Family and Community Support in Military

Photos of military personnel reuniting with families, presenting awards, and engaging with community events to foster connections and support.

U.S. Air Force Col. Gordon Meyer presents the Home Front Hero Award to children of airmen who were deployed at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. The award recognizes children of deployed airmen for their outstanding efforts.

U.S. Air Force Col. Gordon Meyer presents the Home Front Hero Award to children of airmen who were deployed at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. The award recognizes children of deployed airmen for their outstanding efforts.

U.S. Air Force Col. Amee Howard, center, commander for the 163d Maintenance Group (MXG), California Air National Guard, hugs her family after her Assumption of Command held at March Air Reserve Base, California, August 6, 2022. Howard is the first female 163d MXG commander and previously commanded the 452d Maintenance Group bringing a wealth of experience to her new role.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reunite with their families as part of a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 21, 2022. The ceremony was held in Newman Gym to mark the redeployment of the brigade after a six-month deployment to Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.

Maj. Gen. Mark T. Simerly, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, discusses issues of security with residents during Fort Lees third Walking Town Hall in the Jackson Circle neighborhood. The event was focused on resident satisfaction with housing conditions and ways to further enhance quality of life for service members and their families. The Armys goal is for every installation to offer Soldiers and families a high quality of life with appropriate services, programs and facilities in which to live, work and train.

Capt. Melia Lougheed of the 134th Aircraft Maintenance Group chats with a guest outside of the KC-135 Stratotanker on display at the Smoky Mountain Airshow Sept. 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.

Annalisa Duarte, the Athletics Coordinator with San Jose State, N.M., tries on gear during the Marines Corps Recruiting Command Educators' Workshop at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. June 10, 2022. The Workshop provides opportunities for educators from priority colleges to learn how marine officers are trained

Members of the Lloyd K. Davis American Legion Post 150, Petersburg, Pa., greet arriving U.S. Army Soldiers and Air Force Airmen to Operation Salute held at Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State University, Pa., Sept. 10, 2006. Operation Salute was organized to honor U.S. Army Soldiers, Air Force Airmen, and their families of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

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)

Members of the 134th Air Refueling Wing were on hand to assist the public today at the Smoky Mountain Air Show, taking place at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base on September 10th, 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen Greg Brady laughs at a joke made during U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnetts speech during a change of command ceremony July 12 in Sembach, Germany. Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnett assumed the command of 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command from Maj. Gen Greg Brady.

Military spouses who are a part of the 82nd Airborne Division participate in a "Be A Paratrooper For A Day" event at the United States Advanced Airborne School on Fort Bragg, N.C. on May 3, 2022. The spouses take part in a pre-jump demonstration, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE) eating contest, and jumping out of a 34-foot tower.

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Tyler Allshouse, demonstrates non-lethal takedowns to community members during the National Night Out event onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie across thousands of communities in the U.S. and worldwide. 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.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Potential cadet candidates arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School for in-processing in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 8, 2022. The prep school offers a select group of enlisted personnel and civilians a pathway to join the cadre at the Academy.

U.S. Coast Guard recruits begin instruction at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center as part of the Army's Echo Company at Joint Base San Antonio on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 31, 2022.The Coast Guard started the new program, established by a memorandum of agreement between DLIELC and the Army, to assist recruits who could struggle in recruit training due to language barriers as well as to incorporate an Enlish Languarge Training Program as a diversity initiative.The length of the program is at minimum 10 weeks dependent on the recruits academic progress but can be up to 24 weeks. Upon completion of the DLIELC program, recruits will return to Training Center Cape May and progress through the follow-on weeks of the normal recruit training process.U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Cmdr. Katie Shveda

A 341st Security Forces Squadron Airman teaches a Harlowtownhigh schooler how to operate M249 lightweight machine gun during the Local Integrated Response Plan public display Sept. 12, 2022, in Harlowtown, Mont. The LIRP functions to let base and local law enforcement practice working together in the case of an emergency.

Instructors from the 68th Rescue Squadron lead combat rescue officer candidates in their screening during CRO Phase II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 28, 2023. This screening serves as an introduction to what candidates will experience during assessment and selection.

Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC) Command Master Chief Tyrone Jiles addresses Maintenance Execution Team Chiefs and Sailors following the ceremony welcoming them and establishing a new Code at SERMC, Code 800, specializing in expeditionary maintenance.

Col. Charles Barkhurst, 88th Air Base Wing vice commander, firers the starting pistol for the 2022 Air Force Marathons Tailwind Trot Sept. 16, 2022, on the Wright State University campus in Fairborn, Ohio. More than 8,500 runners and 1,500 volunteers from all 50 states and 18 different countries came out to run in the races 26th year.

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)

Senior Master Sgt. James M. Ethington, 131st Bomb Wing Human Resource Advisor, presents his sons with challenge coins during his retirement ceremony, May 15, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Ethington served for 20 years.

U.S. Army Trooper from the Horse Detachment, Regimental Support Squadron (RSS), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR,) raises his hat and bows his head to fellow Soldiers from 11th ACR and members of the Fort Irwin community after a change of command ceremony and cavalry demonstration September, 14, 2022, at the Horse Detachment Stables, Fort Irwin, Calif. Captain Michael C. Gates relinquished command of the Horse Detachment, RSS, 11th ACR, to Captain David P. Richards, infantry officer, and then rode with his Troops in his last cavalry demonstration as

Sgts. 1st Class Richard Tolentino, left, and Juan Muñoz, right, apply face paint to members of a Hohenfels Elementary School class as one of several stations during a job shadow day Sept. 29, 2022. Tolentino and Muñoz are members observer controller trainers in the Timberwolves Maneuver Observer Controller Trainer (OCT) Team, who train U.S. and multinational units, leaders and staffs to conduct unified land operations.

Lt. Col. Elizabeth Micek, executive officer with the 155th Air Refueling Wing, greets the retired RF-4 pilots, Aug. 6, 2022, during a tour at Lincoln Air Force Base, Neb. The Nebraska Air National Guard flew RF-4C Phantoms from 1971 to 1993 before the unit transitioned to the KC-135R Stratotanker.

Air Crew from the 54th Helicopter Squadron pose for a photo with a student at Glenburn Public School, North Dakota, Sept. 27, 2022. The 54th Helicopter squadron coordinated with the school to arrange a landing and allow students the opportunity to tour the UH-1N Huey.

U.S. Air Force service members from the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, carry a weighted dummy on a stretcher during the 11th annual the 24-hour TACP challenge run at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, May 1, 2022. Service members participate in remembrance for Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier who was killed in action near Geresk, Afghanistan in 2003.

Florida National Guard Sgt. Denin Ozuna, with the 260th Military Intelligence Battalion, marks a vehicle for testing at South Floridas first COVID-19 Community Based Testing Site located at C. B. Smith Park, March 20, 2020. The test will be limited to first responders, people over the age of 65, and to those who are systematic. Combat medics with the Florida National Guard will be administrating the specimen collection.

1_230th Assault Helicopter Battalion arriving return home, to Tennessee, from a 11 month long deployment in Kosovo. The 1-230th AHB has been at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo for the last nine months as part of Kosovo Force - KFOR, a NATO led mission that builds peace and maintains stability in the area.

Members from the Polish army hosted a recruiting and community relations event in Ostrołęka, Poland, 4 June 2022. While there American, Polish, and Romanian troops from eFP Battle Group Poland interacted with local community y members and allowed them to interact with different military equipment.

Force Master Chief Jason Dunn, the senior enlisted leader for Commander, Navy Installations Command, which oversees 70 Navy bases around the world, speaks with Hawaii residents about the Navys Drinking Water Long-Term Monitoring program during a night market event at Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Feb. 14, 2024. The Navy hosts a monthly information booth at various locations to inform the public about the program and how to read drinking water results on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Safe Waters website. Dunn is one of several Navy leaders who traveled to Hawaii to support the Navy Closure Task Force - Red Hill (NCTF-RH). Charged with the safe decommissioning of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF), NCTF-RH was established by the Department of the Navy as a commitment to the community and the environment. The Navy continues to engage with the people of Hawaii, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders as NCTF-RH works to safely and deliberately decommission the RHBFSF. Navy

051218-A-0405B-001. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers with the Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) inventory and inspect their equipment to ensure mission readiness ahead of Hurricane Ian's arrival, Sept. 26, 2022. The CERFP unit utilizes varying skills to provide assistance following natural disasters. (Florida National Guard photo by, Staff Sgt. Christopher Vann, released.)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hendrex, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, speaks to high school students on day one of the community summer camp event July 18, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, engages with media during the 2024 NASCAR Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile-long NASCAR Cup Series motor race held annually and is regarded as the most important and prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.

