Medal of Honor Monday: Army Sgt. Thomas Alexander Baker Jr.

July 6, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Army Pvt. Thomas Alexander Baker Jr. was an infantryman who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was posthumously promoted to sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Saipan. 

Baker was born in Troy, New York, on July 25, 1916, to Thomas Alexander Baker Sr. and the former Emma Balser. He had an older sister, Marion, and a younger brother, Joseph. 

After graduating high school, Baker enlisted in the Army Oct. 8, 1935, and was assigned to Company A, 105th Infantry Regiment, a New York Army National Guard unit. He separated from the Army Oct. 7, 1938, and rejoined the same unit Oct. 15, 1940. 

The 105th Infantry Regiment was federalized and inducted into active service Oct. 15, 1940, and assigned to the 27th Infantry Division through the Army's wartime mobilization process.

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and other bases on Oahu, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941, Baker and the 105th Infantry Regiment deployed to Hawaii in March 1942, marking the regiment's move into combat training in the Pacific Theater. 

The 27th Infantry Division left Hawaii, May 31, 1944, and landed on Saipan, June 17, 1944 — two days before the start of the Battle of Saipan — the regiment's first combat action in the Pacific Theater.  

After heavy fighting in the hilly, well-fortified southern part of the island, the 27th Infantry joined forces with the 2nd and 4th Marine divisions. Near the end of the battle, the 105th Infantry was attacked by the war's largest banzai charge, a large-scale, mass infantry assault tactic used by the Japanese soldiers. Baker's Medal of Honor citation states that his company was held up from advancing by automatic-weapon and small-arms fire from strongly fortified enemy positions that commanded the view of the company. He voluntarily took a bazooka and dashed alone to within 100 yards of the enemy. Despite heavy small-arms fire, Baker eliminated the enemy positions, enabling his company to assault the ridge.  

Some days later, while his company advanced across an open field, flanked by obstructions and places of concealment for the enemy, Baker again voluntarily took up a position in the rear to protect the company against surprise attacks and came upon two heavily fortified enemy pockets manned by two officers and 10 enlisted men that had been bypassed.  

Despite being outnumbered, Baker attacked and killed them all without hesitation. About 500 yards farther, he discovered six more Japanese troops, who had concealed themselves behind friendly lines, and he killed all of them.  

On July 7, 1944, Baker's perimeter was attacked from three sides by an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 Japanese soldiers. During the early stages of this attack, he was seriously wounded but insisted on remaining and fired at the enemy at ranges sometimes as close as 5 yards, until the ammunition in his M-1 Garand rifle ran out.  

Without ammunition and with his own weapon battered to uselessness from hand-to-hand combat, Baker was carried about 50 yards to the rear by a comrade, who was then himself wounded. At this point, Baker refused to be moved any farther, saying that he preferred to be left to die rather than risk the lives of any more of his friends.  

A short time later, at his request, Baker was placed in a seated position against a small tree. Another comrade offered assistance, but he refused, insisting that he be left alone. 

He was given an M-1911 pistol with eight rounds of ammunition. When last seen alive, Baker was propped against a tree, smoking a cigarette, pistol in hand, calmly facing the enemy. 

When Baker's body was recovered later, it was found in the same position — pistol empty — with eight Japanese soldiers lying dead before him. 

Baker was posthumously promoted to sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor on May 9, 1945. His mother received his medal during a ceremony held May 27, 1945, at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. During the ceremony, Baker's commander, Army Lt. Col. William Joseph O'Brien, also received the medal posthumously. In 2002, Army Capt. Ben L. Salomon, a dentist for the 105th's 2nd Battalion, also received the medal for his actions that day. 

Baker was buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu and later moved to the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Saratoga, New York. 

Baker's home state has not forgotten him. 

During Armed Forces Week in May 1951, Frear's Department Store in Troy prominently displayed photos of Baker and O'Brien in a window display. 

In November 2009, the city unveiled a memorial in a Rensselaer County government building honoring Baker and O'Brien and Army Maj. Gen. Ogden J. Ross, another Troy native who commanded the 105th Infantry. 

In September 2014, officials from Fort Drum, New York, and the New York Army National Guard honored Baker by renaming the building housing the engagement skills weapons simulator as the Baker Weapons Training Facility. 

Retired Submariner Commemorates Both Bicentennial, Semiquincentennial in Guam

July 6, 2026 | By Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 |

Fifty years after raising the national colors in Guam for America's bicentennial, retired Navy Cmdr. Allan Riggs returned to the island July 4 to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday alongside a new generation of submariners.

Riggs has now participated in morning colors from Guam during both America's 200th and 250th birthday celebrations, a distinction spanning half a century of submarine history.

Now 77, Riggs stood alongside the duty officer aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis as the national ensign was raised over the submarine.

"I served proudly for 27 years," Riggs said. "I'm proud of the country; I'm proud of where it's going, and I'm honored to be able to do this."

On July 4, 1976, then-Navy Lt. j.g. Riggs was serving as the duty officer aboard the ballistic-missile submarine USS Theodore Roosevelt in Guam. That morning, he had the distinct honor of raising the national colors in recognition of America's bicentennial.

Serving in what he described as a symbolic location, the Roosevelt was the first submarine to raise the colors that historic morning in Guam, where America's day begins.

