Archives for December 2013

Army Tests Vehicle-Mounted Laser Against Multiple Targets

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (December 12, 2013) - The Army used a vehicle-mounted high-energy laser for the first time to successfully engage more than 90 mortar rounds and several unmanned aerial vehicles in flight. The Army High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator, or HEL MD, underwent multiple test events between Nov. 18 and Dec. 10, at White Sands Missile Range. This … [Read more...]

Gifts From Above as Operation Toy Drop Continues for 16th Year

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (December 12, 2013) - Rain-laden skies could not dampen the spirit of the Soldiers on Fort Bragg as they jumped out of airplanes over Sicily drop zone in support of the 16th Annual Randy Oler Operation Toy Drop, Dec. 7. The toy drop is a tradition at Fort Bragg sponsored by U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), or USACAPOC … [Read more...]

New Spice PSAs Released

MILLINGTON, Tenn., December 12, 2013 (NNS) - Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) office has just released two new Public Service Announcement videos regarding the career risks of the synthetic drugs known as "bath salts" and "Spice" Dec. 12. The public service announcement videos air on the Direct to Sailor Television aboard ships and are available for download at … [Read more...]

VA Highlights Progress on Claims Backlog

WASHINGTON (December 11, 2013) - At a hearing today before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Under Secretary for Benefits, Allison A. Hickey, outlined progress made by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) in reducing the backlog of Veterans’ disability compensation and pension claims by 36 percent since March … [Read more...]

Odierno receives National Football Foundation Distinguished American Award

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, December 11, 2013) - Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno was honored with the National Football Foundation Distinguished American Award, Dec. 10. Among other honorees was Texas Longhorns long snapper Nate Boyer, a staff sergeant in the Texas National Guard, who received the National Football Foundation, or NFF, Legacy Award. Both men … [Read more...]

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Operation Christmas Drop Wraps Up

DECEMBER 19, 2025 – Operation Christmas Drop 2025 came to an end at Andersen Air Force Base, Dec. 14. This year marks the 74th iteration, bringing together service members from the U.S., Canada, Japan and South Korea for the Department of War’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission. Around 270 bundles were constructed, filled and loaded onto […]

Air National Guard Unveils New Bonus Program

MARCH 11, 2023 – On March 1st, the Air National Guard (ANG) launched a new bonus program to attract and retain personnel in critical specialties. The initiative offers significant financial rewards, with bonuses of up to $90,000 for eligible members, depending on their Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). This strategic move aims to strengthen the […]

Military Students’ Tips to Balance Service and Studies

OCTOBER 10, 2025 – Studying in college while serving in the military can be highly rewarding but also extremely demanding in some respects. Military members, veterans, and their families typically balance demanding duty schedules, deployments, family responsibilities, and school schedules. It requires careful planning, flexibility, and being willing to seek and take advantage of available […]

Former Soldier Navigates Job Hunt

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 — In early 2017, Michael Quinn endured what he called the worst day in the worst year of his life. Quinn, then a sergeant major and 24-year Army Soldier, had weathered deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. As an Army counter-intelligence agent, he said he learned to operate under grave circumstances […]

How Military Families Can Avoid Financial Panic During a Shutdown

OCTOBER 23, 2025 – Government shutdowns create unique challenges for military families who live on tight budgets, frequently relocate, and manage the constant demands of military service. While the uncertainty can feel overwhelming, following these five strategies can help you navigate the crisis with confidence. Keep Perspective. This financial disruption will end, just as the […]