Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Change of Command in Afghanistan

I want to thank Gen. John Campbell for his extraordinary leadership and dedication in his dual role as commander of United States Forces – Afghanistan, and as commander of the NATO Resolute Support mission. While many challenges remain, we have made gains over the past year that will put Afghanistan on a better path, and much of the credit for that progress rests with Gen. Campbell.

Vet News: Military Academies Making Progress in Efforts to Address Sexual Assault

Today, the Department of Defense released its Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Service Academies (MSA) for academic program year (APY) 2014 - 2015.  As part of a comprehensive review, DoD officials conducted site visits at the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy, held focus groups with cadets and midshipmen, and reviewed academy policies, training, and procedures.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Defense Department Announces Service Cross and Silver Star Review

Today, the secretary of defense directed the military departments to review Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, and Silver Star Medal recommendations from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan to ensure service members awarded these medals were appropriately recognized for their valorous actions.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Defense Department Announces Results of Military Decorations and Awards Review

Today, the Department of Defense announced the results of its year-long review of the military decorations and awards program to ensure continued appropriate recognition of the service, sacrifices, and actions of its service members while maintaining the historical legacy of the awards program.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: New Members Appointed to VA Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the appointment of six new members to the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: VA Plans to Propose Expanded Disability Benefits Eligibility for Veterans Exposed to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it plans to propose expanded disability compensation eligibility for Veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water while assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Statement by the President after Briefing at the National Counterterrorism Center

THE PRESIDENT: As President and Commander in Chief, my highest priority is the security of the American people.  And on a regular basis, I convene members of my national security team for an in-depth review of our efforts to prevent terrorist attacks against our citizens -- around the world and here at home.  We examine any known and emerging threats.  We review our security posture and we make sure that we’re taking every necessary measure to protect our people.  

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: DOD Releases Report on Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan

Today DoD provided Congress with a report on “Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan” in accordance with Section 1225 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291). This report addresses developments from June 1- Nov. 30.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: United States Military Academy to Host the 2016 Department of Defense Warrior Games

The Department of Defense announced today that the 2016 DoD Warrior Games will be hosted at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, June 14-22.

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Vet News: Letter From The President-- War Powers Resolution

I am providing this supplemental consolidated report, prepared by my Administration and consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148), as part of my efforts to keep the Congress informed about deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: 2015 Phoenix Award Winner Announced

The Department of Defense announced the 2015 winner of the Phoenix Award for Maintenance Excellence on Dec. 8, at this year's secretary of defense awards ceremony. The Phoenix Award is presented annually to designate the single best maintenance unit out of that year's six Secretary of Defense Field-Level Maintenance Award winners.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: VA Makes Changes to Veterans Choice Program

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a number of changes to make participation in the Veterans Choice Program easier and more convenient for Veterans who need to use it. The move, which streamlines eligibility requirements, follows feedback from Veterans along with organizations working on their behalf.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: DA Announces Upcoming Rotational Deployment

The Department of the Army announced today the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team will deploy with approximately 4,500 soldiers to the Republic of Korea in early 2016. This deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces in support of U.S. Forces Korea. 

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Senior Executive Service Assignment

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has announced the following Department of Defense Senior Executive Service assignment:

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: VA to Hold 2015 Small Business Engagement in Pittsburgh

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in collaboration with other federal agencies and partners, will sponsor the 5th annual National Veterans Small Business Engagement (NVSBE), November 17–19, 2015, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: FACT SHEET: Honoring the Service of Our Nation’s Veterans

Obama Administration Highlights Progress in High-Quality Education and Health Care for Veterans, While Protecting the Most Vulnerable and Delivering Veterans the Benefits They Have Earned

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: VA Secretary to Announce VA-Bob Woodruff Foundation Partnership

WASHINGTON – Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Secretary Robert A. McDonald this evening will announce a partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) to further advance VA’s outreach to Veterans through deeper and more innovative local and community partnerships. VA will capitalize on BWF’s strength and contacts to find unique ways to connect Veterans, transitioning Servicemembers and their families with resources right where they live. The partnership with BWF is one of many strategic alliances VA is forming and is an integral goal of the MyVA initiative, the largest reorganization in VA’s history which reorients VA around the needs of Veterans.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Navy Announces Submarine to be Named Massachusetts

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Nov. 8 that SSN 798, a Virginia-class attack submarine, will bear the name USS Massachusetts during a taped video message at Gillette Stadium.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: VA and PenFed Foundation Work Together to Prevent Veteran Homelessness

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is teaming up with the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation) to strengthen efforts to prevent Veteran homelessness. This new partnership will expand the PenFed Foundation’s existing Military Heroes Fund Emergency Assistance Program to include  all Veterans. Previously, the program was available only to Veterans of the Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) conflicts.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Soldier Missing from Korean War Accounted For

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. soldier, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook On Hostage Rescue Mission in Iraq

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following statement: 

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Elks Pledge Four Million Dollars to End Veteran Homelessness

WASHINGTON  – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is strengthening community and non-profit partnerships to better serve Veterans. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America (BPO Elks) today announced that it has committed $4 million over a 4-year period to help end Veteran homelessness.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on the French Train Incident

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter released the following statement on the actions of U.S. military personnel aboard a passenger train in France Friday. Airman First Class Spencer Stone of Lajes Air Base, Azores, and Specialist Alek Skarlatos, an Oregon National Guardsman, along with a civilian friend subdued an armed gunman aboard a train bound for Paris.