Tuesday, 28 June 2011

Good work Craigslist!

 #Veterans & #Milifamlies-

Craig of Craiglist.org is giving away $100k in grants to support 4 veterans’ organizations. This is a great approach to helping the military community through collaboration donations. Click here to read more about Craig's Grant Program 

New Photo Gallery of Construction for the the Wounded Warrior Families

Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical | JTF CapMed Gallery: Building for #WoundedWarrior.
Click the link to read more http://bit.ly/iqPQvb

Monday, 27 June 2011

Clinton: Taliban talks unpleasant but necessary - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Clinton: Taliban talks unpleasant but necessary - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
We shared this story on Face book this weekend and it has gotten quite a response. After Obama announced that troops will now begin to withdraw there is a new issue that has come to light. Talks with the Taliban to stabilize the US's relationship with Afghanistan. Do you think this is a good tactical move? Explore the article by The Military Times

The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jun 23, 2011 12:44:50 EDT
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is defending the Obama administration's outreach to the Taliban as unpleasant but necessary to bring stability and security to Afghanistan as the U.S. begins to drawdown troops from the country. Click the title to read more

Air Force: 3 asked to leave service under DADT - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Air Force: 3 asked to leave service under DADT - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Military Times reports that military service members such as the three air force members in this article are urged to leave to leave the military before theban on openly gay service gets repealed.

The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jun 27, 2011 18:21:09 EDT

WASHINGTON — Three members of the Air Force have asked to be discharged because they are gay, moving quickly to get out of the military under the ban on openly gay service before its expected repeal later this year.

Pentagon officials said the other military services have not seen any similar effort this year under “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Defense Secretary Robert Ga.... Click the title to read more

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Obama calls for return of 30,000 troops, 'nation-building at home' - Stripes - Independent U.S. military news from Iraq, Afghanistan and bases worldwide

Obama calls for return of 30,000 troops, 'nation-building at home' - Stripes - Independent U.S. military news from Iraq, Afghanistan and bases worldwide
With a title like this, there is reason to celebrate! Wednesday evening (last night), The Us President, Barack Obama announced that 10,000 troops will leave Afghanistan by the end of this year, and more than 20,000 additional forces will leave by the summer of 2012.

The Stars and Stripes article explains: "Conceding the economic strain of waging war at a time of rising debt and fiscal constraint, Obama said it was time for America "to focus on nation building here at home." Click the title to read more

Blue Angels to receive ‘Spirit of Flight’ award - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Blue Angels to receive ‘Spirit of Flight’ award - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

The weekend is almost here and thats not the only reason to celebrate. The Navy's Blue Angels are receiving an award of excellence and performing a demonstration in Dayton Ohio's Hall of Fame ceremony, reports the Navy Times.

The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jun 23, 2011 7:32:23 EDT
DAYTON, Ohio — The National Aviation Hall of Fame in Ohio is giving the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team an award recognizing exceptional contributions to the advancement of flight.

The annual Milton Caniff "Spirit of Flight" award will be presented to the Blue Angels at a ceremony July 15 at the Hall of Fame in Dayton..... Click the title to read more

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Lewis pvt. changes story at NCO’s Article 32 - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Lewis pvt. changes story at NCO’s Article 32 - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 22, 2011 20:50:17 EDT
JOINT BASE LEWIS McCHORD, Wash. — A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier convicted in the deaths of three Afghan civilians last year is backing away from an earlier statement that one of his superiors explicitly approved the first killing....
Click title to read more....

Officials: Marine linked to military shootings - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Officials: Marine linked to military shootings - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Officials: Marine linked to military shootings
By Eric Tucker and Matthew Barakat - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 22, 2011 17:45:57 EDT
WASHINGTON — A Marine reservist who was detained during a security scare near the Pentagon last week has been linked to the shootings last year at the Marine Corps museum in Quantico and several D.C.-area military recruitment stations, officials said Wednesday.
Click the title to read more...

