Community Events for Service Members

Photos capture community engagement events and celebrations for military personnel, highlighting camaraderie, support services, and joyous gatherings.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen attend the Spring Into Wellness Information Fair in the Heat Seeker room, on Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on May 15, 2022. Airmen were provided resources for mental health and self care to look out for themselves and their wingmen.

Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson, Second Air Force commander, spoke to pararescue jumper graduates and their families during her visit to Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., April 29, 2022. Edmondson congratulated the Airmen on their completion of the two and-a-half years of training.

Community members enjoy a free lunch June 14, 2022, at McCoys Community Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday breakfast, free car washes, and more.

Members from the 151st Force Support Squadron cooked and served lunch to more than 200 service members during a joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. They used a Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer from the Wyoming Air National Guard. The DRMKT is a full mobile kitchen and is one of 21 in the Air National Guard.

U. S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert Hughes, the Assistant Adjutant General of the Army, New Jersey National Guard, reviews entries for the 902nd Field Feed Platoons annual Golden Spoon Competition during the eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise, July 25, 2022, at Ft. Drum, N. Y. The Golden Spoon challenges Army Culinary Specialists to create recipes from ingredients available in MREs. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen attend the Spring Into Wellness Information Fair in the Heat Seeker room, on Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on May 15, 2022. Airmen were provided resources for mental health and self care to look out for themselves and their wingmen.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Pascual Romero and Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Martinez assigned to 142nd Division Sustainment Support Brigade, 1st Armored Division, serves food to soldiers during the Thanksgiving dinner in Fort Bliss, Texas, Nov. 22, 2022. The Thanksgiving dinner is provided to soldiers that can't return home during the holidays to help boost soldier moral.

U.S. Marine Corps chefs apart of Headquarters Battalion, give out portions of the dishes they made during the Chef of the Quarter competition on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 10, 2022. Chef of the Quarter competitions allow an opportunity for food service specialists to hone their craft, while fostering esprit de corps.

Senior Airman Sofia Villanueva, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron avionics maintainer, gives out food to Airmen during a food festival event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, October 14, 2022. The Seymour Johnson Hispanic Heritage Committee celebrated the month by hosting various events for Airmen and their families that included contests, games, dancing, painting and a food festival.

Service members participate in the 2022 Fort McCoy Military Appreciation Lunch on May 12, 2022, at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Dozens of service members and military retirees participated in the event. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and was part of the installation observance of May as Military Appreciation Month.

U.S. Marines participate in the Winning within Suicide Prevention and resiliency fair on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 22, 2022. The fair was used to help equip and connect Marines, Sailors, and Civilians to suicide prevention and resilience resources in a relaxed and interactive environment.

1st Lt. Clinton Cobb from the 241st Engineering Installation Squadron assists guests with entry to the Smoky Mountain Air Show September 11, 2022.Members of the 134th Air Refueling Wing were on hand to assist the public at the Smoky Mountain Air Show, taking place at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base on September 10-11th, 2022.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Brandon Eskam, 114th Fighter Wing vice commander, serves lunch to Airmen at Dutchs Inn dining facility at Joe Foss Field, S.D., Dec. 3, 2022. Each year, 114th FW leadership takes the opportunity to serve lunch to the unit members.

New York Army National Guard Soldiers prepare meals to hand out to members of the community during Operation COVID-19 at the Martin Luther King Community Center, New Rochelle, New York, March 13, 2020. Members of the Army and Air National Guard from across several states have been activated under Operation COVID-19 to support federal, state and local efforts.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division speak with judges during an evaluation for the Phillip A. Connelly Warrior Restaurant Competition on Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 20, 2022. The Connelly award was established in 1968 and is designed to encourage professionalism in Army food service teams and recognize excellent performance.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen attend the Spring Into Wellness Information Fair in the Heat Seeker room, on Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on May 15, 2022. Airmen were provided resources for mental health and self care to look out for themselves and their wingmen.

Gen. Darryl A. Williams, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Maj. Gen. JP McGee commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) serves meals to Soldiers during a Thanksgiving meal at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase in România, Nov. 24, 2022. Army leadership continues to reach out to soldiers to help boost morale during the holiday season.

Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany line up for food at the Rheinland Inn Dining Facility during its grand reopening, July 18, 2022. The 786th Force Support Squadron included new food stations like a sandwich and Panini bar in the upgraded DFAC.

Robin Morris, left, 66th Force Support Squadron community support coordinator, speaks to Senior Airman Hailey Maertz, 66th Medical Squadron command support section technician, during a Newcomers Information Fair and Hanscom Connect Session at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Nov. 30. The event was held to connect new employees with helping agencies and other programs on the installation.

Master Sgt. Jennifer Dewispelaere and 2d Lt. Rusty Renn, 107 Attack Wing, share a laugh with Col. Lara Morrison, 914 Air Refueling Wing commander, Newfane NY, May 24 2022. Both veterans and current members of the 107 Attack Wing and 914 Air Refueling Wing were invited to the military appreciation lunch hosted by students, parents and staff of Newfane Central School. Air National Guard photo, 2d Lt. Jason Carr

U.S. Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen attend the Spring Into Wellness Information Fair in the Heat Seeker room, on Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on May 15, 2022. Airmen were provided resources for mental health and self care to look out for themselves and their wingmen.

Sgt. Danielle Walker, a culinary noncommissioned officer, assigned to 115th Quartermaster Field Feeding Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division serves meals to Soldiers during field training at Fort Carson, Colorado, Aug. 22, 2022. The field training was to enhance the unit's reaction to combat the enemy for all levels of support.

Members from the 151st Force Support Squadron cooked and served lunch to more than 200 service members during a joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. They used a Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer from the Wyoming Air National Guard. The DRMKT is a full mobile kitchen and is one of 21 in the Air National Guard.

Camp Ripley hosted a birthday celebration at the education center on 8 July 2022. Warrant Officers came together to pay their respects to the 104th Birthday of the Warrant Officers Corp.

021111-F-3873G-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Airmen assigned to the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron hand out informative materials during Fire Prevention Week at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 12, 2022. FPW takes place annually on the Sunday-Saturday period that includes Oct. 9th, the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Marty Arnold, a 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron culinary specialist, plates the meal her team has prepared during the 2022 Regional Chef Competition June 30, 2022, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Three teams competed and were judged on presentation, creativity, originality, and of course, taste!

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 22, 2022) Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, Commander, Navy Installations Command, receives a tour through the Yokosuka Main Navy Exchange onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), escorted by Terry Martin, district asset protection manager West Pacific, as part of a base tour. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleets forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

221020-N-OX321-1025 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 20, 2022) Cmdr. April McGill, from Marietta, Ga., and assigned to U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Sigonella, speaks on breast cancer awareness and Veterans Day during the Breast Cancer Awareness and Veterans Day Special Meal observance held at the Ristorante Bella Etna galley on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Oct. 20, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

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.

Service Members from Joint Task Force - Bethel serve themselves moose stew at the Alaska Army National Guard Armory in Bethel, Alaska, Sept. 23, 2022. Bethel resident Stephen Maxie III donated the moose and JTF - Bethel service members prepared the meat for cooking and storage before feeding the Operation Merbok Response troops. 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)

U.S. Army Soldiers work together to build holiday baskets and make them ready for distribution. Volunteering events like these show how we can come together and build a strong community.

The Soldier Recovery Unit, of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, held a memorial ceremony on May 23, 2022, on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, honoring three of their Soldiers who passed within this last year, and remembering all who have passed while assigned to the SRU. Prior to the ceremony, a breakfast was held for the families and friends, hosted by the SRU command and staff.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Provider form a line to grab hamburgers and hotdogs during the Martin Luther King Jr. barbecue in Powdiz, Poland on Jan. 15, 2024. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January each year, marks the birthday of the civil rights leader and activist. In 1994, Congress designated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service. The theme of the day, A Day On, Not a Day Off, encourages individuals to dedicate the day to community service in remembrance of Dr. Kings remarkable legacy and to instill his principles of unity and equity throughout the world. The event was organized by volunteers of the United Service Organization to support service members currently deployed to Poland.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston listens to questions from family members of Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division April 4, 2022, on Fort Bragg, NC. Friends and Family from around Fort Bragg attended the Town Hall meeting to interact with the SMA.

