Marines Bring Amphibious Vehicles Back to Life With One Simple, Critical Component

Feb. 17, 2026 | By Marine Corps Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo |

When a shortage of critical single-use consumable suspension washers resulted in multiple amphibious combat vehicles being taken out of service, Marines assigned to the Fabrication Platoon, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, stepped in, turning a potentially yearlong delay into a one-hour fix.

The initial problem was identified at the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, where ACVs were being taken out of service due to the lack of a specific suspension locking washer. The part, a mandatory replacement item for the vehicle's suspension system, was unavailable through the standard supply system due to a backlog, hindering unit readiness. 

The solution came when Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony Juedes, a ground ordnance vehicle maintenance officer with the assault battalion, approached the II Marine Expeditionary Force Innovation Campus with the problem.  

Each suspension lock washer has square teeth that bend when torqued into place and when suspension components are taken apart or put back together. Due to this, the washers cannot be reused and become damaged once removed from an ACV's suspension system.  

Juedes presented a damaged washer to Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Pine, the campus's officer in charge, who tasked his 2nd Maintenance Battalion team with finding a solution. They immediately went to work. By using aluminum sheets and a water jet, they reverse engineered the part and produced a working prototype, showcasing the immense value of advanced manufacturing. 

"It took less than 30 minutes to create it, and in less than an hour, we had a working prototype," Pine said. "The part itself took less than a minute and a half to cut."

With a potential solution in hand, the next step was validation. Contractors were used to strengthen the reverse engineering process, help lower risk, ensure quality control and create a more thorough part-review for the fabrication process.  

After a successful test, Marine Corps Lt. Col. Matthew Ludlow, the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion commander, decided to formally assume the risk of using the nonstandard part to get his vehicles back in the fight. By signing an official assumption-of-risk letter, he authorized the use of the fabricated washers to restore his unit's operational capability. 

Once approved, 10 ACVs were brought back into service in a single morning, showcasing how this capability can be used not only on base, but also while forward deployed. 

The impact was immediately noticed. As of December 2025, the 2nd Maintenance Battalion has produced more than 80 washers, bringing 15 nonoperational ACVs back into service. For a part that costs less than $2 to make, the effort bypassed a supply shortage that could have sidelined the fleet indefinitely, saving the Marine Corps countless days of lost training and readiness. 

This success, however, highlights a different issue: the lack of access to technical data for parts. According to Pine, without the manufacturer's original blueprints, his Marines must reverse engineer components, a process that involves determining exact dimensions, material composition and strength requirements. This process can become especially problematic for load-bearing components.

The problem, Pine explained, is that the battalion doesn't have the testing parameters for the parts.  

To mitigate this, the 2nd Maintenance Battalion now creates its own technical data packages from its reverse-engineered parts, a process validated by civilian engineers and machinists to ensure quality. 

By demonstrating their capability to produce reliable parts under controlled processes, the maintenance battalion proves that even with contested supply lines, Marine ingenuity can provide a mission-focused solution. Their work builds a robust case for the organic capabilities that Marine innovation can bring to units, both on base and overseas.

The Hidden Hunger in Our Ranks: Why Military Families Are Lining Up at Food Pantries

Food insecurity inside the United States military is not a fringe issue. It is a documented, measurable, and growing reality.

Approximately 25.8% of active-duty service members experience some level of food insecurity, with junior and mid-grade enlisted families disproportionately affected. Today, an estimated 22,000 active-duty families, 213,000 National Guard and Reserve members, and 1.2 million veterans rely on federal food assistance. On many installations, food pantries now operate specifically to support junior enlisted families.

That fact alone should stop us.

Behind these statistics are families—not abstractions. Spouses stretch each paycheck to cover rent, gas, childcare, and groceries. Children quietly accept smaller portions. Service members carry the additional burden of financial strain while remaining mission-ready. They stand watch, deploy, train, and defend the nation—while worrying about what’s in the refrigerator at home.

When We Saw It Up Close

In 2022, the San Dimas Rotary Club was approached by the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club, which operated a military outreach effort called Making Spirits Bright, providing Christmas gifts to junior enlisted families.

That same year, Rotary members visited the Marine Air Ground Combat Center (MAGCC) at Twentynine Palms. There, we met with representatives of the Armed Services YMCA, which operates a food pantry on base. It was in that conversation—standing in the high desert—that the scope of the problem became real.

This wasn’t theoretical. It was immediate.

Young Marine families were walking into a pantry on base because their pay, after housing, childcare, and the cost of relocation, simply wasn’t enough.

From One Food Drive to a Lasting Mission

In March 2023, we organized a major food drive. The response was strong. The need was stronger.

We quickly realized that a single event would not solve a structural problem. What was required was permanence.

In response, we formed the Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support, a sole-purpose Rotary club dedicated entirely to supporting active-duty, Reserve, and veteran families. We also established the San Dimas Rotary Foundation, a 501(c)(3), to provide the charitable framework necessary for growth and accountability.

As regional partnerships expanded, we created Feeding Military Families as a DBA under the Foundation, supervised by the Satellite Club.

What began as a community response became an organized mission.

