessary training, which may affect readiness, the service's vice chief of staff told lawmakers March 18.Gen. Robert H. Foglesong also told members of the House Armed Services Committee subcommittee on readiness he was

  • Vice chief describes airpower's key role in Pacific at Tinian symposium

    Sixty-five years after a single bomber launched from a U.S. air base here changed the course of history, airpower continues to play a key role in regional security, the Air Force vice chief of staff said during a speech here Aug. 5.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler spoke at an educational symposium

  • Vice chief honors World War II Airmen, heroes

    The Air Force vice chief of staff paid tribute to members of the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society April 26 during the society's 44th annual reunion near Savannah, Ga. The AFEES primarily comprises Air Force World War II veterans who were forced down behind enemy lines and avoided or escaped

  • Vice chief of staff extends AEF office charter

    The vice chief of staff of the Air Force extended the charter of the office of the special assistant for air and space expeditionary forces through March 2004.In a Nov. 12 memo to commanders of all major commands, Gen. Robert H. Foglesong said the arrangements made in the secretary of the Air

  • Vice chief of staff talks STEM to local educators

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry O. Spencer spoke to local educators about the particular importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to the Air Force during an ASM Materials Teachers Camp July 18, at Shaw-Howard University, Washington, D.C.

  • Vice chief visits wounded warriors in Iraq

    The Air Force vice chief of staff traveled to the Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base May 29 to visit wounded warriors and accompany them on a flight back to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Representing Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T.

  • Vice Chief, CMSAF visit 386th AEW

    The Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, April 9, 2017.

  • Vice chief, legendary pilot commemorate 60th anniversary of Berlin Airlift

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan J. McNabb and legendary airlift pilot retired Col. Gail Halvorsen participated in a commemorative panel discussion of the Berlin Airlift May 27 in Berlin. The Air Force Association sponsored the panel to highlight the historic importance of the mission and

  • Vice CSAF emphasizes modeling, simulation integration during AFAMS visit

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Philip Breedlove emphasized the need to standardize live, virtual and constructive modeling and simulation across the Air Force and the joint team during a recent visit to the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation here."We must build to a modeling and

  • Vice CSAF visits Goodfellow AFB

    During his visit, Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, vice chief of staff of the Air Force, saw how the base is fighting and adapting through COVID-19 to carry out the mission of training and inspiring the future force.

  • Vice CSAF: Air Force must prepare for more complex, varied ops

    The Air Force is working to balance today's needs and tomorrow's challenges while operating under intense fiscal pressures, the service's vice chief of staff said here Feb. 17.During remarks at the Air Force Association's 2011 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition, Gen. Philip M. Breedlove

  • Vice president addresses academy Class of 2005

    Vice President Richard B. Cheney told 922 graduating cadets here that they are taking their places as commissioned officers of the most powerful air and space force in the history of mankind.“Responsibility comes to you in a period of unprecedented challenge for your country and extraordinary change

  • Vice President Harris congratulates USAFA Class of ‘24

    Harris highlighted ever-present conflict around the world, the U.S. military’s role in the global domain since first earning air superiority ahead of D-Day and the importance of the graduating cadets, their new role as leaders and in continuing this legacy of air and space supremacy.

  • Vice President Mike Pence visits Nellis AFB

    Vice President Mike Pence made his way to Las Vegas Jan. 11, 2018, to attend the grand opening of the first AFWERX facility and visit the men and women of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

  • Vice President Pence visits Vandenberg AFB

    Vice President Michael R. Pence made his way to the Combined Space Operations Center where he was greeted by Maj. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, 14th Air Force commander, and received briefings on the evolution of launch operations at the Western Range and CSpOC operations, which concluded with an

  • Vice president praises troops during Guam stopover

    Vice President Richard Cheney rallied servicemembers during a Feb. 22 stopover at Guam while en route from Japan to Australia. The vice president spoke to more than 2,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Coast Guardsmen and Guam dignitaries, emphasizing the critical role Guam's position in the Pacific

