Military Family Events

Images capturing military personnel interacting with family members and children during community events, demonstrating military life and family bonds.

Sgt. Charles Constantino, assigned to the "Hound Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, showcases a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle at the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market as part of the local celebration of the Army's birthday in Hinesville, Georgia, June 16, 2022. The U.S. Army celebrates 247 years of 24/7 global readiness and the service of the people who make that capability possible.

A participant in Operations K.I.D.S. laughs while trying on a thick bite suit jacket used to train military working dogs at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, April 9, 2022. About 70 children "deployed" during the event designed to give children of military members a taste of what their parents undergo when deploying.

Sgt. Charles Constantino, assigned to the "Hound Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, showcases a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle at the Hinesville Downtown Farmers Market as part of the local celebration of the Army's birthday in Hinesville, Georgia, June 16, 2022. The U.S. Army celebrates 247 years of 24/7 global readiness and the service of the people who make that capability possible.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Shattuck, a Blackhawk pilot assigned to the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, shows guests of the Frontiers In Flight Airshow the inside of a UH-60 Black Hawk at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kansas, September 24, 2022. Shattuck, along with other Soldiers from the 1st CAB participated in the annual joint-branch air show for the local community.

U.S Army Soldier reviews paperwork with his family after coming home from deployment on Fort Bragg, N.C. 12th Dec. The 330th Movement Control Battalion completed a nine-month deployment to EUCOM in support of Atlantic Resolve.

060316-A-0527A-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar Airfield Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

A USAG Humphreys elementary school student looks in shock out of the cockpit of an AH-64E Apache helicopter during the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade family day.The 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade held a family day event on May 27-28, 2022 allowing family members throughout the brigade to get a hands on experience with the aircraft that their spouses work with daily. The children were able to sit in the cockpits of AH-64E, UH-60M and CH-47F aircraft as well as try on the flight gear that the aviators wear to fly those aircraft. Permission for release of the student was provided by USAG Humphrey's Central Elementary School.U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt

Families reunite at a welcome home ceremony for the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC) at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, Jan. 24, 2015.

New York Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1156th Engineer Company arereunited with their friends and families as they return from a nine-monthdeployment to Kuwait and Iraq at Stewart Airport, New Windsor, N.Y., August31, 2017. One hundred and fifty Soldiers from the 1156th landed fromre-deployment training at Fort Bliss, Texas, after a successful nine-monthdeployment in Kuwait and Iraq.

Paratroopers assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division showcase aircraft on Moore County Airport, N.C., Oct. 29, 2022. The showcase was part of the annual flight expo at Moore County Airport and displayed multiple Military aircraft including a UH-60 Blackhawk” and a CH-46 Chinook” .

Army Reserve captains John Barbee and Sherman Pittman assist Khalil Quarles, 10, down the sidewalk outside his home during a surprise visit from members of the 200th Military Police Command and the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve. Barbee and Pittman are assigned to the Fort Meade-based 200th MPCOM. Khalil Quarles, 10, suffers from a rare form of cancer that affects less than 1 percent of all people who have been diagnosed cancer. Quarles, who is terminally ill, said it would be his dream to enlist in the Army. Through friends of friends and the power of social media, the 200th MPCOM partnered with deployed soldiers in Kuwait who are assigned to the 12th Public Affairs Detachment and Third Army to ensure Quarles wish came true. More than two-dozen soldiers assigned to the 200th MPCOM and the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve stood shoulder-to-shoulder during the enlistment ceremony. The 200th Military Police Command is based out of Fort Meade, Md., and commands and controls more than

Washington National Guard service members take part in the annual Washington State Summer Con at the state fairgrounds in Puyallup, Wash., June 17-18, 2022. Guests got to meet Guardsmen, learn about military equipment, and the mission of the Washington National Guard.

Master Sgt. Kymberly Higley, 107th Attack Wing, lets campers try on her blouse, Camp Windy Meadows, Cambria NY, July 14 2022. During the visit Airmen answered questions and shared their own stories about their time in the military. Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt Jason Carr.

NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana National Guard Sgt. Patrick J. Vitello of the 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 205th Engineer Battalion, talks to visitors to the annual boat show at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Jan. 11. Members of the 205th and local LANG recruiters had a display at the annual event that attracts thousands of spectators each year. (U. S. Army

Senior Airman Maricely Fuentes, 104th Operations Support Flight technician, helps a Cub Scout put on a helmet during a base tour April 19, 2019, at Barnes National Guard Base, Mass. Cub Scouts from Pack 338 and Troop 338 visited the 104th Fighter Wing and gained a better understanding of what the Air National Guard does on a daily basis.

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.

Pfc. Robert Popeleski, a Soldier with C Co., 186th Brigade Support Battalion (Medical), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, shows Isaac Heath around the dashboard of an M997A3 tactical Humvee ambulance during the Vermont National Guard Open House in South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022.

Children are issued T-shirts and bags as their uniform issue during Operation Hero at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, July 21, 2022. Operation Hero was a child-friendly deployment preparation event, helping kids understand the process their family members take when getting ready to deploy.

A USAG Humphreys elementary school student gives a thumbs up as he dons aviation life saving equipment and flight helmet during the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade family day.The 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade held a family day event on May 27-28, 2022 allowing family members throughout the brigade to get a hands on experience with the aircraft that their spouses work with daily. The children were able to sit in the cockpits of AH-64E, UH-60M and CH-47F aircraft as well as try on the flight gear that the aviators wear to fly those aircraft. Permission for release of the student was provided by USAG Humphrey's Central Elementary School.U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt

U.S. Army Spc. Jarrett Dattilo, a Black Hawk Helicopter Maintainer/Crew Chief with the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, speaks to a child and her mother, September 24, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Dattilo was interacting with the family as part of the 1st CAB's static display at the Frontiers in Flight Airshow.

Jennifer Macziewski, Rapid City, South Dakota teacher of the year, shows her children a lithograph presented to her by U.S. Navy Lt. Griffin Stangel, Blue Angels pilot and narrator, and after her incentive flight on a U.S. Navy Blue Angels, F/A-18 Super Hornet at Ellsworth Air Force Base, May 13, 2022. Macziewski was selected as the key influencer to fly with Stangel as part of Ellsworth's Air and Space Show, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. April Carney, an administrative specialist with 4th Marine Division, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, educates a young participant about the M2 .50 caliber machine gun at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, Oct. 22, 2022. 4th AA Battalion showcased vehicles and weapons during the air show to give the public insight and experience to assets Marines use during operations to support the ground combat element.

A Marine from Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, hands a nutrition bar to child in Cotes De Fer, Haiti, Jan. 21. Marines and Sailors from the 22nd MEU set up a temporary relief-supply distribution point near Cotes de Fer, bringing in bottled water and food. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, is deployed in support of relief operations in Haiti.

Sgt. David Patrick, of Lake City S.C., helps Grant Spafford of Summerville, explore a M109 Paladin during the South Carolina National Guard Family Appreciation Day held April 2, 2011 at McEntire Joint National Guard Base. Spafford was attending the family day with his cousins and uncle, Major Robert Spafford, of the S.C. Army National Guard.(SC Air National Guard

U.S. Army Capt. Olivia Lynch, commander of B Company, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, explains various aspects of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to event-goers during the Kansas City Air Show on Sep. 3, 2022, in New Century, Kansas. 1st Infantry Division aviators and crew chiefs attended the event in partnership with the Kansas City Army Recruiting Battalion to educate the public on the Army service opportunities.