Where the Help Has Gone

Since launching Feeding Military Families, we have collected and distributed more than forty (40) tons of food and household supplies to military communities across California, including:

• Marine Air Ground Combat Center (29 Palms)

• Camp Pendleton

• Fort Irwin

• Los Angeles Air Force Base

• Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach

Each installation presents different challenges.

Fort Irwin sits in a remote high-desert region with limited surrounding infrastructure. Families there face isolation and restricted access to affordable off-base resources.

Twentynine Palms serves thousands of Marines and families in similarly remote conditions.

Camp Pendleton supports one of the largest concentrations of Marines in the country.

Los Angeles Air Force Base and Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach represent urban military communities where high housing costs place extraordinary pressure on junior enlisted families.

In every location, the story is consistent: strong families under strain.

Hunger Is Only Part of the Story

Through the integration of Making Spirits Bright, our mission expanded beyond food alone.

Last December, in addition to supporting families at Camp Pendleton and MAGCC Twentynine Palms, we extended significant assistance to Fort Irwin. There, we delivered:

• Hundreds of toys

• More than 70 bicycles

• $7,000 in direct financial relief through gift cards

For families stationed in one of the most isolated installations in California, the holidays became a season of celebration—not stress.

Because food insecurity is not only about calories. It is about morale. It is about stability. It is about ensuring that when a service member trains, deploys, or stands duty, they are not distracted by worry at home.

Readiness Begins at Home

Military readiness does not start on the battlefield. It begins in the kitchen.

If a service member is worrying about groceries, unpaid bills, or whether their spouse can find employment after yet another relocation, readiness is compromised.

Addressing food insecurity strengthens:

• Family stability

• Mental health

• Morale

• Retention

• Community trust

This is not charity alone. It is an investment in readiness.

The Hidden Hunger

Military culture values self-reliance. Pride runs deep. Asking for help can feel like failure. That stigma is one reason many families struggle quietly.

But the food pantries on base tell the truth.
The federal assistance numbers tell the truth.
The young Marine couple with two children tells the truth.

The hunger is real.

The question is whether we choose to see it.

Join Us – March 14, 2026

The solution is not complicated. It is community.

Feeding Military Families – March Food Drive 🇺🇸
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: TBA
Website: www.feedingmilitaryfamilies.org

Join us as we collect food and essential supplies for military families in need.

Every month, thousands of active-duty service members, veterans, and National Guard families struggle with food insecurity. Since 2022, you have helped us collect and distribute over 40 tons of food and supplies to military families at 29 Palms, Camp Pendleton, Fort Irwin, Los Angeles Air Force Base, and Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach.

This March, we are back with another major Food Drive—and we need your help.

What to Bring:

• Non-perishable food items

• Hygiene and toiletry products

• Baby and household essentials

Whether you donate a bag of groceries, volunteer your time, or simply help spread the word, your support matters.

➡️ Visit www.feedingmilitaryfamilies.org and click on “Events” for full details and volunteer information.

Please share this event. Together, we can ensure no military family goes hungry.

Let’s serve those who serve us.

#FeedingMilitaryFamilies #FoodDrive #SupportOurTroops #MilitaryFamilies

DOW's New Chief Information Officer Seeks to Put the Warfighter First

Feb. 17, 2026 | By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News |

The Pentagon's newest chief information officer, Kirsten Davies, gathered her department's senior leaders and staff together at the War Department's Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia, Feb. 10, where she laid out a vision for her office that focuses strongly on supporting America's warfighters.

"Our mission is to support the National Defense Strategy … and the warfighters," Davies told those assembled in the Mark Center's auditorium. "Everything we do should be supporting the warfighter community and their mission."  

Just six weeks into the job, Davies is responsible for serving as the principal staff assistant and senior advisor to the secretary of war and deputy secretary of war for information technology — including national security systems and defense business systems — information resources management and efficiencies. 

This means that Davies is responsible for all matters related to the War Department's information enterprise, including cybersecurity, communications, information systems and more. 

With all those responsibilities under her purview, Davies expanded on the Office of the Chief Information Officer's vision statement, "[building] an information enterprise that is resilient, modern, secure and agile; one that is worthy of the warfighter."

"We need ruthless prioritization of all of our initiatives. There are some things we're just simply not going to do because [they don't] serve the warfighter mission," Davies said, adding that she will be seeking her team's help in identifying those initiatives and prioritizing items to pursue immediately, versus what can be pushed further downstream. 

Next, she spoke about OCIO visibility and the need to share it across the entire War Department, including the department's military and civilian-manned field activities. 

"We can't defend what we can't see, [and] we can't optimize something if we don't know what's there," Davies said. "So, [visibility] becomes a real priority."  

Visibility can help OCIO determine if the office's money is being spent appropriately throughout the department and serving the warfighter most effectively, especially as it relates to tactical agility, she added.  

Davies also spoke about additional topics not listed in OCIO's vision statement, including accountability.  

"If you want to own something, own it. There's accountability that's attached to that," she told the group of leaders.   

"We will measure outcomes, not activity," Davies added.

Additionally, she spoke about transforming OCIO's technology landscape in a rapidly evolving information environment.

