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The pressure on Obama continues to build! Wayne Simmons says the “catch and release” policy of the administration has reduced CIA morale to a level he describes as “pathetic, low, horrible.” Here’s the Video Link

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2009 – From the air, the basic outline of Camp Bucca appears as most military forward operating bases in Iraq, except for nine fluttering white flags affixed to poles jutting from the ground. Army Sgt. Marcus Jemison tees off on the 570-yard fifth hole at Camp Bucca, Iraq. The golf course allows servicemembers a chance to relax between missions. U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. David Bennett   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The flags aren’t tokens of surrender, but they often elicit cries of frustration from soldiers who have thrown their best at...

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2009 – A Task Force Protector soldier here is building unit pride and esprit de corps by using his artistic skills to decorate an office inside a refurbished shipping container. Army Sgt. Henry Harrell stands next to the artwork he painted on his brigade commander’s office door at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 20, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Garett Hernandez   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The many talents of Army Sgt. Henry Harrell, a counterinsurgency noncommissioned officer with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 16th Military Police Brigade, are evident on the office door of...

New Army surveys, reports the Wall Street Journal, show that morale has fallen sharply among soldiers fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan and confirm an unusually high suicide in their ranks. Perhaps this has something to do with doubts about their commander-in-chief's commitment to win this war by standing staunchly with them in spirit and providing the necessary troop levels and other resources. With fatalities and injuries surging among them, the president's prolonged and frazzled indecision on how to wage this struggle must leave these soldiers with a sense of being cast adrift in limbo, if not hell itself. Having first,...

Suicides reported among active-duty soldiers more than doubled in October, according to Army data released Friday. The Army is investigating 16 potential suicides for October in comparison to the seven suicides reported to Army officials in September of this year. The Army is still investigating four of the suicides reported in September. The newly released October data brings the number of reported suicides in 2009 to 133, 18 more cases than were reported between January 2008 and October 2008. Among soldiers in the Reserve component of the Army, who are not serving on active duty, there were eight potential suicides...

Morale has fallen among soldiers in Afghanistan, where troops are seeing record violence in the 8-year-old war

WASHINGTON – Morale has fallen among soldiers in Afghanistan, where troops are seeing record violence in the 8-year-old war, while those in Iraq show much improved mental health amid much lower violence, the Army said Friday. Soldier suicides in Iraq did not increase for the first time since 2004, according to a new study. Though findings of two new battlefield surveys are similar in several ways to the last ones taken in 2007, they come at a time of intense scrutiny on Afghanistan as President Barack Obama struggles to come up with a new war strategy and planned troop buildup....

The U.S. Air Force has a morale problem with its combat pilots. The issue is lack of action for the pilots. That, plus the increased use of unmanned aircraft, and the very real prospect that the age of the manned combat aircraft may be coming to an end. This is made worse with hundreds of fighter pilots being assigned to operating Predator and Reaper UAVs. This was not popular duty, even though the pilots still draw flight pay. It is tedious work, although the UAV operators often saw more combat action than they did when piloting F-16s or F-15s. The...

A mile from South Station, an outpost of US marines in Helmand province, the tribal chief was openly hostile. “The Americans threaten our economy and take our land for bases. They promise much and deliver nothing,” he said. “People here regard the American troops as occupiers,” said Haji Khan, a leader of the Baluch tribe, who rules like a medieval baron. “Young people are turning against them and in time will fight them.” Inside South Station, soldiers are proud of the progress...Until they arrived, this remote part of Helmand had not had a government presence for years. But many are...

I'm not sure what the bigger story is here... that the troops are feeling less than confident in their new Commander in Chief, or that this story is being reported in the New York Times. But here it is... yesterday's byline by Elisabeth Bumiller under the Military Memo, As the Commander in Chief Deliberates, Frustration Builds Within the Ranks A number of active duty and retired senior officers say there is concern that the president is moving too slowly, is revisiting a war strategy he announced in March and is unduly influenced by political advisers in the Situation Room. “The...

Only nine months ago, the Pentagon pronounced itself reassured by the early steps of a new commander in chief. President Obama was moving slowly on an American withdrawal from Iraq, had retained former President George W. Bush’s defense secretary and, in a gesture much noticed, had executed his first military salute with crisp precision. But now, after nearly a month of deliberations by Mr. Obama over whether to send more American troops to Afghanistan, frustrations and anxiety are on the rise within the military. A number of active duty and retired senior officers say there is concern that the president...