"It will remain one of the most profound privileges of my career to have executed morning colors on that historic morning in such a symbolically significant location," Riggs said.

Exactly 50 years later, Riggs returned to the same island to honor that moment and mark another milestone in the nation's history.

When he approached Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, with the idea of returning to Guam for the historic anniversary, Navy Capt. Neil Steinhagen immediately recognized the significance of the occasion.

"Having Cmdr. Riggs as a guest aboard [the] Annapolis was an easy decision to support," Steinhagen said. "We often look back on our history and ask what has carried our nation and our Navy forward. Moments like this provide the answer. Morning colors is a tradition observed every day, but on the Fourth of July, the flag represents the freedom generations before us fought to secure and the promise today's sailors have volunteered to defend. By standing together aboard [the] Annapolis on America's 250th birthday, we united the legacy of those who came before us with the future leaders who will carry that fighting spirit forward."

For Riggs, returning to the place where he marked the nation's bicentennial offered an opportunity to connect two generations of submariners and reflect on a lifetime of service.

"This is a deeply meaningful opportunity to honor the enduring traditions of the submarine force, reflect on my service and pay tribute to the ongoing legacy of naval excellence in the Pacific," the Ohio native said.

Following morning colors, the color detail presented Riggs with the flag flown. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Derrick Simmons, the submarine's executive officer, also presented him with a commemorative flag certificate honoring the lasting example of his service.

The certificate stated that Riggs' presence served as a lasting reminder that while generations of submariners may change their devotion to duty, honor and country remain eternal.

The moment represented more than a celebration of the nation's birthday. It served as a reminder that the traditions of the submarine force are carried forward by the sailors who serve, the families who stand beside them and the generations who follow in their footsteps.

For Riggs, the day also provided an opportunity to recognize those who made his return possible — and those who supported him throughout his 27 years of naval service.

"I want to thank the people who helped make this possible," he said. "My wife supported me throughout all my years of service, as did my sons and all the people here at Submarine Squadron 15. This is the finest military in the world. We're doing what needs to be done, and we're going where we need to go. Being here alongside [the] USS Annapolis, a superb U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine, is an honor."

Fifty years after raising the colors for America's bicentennial, Riggs once again stood beneath the flag he proudly served — this time alongside a new generation of submariners continuing the watch.

Guardians of the Deep: An Inside Look at the Elite Submarine Protection Coast Guard Unit

July 1, 2026 | By Navy Lt. Zachary Anderson, Commander, Submarine Group 9 |

The Olympic Peninsula is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, known for its extreme elevation changes — the landscape spans a portion of the Washington coastline to the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. 

It is home to the largest temperate rainforest in the continental U.S. and features species of wildlife and plants found nowhere else on Earth because of the region's geographic isolation. Continue north to where towering pine trees give way to the rocky coastline of the Salish Sea and one can even find a Coast Guard station that serves as an operational hub for the Maritime Force Protection Unit Bangor.

Established in 2007, the MFPU is a specialized single-mission unit dedicated to providing strategic in-transit security escorts for Navy ballistic missile submarines as they transit U.S. territorial waterways until they slip silently beneath the waves.

There are only two MFPUs in the U.S. — one at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington, and the other at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia — to coincide with the two bases that support the Navy's fleet of ballistic missile submarines. For Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. James Provost, operations officer and lead patrol commander of MFPU Bangor, mission success begins the day before an escort event with a rigorous review of potential risk and threat factors.

"I'm looking at the weather, looking at civilian traffic going to and from the major ports in the area like Vancouver, [Canada], Seattle, and Tacoma, [Washington]," he said.

For Provost, it was the MFPU's unique mission and prospect of working closely with the Navy that drew him to his current role.

"The joint work with the Navy feels like a very important mission. It's gratifying when you have a busy day, you're working really hard to maintain the integrity of the security zone and clear a safe path for the submarine," he said. "For us, boring days are good days. We don't want exciting days."

When asked what the most difficult aspect of the job is from an operations perspective, Provost likens the mission to a chess match. The unit is responsible for ensuring submarines receive the best possible escort from homeport to dive point, or from dive point to homeport.

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Comprising the pieces of the "chess board," the MFPU has small boats, ships and a mix of personnel to support the ceaseless operational tempo of Commander, Submarine Group 9's fleet of submarines.

The MFPU remains at the cutting edge of security operations because of its high standards and rigorous training. Their impeccable record of mission success is a testament to their expertise and something this unit of elite operators is extremely proud of.

"Nothing can beat watching from the bridge when you have the full escort in place with blocking vessels, multiple screening vessels, all working in coordination with one another. Seeing the team executing the mission to keep the public away and screening all the recreational and fishing vessels is just very impressive," Provost said.

One thing that sets the MFPU apart from other Coast Guard units is the tremendous amount of responsibility granted to its members. While other Coast Guard units have to request permission from senior command elements to employ weapons, this isn't the case for the MFPU, where the ability to respond rapidly to a potential threat is critical to national security.

"Our [small-boat operators], a [petty officer third class], have weapons release authority," Provost said. "If they've demonstrated the proper judgment and maturity necessary, our commanding officer has designated weapons release authority down to them, which is very serious. To see a junior person like that succeed and grow into a seasoned tactical [operator] is incredibly satisfying."

