Defense Logistics Agency Team Continues Thanksgiving Support for Service Members Around the World

Nov. 26, 2025 | By Maurice Matthews II, Defense Logistics Agency |

Wherever America's troops are serving around the globe, they will experience the taste and smells of home this Thanksgiving holiday, thanks to the Defense Logistics Agency's Troop Support Subsistence team.

One of the largest annual efforts for the supply chain, the team ensured more than 380,000 pounds of traditional Thanksgiving food and other treats were delivered for the 2025 holiday. 

"It is the most significant event that has the greatest influence on the morale of the warfighter and their families," said Robin Whaley, DLA's chief of subsistence for customers outside the continental U.S. 

Careful planning, coordination with multiple parties and attention to detail all go into making sure items arrive in time for the holiday, Whaley added. 

Varying troop strength around the globe each year adds to the importance of being precise in the ordering process. 

"Holiday requirements are like fingerprints in that no two are alike," said John Sheehan, TSS director of customer operations. "The ebb and flow of one holiday item to the next is based on the fluid troop requirements and preferences from year to year." 

For the team, there is always a sense of pride in completing this mission. 

"There is excitement in knowing we are giving the warfighters a representation of their home and knowing the work we do helps them feel more connected to their families and communities," said Army Master Sgt. Jose Montero, TSS noncommissioned officer in charge. "I feel extremely proud knowing an extremely talented, committed team ... worked diligently to ensure every warfighter has a hot meal for Thanksgiving."

For Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shemika Harris, a TSS military food advisor, this was her first experience being on the planning side of ensuring holiday meals for the warfighter. 

"I'm absolutely impressed by the effort and genuine concern that the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Subsistence team puts into this mission," Harris said. "They approach each holiday with a sense of pride and purpose knowing that these meals mean far more than just food." 

This Thanksgiving holiday, military dining facilities can expect to receive:  

• 152,626 pounds of turkey; 
• 124,022 pounds of beef;  
• 66,054 pounds of ham;  
• 38,081 pounds of shrimp;  
• 6,512 cans of sweet potatoes;  
• 15,282 cases of pies, cakes;  
• 792 cases of eggnog;  
• and other holiday treats.

DLA Troop Support annually supplies America's armed forces with more than $25 billion worth of food, uniforms, protective equipment, medicine and medical supplies, and construction and equipment items. 

Projecting Power From the Tower

Nov. 26, 2025 | By Air Force Senior Airman Jared Lovett, 86th Airlift Wing |

From the top of Ramstein Air Base's air traffic control tower, the view of the local German countryside stretches for miles. From that vantage point, 86th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controllers navigate the arrival and departure of every aircraft within the airspace.

 
In a small room on top of the control tower, a team of airmen works 24/7 to sequence aircraft and coordinate with host-nation partners to ensure safe, uninterrupted flight operations. 
 
"Our job never stops," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Lana Fischer, 86th OSS air traffic control watch supervisor. "We work nights, weekends and holidays."

"We never let our guard down," she continued. "One mistake on our end could have a dire impact, so we run checklists and briefs constantly. Our No. 1 rule is to ensure safe airfield operations." 
 
The tower provides air traffic services for the base's surrounding area from the surface to 3,600 feet using both visual and radar feeds. They do all of this while simultaneously meeting every standard required to fly within the local airspace.
 
Daily operations inside the tower require tight teamwork.

 
"It's a very close-knit environment," said Air Force Master Sgt. Paige Smith, 86th OSS air traffic control chief controller. "You're working in a small space together every day, so the team becomes like family. I was stationed here 10 years ago, and it still feels the same. I love coming to work with these people." 
 
To Smith, the job is like solving a puzzle. Sequencing aircraft with different performance characteristics requires constant recalculation in real time. 
 
"You see a potential conflict out the window and you start working through the solution in your head," Smith said. "Which aircraft needs spacing? Who needs priority? You see your plan play out in front of you and that's the part I love."
 
Ramstein Air Base's air traffic controllers play a vital role in missions far beyond Germany. From aeromedical evacuation movements to distinguished visitor support, many of the Air Force's nationally visible operations begin or end under a tower's control. 
 
"We're called the Global Gateway for a reason," Smith said. "A lot of what happens downrange starts here. We may not always know the details, but we know we're a piece of it by keeping the airfield open and safe."

 
Every arrival and departure goes through multiple units before entering or leaving the base. 
 
The ground controlled approach facility controls a wider proximity of airspace around the installation that the airmen in the tower cannot see. The GCA radar team sequences aircraft until they are roughly 5 miles outside the range of the flight line before they transition them to the tower, who takes control of the final approach and landing.
 
Departure works in reverse; the tower works the aircraft from its parking spot through takeoff and up to 5 miles away before handing it off to the GCA for further support. 
 
"They work the larger host nation controlled airspace," Smith said. "If GCA is closed, then we work directly with our host-nation partners at Langen, Germany, but most of the time we hand aircraft back and forth with GCA. It's one mission, just different pieces of the airspace." 
 
Air Force air traffic controllers are increasingly becoming dual-rated, meaning they gain experience in both tower and radar operations. Ramstein Air Base supports that initiative by rotating qualified airmen between the tower and GCA duties.

 
"We want people to have breadth in the career field," Smith said. "It makes you a more agile controller. Our [training] school teaches the foundation for both operations, but you get certified while performing on-the-job duties at your first base." 
 
The responsibility of controlling airfield operations requires diligent focus, discipline and continuous support from every controller. 