American soldiers serving in Afghanistan are depressed and deeply disillusioned, according to the chaplains of two US battalions that have spent nine months on the front line in the war against the Taleban. Many feel that they are risking their lives — and that colleagues have died — for a futile mission and an Afghan population that does nothing to help them, the chaplains told The Times in their makeshift chapel on this fortress-like base in a dusty, brown valley southwest of Kabul. “The many soldiers who come to see us have a sense of futility and anger about being...

American soldiers serving in Afghanistan are depressed and deeply disillusioned, according to the chaplains of two US battalions that have spent nine months on the front line in the war against the Taleban. Many feel that they are risking their lives — and that colleagues have died — for a futile mission and an Afghan population that does nothing to help them, the chaplains told The Times in their makeshift chapel on this fortress-like base in a dusty, brown valley southwest of Kabul. “The many soldiers who come to see us have a sense of futility and anger about being...

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq, Sept. 25, 2009 – Army Sgt. Maj. Virginia Stickler enjoys serving up drinks and snacks, as well as a bit of advice, to her fellow soldiers here at a coffee shop that speaks volumes about her deployment. Army Sgt. Maj. Virginia Stickler, a member of the Kansas National Guard’s 287th Sustainment Brigade, is the manager of God’s Grounds, a coffee shop on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, that serves free drinks, snacks and movies -- as well as advice -- for soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image...

CIA Director Leon Panetta addressed agency staff in an e-mail today marking the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks tomorrow. With the CIA facing scrutiny over Bush-era torture of detainees and questions about how it should share responsibilities with the FBI and other federal agencies, Panetta used the opportunity to try to boost morale and rally employees. Panetta's full message is included below: Message from the Director: September 11th Tomorrow, our nation as a whole will remember those lost to us eight years ago. For the men and women of the CIA, September 11th is a constant, powerful incentive in...

Pfc. Andrew S. Wells, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, plays his guitar during some spare time at Patrol Base Husayniyah, Aug. 22. Wells plays a song he wrote, "Makes Me Stronger," while Soldiers take a break to listen. Photo by Pfc. Bethany Little, 172nd Infantry Brigade. PB HUSAYNIYAH — Music fills the air of this small patrol base as U.S. Soldiers here collectively notice the song and gather around a multi-talented musician. Lost within the song, Pfc. Andrew S. Wells strums on his guitar as the gathered Soldiers clap and sing along. Music has always been a part of Wells' life....

Morale has sagged at the CIA following the release of additional portions of an inspector general's review of the agency's interrogation program and the announcement that the Justice Department would investigate possible abuses by interrogators, according to former intelligence officials, especially those associated with the program. A. B. "Buzzy" Krongard, the third-ranking CIA official at the time of the use of harsh interrogation practices, said that although vigorous oversight is crucial, the public airing of once-classified internal assessments and the prospect of further investigation are damaging the agency. "Morale at the agency is down to minus 50," he said. At...

Pfc. Jonathan Chavez, Charlie Company, Special Troops Battalion, tags a runner out at second base during the "Lone Star Double Play" softball tournament held in July on Camp Victory's ball field. Photo by Spc. Amburr Reese, 114th Public Affairs Detachment. CAMP VICTORY — When you think of Soldiers serving in a combat zone the last thing you might envision is a group of troops sitting in bleachers lacing up cleats and talking about what the batting order will be for the next game. Since 2004, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department here has been supporting one of America's favorite...

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq, July 31, 2009 – When most servicemembers think of their concert experiences here, they recall punching their fists into the desert sky, rocking out to old favorites and meeting new friends. Air Force Capt. Joshua Daniels, on the other hand, remembers long hours, black coffee and some of the most rewarding days of his military career. Daniels, the base’s morale, welfare and recreation liaison, is in charge of arranging entertainment for servicemembers deployed to western Iraq. Though much of his time is spent organizing concerts, he also finds time to acquire computers for the MWR...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq, May 19, 2009 – Reinforcements are something every unit loves to have -- more soldiers help to win the fight and save lives at the same time. Army Chaplain (Maj.) Chuck B. Rizer, front right, gets into the action with the brigade staff as he competes in the brigade staff Olympics at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Feb. 27, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Stephen C. Short  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The duty of being a soldier can be difficult at times, and no matter how many extra soldiers arrive to...