Gen. Darryl A. Williams, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, joins Soldiers during a Thanksgiving meal at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase in România, Nov. 24, 2022. Army leadership continues to reach out to soldiers to help boost morale during the holiday season.

Airman 1st Class Yaimelie Arroyo Morales (left), 4th Force Support Squadron personnelist, gives out food to Chief Master Sgt. Peter Martinez, 4th Fighter Wing command chief, during a food festival event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2022. The observation started as a week of celebration in 1968, under President Lyndon Johnson, and was later expanded under President Ronald Reagan, in 1988, to cover a 30-day period.

Unit ministry teams assigned to 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, met with the ministry team of West Pierce Fire and Rescue and received a tour of the station at Station 31, University Place, Wash., Nov. 10, 2022.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Michael F. Cline, Hall of Fame Boxer, talks to Marines with Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools during a visit at the Montford Point Museum, Camp Johnson, N.C., June 15, 2022. You never stop. Im 65 years old and Im still not stopping, said Cline. Get out there and do something real with your hands. All you need is desire, dedication and determination. U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Christian C. Bunch.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Shokouf Shadabi, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Bethesda, speaks during a Black History Month art exhibit ceremony at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Feb. 12, 2024. The theme for Black History Month 2024 is "African Americans in the Arts." Navy

Soldiers from Alpha Company, 1-124th Infantry Battalion hand out meals to mobility impaired evacuees prior to the landfall of Hurricane Irma at American Senior High School, in Miramar, Florida on Sept. 9, 2017. The 1-124th Infantry Battalion is tasked with providing security and assisting displaced civilians throughout South Florida. Over 7,600 Soldiers and Airmen from the Florida National Guard have been mobilized in anticipation of Hurricane Irma, many of them pre-staged to assist civil authorities in disaster relief operations throughout impacted areas.

A member of Team Kirtland receives a souvenir during a base helping agencies open house at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., April 21, 2022. KAFB hosted the event to highlight services from agencies such as the Airman and Family Readiness Flight, Base Chapel, Military OneSource and more.

Warrant Officer 1 Amanda Joynt, a planning and operations officer in the Iowa Army National Guard, and Ret. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Marv Peters, cut the cake with a saber during the Warrant Officer Corps birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Dodge, Iowa on July 9, 2022. Joynt, who graduated Warrant Officer Candidate School last year, and Peters, an Iowa Army National Guard retiree, were chosen to cut the cake to represent both the past and the future of the Warrant Officer Corps. (U.S. Army National Guard photograph by Sgt. Jonathan Perdelwitz)

Capt. Kertreck Brooks, commanding officer, Recruit Training Command (RTC), eats lunch with recruits. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes five warfighting competencies of firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms handling and marksmanship along with physical fitness and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, Warrior Toughness, Life Skills, teamwork and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navys only boot camp.

Senior Airman Angela Southward, a services specialist with the 127th Force Support Squadron, provides direction to Airman 1st Class Joshua Hatter during meal preparation at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Aug. 14, 2022. The Services Flight provides meals, lodging, fitness and other support services to the 1,700 Citizen-Airmen of the 127th Wing at Selfridge.

Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing recieve awards at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug 13, 2022. This was the first annual Enlisted Awards Banquet

Lt. Col. Dave Blair, a native of Washington D.C., serves Thanksgiving dinner to Paratroopers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., Nov 25. Blair, along with Paratroopers of the 3rd Brigade, will be deploying in the coming weeks in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Soldiers prep injuries for patients during Global Medic Exercise at Fort McCoy WI. Exercise Global Medic is part of the Army Reserve Medical Command's mission to provide trained, equipped and combat ready units and medical personnel to support the total force on the battlefields.

041106-F-0730D-030. Base: 174th Fighter Wing State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spc. Jimmy Ramos, with the 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, distributes lunch to people staying at Pedro Menendez High School, a hurricane shelter, in St. Augustine, Florida, September 3, 2019. The Florida National Guard is assisting communities across Florida as directed by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Division of Emergency Management.

