Secretary of the Army at Landstuhl

Secretary of the Army John McHugh meets a Wounded Warrior during his Dec. 13, 2011, visit with staff and patients at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. (U.S. Army Photo/Phil A. Jones)

Their motto: Life without a limb is limitless

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team stands tall at the Nationals Park in Washington, DC. The team is comprised of athletic post-9/11 Veterans and active duty service members who have lost limbs. Through sports, they aim to show the resilience of our military and highlight their ability to conquer any challenge. Their motto: life without a limb is limitless. Photo: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Wreath-laying at Arlington

Volunteer Pati Redmond of Frederick, Md., helps to lay holiday wreaths over the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington Saturday Dec. 10, 2011, during Wreaths Across America Day. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Volunteers lay 90K wreaths at Arlington cemetery

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Volunteers have laid tens of thousands of holiday wreaths at tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage joined thousands of volunteers Saturday in placing the wreaths. A convoy of more than 20 trucks left Maine last Sunday, bound for the cemetery across from the nation's capital.

The tradition began 20 years ago with little fanfare. Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington, Maine, and others laid 5,000 wreaths on headstones that first year to give thanks to the nation's veterans.

Since then, it has grown into an organization called Wreaths Across America with ceremonies across the country.

Organizers said 15,000 people joined the effort at Arlington. The wreaths will be on view until Jan. 28.

Army - Navy Rivalry at Landstuhl

Amazing what you can do with a couple of post-it notes and some paper clips...

An annual post.

Double Amputee Special Forces Soldier Skydives with his Working Military Dog

From Military.com via Blackfive.



“I am still rocking! For those who haven’t heard, I was blown up, with my MWD, Axe, Feb 17th of this year. I lost both of my feet, and was back to work in July... ”

Watch this Special Forces Soldier and his Military Working Dog Axe on a jump.

70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor

The USS Bennington (CVA-20) passes the wreck of USS Arizona (BB-39) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Memorial Day, 31 May 1958. Bennington's crew is in formation on the flight deck, spelling out a tribute to the Arizona's crewmen who were lost in the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Note the outline of Arizona's hull and the flow of oil from her fuel tanks. Official U.S. Navy Photograph.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most significant events in American history. The surprise aerial attack by the Japanese on a U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii shook the foundation of the nation and killed over 2,400 Americans, wounded nearly 1,300 people, and caused massive damage to the Navy’s fleet. The next day the president declared war on Japan, entering the United States into WWII. These stories, videos and photos stand as a memorial in remembrance of those who lost their lives on that fateful day. Find out more about what happened in Pearl Harbor here including survivor interviews, archival photos and new content from the U.S. Navy at their "PH 70" special collection here.

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta Message to Pearl Harbor Survivors

"Seventy years ago on a December morning, our nation sustained a cruel and destructive attack at Pearl Harbor. Our enemies thought that by this sudden and deliberate raid, they could weaken America. Instead, they only strengthened it. That day truly awoke a sleeping giant.

"As we join you in remembering the events of December 7, 1941, we honor you and your fallen comrades for your indomitable will -- and we remember the sacrifice and shared purpose of the American people, as well as the strength of our elected and military leaders during the war.

"December 7, 1941 was indeed a day that will live in infamy. But in the memories of that day we continue to draw determination and conviction to protect our freedoms, to sacrifice for our fellow citizens, and to serve a purpose larger than self. You, the survivors of Pearl Harbor and of the war that followed, embody this conviction, this determination to raise high the torch of freedom and sacrifice. From your stories, posterity records for all subsequent generations the emotion, the heroism, and the tragedy of a harrowing attack and the titanic struggle that would later unfold.

"As a young boy, I remember seeing troops move through Fort Ord during the war years in Monterey, California. My parents would invite soldiers into our home for Christmas dinner, and I remember seeing young men from all over the country about to go to war. And I remember thinking in that uncertain time: "This is going to be the last opportunity these young men have to enjoy the comforts of home for a long time.

"You are the veterans of that greatest generation. You have lived full lives and witnessed years of great prosperity because of the freedom you helped to secure for America and her allies. I know you take great pride, as I do, that your legacy lives on in today's men and women in uniform, who have borne the burden of a decade of war, and who are truly this nation's next greatest generation. The 9/11 generation, like you, has stepped forward in your image of service and sacrifice, volunteering for military duty after another sudden and terrible attack on our shores.

"We treasure you. You have brought everlasting credit to your fallen comrades. The men and women in today's military stand on the shoulders of your individual and combined sacrifice and service to our nation. Your example inspires those in uniform today, strengthens our nation's moral fiber, and proves that with united resolve our country can surmount any challenge. Thank you for your service, for your sacrifice, and for your endless zeal to see to it that our children and grandchildren can pass along a better life to the next generation. This has always been the American dream, a dream we can realize because of the determination of our citizens to defend it.

"God bless you, God bless our troops, and God bless the United States of America."

All-American DUSTOFF

ABC News' Jake Tapper reports from Bagram, Afghanistan about "Angels in Hell": the men and women of All-American DUSTOFF. This piece includes a tribute to fallen Flight Medic SSG Brian Cowdrey.

In the story below, Tapper gets a tour of a MEDEVAC helicopter from Flight Medic SSG Erin Gipson.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving 2009: A wounded warrior at Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig Joint Theater Hospital in Bagram, Afghanistan.

We're thankful for so many things - for the blessings that come with being citizens of our great nation, for those who defend our freedoms, for those who care for our wounded, and for generous and patriotic Americans like you who support them. We hope you and your family have a warm and happy Thanksgiving and reflect on the many blessings that we share as Americans. We ask that you pray for our wounded, and remember the families of our Fallen who will have an empty place at their Thanksgiving tables.

'Angel' Serving US Troops Abroad

KVUE-TV News' Andrew Horansky reports on the Soldiers' Angels mission at Landstuhl. We love how the story turned out and thank Andrew for coming over!

Portraits of the Fallen Memorial

Eight more portraits from the Portraits of the Fallen Memorial project were unveiled at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Veterans Day weekend. You'll recognize at least one of these Heroes and his family! Our thanks to Sherry Moore and all of the artists for this labor of love. The portraits are just beautiful.

From their web site:

The Portraits of the Fallen Memorial has a mission to tell the story of those who serve our country, with the painting of the California Fallen from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Each soldier is matched with a professional artist, who does the portrait in the medium they choose. We are developing a travelling exhibition that will address issues of patriotism, why one volunteers to serve, and to tell the stories of these fine American heroes. The long-range vision is to transfer the portraits to tile for a permanent memorial to honor our California Fallen Heroes.

With the help and dedication of all the artists and volunteers we now have 100 finished portraits. As a partner with the Pasadena Arts Council's Emerge fiscal sponsorship program, we can now raise the funds needed to accomplish these goals.

We invite to you to be a part of our mission to paint the remaining 570 (to date) Californian Fallen Heroes who gave their lives for our country and to ensure there will be a permanent memorial where all Americans can come and pay their respects to these brave men and women.