Community Engagement and Family Events

Photos featuring military personnel interacting with children and families during community events, emphasizing relationship-building and support.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Howard King, 48th Operational Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment noncommissioned officer in charge, fits a flight helmet on a child during a Bring your Child to Work Day hosted by the 492nd Fighter Squadron, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 13, 2022. The 48th Fighter Wing recognizes the important role that military children play in the community. (U.S. Air Force by Airman First Class Jacob Wood)

U.S. Army Soldier, assigned to 2-82 Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, interacts with Polish civilians during a local Harvest Festival. Maintaining a good relationship with the Polish civilians helps to strengthen the trust and partnership between the U.S. and Poland.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Howard King, 48th Operational Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment noncommissioned officer in charge, fits a flight helmet on a child during a Bring your Child to Work Day hosted by the 492nd Fighter Squadron, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 13, 2022. The 48th Fighter Wing recognizes the important role that military children play in the community. (U.S. Air Force by Airman First Class Jacob Wood)

Staff Sgt. Everett Williams, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector, assists children with exiting the Fire Safety House during the 2022 Hurricane Block Party at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 2, 2022. The block party, sponsored by the 436th CES Emergency Management flight, offered attendees useful information pertaining to severe storms and hurricanes. Additionally, attendees toured several booths set up by local organizations and base units, offering free gifts and information.

Families and friends welcome home Airmen from the California Air National Guards 144th Fighter Wing who returned from Kadena Air Base, Japan after a 90-day deployment as part of a Theater Support Package, Jan. 8, 2024. The Airmen worked in conjunction with their active duty counterparts to ensure a continued fighter presence in the region. Phased deployments of fighter aircraft strengthen operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Army Sgt. Ashley Kernan, a musician with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Band, gives high fives to children after their performance during a school visit at Zijtaart, Netherlands, Sept. 14, 2022. As a part of the 78th year commemoration of Operation Market Garden, the school visit allows the 101st band to share and honor the history of their predecessors through music and assure the local community of our continuous commitment to our European allies and partners.

Airman Joshua Nicholson, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter demonstrates how to drag a person during the junior fire fighter challenge, Oct. 15, 2022, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 2022 Fire Prevention Weeks campaign was, Fire wont wait. Plan your escape. Members of the fire department worked to educate the community about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

040723-M-9812M-002. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment demonstrates a M240B machine gun to a child at the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show was hosted in order for the local community, service members and residents of MCBH to interact during a world-class event. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

U.S. Air Force Col. Tamala A. Saylor, the outgoing commander of the 181st Intelligence Wing, awaits the nation's flag one last time during a retreat ceremony before her retirement, April 23, 2022. Saylor retired after more than 39 years of military service.

Air show spectators enjoy the static displays at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing efforts to modernize the force for future conflicts.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jason Barnett, left, 423rd Communications Squadron infrastructure Airman, shows students how communications are connected throughout the military during Camp KUDOS (Kids Understanding Deployment Operations) at Royal Air Force Alconbury, England, May 20, 2022. KUDOS is a program developed to give children a deeper understanding of the military deployment process, the training parents receive, and to better deal with a loved ones absence.

U.S. Marines with Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, place gear on an attendee at The NASCAR Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway's Memorial Day race in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 27, 2022. Attendees had the opportunity to wear gear and stand with Marines in front of Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during the NACSAR events.

Service members and civilians attended an Air Static Display on May 8, 2022 at Stenkovec, North Macedonia during Exercise Swift Response which featured a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter, UH-60 Blackhawks and more. The purpose of this exercise is to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa, and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnership.

220907-N-RQ186-1155Norfolk, Va. (September 7, 2022) Families welcome home Sailors assigned to the Dragon Slayers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11 on Naval Station Norfolk during the squadrons homecoming, September 7. HSC-11, part of Carrier Air Wing 1, embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Martin, right, 423rd Air Base Group commander, welcomes students to Camp KUDOS (Kids Understanding Deployment Operations) at Royal Air Force Alconbury, England, May 20, 2022. KUDOS is a program developed to give children a deeper understanding of the military deployment process, the training parents receive, and to better deal with a loved ones absence.