Airmen and families from the 142nd Wing celebrate "Family Day" during the September Unit Training Assembly (UTA) at Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore, September 11, 2022. Organizers sought to provide family fun while highlighting the various resources available to Airmen and their families. The event was the 142nd's first in-person gathering of family and servicemembers since 2019 due to COVID-19-related restrictions.

The Fire Department Emergency Services, Camp Darby USAG Italy, organized a display table at the Commissary to promote the fire prevention week. From left, Luciano Lazzeri fire inspector and Andrea Amidei Firefighter, assigned to the emergency services of the fire department, Camp Darby USAG Italy, deliver gadgets to the Maj. Carlos Calderon, Command Judge Advocate. Camp Darby, Italy, Oct. 12, 2022.

American Red Cross member Mr. John Matthews gives out first aid kits to U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in support of Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce in Poznań, Poland, Nov. 30, 2022. The 1 ID is proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Airmen assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing and their families celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a food festival at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2022. Hispanic Heritage month celebrates diverse cultures from Latin America from September 15 to October 15.

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Bailey, senior enlisted leader of the 157th Air Intelligence Squadron, gives his mother flowers during his promotion ceremony, April 2, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Bailey thanked his family for their support through the years.

Community members enjoy a free lunch June 14, 2022, at McCoys Community Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday breakfast, free car washes, and more.

SGT John Castillo (right), a military police officer with Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) security, hands Mrs. Melisss Hogan (left), wife of Colonel Kyle Hogan, a bouquet of yellow rose buds that signify the beginning of their journey at the depot. Colonel Hogan accepted command of CCAD in a ceremony on July 15, 2022 at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station.

070213-A-9722M-099. Base: Camp Itami Country: Japan (JPN)

070306-A-6430B-011. Base: Camp Victory, Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessa Mullan, mental health administrator with the 36th Medical Group, signs the official Linebacker of the Week jersey at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 21, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, speaks with Sailors in the mess decks aboard the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) as the ship prepares to return to Naval Station Norfolk following an eight-month deployment, Jan. 17, 2024. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220331-N-GK686-1022 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Mar. 31, 2022) - Senior Chief Master-at-Arms PeterFrederick Limson, from New York, serves food to service members in honor of the upcoming Chiefs Birthday at the Ristorante Bella Etna galley on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Mar. 31, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

Photo By PFC HAON PARK | U.S Special Operations Command - Korea and the Diversity and Inclusion team hosted a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on October 21, 2022. The celebration consisted of cultural dishes, music, and dances to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Heritage.

U.S. Air Force, Staff Sgt. Jessa Mullan, mental health administrator with the 36th Medical Group receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Col. Larry Fenner, 36th Wing vice commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian Smith, senior enlisted leader for the 36th Operations Group, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 21, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted dignitaries for a Central American Independence Day Celebration hosted by students at the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2022. IADC students celebrate the Independence Day of all nations represented by students with a presentation about the country, food and a 5k run.

040927-F-4905S-007. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the Moncks Corner Armory in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 130 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

Airman Claudia Abarra, 28th Force Support Squadron services apprentice, and Col. Seth Spanier, 28th Bomb Wing vice commander, team up to cut a U.S. Air Force 75th anniversary celebration cake at the Raider Café dining facility at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 16, 2022. Ellsworth is also hosting an Air Force Ball Sept. 17 in Hangar 33 on base to celebrate the Air Forces birthday. The Department of the Air Force was created Sept. 18, 1947 as part of the National Security Act of 1947.

Norfolk (September 19, 2022) Chief Petty Officer selectees from various commands in the Hampton Roads, Virginia region participate in history and heritage training facilitated by Museum Educator Zach Smyers of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. The presentation centered around the U.S. Navys involvement in the Vietnam War, and occurred in the museums exhibit The Ten Thousand-Day War at Sea: The U.S. Navy in Vietnam, 1950-1975. The presentation was part of the museums 21st Annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Days event. The three-day event allows CPO selectees to receive history and heritage training at the museum and aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, and is hosted by the museum and area commands. The event is the largest and longest running of its kind in Virginia.