U.S. Army Col. Christopher Hammonds, the Commander of 5th Ranger Training Battalion, conducts a retirment ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Shane Kresge, an aircraft branch chief assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, instructs Devil Pups participants on what the day will consist of at the combat fitness test field, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 21, 2022. Marine Corps Community Services Cherry Point hosted Devil Pups to allow children of Marines to get a taste of Marine Corps recruit training.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Potential cadet candidates arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School for in-processing in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 8, 2022. The prep school offers a select group of enlisted personnel and civilians a pathway to join the cadre at the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

U.S. Army members walk in silence during the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Silent Walk at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 15, 2022. The service members of the Wolf Pack joined together to walk in silent reflection for the men and women who were afflicted by some form of sexual assault each year.

Col. Kimberly Peeples, commander and district engineer of the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division, presents a commander's coin to Wayne Stone, lock operations leader at C.W. Bill Young Lock & Dam operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District on the Allegheny River in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, April 13, 2022. Stone and two mechanics have been working together on a project to replace more than 700 feet of hydraulic pipes that will save the district more than $150,000 in contracted costs. The hydro lines control the opening and closing of gates and valves for lock operations.

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.

Citizen-Soldiers of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard continue delivering supplies, food and water to impacted areas of the Island and to its citizens after Hurricane Marias devastation alongside FEMAs volunteers. In this case, the isolated towns in Utuado, Puerto Rico, where streets and bridges were destroyed by the storm.

U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen, Matthew Baker, commander, 88th Readiness Division, ,left, and Division Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Betty congratulates more the 50 Service members for reaffirming their Oath Of Enlistments during the U.S. Armys 15th Military Police Brigade/U.S. Army Reserve Reenlistment/Honor ceremony at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Sept. 11, 2022. The service members included 25 U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers. The Speedway hosted a Military Appreciation Day in honor of 9/11 and held a moment of silence where the speedway fell silent.

Family of Lt. Col. Brooke Sciuto, 155th Medical Group commander, listen during a change of command ceremony on Dec. 4, 2022 in Lincoln, Neb. Col. Patti Fries relinquished command of the 155th Medical Group after being in command for four years.

Children reflect on the loss of their family member, 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, during last roll call at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2022. 1st Lt. Helton was killed in action near Baghdad while serving on a deployment in 2009. The last roll call is a military tradition held to pay honor to a deceased servicemember and serves as a reminder that their absence leaves the entire formation incomplete. During the ceremony, servicemembers who served alongside 1st Lt. Helton conducted roll call. When they reached the name of the deceased, they call out his name, followed by the silence from no response. A servicemember then goes on to explain that this Airman was killed in action and what they were doing.

Children reflect on the loss of their family member, 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, during last roll call at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2022. 1st Lt. Helton was killed in action near Baghdad while serving on a deployment in 2009. The last roll call is a military tradition held to pay honor to a deceased servicemember and serves as a reminder that their absence leaves the entire formation incomplete. During the ceremony, servicemembers who served alongside 1st Lt. Helton conducted roll call. When they reached the name of the deceased, they call out his name, followed by the silence from no response. A servicemember then goes on to explain that this Airman was killed in action and what they were doing.

A U.S Air Force Special Tactics Airman gives a unit patch to a French child after performing a military free-fall jump in honor of the 78th D-Day anniversary at the Iron-Mike II drop zone, France, June 5, 2022. Seventy-eight years after the D-day invasion, U.S. troops remain forever indebted to World War II veterans for their selfless service and sacrifice and participate in these jumps to commemorate the bravery exhibited that day.