US Air Force SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Harold Bastow talks with Heather McLean who is interested in joining the 127th Wing. Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, hosted a Recruiting Exposition on Armed Forces Day. Members of the 127th Wing Squadrons showed their Employers and guests who are interest in joining the Air National Guard, what their jobs are all about. Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Capt. Mackenzie Paul, a pilot with the 54th Helicopter Squadron, shows a child the control sticks of a UH-1N Huey helicopter at Glenburn Public School, North Dakota, Sept. 27, 2022. Paul and her aircrew spent the morning showing the students at Glenburn Public School the inner workings of the aircraft.

A-10 Thunderbolt II's from the 124th Fighter Wing conduct target practice at the Saylor Creek Range in southern Idaho, Oct. 14, 2022. As a part of Wing Hawg Day, service members, family and friends were invited to attent to witness the A-10's in action.

Some U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 4-118th Infantry Battalion, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), attached to the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, return home Sept. 30, 2020, with South Carolina National Guard leaders greeting them in Columbia, South Carolina, after a deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. The 4-118th Infantry Battalion deployed to the Middle East after departing South Carolina in August 2019. The return of the Soldiers from the Middle East is conducted in stages due to mission requirements.

Sgt. 1st Class Aaron DeAngelis, an instructor with the 169th Aviation (MEDEVAC) Regiment and member of the New Hampshire National Guard Volunteer Search and Rescue Team, conducts a class on aviation safety for various VSAR teams from throughout the Granite State, at Cannon Mountain, in Franconia, NH, on Sept. 10.

AUSTIN, Texas A special agent from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration speaks with children at Cottonwood Creek Elementary School Oct. 18, 2022, in Hutto, Texas, with support from the Texas National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force who brought a LUH-72 Lakota helicopter and their mascot, Enney the Eagle, to visit the school during Red Ribbon week activities. Every year, the Texas Counterdrug program supports DEAs Red Ribbon awareness and prevention activities at schools around the state.

Staff Sgt. Stephen Watson, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency manager, demonstrates a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during the DoD STARBASE STEM Fest at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Sept. 30, 2022. The STARBASE program allows 5th grade students the opportunity to receive 25 hours of class time on a military installation and explore the opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug, 22, 2022) Fire Control Technician 1st Class Bryan Bennett, assigned to Information Warfare Training Site Yokosuka, and his family members celebrate the first day of school at Sullivans Elementary School onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Monday, Aug. 22 marked the first day of the 2022-2023 school year for almost all Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Pacific schools. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

GREYWOLF Trooper, Spc. Angel Rosa Gonzalez, assigned to Alpha Company, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, talks with Polish students from Drawsko Pomorskie Preschool, Oct. 28, 2022. Events like these continue to strengthen the bonds between the Polish community and the U.S. Army.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - U.S. Army Gen. Gary Brito, Training and Doctrine Command commander (left), Jacob Connor and Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, 733d Mission Support Group commander flip the switch to turn on the holiday tree during the annual tree lighting ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Dec. 2, 2022. Brito took over command as the 18th commanding general of TRADOC and is responsible for developing, manufacturing, executing manpower and personnel plans, programs and policies for the total Army.

Families and friends welcome home Airmen from the California Air National Guards 144th Fighter Wing who returned from Kadena Air Base, Japan after a 90-day deployment as part of a Theater Support Package, Jan. 8, 2024. The Airmen worked in conjunction with their active duty counterparts to ensure a continued fighter presence in the region. Phased deployments of fighter aircraft strengthen operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Left, leaders of Operation Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10), observe a dance performance by Panamanian school children, at a closing ceremony of humanitarian assistance operations in Chiriqui Grande, Panama, Oct. 6, 2010. Service members and civilians are deployed in support of CP10 providing medical, dental, veterinary, engineering assistance and subject-matter exchanges to Caribbean, Central and South American nations.