One of those service members is Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Jacob Guilford, whose diverse career spans search and rescue operations in Galveston, Texas, drug interdiction operations in Charleston, South Carolina, and small-boat operations on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

For Guilford, the MFPU was an opportunity to further diversify his career.

"I had done pursuit at a couple of units, which are like offensive operations," Guilford said. "But I had never done tactics before, which is more defensive and the primary mission here."

Like Provost, the unit's joint aspect drew Guilford to the Pacific Northwest. Significantly, this tour was the first time Guilford worked closely with the Navy, and the first time he had ever seen a submarine.

"You hear about nuclear subs, and you see it in the movies, but seeing it in person and seeing the size of it and just knowing their capability — you could feel the importance of our mission," Guilford said. "Being up close to it added a weight to what we're doing. We're protecting them so that they can maintain stability in the world."

Because of the Coast Guard's unique authorities that do not exist anywhere else inside the U.S. armed forces, it was an ideal partner to provide the Navy with strategic domestic waterway security. Today, MFPU members work hand in hand with their Navy counterparts to ensure seamless integration between the partner sea services. 

That integration begins with daily communication with representatives from the submarine group, Submarine Squadron 17 and Submarine Readiness Squadron 31, regarding ship schedules, future events, logistics and intelligence sharing.

Additionally, MFPU boat crews fine-tune their skills at the Trident Training Facility Bangor and Kings Bay — state-of-the-art hubs that traditionally allow submariners to build proficiency and where every patrol commander, boat crew and gunner can train for a wide variety of scenarios that test judgment, reaction time and management of multiple threats.

This level of training is how the Coast Guard ensures personnel assigned to the force protection units are prepared to deter threats during submarine transit. The unique capabilities of the MFPU bolsters Navy and Coast Guard joint objectives for robust security of strategic assets.

The partnership between the unit and Bangor's submarine crews goes beyond the training facility. A deep appreciation for each other's roles is embedded in their culture, along with the understanding that synergy between the two is emblematic of joint force integration.

For Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas Cifelli, MPFU Bangor unit member, seeing the inside of a submarine was an eye-opening experience. 

"It was amazing to go from seeing how large and looming the [submarine] is from the perspective we have during an escort, [to] then seeing the size of accommodations for the crew," he said. "To hear how many personnel work on those subs compared to the size of the galley is impressive."

As a weapons division lead petty officer, Cifelli is an expert in employing the unit's weapons systems to prevent a potential threat from entering the security zone.

For him, his experience at the MFPU has been an opportunity to develop his leadership skills. The large number of service members he leads is another example of the authority and responsibility granted to unit members.

Additionally, the MFPU mission has given Cifelli the chance to experience a wide variety of weapons systems within his rating, from small arms to the .50-caliber machine gun and even new systems designed to counter emerging threats.

Regardless of how future threats evolve, the MFPU will remain ready to protect the nation's "boomers" on their way to the deep.

And for Provost, another "boring" day is reward enough to keep him going, though a little recognition doesn't hurt.

"A few weeks ago, we got a chance to talk to a [commanding officer] of we had just escorted and he was like, 'You guys are awesome. The way your [escort vessels] came out and took position perfectly and intercepted two targets of interest — that was so cool.' Knowing we're seen and appreciated — that just feels good," he said.

Vietnam Veteran Receives Purple Heart 57 Years Later

July 2, 2026 | By Army Sgt. Katherine Devereaux, Office of the Chief of Army Reserve |

Fifty-seven years after Spec. 4 Raymond Williams was wounded in Vietnam, one Army Reserve noncommissioned officer made sure he finally had his moment.

For then-19-year-old Williams, 1969 was shaping up to be a year to forget before it even began. On Dec. 31, 1968, the young infantryman was being loaded onto a helicopter and evacuated out of the jungle with wounds that would take more than half a century to heal. 

A year earlier, almost to the day, Williams walked into a recruiting station and raised his right hand. He completed basic training, earned his paratrooper wings and soon became the M60 gunner for his unit, Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. It was the weapon he carried into the Central Highlands of Vietnam, where Williams found himself in what he called "a small firefight." 

"I just remember getting shot in the arm first, then the shoulder. I was trying to carry on, but my right arm was just hanging," Williams said. "I did the best I could." 

Military records confirm what happened; at approximately 10 a.m., local time, near the town of An Khe, Vietnam, an enemy AK-47 round tore through his right arm. The round fractured the bone in two places and lacerated the nerve leading to his forearm and thumb. 

Eight months later and permanently disabled from his combat wounds, Williams medically retired from the Army. 

"I remember getting on the chopper, and I didn't want to leave," he said. "I did not want to leave." 

Back home, Williams built a life. He worked as a pressman at the Easter Seals printing press, married and raised three children. Life was good — but the war never fully lost its grip. 

"The [Department of Veterans Affairs] was never prepared for us," he said. "We stood outside in a line in the ice-cold to get into the hospital because they just weren't ready. But it was just what it was." 

Williams rarely spoke of the war. Like many veterans of that era, he battled with depression and did his best to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder, long before it had a name. 

"It was a tough, unpopular war — coming home was tough," he said. "Nobody wanted to talk. You kind of bury it." 