"We need to execute on data analytics and AI. … We need to secure our advantage in the spectrum … This is a long-term play for us, for national security and for our partners and allies," Davies said. 

Two topics she would like to prioritize for all OCIO leaders immediately are getting up to speed on the recently published National Defense Strategy and becoming familiar with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's ongoing Arsenal of Freedom tour.  

The tour represents Hegseth's initiative to transform the department's acquisition system and processes to accelerate delivery of capabilities to the warfighter and revitalize America's manufacturing might. 

"Our mission is to support the warfighter," Davies reiterated.  

"You've heard [the secretary] talk about us being on a war footing [and] again, we are not a technology company — we are part and parcel of the warfighter's mission," Davies said, adding that it is essential OCIO align with the warfighter in the realm of cybersecurity and cyber defense. 

As her remarks wound down, Davies encouraged those in attendance to be bold while participating in OCIO's journey from that point forward. 

"Change requires boldness; it requires courage," she said. "We have a window of opportunity to do some really interesting, exciting, transformative work. I want you to embrace the opportunity and also know that I've got your back."

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Travels to Missouri for Arsenal of Freedom Tour

Feb. 17, 2026 |

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will depart tomorrow for St. Louis, Missouri, to visit Boeing and administer the oath of enlistment to new recruits at the Naval Reserve Officer Recruiting Station.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is continuing on the nationwide "Arsenal of Freedom" tour, a call to action to revitalize America's manufacturing might and re-energize the nation's workforce. The tour's message will emphasize that our national security and the peace of the world move at the speed of our Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and rely on the hard work of our American workforce.

The tour will highlight the urgent need to rebuild our DIB to ensure that we continue President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s peace through strength agenda.

American manufacturing is the bedrock of American strength. The men and women fueling this work are on the frontlines, alongside our warfighters, furthering the nation’s efforts every day they show up to work.

The tour will champion a new approach to defense acquisition, one that prioritizes and awards speed, innovation, and a "commercial-first" mindset.

This includes cutting bureaucratic red tape, empowering program leaders, and providing the stable, long-term contracts necessary for industry to invest and expand.

The goal is to create a defense ecosystem that is more agile and accountable, capable of delivering the tools our warfighters need, when they need them.

The "Arsenal of Freedom" tour is more than a series of speeches; it is a movement to restore our nation's industrial prowess and secure our freedom for generations to come. It is a reminder that the strength of our nation is not just in our military, but in the ingenuity and spirit of the American people.

Riding High: Meet the Military's Last Remaining Mounted Color Guard

Feb. 17, 2026 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

For the individuals who serve in the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, every day is a test of composure, discipline and adaptability — essential skills they demonstrate alongside wild palominos that were specifically domesticated for the job.

These Marines are unique in that they're the last mounted color guard remaining in the military.

"The unit perseveres because it consistently demonstrates value: connecting the American public to the Corps' legacy while constantly reinforcing Marine professionalism and core values," explained Marine Corps Capt. Elizabeth Kemp, the unit's officer in charge.

Based at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow in California's Mojave Desert, the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard allows a few dedicated Marines the rare but honorable opportunity to present the service's colors and U.S. flag on horseback at military-related parades, ceremonies, commemorations, civic events, and other activities.

Their work is a show of dignity and respect for those who have served the nation, but being selected for the role itself is also considered an honor.

"Marines are entrusted with representing the Corps' history, traditions and standards in front of national and international audiences," Kemp said. "The level of trust and confidence embedded in the unit's core, coupled with the [increased] visibility, makes this a prestigious assignment for all Marines who serve here."

Dedication, Reliability Required

The mounted unit consists of a senior Marine who carries the U.S. flag, known as the color sergeant; a Marine who carries the Marine Corps colors; and two rifle bearers.

Any mid-level enlisted Marine from any career field can be selected for the role. They must possess an outstanding professional reputation and a high level of physical fitness, discipline and reliability. Candidates are screened for maturity, attention to detail and their ability to represent the Corps at the highest level.

And if you're a Marine who doesn't know much about horses, that's not a problem. Kemp said many qualified Marines come to the stables with little to no experience in horsemanship or ranch operations.

"What matters most is character, work ethic and the ability to learn quickly while operating as part of a team," she said. "Prior experience is beneficial, but is far less important than discipline, patience, humility and commitment."

Marines selected for the prestigious role spend hours working with the base's civilian horse trainer to learn maintenance and how to ride, as well as all the duties required to work on a ranch.

High-Level Performances

The mounted unit is invited to all sorts of events, including the famed New Year's Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. The unit has appeared in every iteration of the parade since 1990, and it's had the honor of leading it several times as the first military unit.

The unit also takes part in rodeos, which can help with recruiting efforts.

"Rodeos combine high energy, unpredictable environments and large crowds. Performing in this setting highlights the Marines' ability to stay composed, disciplined and professional under pressure — skills that translate well beyond ceremonial contexts," Kemp said.

The Mounted Color Guard is currently on tour at various rodeos throughout Texas until March 7.