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 8, 2022) U.S. Marine private first class Chasity Jones, assigned to Command Logistics Battalion 11, 1st Marine Logistics Group, shows children a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) during a humanitarian assistance exhibition at Marina Green as a part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022, Oct. 8, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During Fleet Week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

Defenders from the 9th Security Forces Squadron participate in Defender Story Time, reading to children from Lone Tree Elementary School in celebration of National Police Week, May 18, 2022, on Beale Air Force Base, California. Police Week pays special tribute to those law enforcement officials who made the ultimate sacrifice in their duty to serve and protect.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Scott, 336th Training Squadron senior enlisted leader, views hand-made appreciation cards during the Back Bay Elementary School Military Honor Walk in Biloxi, Mississippi, April 25, 2022. The walk, held in recognition of the Month of the Military Child, allows students the opportunity to honor all military personnel affiliated with the school and the surrounding community.

A 341st Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal team Airman explains the job of the EOD team to the Harlowtown elementary students during Local Integrated Response Plan public display Sept. 12, 2022, in Harlowtown, Mont. The 341st CES EOD team is trained to detect, disarm and dispose of explosive threats in extreme environments.

120703-M-PE262-007 BOSTON (July 3, 2012) Operations Specialist Seaman Colleen Fitzgerald teaches children to salute at the Yawkey Boys and Girls Club during a community relations outreach project as part of Boston Navy Week 2012. This celebration is one of 15 signature events planned across America in 2012. The eight-day event commemorates the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, hosting service members from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard and coalition ships from around the world.

Family and friends of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 await the arrival of their Marines returning home from deployment at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 9, 2022. VMFA-312 returned from a deployment in support of NATOs enhanced Air Policing mission in Eastern Europe. The deployment was conducted in coordination with host nations and military authorities and was a prudent measure to increase readiness and enhance Eastern Europes collective defense. VMFA-312 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Michael Riley, the oncoming commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115), reveals his name plaque as commanding officer during an official change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Apr. 7, 2022. During the ceremony, Young was relieved by Cmdr. Michael Riley. VFA-115 is an F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, operating from MCAS Iwakuni. CVW-5 is forward deployed to the air station in support of security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps phot by Lance Cpl. Calah Thompson)

U.S. Army Gen. Darryl Williams, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, gifts a commander's coin to a local Polish youth poses during the Polish Armed Forces Day "Weekend with the army" military vehicle and equipment exhibition in Warsaw, Poland, Aug. 15, 2022. U.S. Soldiers joined their Polish counterparts for a weekend of activities that included a variety of state, patriotic, religious, cultural, and entertainment events throughout the capital city.

220529-N-VQ947-2044 LOS ANGELES (May 28, 2022) Lance Cpl. Dalton Hibner, center, from Eudora, Kan., supervises a 50-calibur gun mount exibit at the Los Anglese Fleet Week Expo area, May 29, 2022. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America’s sea services. During Fleet Week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angles and its surrounding areas.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Seth Dewey, the outgoing commanding officer of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (1st CEB), 1st Marine Division, and his family, receive flowers during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 16, 2022. During the ceremony Dewey relinquished command of 1st CEB to Lt. Col. Christopher Kim.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Dec. 5, 2022) Cmdr. Margaret Reynolds poses for a photo with a patient after disembarking a tender from the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) after receiving care as part of Continuing Promise. Continuing Promise 2022 is a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nazarro, assigned to 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, poses with local Czech children on a M1A2 Abrams main battle tank during Czechias NATO Days at the Leos Janacek Ostrava Airport in Ostrava, Czechia, Sept. 17, 2022. NATO Days aimed to display a wide spectrum of the Czech Republics security provisional resources and capabilities, as well as the 19 other participating allies and partners, to strengthen interoperability among the NATO countries.

