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"It is a great accomplishment," Clinton said of Palin's selection as the Republicans' first female running mate choice. But Clinton told a rally of 500 that the election will be decided on issues, not the historical significance of the candidates, and that Obama and Biden bring more to the table than the Republican ticket.

My name i'ld like to keep anynomous. I'm 19. I'm an independent, once undecided, moderate. I live in a liberal Maryland, one of my role model's is Martin King Jr., and though I used to be excited about Obama, I just can't think of ever putting him into a mayor office anymore. This may sound like a wierd oxymoron to some, but it's true. I wanted someone to hear my message. Everyone wants to know what the undecided voters wanted, and what effected their choices, well here's my story. My great grandparents came to this country in poverty, due to...

WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain announced his support Monday for legislation protecting the identity of confidential news sources. The Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting coupled his announcement with a challenge to the media to acknowledge its errors "beyond the small print on a corrections page." Appearing at the annual meeting of The Associated Press, McCain also said he believes the economy is in a recession, a statement that Bush administration officials have declined to make. "The important factor here is that Americans are hurting," he said. In addition to a formal speech, McCain answered questions in a more relaxed setting designed to...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2008 – Servicemembers from the Tar Heel state who face financial burdens can turn to a newly established fund for assistance. The North Carolina Heroes’ Fund was established to provide support to military men and women from North Carolina or stationed at one of North Carolina’s many military bases, said Scott Stone, the fund’s chairman. “This support is primarily centered on hardships which these men and women, or their families, may have endured due to their service overseas,” he said. The assistance is provided through various methods, including direct payments or coordinating volunteer efforts. Family members...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2007 – The regime in Iran actively supports terrorism and is directly involved in efforts to disrupt U.S. and allied efforts to stabilize Iraq, Vice President Richard B. Cheney said during a speech yesterday. The Quds Force, a branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, is trying to establish a terrorist organization within Iraq that’s dedicated to destabilizing the Iraqi government, Cheney told members of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy at a gathering in Leesburg, Va. “Operating largely in the shadows, Iran attempts to hide its hands through the use of militants who target and...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2007 – As part of its continued commitment to honoring troops and their families, software giant Microsoft Corp. announced today that it has become a corporate supporter of the Defense Department’s America Supports You program. The America Supports You program connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. “As the demands of service continue to challenge and strain America’s armed forces, domestic efforts to support soldiers and their families grow increasingly important,” said Curt Kolcun, vice president of Microsoft’s Federal Division. “Joining America Supports You is a key part of...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2007 – Coalition forces are finding more evidence that Iran is directly supporting insurgents in Iraq, a U.S. military officer said today. “We know that they do have official involvement,” Air Force Col. Donald Bacon explained during a conference call from Baghdad. “When you actually have captured Quds Force operatives and leaders in country and you know that they’re involved in it, … there is no doubt that there’s official involvement.” Bacon is chief of strategy and plans for Multinational Force Iraq. He spoke with online journalists and “bloggers” shortly after the command announced the detention of...

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2007 – Members of a troop-support group are using their experience as parents of servicemembers to offer support to other military families in Ohio. The Marine Corps Family Support Community began two years ago when a group of parents in Columbus, Ohio, came together for mutual support as their children left for Marine boot camp around the same time. “We were bursting with pride, but scared to death at the same time,” said Michele Gire, current secretary of the organization. “We didn’t know anything about the military.” Since Marine bases are located primarily near the East...

