‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ review seeks broadest input
The Defense Department’s review on the potential impact of repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the military will solicit input from troops of every service and rank — as well as their families — through surveys, focus groups and social media tools, the team heading up the review told Congress today. Jeh C. [...]
Positive changes are afoot in war
Since returning home from Afghanistan as part of a small contracting team from the Alabama Army National Guard some three months ago, I have been asked upon occasion: “Whatever became of the shoes?” For those unfamiliar with the story, “the shoes” refer to those collected in an unprecedented outpouring of charity by the Tennessee Valley [...]
Chaplains keep wary eye on Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell repeal
As Congress and the Pentagon grapple with a proposal to allow gays to serve openly in the military, some chaplains — especially evangelicals — worry the change will infringe on their religious beliefs. ”It’s morally wrong,” said the Rev. Billy Baugham, executive director of the International Conference of Evangelical Chaplain Endorsers, saying his group believes [...]
Fort Bragg soldiers distribute donated goods in Afghanistan
Sgt. Crystal D. Starks won’t ever forget the two words spoken by the little Afghan girl. Starks, a chaplain’s assistant with Fort Bragg’s 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), was handing out notebooks and pencils and crayons at the hospital on Bagram Air Field. The girl, probably 4 years old, approached her and said “thank you.” [...]
Married Couples Serve Together In 82nd Airborne
PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI – A lot people still have the conception that the United States military is still “this man’s Army” but female soldiers are just as much a part of today’s armed forces as their male counterparts. In addition, I was pleasantly surprised to meet two married couples who met in the military [...]
Soldiers Head to Florida Synagogue for Chaplaincy Conference
Camouflage-covered prayer books? To a Jewish soldier stationed far from home, such items are scarce and valuable commodities, as welcome as discovering a like-minded soldier to share a Shabbat evening dinner. An entire weekend dedicated to their spiritual wellbeing can be even rarer. According to organizers, those facts are what make this weekend’s annual Military [...]
Obama’s Call to Abolish ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Seen As Politically Risky
President Barack Obama’s call to scrap the “Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell” rule barring homosexuals from military service will be difficult, both politically and legally, a military advocacy group said on Wednesday. Obama announced his desire to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military during his first State of the Union address Wednesday night. “This year, I will [...]
“Raiders” deliver hope, goods to Springs homeless
FORT CARSON, Colo.—Reaching to adjust the straps on his rucksack, the Soldier’s attention is drawn to the tree line. A single, small tent rests between the trees and beside it, the white smoke of a camp fire drifts up and around the weathered hands of a homeless man. Looking to the Soldier the homeless man [...]