The Heart of the Boat: Inside the Auxiliary Division of the USS Wyoming

Nov. 25, 2025 | By Navy Lt. j.g. Mackenzie Jefferies, Commander, Submarine Group 10 |

Deep below the surface, in the steel belly of the Ohio-class USS Wyoming submarine, there is a place where wrenches never stop turning, pipes never fully sleep and the heartbeat of the ship is kept alive by a small band of mechanics who call themselves "A-Gangers." 
 
To the untrained eye, the work might look like grease, noise and endless troubleshooting. To those who wear the "A-Gang" shirt on their backs, it's something much more: family, tradition and one of the most respected jobs on the entire boat. 
 
"[The] auxiliary division handles basically anything on the boat that isn't electrical or nuclear," said Navy Seaman Elvin Pruitt III, USS Wyoming machinist mate. "Plumbing, high-pressure hydraulics, diesel and mechanical systems, if it moves, pumps, drains, cools, floods, shifts or breaks, we own it." 
 
Their systems include air, water, hydraulics, compressors, valves and pumps. It's a job with no shortcuts. A job that doesn't stop underway or in port. A job that rarely gets the spotlight.  

And yet, every person who interviewed for this article said the same thing in different ways: It's one of the most respected jobs on board. 

That's because no matter what happens, someone eventually turns to the auxiliary division and says, "We need you." 

Pruitt described the division in one word: family. 
 
"We're kind of on the outside of every group [on the boat], which means we just bond closer with each other," he said. 

 
Another sailor, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexis Cornelison, the auxiliary division leading petty officer, who initially worked on surface ships, put it differently: "My whole little family is right there," she said. "The camaraderie is what keeps me here."  

Even in a male-dominated environment, the women aboard formed the strongest sisterhood she's ever experienced. 
 
"I don't think I'll ever have friends like this again," she explained. "We've been through everything together — good, bad, all of it." 

The division looks out for each other in ways that go beyond the job. When Cornelison's grandfather died, she said the crew didn't hesitate. They told her to go home, be with her family and they would take care of everything while she was gone. 

"No questions, no hoops, no stress; that's family," she said. "And it's why I'm glad I got to be part of this." 
 
Their paths to A-Gang are as different as their personalities. 
 
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Hillard's father was a part of an auxiliary division on an older sub. Cornelison started as a cook in the surface fleet and then fought for years to switch into engineering before volunteering for submarines once it became open to females. 

She laughed at how unexpected her journey has been.  

"I told my family I liked mechanics, and they said, 'Who are you?'" she recalled. "Everyone thought I'd be an English major or something. But here I am, loving my life on a submarine." 
 
Regardless of how they got here, they all agreed on something important: You don't really choose the auxiliary division ... you jump in, and the job chooses you. 
 
"It's not something you can sit and debate in the recruiter's office," she said. "You have to get thrown into it. Either you love it or you don't." 
 
A-Gang's tempo swings hard depending on whether the boat is submerged or tied to the pier. Underway life is steady, predictable and intense. But being in port is a whole other beast.  

"Honestly, it's busier," Hillard said.  

Contractors moving in and out.  Shipyard workers everywhere. Deadlines, repairs and upgrades.  

"It's more stressful in port," he said. "Underway, we stand our watch, and we work. In port, it feels like everything is happening at once." 
 
When asked about the best part of the job, every single one of them said it differently, but it always came back to this: Solving a problem no one else could solve and finally getting a stubborn system to run right. 
 
"That feeling of troubleshooting something over and over, and then you finally get it right, it's amazing," Cornelison said. "Nobody knew what was wrong, and then you just … figure it out." 

For some, the job is a launching pad into a civilian career. 
 
"It's one of the best [jobs] you can have," said Pruitt and Hillard. "You can go anywhere. Any blue-collar job you want." 

For others, it's a calling, a source of pride. A tradition passed from father to son or discovered in the most unexpected way. And for all of them, it's something they'll never forget. Hard. Dirty. Respected. Full of challenges, full of laughter and full of family. 

A job that runs a submarine in the shadows; unseen, but never unvalued. On the USS Wyoming, A-Gang isn't just a division. It's the backbone of the boat. The keepers of the systems. The unspoken pulse that makes the strategic deterrence mission possible.  

And in the cramped passageways and diesel-scented spaces where they work side by side, they've built something rare: A place where tradition still matters, where leaders raise the next generation and where the hardest jobs bring the closest bonds. 

Air Force Bolsters Airpower Readiness During Arctic Gold

Nov. 24, 2025 | By Air Force Senior Airman Colin Perkins, 354th Fighter Wing |

The 354th Fighter Wing conducted readiness exercise Arctic Gold 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Nov. 17-19.

 
The exercise is designed to test the wing's ability to quickly generate, deploy and sustain combat-ready airpower in a high-threat environment. 
 
"A lot of work and planning was put into getting this exercise to run efficiently and effectively, taking into account all of the separate factors that affect the way things play out and what we can accomplish towards the mission," said Air Force Master Sgt. Zachary Kugler, exercise program director. "We use key takeaways and lessons learned to shape the way we generate airpower in the future and how we can apply it to both exercises and real-world scenarios." 
 
During the exercise, the 354th Operations Group tested its mission capabilities and readiness by deploying F-35A Lightning IIs from both the 355th Fighter Squadron and the 356th Fighter Squadron, supported by F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.

