http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/honors/ en-us Thu, 4 Jun 2009 23:48:37 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2265005/posts WASHINGTON, June 4, 2009 – During this season of graduation celebrations, high school seniors heading off to college normally are held in high regard by their teachers, families and friends. Sometimes overlooked are those seniors choosing to bypass college to serve their country. A man from Camden, N.J., started a crusade in his community to make sure these seniors also were recognized for their “honorable” career choice of joining the U.S. military. “To join the military and serve your country is an awesome feat,” said Ken Hartman, founder of Our Community Salutes, a troop-support group. “To serve your country at... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2265005/posts#comment Thu, 4 Jun 2009 23:48:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2264259/posts KIRKUK — Ten Iraqi firefighters assigned to this city's unexploded ordnance (UXO) facility received certificates of appreciation for their "outstanding support" to the 506th Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Flight and Weapons Intelligence Team 11 mission, and words of honor from the U.S. base commander, at a ceremony here Sunday. Coalition forces EOD technicians are training Iraqi firefighters charged with the responsibility of identifying and handling UXOs on what to look for, how to handle what they find, reporting procedures, and when to just call for help. "We're recognizing them for the job that they do," said Capt. Jennifer Davenport, 506th... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2264259/posts#comment Thu, 4 Jun 2009 01:08:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2163443/posts WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2009 – A project engineer from the Balad Resident Office in Iraq was selected as one of the 2009 “Top Five New Faces in Engineering” for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Liz Burg, a project engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Balad, Iraq, briefs Richard Hancock, Gulf Region Division chief of programs, about the Pipeline Exclusion Zone project. Burg was recently named one of the “Top Five Faces in Engineering” by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. U.S. Army photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Elizabeth Burg, an Army civilian who... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2163443/posts#comment Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:31:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2150498/posts WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2008 – Starting early next year, the Army will allow full military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia for all soldiers killed in action. Full military honors include a caisson, band, colors team and an escort platoon in addition to the standard honors of a firing party, bugler and chaplain. In the past, the caisson was available only for officers killed in action because of limited availability, Paul Boyce, an Army spokesman, said. The cemetery has two caissons, or horse-drawn vehicles, which now will be available for officers and enlisted soldiers killed in action on... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2150498/posts#comment Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:18:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2136592/posts Britt the bomb-sniffing dog, who served overseas in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, will get a funeral befitting a hero at Fort Huachuca. The ashes of the Army canine, recently put down due to neurological illness, will be interred behind the kennels that served as his home base as a military color guard looks on. The 11-year-old German shepherd was euthanized on Sept. 11 and will be buried Dec. 3 at the Southern Arizona Army post. Following tradition, taps will be played and a flag folded and presented to Sgt. Megan Hobson, Britt's last handler. "We lost a fallen comrade,"... Arizona Daily Star http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2136592/posts#comment Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:28:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/2132597/posts ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 14, 2008 – On the same day the first woman was promoted to the rank of four-star general, the “Fly Girls of World War II” exhibit opened in honor of the first U.S. military-trained women aviators. Elaine D. Harmon, a former pilot of the Women Airforce Service Pilots program, walks through the "Fly Girls of World War II" exhibit during the exhibit's opening Nov. 14, 2008, at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va. DoD photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Like Army... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/2132597/posts#comment Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:15:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2131057/posts ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 12, 2008 – A Veterans Day observance yesterday at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial here honored the contributions of women in uniform throughout the nation’s history. Retired Air Force Maj. Linda S. Schwartz, left, and Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Patricia D. Ruth attend the Veterans Day observance at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va., Nov. 11, 2008. DoD photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, president of the Women’s Memorial foundation, hosted the annual event,... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2131057/posts#comment Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:43:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2129690/posts FORT HOOD, Texas, Nov. 10, 2008 – The roar of nearly 1,200 motorcycle engines split the morning air at Hood Stadium here Nov. 7 as soldiers and civilians in the “Phantom Thunder” motorcycle safety event started their ride to Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Nearly 1,200 riders depart the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery following a Nov. 7, 2008, memorial service. The riders participated in a 60-mile safety and mentorship ride. U.S. Army photo by Chris Varville   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, said... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2129690/posts#comment Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:52:22 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2127392/posts WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2008 – More than 1,000 students, teachers and parents crowded into a Fort Mitchell, Ky., school auditorium Oct. 24 to thank Army paratroopers and their families from Fort Bragg, N.C., for their service. Army Spc. Mike Gaither enjoys a handmade card from a Beechwood Elementary School student. Photo courtesy of Beechwood Support Our Troops  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The Fort Mitchell community “adopted” the 82nd Airborne Division’s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, several years ago after learning about America Supporting Americans, a group that connects communities with... