Hero Stories for December 2008

A Wish for Our Troops My name is Linda Freedman and I have been a volunteer/supporter with Adopt A Platoon for several years. The holidays are busy for everyone, but for a small group of friends in Connecticut, we are even busier in November. That’s when we sign cards and fill stockings with treats, a toy and things to help make our Troops’ lives a little easier. When the holidays are behind us, the support continues. These tough economic times have hit all of us hard, but support f...

Master-at-Arms Seaman Apprentice Joshua D. Se

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Army News Service, Dec. 23, 2008) - The Army's top officer stopped at Bagram Airfield Dec. 20 as part of a trip to visit Soldiers around the world during the holiday season and discuss the way forward. "I visited our Soldiers in Korea and Japan, and now here in Afghanistan, and it is just remarkable the difference our Soldiers make in countries all around the world," said Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. Casey also visited Forward Operating Base Shank...

ARLINGTON, Va. (Army News Service, Dec. 15, 2008) -- Thousands showed up on a crisp Saturday morning here -- some from as far as Maine -- to lay wreaths at the headstones of those buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The event was the 17th annual "Wreaths Across America," where thousands of volunteers come out to ANC as well as more than 125 other cemeteries across the United States, to lay more than 100,000 wreaths at the bases of the headstones of American's war veterans. "It is because o...

Two specialized units from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's 701st Military Police Group (CID) recently received top awards for their investigative and community efforts, both nationally and internationally and at the highest levels of law enforcement. The Computer Crimes Investigative Unit (CCIU) took top honors and received international recognition at this year's International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference and Exposition for their efforts in Homeland Security by w...

A new Army policy will allow all Army Soldiers killed in action who are being laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery to receive full military funeral honors, which include a caisson, band, colors team, and an escort platoon. "Arlington National Cemetery is an expression of our nation's reverence for those who served her in uniform, many making the ultimate sacrifice," said Secretary of the Army Pete Geren. "Arlington and those honored there are part of our national heritage. This new pol...

Gates Urges Direct Dialogue With President-elect on Iraq Dec. 18, 2008 By John J. Kruzel WASHINGTON (American Forces Press Service) – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates hopes commanders with a “vested interest” in the future role of U.S. forces in Iraq can share their views directly with the incoming president, a Pentagon official said today. Washington and Baghdad have reached a deal stipulating that U.S. forces withdraw from Iraq by the end of 2011. But as Defense Department leaders discuss ...

SCHWEINFURT, Germany (American Forces Press Service) – Danger lurks on every stretch of road in Iraq with the prospect of roadside bombs, which have taken a terrible toll on those serving downrange. Army Spc. Jake Altman knows very well the destruction they can cause. After serving two years in the Army, Altman deployed in 2006 with 9th Engineer Battalion, 172nd Infantry Brigade, stationed just north of Baghdad at Camp Taji. "Altman was hard-working. He was self-assured and got along with eve...

I live in Austin. I wore a heroes bracelet while my daughter was in Iraq. I will one again when she is redeployed.  I also would need a new one because my daughter went from SGT to SSGT. She is a hero in my eyes and goes above and  beyond. She has been awarded the navy marine achievement medal and has put up for another one. She is a convoy commander and traveled over 160,00 while she was in Iraq providing security . She was nominated for female marine of the year last year. She also was hono...

HeroBracelets Helps Remember Fallen Service Members, Their Families SEE THE VIDEO HERE. Last Edited: Tuesday, 13 Jan 2009, 6:42 PM CST Created: Tuesday, 13 Jan 2009, 6:42 PM CST FOX 26 News HOUSTON -- In the heart of Houston you will find a judge who runs her court with a firm hand. Just above that hand lies a pair of bracelets, each etched with the names of Bonnie Crane Hellum's heroes. Hellum's father was lost in World War II when his B-17 bomber fell from the sky. Her son is serving the...