"The 354th OG is charged with providing combatant commanders with combat-ready forces in order to meet mission objectives and priorities," said Air Force Lt. Col. Lloyd Wright, 354th OG deputy commander. "This [is] accomplished by organizing, training and equipping our component squadrons who project power in the Pacific area of responsibility and maintain the [Air Force's] northernmost strategic runway." 
 
Airmen carried the weight of the hands-on mission execution, building pallets, moving people and cargo, operating vehicles in extreme conditions and sustaining the pace required to generate combat power. 
 
"Operating in the Arctic forces you to think differently, and our airmen proved that they not only understand the constraints but thrive in them," said Air Force Lt. Col. Peter Daigle, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. "We rehearsed cold-weather processes, validated our deployment readiness, and stress tested the systems that enable fighter generation in one of the harshest climates on Earth."

 
Daigle also highlighted the airmen's ability to utilize technical skills and versatility, and to make sound decisions even outside their normal jobs, providing the tactical edge necessary in order to accomplish the mission. 
 
"Every exercise gives us data, but Arctic Gold gave us clarity; our priorities are centered on sharpening the logistics foundations of our wing that makes us a combat-credible force, ensuring our squadron commanders continue to develop leaders who can think critically, operate independently and take initiative," Daigle said. "The future fight will reward agility, creativity and technical mastery — and that starts with how we train." 

Army Aviation Soldiers Begin Training With Stalker UAS at Fort Rucker

Nov. 24, 2025 | By Leslie Herlick, Army Aviation Center of Excellence |

Army aviation soldiers began training with the VXE30 Stalker uncrewed aircraft system at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Nov. 18, in preparation for equipment fielding next month.  

This system incorporates observations from the modern battlefield, including reduced noise and visual signature, vertical takeoff capability and cost-saving munitions technology — underscoring the Army's push to integrate cutting-edge systems into training at Fort Rucker and Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

Army Maj. Wolf Amacker, UAS and Tactics Branch chief of the Army Aviation Center of Excellence's Training and Doctrine Directorate, said the event represented a milestone in training the Army's layered reconnaissance strategy. 
 
"This is the first time in years that we will be utilizing a Group 2, almost Group 3 size UAS in support of an Army course at Fort Rucker, since before the Shadow was really employed," Amacker said. 
 
The War Department categorizes UAS into Groups 1 through 5 based on weight, normal operating altitude and speed. Group 1 UAS are small, weighing 20 pounds or less, and operate below 1,200 feet above ground level at speeds of up to 100 knots. Group 2 UAS have a maximum takeoff weight between 21 and 55 pounds, operate below 3,500 feet above ground level and fly at speeds under 250 knots. Group 3 UAS, which included the Army's RQ‑7B Shadow, weigh between 56 and 320 pounds at takeoff, operate up to 18,000 feet above mean sea level and fly at speeds under 250 knots. 
 
The Stalker aircraft is built on a modular open systems approach and can adapt to new sensors, payloads and technologies to support changing operational needs. 
 
Amacker noted that the Army Aviation Center of Excellence's 1st Aviation Brigade identified the Stalker during the recent UAS summit. It moved quickly to acquire the system for training, ensuring students gain hands‑on experience with the latest reconnaissance technology. 
 
Army Maj. Rachel Martin, director of the Air Cavalry Leaders Course and Unmanned Advanced Lethality Course, emphasized the Stalker's flexibility compared to legacy systems.
 
"This system can take off and land vertically like a quadcopter, then transition to forward flight where it goes deadly silent," Martin said. "Its reduced visual and acoustic signature makes striking a target at 300 feet very likely, something that wasn't possible with louder systems, like the Shadow."

 
The system integrates into the Army's Common Lethality Integration Kit, allowing soldiers to select warheads at the user level and employ both newly designed payloads and existing munitions, such as 81 mm mortars. 
 
"What's great about this is that it's modular and fits on multiple [uncrewed aircraft systems]," Martin said. "It's a cheaper solution that can be rapidly reproduced." 
 
Martin noted the dramatic cost difference compared to traditional systems.  

"Instead of a Hellfire missile costing $100,000 to $150,000 per round, this solution costs about $800," she said. "That disparity is significant, and it reflects lessons from the Ukrainian fight, where cheaper solutions are proving decisive." 
 
Amacker added that the Army is exploring ways to print training rounds in‑house, further expanding opportunities for instruction while reducing reliance on traditional procurement systems. 
 
"This is the Army thinking outside the box," Martin said. "We're leveraging commercial technology to meet immediate needs in a faster, more affordable way." 
 
Training with the Stalker is scheduled to begin in December, ensuring instructors can incorporate the system into courses and prepare soldiers to employ it in tactical missions at the battalion and brigade levels.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Lt. Col. Edward Silk

Nov. 24, 2025 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

When Army Lt. Col. Edward A. Silk realized that his platoon wasn't going to put a dent in the enemy positions firing at them in France during World War II, he went on a one-man rampage to take the guns out himself. Miraculously, his mission succeeded. For his heroics, he received the Medal of Honor.

Silk was born June 8, 1916, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Irish immigrants Michael and Mary Silk. He was the youngest of 11 children.

When Silk was 2, his father died in an accident at the local Bethlehem Steel mill, according to the newspaper The Daily Herald out of Everett, Washington. His mother tried to care for all 11 children on her own, but she couldn't, so she eventually moved with her four youngest to Illinois to live at Mooseheart Child City, a residential child care community run by the Loyal Order of Moose, of which Silk's father was part. Mooseheart provides children and families in need with stability, support and education.