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2009 – The Defense Department and communities throughout the world will continue the 23-year tradition of recognizing the importance of military children in the month of April. The Month of the Military Child, first celebrated in 1986, is especially important today, said Arthur J. Myers, acting deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy. “Children are our nation’s unsung heroes,” Myers said. “This month-long recognition is a time set aside to acknowledge the important role that children play in the lives of their military parents and express appreciation for their service. This is our chance...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq, Feb. 3, 2009 – Dozens of military vehicles, cars, planes and a few other special novelties adorn the walls of the brigade command conference room in the headquarters building of the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team at this southern Baghdad base. Army Maj. Timothy Reed explains who made the different models that line the walls in the command conference room of the “Raider” Brigade on Forward Operating Base Falcon, Iraq, Feb. 2, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. DaleAnne Maxwell  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army Col. Ted Martin, the brigade...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2009 – Operation Gratitude, a troop-support group, is joining forces with Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and thousands of volunteers from across the country on Jan. 19’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday to assemble care kits for servicemembers deployed overseas. The effort, called "A Day of Service for Our Military," allows for people to show their support and express their appreciation to those in the military, organizers said. “We are thrilled to partner in this event, as this is a great way to introduce more Americans to the great work of Operation Gratitude and...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq, Dec. 12, 2008 – A team of certified mail handlers is helping to boost morale for deployed soldiers by ensuring they receive their holiday care packages from family and friends back home. Army Sgt. Charles Kowalski makes a list of mail recipients to post outside the headquarters mail room while Army Sgt. Frederick Gregory sorts mail in the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team mailroom, at Forward Operating Base Falcon, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2008. Kowalski and Gregory are certified mail handlers and infantrymen assigned to the 4th Infantry Division’s Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment,...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2008 – Country singer/songwriter Craig Morgan can relate to the veterans he meets when he performs, because he’s been there. Country music star Craig Morgan performs a song he wrote to honor servicemembers April 19, 2008, on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. The performance was part of the Jack Daniel's-USO "Toast to the Troops" care package stuffing event. DoD photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “I was in Panama in 1989 for Operation Just Cause, [and] I was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Desert Storm,” the former soldier...

Army Sgt. Freddy Valdez attempts to reach a soccer ball before an Iraqi Soldier can kick it away during a soccer match at Contingency Operations Base Adder in southern Iraq, Oct. 23, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jesse Henderson. COB ADDER — As the sun began to set on the base’s soccer complex Oct. 23, 15 U.S. Soldiers warmed up for a big game here. The “Rough Rider� Soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division’s 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, were set to play the Motorized Transportation Regiment of the 10th Iraqi Army Division in a partnership-building...

On the morning of August 8, 2008 Russian forces invaded the tiny Republic of Georgia in what Russia cynically characterized as an act of "preemptive defense". Thus once again this volatile region explodes in violence and increases the already escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington. According to the bleak assessment of one of our Fox News commentators, "with our military already stretched thin", we are now confronted with the possibility of "being dragged into yet another war, which we cannot afford". Indeed, we seem threatened on all sides, the martial rattling of our enemies' sabers grows louder and more...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2008 – Two videos produced by Army Medical Command and the American Academy of Pediatrics to help children and adolescents cope during a parent’s deployment are gaining in popularity. “Military Youth Coping with Separation: When Family Members Deploy” addresses a variety of deployment-related concerns for teens, and “Mr. Poe and Friends Discuss Reunion After Deployment” was made for elementary-school-age children. “We hope these videos will support the healthy emotional development of military children and adolescents during potentially difficult times in their lives,” Army Maj. (Dr.) Keith Lemmon of the pediatrics department at Madigan Army Medical Center at...

Here's an act of compassion for our soldiers that needs re-doing today! "Hollywood Canteen" Plot Summary: Two soldiers on sick leave spend three nights at the Hollywood Canteen before going back to active duty. With a little friendly help from John Garfield, Slim gets to kiss Joan Leslie, who he has been dreaming about while in the Pacific. He meets her later at the Farmer's Market. On the third night, Slim is the millionth man into the Canteen, earning him a date with Joan. Slim thinks he's been duped when she doesn't show up at his train. Slim's buddy...

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 16, 2008 – Modern-rock band Sevendust put on a performance like no other for servicemembers here July 12 at the final stop on their first United Service Organizations tour. Soldiers at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, pose with members of the band Sevendust after a July 12, 2008, performance by the band. The performance completed Sevendust’s first USO tour. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Scott Davis, Combined Joint Task Force 101  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Although the band is not known for playing acoustic sets, they still managed to put out a diverse sound that...