The team mostly performs in the western U.S. However, in 2024, it made its first trek to the East Coast in about a decade. They presented the colors at the Preakness Stakes, participated in the National Memorial Day Parade and visited various historical sites, including the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

The unit also works with public schools, including through the Junior ROTC and the Young Marines Program. The team used to participate in competitions in the 1980s and 1990s, where they received several national awards; however, they no longer do so because of military regulations.

From Wild and Free to Tame and Disciplined 

Another unique aspect of the job is that these active-duty Marines ride wild palominos adopted from the Bureau of Land Management's Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program, which protects wild equines on public lands. When there are too many animals to manage, the bureau finds qualified private care for them through adoption or sales. 

According to the color guard's website, stablemen initially found the wild horses on their own and trained them. But a chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association eventually got involved and started the process of adopting the horses through the bureau. That eventually became the official process.

Adopted horses are tamed and progressively trained to meet the unit's performance standards. They're then slowly integrated into ceremonial presentations. Kemp said the horses are handled with a strong emphasis on safety and welfare by trainers and experienced stablemen.

Developing Ready, Lethal Marines

Kemp said the unit directly supports Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's focus on readiness and lethality by developing Marines who are disciplined, adaptable and can represent the force with credibility.

"It strengthens recruiting, public trust and institutional pride, all of which directly support the Marine Corps' ability to attract and retain high-quality warfighters," she said.

The Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard received its official designation in November 1968. The Army, the only other branch with dedicated mounted color guards, deactivated its last unit in 2023.  

Robins Air Force Base Laser-Focused on Aircrew Eye Protection

Feb. 13, 2026 | By Lauren Boggs, 78th Air Base Wing |

Airmen at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, are helping solve a growing problem among American pilots and aircrews worldwide.

 
The Federal Aviation Administration says laser strikes on aircraft have increased by almost 48% since 2020, with more than 10,000 incidents reported in 2025 alone. 
 
Pointing a laser at an aircraft became a federal crime in 2012 and can result in up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Violators can also face FAA fines in addition to local and state criminal penalties. 
 
"These strikes can cause serious and, in some cases, permanent eye damage, with health concerns ranging from temporary flash blindness to severe retinal injuries," said Air Force Master Sgt. Bridgette Brzezinski, a bioenvironmental engineering flight chief assigned to the 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron. "Laser exposures can severely disrupt critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing, and can have significant psychological effects on aircrew even at distances where ocular damage is unlikely."
 
To combat this threat, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Human Systems Division is pioneering the next generation of protective technology. 
 
The AFLCMC/ROU, based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is working with its operations and support team at Robins Air Force Base on the Aircrew Laser Eye Protection – Technology Insertion program. This evolutionary acquisition program replaces and upgrades laser protection eyewear every five to seven years. 
 
Kevin Frost, AFLCMC/ROU operation and support mechanical engineer, and Eric Miltner, AFLCMC/ROU operations and support equipment specialist, are providing vital sustainment considerations to help develop improved eyewear that reduce the dangerous impacts of laser attacks on aircrews. 
 
They are now working to field a new family of products, the Block 3. It consists of six modular devices, each worn under specific conditions during takeoffs and landings. The kit includes separate day, night and ballistics spectacles, and visors that provide peripheral protection while wearing night vision goggles.

 
Frost and Miltner say the latest changes include a new dye that can filter a wider range of light wavelengths and a new version of the night spectacles that allows more natural light through the lens, increasing visibility for aircrews. 
 
"The main difference is that the Block 3s filter more wavelengths of light and provide more protection than the Block 2s," Miltner said. 
 
The duo also collaborates with technicians and airmen in the field to ensure that their technical orders and manuals are easily understood by the people who use the equipment every day. 
 
"We go to an actual base where people are going to be using this equipment," Miltner said. "We show them the manual, and we let them walk through the steps without us assisting just to make sure it all makes sense." 
 
Frost and Miltner see thousands of airmen using ALEP and the equipment they maintain, which gives meaning to their work, Frost said.

"It helps us make sure that they have everything they need, because a lot of this stuff is critical safety equipment and we want to keep our airmen and aircraft safe while they’re in the air," he said. 
 
AFLCMC/ROU plans to field more than 45,000 devices to Air Force units by 2029.

Face of Defense: Army Reserve Officer Finds Success in Tactical Fitness Arena

Feb. 16, 2026 | By Army Maj. William Allred, U.S. Army Reserve Command |

Army Reserve Lt. Col. Lauren Sharpless, 42, balances a demanding leadership role with elite competition, winning the 40 and over national title at the Tactical Games National Championship in 2024 and finishing second in 2025 while pushing soldiers and civilians toward daily fitness.

Shaping Readiness 

Sharpless trains like a soldier and competes like one. As the director of training for U.S. Army Reserve Command, she spends her days shaping readiness. Outside of her position, she tests her personal readiness against a field of athletes who must run, lift, climb and then steady their breathing to shoot with precision.

Sharpless discovered the competition on social media, signed up and, with coaching from Army Reserve noncommissioned officer and CrossFit trainer Tony Cowden, became a champion.