High school students from Newport News, Virginia, tour a CH-47F Chinook helicopter simulator assigned to the 128th Aviation Brigade at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, July 19, 2022. The tour was part of the Fort Eustis summer camp, designed to promote and foster camaraderie, team work, fun, and esprit de corps between Fort Eustis and the local Newport News community.

Alaska Army National Guard Spc. Tristan John, right, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment from Kwigillingok, and Alaska Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Kua Xiong, a services technician with the 176th Force Support Squadron from Anchorage, discuss options as they repair a damaged porch as part of Operation Merbok Response in Toksook Bay, Alaska, Sept. 24, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda O'Neal)

030611-M-9248U-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

041002-F-4132J-045. Base: Savannah Iap State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Paratroopers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne, were honored at the Carolina Hurricanes game during military appreciation night at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. Before the game, Paratroopers interacted with civilians and displayed some of the equipment typically used by them during airborne operations and training exercises.

Airshow attendees watch Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 2, 2022.The Shaw Air & Space Expo offered the public an opportunity to meet the men and women of the armed forces and see military equipment through the efforts of active duty, guard and reserve service members, as well as civilian employees, retirees and family members.

290th Military Police Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, held a change of command ceremony and a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, on Friday, August 5, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. John Dunn relinquished command to the incoming commander, Col. Jonathan Bennett. Following the change of command, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Culberson assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Jenkins.

Airmen and their children participate in a variety of activities as part of a "Take your child to work day" event, June 21, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. Some of the activities included touring a C-130, visiting the fire department, and watching a flag folding demonstration.

Race participants take photos with U.S. Marines supporting the Marine Corps Marathon 10K before the start of the race at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Oct. 30, 2022. The MCM10K is hosted the same day as the 47th Marine Corps Marathon. Runners participated in the marathon not only to support the Marine Corps and their country, but to have the unique experience of running on an iconic course with the Marines after months of commitment and dedication to training for a lifetime goal.

Sgt. Boatright surprises his daughter at schoo upon returning home from a 9 month deployment to Germany in support of the European Deterrence Initiative. His Colorado National Guard unit departed in January, 2019.

Lt. Ian Loomis, from Ottumwa, Iowa, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) air department, speaks with a member of the local Boy Scouts of America troop at the DeVos Family Center for Scouting, Adventure Point in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as part of a namesake visit, September 1, 2022. Twelve Ford Sailors traveled to Michigan for the ships annual namesake visit to learn about the legacy of former President Gerald R. Ford and connect with local community members in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Albion, Michigan.

220404-N-OG286-1117 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (April 4, 2023) Sailors assigned to Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan, attend a Month of the Military Child opening ceremony at Shirley Lanham Elementary School onboard the installation. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and 30 other tenant commands and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

SAN DIEGO (April 29, 2013) Chief Hospital Corpsman Brian Strahl, assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), is greeted by his son during a homecoming ceremony at Naval Base San Diego. Mobile Bay is returning from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

During The Great Minnesota Get-Together's, Military Appreciation Day, Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke visited various veteran focused booths, August 30, 2022, near Dan Patch Park in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. This years focus was to honor the thousands of employers of members of the Minnesota National Guard, reserves and their families. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, known as ESGR, is celebrating their 50th year of promoting cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

In June of this year, 9 year old Savannah Mangas wrote a letter to Parris Island Depot Commanding General Brig. Gen. Walker M. Field asking for a swing set to be installed at the park in Wake Village, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Brig. Gen. Field decided to make her wish come true; the swing set was completed Nov. 8. 2022.