Silk did well at Mooseheart. According to the Moose organization, he played football for the high school and chose to stay an extra year due to job scarcity from the Depression so he could get training in ornamental concrete work. After graduating in 1935, he attended St. Bonaventure College in western New York for a time before eventually dropping out to join the workforce.

In April 1941, months before the U.S. entered World War II, Silk joined the Army Reserve. At some point he married his girlfriend, Dorothy Weimer, and had a son named Jerry. 

Silk was ordered to active duty Aug. 31, 1942. He earned a commission at Fort Benning, Georgia, before being sent to France in October 1944 with the 398th Infantry, 100th Infantry Division. About two months later, his brazen courage earned him the nation's highest medal for valor.

On Nov. 23, 1944, then-1st Lt. Silk's battalion was tasked with seizing high ground overlooking Moyenmoutier, France, ahead of a planned attack to liberate the city. Silk was commanding a weapons platoon in Company E that took the lead at dawn. By noon, they'd reached the edge of the woods near St. Pravel, where scouts saw in the valley below an enemy sentry standing guard outside a farmhouse.

Almost immediately, the scouting squad was pinned down by intense gunfire coming from within the house. Silk's platoon returned fire, but after about 15 minutes, there was no letting up in the enemy gunfire. So, Silk decided to take matters into his own hands.

He ran 100 yards across an open field before taking shelter behind a low stone wall directly in front of the farmhouse. After firing into the door and windows with his carbine, Silk then vaulted over the wall sheltering him and dashed another 50 yards through a hail of enemy gunfire to the left side of the house. He then tossed a grenade through an open window. The explosion that followed silenced the enemy machine gun and killed its two gunners.

When Silk tried to move to the right side of the house, another enemy machine gun began firing on him from a nearby woodshed. Summoning every ounce of courage he had, Silk rushed that position head-on, dodging direct fire to get close enough to throw more grenades, which destroyed that gun and its gunners as well.

By that point, Silk had run out of grenades — but not fortitude. Silk ran to the back side of the farmhouse, where he began to throw rocks through the window, demanding the remaining enemy soldiers' surrender. "Twelve Germans, overcome by his relentless assault and confused by his unorthodox methods, gave up to the lone American," Silk's Medal of Honor citation said.

Thanks to his decision to take on the burden of the attack alone, Silk's battalion was able to continue its advance on Moyenmoutier and eventually liberate the city.

Silk returned home in September 1945 as a hero. On Oct. 12, 1945, he and 14 other deserving service members received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman during a White House ceremony.

Silk remained in the Army after the war, working for a time while still on active duty as a patient consultant for the Department of Veterans Affairs. One of his last posts was with the 7822nd Station Complement Unit in Stuttgart, Germany.

By 1952, Silk had risen to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He and his wife went on to have two more children, Judith and Daniel.

In December 1954, Silk took command of the ROTC unit at Canisius College (now university) in Buffalo, New York, as a professor of military science and tactics.

Sadly, about 10 months later, Silk fell critically ill due to intestinal ulcers. He underwent at least three surgeries at a local military hospital before succumbing to complications on Nov. 19, 1955. He was only 39.

During his funeral services, the newspaper The Buffalo News reported that 600 ROTC cadets from Canisius marched behind Silk's hearse for 3 miles to St. Joseph's Cathedral, where his services were held. Silk was then buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

In 2004, Johnstown renamed a bridge in the hometown hero's honor. At the time, his daughter told newspapers that her father was a strict disciplinarian, but he was kind and had a great sense of humor.  

This article is part of a weekly series called "Medal of Honor Monday," in which we highlight one of the more than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients who have received the U.S. military's highest medal for valor. 

Army Pilots First Autonomous Dining Facility in South Korea

Nov. 21, 2025 | By Army Capt. Anthony Corey and Army Sgt. Deziree Keay, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command |

The 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command opened the Army's first autonomous dining facility, Nov. 12, in South Korea, to explore how automation can improve food service operations. The pilot dining facility, called Market 19, combines automated food preparation, cooking and serving with soldier oversight. 

 
"This pilot helps us evaluate how automated cooking systems can make Army dining operations more consistent, efficient and resilient," said Chief Warrant Officer River Mitchell, food advisor, 19th ESC.  

Mitchell emphasized that the effort is not about replacing people but about strengthening the ability to feed soldiers "anytime, anywhere." 
 
"The pilot originated as a 19th ESC initiative," he added.  

Planning for the pilot facility began in early May as an opportunity for 19th ESC to innovate upon the Army food program.  

"Market 19 represents successful and efficient collaboration between the U.S. Army, [South] Korea and industry partners," he said. "It was formally approved under the Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability program in coordination with U.S. Army Pacific."  

The Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability program is an Army Pacific initiative that tests and evaluates new technologies to enhance sustainment and readiness across the Indo-Pacific region. The project supports PMTEC experimentation and uses funding from the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which advances deterrence and operational capability in the region. 

"Our aim is to add capacity and consistency in feeding operations without changing the current workforce," Mitchell explained. "The autonomous kitchen uses robotic cooking modules programmed to prepare meals from fresh ingredients following standard Army recipes."  

Soldiers and civilians can select menu items on a touchscreen interface, and the system automatically portions, cooks and plates each meal. 
 
"Human oversight remains critical," Mitchell said. "Our culinary specialists still handle food safety, ingredient prep and quality control."  

All ingredients come from the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support supply chain and the Army food catalog, ensuring the same nutrition and safety standards as traditional facilities. 
 