Years passed; his family learned not to bring it up. Then, in 2025, Williams decided it was time. 

At 77, while in the hospital, Williams told his daughter Kelly he wanted to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial — and finally receive the Purple Heart he had earned but never been awarded. 

Kelly Williams filed the paperwork with the National Personnel Records Center. Weeks later, she received confirmation. When the medal arrived in May, she contacted the Army to ask whether her father could receive it during their trip to Washington. She hoped it could be a surprise. 

It was a long shot. The family was deep into their travel plans from New Hampshire, and time was short. 

Army Master Sgt. Virginia Crutchfield was working at the Pentagon when the request came through — and immediately knew she had to make it happen. 

Crutchfield was on a yearlong tour coordinating Medal of Honor ceremonies; Purple Heart presentations were not in her lane. She had just nine days to pull it together, and the team shifted workloads so she could take on the mission. She handled every detail — from securing Pentagon space to arranging homemade brownies and cake. She said she was driven by an understanding of what soldiers of Williams' generation faced when they came home — the silence, the stigma, the lack of welcome — it drove her to make the moment right. 

"When I go out, people see me in uniform and say, 'thank you for your service,' with a smile; sometimes with a hug. In their time, they didn't," Crutchfield said, her voice breaking. "It touched me. They go out and fight for us to remain free. It's the least we could do." 

On the morning of the ceremony, Williams arrived expecting a tour. He and his family — daughter Kelly, sons Eric and Mark, and grandson Fynn — were escorted through the Pentagon to a corridor junction where a crowd had gathered: unfamiliar faces, soldiers in uniform and Crutchfield.

That's when he realized what was happening. Overwhelmed, he took Crutchfield's hand. 

"All he could say was, 'You, you … you got me,'" she recalled, replying, "Sir, you did this. We are honored to do this for you." 

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Phillip Churn Sr., Army Reserve ambassador, presented the award.  

"The Purple Heart is not an award soldiers seek," Churn said. "It is … earned through blood, sacrifice and an unyielding commitment to the defense of this nation. Today, we correct the record. Today, we pin this medal where it has always belonged — on the chest of a paratrooper who gave his blood for our freedom." 

Fynn Williams, 8, had practiced his speech for weeks while keeping the secret from his grandfather. 

"There are some things in life that should never be lost," Fynn said. "Especially honor, sacrifice and courage. Years ago, you earned this through your service and sacrifice for our country. Even though the medal was gone, what it represents never was. We wanted to make sure it found its way back home, to where it belongs."

"We are proud of you. We are grateful for you. We love you, Papa."

For Kelly Williams, the ceremony was about more than just a medal. 

"It is about ensuring that his story, his service and his legacy are remembered," she said. "We have hope that today provides our father with a measure of peace." 

Williams had one word to describe the ceremony: "closure." 

"It never goes away," he said of the memories that still haunt him. "But it's a step in the right direction. This is probably good closure now. I feel like it's all out in the open." 

"I feel good now; I feel good today. This is good," he added.

Department of War Establishes Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems to Ensure American Drone Dominance

July 1, 2026 |

The Department of War today announced the comprehensive consolidation of all Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UxS) under a newly established, direct-report position to the Deputy Secretary of War. This strategic priority aims to rapidly accelerate the development, procurement, and fielding at scale of autonomous capabilities, which are essential to maintaining the United States' decisive military advantage.

"This structural reorganization directly implements a series of decisive actions taken by the administration. Drones and autonomous systems represent the most consequential battlefield innovation of this generation," said Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell. "Adversaries collectively produce millions of unmanned systems each year across all domains. While global military production has skyrocketed over the last three years, the United States must move at the speed this moment demands to field these capabilities at scale and secure our tactical and strategic edge."

Last year, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Orders directing the reform of the Department's acquisition processes to ensure the United States Military possesses the most lethal warfighting capabilities in the world, "Unleashing American Drone Dominance," which directed the DoW to procure, integrate, and train using low-cost, high-performing drones manufactured in the United States, and "Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty," establishing critical authorities to counter growing adversary unmanned threats. Following these directives, Secretary Hegseth issued an implementing memorandum on July 10, 2025, committing the Department to bolstering the domestic drone manufacturing base, arming combat units with low-cost unmanned systems, and training the joint force to fight and win with these capabilities.

To establish an immediate operational baseline and consolidate specialized expertise, the DRPM- UxS will provide direct oversight and direction for all unmanned activities, functions, and associated programmatic funding lines currently assigned to the Department of War to include Services Components, Joint Interagency Task Force 401, the Defense Innovation Unit, and the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group.

The Secretary of War's memorandum can be found here.

Face of Defense: Airman Conquers 7 World Marathon Majors in 365 Days

July 1, 2026 | By Andrea Jenkins, Air Force |

Six days after crossing the finish line in Boston, one Air Force colonel laced up again and ran the London Marathon. 

Still sore and fatigued, Air Force Col. Alfredo "Juny" Laboy knew quitting was not an option because he was too close to completing his goal of becoming the only active-duty service member to complete all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors within a single calendar year.

Air Force Col. Alfredo "Juny" Laboy

Job: Liaison Officer

Stationed: U.S. Southern Command Headquarters, Doral, Fla.