MilitaryWives.com Network

MilitaryWives.com Network
This simple little website has great ambitions! Don't be fooled by the dated design, this site is chalk full of resources for those with a loved one in the military. Why did we choose to feature this website? Because beyond listing basic places to go and grants to apply for, it provides spirituality and a place to chat with other like minded spouses. Click the title to read on.

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Senate formally approves Panetta nomination - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Senate formally approves Panetta nomination - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
Click the title to read more:
By Donna Cassata - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 21, 2011 17:07:41 EDT
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved the nomination of Leon Panetta to be the next Pentagon chief.

Panetta will replace Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who is retiring June 30 after 4½ years on the job through the Bush and Obama administrations.

Panetta currently....

Monday, 20 June 2011

Navy dad raises awareness of son’s condition - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Navy dad raises awareness of son’s condition - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times
The navy times a special piece that reminds us that everyday we should thank our fathers. A Navy Father recieves great recognition and an award for his courage, support and dedication to his son.
"A single Navy dad raising a son born with severe birth defects got an early Father’s Day gift this year, beating out about 600 nominees to receive the 2011 Military Fatherhood Award." Click the title to read more....

Veteran trapped in disability paperwork backlog - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Veteran trapped in disability paperwork backlog - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
One of today's top stories from the Military Times website is the disappointing state of veteran affairs. The story profiles a young veteran lost in the paperwork and trivial motions to receive benefits from the VA. "About 1 million disability cases await response
By Tony Leys - The Des Moines Register
Posted : Sunday Jun 19, 2011 14:11:15 EDT
GREENFIELD, Iowa — Joel Klobnak still looks like a proud Marine — from his buzz-cut hair down to the red-white-and-blue prosthetic that replaced the leg he lost in Iraq in 2006.

But he feels forgotten...." Click the title to read more...

Four Baumholder soldiers identified as Afghanistan casualties - News - Stripes

Four Baumholder soldiers identified as Afghanistan casualties - News - Stripes

Stars and Stripes, a news website for the military community, released a story today covering an announcement from the department of defense.


"Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died June 18 in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered during a vehicle roll-over. The soldiers were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Baumholder, Germany...." Click the title to read more

Spouse Calls - Stripes

Spouse Calls - Stripes
A popular Stars and Stripes blog known as Spouse Calls recently published this interview with an air force husband and stand up comic.



"When I first met Bengt Washburn, Air Force husband and stand-up comedian, he was sitting down — partly because he was on duty as a dad, not as a comic, and partly because he was exhausted...."

Thursday, 16 June 2011

Late Show Video - The Late Show - 6/13/2011 - CBS.com

Late Show Video - The Late Show - 6/13/2011 - CBS.com
In case you missed it here is the link to the full episode of Admeral Mullen on Letterman. Enjoy!

DoD: Monmouth shutdown date remains Sept. 15 - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

DoD: Monmouth shutdown date remains Sept. 15 - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times
By Bill Bowman - Asbury Park (N.J.) Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 15, 2011 15:06:56 EDT

Fort Monmouth, N.J., will close on schedule Sept. 15, and is not on a list of military installations that could be kept open into 2012, a Defense Department spokeswoman said Tuesday.

A published report earlier this month noted that the fort could be on a list of seven installations — scheduled to close in September as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure round — proposed to be kept open up to a year past the deadline.... Click title to read more...

Change on the Horizon | Grant Humanitarian Foundation

Change on the Horizon | Grant Humanitarian Foundation
The Grant Humanitarian Foundation says good bye and good luck to their former senior research coordinator, Elana Bloom. Click the title for her farewell blog post on the official Combat Relief blog.

Tell us what you think: PFA fairness - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Tell us what you think: PFA fairness - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times
Fitness and Body type varies greatly from person to person. Because physical ability is a big part of serving in the military, The Navy Times wants you to weigh in about how to make a streamlined PSA plan, thats fair! Click the title to comment or read more.

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Military cuts will hurt capability, Gates warns - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Military cuts will hurt capability, Gates warns - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jun 15, 2011 11:51:52 EDT
In his last appearance before Congress, Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that looming budget cuts will result in a less capable military.