Civic Action Team Supports District Doctors Programs train host nation doctors, nurses, veterinarians and herdsmen. By U.S. Army Sgt. James Allen CJTF-HOA Public Affairs TADJOURA, Djibouti, Feb. 1, 2007 -- The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Civic Action Team always performed what is considered “traditional” medical and veterinary civic action programs, but times are changing. While the goal was to build coalition and host nation relationships during these civic action programs, a system was not in place for host nation doctors and veterinarians to carry on the work when the CAC-T departed. Most of the problems...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2007 – President Bush’s pick for command of Multinational Force Iraq today supported the new strategy for Iraq, emphasizing that additional U.S. forces are essential in accomplishing the mission there. “If we are to carry out the Multinational Force Iraq mission in accordance with the new strategy, the additional forces that have been directed to move to Iraq will be essential, as will greatly increased support by our government’s other agencies, additional resources for reconstruction and economic initiatives, and a number of other actions critical to what must be a broad, comprehensive, multifaceted approach to the...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2006 -- Thirty wounded servicemembers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center enjoyed a night of professional wrestling fun Dec. 18 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Patients from Walter Reed Army Medical Center watch the action live as wrestlers from WWE duke it out in the ring during Monday Night Raw held in Washington Dec. 18. WWE invited 30 servicemembers to a pre-event reception to thank them for their military service. Defense Department photo by Carmen L. Burgess   '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. World Wrestling Entertainment honored the troops during a pre-event reception,...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2006 -- Last week, a Brewster, Mass., teen marked a milestone in his support of U.S. troops deployed overseas. Dylan DeSilva, 13, of Brewster, Mass., has sent more than 1,000 care packages to deployed U.S. troops through his organization, Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA   '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Dylan DeSilva, 13, mailed off the 1,000th care package from his organization, “Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops.” The package went to a Marine first sergeant in Iraq who will distribute the various toiletries and snacks inside to...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2006 – Cardi’s Furniture Superstores in New England is one of 15 recipients of this year’s Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for outstanding support of employees in the Guard and Reserve. “Cardi's Furniture Superstores is proud to receive this incredible honor,” said Benjamin DeCastro, the company’s promotions director. Rhode Island National Guardsman Sgt. Gerald Pincins, a Cardi’s employee, nominated the company for the award. “We are proud of Sergeant Pincins for his bravery while on his tours of duty,” DeCastro said. “We’re also proud of our staff who work hard every day to ensure that...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006 – Allianz Life Insurance, with headquarters in Minneapolis, is one of 15 recipients of this year’s Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for outstanding support of employees in the Guard and Reserve. “We take great pride in being named a recipient, but we're also very humbled,” said Jim McManus, an Allianz spokesman. “We believe this kind of honor belongs to all of the servicemen and women who serve our country.” The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Defense Department agency established in 1972, runs the Freedom Awards program. ESGR’s mission...

The Silicon Valley Young Republicans Federated would like for you to attend this event this August.This is a funraiser to help raise funds for many Pro Troop causes. SVYRF Club Socials SVYRFC Annual BBQ Location: Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga When: August 12, 2006 Registration: starts at 3pm Food: 4pm Program/Speakers: 5pm Clean-up: 8pm Confirmed Speakers: Claude Parrish, BOE member and Republican candidate for State Treasurer Mike Wasserman, Los Gatos town councilman, former Los Gatos mayor Elsie Gufler, Republican candidate for CA Assembly District 19 Larry Hileman, Republican candidate for CA Assembly District 24 Rob Smith, Republican candidate for CA...

Lt. Col Ayad Roston, commander, Military Intelligence Company, 4th Iraqi Army Division, talks with Soldiers. Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika133rd Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentTIKRIT — Home is where the heart is, and for one Iraqi military officer, his heart is with the Soldiers who are fighting for Iraq’s continued freedom. Lt. Col Ayad Roston, commander, Military Intelligence Company, 4th Iraqi Army Division, was living in the United Kingdom, and waiting for the day he could return to Iraq to help his fellow countrymen continue the fight for freedom and democracy. When the opportunity finally presented itself,...

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2006 – Man's best friend is about to become every military amputee's best friend, thanks to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and a new pilot program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. Deuce, a year-and-a-half-old chocolate Labrador retriever, fetches a ball tossed to him by Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Grady, an upper-extremity amputee being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Looking on is Harvey Naranjo, sports and activities coordinator in Walter Reed's Occupational Therapy Amputee Section, who is arranging a pilot program through the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind to provide...

