Troops Offered Chance to Gain Work Experience
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2008 - California group is offering active-duty servicemembers the chance to secure a key component to finding a job before they reenter civilian life: experience.

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Country Musician Comes by Patriotism Naturally
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2008 - 

Growing up as part of a military family, country music star Aaron Tippin learned a crucial lesson early in life: Freedom isn’t free.

"That might be a corny old saying, but you know what?” he asked. “It is still true. Freedom is not free.”

Tippin, who was in Washington for some publicity appearances, said his father, Willis, served in the military. The senior Tippin always was deeply patriotic, even after he left the service, his son added.

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Treasure Hunt Does Triple Duty
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2008 - 

New Year’s resolutions frequently include good intentions, such as joining a gym, calling parents or organizing closets.

“Remembering the troops at a time when people are already setting goals will help keep the nation’s servicemen and women in the forefront of our minds throughout the year,” said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications.

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Treasure Hunt Does Triple Duty
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2007 - A nonprofit group is using a treasure hunt to get people interested in helping military families. “We hope treasure hunters, individuals and corporations will generously donate to the scholarship fund for the families of our brave men and women in uniform who protect our freedoms each and every day,” said Gayle Osterberg, a spokeswoman for the group, ThanksUSA. “More than 1,300 scholarships have been awarded to the kids and spouses of active-duty military personnel in all branches of the service, … including those in the Guard and reserves.” Article

Dog Tags Help Keep Kids, Parents Connected
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2007 - A troop-support group in California is working to connect military parents and their children one dog tag at a time. Article

Project Aims to Help Vets Rebuild Connections
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2007 - Since Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom began, patriotic Americans have stood at the ready, willing to provide servicemembers with comfort and support.Article

Project Aims to Help Vets Rebuild Connections
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 - Deployment to a war zone can exact a unique toll on not only those in imminent danger but also their loved ones back home. One group, however, is working to lessen these effects. Article

Movie Snacks En Route to Pacific Fleet
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 - When a Military Sealift Command ship that routinely delivers ordnance to Navy ships makes its next delivery, the Pacific Fleet should be set for a movie marathon. Article

Blue Star Mothers Gather for Annual Convention
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 - Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., has announced that its annual national convention is being held in Albuquerque, N.M., for the first time in its 47-year history.Article

Group Provides Troops Vital Link to Home
WASHINGTON, July 18, 2007 - A Tennessee-based organization provides deployed servicemembers with a link to home and the gratitude of the American public, through care packages and letters it sends. Article

Former Marine Angles to Honor Troops
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2007 - For servicemembers, “Operation Open Arms” is all about fun in the southwestern Florida sun. It’s about much more than that for Capt. John Bunch, however. Article

Servicemembers Are Group's Driving Force
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2007 - What began as a shared love of German cars has morphed through friendship into a passion to honor, educate and entertain servicemembers, Operation Wheels of Freedom's program director said.Article

NASCAR Fans Support Troops
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2007 - Earlier this season, Budweiser and race-car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. drew attention to a little-known charity with big aspirationsArticle

F-16 Crashes in Iraq
BAGHDAD - A U.S. F-16 warplane crashed during takeoff at a base north of Baghdad on Sunday, but the pilot was uninjured, the military said. Article

Robot Attack Squadron Bound for Iraq
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq - The airplane is the size of a jet fighter, powered by a turboprop engine, able to fly at 300 mph and reach 50,000 feet. It's outfitted with infrared, laser and radar targeting, and with a ton and a half of guided bombs and missiles. Article

Pressure Mounts for Speedy Iraq Results
BAQOUBA, Iraq - U.S. commanders say they've learned from past mistakes and are trying to lay the foundation for stability as they clear insurgents from this battleground city. But it's a slow process at a time when Congress and the U.S. public are demanding speedy results.Article

‘Hero Hugs’ Founder Honored for Supporting Troops
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007 - She’s only 11 years old, but Bailey Reese has logged more community service than many Americans twice her age, all to ensure servicemembers know their sacrifices are appreciated.Article

Radio Program to Give Troops a Voice
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007 - Thanks to a Phoenix talk show host and troop-support group, Operation Homefront of Arizona, troops with Internet access will be able to hear what their comrades are saying. Article

Homeland Defense Foundation Helps Families
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007 - The National Homeland Defense Foundation distributed more than $500,000 in temporary financial assistance to over 300 families of deployed military personnel since 2005, according to the foundation’s president. Article

Deployed Airmen Elect ‘Best Squadron Mom’
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, July 13, 2007 - Senior Airman Jennifer Cianfrocca may get the most mail at Camp Cunningham’s post office here, but her care packages are not just for her alone -- they are also for everyone with whom she works. Article

Home-Front Groups Partner to Help Troop
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007 - No single troop-support group can meet every request servicemembers make, but through partnerships with three other groups, Silver Star Families of America is coming closer Article

War Plan Heading for Tough Fight
Military.com, July 10, 2007 - A top architect of the Iraq surge plan said Monday the increase in U.S. forces flowing to Baghdad and its outskirts has crippled al Qaeda, forced the Sunni insurgency into compromise and hobbled Shiite extremists seeking reprisal. Article

San Diego Padres Salute Military
SAN DIEGO, July 6, 2007 - In a tribute to the military and Independence Day, Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres went with a different-looking uniform for their game at Petco Park here, July 4, 2007. Article