Unit: Air Forces Southern

Hometown: Humacao, Puerto Rico

According to Abbott World Marathon Majors data, he is also among just 44 athletes worldwide to accomplish this milestone for the first time within a single year. The World Marathon Majors are considered the pinnacle of endurance racing, consisting of premier marathons hosted across the globe. 

In 2025, Sydney was added as the seventh major, requiring Laboy to incorporate a new benchmark, along with additional travel, recovery and preparation within an already compressed timeline. 

That back-to-back stretch captured what defined Laboy's entire year: the ability to adapt when the conditions change and remain ready when the mission demands it. 

Throughout 2025, Laboy, 54, ran marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, Arlington, Virginia, and New York City, all while serving as the Air Forces Southern liaison officer to U.S. Southern Command. 

"I was driven by a combination of curiosity and purpose," Laboy said. "After completing marathons on all seven continents, I asked myself what would truly challenge me next. Completing all seven World Marathon Majors in one year wasn't about chasing a medal — it was about testing discipline, consistency and resilience, the same traits the Air Force has demanded of me throughout my career." 

Pursuing Excellence

For Laboy, the pursuit was inseparable from his identity as a service member, woven together through physical, mental and professional readiness; the thread linking the racecourse to the operations center. 

"Understanding what the achievement represented made it feel bigger than a personal milestone," he said. "Becoming the only active-duty service member to earn the Six Star Medal and complete all seven World Marathon Majors in a single year carried a strong sense of pride and responsibility. 

"This accomplishment allowed me to represent the United States Air Force and my hometown in Humacao, Puerto Rico, while also showing that being over 50 is not a limitation," Laboy added. "You can pursue excellence in fitness and set meaningful goals at any stage of life."

That readiness was tested repeatedly. Among the seven races, the Boston-to-London sequence required Laboy to compress recovery, recalibrate his physical expectations and execute without the preparation that most elite runners consider a minimum standard. 

"The London Marathon was the most challenging because I ran it just six days after completing the Boston Marathon," he said. "Physically, my body was still fatigued, and mentally, it took every ounce of focus and determination to push through with almost no recovery time." 

The effort mirrored another demanding stretch later in the year, when he completed the Marine Corps Marathon, followed by the New York City Marathon just one week later. Sustaining that output alongside a full-time operational workload required the same kind of structured adaptability Laboy applies to planning missions. 

"Balancing training with my role required flexibility," Laboy said. "Most runs happened during the workday, fitting them in between meetings, when possible, while weekends were reserved for longer distances. That structure allowed me to stay consistent without stepping away from my operational responsibilities." 

Finding His Stride

This approach also supported Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's military fitness guidance, which emphasizes physical training as a daily duty requirement for service members. Laboy approached physical performance and professional execution with the same framework. 

"I treated training like operations — plan, execute, assess and adjust," he said. "Consistency mattered more than intensity, and everything had to complement the mission, not compete with it." 

Adaptability was not an option; it was a defining trait. Midway through the year, Laboy was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a development that would have ended the pursuit for most. Instead of quitting, he persevered. He restructured his approach and pressed forward.

"There were moments of doubt, especially after I was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia following the London Marathon," Laboy said. "Under strict medical guidance, I was able to delay surgery and complete the remaining races safely." 

Laboy also managed preexisting conditions throughout the year, including bilateral hip bursitis, plantar fasciitis and vestibular neuritis, a condition that affects balance. Each of these conditions required ongoing adjustments to keep him mission-capable on and off the course. 

"Following medical guidance and adjusting expectations allowed me to keep moving forward without missing a single day of work due to running-related injuries," he said. 

'There Are No Shortcuts'

Overcoming these obstacles further reinforces that the parallels between endurance sports and military leadership are direct, not metaphorical, according to Laboy. 

"There are no shortcuts," he said. "Both require preparation, accountability, adaptability and the ability to lead yourself before leading others." 

Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus, Southcom deputy commander, said Laboy's accomplishment is a model of the readiness and adaptability the command requires of its leaders. 

"I've had the opportunity to follow and talk with Juny throughout this journey, and what stands out isn't just the mileage — it's the discipline behind it," Pettus said. "He never let a demanding schedule or personal setbacks distract him from the mission. He trained around his responsibilities, not the other way around. That balance and commitment to excellence while remaining fully engaged in the fight reflects the steady resilience and adaptability we expect from our leaders."

Laboy said the year reinforced that readiness is not a product of youth, but of discipline sustained over time. 

"Readiness isn't limited by age, but it's sustained by mindset," he said. "Resilience is built over time through discipline, physical fitness and mental toughness. When airmen take care of themselves, they're better prepared to take care of the mission." 

More Miles To Go

Standing at the finish line of his final race, Laboy said gratitude outweighed his exhaustion. 

"I felt gratitude for my health, my mother, my kids and everyone who supported the journey," he said. "I also felt excitement for what comes next and the goals still ahead." 

In April, Laboy completed the Coast Guard Marathon in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, followed by the Cape Town, South Africa, Marathon in May. Finishing the Cape Town race, now recognized as the eighth Abbott World Marathon Majors event, makes him one of fewer than 2,000 runners in the world to complete the entire series.