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 26, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for their achievements and efforts in Poland. Paratroopers do what is right all the time, when no one is watching or telling them to do it.

7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldiers and Families enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers during the Annual Truck or Treat at Camp Bull” Simons, Fla., Oct. 28, 2022.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sustainment Brigades Embedded Behavioral Health clinic hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony highlighting the relocation and opening of their new clinic. The Sustainment Brigades EBH team provides behavioral health support to approximately 2,600 Sustainment Brigade Soldiers.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Mickel Mcgann, 355th Wing Public Affairs chief, prepares for the gauntlet that is an explosives ordnance disposal course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 29, 2022. This workout was designed by EOD to showcase the physical and endurance portions of their job while in the 100-pound bomb suit.

Col. Robert J. Holcombe, Fort Rucker garrison commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher T. Doss, garrison command sergeant major, speak with firefighters as they all prepare to begin the Fort Rucker 9/11 Moving Tribute Sept. 9, 2022. Photo by Jay Mann.

Senior Master Sgt. Christa Heath, 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron, speaks at a Women's Equality Day celebration Aug. 26, 2022, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Women's Equality Day observes the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which allowed women the right to vote.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni residents check in at a baggage drop-off station as a part of an Emergency Evacuation Program drill during Exercise Active Shield 22 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 8, 2022. Exercise Active Shield is a bilateral exercise conducted annually with the Japan Self-Defense Force to better prepare the air stations incident response procedures during base defense operations.

A United States Air Force Airman holds a dog during the Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 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.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 8, 2022) Margary Santosvalerio, a Work and Family Life Specialist at the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), answers questions in an interview with Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mario Coto, attached to Defense Media Activity Yokosuka, during a Family Employment Readiness Career Fair. The event provided participants with opportunities to speak with employers from various on-base organizations and resume writing guidance from certified reviewers. 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.

221011-N-XU073-1115YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 11, 2022) Community members participate in a safety demonstration during the National Night Out event onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie across thousands of communities in the U.S. and worldwide. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of U.S. 7th Fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Drill sergeants with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment order young men and women from across the United States off a bus and onto Cashe Town February 16, 2024, at Fort Moore, Ga. During the next 22 weeks, these trainees will be transformed into infantry soldiers, representing the epitome of personal character, selfless service and military virtue. Army

Senior Leadership assigned to Army Support Activity Fort Dix handout bags for Red Ribbon Week Awareness on Oct 6, 2022 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Kiki Camarena who was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. After his murder, parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in America.

220910-N-WF272-1074 BALTIMORE (Sept. 10, 2022) Master Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Steven Rivers, a native of Glen Burnie, Md., assigned to EOD Group Two, places a helmet on a child attending Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore 2022. The Fleet Week, held Sept. 7-13, is Baltimores celebration of the sea services, and provides an opportunity for the local community and Maryland visitors to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see firsthand the latest capabilities of todays maritime services.

BALTIMORE (Sept. 9, 2022) Master-at-Arms Seaman Isaac Stuart, left, and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Joshua Nine, center, of Naval Security Force Dahlgren, check visitor IDs at a security checkpoint in Baltimores Inner Harbor during Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore 2022. Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore is the citys celebration of the sea services with this year marking the City of Baltimore's third time hosting Navy Fleet Week.

Sgt. 1st Class Edward Alexander, currently assigned to the 15th Military Police Brigade, hold the U.S. Flag during USD 207's Freedom Walk. The annual event is the school district's way to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

More than 40 fifth grade students from Gouverneur Middle School met with a team of EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) specialists Oct. 14 outside the Fort Drum STARBASE Academy for a STEM career demonstration. The Soldiers with the 760th Ordnance Company, one of two EOD companies stationed at Fort Drum, explained how they are trained to detect, disarm and dispose of explosive munitions. Afterward, students got to explore firsthand the massive transport vehicle the Soldiers arrived in and the robots they use on missions. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Sgt. Miles Wilson, a crew chief assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Connecticut Army National Guard, gives an overview of the UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter to Westover Air Reserve Base Fire Department firefighters at Westover Air Reserve Base, Chicopee, Massachusetts, May 25, 2022. As part of the overview, Wilson, and other members of the crew, let the firefighters go inside the helicopter to familiarize themselves with the aircraft and to identify ways to rescue crew members in the event of a crash.

