Military Community Events

Capturing interactions between military personnel and communities, including memorials and planning meetings, highlighting the connection and service of armed forces.

U.S. Army and Colombian army Soldiers and civilians attend a PANAMAX 2022 Planning in Crisis briefing in San Antonio, Texas, June 6, 2022. PANAMAX 2022 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, multinational annual exercise scheduled for 1-12 August, 2022 with a purpose of strengthening partnerships, enhancing readiness and improving interoperability between U.S. Armed Forces and partner nations. This planning event served as an opportunity to build upon the combined capabilities of planning and executing complex operations during the upcoming exercise.

221030-N-DF135-1089 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 30, 2022) - Chief Hospital Corpsman Shawn Burnette, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), observes maintenance on an air condition unit at the Japan/Guatemala Friendship Hospital, Oct. 30, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, 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.

Heidi Strong receives a dozen yellow roses at the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade change-of-command ceremony as her husband, Col. Cody Strong, takes command of the brigade, Aug. 6, 2022, at Camp Williams, Utah. The roses are presented to the spouse of the incoming commander as a welcome and to represent new beginnings in anticipation of things to come. During the ceremony, Col. Shahram Takmili relinquished command to Col. Cody Strong.

Suriname Armed Forces Lt. Col. Chevron Terborg, military hospital general director, listens to opening remarks during a ceremony for the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team in Paramaribo, Suriname, Feb. 19, 2024. This is the second iteration of the LAMAT mission to Suriname, where ready-medics will work alongside partner nation military and civilian health teams to achieve mutual benefits and build trust in the region. Air Force

040607-M-0706S-034. Base: Al Shahabi State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 1/5, B Co.

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.

Wyoming Army National Guard Recruiting Officer strength manager, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Anthony Finch, swears in Michael Pieper as a Medical officer in the United States Army. Dr. Pieper is a family physician in Afton and the Star Valley area of Wyoming.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working with local, state and federal partners in areas affected by Hurricane Ian. Jacksonville District Commander Col. James Booth met with Sanibel Island Mayor Holly Smith to discuss the response. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is prepared and ready to respond to natural and human-made disasters and overseas contingencies. When disasters occur, USACE teams and other resources aremobilized from across the country to assist our local districts and offices to deliver our response missions.

Active duty volunteer LS2(SW) Charles Fowler, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), presents a commemorative pin and coin to Virgil Greene, who served aboard USS Newport News (CA 148) as a Second Class Boiler Technician from 1969-1973 during the Vietnam War. Greene was visiting the Hampton Roads Naval Museums exhibit, The Ten Thousand-Day War at Sea: The U.S. Navy in Vietnam, 1950-1975. The museum is located on the second floor of the Nauticus building in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Richard, 35th Fighter Wing commander, gives a speech to honor those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, during the Patriot Day Retreat Ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony marked the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. James M. Morgan, the outgoing Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division reflects on his time as a Big Red One Soldier and expressed what it meant to him to be a Command Sergeant Major during a change of responsibility ceremony at King Field House, Fort Riley, Kansas, September 23, 2022. The change of responsibility is a simple, yet traditional event that is rich with heritage.

Freedom Academy delegates get hands-on training with a SWAT robot during a demonstration at the Salt Lake Unified Police Department, July 11, 2022. The robot is one of the tools SWAT uses to diffuse dangerous situations and communicate with barricaded individuals. Since 1961, the Utah National Guard and Honorary Colonels Corps have sponsored Freedom Academy and provided a challenging and engaging environment designed to teach young leaders the importance of freedom and that leadership is essential to its survival.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Yadhiel A. O'Neill, a recruiter with Recruiting Substation San Juan, talks to students attending Feria Seniors 2022 held at the Dr. Pedro Rosselló González Convention Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Oct. 18, 2022. The Marines of RSS San Juan, RSS Ponce, and Marines recently graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, joined the event to present potential candidates with information regarding the Marine Corps. Feria Seniors is an event that allows students from all over Puerto Rico to meet different organizations and institutions prepared to help, plan, and prepare for them for their future careers.

Operation Junior Expeditionary Team (OpJET), June 17, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. OpJET provides children the opportunity to see a mock deployment and gives them an idea what their parent experiences when they report for duty away from home, as well as the process when they return.