Looking forward, Laboy is scheduled to run the Air Force Marathon in September at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and in October, the Army Ten-Miler in Washington, which completes the Armed Forces Series Challenge.  

Additionally, he aims to position himself among the first athletes in the world eligible for the Nine Star Medal, expected to be introduced in December 2027, pending the Shanghai Marathon's formal acceptance as the ninth and final World Marathon Major. 

Beyond these milestones, Laboy is setting his sights on the ultimate test of endurance: running at the geographic North Pole. By racing on ice floes covering 12,000 feet of the Arctic Ocean, he hopes to earn membership in the exclusive Marathon Grand Slam Club — a distinction reserved for elite athletes who successfully complete a marathon on all seven continents, plus the grueling North Pole Marathon.

Exercise Venom Forge Strengthens Partnerships, Boosts Combat Readiness

 June 30, 2026 | By Air Force Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen, 432nd Wing |

An integration exercise designed to develop new tactics, techniques and procedures, combined support from five wings, seven groups and 17 squadrons across a multitude of operations and support at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, June 17.

Dubbed Venom Forge, this exercise implemented lessons derived from the 57th Maintenance Group's inaugural Agile Maintenance Leadership Course to develop tactical-level maintenance leaders who can build mission-type orders, manage risk, communicate under friction, generate aircraft and create the conditions for combat airpower to happen.

In preparation for the event, mission partners completed a multiplatform hot-pit refueling site certification on base, helping enable contingency hot-pit and integrated combat turn training for multiple fighter platforms. The effort created a foundation for future agile combat employment training iterations.

"Creech [Air Force Base's] support was critical because it gave the capstone an unfamiliar environment and helped turn the course concept into executable training," said Air Force Maj. Yoarmerby Gomez, 57th Maintenance Group maintenance tactics officer. "This exercise required more than ramp space. It required access, support equipment, airfield operations, fuels support, fire emergency services, safety, security, medical response planning, host-base coordination and leadership buy-in."

To execute the exercise, organizations from the 57th Wing, 99th Air Base Wing, 53rd Wing, 355th Wing and 432nd Wing came together to give students a realistic stage to experience how maintenance decisions affect logistics. The students learned how movement timelines affect aircraft generation, how medical and emergency-response planning affects mission risk, and how base constraints shape execution.

The base provided further support with equipment required for execution, facilitation of access across the installation and aided aircraft integration and operations not part of normal day-to-day mission operations.

"[The base] provided the right balance of proximity, realism and operational value," Gomez said. "It is close enough to Nellis [Air Force Base] to support a controlled hub-to-spoke training model but separate enough to force students to coordinate with a real host base instead of relying on home-station assumptions."

To further test units involved, an inject involving members suffering from simulated heat stroke was enacted, allowing medical teams on HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to integrate critical care air transport while aggressor units conducted hot-pit integrated combat turns on F-35A Lightning IIs and F-16C Fighting Falcons.

"What made Venom Forge unique was that every organization had its own reason to be there," Gomez said. "One of the clearest examples of the training value was the level of deconfliction required on the airfield. At one point, F-35s and F-16s were being refueled and rearmed while two HH-60s were entering the airspace. These elements of controlled chaos were exactly what we wanted the students to experience. It forced multiple agencies to communicate, deconflict and execute safely in a dynamic environment."

The certification and partnership conducted during the exercise enabled a repeatable foundation for future iterations. These next events could include more students, additional mission partners, different aircraft and more deliberate deconfliction across multiple simultaneous operations.

"For the students, Venom Forge showed that aircraft generation is not just a maintenance action," Gomez said. "Thanks to this exercise, we now have a scalable course model, a stronger relationship with [the base], a multiagency training framework and a better understanding of what it takes to generate combat airpower from a spoke location."

JIATF 401 Leaders Visit Whiteman Air Force Base to Strengthen Counter-Drone Operations

June 30, 2026 | By Army Lt. Col. Adam Scher, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 |

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 leaders recently visited Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, to learn about the installation's counter-unmanned aerial systems operations and initiatives in advance of the upcoming directed energy pilot program.  

The visit highlighted how the 509th Bomb Wing and the 131st Bomb Wing have strengthened base defense by combining advanced technologies with physical defenses and operational procedures.  

During the visit, leaders discussed infrastructure upgrades, engagement authorities and how best to overcome integration hurdles, as well as strategies for safely employing counter-UAS engagement options within the homeland. The meeting also highlighted how base leaders are successfully using locally developed concepts of operation in their strategy.  

Security forces personnel demonstrated how they are employing the systems provided by JIATF 401 to further strengthen their capabilities. 

"The tools and training we've received from JIATF 401 allow us to respond faster and more effectively to drone threats," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brent Keefler, 509th Bomb Wing section chief for counter-UAS and small UAS. "Having both the technology and training to act gives our team confidence to protect the base and our airmen." 

The visit underscored the War Department's ongoing commitment to partnering with and delivering state-of-the-art counter-drone solutions to warfighters to defend personnel as well as critical facilities and assets. 

"When looking at an installation's counter-drone capabilities, I don't focus solely on the equipment or the array of assets on a map," said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, JIATF 401 director. "I ask who the commanders are that have the mission to defend the base from drones. Whiteman's leadership and airmen are demonstrating exceptional initiative and capability in this mission." 