060506-A-5745M-055. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIV

Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team greet spectators along the parade route during the annual Albany Veterans Day Parade, November 11, 2017, in Albany, Oregon. The event is the largest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi River.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Silvers, a heavy equipment operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, shows kids the inside of a military vehicle at the 24th Annual KidsFest at Cross Creek Shopping Center in Beaufort, South Carolina, April 2, 2022. The event is held every year to provide a fun and effective way of presenting resources available to families in the community during Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Shattuck, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot with the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, takes a photo of a family, September 24, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The Black Hawk was set up as part of a static display at the Frontiers in Flight airshow.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Shattuck, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot with the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, takes a photo of a family, September 24, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The Black Hawk was set up as part of a static display at the Frontiers in Flight airshow.

A Malmstrom Airman shows a Harlowtown elementary student how to use an M240 machine gun during the Local Integrated Response Plan public display Sept. 12, 2022, in Harlowtown, Mont. The LIRP is an open display of capability to the public and included a UH-N1 Huey helicopter landing on a football field. Members of the Harlowtown community were able to talk with personnel, sit inside the armed rescue vehicles and helicopter and ask questions about the security provided by Malmstrom Air Force Base.

A student from Matthew C. Perry Intermediate School, left, describes his artwork to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Cordes, the executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, during an art awards presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 22, 2024. The air station presented awards for its monthly art competition in which students attending schools at the air station showcase their artistic talent through different art mediums. Marine Corps

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

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Ken Kozak, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot with the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion, New Jersey National Guard, puts a helmet on a child during the Red Bank Police Department's National Night Out at Count Basie Fields in Red Bank, New Jersey, Aug. 2, 2022. National Night Out is an annual event to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.

060105-A-5745M-041. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MNT 2ND BDE

U.S. Air Force Col. Gordon Meyer speaks to airmen and their families about the Homefront Hero award at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. The award recognizes children of deployed airmen for their outstanding efforts.

USS Harry S. Truman arrives at their homeport of Naval Station Norfolk after a 10 month deployment, Sept. 12, 2022. Truman Sailors were met by over 8,000 friends and family members waiting pierside. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emily Casavant/ released)

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

Airmen with the 182nd Airlift Wing Airmen, Illinois Air National Guard, and their families take part in Family Day at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 10, 2022. The event was organized to promote resiliency in Airmen and families.

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Sept. 3, 2018) Lt. Carmen Davis, U.S. 4th Fleet medical planner, hands out candy to local children during a community relations (COMREL) event at Gimnasio Cristiano de Bocachica childrens school. The COMREL is part of the annual exercise UNITAS LIX, an annual international maritime exercise focusing on strengthening regional partnerships and establishing new relationships through the exchange of maritime, mission-focused knowledge and expertise during multinational training operations.

U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Wetter, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge for the marksmanship training division with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, spends time with the Hurley family after an award ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, June 30, 2022. Wetter was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for the heroism he displayed in December 2020 after he saw the Hurleys car burst into flames on the side of a road during his drive home. Wetter climbed into the backseat of the burning car and used a pocket knife to free a child from her car seat. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Cortez)

U.S. Army National Guard 1st. Sgt. Daniel Schaab is advanced to sergeant major, at the Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 15, 2022. Gathered by family, friends and many teammates, Sgt. Maj. Schaab has made a significant positive impact on the lives and careers of his Soldiers over the years.

Spc. Tysone Ware, a Soldier with the 831st Engineer Company, offers high-fives to children attending the Johnston Green Days parade in Johnston, Iowa, on June 18, 2022. The 831st Engineer Company participated in several events during the three-day celebration of the city that neighbors Camp Dodge and the Iowa National Guards Joint Force Headquarters.

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and his son walk to an event during a unit family day on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 6, 2023. Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion conducted a unit family day to increase camaraderie, boost morale, and to grow connections with friends and family.

DALA, Solomon Islands (Sept. 8, 2022) Capt. Jeffrey Feinberg, commanding officer of Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), teaches 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.

