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...]
Guard Soldiers Honored at Deployment Ceremony
MARCH 16, 2026 – About 150 Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard's 131st Transportation Company, 228th Motor Transportation Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group were honored during a March 14 deployment ceremony at the Zembo Shrine. Family members, loved ones, friends and past members of the unit also were recognized alongside the deploying Soldiers and thanked … [Read more...]
Summit Links Private Sector with Defense Leaders
MARCH 16, 2026 - Approximately 40 nations and more than 300 senior leaders and personnel will participate in the African Land Forces Summit 2026 (ALFS 26), scheduled for March 22–24, 2026, in Rome, Italy. ALFS is an annual forum that convenes African land force commanders alongside U.S. and partner-nation military leaders, as well as representatives from academia, government, … [Read more...]