As part of a community orientation program, 14 local educators visited the Nebraska National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility at the air base in Lincoln, Nebraska, June 1, 2022. The teachers, administrators and coaches learned about the history, mission and capabilities of the Nebraska Army National Guard and then toured Lincoln overhead from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Wayne Porter, a U.S. Army veteran who was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division before its deactivation in 1958, places an 11th Airborne Div. shoulder sleeve insignia on Spc. Jihad Yarber, assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 11th Airborne Division, during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

Arizona Air National Guard Color Guard and Arizona Army National Guard Soldiers enjoy discussions prior to the 2022 Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Professional Development conference April 30, 2022 at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. The AZDEMA PD event is an annual event where state employees, Soldiers, and Airmen come to listen to speakers on a wide range of subjects to foster critical thought, learning, and inspiration.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eric Formolo, 81st Security Forces Squadron military working dog kennel master, briefs on the capabilities of the military working dog at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Aug. 31, 2022. Keesler key spouses and spouses of base leadership also toured a C-130J aircraft, the Keesler Medical Center and the Fisher House.

U.S. Army Spc. Andrew Meddley, center, a survey team member with the California National Guards 9th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction), talks with a student on the campus of California State University, Fullerton, during the colleges Military Exhibition Day, April 14, 2022, in Fullerton, California. The event was organized by the schools ROTC program and offered an opportunity for cadets and students to learn about ways to serve in the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve.

U.S. Army Col. Amy Downing, right, commander of the 101st Division Sustainment Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Hynes, left, uncase the flag, colors and streamers following the units arrival to the Grafenwöhr Training Area in Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. After many years, the 101st Airborne Division once again joins the 1st Infantry Division in Europe to work alongside other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps.

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.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - Airmen attending the Breaking Barriers Alliance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summer Festival, observe the bracelets on a table representing the Asian Indians of Hampton Roads organization at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, July 30, 2022. Attendees were able to take advantage of the information booths that provided a plethora of knowledge about the respective cultures and further highlighted the diverse composition of JBLE.

Soldiers and civilians assigned to U.S. Army South visit a table display to learn about Colombian culture during the 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the U.S. Army South Headquarters on Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Sept. 16, 2022. National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 and recognizes the history, culture and contributions made by Hispanic Americans throughout history.

050904-F-6911G-560. Base: Keesler Air Force Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Master Sgt. Alex Blair, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance exposal technician, shows a student the contents of an Easter egg during an egg hunt at Arkansas School For the Blind and Visually Impaired, in Little Rock, Arkansas, April 15, 2022. 19th CES EOD Airmen participated in the event by using their knowledge of improvised circuitry to create Easter eggs that emit sound.

Lieutenant General A.C. Roper, U.S. Northern Command Deputy Commander and member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Vanguard Fellows group, greeted other members of the group at the North American Aerospace Defense Command and USNORTHCOM headquarters Apr. 7, 2022. The leaders discussed the importance of interagency collaboration and a shared understanding of today's challenging security environment. (Department of Defense photo by Thomas Paul)

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard

U.S. Air National Guardsmen from the 151st Maintenance Group hosted students from the Salt Lake Community College Aviation Course on a base tour on 28 Nov at Roland R. Wright Air Base, Utah. Members from the 151st MXG showcased the different sections of aircraft maintenance.

(from left to right) Alexandra Argueta, a participant in the Minuteman Scholarship Program, and Brig. Gen. John M. Cushing, deputy commanding general of United States Army Recruiting Command, cut a U.S. Army birthday cake in Times Square, N.Y., on June 14, 2022. The two represent a tradition as the youngest and oldest military service members in attendance during a U.S. Army Birthday ceremony. The ceremony commemorated the Armys 247th birthday, and highlighted the Armys 24/7 commitment to global readiness and the Army family.

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Garlow, 60th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, makes remarks during a Gold Star Mothers and Family event at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 23, 2022. Gold Star Mothers Day is observed in the United States on the last Sunday of September each year. It is a day for us to recognize and honor those who have lost a son, daughter or other family member while serving the United States Armed Forces.

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Garlow, 60th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, makes remarks during a Gold Star Mothers and Family event at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 23, 2022. Gold Star Mothers Day is observed in the United States on the last Sunday of September each year. It is a day for us to recognize and honor those who have lost a son, daughter or other family member while serving the United States Armed Forces.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza and Command Sgt. Maj. Quentin V. Fenderson, the command team of 3rd Infantry Division, greet students at Diamond Elementary School during a back-to-school celebration at Fort Stewart, Georgia, August, 4, 2022. This event was hosted to welcome students back on their first day of school following summer break.