“A smaller military, no matter how superb, will be able to go fewer places and do fewer things,” Gates said Wednesday before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defense. Click the title to read more.

Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Military Avenue - Article View

Military Avenue - Article View
General Reports Fragile Progress in Eastern Afghanistan
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2011 – Less than a month after returning from a one-year deployment to Afghanistan as commander of Joint Task Force 101 and Regional Command East, Army Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell reported continuing progress on multiple fronts, but said more time is needed to ensure it will stick....
Click the title to read more

The Veteran's Hour Photo Documentation of the Iraq War

iraqwar
Latest photos and news from the Iraq war. Moving narrated images from operation iraqi freedom: in the field, serving etc...
Click the title to read more

Do airmen get a “substandard living allowance” when assigned to other services? - The Rumor Doctor - Stripes

Do airmen get a “substandard living allowance” when assigned to other services? - The Rumor Doctor - Stripes

It is an axiom among servicemembers that the Air Force has the nicest digs. Indeed, when The Rumor Doctor visited Haiti shortly after the 2010 earthquake, it certainly appeared that the Air Force had nicer accommodations than the Army or Marines.

So The Rumor Doctor was not too surprised when a reader asked if airmen get a special allowance when they have to slum it with the other services...

Click the title to read more...

Monday, 13 June 2011

Foundation Awards $1000 in prizes for “Life During Deployment” Media Contest | Grant Humanitarian Foundation

Foundation Awards $1000 in prizes for “Life During Deployment” Media Contest | Grant Humanitarian Foundation
Here is the official announcement for the winners and closure of the Life During Deployment Contest. This media alert will provide insight into who the winners are and if the contest was a success. Click the title to read more

"It wasn't Delta's fault to begin with...but they picked up the slack"

"It wasn't Delta's fault to begin with...but they picked up the slack"

What do you think about the new found decision to charge soldiers for their baggage. The Navy Times forum is full of responses. Click the title to wiegh in.

DoD IG report slams former schools director - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

DoD IG report slams former schools director - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times
This report from the Navy Times is written by Karen Jowers on Monday June 13, 2011

The Department of Defense Inspector General has substantiated six allegations of abuse of power in hiring decisions and wasteful spending against Shirley Miles, the former director of the department’s school system.
Among the IG’s findings was that Miles had violated federal law, the Joint Travel Regulations, Joint Ethics Regulation, and DoD regulations and policy....
Click the title to read more

Featured Military community Blog: Our Love Never Fails

Victoria Brown, of Baltimore, Maryland is the author of our featured blog : Our Love Never Fails. She is a military wife who is undergoing her husbands first deployment. On her site you will find personal reflections, updates and everyday musings about life. Coincidentally she is also CR's Life During Deployment 2nd place winner. We wish wish her luck and congrats!

Enjoy!
http://www.ourloveneverfails.com/

Friday, 10 June 2011

Defense.gov News Article: Face of Defense: Vietnam Vet Guardsman Savors View From Top

Defense.gov News Article: Face of Defense: Vietnam Vet Guardsman Savors View From Top

This is an article that comes from the US department of defense.
By Army Sgt. Darron Salzer
National Guard Bureau
ARLINGTON, Va., June 9, 2011 – As one of the last remaining active-duty National Guard members with service experience in Vietnam, Army Master Sgt. Leland Lesher said the most rewarding thing about his career is the view from the top while at the Army Guard headquarters.

Army Master Sgt. Leland Lesher, Army National Guard force protection branch noncommissioned officer in charge and an Illinois National Guard member, swears the oath of extension and enlistment at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Va., June 7, 2011. Lesher is one of the last active-duty Guard members who has service time in Vietnam. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Darron Salzer
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
In a small ceremony June 7 at the Army National Guard Readiness Center, Lesher swore the oath of enlistment and extension for the last time in his military career, which began more than 40 years ago. Click the title to read more...

Marines earn Navy Cross for Ganjgal heroism - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Marines earn Navy Cross for Ganjgal heroism - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times


This Military times article features the story of Capt. Ademola D. Fabayo and Staff Sgt. Juan J. Rodriguez-Chavez that survived a bloody ambush in Afghanistan. Both the Captain and staff sergeant will receive thier navy cross for heroism. Click the title to read more


Thursday, 9 June 2011

Where Does Combat Relief Get Military News Headlines?