Each meal display includes clear nutritional information, giving soldiers better visibility into what they are eating. Menu options are performance-oriented and include Korean dishes such as bibimbap, kimchi fried rice and budae jjigae. 
 
"This system gives us a 24/7 feeding capability that supplements — not replaces — our existing dining operations," Mitchell said.  

The pilot operates within the Camp Walker Dining Facility with soldiers and contracted staff jointly evaluating performance. Culinary specialists manage quality assurance and nutrition education. They also supplement meals with additional food options. The culinary specialists who prepare the meal recipes and ingredients for the machine have been trained extensively by both Army and local national chefs. 
 
"The goal is to free our [culinary specialists] to focus on readiness training and improving meal quality," Mitchell said. "Automation is one way we can modernize without losing our human touch." 
 
He explained that integrating robotic technology into dining operations allows the Army to stay ready under any conditions, from garrison to field environments, while preserving the expertise of its culinary specialists. 

The pilot supports the Army's ongoing modernization efforts and also aligns with the Holistic Health and Fitness program by giving soldiers consistent access to balanced, nutritious meals that sustain performance and recovery. 

 
"Consistent, quality food directly supports readiness," Mitchell said. "If a soldier eats well, that soldier performs well."  

The six-month pilot will conclude with an assessment on expanding autonomous capabilities and will give the kitchen a chance to implement changes based on gathered feedback. 
 
"The data we collect here will guide decisions about future locations and applications," Mitchell said. "We want to see how this can support sustainment both in the Pacific and eventually in the continental United States."  

He emphasized that the current phase is strictly evaluative. 
 
"This is an experiment," Mitchell said. "We're testing performance, soldier feedback and long-term reliability before considering anything broader." 

First, Second Ladies Visit Military Installations in North Carolina

Nov. 21, 2025 | By Marine Corps 1st Lt. Kathryn Wisniewski, Marine Corps Installations East |

In a mutual demonstration of support and appreciation, First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, Nov. 19, engaging with service members, military families and students at Department of Defense Education Activity schools on both installations. 

This landmark visit marked the first joint trip to both installations for both ladies, underscoring their commitment to the military community. 

With a shared goal of acknowledging the sacrifices made by those serving or deployed this holiday season, the visit provided an invaluable opportunity for both women to connect with service members and families. 

Upon arrival at the airport in Richlands, North Carolina, Trump and Vance were greeted by Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East-MCB Camp Lejeune; his wife, Mila Rizzo; and Lisa Worth, wife of Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Calvert Worth, commanding general of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. 

Rizzo spoke about the significance of the visit, emphasizing the attention it gave to the military community. 

"It is deeply meaningful to welcome the first and second ladies who have come here to express gratitude to our installation, to our Marine Corps, to our Marines, sailors and their families," he said. "This visit shines an important light on the strength of our Marines and sailors and especially on the resilience of our military families." 

Trump and Vance first visited Lejeune High School, where they discussed with students how artificial intelligence is being used in school projects. Trump launched the Nationwide Presidential AI Challenge in August, inviting K-12 students and educators across America to participate, noting the challenge will prepare the next generation with a base understanding of this important new technology.

Later, they joined students and volunteers from the USO to build care packages for deployed service members with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. 

The party then transitioned to MCAS New River to visit DeLalio Elementary School, where the women joined students and families of deployed service members to create Thanksgiving crafts. 

Finally, Trump and Vance each took turns addressing an audience of about 1,500 service members and families in a mega hangar, surrounded by various aircraft and assets that comprise the Carolina Marine Air-Ground Task Force. After a brief introduction by Rizzo, Vance told the attendees, "We are so grateful to you for carrying on the Marine Corps' proud traditions of duty, honor and service."

She went on to praise the local military community. 

"I am so impressed by your commitment to building strong communities and schools," Vance said. "Military families are truly the model for our country and for my own family." 

Vance then welcomed Trump on stage. 
 
Trump's speech centered on the transformative potential of AI and its pivotal role in the future of warfare. 

Referencing her earlier interactions with students at Lejeune High School, she said, "To win the AI war, we must train our next generation, for it's America's students who will lead the Marine Corps in the future." 

The first lady also took the opportunity to recognize exceptional service, presenting Marine Corps Sgt. Blake Donoher, an aircraft avionics technician assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, as the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Warrior of the Month and Marine Corps Cpl. Daishamari Cannon, an aviation maintenance data specialist assigned to the same squadron, as the unit Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter. 

She then turned her focus on those in the audience, especially those with loved ones currently deployed. 

"The [Camp] Lejeune and [MCAS] New River community impressed me today," she said, adding, "Military families are the quiet strength of our nation; your love, patience and courage give our service members the confidence to serve with honor and the comfort of knowing home is always waiting." 

In a final expression of gratitude, the first lady conveyed her appreciation for the opportunity to experience the dedication and commitment firsthand. 

"It has been a memorable day and an honor to meet the men and women of the United States Marine Corps," Trump said. "To you and your families who give so much for our country, thank you." 

Calm Under Pressure: Airman's Quick Thinking Saves Infant's Life

Nov. 19, 2025 | By Air Force Senior Airman Jared Lovett, 86th Airlift Wing |

What began as a quiet autumn Sunday for Air Force Senior Airman Hannah Lillund quickly turned into a moment that would test her composure, skills and instinct.

 
"I was just sitting on the couch relaxing," said Lillund, a 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron vehicle registration clerk stationed at Kapaun Air Station, Germany. "I heard someone yelling, 'Help us! She's not breathing!' So I ran down the stairwell barefoot, in pajamas, to help." 
 