"I like to set the example," Sharpless said. "I always want to push myself. I want to motivate and inspire others."

The Tactical Games blends functional fitness and marksmanship into staged "battles" that pair grueling physical work with immediate shooting tasks. Competitions are organized into divisions and tiers — including elite, intermediate, masters and tactical — with tailored physical standards and shooting requirements so civilians, law enforcement, military and first responders compete on a level playing field. Events range from regional two-day contests to a multiday national championship that crowns division winners and national champions.

Athletic Roots 

Sharpless' athleticism is family lore. Her father was a high school and college basketball player who once drew interest from the Dallas Cowboys. Her brother played basketball in college and for Brazil's national team and now works as an athletic director. Her sister earned a spot on the Secret Service Counter Assault Team and trains and competes with Sharpless. That lineage, she said, helped shape a competitive instinct she now channels into training soldiers and civilians alike.

 Her message is practical and human. "Commit, make a plan, and stick to it," she advises soldiers and others.

Sharpless recommends 20 to 30 minutes a day of focused activity and says fitness should be inclusive: a walk during a work break counts as exercise. To that end, she recognizes the challenge of reaching reserve soldiers, who juggle civilian jobs and military obligations, and she uses her visibility in the sport to share training tips and motivation.

Goals for Success 

Overall, Sharpless has clear goals. She wants to win the national title two-to-three times in a row so there is "no question" about her place in the sport and then step away satisfied. Until then, she keeps training, coaching and competing — a reminder that leadership can be shown in uniform and on a course where fitness, firearm proficiency and mental toughness converge.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army 2nd Lt. Darwin Kyle

Feb. 16, 2026 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

Army 2nd Lt. Darwin Keith Kyle was an experienced soldier who'd survived World War II and took pride in looking after his fellow soldiers. During a firefight during the Korean War, Kyle gave his life to ensure his platoon mates could survive. For his selflessness, he was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor.

Kyle was born June 1, 1918, in the coal mining town of Jenkins, Kentucky, to Charles and Pearl Kyle. He had an older brother, also named Charles.

At some point in Kyle's youth, the family moved to Racine, West Virginia, where he grew up and attended Sherman High School before enlisting in the Army in November 1939.

Kyle served valiantly during World War II, earning a Silver Star for his actions in France and Germany. According to a 2001 article in The Mountain Eagle newspaper out of Whitesburg, Kentucky, Kyle received the award for saving soldiers from six disabled Allied tanks that had been hit by enemy fire.

Kyle was discharged from the service in August 1945 and returned to West Virginia. At some point, he married Betty Totten. The couple went on to have two daughters, Donna and Nancy.

Civilian life didn't seem to suit Kyle, though, so in July 1947, he reenlisted in the Army. The veteran soldier was assigned to the 6th Infantry Division in South Korea, where he served as part of the post-World War II occupation force.

By the summer of 1950, when war broke out on the Korean Peninsula, Kyle was back in the U.S., serving as a master sergeant in Massachusetts assigned to Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. By that autumn, however, Kyle was back in Korea, this time to fight.

In December 1950, when Americans were evacuated from the North Korean port city of Hungnam, Kyle helped move several injured soldiers to safety after an explosion ripped through the area. His leadership and bravery during that incident quickly earned him a battlefield commission to second lieutenant, according to the West Virginia Encyclopedia Online.

On Feb. 16, 1951, the platoon that Kyle was leading was ordered to remove Chinese defenders from snow-packed Hill 185 near Kamil-Ni, South Korea. When they got pinned down by intense fire, Kyle remained out in the open so he could move among his men and encourage them to continue advancing toward the strongly entrenched enemy.

The encouragement worked, and they made some forward progress, but they were quickly pinned down again by enemy machine gun fire that wounded six soldiers. Kyle immediately reacted by charging the machine gun nest and fighting its crew in hand-to-hand combat, taking out the position's three enemy soldiers by himself.

Once the platoon started moving toward the hill again, they were met with intense automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy position on their right flank. This time, Kyle led his men in a bayonet charge against the position.

Kyle fired his carbine and threw grenades as he went. He took out four enemy soldiers before a burst from an enemy submachine gun killed him. 

Kyle's leadership and extraordinary heroism during the chaos helped save his fellow soldiers' lives. For his selfless sacrifice, Kyle was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor. His wife and daughters accepted it on his behalf from Defense Secretary Robert Lovett during a Pentagon ceremony on Jan. 16, 1952.  

Soon after his family received the award, the Army named Camp Kyle in western South Korea in his honor. The camp remained open until 2005.  

Kyle is buried in Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston, West Virginia.  

His heroics haven't been forgotten. In 1955, an elementary school in South Charleston was named in Kyle's honor. A bridge in West Virginia was renamed for him in 1996 before it was rebuilt and rededicated again in his name in 2023.  

In 2024, a new housing tower at Camp Humphries in South Korea was also named for Kyle.

 

March 14 Food Drive: Accept the Secretary’s Challenge

By Raymond E. Foster, Past Master

On March 14, San Dimas Masonic Lodge No. 428 will once again stand in the gap for those who stand for us. Our Feeding Military Families Food Drive is not simply a charitable event—it is a direct response to a documented and ongoing need within our armed forces community.