Colonel Jeremy Ford, 152nd Airlift Wing commander, gets sprayed with water and champagne by family and co-workers after his final flight fini-flight with the wing, July 26, 2022. Ford has been the commander of the 152nds High Rollers since 2021 and will be leaving in early August to take a new position with the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daitin Stark, alert crew chief, 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, places a fighter pilots helmet on a child at the Joint Base Andrews Air & Space Expo at Joint Base Andrews Air Base, Maryland, Sept. 17, 2022. The D.C. Air National Guard celebrated the Air Forces 75th anniversary Sept. 17-18, 2022 with youth groups, families, and veterans in attendance.

040514-M-5607G-002. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Air Component Commander of the Massachusetts National Guard, congratulates Col. Tom Sling Bladen, the previous wing commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, after completing his fini flight on August 4, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Fini flights or final flights are ceremonial flights performed at the conclusion of ones career or assignment. This flight concluded Bladens 25-year long career and over 2,400 flight hours in the F-15.

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

GREYWOLF Trooper, Sgt. Katherine Ford, assigned to the 120th Regional Support Group of the Maine National Guard, talks with Polish students from Drawsko Pomorskie Preschool, Oct. 28, 2022. Events like these continue to strengthen the bonds between the Polish community and the U.S. Army.

U.S. Army SGT. MAJ. Jim Parker of the Implementation Force (IFOR) Campaign Task Force talks with the local children of Pale during the band concert sponsored by the Commander in CHIEF, Naples, Italy. Base: Pale State: Republika Srpska Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

A student from Matthew C. Perry Primary School, left, describes her artwork to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Cordes, the executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, during an art awards presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 22, 2024. The air station presented awards for its monthly art competition in which students attending schools at the air station showcase their artistic talent through different art mediums. Marine Corps

A U.S Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 gives a gear demonstration at the Drew Kostic Memorial 5K near Traverse City, Michigan on August 13, 2022. The U.S. Marine Corps provided static displays, tours, and demonstrations of aircraft to allow the familiarization with the equipment and opportunities the Marine Corps offers.

U.S. Airmen with the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, return from a successful Air Expeditionary Force deployment in Southwest Asia, October 23, 2018. The South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing deployed F-16 fighter jets and Airmen consisting of pilots, maintenance specialists and support staff to the 407th Air Expeditionary Group in July in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 902nd Field Feeding Platoon, 42nd Regional Support Group, load up outgoing food donations to be delivered to the greater Fort Drum area during the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Teams eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise on July 26, 2022, at Fort Drum, New York. More than 2,500 Soldiers participated in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

221008-M-BQ292-2156 (Oct. 8, 2022) U.S. Navy CM3 Christopher Mankowski, a construction mechanic, Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 (ACB1), poses for a photo with a child during the Humanitarian Assistance and Village STEM Education Center as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW). SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service effects, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

060228-A-7969G-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Summerall State: Salah Ah Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A1-187

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Airshow London Skydrive in London, Ontario, Sept. 9, 2022. Airshow London was one of two performances in Canada this year for the Thunderbirds.

Soldiers of the 101st Division Band perform for students of Basanti Elementary School April 1, 2022, on Fort Campbell, KY. This performance was a part of the Music in Our Schools Month'' and helps to build the relationship between the service members and military families.

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

An Airman assigned to the 335th Fighter Squadron is welcomed back by his child after returning from a deployment at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2022. The 335th FS and 335th Fighter Generation Squadron deployed to provide a defensive posture to military personnel stationed in the Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Shawn Creeton, 821st Contingency Response Support Squadron contracting officer, stands in a Humvee with his children during a Military Child Appreciation Day event at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 29, 2022. The 621st CRW hosted a Military Child Appreciation Day for the contingency response team children stationed at Travis AFB, CA.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Edgar Gonzalez, 423rd Security Forces Squadron police services, teaches students how to conduct inspections during Camp KUDOS (Kids Understanding Deployment Operations) at Royal Air Force Alconbury, England, May 20, 2022. KUDOS is a program developed to give children a deeper understanding of the military deployment process, the training parents receive, and to better deal with a loved ones absence.