Sergio Matias Chontal-Harter participates in a simulated Army Combat Fitness Test with Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger on Feb. 12, 2024, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Matias, 6, interviewed Messenger as part of a school social studies project. Matias is the son of a Fort McCoy employee, and he also experienced what it's like to participate in the Army Combat Fitness Test and how to participate in retreat at the end of the duty day. Army

Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Settles, the 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, left, reaches out his hand to give a child a high five during the Second Annual 181st MFTB Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Ruck March April 29, 2022, in Sparta, Wis. The ruck is meant to raise awareness for the survivors of sexual assault and harassment throughout the community.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Co., 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion return home to their families on Fort Drum, Ny Sep. 7, 2022. VooDoo Soldiers spent almost a year in Iraq defending the nation.

Family members of U.S. Soldiers assigned to Field Artillery Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment look through a spotting scope of a M777 howitzer during the 150th memorial ceremony with Königstein Soldiers and Reserves Association at Königstein, Germany, July 17, 2022. The Soldiers presence at the event is to build partner relationships within the local community.

A family poses for a photo outside of a U.S. Air Force AC- 130J Ghostrider as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for MCBH to foster positive relationships with the local community, while providing a unique experience to the public. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

Family members wave to returning service members of the 27th Fighter Squadron Oct. 18, 2013, at Langley Air Force Base, Va.. More than 300 Airmen deployed in support of Pacific Command theater security package rotation to Kadena Air Base, Japan. While on deployment 27th FS pilots and maintainers integrated with the U.S. Navy and Japanese Self Defense Force.

Citizen-Soldiers from the Puerto Rico National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility distributed water and food to the community of Orocovis, Sept. 29. Members of the community assisted the Soldiers to download the supplies, while the municipal police transported the supplies in their official vehicles to the shelter.

Greywolf Trooper, Spc. Tyrell Kinley, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, interacts with Polish Students from Primary School. Major H. Sucharskiego, Dec. 9, 2022. Events like these continue to strengthen the bonds between the Polish community and the U.S. Army.

Washington Army National Guard Soldiers with the 133rd Army Band, 96th Troop Command, perform at Huntamer Park in Lacey, Wash., July 6, 2022. The concert was part of the Lacey In Tune summer concert series.

090821-A-5406P-010Eleven-month-old Dylan grooves to the music while listening to a performance by Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus at the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Ind. Aug. 21. The chorus performed songs and visited sick children at two area children's hospitals while in town for the 82nd Airborne Division Association Convention held in Indianapolis Aug. 19-22.

A 341st Security Forces Squadron Airman wins an arm-wrestling competition against a Harlowtown high schooler during the Local Integrated Response Plan public display Sept. 12, 2022, in Harlowtown, Mont. The LIRP functions to let military and local law enforcement practice working together in the case of an emergency.

050925-A-2662K-017. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Prosperity State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: PSYOPS

Capt. David Adams, Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, speaks to students during the Ringing in the New School Year ceremony at Sasebo Elementary School in Sasebo, Japan Aug. 22, 2022. For 75 years, CFAS has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services to empower forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to their families and the community.

111023-N-WW409-041 UTAPAO, Thailand (Oct. 23, 2011) Damage Control 2nd Class Leonard Stevenson, assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89), gets help from children from the local community to prepare packaged goods kits organized by the Princess Pa Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society, during a community service event. More than 40 Sailors from Mustin volunteered their time with the local community and members from the Royal Thai Armed Forces with assisting in preparing more than 5,000 packages.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, and civilians sort through ammunition during an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) Burn Range at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 20, 2022. EOD burned the ammunition to keep up with their training and readiness standards.

The 168th Wing members get in the Halloween Spirit and dress up for a childrens Halloween party. Offices throughout the wing invited children to stop by and trick-or-treat for Halloween.