Sinking Exercise Demonstrates Capabilities of Joint Force

June 30, 2026 | By Task Force 70 and Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs |

U.S. Pacific Command joint forces, along with allied and partner forces, successfully carried out a live-fire sinking exercise as part of Valiant Shield 2026, targeting the thoroughly cleaned and decommissioned amphibious transport dock USS Juneau more than 200 nautical miles off the coast of Guam. 

The Juneau launched in 1966 and saw action during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm before it was decommissioned in 2008. 

The evolution brought together air, surface and subsurface assets in coordinated strikes, allowing crews to sharpen critical skills in weapons employment and target engagement under realistic conditions that no simulator can fully replicate.

"This [exercise] provided an outstanding opportunity for our joint team to integrate capabilities across domains, honing the lethal precision and coordination essential for high-end maritime operations in the Pacific theater," said Navy Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5 and Task Force 70. 

The coordinated strike included a long-range anti-ship missile deployed by an Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber. The LRASM is designed to detect and destroy enemy ships at long ranges. Developed by the U.S., it's a key component in the military's counter-maritime strike operations.   

"The B-2's impressive performance underscores the U.S. military's commitment to adaptability and flexibility in the face of emerging security challenges," said Air Force Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, commander of Pacific Air Forces. "By prioritizing counter-maritime strike operations, we can maintain a decisive edge over adversaries, protect our national interests and ensure the free and open Pacific that underpin our global security."  

With the deployment of the LRASM from the B-2 Spirit, the Pacific Air Forces has another tool in countering maritime threats. This milestone showcased high-end innovation reinforcing the War Department's commitment to safeguarding national interests and maintaining global security.

All operations adhered strictly to federal environmental regulations and international standards. Prior to the exercise, the target vessel underwent extensive preparation, including the complete removal of hazardous materials in line with Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. The selected site was surveyed to ensure the safety of marine life, vessels and personnel, with full compliance to the National Environmental Policy Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and other key statutes. 

Exercise Valiant Shield is a biennial, multilateral field training exercise conducted by the U.S. and partner nations in the Western Pacific focusing on joint, cross-combatant integration operating across sea, air, land and cyberspace.

USS Theodore Roosevelt Hosts International Helicopter Exchange

June 29, 2026 | By Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet |

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt hosted more than 45 international partners from eight countries during an international helicopter warfighter exchange at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 27, 2029, as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific.

During the visit, military pilots from the U.S., South Korea, Italy, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Mexico compared procedures, discussed aviation challenges and strengthened relationships. The event was designed to build trust, improve communication and support cooperation among the different countries.

"We're privileged to host the international helicopter exchange aboard the Theodore Roosevelt," said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Andrew Poulin, USS Theodore Roosevelt strike operations officer. "It's a great opportunity to showcase naval aviation and work with our partners from different countries."

Sailors assigned to the Roosevelt highlighted flight deck procedures, launch and recovery operations and the coordination required to operate aircraft safely, while visiting sailors observed how U.S. embarked aviation units work in unison.

"It's been a great experience for helicopter pilots to exchange ideas, share flight experiences, learn about different cultures and get to know more people," said Peruvian Navy Cmdr. Antonio Gonzáles.

During the exchange, visiting sailors were taken to the hangar bay, flight deck and navigation spaces. The locations on the tour route all play a role in flight operations aboard the Theodore Roosevelt.

"We're grateful for the opportunity to participate in exercises like this, which allow us to improve our tactical skills and build relationships with other navies," said Mexican Navy Lt. j.g. Francisco Valencia.

The Roosevelt is participating in Rimpac to enhance readiness, strengthen partnerships and support regional security across the Indo-Pacific region. Thirty nations, over 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft and 30,000 personnel are participating in the exercise taking place in and around the Hawaiian Islands from June 24-July 31.

The world's largest international maritime exercise, Rimpac provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. This year's exercise is the 30th iteration in the series that began in 1971.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Pvt. Elden Harvey Johnson

June 29, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Army Pvt. Elden Harvey Johnson fought in the 1944 Italian Campaign of World War II as an infantryman and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism.

Johnson was born in Bivalve, New Jersey, Feb. 13, 1921, and grew up in East Weymouth, Massachusetts.

He enlisted in the Army in April 1943, at age 22, shortly after the United States entered World War II. Later that year, after completing basic training, he shipped out to Italy as a replacement soldier assigned to Company H, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

Johnson was part of the Rome-Arno Campaign, which began Jan. 22, 1944, and lasted until Sept. 9, 1944.

While on patrol June 3, 1944, his unit was attacked near Valmontone, Italy, about 30 miles southeast of Rome — three days before the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France.

It was night, but the area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares. Despite the enemy fire directed at him, Johnson advanced beyond the enemy in a slow, deliberate walk. He fired his rifle from his hip, distracting the enemy enough for 12 of his fellow soldiers to escape. Once he was within about 5 yards of the German machine gun position, Johnson killed the crew.

His Medal of Honor citation reads in part:

"Johnson elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving the massed fire of about 60 riflemen, three machine guns and three tanks from positions only 25 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled his patrol leader to withdraw."

Standing in full view of the enemy, Johnson reloaded, turned to the riflemen to the left and fired directly into their positions.