Cpl. Bruce Boolowon, the only surviving member of the Alaska National Guard First Scout rescue team, flanked by daughters Reva Boolowon, left, and Rhona Apassingok, middle, listen during the Alaska Heroism Medal ceremony in Gambell, Alaska, March 28, 2023. The ceremony honored 16 Alaska Army National Guard First Scouts for their heroism during a 1955 rescue mission after two Russian MiG-15s shot down a U.S. Navy P2V-5 Neptune plane flying a routine maritime patrol over the Bering Sea with 11 sailors on board.

220616-N-PW480-0145 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (June 16, 2022) - Damage Controlman 1st Class Manuel Jimenez, a firefighting and damage control instructor at Recruit Training Command (RTC), leads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) midshipman candidates in a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) training, June 16. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval acces

Civic leaders from the city of Rehobeth receive a tour of the DUSTOFF complex to learn more about realistic medical evacuation training during a Meet Your Army event at Fort Novosel, Ala., Jan. 16, 2024.

Captain Maria Spadafora, 107th Attack Wing, leads a group of Girl Scouts in an exercise, Camp Windy Meadows, Cambria NY, July 14 2022. The exercise tasked campers with recognizing courage and bravery in different fictional scenarios, and give their own definition of courage and bravery. Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt Jason Carr.

Col. Joshua Bookout, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Commander gives a brigade coin to the children of Ed Ray, a Gold Star Family Member at F-Quad, Schofield Barracks Hawaii on Mar. 15, 2021. Ed Ray is the twin brother of 1st Lt. Clovis T. Ray, a rifle platoon leader assigned to 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment when he died of wounds suffered during an enemy attack using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while on patrol in the Pech River in the Kunar Province, Afghanistan on Mar. 15, 2012.

The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Wisconsin Army National Guard, conducted a change-of-responsibility ceremony, August 7, 2022 at its headquarters company at Camp Douglas, WI. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. John L. Dietzler relinquished responsibility of the brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron J. Johnson.

Maj. Gen. Matthew Trollinger, commander, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Randall Small, special operations force senior enlisted advisor, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, answer questions during an interview with a reporter from the Military Times at Modern Day Marine 2023, Washington, D.C., June 28, 2023. MARSOC personnel spent time at MDM 23 meeting with industry professionals, demonstrating new technology advancements, and speaking on the future of the command.

220819-N-YR675-9720 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 19, 2022). Suzanna Fisher, executive director at Navy Special Operations Foundation, Navy Diver Seaman Chris Pedrini, and Henry Thrift, president of Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association, dig during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Navy Special Operations Memorial. The memorial will be located at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 compound on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, and the memorial will feature the names of fallen Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and Navy Divers. EODGRU 2 is a critical part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF) that clears explosive hazards to provide access to denied areas; secures the undersea domain for complete freedom of maneuver; builds and fosters relationships with a constellation of capable and trusted partners; and protects the homeland and American way of life.

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.

Soldiers, attached 3d Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), support the Rakkasan Reunion by selling unit merchandise for Rakkasan Veterans and current Soldiers at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on May 19, 2022. 3d Brigade Combat Team 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) hosts the 41th Rakkasan Reunion to celebrate heritage of the unit.

57th Director of the Army Staff Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt departs the Pentagon for the last time during his clap-out ceremony, Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 5, 2024.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Aug. 15, 2022) Military families shop during the grand opening of the new Navy-Marine Corps. Relief Society (NMCRS) thrift store location on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, Aug. 15, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Justin. M. Boling, the Marine Corps Recruiting Command Marketing and Communications Chief, speaks with Clarissa Chun, the University of Iowa's Women's Wrestling Coach during the USAW Women's National at Fort Worth, Texas on May 07, 2022. The Marine Corps began partnering with USAW in 2017 to share career opportunities, leadership and celebrate the spirit of competition while offering opportunities to athletes and coaches involved with the sport of wrestling. By partnering specifically with USAW, the Marine Corps reaches a broad cross-section of high school and collegiate-aged wrestlers as well as an ever-growing influencer network of coaches, referees, wrestling alumni, and parents.

Billboards showing the base campus plan are displayed as U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe, Pacific Air Forces command chief, takes a tour of the officer's club in construction, during a PACAF leadership visit to Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2022. Wolfe toured Misawa to learn more about how the base supports Airmen who continue to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

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

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.