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2006 – "Operation: S.A.M.," or Saluting All Military, is working to ease servicemembers minds about how much support they have back home. Troops stationed in Iraq display packages they received from Operation S.A.M. The packages contain hygiene, snack, comfort and entertainment items. Servicemembers' gratitude is reflected in thank you letters S.A.M. receives, a representative said. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. "Almost in all the communication we have with the troops, there seems to be an unspoken desire to know if their efforts are appreciated and supported by Americans," Penny Redmon, S.A.M.'s past president...

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2006 – A group of golf enthusiasts plans to donate golf clubs, balls, tees, mats and other golf equipment to servicemembers at Camp Taji, a military base in Iraq. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Abdul Mercado inside his living quarters at Camp Taji, Iraq. Soon Mercado and others at his base will have golf equipment donated by Golfers 4 Freedom. Courtesy photo    U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Abdul Mercado, 36, of 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery, has been playing for 13 years. For the past eight months he has been deployed to Camp Taji and hasn't been...

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2006 – With a name that sounds like a Madagascar Penguins' plan, Operation Christmas Stocking has commenced. During the 2005 Operation Christmas Stocking campaign, Operation Give shipped about 14,000 pounds of stockings stuffed with goodies. Last year the gifts went to troops in Afghanistan. This year Stars for Stripes and Operation Give, with the help of FedEx as Santa Claus, will ship their goodies to troops in Iraq. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Thanks to the efforts of Stars for Stripes and Operation Give, troops in Iraq will have Christmas stockings this holiday...

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2006 – If a deployed servicemember misses a milestone in a family member's life, it's gone forever, unless someone at home keeps a good record. "The military family, unlike any others, has multiple stresses related to daily life," said Linda Davis, founder of Connect And Join. "Our communications portal is designed to easily allow families to share events while they are apart, and this scrapbook will allow families to capture ... events to share for a lifetime." Today in Chicago, Connect And Join, a Web-based company that provides a forum for military families to keep in...

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2006 – A Georgia teenager is spearheading a troop-support rally to be held later this week in Atlanta. Kierstyn Paulino, 15, said Operation Completion's fourth pro-military rally will take place on the Capitol West Steps on July 22. Paulino has been organizing the rally since she joined Operation Completion in January. The rally will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will feature military speakers and performances from The Right Brothers, a patriotic country/rock band. "I've always been an avid supporter of our military, so when I got the call about joining Operation Completion, I immediately got on...

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2006 – What started out as a hobby for Daniel Hoebeke in January 2005 has led to more than 1,000 care packages being sent to military chaplains serving overseas. Volunteers and passersby gather around an Adopt-A-Chaplain booth at the Los Gatos, Calif., Fourth of July celebration. Adopt-a-Chaplain, a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, provides care packages for chaplains and servicemembers deployed overseas. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. "Our goal is to provide support to the people who provide support to our troops. It gives us an opportunity to give...

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2006 – An Internet community of support for troops overseas has arisen from one mother's concern that some of her son's fellow servicemembers were not receiving mail or the support they needed from home. A servicemember poses with "Soldiers Angels" volunteers after receiving a laptop courtesy of Project Valour-IT. Project Valour-IT provides wounded troops with voice-activated laptops to use during their recovery. Courtesy photo   Patti Patton-Baden founded "Soldiers' Angels" in December 2003 after she began writing a few extra letters to members of her son's deployed unit in Iraq. More than 80,000 "angels" now are registered...

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2006 – More than 115,000 kids have at least one parent deployed in the war on terrorism, and that doesn't include those children affected by routine deployments, according to an organization that supports military children. "War takes its toll on the servicemembers who fight in the field and on the families who wait and worry at home," according to a news release from "Salute Our Services." "In the course of their parents' service to our nation, these children also make many sacrifices." Missed birthdays, holidays and special events top that list of sacrifices, the release said....