  • Vice president thanks Airmen and service members in Iraq

    A crowd of more than 200 service members, many of them Airmen, and civilians deployed in support of Operation New Dawn listened to Vice President Joe Biden during his recent stop at Al Faw Palace here."It makes me feel like we have the support of the people back home," said Staff Sgt. Pearl Alomar,

  • Vice president thanks servicemembers for vigilance

    Vice President Dick Cheney delivered a message of thanks and support to the 7,000 Airmen, Sailor, Marines and Soldiers here during a visit Aug. 29. "I'm here today because the president and I want you to know how much we appreciate everything you do on behalf of the United States," the vice

  • Vice president thanks servicemembers in Alaska

    Amid a sea of nearly 3,000 flag-waving Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, Vice President Dick Cheney thanked servicemembers stationed in Alaska for their efforts in the war on terrorism.“I stand here today to say ‘thank you’ from a grateful nation -- and not just to the military

  • Vice president visits base in Ohio

    Vice President Dick Cheney expressed his appreciation for the Airmen and community here during a visit March 26. A throng of enthusiastic people from the base community waved flags and cheered loudly for the vice president during a ceremony. Gen. Greg Martin, commander of Air Force Materiel

  • Vice president visits RAF Mildenhall, meets Airmen

    Vice President Joe Biden met and talked to several Royal Air Force Mildenhall Airmen during a stop at the base en route to an undisclosed location. The vice president thanked Airmen for their service and encouraged them to continue doing a great job for the nation.Airman 1st Class Victoria Smith of

  • Vice president visits troops at Balad

    Vice President Dick Cheney met and spoke to servicemembers fighting the war on terrorism from Balad Air Base and Logistics Support Area Anaconda March 18. Before addressing the base populace during a rally, the vice president sat down to breakfast with a select group of military members. "It was an

  • Vice president visits Whiteman

    "We owe you and your families, and we are putting our money where our mouth is," said Vice President Joe Biden. That was the overall message he shared with more than a thousand Whiteman members during a troop rally April 16. "We are tremendously proud of our global mission and our ability to execute

  • Vice President, Second Lady visit Grand Forks AFB

    Vice President of the United States Michael Pence spoke with Airmen at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., July 25, 2018, while Karen Pence, the Second Lady of the United States, hosted a seminar for military spouses.

  • Vice president-elect meets Airmen in Southwest Asia

    Vice President-elect Joe Biden met Airmen from the 387th Air Expeditionary Group here as part of his tour of American bases in the Southwest Asia region.  Vice President-elect Biden is scheduled to visit Iraq after meeting with officials in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He takes office Jan. 20 along

  • Vice president's wife urges support for military families

    The wife of Vice President Joe Biden met with New York National Guard personnel and their families in mid-September in Latham, N.Y. Dr. Jill Biden visited with the family members of deployed servicemembers and the professionals who support them, and pledged her support for military families and

  • Vice president's wife visits military families at Nellis

    Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, visited Nellis Air Force Base Nov. 15 to learn about the family support programs available at the base.To gain a greater understanding of those support programs, Doctor Biden, who received her doctorate in education from the University of

  • Victim advocate lends a helping hand

    Staff Sgt. Joshua Greene, a 673rd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, has been a victim advocate for the past seven years, and although he hadn't put much thought into it when he signed up, the impact he has made on others has caused him to never look back.

  • Victim advocates support, assist survivors

    A group of Airman from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at an air base in Southwest Asia stood up and volunteered to be victim advocates as their part to prevent sexual assaults in the Air Force. Last year, Airmen throughout the Air Force reported more than 620 cases of sexual assault. There are two

  • 'Victim' gets a shower

    Airman 1st Class Jamie Kershaw, a firefighter here, sprays simulated victim Airman 1st Class Edgar Moso to decontaminate him during an accident-response exercise here Oct. 2. The exercise tested the 49th Fighter Wing's capability to respond to a major accident involving a hazardous-material spill.

  • Video clarifies officer promotion board procedures

    Personnel officials here will release an online video in early October offering Air Force officers a comprehensive look at the complete promotion selection board process. The officer promotion selection board video provides a look into how a selection board is conducted, from the date the board