PENSACOLA, Fla. --

The 168th Wing and community members of Fairbanks presented an Alaska pin as a token of appreciation to Jake Rademacher, director of movies Brothers After War and Brothers at War, and Chase Millsap, a retired Marine who helps Rademacher with the Brothers After War workshops. The token of appreciation was presented as the tiniest pin from the largest state as a thank you for visiting Alaska, conducting the workshops, and showing the movie in Fairbanks. Air National Guard

U.S. Soldiers with the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade host a Spouse Lift event for spouses of the brigades Soldiers. Spouses were given tours of the brigades flight facilities and flights in CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters as a token of appreciation for their support. The event was held at the brigades flight facilities at Muir Army Airfield at Fort Indiantown Gap and John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport at Johnstown. Participants at Fort Indiantown Gap were given flights around the greater Harrisburg, Hershey and Blue Mountain area. Participants at Johnstown were given flights around the scenic Laurel Highlands of the Alleghenies.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt Darrin Hunt, military training leader, 321st Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, briefs the Texas 23rd Congressional District, U. S. House of Representative staff as they arrive at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Sep. 27, 2022. The visit helps to provide the congressional staff an overview and understanding of mission operations throughout JBSA.

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.

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Rodeo competitors, Team The Pack, stand with their trophy at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 20, 2022. Ten teams competed for the best time during the TCCC event, while facing penalties for mistakes made in the field.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeff Michal, 54th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator instructor, talks with Andrea Jones, Vigilant Aerospace Systems administrative and marketing assistant, at the 2023 AERO Oklahoma Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Awareness at the Oklahoma State Capitol, March 22, 2023. Airmen had the opportunity to visit information booths and learn about the flying community across Oklahoma.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 191st Regional Support Group of the Puerto Rico National Guard participate in a briscola competition during a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Day at Camp Santiago Joint Training Center in Salinas, Puerto Rico, July 21, 2022. The MWR day included volleyball, basketball, pool, briscola, dominoes, and softball competitions to boost morale and resiliency among all soldiers participating.

The 168th Wing and community members of Fairbanks presented an Alaska pin as a token of appreciation to Jake Rademacher, director of movies Brothers After War and Brothers at War, and Chase Millsap, a retired Marine who helps Rademacher with the Brothers After War workshops. The token of appreciation was presented as the tiniest pin from the largest state as a thank you for visiting Alaska, conducting the workshops, and showing the movie in Fairbanks. Air National Guard

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.

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Katherine Greene, 82nd Airborne Division airdrop system technician, provides a tour of the Parachute Packing Facility to Company O Arctic Ranger Veterans at Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 29, 2022. Thirty-three Arctic Rangers from 75th Infantry Regiment Company O visited several facilities on Fort Bragg during the 50th reunion of their deactivation.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Sean Salazar, a musician recruiter, talks to attendees at the Texas Music Teacher Association Convention in Dallas, Texas, June 17, 2022. The Marine Musician Enlistment Option Program offers musicians a chance to be a part of the world's finest fighting force while pursing their passion.

Maj. Gen. William Crane, West Virginia adjutant general, hosted Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania adjutant general, Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Worley, Pennsylvanias senior enlisted leader, and their wives Sept. 24 during the annual Gold Star Families Retreat at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia. The three-day weekend getaway is held each year to honor the service and sacrifice of Gold Star Families - those whose family member died in the course of military service, including many from Pennsylvania.

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Giuli Iommazzo, Human Resource Technician, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is pinned at the Bordentown National Guard Armory, New Jersey, Oct. 13, 2022. Iommazzo was promoted to Warrant Officer after being enlisted in the Army as a Sgt. 1st Class.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Ralph Rizzo, left, chief of staff with III Marine Expeditionary Force, Navy Capt. Bennett Sandford, center, chaplain with III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Nicole Nucelli, right, public affairs officer with the U.S. Consulate General Okinawa, honor a moment of silence during an Okinawa Memorial Day ceremony at USO Futenma on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 23, 2022. Members with USO Futenma hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Okinawa Memorial Day, paying respects to the 240,000 lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

Participants in a Community Leader Engagement visit the subway training facility at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility on April 19, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than a dozen community leaders from Tomah, Sparta, and other nearby municipalities gathered at Fort McCoy to see the posts mission first-hand. During their visit, the community leaders received a driving tour of the installation and made stops at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility on South Post, Fort McCoy Commemorative Area, Fort McCoy Simulations Training Complex in the 200 block on the cantonment area, Garrison Headquarters, and McCoys Community Center where they received a lunch.

Sailors assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) view exhibits during a visit to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum 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 President Gerald R. Ford and connect with local community members in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Albion, Michigan.