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2006 – The Armed Services YMCA is sending servicemembers free CDs with new and old popular country music hits that express pride in America. Under the "Send a CD to a Soldier" program, the Armed Services YMCA is sending the CDs to units supporting the global war on terrorism. "Since we can't send them to 'any soldier,' we send the CDs to units that were identified by the different branches of the services. The unit distributes the CDs to servicemembers," said retired Navy Rear Adm. S. Frank Gallo, national executive director of the ASYMCA. Gallo said...

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2006 – United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington will get a sizeable boost from Northrop Grumman Corporation tomorrow to help establish its newest military airport lounge, at Washington Dulles International Airport here. Jerry Agee, the company's corporate vice president, will present a $50,000 check to Elaine B. Rogers, president of the USO of Metropolitan Washington, to begin development of the lounge. Northrop Grumman has committed another $375,000 over a five-year period to support USO's operating budget at Dulles, said Adrienne Trout, vice president of communication and development for USO of Metropolitan Washington. "USO is very excited," she...

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2006 – Military tribunals -- not courts-martial or civilian court procedures -- are the best way to try enemy combatants for war crimes, a senior defense official told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. Daniel J. Dell'Orto, the Defense Department's principal deputy general counsel, testified before the committee as it considers the best way to try detainees after the U.S. Supreme Court voted down the use of military tribunals under existing law. During yesterday's hearing, Dell'Orto pointed to the country's history of convening criminal tribunals other than courts-martial in wartime that dates back to the Revolutionary...

PITTSBURGH, July 11, 2006 – Oakland A's All-Star pitcher Barry Zito, founder of "Strikeouts for Troops," will donate $500 for each strikeout thrown during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game here this evening. Strikeouts for Troops assists wounded troops by providing comforts of home during their recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C.; the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md.; and other military hospitals. Since the program's inception in April 2005, more than $190,000 has been raised through Zito's own contributions of $200 a strikeout and those of 35 players from the A's and other...

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2006 – Five members of the Major League Baseball's Houston Astros bullpen will collectively contribute to 'Strikeouts for Troops' this season. Strikeouts for Troops a national project created by Oakland Athletics pitcher Barry Zito, benefiting servicemembers injured in battle and rehabilitating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C; the National Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md.; and other military hospitals. Brad Lidge, Trever Miller, Chad Qualls, Russ Springer and Dan Wheeler join the current efforts of 16 Major League pitchers and four minor league pitchers, including Triple A Round Rock pitcher Jason Hirsh, in providing...

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2006 – The Tournament Players Club of Boston and the Defense Department's America Supports You program teamed up over the Fourth of July weekend to play golf and raise funds to benefit groups who support the nation's servicemembers. Members of a color guard from the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, out of Devens, Mass., flank Tournament Players Club of Boston official Brian Connor (left), Paul Keating Sr., owner of event sponsor Alder Foods (center), and Amy Sullivan of TPC of Boston during a TPC of Boston golf fund-raiser July 3. The event benefited three nonprofit troop-support...

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2006 – The first shovels have cut into the land that eventually will hold Marine Sgt. Jared Luce's new home -- one specially adapted to accommodate his disabilities. Members of the area Home Builders Association, Marine Sgt. Jared and Melanie Luce (fourth and fifth from left), and Kirt Rebello (far right) and John Gonsalves (back) of America Supports You organization Homes for Our Troops, break ground July 6 on the Luce's future home in Coventry, Conn. The home will be built to accommodate Luce's disabilities resulting from being wounded in Iraq. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution...

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2006 – Inspired by the book "A Treasure Trove," by Michael Stadther, and the Disney movie "National Treasure," 10-year-old Rachel and 8-year-old Kelsi Okun created their own scavenger hunt to raise scholarship money for military children and spouses. Rachel (right) and Kelsi Okun during an event held to promote their organization, "ThanksUSA." The two girls created a national treasure hunt to raise money for scholarships given to family members of active-duty servicemembers. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Their idea, which they dubbed "ThanksUSA," quickly captured the attention of their parents, teacher, neighbors, major...