Almost half of UK military personnel are ready to leave the forces, a Ministry of Defence survey suggests. Some 47% of Army and Royal Navy respondents and 44% of those in the RAF said they regularly felt like quitting. Among the concerns raised by the 9,000 servicemen and women surveyed were the frequency of tours, levels of pay and the quality of equipment and housing. The Ministry of Defence said the survey revealed "areas of concern" but that conditions were being improved. Sense of overstretch The first survey to assess attitudes across the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the...

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2008 – Movies and games have always been popular among deployed troops, providing a break from the intense daily realities of their duties and a way to fill downtime while away from their loved ones. With that in mind, Blockbuster stores nationwide, in partnership with United Service Organizations, are making it easy for Americans to donate video games and DVDs to deployed forces. “The DVD and game drive is a way for Blockbuster stores and the American public to make life a little better for U.S. servicemen and women when they’re so far away from home,”...

6/26/2008 - BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- The U.S. Air Forces Central band "Falcon" showcased its musical talents for audiences June 20 to 22 at Bagram Air Base. The band entertained attendees of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group change-of-command ceremony with a variety of pop music before and after the ceremony. During the formal procedure, the band played "Ruffles and Flourishes," the "General's March," the national anthem and the Air Force song. Later in the afternoon, the band gathered their acoustical gear and set out to reach the Airmen assigned to the aircraft maintenance squadrons remotely located on the...

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq — Unexpected visitors greeted an infantry battalion of Marines, sailors and other residents here June 6. The service members gathered around the Morale Welfare and Recreation Center aboard Camp Korean Village, Iraq, to see what the fuss was about. Little did they know that five Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders had just come to visit them. “We came out here to say thank you for all the amazing things you have done out here,” said Laura Jenkins, a cheerleader with the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleading squad to the crowd of service members. “It was mentioned that there was going...

Losing Our Voice by: Ben Giles, June 09, 2008 Dr. Victor Hanson thinks enough is enough. Throw political correctness out the door and speak your mind. It is, after all, our basic Constitutional right. “Right now, at this time, there is a collective mood in the West that is self-censoring, is not self-reflective, and it has had a deleterious effect on free expression,” said Hanson. “And while we have a history of state coercion of the individual, the problem right now is not in the stars, so to speak—it is within ourselves. And we have to ask why this is...

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, May 27, 2008 – For a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier who plans on working out for and hour or two at the Camp Liberty gym, spending that time standing around and waiting for a working machine can be frustrating. Army Sgt. Jared Bargas (right), a Houston native who serves as the training noncommissioned officer in charge with the 4th Infantry Division Band, receives the Army Achievement Medal on May 17, 2008, from Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Nixon, a native of Lebanon, Ohio, bandmaster with the 4th Infantry Division Band. Bargas was recognized for the hard...

SCHWEINFURT, Germany, May 22, 2008 – Army officials in Europe are working to develop a standard model to ensure all redeploying soldiers and their families receive the same programs and services regardless of their location. Planning for this summer's redeployment of 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team from Afghanistan, representatives from Installation Management Command Europe and U.S. Army garrisons Vicenza, Italy; and Schweinfurt and Bamberg, Germany, met early this month. "In addition to fixing and replacing and upgrading our equipment and training for future missions, we also have to revitalize our soldiers and families by providing them the time and opportunity...

BAGHDAD, May 21, 2008 – To cope with the stress of deployments, soldiers try to find different ways to entertain themselves and their comrades. Some play video games, watch movies or use their computers and the Internet. But things like that are usually done while “inside the wire” at a forward operating base or combat outpost. Army Spc. Jackie Moore, a Fox, Ore., native, prepares for a mission at Camp Taji, Iraq, before hitting the road in northern Baghdad. Moore is a vehicle gunner serving with Company B, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,...

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, May 20, 2008 – Historically speaking, Vikings and Afghanistan don’t have much in common, but all that changed yesterday when five cheerleaders from the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings pumped up a standing-room-only crowd of servicemembers here. New Zealand army Cpl. Murray Kinnell holds up the “No. 1” sign as Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders Amanda and Sarah cheer him on. Kinnell competed, and was unanimously voted best, in a “touchdown dance” competition during the cheerleaders’ performance at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, May 19, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace, Combined Joint Task...

WIESBADEN, Germany, May 20, 2008 – Hundreds of troops deployed from Europe will be able to see their children’s high school graduation ceremonies via live webcasts, Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe officials announced. DoDDS Europe, U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army 5th Signal Command have combined assets, talents and technologies to enable the live webcasts. The effort will allow at least 18 graduation ceremonies to be viewed by an estimated 211 deployed parents in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. The first graduation ceremony will be webcast June 5; 10 graduation ceremonies will take place simultaneously on...