Fort McCoy community leaders participate in a proclamation signing ceremony April 5, 2022, declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation held the special proclamation signing ceremony at the center that was organized by the Fort McCoy Army Community Service office and the Fort McCoy Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program office. Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss; Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major; and other unit leaders were on hand for the presentation.

030320-F-3715H-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

221020-N-OX321-1065 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 20, 2022) Cmdr. April McGill, from Marietta, Ga., and assigned to U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Sigonella, and Machinery Repairman Fireman Timothy Rector, from Nottingham, Pa. with the Naval Air Station Sigonella Diversity Committee, surrounded by Ristorante Bella Etna galley staff, patrons and Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, NAS Sigonella commanding officer, cut the cake during the Breast Cancer Awareness and Veterans Day Special Meal observance held at the galley on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Oct. 20, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

051117-A-9419D-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031225-F-9871C-010. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Master Sgt. Daniel Fields, deputy commandant of the Command Sgt. Maj. Southern Buddy Hewitt Noncommissioned Officer Academy, provides a tour of the NCOA to Hilton LaBow, who was invited to attend the Basic Leader Course graduation on Sept. 29 and speak with the Soldiers. LaBow is a 10th Mountain Division World War II veteran, originally from Hailesboro, in St. Lawrence County. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

220713-N-OX321-1011 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (July 13, 2022) - Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Diamond Robinson, from Dixon, Ill., speaks to Catalina Mejia, a representative from University of Maryland Global Campus during a College Fair hosted by Naval Air Station Sigonellas Sailor 360 in the gym, July 13, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Pennsylvania National Guard provide information to members of the state legislature and general public about their units during Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day at the state capitol.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Apr. 22, 2022)- Workers and volunteers at David Glasgow Farragut school on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota look at projects displayed during the science symposium judging at the school on Apr. 22, 2022. Naval Station Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operations, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

Staff Sgt. Corey McKinney, a soldier with the Delaware Army National Guard, handles jugs of orange juice during a food distribution mission at Sussex Central High School in Georgetown, Delaware, May 18, 2020. During the drive-thru event, Delaware National Guard members and Food Bank of Delaware volunteers distributed thousands of pounds of much-needed pantry items to help address the increased demand for food assistance amid the coronavirus pandemic. McKinney is a graduate of Sussex Central High School.

Service members from military units across Utah including the Air and Army National Guard, Hill Air Force Base, Marine Reserve, Reserve Officer Training Corps, and more engage with state legislators, including Gov. Spencer Cox, at the Utah State Capitol Feb. 1, 2024. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Receiving Company, Support Battalion, look for contraband items during receiving, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 11, 2022. The recruits were checked for contraband, given a haircut, made a phone call home, and issued gear.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Morgan Blackmore, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management apprentice, right, helps a service member place National Preparedness Month fair freebies in a bag at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 12, 2022. National Preparedness Month is observed every September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time.

Military Intelligence (MI) branch officers and warrant officers from Fort Gordon units attend Fort Gordon's first-ever Military Intelligence Career Day, Aug. 8, 2022. Intended to compliment the Army's Assignment Interactive Module 2.0, the event provided MI officers the opportunity to meet and discuss available assignments on Fort Gordon prior to their movement cycle. (Photo by Capt. Rebecca Harr)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, commander of enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Poland, Commander 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, middle, converses with faculty and staff during the Teachers Appreciation Day at the Primary School General Jozef Bem in Bemowo Piskie on Oct 12, 2022. The 3-8 Cavalry Regiment is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, right, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, and John Speakman, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, sign a proclamation for fire prevention week at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 11, 2022. The proclamation confirmed the 60th AMW's involvement in fire prevention week, a nationwide event focused on educating and training the public on the basics of proactive fire safety.

Maj. Gen. Pete Hronek, the Adjutant General of Montana, presents Gracie Leiva a plaque recognizing her selection as Youth Volunteer of the Year for fiscal year 2021 at a ceremony held on the Montana State University campus October 19.

