MARCH 17, 2026 – Eight hundred Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment will once again lead the world's largest St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17, when the annual New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Since 1851, "The Fighting 69th" has been the lead unit in the parade marking Irish pride. The regiment was … [Read more...]
Southern Border Task Force Marks One Year
MARCH 17, 2026 - Joint Task Force Southern Border reached its one-year anniversary, March 14, underscoring a year of agile, full-scale and partner-focused missions supporting the Department of Homeland Security's southern border mission. Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, New York, deployed to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, to establish the new task … [Read more...]
Medal of Honor Monday: Pierce
MARCH 16, 2026 - As the chaos of World War II's Battle of Iwo Jima unfolded, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Francis Junior Pierce refused to leave any wounded men behind. The hospital corpsman showed fearlessness throughout the turmoil. That valor led him to receive the Medal of Honor. Pierce was born Dec. 7, 1924, in Earlville, Iowa, to Frank and Rose Pierce. He grew up on a … [Read more...]
Airman Awarded Silver Star
MARCH 16, 2026 - Air Force Maj. Michael A. Blea, assistant director of operations for the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was awarded the Silver Star during a ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 3. The presentation of the award recognized Blea's extraordinary heroism in combat during his deployment to the U.S. Central … [Read more...]
7th Fleet Arrives in Manila, Philippines
MARCH 16, 2026 - U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Manila, Philippines for a scheduled port visit, March 16, 2026. Blue Ridge's last visit to Manila was in 2024. During this port visit, leadership from U.S. 7th Fleet and USS Blue Ridge are scheduled to meet with their Philippine Navy counterparts and local leaders to discuss ways of improving … [Read more...]