Day in and day out, Combat Relief's Headlines blog hand picks news from websites, blogs, articles and featured authors to keep the military and it's surrounding community informed. But where do we get our news?

Military Spouses and Families

  • All over the web you will find military spouses and family members looking to unify and encourage those that support the military community through blogging about personal experiences. These blogs are a special place to gain insight on the personal side of deployment and participation in the US Military. 
Resource Websites 

  •  Veterans, military spouses / families, and servicemen / servicewomen all have dedicated websites that provide resources and assistance in all shapes and forms. Non-profits and government agencies are heavy weight champions for this type of information 
Official Military Websites 
  • Websites such as Military.com fuse blogs, direct news from the government, and military officials all into one website. This is a primary source for our headlines, however we find value in utilizing information from a variety of sources. 

Red Team

Red Team
Great blog from the photographers of Militarytimes.com. Click the title to view photo dominant posts. Enjoy!

Delta bag fees for soldiers ignites backlash - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Delta bag fees for soldiers ignites backlash - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
Uhoh

- By Joan Lowy and Joshua Freed - Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 8, 2011 18:06:00 EDT
WASHINGTON — Delta Air Lines hastily changed its baggage fees for troops Wednesday after a YouTube video showed soldiers complaining that they had to pay $200 apiece to check extra bags as they made their way home from Afghanistan.

The video was posted Tuesday and was viewed almost 200,000 times before it was removed the next d...

Click the title to read more

Tuesday, 7 June 2011

Semper Fi Momma: Be prepared for Deployment

Semper Fi Momma: Be prepared for Deployment
Semperfi Momma is a fantastic resource for military spouses and partners. Beyond practical information Semperfi Momma has opened up her personal life to give her readers a true feel for what it's like to be an active member of the supporting military community. She is our featured blog of the day! Click the title for a great article about deployment.
Enjoy!

Military Avenue - Article View

Military Avenue - Article View
COMBAT OUTPOST SHUKVANI, Afghanistan, June 7, 2011 – Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Armstrong’s fellow Marines call him “Rock,” and the name fits him well. The Corinth, N.Y., native has survived two roadside bomb blasts. He is still in the fight and shows no signs of stopping.


Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Armstrong has survived two improvised explosive device attacks in Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
But the memory of the first explosion will always be engraved in his mind.
On Dec. 10, 2010, Armstrong, a forward observer with Fire Control Team 5, Supporting Arms Liaison Team Chuck, 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company,...
Click the title to read more...

Corporate News Articles

Corporate News Articles

PHOENIX (June 6, 2011) — Making the simple switch to electronic statements means military families throughout the country will receive thousands in additional funding to help during a future time of need.

Through TriWest Healthcare Alliance’s “Go Green & Give” campaign, more than $85,000 was raised to help four national military charities in their mission of supporting military families.

All told, more than 17,000 TRICARE West Region households participated in the three-month effort.

Go Green, TriWest Gives Green
For each of the 17,000 households that chose to Go Green and receive healthcare statements electronically, TriWest agreed to donate $5 to one of four military charities:

Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)
Operation Homefront
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
USO
“It’s great to know that by simply choosing paperless options, our customers were able to help these four outstanding organizations—and ultimately, provide support to the men, women and children who do so much for our country,” said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr.....
Click the title to read more

Monday, 6 June 2011

Doctor: Spice could threaten mental health - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Doctor: Spice could threaten mental health - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jun 6, 2011 8:13:06 EDT
SAN DIEGO — Using synthetic drugs such as spice will do more than just risk your military career — it could lead to serious and potentially long-term mental disorders.

That’s the initial observation by a Navy psychiatry resident who worked with sailors and Marines treated this past year at Naval Medical Center San Diego for using the popular-yet-banned drugs.

