Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Food Prep

 

Arizona National Guardsmen prepare boxes of groceries for area residents at a food bank in Mesa, Ariz., Sept. 28, 2020.

Prescription Search

 

Navy Seaman Carlos Duran searches for a prescription at the COVID-19 drive-thru pharmacy in Virginia Beach, Va., Sept. 25, 2020.

Seeing Sailor

 

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Foresman prepares to conduct a dive to support an infrastructure assessment of the Tinian Harbor in the Northern Mariana Islands, Sept. 25, 2020.

Combat Swim

 

A soldier competes in a German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge combat swim at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 20, 2020.

Night Shoot

 

Marines prepare to conduct a night shoot aboard the USS New Orleans in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 22, 2020.

Pacific Watch

 

Navy Seaman Prince Philip stands watch aboard the USS John Paul Jones in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 6, 2020.

Paint Prep

 

Army Spc. Tynina Williams applies face paint during the U.S. Army Europe European Best Warrior Competition at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, July 29, 2020.

Walk on the Wild Side

 

Army Brig. Gen. General Susan E. Henderson, Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels and Brig. Gen. Cheryn Fasano admire the wildlife at Fort Sam Houston’s Quadrangle at Joint Base San Antonio, Sept. 22, 2020. Henderson is commander of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Daniels is chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, and Fasano is deputy commanding general of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command.

Dust Duty

 

Marines fire an M777A2 howitzer during training at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Sept. 20, 2020.

Beach Patrol

 

Sailors use patrol boats during a security mission exercise while training in Long Beach, Calif., Sept. 23, 2020.

Dangling Duo

 

Marine Corps Cpl. Jehudi Rodriguez carries military working dog, Sisi, while rappelling from an MV-22B Osprey during training in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 23, 2020.

Statement From the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark T. Esper on the Passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait

 Sept. 29, 2020


Today we mourn the passing of an exceptional friend and partner to the United States, the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. 

Over the course of his nearly six decades of leadership in Kuwait, Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah dedicated himself to advancing the peace, security, and stability of Kuwait and the region in his respective capacities as the Amir, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister. 

Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's extraordinary personal contributions strengthened relations between the United States and Kuwait. As Foreign Minister, he shaped Kuwait’s international presence on the world stage following Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. As Amir and commander in chief, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah personally contributed to the modernization of Kuwait’s armed forces and proactive participation in the fight against global terrorism. The Amir championed security cooperation with the United States on mutually shared objectives by hosting and supporting a significant U.S. military presence.

Earlier this month, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, to Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in recognition of his exceptional meritorious conduct and outstanding leadership of Kuwait and its armed forces.

On behalf of the Department of Defense and the thousands of U.S. personnel that have served in Kuwait and experienced firsthand the dedication of Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to Kuwait and his steadfast commitment to the United States’ partnership, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the State of Kuwait and the family of the Amir during this time. 

Green Ride

 

Marines board a landing craft during training in Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 15, 2020.

C-17 Communication

 

Air Force Senior Airman Sara Gutherie adjusts her headset to communicate with maintainers inside a C-17 Globemaster III during an inspection at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa., Sept. 17, 2020.

Marine Maneuver

 

Marine Corps Sgt. Ashton Tanner performs a low level static line jump during training over Camp Davis, N.C., Sept. 25, 2020.

Sports Heroes Who Served: From D-Day Vet to Baseball Legend

Sept. 29, 2020 | BY David Vergun , DOD News

Sports Heroes Who Served is a series that highlights the accomplishments of athletes who served in the U.S. military.

Most baseball fans of the legendary Yogi Berra probably don't know that he also served in World War II.

Berra actually signed with the New York Yankees in 1943, but put his baseball career on hold to join the Navy.

He was a gunner's mate assigned to the attack transport USS Bayfield. As a gunner's mate, Berra was responsible for the operation and maintenance of weapons and other ordnance equipment, as well as small arms and magazines.

A photo shows a ship sailing in the distance.

The ship's destination: Utah Beach, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944. 

During the invasion, Berra manned a landing craft support vessel from which he said he "sprayed bullets and rockets across the heavily fortified beach fronts before the troops landed." 