Food insecurity continues to affect those who serve at troubling levels. An estimated 22,000 active-duty families, 213,000 National Guardsmen, and more than 1.2 million veterans experience food insecurity in America today. Behind these statistics are military families—the spouse carefully managing every dollar, the children who may not understand why portions are smaller, and the household quietly absorbing the strain—so that their service member can remain focused on the mission.

This is not a distant problem. It is a present reality within our own military community.

Since 2022, through Feeding Military Families, we have raised more than 40 tons of food and essential household supplies to confront this need directly. Those donations have supported military families at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms, Camp Pendleton, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Irwin, Air Force and Space Force personnel at Los Angeles Air Force Base, and families stationed at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Coast Guard Base.

Every pound collected restores dignity, reduces stress, and strengthens readiness. When families are supported, service members are better able to serve.

That is why we act.

For several years now, our Lodge Secretary, Glenn Johnson, II, has issued what has become an ongoing and inspiring call to action—the Secretary’s Challenge. Each year, he challenges us to donate our weight in food. And each year, Brothers from our Lodge, Brothers from other Lodges, and members of our wider community step forward and rise to meet that challenge.

On March 14, we will once again collect nonperishable food and essential household items to stock military base pantries serving families in need. But this year, we raise the bar.

I challenge every Brother of San Dimas Lodge No. 428 to meet the Secretary’s Challenge: donate your weight in food.

If you weigh 180 pounds—bring 180 pounds of food. If you weigh 220—bring 220. Let our collective weight reflect the gravity of the cause. Let our actions match the obligations we profess.

Freemasonry teaches relief as a core tenet. This is our opportunity to live it visibly and meaningfully.

Brothers, step on the scale. Then step up.

March 14. Donate your weight. Feed a family.

For more information, email feedingmilitaryfamilies@gmail.com or call 909-667-2721.

 

Georgia National Guard Soldiers Reunite Lost Puppy With Owner During D.C. Patrol

Feb. 13, 2026 | By Army Spc. Sherald McAulay, Joint Task Force District of Columbia |

What began as a routine patrol at the Anacostia Metro station quickly turned into a heartwarming reunion when soldiers assigned to the 170th Military Police Battalion, Georgia Army National Guard, helped return a lost puppy to its grateful owner, Feb. 9.

Army 1st Lt. David Okonofua, a military police officer supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, was patrolling the station alongside Army Sgt. Michael Waller, Army Staff Sgt. Cesar Serrano and Army Staff Sgt. Martinez when a mother and child approached the team.  

"It was one of those moments where everything feels normal, which made the situation stand out when we were flagged down," Okonofua said.  

Holding a small white puppy, the woman explained that the dog's owner had left the puppy on a transit bus and they were searching for help.  

"They were ... actively seeking assistance," Okonofua said. "Their urgency and body language made it clear that something wasn't right."

Waller and the other soldiers immediately stepped in.

The patrol team took custody of the puppy, ensuring it was safe and cared for while they worked to locate the owner. The soldiers provided food and water and carried the puppy with them as they coordinated with the station manager and contacted local animal rescue resources.  

Community members also joined the effort.  

"Pedestrians shared dog treats and food," Waller added. "The community helping out and being diligent really helped us care for the lost animal. I have dogs at home, so we know how to treat dogs."  

"We're dog people," Serrano said laughing.

"It was a nice, cute little puppy, very sweet," Waller added. "Didn't bite, very friendly with everybody that walked past."

About an hour later, a woman arrived at the station asking if anyone had seen a small white dog. After verifying details, the soldiers reunited the owner with her pet.  

"She was very relieved," Okonofua said. "The dog was also very happy to be reunited with its owner. She thanked us, and we shared a few words before she left with her puppy."  

Okonofua emphasized that this moment exemplified the broader purpose of the mission.  

"Our mission goes beyond just security," he said. "It's about protecting people, property and even animals. Helping reunite someone with their pet builds trust and shows that we care about the community we serve."  

For Waller, the experience was a reminder of one of the many reasons soldiers put on the uniform.  

"It's not every day you get to put on a uniform and be a hero, making a difference," he said. "When you're actually doing it, it does feel good."

Battles of Saratoga: Turning Point in American Revolutionary War

Feb. 13, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

This year marks the nation's 250th birthday, celebrating the Declaration of Independence.

On July 4, 1776, things were not going well for the American military forces, which were retreating from New York City and Canada following battles with the British. A little more than a year later, a turning point occurred as British forces surrendered, following the Battles of Saratoga, Oct. 7, 1777. 

The British planned to sever New England from the rest of the country by sending forces from Canada eastward down the Mohawk River, southward via Lake Champlain and northward up the Hudson River, where they planned to converge in Albany, New York. 

The plan was strategically sound, but things went horribly wrong for the British.

British Army Gen. John Burgoyne led about 8,000 troops south from Canada through the Champlain Valley. 