While officials had no complete data on numbers of patients seen or treated for spice use, 17 such patients — all “healthy” male sailors or Marines ranging in age from 21 to 25 — were admitted to the psychiatric ward with various me...
Click the title to read more at military times

YouTube - Stars & Stripes FOREVER!

YouTube - Stars & Stripes FOREVER!
A light hearted video to start your week off right. Click the title to watch the video on YouTube. EnjoY!

Marines need to support fellow Marines - Marine Corps Community, discussions, blogs, photos & video - Marine Corps Times

Marines need to support fellow Marines - Marine Corps Community, discussions, blogs, photos & video - Marine Corps Times
Posted : Saturday Jun 4, 2011 12:35:41 EDT
Jeremiah Workman was a mess.

The Navy Cross recipient — so recognized for his leadership during a gruesome 2004 firefight in Iraq — suffered from horrible nightmares and survivor’s guilt. He had flashbacks and was unable to control his temper.

After a meltdown in front of recruits at Parris Island, S.C., Workman was removed from drill instructor duty, diagnosed with PTSD and reassigned — as a janitor.

He tried to kill himself.

His wife and child moved out.

Leadership had failed him.

Then in 2007, Workman found a lifeline. Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, the newly appointed sergeant major of the Marine Corps, did what no one else had: He stepped in to help a Marine in need....

Click the title to read more...

Saturday, 4 June 2011

Top Al-Qaida member killed in missile strike - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Top Al-Qaida member killed in missile strike - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
By Ishtiaq Mehsud - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jun 4, 2011 10:41:31 EDT
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — A top al-Qaida commander and possible replacement for Osama bin Laden was killed in an American drone-fired missile strike close to the Afghan border, a fax from the militant group he heads and a Pakistani intelligence official said Saturday....
click title to read more

Friday, 3 June 2011

Petraeus: Progress in Afghanistan ‘fragile’ - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Petraeus: Progress in Afghanistan ‘fragile’ - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times
By Carmen Gentile - Special for USA Today
Posted : Wednesday Jun 1, 2011 22:20:33 EDT
FORWARD OPERATING BASE PASAB, KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — The recent progress by American and allied forces against the Taliban and other insurgent groups is “fragile” and “reversible,” making the continued presence of American troops in the oft-violent country a continuing necessity, Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, said Wednesday.

Petraeus, who spoke to USA Today in an interview at a U.S. military base in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, said that combat operations in the coming weeks and mont...
Click the title to read more...

Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Women’s role in the Navy expands, but not to SEALs | NewsOK.com

Women’s role in the Navy expands, but not to SEALs | NewsOK.com
By LOLITA BALDOR 0
Published: May 31, 2011
WASHINGTON — It’s a dramatic tale.
Elite Navy SEALs storm a walled compound in Pakistan and take out the world’s most wanted terrorist.
Footnote: They were all men.


Read more: http://newsok.com/womens-role-in-the-navy-expands-but-not-to-seals/article/3572765#ixzz1O5Nmf8Lo

Military Spouse Employment Partnership

Military Spouse Employment Partnership
On the job hunt? #military spouse employment partnership has a great searchable database-Have questions regarding the Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program?
Click the title for details....

USAF Veteran discovers unmarked graves | USFallen.org

USAF Veteran discovers unmarked graves | USFallen.org
We publish a story last November of a WWII who’s grave went unmarked for over 65 years. Thanks to the good work done by Allen Jackson a USAF (Ret.) veteran, who has helped locate over 300 unmarked graves.

Jackson, a local military historian and who also retired from the Air Force, b....
Click the title to read more...

Aviation Officer Bonus Rates to be Restructured

Aviation Officer Bonus Rates to be Restructured


WASHINGTON (NNS) -- In response to increased retention of pilots and naval flight officers (NFOs) at the department head and command levels, the Navy announced May 18 in NAVADMINs 168/11 and 169/11 that it has restructured the Aviation Career Continuation Pay (ACCP) program for fiscal year 2011.

Changes were announced in NAVADMIN 168/11 for active duty aviators and in NAVADMIN 169/11 for full-time support (FTS) aviators.

"Providing appropriate ince...

Click the title to read more...