CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, Oct. 25, 2013 - Raised rough and tumble in the modest Midwestern city of Mineral Point, Wis., Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Robin Baker came from an extended family dominated by males. “I grew up running around and playing in the dirt like Indiana Jones,” Baker said. “It was a lot of exploring, running around, and sports. I … [Read more...]

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., October 23, 2013 - Marines with Air Delivery Platoon, 2nd Marine Logistics Group waited anxiously in the cool weather for an MV-22B Osprey to arrive at Tactical Landing Zone Pheasant, here, Oct. 21. The parachute riggers with Air Delivery Plt. were renewing jump certifications and maintaining mission readiness. Air delivery reduces the hazards associated … [Read more...]

WASHINGTON, October 21, 2013 - Pentagon officials announced a plan that will enable the military services to resume conducting community and public outreach activities in the new fiscal year, but at a significantly reduced capacity, Oct. 18, 2013. This cost-cutting measure will yield a savings of $104 million in fiscal year 2014. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined the … [Read more...]

WASHINGTON, October 10, 2013 - Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki painted a dire picture today of the impact of the government shutdown on benefits and services to veterans -- from a slowdown in claims reviews to the threat of cancelled compensation checks to more than 5 million beneficiaries if funding isn't restored soon. "All the effects ... are negative," … [Read more...]

WASHINGTON, October 10, 2013 - Amid the government shutdown, service members and their families still must face the unique challenges associated with multiple moves and more than a decade of war, so a Pentagon official has listed available resources on the "DOD Live" blog Oct. 9. Though Department of Defense Education Activity schools will remain open, wrote Rosemary Freitas … [Read more...]