British Army Gen. William Howe never moved his forces north up the Hudson River, and British Army Brig. Gen. Barry St. Leger turned back his forces meant to arrive from Canada through the Mohawk Valley, leaving Burgoyne's entire force surrounded and outnumbered by the Americans in upstate New York.

Burgoyne surrendered his entire force to Continental Army Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates. 

The victory was so successful that France decided to ally itself with the United States, providing much-needed assistance with its military, supplies and equipment. 

Later in the war, Spain and the Netherlands also provided assistance to the U.S.

A number of Navy ships, including sailing vessels, cruisers and aircraft carriers, bore the name USS Saratoga in honor of that victory. 

Today, the National Park Service maintains the site of the victory, which is now called Saratoga National Historical Park. 

TSA, DOW Create Process to Ease Recruits' Journey to Basic

Feb. 12, 2026 | By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News |

When the day to leave for boot camp finally arrives, military recruits often have a lot of anxious thoughts racing through their minds.

"How long will I have to stay awake during the first couple of days? When will I get to talk to my family again? Is it true they make you mow the lawns with fingernail clippers?" 

With all those concerns and many others to mull over, having to pony up just south of $50 to be given the privilege of boarding an airplane that's about to shuttle you off to some of the most stressful and demanding seven to 13 weeks of your life — depending on which branch you join — might seem like a slap in the face. 

And yet, having to pay to get processed through airport security was the potential reality that thousands of recruits nationwide were facing as of Feb. 1, when the Transportation Security Administration rolled out its ConfirmID program. 

Under ConfirmID, airport travelers must either present a REAL ID to security or pay $45 to proceed using a standard ID. 

Fortunately, though, the War Department's Office of Personnel and Readiness got ahead of this early by partnering with TSA to ensure recruits who don't possess a REAL ID won't have to dig into their pocketbooks to pass through security. 

Even better, recruits are now receiving "white glove treatment" from TSA when processing through airport security en route to basic training.  

White glove treatment makes getting through security much quicker and more convenient than standard screening, and it's similar to that afforded to our nation's veterans through the Honor Flight program.

Good enough for our nation's current heroes, good enough for our nation's future heroes.  

And here's the really good news: the program is working.

U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command recently conducted a site visit to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, where they observed recruits shipping out from Chicago MEPS and having no trouble getting through screening.  

And this included applicants without REAL-ID-compliant identification. 

"Putting our recruits first is a priority. These young men and women have volunteered to serve our nation. When they are shipping out to basic training, we want them focused on the fight, not worried about what type of ID they have or whether they will need to pay a fee to make it there," Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata recently said of the joint DOW-TSA partnership. 

Tata said that it is the War Department's duty to take care of the young men and women who volunteer to serve their country from the moment they sign up to protect the nation, and that the new security screening initiative is a great example of innovation and cross-government collaboration.  

"The department identified a challenge and partnered with TSA to put in place a solution, bolting over the bureaucracy to provide thousands of new recruits with the white glove treatment they deserve," Tata added. 

One senior TSA official — who served 10 years in the Marine Corps and noted that one in five TSA employees are veterans — concurred that easing young recruits' journey to boot camp should be a top priority.  

"TSA is honored to be a part of the journeys young men and women take to reach initial military training and begin their service in America's armed forces. … We are committed to ensuring recruits can stay focused on what lies at the end of their travels, serving America, instead of worrying about how they'll get there," explained Mike Turner, TSA's assistant administrator for domestic aviation operations. 

"By leveraging the pre-vetting processes [that] we already have in place, TSA will assist America's newest service members reach their training safely and smoothly," he added. 

With airport security crossed off their list of worries, the men and women who raised their right hands and swore an oath in anticipation of embarking on one of the most exciting and honorable adventures they'll ever go on are ready, with or without nail clippers.   

Military Sealift Command Delivers Needed Cargo to Antarctica

Feb. 12, 2026 | By Sarah Cannon, Military Sealift Command Pacific |

The Military Sealift Command chartered heavy lift ship Plantijngracht is conducting cargo offload operations at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, as part of MSC's ongoing support of the annual Antarctic resupply mission: Operation Deep Freeze 2026.

The Plantijngracht arrived in Winter Bay, Antarctica, Feb. 4, where its crew offloaded a 65-ton floating modular causeway system. Sections of the system were assembled on the ship's deck before being offloaded, connected and floated into place by the Army's 7th Transportation Battalion. The causeway is being used instead of the traditional ice pier this year due to the size and weight of the ship's cargo. 
 
While the focus of the mission is on cargo delivery, the causeway system came with its own unique set of challenges that planners had to anticipate and account for to ensure a smooth operation. 
 
"The [causeway system] adds to the overall timeline of the cargo offload. It takes approximately three to four days to build at the start of the operation and the same amount of time to break down at the end," said Marie Morrow, the ship's liaison to the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica staff. "Weather starts to deteriorate quickly in the second half of February, as the summer season comes to a close, so those extra six to eight days can increase the likelihood of weather challenges." 

 
Once the system was in place and secure, the ship was met by members of Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1 and cargo offloading operations began. The ship is delivering 372 pieces of cargo, consisting of containers filled with dry goods and supplies needed for survival at the remote Antarctic outpost. 
 