120702-N-SH953-148 BOSTON (July 2, 2012) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Charles Landry, assigned to Navy Operational Support Center Austin, gives a boy a Navy ball cap at the Children's Hospital in Boston as part of Caps for Kids during Boston Navy Week. Boston Navy Week is one of 15 signature events planned across America in 2012. The eight-day event commemorates the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, hosting service members from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard and coalition ships from around the world.

A Marine tank crewman with Echo Company, 4th Tank Battalion, shows a young Bostonian what it's like to be in the driver seat of an M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank during an exhibition of Marine gear, weapons and vehicles May 3 at Boston Common. The exhibition was during the first day of Marine Week Boston, which honors and recognizes the contributions of Marines, including Boston-based hometown heroes and their families.

Hannah Harkrader, student at Wilson Hall, applies a tourniquet on her father, Lt. Col. Todd Harkrader, the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHBN), U.S. Army Central, during the first aid and life support instruction at Wilson Hall on December 1, 2022 in Sumter, S.C. With the instruction, USARCENT sought to increase the awareness, knowledge and confidence in the students by providing basic lifesaving techniques while building strong ties within the local community.

SALAMANSA, Cape Verde (Jan. 8, 2013) Musician 2nd Class Kollin Reichow, right, assigned to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band, Topside, gives a child a high-five during a performance in the fishing town of Salamansa in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS). APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

051106-A-9419D-026. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Grand Ledge State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Mixed race soldier father putting cap on son

030717-D-0405B-009. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn.- Elliott Crabtree, age 7, was chosen to be "Pilot for a Day" here. Crabtree got to tour different facilities around the base and meet Airmen from the 134th ARW. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Melissa Dearstone)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Johnson-Farmer interacts with a member of the Japanese public during the Hofu Air Show 2022 at Hofu-Kita Air Base, Japan, June 5, 2022. Airmen from the 459th Airlift Squadron and the 374th Operations Support Squadron attended the Hofu Air Festival to promote bilateral relations with their Japanese counterparts and the greater Hofu community.

Students from a local elementary school listens to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Band as they perform during a school visit at Zijtaart, Netherlands, Sept. 14, 2022. As a part of the 78th year commemoration of Operation Market Garden, the school visit allows the 101st band to share and honor the history of our predecessors through music and assure the local community of our continuous commitment to our European allies and partners.

SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 21, 2015) Sailors assigned to USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) participate in a community relations visit to a local school nearby Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo.

061022-N-0490C-003. Base: Strait Of Messina Country: Italy (ITA)

091110-N-0696M-736Joint Chiefs Chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen speaks with Army @nd Lt. Brandy Mason at the III Corps Headquarters, Nov. 10, 2009. Mason was shot in the hip during a Nov. 5 shooting rampage that left 13 dead and 38 wounded.

ST. LOUIS (May 19, 2022) Senior Chief Navy Counselor Ryan Vinnedge, an assistant chief recruiter assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Mid America, has his senior chief collar devices placed on him by his children and junior Sailors during a pinning ceremony, May 19, 2022. NTAG Mid America, part of Navy Recruiting Command, recruits the next generation of Navy Sailors throughout areas encompassing Missouri, Kansas, central and southern Illinois, and a portion of Kentucky.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Able Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, teach Cub Scouts how to properly fold the American Flag in a military funeral ceremony at Conlon Hall, Bergen Field, New Jersey, Feb. 6, 2024. Teaching the flag folding ceremony to the Cub Scouts of America is believed to teach the youth of Bergenfield the history and traditions involved in rendering honors at a funeral. Army National Guard

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nathaniel Hofmann, 480th Fighter Squadron director of operations, greets his family after returning to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 10, 2023, following a three-month deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The 480th FS deployed to Kadena AB to ensure a steady U.S. Air Force presence in the region to support the ongoing return of Kadenas fleet of F-15 Eagles to the United States.

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

A military child aims an unloaded rifle on display within the Global Readiness Deployment Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 28, 2022. The 621st Contingency Response Wing service members hosted a "Bring Your Child Into Work" day for the Month of the Military Child, which focuses on celebrating children of armed forces members.

