DefenseLINK - Military Appreciation Month

Oct. 22, 2004

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Memorial Day 2004 Message From the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Today America honors the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great Nation. We remember not only our friends and comrades who served alongside us, but also those brave Americans from generations past whose
legacy of service secured our liberty.

This Memorial Day, we especially remember the 60th Anniversary of D-Day — the allied invasion of Normandy. As brave Americans prepared for that monumental undertaking in June of 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, told his troops, "The eyes of the world are upon you!" What the world saw was a tremendous display of courage, honor, and sacrifice. We express our gratitude for those who gave their lives on Normandy's beaches to defeat a global threat to democracy and freedom.

Gen. Richard B. Myers, USAF

The White House is calling on all Americans to join in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. May 31 – Memorial Day – to honor those who died in service to the nation. The moment is intended to be a unifying act of remembrance for Americans of all ages. White House photo

Americans Asked to Stop for 60 Seconds to Remember Heroes

WASHINTON, May 27, 2004 — White House officials are asking all Americans worldwide to pause for 60 seconds at 3 p.m. local time May 31 — Memorial Day — to honor America's fallen and to recognize veterans and today's servicemen and women, particularly those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This doesn't mean coming to a screeching halt if you're driving a car, said Carmella LaSpada, director of the White House Commission on Remembrance. "Just turn on your headlights for a moment," she added. "The legacy of those who died to make this country better is something that can strengthen and unite us."

Full Story by Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

With part of the long-awaited World War II Memorial in the background, Roderick "Rod" V. Bell, the assistant project manager, said the sad thing about the official dedication of the tribute to "the greatest generation" on May 29 is that "a lot of veterans that won't be able to see this memorial." Photo by Rudi Williams

Reservist Calls WWII Memorial 'One of Best on National Mall'

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2004 — The sad thing about the official dedication of the long-awaited tribute to "the greatest generation" on May 29 is that "a lot of veterans that won't be able to see this memorial," Roderick "Rod" V. Bell, the assistant project manager of the World War II Memorial, said in an in an American Forces Press Service interview.

"More than a thousand World War II veterans die every day," said the 31-year- old construction engineer, who earned a bachelor's degree in that field at Norfolk State University in 1996. But at least, he said, many now-deceased veterans of the war knew they were being honored at last. "Some of them saw the memorial as we constructed it before they passed," Bell said.

Full Story by Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

High-school freshman Shauna Fleming and country music star John Michael Montgomery teamed up to promote Shauna's project, "A Million Thanks," on the nationally syndicated radio show, "After Midnite With Blair Garner," in Nashville, Tenn., last week. ... Courtesy photo

Teenager, Country Music Star Team Up to Thank Troops

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2004 — When high-school freshman Shauna Fleming launched her campaign, "A Million Thanks," to collect and distribute letters for the troops as part of National Military Appreciation Month, she could not have imagined where it would lead.

Earlier this month, Shauna set up shop under NASCAR racecar driver Matt Kenseth's tent at the Auto Club 500 in Fontana, Calif., to spread the word about "A Million Thanks."

Full Story by K.L. Vantran
American Forces Press Service

Country Music's Wynonna Judd Pays
Tribute to Troops

Wynonna Judd shakes hands with Marine Cpl. Jamale Jones

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2004 — Marine Gen. Peter Pace blew Wynonna Judd's cover today at a USO concert celebrating National Military Appreciation Month.

Without fanfare from the press or public, he said, the country music superstar has been quietly doing her part to pay tribute to America's troops.

"She does things she doesn't want to talk about publicly," said Pace, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "When the troops come home to Fort Campbell, Ky., in the middle of the night, she's there to say, 'Thanks.'"

Full Story by By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service

President Thanks Service Members for Efforts in War on Terrorism

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2004 — President Bush used his weekly national radio address to applaud the efforts of service members on Armed Forces Day.

The president credited the U.S. military with keeping terrorists across the world on the run, helping the people of Afghanistan and Iraq to build democratic societies, and making America more secure during his address today.

"By their example, the people of those countries and of the countries around the world are coming to know that freedom is the answer to hopelessness and terror," he said. "Our servicemen and women are defending America with unselfish courage, and their achievements have brought pride and credit to this nation."

Full Story by Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample, USA
American Forces Press Service

Armed Forces Day 2004 Message From the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Today, we pause to honor the noble service of the men and women in America's military. The threat of terrorism is
great, but your willingness and ability to defeat the enemy are greater. Those serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America stand between liberty and tyranny, as they have for over two centuries.

You have proven to the world that the United States and our allies seek not to conquer, but to defend freedom, restore peace and create hope for a better future. On many fronts, in the United States and across the globe, you stepped forward when called and are making the world a safer place for all peace-loving people, regardless of race, creed, color or religion.

Gen. Richard B. Myers, USAF

Joint Service Open House at Andrews
Honors War's Heroes

Photo - Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and PO2 James Nappier

Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz shake hands with Navy reservist Petty Officer 2nd Class James Nappier

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2004 — Although the 54th annual joint Armed Forces Day open house at Andrews Air Force Base has more to do with seeing both old and new generations of aircraft, military technologies and weapon systems, the message of the day from Defense Department officials was one of thanks and gratitude to service members.

The three-day event, formally called the Joint Service Open House, kicked off today.

The words spoken at opening ceremony honored all veterans, but those serving in the most recent war felt them most strongly. Seated in front of hundreds of service members and visitors at this year's event were several Iraq war veterans who had been severely injured in battle.

By Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample, USA
American Forces Press Service

Rolling Thunder to Launch
'Operation Carry the Flame'

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2004 — Operation Carry the Flame, a national ride across America to honor the armed forces and veterans and to remember prisoners of war and service members missing in action, is slated to kick off May 18 in Modesto, Calif.

Hundreds of motorcycles and other vehicles are expected to accompany a ceremonial torch during the annual cross-country trip, sponsored by Rolling Thunder, Inc., a nonprofit veterans organization.

"By their example, the people of those countries and of the countries around the world are coming to know that freedom is the answer to hopelessness and terror," he said.

Full Story by Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Armed Services YMCA Names Army Medic, Wife 'Volunteer of the Year'

Armed Services YMCA "Volunteer of the Year," Army Staff Sgt. Dale Scherberger

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2004 — An Army medic, his wife and four young children came here from Fort Drum, N.Y., May 13 to be honored as the Armed Services YMCA "Volunteer of the Year" during the organization's 17th annual recognition luncheon on Capitol Hill.

Army Staff Sgt. Dale Scherberger and his wife, Cheryl, were recognized for their outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of military families in their military community. They were honored in recognition of all outstanding volunteers from all of the military services, officials said.

Highlights of the luncheon included the presentation of the Armed Services YMCA's Military Family Congressional Champion Award to New York Rep. John M. McHugh for his work with the defense community and military families.

Full Story by Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

DoD to Launch Pentagon Channel on
Armed Forces Day

From left, Pentagon Channel anchor Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Gray; Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communication; Gene Brink, the channel's general manager; and anchor Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sean Lehman discuss an upcoming story.

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2004 — The Pentagon Channel, the Defense Department's news and information television service, officially launches May 14 with a live broadcast from the Armed Forces Day opening ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

The Pentagon Channel, which previously existed as an information channel within the Pentagon, will be now be distributed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to all military installations in the United States via domestic satellite, and overseas through the American Forces Radio and Television Service.

Full Story by Paul Stone
Special to American Forces Press Service