Air Force Senior Airman Elena Lucas, an 86th Communications Squadron client systems technician, and her husband, Mason Edlin, were frantically trying to save their 9-month-old daughter, Eumi, who suddenly began choking. 
 
"We were just in our living room playing with her," Lucas said. "One second she was fine, and the next, she started coughing and then went completely silent. Her eyes were wide and she wasn't breathing. I yelled for my husband to call [emergency services] and we ran outside the apartment screaming for help." 
 
Thankfully, Lillund heard the call for help and her instincts as a first responder kicked in. On her way down the stairs, she ran into her kids, who were on their way to alert her.

She and her husband, Tanner, immediately sprinted out of their apartment to help. She went to their neighbor's apartment while Tanner went to find emergency services. 
 
As she arrived, Lillund found Lucas still striking her baby's back, desperately trying to clear Eumi's airway. 
 
"She came down so calm," Lucas said. "She just said, 'Can I see her?' and took her from me. I swear, it was just three taps on the back and suddenly all this saliva came out of her mouth; she coughed and the color came back to her face. It was like watching a miracle happen right in front of us." 
 
Within two minutes of calling, emergency services arrived on the scene, Edlin said. Paramedics assessed Eumi and found her breathing steadily. 
 
"The fire department got there so fast," he said. "But by then, Hannah had already saved her. The whole thing happened in about five minutes, but it felt like forever." 
 
Lillund said her training kicked in like muscle memory. 
 
"In security forces [technical] school, they teach you how to keep calm under pressure," she said. "They make you perform while your heart's racing. You learn to breathe, focus and just do what needs to be done." 

 
For Lucas and Edlin, the experience remains both terrifying and humbling. 
 
"I've never felt more helpless," Edlin said. "I was doing everything I knew to do but it wasn't working. And then Hannah shows up cool, calm and collected, like she's done it a hundred times. She really saved Eumi's life."
 
The first baby girl delivered at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center this year, Eumi is now back to her usual self. 
 
"I still think about it sometimes," Lillund said. "How everything lined up perfectly. My kids seeing it, me being home when it happened and being trained for moments like this. It reminds me why we do what we do. You never know when you'll need to be ready." 
 
For one family, that readiness made all the difference.

Legendary Marines From Throughout Corps' 250 Years

Nov. 10, 2025 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

The stories of legendary Marines are familiar to all leathernecks, many of whom are inspired by them. 

Marines call Col. Archibald Henderson the "grand old man of the Marine Corps." He served in the Marine Corps from 1806 to 1859 and was commandant from 1820 to 1859, making him the longest-serving commandant.

During the War of 1812, Henderson served aboard the heavy frigate USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat today. The Constitution fought in a number of victorious engagements. 

Henderson led Marines in combat during the Indian campaigns in 1836 and 1837 in Florida and Georgia, as well as in the Mexican War, from 1846 to 1848. He was decorated for his bravery. 

The sword presented to him at the end of the Mexican War was inscribed, "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli," which became the first stanza of the Marines' Hymn. 

When President Andrew Jackson tried to merge the Marine Corps with the Army in 1829, Henderson stopped the effort and ensured Marines would remain under the Navy Department.

Henderson, who was born in Colchester, Virginia, Jan. 21, 1783, died Jan. 6, 1859, while still on active duty. The transport USS Henderson and Henderson Hall Barracks in Virginia were named in his honor.

Marine Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler served in the Marine Corps from 1898 to 1931 and is one of only two Marines to receive two Medals of Honor, the first for action at Vera Cruz, Mexico, in 1914; the second for valor in Haiti in 1915.

Butler also served in the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1902, the Boxer Rebellion in China, which lasted from 1899 to 1901, the occupation of Nicaragua, which lasted from 1912 to 1933, World War I in France, which lasted from 1917 to 1918 and the expedition to Tianjin, China, from 1927 to 1929.

Later, Butler went public with criticism of intervention in nations to benefit U.S. businesses and also wrote a book on the topic titled "War is a Racket."

In 1924, while still on active duty, Butler was invited by Philadelphia's mayor to run the city's police and fire department and rid the city of crime and corruption. He was effective in doing so and worked in that capacity until 1925. 

Butler, who was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1881, died in Philadelphia on June 21, 1940. Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley Butler on Okinawa, Japan, is named for him.

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly also earned two Medals of Honor, the first during the Boxer Rebellion and the second in Haiti, the same year Butler received his. 

During World War I, he earned the Navy Cross Medal and the Distinguished Service Cross. 

Daly was court-martialed once for drunkenness on post and spent three weeks in the military jail at the Boston Navy Yard, thereby further enhancing his legend. He was also widely known as a skilled boxer.

On Feb. 6, 1929, Daly retired from the Marine Corps and found work as a bank guard on Wall Street in New York City. 

Daly, who was born in Glen Cove, New York, Nov. 11, 1873, died in New York City on April 27, 1937. The destroyer USS Daly was named for him.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone served in the Army from 1934 to 1937 before enlisting in the Marine Corps, July 11, 1940. While in the Army and stationed in Manila, he gained fame as a champion boxer, which earned him the nickname Manila John.

In September 1942, he fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal. The following month, he received the Medal of Honor.

Basilone, who was born in Buffalo, New York, Nov. 4, 1916, was killed on the first day of fighting during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Feb. 19, 1945. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism on Iwo Jima. Two destroyers were named for him.