Sergio Matias Chontal-Harter interviews Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger on Feb. 12, 2024, at the garrison headquarters at Fort McCoy, Wis. Matias, 6, interviewed Messenger as part of a school project. Matias is the son of a Fort McCoy employee, and he also experienced what it's like to participate in the Army Combat Fitness Test and how to participate in retreat at the end of the duty day. Army

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, 3rd Air Force commander, volunteered at Villa Winzig, a local kindergarten in Kaiserslautern, Germany, to read books for an 86th Airlift Wing Host Nation Office grassroots community outreach program, Oct. 13, 2022. The 86th Airlift Wing Host Nation Office grassroots community outreach program hosts volunteers on a monthly basis. Any active duty service member, civilians and dependents from Ramstein are able to volunteer.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brittney Park, 81st Medical Support Squadron command support staff NCO in charge, assists Olivia McIntyre, daughter of Tech. Sgt. Ines Abrantes, Mathies NCO Academy instructor, with a leg wrap during Operation Hero at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 2, 2022. The event, hosted by the Airman and Family Readiness Center in recognition of the Month of the Military Child, gave military children a glimpse into the lives of deployed military members. Children received Operation Hero dog tags and t-shirts as they made their way through a mock deployment line as well as the opportunity to experience a military working dog demonstration and have their faces painted.

Several Aircrew members from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, celebrated their final flights June 16th, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. The "Fini" flight tradition is one where aircrew members are hosed down with water by their peers, family, and friends upon their completion of their final flight.

Service members and their families enjoy free food, music, and more during the Military Appreciation event Sept. 15, 2022, at Patriot Park at South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. Dozens of people participated in the event that was organized by the Sparta (Wis.) Chamber of Commerce. Many other organizations also supported the event, including the Fort McCoy Exchange, USO Wisconsin, and more. Fort McCoy Garrison command team members also were on hand to support the event.

A new helicopter training landing pad at Muir Army Airfield is dedicated to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Ruffner and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett Yoder during a ceremony in the Aviation Maintenance Instruction Building here.The two pilots were killed April 9, 2013 when the AH-64 Apache helicopter they were flying crashed during a flight mission in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. They were serving on a combat deployment with Bravo Company, 1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade during Operation Enduring Freedom.

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sept. 9, 2022) - Amphibious Construction Battalion One Seabees, local children and community members pose for a photo during the ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the newly renovated playground at Rove Park during Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands will include participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

Lance Cpl. Michael Mayberry gives high-fives to students Dec. 13 at Tinian Christian Academy. The service members visited the school in effort to improve existing relationships with the local community during Exercise Forager Fury II. FF II will allow MAG-12 to improve aviation combat readiness and will simulate operations in a deployed, expeditionary environment. Mayberry is a generator mechanic with Combat Logistic Company 36, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistic Group.

Kentucky Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Brigade were greeted by Kentucky National Guard leadership, friends and family at the Bluegrass Airport in Lexington, Ky., as they arrived home from their deployment to Kosovo Nov. 17, 2022.

Civic leaders from the city of Rehobeth strap in for an orientation flight in a Black Hawk helicopter during a Meet Your Army event at Fort Novosel, Ala., Jan. 16, 2024.

U.S. Army Spc. Kristen Murray, a musician with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Band, gives high fives to children after their performance during a school visit at Zijtaart, Netherlands, Sept. 14, 2022. As a part of the 78th year commemoration of Operation Market Garden, the school visit allows the 101st band to share and honor the history of their predecessors through music and assure the local community of our continuous commitment to our European allies and partners.

MARSEILLE, France (March 9, 2014) Chief Intelligence Specialist Christopher Koenig, assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), points out a local tourist hiking trail on a map for Sailors to explore while on liberty during a scheduled port visit in Marseille, France. Arleigh Burke is on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

021119-A-4885C-004. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Northwest

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Maximillian Wannelius, an Apache pilot from 1-3rd Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade answers questions about the capabilities of the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter forward looking infrared radar (FLIR) with students from the NATO Field School and Simulation Program at Lielvārde Air Base, Latvia on May 18, 2022. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater

040424-F-3118M-079. Base: Bradley Air National Guard Base State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220916-N-TY704-1130 SAN DIEGO (Sept. 16, 2022) Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Shanawled Scott, a native of Decatur, Ga., poses for a photo with Cece, a miniature therapy horse from Cornerstone Equine Therapy Center, during a Mental Health Wellness Fair hosted by Sailors attached to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) onboard Naval Air Station North Island, Sept. 16. Vinson is currently pierside in its homeport of San Diego.