Attendees bow their heads during the chaplains benediction as part of the promotion ceremony for Chief Warrant Officer 5 Richard Kerwood, Ohio Army National Guard state command chief warrant officer May 12, 2022, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. As the state command chief warrant officer, Kerwood provides direction, guidance, resources, assistance and supervision of the Ohio Army National Guard Warrant Officer Cohort.

Civilian employers of Illinois National Guard and Reserve service members attend an Employer Support of Guard and Reserve "Breakfast with the Boss" at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, May 19, 2022. The ESGR event invites employers to experience and better understand the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve.

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldiers perform Twilight Tattoo for service member's friends and family, on Summerall Field, Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall, Va., April 27, 2022. This performance is the final rehearsal of the hour-long pageant to showcase the rich history of the U.S. Army.

San Pedro, Calif. (May 27, 2022) - Sailors, Marines, and other guest attend a panel for the Amazon Prime video television series "The Terminal List" aboard the Battleship USS Iowa Museum during Los Angeles Fleet Week. 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 Angeles and its surrounding areas.

KEKAHA, Hawaii (Feb. 1, 2024) Electronics Technician Second Class Trevor Byassee a Sailor from SEPTAR on Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, demonstrates how different tools are used for SEPTAR during the STREAM night at St. Theresa's Catholic School in Kekaha, Hawaii. STREAM night offers components like Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art and Math to young learners in an opportunity to explore all these areas in a new and exciting way. Navy

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andrew Sicina, an intelligence specialist with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, teaches local Okinawan preschoolers how to play cornhole during the Halloween Carnival at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 28, 2022. U.S. Marines hosted a Halloween Carnival event for over 300 Okinawan students to experience American holiday traditions. Camp Hansen has hosted this event for more than 10 years, helping to develop and deepen international relations.

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)

A United States Air Force Airman waves at the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. Visitors had the opportunity to experience aerial performances, static displays and other attractions from numerous bases and air show companies.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospitals Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) company held a Change of Command ceremony June 15, 2022, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where Capt. Huy T. Nguyen relinquished command to Capt. Joshua J. Lockwood.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Junior E. Diaz, incoming sergeant major of 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and his family attend his relief and appointment ceremony held at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2022. Diaz will be taking over duties as sergeant major of 5th ANGLICO from Sgt. Maj. Rupert K. Palmer. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

Spc. Michael Simmons, a human resources Soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 297th Regional Support Group marches a small squad in drill and ceremonies as part of the Best Warrior competition held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 13, 2022. Competitors are evaluated on their individual abilities to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress. (Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

Team Little Rock Honorary Commanders walk toward the air traffic control tower during an immersion tour at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Dec. 1, 2022. The Honorary Commander Program encourages community leaders to promote continued awareness of Air Force missions within the community.

DA-SC-85-13263. Subject Operation/Series: PROLOG Base: Fort Eustis State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Cota, Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE) branch chief, left, is briefed on the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat course range operations during a site visit to Fort Carson, Colo.,Aug 16, 2022. The purpose of the site visit was to meet with TBICoE personnel and military leaders and learn more about Fort Carson's approach to TBI care and recovery. (DOD photo by Vincent White)

Col. Robert J. Holcombe, Fort Rucker garrison commander, hands the keys forthe Wise familys new home on Fort Rucker to Staff Sgt. Jared Wise and hiswife, Tiffani, as Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, USAACE and Fort Ruckercommanding general, looks on Sept. 16, 2022. The home is the last of 108newly renovated residences in the Munson Heights neighborhood on post. Wiserecently arrived to Fort Rucker to attend warrant officer candidate andflight school. Photo by Jay Mann.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, awards an Army Commendation Medal to Jon Wilson, coach and owner of Wilson Brother Grappling in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 19, 2022, during the Combatives Recognition at Fort Carson, Colorado. The 4th Inf. Div. all Army combatives teams competed for the Lacerda Cup and won first place in four weight classes.