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade Command Sergeant Maj. Jake Huff salutes the Vietnam Memorial monument during the annual Vietnam Veterans of America Savannah Chapter 671 Memorial Day Ceremony in downtown Savannah, GA, May 29, 2022. Attendees placed 106 white roses on the monument - one for each Service Member from the Savannah area who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center celebrates its 10th anniversary with a ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 12, 2022. This event honors the AFCEC mission to deliver civil engineering expertise and services to strengthen installations and enhance combat power.

Delta Air Lines and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals hosted approximately 150 students, ages 13-18, on the airline's 21st annual Dream Flight from Atlanta to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, Minnesota on July 15, 2022. The fighter wing transformed their maintenance hangar into an interactive, educational round robin experience featuring an F-16 fighting falcon, F-16 aircraft maintenance personnel from, explosive ordnance disposal personnel and equipment, and an F-35 Lightning II and personnel from the F-35 Demonstration Team, 388th Fighter Wing.

SILVER SPRING, Md. (Feb. 23, 2024) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Alejandra Ramirez Alarcon from Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) speaks with students from Sargent Shriver Elementary School at the schools annual Career Day. Representatives from NMRC spent the day with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders answering questions, discussing careers within Navy Medicine and demonstrating laboratory equipment. NMRC is engaged in a broad spectrum of activities, from basic science in the laboratory to field studies in austere and remote areas of the world to investigations in operational environments. In support of the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint U.S. warfighters, researchers study infectious diseases, biological warfare detection and defense, combat casualty care, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology and behavioral sciences. Navy

Army Community Services at Camp Darby sponsor the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation for the year 2022 to kick off October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, spreading the message that domestic abuse is incompatible with Army Values and will not be tolerated on our installation, and to provide resources and support to victims. The whole community participates in the event. Camp Darby, Italy, Oct. 05, 2022.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii held a Hawaiian ceremonial blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for a new P-953 Gas Chamber Training Facility, MCBH, Feb. 22, 2024. The new training chamber is set to meet all safety standards for a tear gas training facility, with a modernized seal and filtration system that will improve the basic training capabilities for Marines stationed in Hawaii. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Clayton Baker)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Noah R. Flowe, a primary marksmanship instructor with Weapons and Field Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, describes the four weapons safety rules to teachers as part of 6th Marine Corps District's Educators Workshop held at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, April 6, 2022. Educators Workshop provides the opportunity for high school teachers to experience and gain insight on some of the challenges recruits face during Marine Corps recruit training.

Delta Air Lines and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals hosted approximately 150 students, ages 13-18, on the airline's 21st annual Dream Flight from Atlanta to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, Minnesota on July 15, 2022. The fighter wing transformed their maintenance hangar into an interactive, educational round robin experience featuring an F-16 fighting falcon, F-16 aircraft maintenance personnel from, explosive ordnance disposal personnel and equipment, and an F-35 Lightning II and personnel from the F-35 Demonstration Team, 388th Fighter Wing.

The U.S. Military Academy Equal Opportunity Office hosted the annual Black History Month Observance on Feb. 16 at the West Point Club.With the years theme, African Americans and the Arts, among the performances at the event were the Cadet Gospel Choir singing The Best is Yet to Come, and Capt. Aniya Knotts, who sang Lift Every Voice and Sing, and the Cadet Jazz Club performing musical numbers with their instruments.The guest speaker was Archie Elam, a 1976 USMA graduate, who while assigned to the 18th Airborne Corps when deployed to the Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, he led 36,000 troops to the deepest attack behind enemy lines in U.S. Army history, more than 250 miles, to cut off the Iraqi Army escaping Kuwait and helped destroy the Republican Guard.Elam spoke about his father growing up and then joining the Army and serving during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He talked about his experience at the academy and in the Army, and how that all intertwined with his experienc

The West Ada School District held a College and Career Day Fair in late April. Boise State University was well represented with a variety of departments in attendance along with the Army ROTC program. Mr. Ryan Hansen, the Enrollment Officer for the ROTC Program listens to Cadet Jake Boolootian talk to interested students along with Cadet Victor Puentes standing nearby for support.The Boise State University ROTC Cadets nearing the end of the semester showed no let up in their schedules. In mid-April, two groups of cadets took a scenic ruck march along the Boise Green Belt Trail system. Group one completed a 12-mile ruck march while group 2 completed an 8-mile march.Seeking fitness of another kind, the cadets attended a briefing from Mr. Cody Rome, a 2012 graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, on managing their finances.

The Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat in coordination with Pennsylvania National Guard Survivor Outreach Services, hosts a riverboat cruise for Surviving Families on June 12, 2022. Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, adjutant general, Pa. National Guard and Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Jon Worley senior enlisted advisor, Pa. National Guard, speak with Gold Star Families during the event.

U.S. Marines and civilians cut the ribbon during the opening of the Gopost Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCB Quantico), Virginia, Aug. 9, 2022. The ceremony was held to unveil the United States Postal Service gopost parcel lockers on MCB Quantico. Gopost is a new way to ship and receive packages.

New York National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 369th Sustainment Brigade say goodbye to their families during a farewell ceremony at Camp Smith, N.Y. on September 18, 2022. The brigade, known as the "Harlemhell Fighters" for the unit's service in World War I, will be deploying to Kuwait to provide logistics support Army forces in the Middle East.

031113-M-3856G-015. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Lucas Teel, 4th Fighter Wing commander, speaks to Airmen and their families during the Holiday Village and vendor fair at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Dec. 5, 2022. The annual event is held to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

Colby Covington, Ultimate Fighting Championship welter weight champion, meets with trainees of 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment before they begin their pugil stick and combatives finale before graduation. Covington visited the battalion April 5, 2022, to train with and give give professional advice on how to become a stronger athlete to the trainees, cadre, drill sergeants and support staff.

The crowd looks on as a fair goer tests their strength at the South Carolina State Fair on Friday.We want to thank everyone who stopped to spend time with us as the sun set on our final days at the South Carolina State Fair! Hopefully everyone learned a little more about our Army team including the Army Reserve and all the opportunities we have to offer. We enjoyed building camaraderie with our South Carolina community!U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Crystal Harlow

From left, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick D. Johnson, Lt. Col. David W. Astin and Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Littlejohn pose with the freshly signed Army Covenant and families from the Darmstadt community military community at Lincohn Village Housing in Darmstadt, Germany, Nov. 5, 2007.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Samuel English, 62nd Operations Support Squadron deputy airfield manager, provides a tour of the control tower to members of the Black Pilot of Americas Red-Tailed Hawks Youth Program during an Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship (AIM) Wing event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, April 16, 2022. AIM Wing is an community outreach program with a mission to inform, influence and inspire the next generation of Air Force aviators.

Members of the 81st Security Forces Squadron pose for a photo during Holiday in the Park at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Dec. 1, 2022. The celebration included a tree lighting ceremony, cookie decorating and a visit with Santa.

U.S. Army Spc. Stephon Gray, a unit supply specialist assigned to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, attends the national job fair at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug.18, 2022. Some of the occupation fields at the job fair included logistics, manufacturing, information technology and transportation.

A veteran group leader presents a lei in honor of the fallen service members during the 34th Annual Memorial Day Observance at the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii, May 29, 2022. The ceremony is held annually to honor Hawaiis fallen service members and pay special tribute to the 10,000 Hawaiians who volunteered for service in World War I, more than 100 of which made the ultimate sacrifice. This years commemoration was held a day prior to the official observance of Memorial Day.

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.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command, left, greets Pfc. Corine Hamilton after field practice for Team Army at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida, during the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, Aug. 19, 2022. The DoD Warrior Games will be conducted on Aug. 19 - 28, hosted by the U.S. Army at Walt Disney World Resort. Men and women from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command are joined in competition by athletes with the Canadian Soldier On organization for a variety of adaptive sports ranging from archery to wheelchair rugby.

220510-N-AH609-1007-GR NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (May 10, 2022) The Naval Support Activity Souda Bay Safety Office in Crete, Greece, hosted a Summer Safety Stand Down event at the base softball field May 10, 2022. Sailors and Civilian employees participated in the safety stand down by attending multiple resource stations to learn how to stay safe while participating in summertime activities. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

The exhibition hall at the 2022 Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Supplier Conference and Exhibition April 6-7 in downtown Columbus, Ohio featured nearly 70 exhibitor booths representing organizations that produce or supply equipment or services to support the Warfighter on both land and at sea. After a four-year hiatus, the conference returned to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, bringing together more than 800 defense industry representatives for first day speakers, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Steven Morani, DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic, and DLA Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. Kristen Fabry. Keynote addresses from military, industry and government leaders focused on a variety of topics ranging from contested logistics domains and supply chain security to industrial base sustainment and strategic objectives.

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