New Officials Sworn-in at the DoD

JANUARY 21, 2025 – The following individuals were sworn-in yesterday, January 20, 2025, at the Pentagon:

John A. Byers, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (South and South-East Asia)
Colin J. Carroll, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense
Austin J. Dahmer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Strategy)
Timothy D. Dill, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs)
Michael P. DiMino IV, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Middle East)
Mark Ditlevson, Senior Advisor, Department of the Navy
Michael P. Duffey, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense
Stephen L. Ferrara, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
David R. Fitzgerald, Chief Strategic Advisor, Department of the Navy
Eric J. Geressy, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense (Strategy)
Terence E. Hagans, Chief of Staff, Department of the Army
Mateo Haydar, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Macon D. Hughes, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs
Jules W. Hurst III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Readiness)
Colby C. Jenkins, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Irregular Warfare and Counter Terrorism)
Joseph R. Kasper, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense
Rafael F. Leonardo, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Plans and Posture)
Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
James G. Mazol, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
Sean C. McAndrews, Confidential Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
Matt A. McNitt, Deputy White House Liaison
John Noh, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (East Asia)
Tami Radabaugh, Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (Strategic Engagement)
James R. Sapp, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (House Affairs)
Darin S. Selnick, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense
Katherine E. Thompson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Global Partnerships)
Jonathan L. Ullyot, Principal Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
Alexander J. Velez-Green, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Patrick R. Weaver, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
Kingsley R. Wilson, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary
Patrick J. Witt, Chief of Staff, Office of Strategic Capital
Charles L. Young III, Principal Deputy General Counsel (DOD)

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 […]

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