Merle Smith, first Black graduate of Coast Guard Academy, dies of COVID complications

Merle Smith Jr., the first Black cadet to graduate from the Coast Guard Academy, has died of complications from Parkinson's disease and COVID-19. He was 76. Smith commanded patrol boats in Vietnam, taught law classes at the academy in New London and retired with the rank of commander.

Liftoff! SpaceX launches GPS satellite for U.S. Space Force

This satellite is part of a next generation satellite constellation featuring upgraded, state-of-the-art technology, according to NASA.

Nearly 2K military guns stolen, some used for violent crimes

An Associated Press investigation has found that at least 1,900 U.S. military firearms were lost or stolen over the last decade.

Teen mows veterans’ lawns to honor late grandfather: ‘He taught me’

Fourteen-year-old Nathan Adams lost his grandfather, Fred, to cancer. Nathan channeled his grief into action, cutting grass for veterans in Fred’s honor.

Reality Winner, NSA worker who leaked data to media, released from prison

Reality Winner, who was given the longest federal prison sentence imposed for leaks to the news media, has been released from prison to home confinement

Joint Base San Antonio Lackland lifts lockdown after active shooter report

Military officials are looking for evidence after receiving a report that two gunmen opened fire outside Joint Base San Antonio Lackland Wednesday.

New Jersey marine recruit dies in final test of Parris Island training

Authorities are investigating the death of a 19-year-old Marine Corps recruit during a strenuous exercise that caps a 13-week training course at South Carolina's Parris Island. 

Mass COVID-19 vaccination sites supported by DOD pared down to 5

The Department of Defense is withdrawing from several mass COVID-19 vaccination centers where it was providing operational support, leaving personnel at only five as vaccination rates slow in many areas.

14 National Guard soldiers hurt in Virginia when military bus overturns

More than a dozen National Guard members were injured when a military bus transporting 25 soldiers overturned in Central Virginia, according to police.

97-year-old World War II nurse celebrated by friends and family
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On National Nurses Appreciation Day, 2nd Lieutenant Agnes Woods was recognized for her efforts in the Army Nurse Corp during World War II. Friends and family of Woods were on hand to be part of the celebration. Photojournalist George Roach brings us her story.

D-Day: Normandy commemorates 77th anniversary of allied invasion

Several ceremonies are scheduled on Sunday to commemorate the 77th anniversary of D-Day that led to the liberation of France and Europe from the German occupation.

'Band of brothers': Guards keep eternal watch over Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

President Joe Biden marked Memorial Day 2021 with a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, a monument steeped in history and mystery.

Alabama teen headed to the Air Force donates hair to kids battling cancer

17-year-old Kieran Moise is heading to the US Air Force Academy in the fall, and decided he wanted to donate his hair to be used for wigs for children battling cancer. In addition to donating 19 inches of hair, he also raised $20,000 for St. Jude.

Biden attends Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony, pays tribute to fallen soldiers

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were among those who attended a wreath-laying ceremony Monday at Arlington National Cemetery to mark the annual Memorial Day holiday dedicated to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Military father surprises daughter at high school graduation

A high school senior thought she was going to just get her diploma at graduation, but instead, she got a surprise visit from her military father who was deployed overseas.

Memorial Day 2021: The origin of America’s commemoration of its fallen troops

It’s a tradition that has evolved over the years. From Decoration Day to the Memorial Day we know today, here’s a look at the American holiday’s origins.

US flags placed on Arlington National Cemetery headstones in honor of Memorial Day

Thousands of service members will place American flags on over 260,000 headstones at Arlington National Cemetery Thursday as part of their Memorial Day remembrance celebrations.

Cuban American NASCAR star Aric Almirola reminds fans that 'our freedom is not free'

Stewart-Haas Racing driver Aric Almirola will pay tribute to hero Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor by carrying his name on his car during the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600.