SAN ANTONIO, July 5, 2006 – As the city celebrated July 4 with colorful parades and family barbecues, a small group of cyclists rode into Fort Sam Houston marking an independence day of their own. Steve Nardizzi (far right), executive director of Soldier Ride, introduces a few of the wounded warriors participating in the Soldier Ride National Tour 2006 at Fort Sam Houston's Fourth of July ceremony. The cyclists stopped by after a nine-day trip from Dallas to help the San Antonio community pay tribute to the nation. Photo by Elaine Wilson  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The...

WASHINGTON, July 4, 2006 – The Defense Department's "America Supports You" program is a good thing for the nation's men and women in uniform, breakout country music star Rockie Lynne said today on ABC's "Good Morning America." Country music singer, songwriter and lead guitarist Rockie Lynne greets a group of wounded servicemembers during a visit to the Pentagon May 12, 2006. Lynne said he'll never forget the positive outlook of one young man he met at the Pentagon. Sitting in a wheelchair wearing a prosthetic limb from the knee down, the young veteran had a huge smile. He told...

WASHINGTON, July 4, 2006 – A former illegal alien from Iran who now is an American citizen is showing his love and appreciation for what his adopted country has done for him by building a memorial to honor servicemembers who have died in the global war on terrorism. Rocky Shifflett, 12, of Fairfax, Va., holds a sign along Route 28 in Manassas, Va., inviting passersby to attend a June 28 candlelight vigil honoring the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan at the Silent Thunder Memorial for Freedom in Manassas, Va. With him is Kevin Roustazad, creator of the memorial. Photo...

WASHINGTON, July 4, 2006 – Eileen Schwartz did not lose a loved one in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but she did lose a deep sense of security. A sample of artwork submitted to the Flags Across the Nation annual art contest. This piece is featured on note cards that are sold on the Web site to raise money for troop-support causes. Courtesy photo   Schwartz wanted to release her fears and bring the patriotic spirit back to her hometown of San Diego. As a result, she founded Flags Across the Nation, hoping to make a difference and...

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2006 – Two teens' ongoing effort to help deployed servicemembers communicate with their loved ones back home inspired the Orlando-Conway, Fla., chapter of International Moms Club to donate $4,000 to "Cell Phones for Soldiers" June 28. America Supports You members Robbie and Brittany Bergquist (second and third from left), co-founders of Cell Phones For Soldiers, receive a $4,000 check from Moms Club of Orlando-Conway, Fla., June 28. Also pictured are Moms Club representatives (left to right) Sherry Brown, Betty Tehrani, Juliet Anderson, Jacqueline Reece and Tricia Jones. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Moms...

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2006 – Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals honored members of the U.S. armed forces yesterday during pre-game festivities that highlighted the organization's annual military appreciation day. Eighteen new military recruits took the oath of enlistment; five veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Hurricane Katrina were honored; and fans were asked to show their support by sending a text message of support to the troops through the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program. "Baseball has a long history with the American military, dating back to World War II," said Josh Golden, the Nationals' manager for entertainment. In fact, more...

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2006 – Attending his first NASCAR event July 1, Vice President Dick Cheney thanked the car racing community for its continued support of America's servicemembers. Vice President Dick Cheney meets members of the U.S. Army NASCAR racing team July 1 while attending the 2006 Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Fla. White House photo by David Bohrer   "I want to thank everybody associated with NASCAR, and especially the drivers and the crew chiefs," Cheney said during the drivers meeting prior to the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona,...

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2006 – President Bush yesterday urged Americans to find ways to support the nation's servicemembers through the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program. In his weekly radio address, the president noted sacrifices made for freedom throughout the nation's history, and suggested that during this Independence Day weekend, Americans turn to America Supports You to find a way to thank the men and women - and their families - who are making those sacrifices now. "Today, a new generation of American patriots is defending our freedom against determined and ruthless enemies," Bush said. "At this hour, the men...