"He either killed or wounded four of them. A burst of machine-gun fire tore into Johnson, and he dropped to his knees. Fighting to the very last, he steadied himself on his knees and sent a final burst of fire crashing into another German. With that, he slumped forward dead," the citation states, noting that Johnson's acts of valor were an inspiration to the entire command.

Army Gen. Sherman Miles presented Johnson's Medal of Honor to his mother, Althea Bernice Johnson, May 30, 1945, in Boston.

Johnson was buried at Union Cemetery in Scituate, Massachusetts.

The former transport ship USS Pinkney was transferred to the U.S. Army Transportation Service in 1946 and recommissioned as the USAT Private Elden H. Johnson in 1947. The ship was reacquired by the Navy in 1950 and placed in service as the USNS Private Elden H. Johnson under the Military Sea Transportation Service. It went out of service in 1957.

For nearly 50 years, Johnson Barracks in Fürth, Germany, was named for him. The Army installation housed the 16th Engineer Battalion, quartermaster offices and other administrative and support functions. The installation was sold back to the Germans in the early 2000s and is now a business park. Additionally, Weymouth is the only town in the U.S. with five Medal of Honor recipients: Johnson, Thomas W. Hamilton, William Seach, Frederick C. Murphy and Ralph Talbo.

On May 26, 2025, the city dedicated five bronze statues to honor them at the Ralph Talbot Amphitheater in Weymouth, which is adjacent to a veterans memorial wall that lists the names of city residents who have served during times of war.

Southern Command Moves Quickly to Support Venezuela Earthquake Relief

 

June 26, 2026 | By Courtesy Story, U.S. Southern Command |

As directed by the War Department, U.S. Southern Command is working with the State Department to support U.S. government relief operations in Venezuela in response to the devastating June 24 earthquakes.

Southcom is moving quickly to bring unmatched airlift, logistics and lifesaving capabilities of the U.S. military to help save lives and support the nation of Venezuela during this crisis.

The command has established an operational planning team that includes experienced subject matter experts from the Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response, who are advising staff and leaders responsible for disaster relief planning and mission-related decisions.

Southcom has also initiated close coordination with other partners and allies in the region who have pledged to join the international assistance underway to aid the people of Venezuela in their time of need.

Joint Task Force Southern Border Conducts Medevac in Arizona Mountains

June 26, 2026 | By Sgt. 1st Class Alon Humphrey, Operation Ardent Vanguard |

Service members assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border conducted an aeromedical evacuation after receiving a request to assist a civilian who was experiencing a medical emergency while supporting border barrier construction in a remote mountainous area of southern Arizona, June 17. 

This medevac highlights the unique military capabilities that Joint Task Force Southern Border brings in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a part of Operation Ardent Vanguard. 

The task force received the request in the early afternoon, when officials reported that a civilian contractor required urgent medical assistance while in a mountainous terrain inaccessible to conventional emergency response vehicles. 

The service members coordinated with CBP personnel and approved the launch of a War Department medical evacuation aircraft. Initial reports indicated that first responders were hiking to the patient's location while working to determine an exact position. 

"JTF-SB responded to this mission, preserving the life of the civilian upon request of the CBP," said Army Master Sgt. Andrew VanMeter, the chief medical noncommissioned officer for the task force. 

VanMeter said that, although the remote location was inaccessible to civilian aeromedical and ground teams, the Joint Task Force Southern Border was uniquely qualified for the mission because of the patient's remote location and the lack of landing zones. 

The medical evacuation aircraft arrived on station, established visual contact with personnel on the ground and then conducted hoist operations. Aircrews successfully recovered the patient from the mountainside and began transport toward definitive medical care. 

During the flight, adverse weather conditions in Tucson, Arizona, required adjustments to the patient transfer plan. The aircraft landed at an alternate location, where the patient was transferred to civilian emergency medical services for continued transportation to a local hospital. 

Army Sgt. 1st Class Christian Castillo, a flight medic assigned to Foxtrot Company, 3rd Battalion, 501st Assault Helicopter Battalion, said hoist rescues require a significantly different approach than traditional medical evacuation operations. 

"Unlike a standard medevac call, where we can land the aircraft, and I can access all my gear, a hoist requires inserting with minimal equipment," Castillo said. "Because of that limitation, my mindset immediately shifts to executing the foundational knowledge of tactical combat casualty care." 

Castillo said successful hoist operations depend on extensive preparation before an emergency happens. 

"Executing a 160-foot hoist mission requires a layered approach to training, well before the actual mission occurs," he said. "It involves consistently practicing hoist operations during routine training flights and conducting integrated training with the ground forces."

The team also conducted a thorough analysis of the operational area beforehand to anticipate the environmental and tactical conditions it could encounter on scene. 

The most unique aspect of this mission was the crew dynamic; this was the first operational flight for the crew's junior pilot after completing his training with the unit. As for the personnel in the back of the aircraft, Castillo and Army Spc. Kierstann Knowles, the crew chief, had previously executed a hoist rescue together. They said that shared experience was critical.

The mission highlights Joint Task Force Southern Border's ability to rapidly integrate with federal, state and local partners, its readiness, aviation capabilities, and its commitment to preserving life and enabling mission success along the southern border.