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2127392/posts#comment Thu, 6 Nov 2008 23:35:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2112504/posts The Oak Park Unified School District voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a program that will replace the current valedictorian and salutatorian recognition during graduation. Under Oak Park High School's valedictorian and salutatorian system, only students who have taken the most rigorous classes in all subject areas were eligible for the top recognition. However, the school's new Honors at Graduation Program will use unweighted GPA to determine if a student qualifies for Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude. To receive the Summa Cum Laude recognition, a student must have a 3.90 or higher GPA on a 4.0... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2112504/posts#comment Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:53:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2108509/posts MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., Oct. 17, 2008 – Marines, sailors, family and friends, each displaying a mixture of cheerful and solemn expressions, gathered around the fuel pump house here to honor their fallen hero Oct. 10. Friends and family gather at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., on Oct. 10, 2008, for the ceremony dedicating the installation's fuel pump house in honor of fallen Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel McVicker. McVicker, 20, was killed Oct. 6, 2005, when the vehicle he was riding in hit a roadside bomb near Qaim, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2108509/posts#comment Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:38:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2065174/posts WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2008 – More than 100 runners are expected to participate in a 99-mile run Aug. 23-24 hosted by a Greenville, N.C.-based care package group in honor of the 117 North Carolinians who have lost their lives serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Barbara Whitehead, director of the North Carolina branch of Give2theTroops, said the group’s run is scheduled to coincide with the last two days of the national “Run for the Fallen.” The national event will cover more than 4,000 miles, one mile for each servicemember killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, by the time it ends at... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2065174/posts#comment Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:24:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2057092/posts WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2008 – A California troop-support group is paying tribute to servicemembers who died while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom with a mobile memorial. The Fueled by the Fallen Memorial Race Car Team -- a trio of cars bearing the names of Marines who died in Iraq -- makes appearances around the country to raise awareness of the sacrifices made in defense of the United States. Fueled by the Fallen also strives to provide support for the families of fallen heroes and to support and raise awareness for those who are afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder, Ken... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2057092/posts#comment Tue, 5 Aug 2008 23:25:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2053399/posts WASHINGTON, July 29, 2008 – Iraq’s interior minister thanked U.S. servicemembers and their families for their sacrifices on behalf of his country during a visit with wounded U.S. troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here today. Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bulani speaks with reporters after visiting with wounded U.S. servicemembers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., July 29, 2008. Bulani praised the sacrifices made by U.S. troops and their families on the behalf of Iraq. Defense Dept. photo by Gerry J. Gilmore  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Through an interpreter, Jawad al-Bulani told reporters... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2053399/posts#comment Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:28:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040510/posts WASHINGTON, July 3, 2008 – Wounded warriors and the PGA tour kicked off their Independence Day celebration a couple of days early with food and festivities yesterday at Mologne House, on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus here. PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, right, and Dan Nevins, Tour community outreach manager, welcome wounded warriors and their families to the “Birdies for the Brave” barbecue July 2, 2008, at Mologne House, on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus in Washington, D.C. Defense Dept. photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040510/posts#comment Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:06:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040034/posts BETHESDA, Md., July 2, 2008 – They may not be on the pro tour yet, but two military children got a taste of the big time when they helped pro golfer Fred Couples kick off the second AT&T National at Congressional Country Club here today. Jeffrey Dahl, 9, of New Jersey, left, professional golfer Fred Couples, and Margaret Rollins, 13, of Virginia hit the ceremonial first shot to open the second AT&T National golf tournament July 2, 2008, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. Both children’s fathers are servicemembers, serving in Pakistan and California, respectively. Defense Dept. photo... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040034/posts#comment Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:55:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031533/posts WASHINGTON, June 15, 2008 – Hundreds of troops and their families were treated to a professional soccer match on Flag Day during D.C. United’s 9th Annual Armed Forces and Veteran’s Appreciation Day at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in the nation’s capital. “A whole night dedicated to servicemembers makes me feel good,” said Army Spec. Devin Calcote, a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” who presented the nation’s colors at the beginning of the match between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls. The team provided 1,000 free tickets for active-duty servicemembers. Discounted tickets for... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031533/posts#comment Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:47:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022166/posts 5/27/2008 - BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Airmen from Balad Air Base, Iraq, gathered to observe Memorial Day, May 26. The ceremony had personal significance for many Airmen in attendance. The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing suffered the loss of three of its brothers-in-arms during the first half of 2008 -- Tech. Sgt. Anthony Capra, Staff Sgt. Travis Griffin and Staff Sgt. Christopher Frost. This reality made the meaning of this Memorial Day more poignant for Airmen assigned to the wing. "Memorial Day here at Balad is not a holiday; it's a day like any of the other 180 I'll... Air Force Link http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022166/posts#comment Tue, 27 May 2008 23:48:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022163/posts 5/27/2008 - KABUL, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- One word was spoken, reflected upon, honored and emulated May 26: devotion. The servicemembers of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan gathered outdoors this morning to honor their fallen brothers and sisters who gave their lives in devotion to their country this Memorial Day. Coalition forces, civilians and servicemembers saluted the American flag at half-staff during the singing of the U.S. national anthem by Exelena Whitaker, Army Corps of Engineers-Afghanistan. Winchester, Mass., native, Army Brig. Gen. Andrew Twomey, CSTC-A deputy commanding general, reflected on the words of President Abraham Lincoln's tribute at Gettysburg, eulogizing those... Air Force Link http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022163/posts#comment Tue, 27 May 2008 23:44:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022159/posts 5/27/2008 - BRIDESBURG, Pa. (AFPN) -- Airmen paraded down the streets of Bridesburg adorned with red, white and blue flags and banners May 26 to kick off not only Air Force Week in Philadelphia but also the city's annual Memorial Day parade Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the commander of Air Mobility Command, led a contingent of Airmen and equipment in the parade that included a flyby of two KC-10 Extenders from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., as more than 10,000 spectators from throughout the region watched. With the general leading the way in a Humvee, approximately 75 Airmen from the... Air Force Link http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022159/posts#comment Tue, 27 May 2008 23:38:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022157/posts 5/27/2008 - PARIS (AFPN) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, along with several hundred American and French citizens, paid homage to a special group of World War I aviators May 24 at the Lafayette Escadrille memorial ceremony that took place outside of Paris. The Airmen of the Lafayette Escadrille were the United States' first combat aviators. It was an American squadron of volunteers who flew under the French flag during World War I. Many of them gave their lives in defense of French democracy. General Moseley said it is important that the aviation heroes be honored... Air Force Link http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022157/posts#comment Tue, 27 May 2008 23:36:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022154/posts COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 27, 2008 – Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England and other senior officials began the Memorial Day weekend by participating in a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse here May 23 that included the unveiling of a memorial honoring 22 Marines and a Navy corpsman killed in Iraq. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England praises the heroism demonstrated by fallen Marines of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines during a dedication of a memorial in their honor in Columbus, Ohio, May 23, 2008. Defense Department photo by Kevin Wensing  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The memorial consists of... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022154/posts#comment Tue, 27 May 2008 23:29:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2020520/posts Old Guard Soldier Master Sgt. Steven Colbert places a flag on a gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. This year he brought along his son, Jordan, 8, to assist. Photo by Adam Skoczylas FORT MYER, Va. (Army News Service, May 23, 2008) -- The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) began their rounds Thursday afternoon to place a small American flag into the ground in front of every grave marker at Arlington National Cemetery. The Old Guard became the Army's official ceremonial unit in 1948 and on that Memorial Day every available member of the regiment stood one foot in... Army.mil http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2020520/posts#comment Sat, 24 May 2008 00:48:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2020025/posts WASHINGTON, May 22, 2008 – In the first “full honors” ceremony he’s hosted as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen welcomed his counterpart from Poland at the Pentagon today. In full-dress Navy “whites,” Mullen greeted Gen. Franciszek Gagor, chief of general staff of the Polish armed forces, and his staff when they arrived in black sport-utility vehicles. In less formal receptions -- known as “honor cordons” -- the military leaders would have disappeared into the Defense Department headquarters without much fanfare. In contrast, before their closed-door meeting today, Mullen led Gagor onto a podium... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2020025/posts#comment Fri, 23 May 2008 01:28:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2017131/posts FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md., May 16, 2008 – Award-winning columnist and commentator Andy Rooney feted top Defense Department communicators here today, musing about his own days as a reporter for Stars and Stripes and the challenges and rewards of telling the story of a military at war. Rooney, who got his journalist start covering World War II operations in Europe, was the keynote speaker at the 2008 Department of Defense Communicators of Excellence Awards Ceremony, held here at the Defense Information School, known as DINFOS. The annual competition recognizes the best military journalists, broadcasters, photographers, graphic artists and... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2017131/posts#comment Fri, 16 May 2008 23:54:53 GMT