Visitors interact with a static tank display during the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air and Space Show on June 26, 2022 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

030717-D-0405B-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. Amanda Alward plays witha Philippino boy at the Talon-Talon orphanage in Zamboanga, Philippines, Feb. 28, 2007. U.S. service members from Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines and members of Armed Forces Philippines have taken on the task of sponsoring the orphanage. Donations include not only clothing and money, but also social interaction to teach the kids that they are loved.

220509-N-WF272-1742 PHILADELPHIA (May 9, 2022) U.S. Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Anjolina Johnson, a native of Philadelphia assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia while on Recruiting Assistance leave Program duty, speaks to Abraham Lincoln High School students during a Navy Promotional Day (NPD) Philadelphia, May 9, 2022. An NPD is a proprietary recruitment program built specifically for the purpose of attracting the brightest, diverse high school and college prospects, and showcasing opportunities for both military and civilian careers. The purpose of a NPD is to build and sustain strategic networks with high schools, universities and colleges, and to promote Navy awareness within diverse and under-represented communities while building a pool of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) talent. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Benjamin Schwierking, a combat engineer officer with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 174, and a native of Texas, plays a balloon popping game with students from the Bankhaocha-Angkromklong School at Rayong, Thailand, Feb. 15, 2024. Marines of MWSS-174 lent their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts during Cobra Gold 24. Joint Exercise Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States. This year will be the 43rd iteration of the multilateral exercise and will be held from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2024. Marine Corps

GREYWOLF Troopers assigned to 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, entertain Polish students from Drawsko Pomorskie Preschool, Oct. 28, 2022. Events like these continue to strengthen the bonds between the Polish community and the U.S. Army.

Thousands of attendees view static displays of aircraft from around the world during the 2022 Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. The event, which showcased aircraft from across the globe celebrated aviations past and present while inspiring the next generation.

Soldiers from V Corps, members of the Polish armed forces, and Poznan community members participate in a Polish Armed Forces Day parade on 14 August 2022, at Armia Poznań Memorial site, in Poznan, Poland. Events such as these further strengthen bonds between servicemembers and build trust among the local civilian community.

U.S. Marines pose for a photo with Kawhi Leonard, an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association, during a meet and greet event at the Camp Margarita Active Duty Center on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 21, 2022. Marine Corps Community Services hosts events and activities across the base to boost morale and promotes camaraderie between Marines.

060620-A-7356L-013. Base: Adelphi Lab Center State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

Members of the North Carolina Air National Guard (NCANG) dress in holiday attire and cheer during the annual Operation Santa Claus event held at the Charlotte, N.C. Aristotole Preparatory Academy, Dec. 10, 2022. Operation Santa Claus, is put on by the NCANG Chapter 7 organization in an attempt to bring cheer and foster a positive relationship with the local community.

Service members and their families enjoy free food, music, and more during the Military Appreciation event Sept. 15, 2022, at Patriot Park at South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. Dozens of people participated in the event that was organized by the Sparta (Wis.) Chamber of Commerce. Many other organizations also supported the event, including the Fort McCoy Exchange, USO Wisconsin, and more. Fort McCoy Garrison command team members also were on hand to support the event.

210911-N-GR718-1099CORONADO, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2022) Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Cory Hager, a member of the U.S. Navy Parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, demonstrates how to pack a parachute during Naval Special Warfares Family Day event at Silver Strand Training Complex. Naval Special Warfare values the self-sacrifice and commitment of families who support and empower our most important asset - our people. Since 1962, Naval Special Warfare has been the nations highly reliable and lethal maritime special operations force - always ready to conduct full-spectrum operations, unilaterally or with partners, in support of national objectives and uniquely positioned to extend the Fleets reach by delivering all-domain options for naval and joint force commanders.

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