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (April 4, 2022) - Naval Station Great Lakes Executive Officer Capt. Ken Williams signs the proclamation declaring April 2022 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. During this month, FFSC encourages everyone to make the commitment and go all in to keep military children safe 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Mills, 355th Wing commander, and 355th Force Support Squadron personnel cut a ribbon signifying the grand opening of the Rescue and Attack Kitchen at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 28, 2023. The kitchens that were opened across DMAFB were put in place to feed the over 12,000 Airmen assigned to the installation.

Runners participating in the 47th Marine Corps Marathon drop off their bags to a U.S. Marine with Marine Corps Base Quantico in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 30, 2022. Organized by the men and women of the Unites States Marine Corps, the 47th MCM is the first live event since 2019. The 26.2 mile race drew roughly 20,000 participants, more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors, and 1,500 civilian volunteers.

New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. David Myones, deputy commanding officer of the 369th Sustainment Brigade discusses the story behind artwork and artifact displays at the Harlem Regiment Armory, New York, N.Y. with the granddaughters of legendary Harlem Hellfighter James Reese Europe - Lynn Europe Cotter, Theresa Europe and Patricia Europe Pearson, Feb. 24, 2024. Army National Guard

Master Sgt. Kayla Hemmesch, Dover Fisher House for Families of the Fallen manager at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, trains with her team to prepare the Fisher House kitchen for breakfast service at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware May 24, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, center, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, speaks with sailors during a reception aboard the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in Baltimore, Maryland, Sept. 9, 2022. Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore is an annual public event that celebrates the contributions of the U.S. sea services and maritime capabilities from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. More than 2,300 service members participated in Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore 2022 engaging and assisting with ship tours, live bands and static equipment displays.

332d Air Expeditionary Wing leadership honors Airman of the Month award winners with a banquet at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, August 24, 2022. These airmen are being recognized for performing above and beyond their typical duties.

From left, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Giancarlo Macri, the command sergeant major of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, (middle) Pvt. Steven Llamuca, 55th Quartermaster Company, 16th Special Troops Battalion, and (right) Maj. Gen. Greg Brady, commander of 10th AAMDC, celebrate the 247th Army birthday during a cake cutting ceremony at Defender Café, on Rhine Ordnance Barracks on June 14, 2022. It's an Army tradition to have the most senior and most junior Soldiers assigned to a command perform cake-cutting honors.

220922-N-OX321-1073 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sept. 22, 2022) Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Rigel Kent Repute, from Houston, cuts the Hispanic Heritage Month cake surrounded by Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, Naval Air Station Sigonella commanding officer, far right, Boatswains Mate 1st Class Jean Guerra, from New York City, second to the left, the guest speaker for the Hispanic Heritage Month special meal, and Ristorante Bella Etna galley workers and patrons, Sept. 22, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

The wife of U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Oliver Damon, outgoing CSM of the 578th BEB, receives a bouquet of flowers during the change responsibility for Command Sgt. Maj. Alexandre Santana, incoming CSM of the 578 BEB, at Kearny Mesa Recreation Park, Calif., on June 4, 2022. The change of responsibility ceremony is a traditional event meant to reinforce noncommissioned officer authority in the U.S. Army and highlights their support to the chain of command.

Right, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Commanding General Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund talks to a vendor during the 'Taste of Tuscany' event. This event was reserved for councilors and operators in tourism and/or production activities, with representatives of the participating municipalities having an exclusive exhibition space where they could 'showcase' their special features and typical products at Camp Darby, Italy, Dec. 2, 2022.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted dignitaries for a Central American Independence Day Celebration hosted by students at the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2022. IADC students celebrate the Independence Day of all nations represented by students with a presentation about the country, food and a 5k run.

A group of USACE Soldiers take time to say a prayer of thanksgiving before starting their meal. They all come from different cities, backgrounds and beliefs, but they are united by love of their country, the Army and the belief that they’re doing good work in helping the Iraqis’ rebuild their nation.

The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program is grateful to JBSAs leadership for providing support for the JBSA C.A.R.E event. AFW2 is a Congressionally-mandated, federally-funded program that provides personalized care, services and advocacy to seriously or very seriously wounded, ill or injured Total Force recovering service members and their Caregivers and families.

011006-A-0030T-003. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Southeast

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