FORT BLISS, Texas, May 2, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid tribute here last night to what he called “the power behind the power” -- the families and community members who stand behind the troops engaged in the war on terror. Speaking to local and military family group leaders at the Officers Club, Gates praised Fort Bliss soldiers who, along with their comrades throughout the military, have been “giving their all” in the fight against extremism. That’s been possible, he said, because of the support troops receive from their families, as well as the support they and...

PLANO, Texas, May 1, 2008 – Servicemembers, veterans and military families across the country will have the chance to gain insight into life after combat through a series of seminars and appreciation dinners thanks to a Texas-based troop-support organization. United We Serve is teaming with football legend Herschel Walker and therapist Jerry Mungadze to offer “Managing Life After Combat.” The seminar will take place May 25 in Killeen, Texas, and registration with United We Serve is required. The goal is to offer support to military members and veterans with valuable information about combat stress and its symptoms, along with...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan, April 22, 2008 – Soldiers of Task Force Pacemaker, deployed from Fort Lewis, Wash., celebrated spring earlier this month with an organizational day. Soldiers bear the stains of taking part in a pie-eating contest during the “Spring Break 2008” festival at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Dubbed “Spring Break 2008!,” the event gave soldiers a break from the rigors of their deployment and allowed them a chance to relax, hear live music, eat barbeque and even take part in a pie-eating contest. Soldiers enjoyed live...

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2008 – More than 200 volunteers took the opportunity to support the troops here April 19 during the Jack Daniel’s-United Services Organizations’ “Toast to the Troops” care package stuffing party. Volunteers help pack boxes during the Jack Daniel's-United Service Organizations’ "Toast to the Troops" stuffing party at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on April 19, 2008. The event resulted in more than 10,000 care packages for the USO Care Package Program. Defense Dept. photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Jack Daniel’s Distillery hosted the event in conjunction with the USO, which...

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2008 – Military Resale and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs are working to support members of the military community regardless of their proximity to installations, a defense official told the House Armed Services Committee today. “Our Resale and MWR programs are more effectively reaching out to our active-duty, Guard and reserve families, our retirees, the digital generation of our members, and our military spouses who work,” said Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy. Part of that MWR outreach will benefit what Arsht described as “far-flung military members and families.”...

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2008 – Military spouses and United Service Organizations volunteers will have a chance to join the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in offering a “Toast to the Troops” and enjoy a performance by country music star Craig Morgan at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., April 19. The event will be the third year Jack Daniel’s and the USO have conducted the "Toast to the Troops" campaign. The goal this year is to assemble 10,000 USO Care Packages for troops serving overseas. But the day won’t be all work for those participating. They’ll also enjoy a special barbecue and...

4/9/2008 - TAMPA, Fla. (AFPN) -- The deputy director of the Joint Staff's Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate at the Pentagon went on a mission April 7 to raise the morale of patients at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa and brought along cheerleaders from the 2008 Women's Final Four teams and an Air Force Band. Brig. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson led the band members and cheerleaders through the halls of the hospital to lift the spirits of wounded American servicemembers. General Johnson is the most decorated female athlete in U.S. Air Force Academy history. She was selected...

HIT, Iraq, April 7, 2008 – Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Natt knows a large chunk of his battalion’s morale rests on his shoulders, and he says he doesn’t mind at all. Natt, 22, a mail clerk from Mangham, La., is responsible for ensuring that Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, receive their mail as soon as possible. “I’m responsible for getting mail from postal in al Asad, Iraq, to our battalion and detachments,” Natt said. “I also keep the mail secure. I make sure nothing is lost or stolen.” It’s work...

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2008 – It was all a big joke for servicemembers and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Fisher House yesterday when comedian Kathy Griffin came to visit. Comedian Kathy Griffin, star of “My Life on the D List,” greets Susan Badia at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Fisher House III on April 3, 2008. Badia, her daughter, Kylee Ray, and her husband, Army Sgt. Jace Badia, currently are living next door at Fisher House II. Sergeant Badia is recuperating from wounds he suffered in Iraq when he was hit by a homemade bomb. Griffin...

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait, April 1, 2008 – Troops passing through Camp Buehring on the way to deployment in Iraq can find a little piece of home at the camp’s recreation center, “The Oasis.” Violet Kelly, a recreation lead with Morale, Welfare and Recreation on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, talks with some civilians in Camp Buehring's recreation center March 10, 2008. Kelly is best known as "Big Momma" to the troops who pass through the camp, as well as to her colleagues. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The comfortable feeling certainly is not a result...