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Col. Daryl S. Von Hagel, the incoming commander of the 166th Aviation Brigade, gifts flowers to the important women in his life to welcome them to the Archangels family during his change of command ceremony at Cameron Field, Fort Hood Texas, 13 June, 2022. Prior to coming to Fort Hood Col. Hagel was the Chief of Staff for the Command Assessment Program Directorate, Mission Command Center of Excellence, Fort Leavenworth, KS.(U.S. Army Video by Spc. Khalan X. Moore, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

220821-M-HV456-3047 RIGA, Latvia (Aug. 21, 2022) - U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and U.S. Marines attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit welcome Ukrainian children aboard the Arlington during a scheduled port visit in Riga, Latvia, Aug. 21, 2022. The National Defense and Patriotic Foundation (NAMEJS) in Latvia hosted a camp for children of Ukrainian soldiers and coordinated the visit with the Arlington. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on 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.

Soldiers and Airmen of the Mississippi National Guard gather at the employee entrance to the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veteran Affairs Medical Center to honor civilian healthcare workers during National Nurses Week in Jackson, Miss., May 12, 2020. On the last day of Nurses week and the anniversary of G.V. (Sonny) Montgomerys passing, Guardsmen cheered for VA employees as they entered and exited the hospital during morning shift change and thanked them for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norfolk, Va. (April 6, 2022) - Military Sealift Command personnel walk together during MSCs annual SAPR awareness walk. This annual event is held in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month (SAAPM) in order to raise awareness and prevention of sexual assault.

Members of the 158th Fighter Wing from the Vermont Air National Guard, congratulate members of the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron after completing a Weapons Load Crew of the Quarter competition at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 22, 2022. The crews were tasked to load 1 AIM-9X and 1 GBU-12 paramount inert missiles to their respective aircrafts in 25 minutes, while ensuring they meet all safety and readiness requirements.

U.S. Airmen from the 142nd Security Forces Squadron showcase various weapons and tools they use during duty to middle school students from St. John Fisher School during a tour of Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore., Jan. 10, 2023. The public tour gave local students an opportunity to see the 142nd Wing's mission up close and familiarize themselves with the various jobs that encompass the Wing's mission.

Members of the 6th Air Refueling Wing stand outside the gate with signs at MacDill Air Force base, Florida, May 26, 2022. MacDill held a safety campaign to discourage driving under the influence, texting while driving and other motor vehicle safety hazards.

Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Menchaca, a platoon sergeant with the 52nd Ordnance Group, talks about the equipment used to identify and disarm explosive devices with a local high school student during Meet Your Army Day on Fort Bragg, NC, Sept. 15, 2022. Meet Your Army Day gave potential recruits an opportunity to learn about various career fields and opportunities for personal and professional development in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Jasmalyn Sihakhom.)

Soldiers and Airmen of the Mississippi National Guard gather at the entrance to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to honor civilian healthcare workers during National Nurses Week in Jackson, Miss., May 6, 2020. The Guardsmen cheered for UMMC employees as they entered and exited the hospital during morning shift change and thanked them for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard; Polish Gen. Cezary Wisniewski, Deputy Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, and Neely's spouse, Tammy, cheer on the Gold Star 500 riders as they arrive at the Great Lakes Community Center, part of the Naval Station Great Lakes near North Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 24. Several Illinois National Guard active and retired service members participate in the more than 500-mile bicycle ride that raises awareness of the approximately 300 Illinois service members who have fallen since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, including 34 members of the Illinois National Guard. This year's Gold Star 500 included 16 Polish riders who learned of the 5-day event through the Illinois National Guard's State Partnership Program with the Polish military. The Polish riders included seven Polish Army Soldiers, six students and three Polish Gold Star Family members. The Illinois Army National Guard co-dep

U.S. Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, load a mule with equipment during Mountain Exercise (MTX) 1-23 at MCMWTC, Bridgeport, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The purpose of the animal packers course is to teach personnel the necessary skills to enable them to load and maintain pack animals for military applications in remote and dangerous environments, as a tool of irregular warfare.