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell Puller is better known as Chesty Puller. Although Puller never received the Medal of Honor, he's considered the most decorated Marine, having earned five Navy Crosses for valor in the 1928 Nicaragua campaign, the 1932 Nicaragua campaign, 1942 on Guadalcanal, 1943 on New Britain and in North Korea in 1950.

Puller also earned the Distinguished Service Cross from the Army for action in North Korea in 1950. 

He is beloved by enlisted troops and is credited with the tradition of officers receiving rations last when in the field. To this day, as soon as Marine recruits hit the rack, they chant "Good night, Chesty, wherever you are."

Also, when Marines are doing pullups or other exercises, they are often told to "Do one for Chesty" at the end when they're fatigued.

The official Marine Corps mascot, an English bulldog, is perpetually named "Chesty." Puller had a barrow chest and bulldog face, so the resemblance is apt. 

Puller, who was born in West Point, Virginia, June 26, 1898, died in Hampton, Virginia, on Oct. 11, 1971. The frigate USS Lewis B. Puller was named for him.

Incidentally, Puller's distant cousin was Army Gen. George S. Patton. 

Other notable Marines include, but are not limited to: 

• Col. John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, and who later became a senator from Ohio. 
• Cpl. JD Vance, who became a senator from Ohio and is currently serving as vice president of the United States. 
• Sgt. Chuck Mawhinney, a sniper credited with 103 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War. 

Marine Veteran Dies While Rescuing Trapped Coal Miners

Nov. 19, 2025 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Marine Corps combat veteran Steven M. Lipscomb lost his life, Nov. 8, while looking after the safety of his crew at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County, West Virginia.

"All of West Virginia mourns the loss of this courageous man," said West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey in a Nov. 14 proclamation, which also ordered state flags flown at half-staff. "He spent his final moments ensuring his men could escape to safety." 

During routine operations at the coal mine, a crew encountered a sudden and substantial inflow of water, said a report from the mine's owner. Lipscomb was last seen attempting to ensure the safety of his crew but was unable to reach safety himself. All other miners in the area evacuated safely. 

"Lipscomb, the foreman, stood his ground until every member of his crew was evacuated. The water filled the shaft, making escape impossible. For five days, crews worked around the clock to rescue Lipscomb, but sadly, he did not survive," Morrisey said. 

"Our coal miners represent some of the most courageous among us, and Steve was a testament to that," the governor added. 

Lipscomb participated in the First Battle of Fallujah in Iraq, which began April 4, 2004, according to his obituary. He was wounded in Iraq seven days later, when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb, said Heather Lipscomb, his wife of 20 years. 

The corporal was medically discharged May 1, 2005, as a result of his extensive injuries, she said, adding that they wed as soon as he returned to their hometown of Elkview, West Virginia. 

"Retired Marine Steve Lipscomb represents the best of our American military and embodies the hero spirit. This Purple Heart recipient and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran protected his nation and community until the very last day," said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

"Steve's life will forever be an example of service and sacrifice for myself and for all who serve. My prayers remain with the Lipscomb family; your father, husband and son will never be forgotten," Hegseth said. 

"A great American. Semper Fi, Steve," wrote Vice President JD Vance on his social media account. Vance is also a Marine veteran. Semper Fi is short for Semper Fidelis, Latin for Always Faithful, the Marine Corps motto. 

Lipscomb enlisted in the infantry as a rifleman on Feb. 25, 2002, shortly after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. 

"I think Steven was a very selfless person. He had 17 men on his crew in the coal mines. He was more worried about everybody else getting out and getting to safety, more than he was concerned about himself," Heather Lipscomb said. 

She said she credits his Marine training with preparing him for the arduous rescue task, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. 

Steven Lipscomb began his mining career in 2006, working alongside his brother, Joseph, according to his obituary. "Steve built a distinguished career and earned the deep respect of his fellow miners, working his way up to become a foreman in 2015," it reads. 

Lipscomb's awards include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, ages 13 and 17, as well as a sister, a brother and a sister-in-law.

Help From Above: Marines Airlift Relief to Hurricane-Hit Jamaica

Nov. 18, 2025 | By Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brett Norman and Air Force Capt. Kaylee Schanda, Joint Task Force Bravo |

Joint Task Force Bravo, in concert with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, provided critical humanitarian assistance to Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13. 
 
As part of the U.S. military response, nine aircraft were allocated to support the effort, including three CH-47 Chinooks and three UH-60 Black Hawks from the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, JTF Bravo, and three CH-53E Super Stallions from the 22nd MEU, operating from the USS San Antonio.  

In total, the team flew 249 hours across 133 flights, transporting more than 779,000 pounds of lifesaving assistance, including approximately 600,000 pounds of food and water, 179,000 pounds of equipment, and 428 critical personnel movements. 

 
"JTF Bravo is designed and trained to rapidly respond when our nation or partners need us," said Army Col. Robert Snyder, joint task force commander. "What really stands out in a mission like this is the expertise and professionalism of our incredible service members — from the pilots and aircrew flying long hours to our troops on the ground managing logistics, airfield and flight operations, aircraft maintenance, and communications to ensure we accomplish the mission. I am very proud of our soldiers, airmen, Marines and sailors." 
 
JTF Bravo and 22nd MEU, in partnership with the Jamaica Defense Force and the U.S. State Department's Disaster Assistance Response Team, were able to facilitate critical airlift of essential relief supplies to dozens of hurricane-affected communities across Jamaica that were otherwise inaccessible. 
 