HILO, Hawaii (April 14, 2012) Sailors assigned to the Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37) greet the crowd during the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade. The 49th annual Merrie Monarch Festival honors King David Kalakaua who is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign.

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne on visit to Walter Reed Hospital during lead-up to annual Rolling Thunder motorcyle rally through Washington, D.C.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Amir Averhart, an infantryman assigned to the "Hound Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, poses with his son during a family day event at the end of a combined arms live fire exercise at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 24, 2022. The 3rd Bn., 67th AR, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, is the Army's most modern armored battalion and is preparing to defeat any threat in large-scale combat operations through expert coaching and proficient, cohesive teams.

061015-N-5334H-280. Base: USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) Country: Japan (JPN)

Army Leaders Continue to Pledge to Support Families

A Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment takes a family photo following the units call to duty ceremony Sept. 21, 2022, at Marysville High School in Marysville, Ohio. Elements of the Ohio Army National Guards 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted call to duty ceremonies for their units in advance of an approximately yearlong deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

041214-F-7169B-002. Base: Arctic Village State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen in the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Apprentice Course show Boy Scouts from Wichita, Kansas, how to don personal protective equipment during a physical training session, March 15, 2023 on Chapman Training Annex, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.Special Warfare active-duty cadre provided a full-day of demonstrations covering physical training, radio and close air support tactics, combative techniques, search and rescue field equipment, and rappelling , to the 7th-12th grade boys and thier troop leaders.

LOS ANGELES (May 28, 2022) Information Technician Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Vorraro, left, a native of Lake George, New York, assigned to Maritime Security Squadron 11, and Lance Cpl. Matthan Applebery, a native of Augusta, Georgia, assigned to 3rd Low-Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion Bravo Battery, pose for a photo at a Selfie with a Sailor exhibit during Los Angeles Fleet Week, May 28, 2022. Los Angeles Fleet Week 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.

Keesler personnel participate in the Back Bay Elementary School Military Honor Walk in Biloxi, Mississippi, April 25, 2022. The walk, held in recognition of the Month of the Military Child, allows students the opportunity to honor all military personnel affiliated with the school and the surrounding community.

Tom Cruise visits with Airmen during the 2022 Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July 16, 2022. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. The event, which showcased aircraft from across the globe celebrated aviations past and present while inspiring the next generation.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andruw Reyes, assistant dedicated crew chief to Thunderbird 3, an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, signs a 2022 Fort Wayne Air Show attendee's cast at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Reyes is a member of the USAF Thunderbirds air demonstration team.

040928-F-9429S-005. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General John W. Hendrix, Commanding General Forces Command, reads to a second grade class at Dean Rusk Elementary School. Forces Command (FORSCOM) is in the Partners In Education program with Dean Rusk school. The program provides leadership in the formation and growth of effective partnerships that ensure success for all students. Base: Fort Mcpherson State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

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

111215-N-PB383-180SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Dec. 15, 2011) Sgt. Marcos Bustos, assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU), poses for a photo with children during a community relation's event at the Help the Cambodian Children Goodwill Center. USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th MEU are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility as part of the Makin Island Ready Group.

The 104th Fighter Wing hosted local 4-H members for a base tour on July 8, 2022 at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The group received a pilot briefing, handled flight equipment, and received a maintainer briefing. During the tour Boomer, the 104FW morale dog, came to visit the group and put in some hard work. The 104FW public affairs team has an annual base tour program April - October open to community youth groups and local employers to strengthen partnerships. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

A child reaches for the American flag during a ceremony honoring LT. Robert Wetzel, LT. Lawrence Slade, and LT. Jeffrey Zaun. The three Navy pilots' aircraft were shot down over Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and the men held as prisoners of war until their release on March 4th. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060821-N-3931M-019. Base: Kupang State: East Nusa Tenggara Province Country: Indonesia (IDN)

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