A U.S. Marine helps displaced civilians transfer from areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan on November 13, 2013. The U.S. government is working in partnership with the Philippine government to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 102nd Cavalry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, initiates their deployment at the 102nd Cavalry Regiments fairwell ceremony at the Westfield Armory, Westfield, New Jersey, on Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008.

Capt. Jonathan Edwards, Charlie Company, 98th Signal Battalion commander, and 1SG Dae Min, Charlie Co., 98th Sig Bn first sergeant, joined their Soldiers at the Paige Field House on Camp Pendleton January 6, 2024, to conduct a deployment ceremony with families coming to support their Soldiers.Command Sgt. Maj. James Milligan, 505th Signal Brigade command sergeant major, and Col. (P) Marlene Markotan, 335th Signal Command deputy commander, help serve Soldiers from Charlie Company, 98th Signal Battalion commander, after a deployment ceremony. Pursuant to a presidential executive order, Charlie Company, 98th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, was ordered to federal active duty in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, sending them to the Middle East.Col. (P) Marlene Markotan, 335th Signal Command deputy commander, Col. Patrick Hughes, 505th Signal Brigade commander, and Lt Col. Josha Fields, 98th Signal Battalion commander, were on hand to give a farewell messenger and thank the families who

Leadership and staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division and Kansas City District speak with partners during the annual Missouri River Barge Tour from Franklin Island to Searcy Bend, ending at Katfish Katy's near Colombia, Missouri, on Aug. 17, 2022. (Photo by Eileen Williamson, Northwestern Division Public Affairs)

DALA, Solomon Islands (Sept. 8, 2022) Cmdr. Derek Miletich, from Duluth, Minnesota, front, and Capt. Jeffrey Feinberg, commanding officer of Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), teach proper hand washing techniques to students of Dala Primary School during a visit in support of 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 includes participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

Today, 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted a change of command. Lt. Col. Scott Gale, the incoming commander, stands with his family in front of the formation before each company marches by in the pass and review.

Members of the Bogue Chitto Beta Club receive a tour of the air traffic control tower from U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Russell Osborne, 81st Operations Support Flight ATC instructor, at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 22, 2024. The students toured Keesler AFB to gain a better understanding of how the Air Force operates and trains Airmen. Air Force

Mason Copeland sings the National Anthem as Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, Nilsa Smith, widow of Col. James Smith, and her friend, Sibylle Davis, listen prior to the start of the annual Peacekeepers Ride. The annual ride starts at the Illinois National Guard headquarters on Camp Lincoln in Springfield. This year the ride, held on July 17, honored Illinois Army National Guard Col. (ret.) James Smith and Sangamon County Sheriff Department Sgt. Jason Boesdorfer, both of whom died in May. Smith served in the Illinois Army National Guard for 31 years retiring as the ILARNG Chief of Staff in 2008. He then went on to serve as the Illinois Department of Military Affairs Chief of Staff from 2008 until his death on May 11, 2022.

220909-N-WF272-1009 BALTIMORE (Sept. 9, 2022) Navy Diver 2nd Class Michael Drake, a native of Petoskey, Mich., assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two, speaks to visitors attending Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore 2022. The Fleet Week, held Sept. 7-13, is Baltimores celebration of the sea services, and provides an opportunity for the local community and Maryland visitors to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see firsthand the latest capabilities of todays maritime services.

220521-N-WF272-1112 DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (May 21, 2022) Members of the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band, Full Spectrum, pose for a group photo with U.S. Navy Cmdr. Todd Winn, right, a native of Aurora, Colo., commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, and Chief Navy Counselor Jessica Yehle, center, a Mount Laurel, N.J. native, during the 2022 Thunder Over Dover Airshow held at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 21, 2022. More than 75,000 spectators witnessed the show during the weekend event that featured the U.S. Navy Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of Americas Navy.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations MG Butch Graham along with USACE South Atlantic Division Commander BG Daniel Hibner stopped by the Emergency Operations Center - Forward in Sarasota, FL while they circulated the areas in southwest Florida recovering from Hurricane Ian, October 11, 2022. During their stop at the EOC they heard about how the Corps of Engineers team is supporting the unified response, how technology is being leveraged to help respond more quickly, and recognized a few individuals who have went above and beyond to help the residents of Florida recover.

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