Berra was wounded in the hand by incoming enemy fire; he was later awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

In the years following his Navy service, he continued to support the troops. In 1950, he participated in a campaign with the Treasury Department to promote the purchase of U.S. savings bonds. In 2009, he received the Lone Sailor Award. and, in 2010, he was honored with the Audie Murphy Award for his Navy service.

A poster shows a man in a baseball uniform.

Berra the Baseball Legend

As a player, Berra was with the New York Yankees from 1946 to 1963 and the New York Mets in 1965.

Baseball players pose for a photo.

He was an 18-time All-Star and won 10 World Series championships as a player — more than any other player in Major League Baseball history. He had a career batting average of .285, while hitting 358 home runs and 1,430 runs batted in. He is also widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history.

Berra caught Don Larsen's perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. He also holds the all-time record for shutouts caught — 173.

As a manager, he was with the Yankees in 1964, the Mets from 1972 to 1975, and back with the Yankees from 1984 to 1985. He is one of only seven managers to lead both American and National League teams to the World Series. 

As a coach, he was with the Mets from 1965 to 1971, the Yankees from 1976 to 1983, and the Houston Astros from 1986 to 1989.

A baseball coach patrols the field.

Berra appeared as a player, coach or manager in every one of the 13 World Series that New York baseball teams won from 1947 through 1981. Overall, he played or coached in 22 World Series, 13 on the winning side. 

A baseball coach swings at a ball.

In 1972, Berra was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. That year, the Yankees retired his uniform, number 8. Incidentally, Bill Dickey, the Yankees coach who taught Yogi Berra the finer points of catching, had previously worn number 8 as a catcher for the Yankees in the 1930s and 40s. Both catchers had that number retired by the Yankees. Both catchers served in the Navy in World War II.

Berra the Quotable

A baseball player poses for a photo.

Outside of baseball, Berra is widely known for some memorable quotes. Here are just a few of many:

  • When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
  • You can observe a lot just by watching.
  • It ain't over 'till it's over.
  • No one goes there nowadays; it's too crowded.
  • Pair up in threes.
  • He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious.
  • The future ain't what it used to be.
  • 90% of the game is half mental.
  • It's déjà vu all over again.
  • A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.
  • I never said most of the things I said.

Michigan National Guard Support Statewide COVID-19 Testing Efforts

Sept. 29, 2020 | BY AIR FORCE SENIOR AIRMAN TRISTAN VIGLIANCO

The Michigan Air National Guard assisted with free COVID-19 testing to residents of Sturgis, Michigan, and nearby communities Sept. 22, 2020.

Soldiers administering COVID-19 tests.

In an effort to identify risk associated with the virus and help slow the spread, the 182nd Task Force deployed a team of airmen from Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.

"We are doing drive-thru community based testing," said Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Green, 127th Maintenance Squadron maintainer. "A lot of people need to be tested so they can go back to work. We help them out with that."

According to Green, the team had approximately 300 tests for the event, which took place between 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Soldiers administering COVID-19 tests.

The guardsmen partnered with a local health agency to provide the testing location at Maple Crest Plaza.

"They [the Michigan National Guard] are here to help us with specimen collection for individuals who want to be tested," said Rebecca Burns, Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency health officer. "We are very thankful for their support. We need them here to make this work."

In addition to the testing in St. Joseph County, the guard provided testing in Alpena and Ottawa counties.

"When I heard about the testing mission, I wanted to be on it. We have been on this mission for about five months," Green said. "It is nice to be able to give back to the community."

Soldiers administering COVID-19 tests.

There are also four more testing events scheduled throughout the week located in Allegan, Ottawa, Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Please contact your local health officials for more information.

These testing sites were a part of an ongoing effort by the Michigan National Guard to partner with a variety of state agencies to provide no cost COVID-19 tests to Michigan residents.

(Air Force Senior Airman Tristan Viglianco is assigned to the Michigan National Guard)

 

Community Support

 

Arizona National Guardsmen prepare boxes of groceries for area residents at a food bank in Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 25, 2020. The Guard continues to support food banks and other community needs during the COVID-19 state of emergency response.