Logistical moves are nothing new for Military Sealift Command; in fact, around the world, they are almost a daily occurrence. However, moving cargo in the harshest environment on Earth is a mission unto itself. Antarctica is known for its bitterly cold temperatures, harsh winds, ice conditions and weather that can change in a matter of minutes. All factors that need to be considered as operations unfold. 
 
"The austere environment adds a lot of challenges to the operation. Unpredictable weather conditions, freezing cargo gear and high winds are common hurdles faced in the cargo operation. Ice conditions vary from year to year and bring different problems," Morrow said.

The presence of thick ice can slow down the ship's arrival at the station. Little to no ice or open water conditions can cause shoreside erosion at the wharf.  

"To handle all of the challenges, we control what we can within the operation," she said. "We use past lessons learned to handle challenges that come up." 
 
Following the offload, the ship will be loaded with containers of retrograde cargo for transportation off the continent. This includes trash and recyclable materials for disposal and equipment no longer required at the station, as well as the causeway system.

Before departing McMurdo Station, the crew will also load ice-core samples that will be stored on the ship in a subzero freezer. The samples will be delivered to the U.S. for scientific study. 
 
"The cargo delivery from California to Antarctica is one of the longest supply chains in the world. The ship plays a huge role in delivering cargo that supplies and sustains multiple stations on the continent," Morrow said. "The crews are always quite enthusiastic to be a part of such a unique and remote operation. For most, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Air Forces Southern Airman Integral to Rescue Off Coast of Mexico

 Feb. 12, 2026 | By Andrea Jenkins, Air Forces Southern |

Air Force rescue aircrews assigned to the 563rd Rescue Group, supported by Air Forces Southern, conducted a long-range water rescue of a civilian aboard a tanker in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico, Feb. 5.

The mission underscored how training, experience and cross-unit integration enable Air Force rescue forces to respond when time, distance and personnel availability converge. 

The mission began when the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received a request for assistance from the crew of the Maran Gas Olympias, a Greek-flagged liquefied natural gas tanker operating more than 340 nautical miles offshore. A civilian aboard the vessel was experiencing a serious medical emergency that required immediate advanced medical care. 

Because of limited helicopter pilot availability, 563rd Rescue Group leaders reached out to Air Force Lt. Col. Jeff Budis, chief of exercises and airshows assigned to the Air Forces Southern operations directorate. An HH-60W Jolly Green II pilot with over 2,000 flight hours, Budis was asked to integrate into the operation based on his extensive rescue experience. While assigned to Air Forces Southern, Budis maintains his rescue pilot qualifications and continues flying with the rescue group to remain mission-ready. 

"This mission is a shining example of what rescue does," Budis said. "Being ready to go at the drop of a hat — that's why we train the way we do. These missions are unpredictable. They don't come around often, but when they do, you have to be ready; training is what makes that possible." 

Budis served as an aircraft commander and supporting flight lead, overseeing mission planning and execution, including fuel planning, risk management and long-range overwater coordination.

"The call wasn't about where I was assigned — it was about having the right experience available when it was needed," he said. "My role was to integrate into the team and help execute the mission safely." 

Two HH-60W helicopters assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron, supported by an HC-130J Combat King II, launched toward the vessel. The extended distance required detailed mission planning, multiple helicopter air-to-air refueling events, and close coordination among aircrews, pararescue teams and tanker crews. The 79th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II conducted refueling events, transferring more than 13,000 pounds of fuel to extend the helicopter's range and time-on-station. 

"Flying hundreds of miles over open ocean is inherently high risk," Budis said. "If anything goes wrong during air refueling, you're suddenly talking about more survivors than the one you were sent to save." 

Once on scene, 48th Rescue Squadron pararescue personnel boarded the vessel and assessed the patient, determining he required evacuation for higher-level care. While the primary medical team conducted the initial assessment, supporting aircraft managed fuel and timing constraints to ensure the mission could continue safely. 

"They packaged the patient on the bow of the ship, hoisted him off and we flew through the night to Cabo San Lucas, [Mexico]" Budis said. "From there, he was transferred to Mexican medical authorities for continued treatment."

The patient was transported ashore in stable condition. 

Air Force Capt. Nate Delaney, chief of plans and exercises and HH-60W pilot assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron, who flew alongside Budis during the mission, said the operation highlighted the strength of standardized training and trust across the rescue enterprise. 

"Even when crews don't fly together every day, the standards are the same," Delaney said. "Everyone understood their role, trusted the plan and focused on one thing — getting the patient the care he needed and bringing the team home safely."

"We fly with different people all the time, but we all train to the same standards," he added. "That's what allows us to trust each other and execute every mission safely; it comes down to standards and training," Budis said. "We fly with different people all the time, but we all train to the same standards, so we know what to expect and how to trust each other." 

For Budis, missions like this directly inform his work overseeing exercises and training across the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

"Everything I do in exercises is informed by real missions like this," Budis said. "It's easy to draw from real experience when planning and training." 

At the end of the day, he said the mission reflects the core principle that drives the Air Force rescue community. 

"These things we do, that others may live," Budis said.