"Watching our teams work side by side with the State Department, Jamaica Defense Force and dozens of other organizations, it is clear to me that everyone shared the same goal: save lives and help the people of Jamaica," Snyder said. "Throughout the operation, I have been extremely impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the Jamaica Defense Force, and I look forward to working with them again. I know we made a difference for the people of Jamaica, and we strengthened our partnership with the Jamaica Defense Force." 
 
To maximize the amount of time aircraft were able to operate on station, the task force established a forward arming and refueling point, accessible to JTF Bravo and 22nd MEU aircraft. This capability delivered nearly 25,000 gallons of fuel, which allowed aircraft to immediately refuel upon returning from missions, enabling a quicker return to follow-on missions. 

 
Furthermore, the 22nd MEU facilitated safe operations of all aircraft through the employment of a Marine air traffic control mobile team, who oversaw arming and refueling operations, conducted surveys of helicopter landing zones, and established procedures for the safe loading of cargo onto aircraft. 
 
"As a combat logistics battalion deployed with a Marine expeditionary unit that serves as a crisis response force, providing foreign humanitarian assistance is what we do, said Marine Corps Lt. Col. Zach Hornbaker, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 22nd MEU. "I am incredibly proud of what we have been able to accomplish working alongside Joint Task Force Bravo and our partners in the Jamaica Defense Force." 
 
Hurricane Melissa made landfall Oct. 28 in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with winds sustained at 185 mph. Within 72 hours, U.S. service members from the task force were on location to reinforce the State Department-led response, assessing the needs of the affected areas and coordinating logistic and airlift support to get emergency food, water, shelter materials and other relief supplies where they were needed most. 
 
"The partnership between the Jamaica Defense Force and JTF Bravo, along with the 22nd MEU, is forged in a shared commitment to regional security," said Jamaica Defense Force Lt. Col. Morton Stewart, bridge executive officer of the Maritime Air and Cyber Command. "This was proven by the immediate deployment to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, swiftly integrating into the JDF response mechanism to address Jamaica's needs. This united effort showcases a resilience that not only thrives on interoperability, but also the incredible professionalism of the United States military, strengthening the very foundation of our bilateral cooperation to overcome any adversity." 

 
For more than 50 years, U.S. Southern Command has worked to build regional and interagency partnerships to ensure the continued stability of the Western Hemisphere. 

During much of that time, JTF Bravo has supported U.S. military and humanitarian operations, providing critical airlift, medical, logistics, and security assistance to partner nations. JTF Bravo functions as Southcom's rapid response element, enhancing regional security, promoting stability, and strengthening partnerships through disaster response, joint exercises and capacity-building.  

The 22nd MEU is a forward-deployed, rapid response force with aviation, ground and logistics combat elements. For this mission, its combat logistics battalion was tasked to deliver foreign humanitarian assistance, alleviate suffering and help Jamaican communities recover from the devastating impact of the storm. The 22nd MEU came ashore to supplement JTF Bravo with additional logistical and aviation support, ensuring rapid, flexible assistance. 

Medal of Honor Monday: Marine Corps Pfc. Richard Kraus

Nov. 17, 2025 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

Marine Corps Pfc. Richard Edward Kraus had only been overseas for three months during World War II when he gave his life to save his fellow Marines. For making the ultimate sacrifice, the 19-year-old received a posthumous Medal of Honor.  

Kraus was born Nov. 24, 1925, in Chicago to Hazel and August Kraus. He had a sister, Yvonne. When his mother later remarried, he gained two sisters, Gail and Marlys.  

When Kraus was 7, his family moved to Minneapolis. His parents described him as an average boy who attended church, liked sports and was "full of fun," according to a July 1945 article in the Minneapolis Star newspaper.  

Kraus graduated from Edison High School in 1943, as World War II raged. By the end of that year, he'd turned 18 and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. Kraus spent the first half of 1944 training in San Diego at Camp Pendleton. In early July 1944, he was deployed to the Pacific, where he served with the 8th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 3rd Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force. 

The first and only major offensive in which Kraus took part was the Palau Islands campaign. By mid-September, Kraus landed on the island of Peleliu. Within weeks, Marines and soldiers made headway in securing the island from Japanese forces.  

On Oct. 5, 1944, Kraus and three other Marines volunteered to evacuate a wounded comrade from the front lines. Despite the extreme danger, the small group courageously made their way across enemy lines with a stretcher. They made it a good distance before the enemy began throwing a barrage of hand grenades in their direction, forcing them to take cover before eventually abandoning the mission.  

As the four men headed back, two men dressed like Marines approached them. When Kraus asked them for a password to prove they were who they said they were, the pair didn't answer. Instead, one of them threw a grenade into the middle of the four Marines.  

Without hesitating, Kraus threw himself on top of the explosive device, covering it with his body so he would absorb the impact of the blast, sparing his comrades. Kraus gave his life to save his fellow Marines.  

On Aug. 2, 1945, Kraus' mother received the Medal of Honor on her son's behalf during a ceremony in downtown Minneapolis. Seven other Marines received the nation's highest honor for valor for their actions in Peleliu.  

Kraus was initially buried in an American cemetery on Peleliu, but his remains were repatriated in 1948. He was reburied in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.  

Kraus has not been forgotten. The destroyer USS Richard Kraus was commissioned in his name in May 1946. It served through the Vietnam War and remained in service until its decommissioning in July 1976.  

A main street on Camp Pendleton was also named in Kraus' honor.