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2006 – Frequent moves make it difficult for military spouses to maintain relationships with friends they make at each new assignment. Vicki Cariello, a Navy wife and family support group adviser in Gulfport, Miss., helps a girl sort through Easter eggs at a unit's Spouses Club Hub event. Spouse club Leaders like Cariello can create personalized Web sites for their groups, giving military spouses the ability to network with each other on the Internet. Courtesy photo   But thanks to Meredith Leyva and her CinCHouse.com Web site, military spouses can now stay in touch with one another...

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2006 – Servicemembers in uniform can now watch their favorite World Wrestling Entertainment superstars in action free of charge. World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Booker T. performs before thousands of excited servicemembers at the 2004 "Tribute to the Troops" tour in Iraq. Photo courtesy of WWE  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. World Wrestling Entertainment is offering all U.S. military personnel from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Reserves and National Guard a complimentary ticket to a live WWE event in their local area, provided they come dressed in uniform with a military ID. Tickets are available...

MCLEAN, Va., June 26, 2006 – America Supports You member organization "Our Military Kids," a nonprofit group based here that's dedicated to funding essential extracurricular activities for children of deployed Reserve and National Guard military people, organized an outing for 30 children and 20 adults to attend T-Ball on the South Lawn of the White House on June 23. A team member of the Dolcom Little League Indians from Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, Conn., has his sight on the ball during the opening T-Ball game of the 2006 season on the South Lawn of the White House,...

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2006 – President Bush met with representatives from 14 grassroots troop support groups at the White House today to talk about how they can best support America's servicemembers. Members of the Defense Department's America Supports You grassroots organizations, including actor Gary Sinise (back, right), meet with President Bush in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, June 26. Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band have entertained the troops on numerous USO tours. The actor is also cofounder of the Operation Iraqi Children, which sends school supplies to Iraqi children. Photo by William D. Moss  (Click...

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2006 – President Bush honored military children June 23 as he kicked off the 2006 "T-Ball on the South Lawn" series at the White House with two teams of military Little Leaguers. President Bush and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Peter Pace share a light moment with "Dugout," mascot for the Little League of America, during the June 23 "T-Ball on the South Lawn" series at the White House. Photo by Cdr. Jane Campbell, USN  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Five- and 6-year-olds from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., and Naval Submarine Base New London in...

FORT ERIE, Ontario - A group of American military deserters publicly embraced their new lives in Canada on Saturday with the support of "peace mom" Cindy Sheehan, who said she wished the son she lost in Iraq was among them. "I begged him not to go to Iraq," the anti-war activist said through tears at a rally in support of the former soldiers, who wore black T-shirts emblazoned with "AWOL." "And I wish he was standing up here with these people because he didn't want to go." Sheehan was making her second visit to Canada in support of sanctuary for...

U.S. Army Spc. Jason Klimesh, a small-arms repairman with Company E, 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, works on an M119 howitzer flywheel in order to bring one of Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah North’s guns back to full mission capability. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Mark Whiteman Logistics Team Supports ‘First Strike’ Troops The mechanics, cooks, fuelers and transport vehicle operators of Company E perform a variety of support missions and, true to the company’s motto, make it look “easy.” By U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Matt Horstman FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq, June 16,...

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2006 – Dads of the Offutt Air Force Base community in Nebraska are in for a special Father's Day treat, the Spirit of America Tour founder and president said. Country music favorite Charlie Daniels (left) and Spirit of America founder and president Robert Rosenthal chat on stage at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., during Daniels' concert in 2003. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Thanks to Spirit, and a well-timed break in her tour schedule, country music star Jo Dee Messina will have a "meet and greet" with the troops before performing a free concert...

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2006 – Now that they have collected the goods, it's time to send them. Checkers/Rally's, the nation's largest double drive-through restaurant, has teamed up with a grassroots troop support group called Operation Gratitude in a drive to collect packages for America's servicemembers overseas. The partnership, called the Patriotic Drive, started on May 8 and ended yesterday with 720 drive-through restaurants across the country offering drop-off points. Packages will be delivered to the troops by July 4th. "Our troops throughout the world will know they are appreciated and supported at home this Fourth of July when they...