U.S. Military News
Photos: Vietnam veteran Gerald "Jerry" Gandy reflects on 53-year-old memories
Gerald "Jerry" Gandy met with a Virginian-Pilot reporter and photographer in April at his Virginia Beach home. For nearly four hours, the 82-year-old Vietnam War veteran painstakingly recounted his wartime experiences — detailing the sights, sounds, smells and the bloodshed of his time in the jungle.
The Civil War, mattress sales and the unofficial start of summer: Memorial Day is full of contradiction
Memorial Day is supposed to be about mourning the nation’s fallen service members, but it’s come to anchor the unofficial start of summer and a long weekend of discounts on anything from mattresses to lawn mowers.
Pentagon says allies will unite to train Ukrainians on F-16s, but warns jets aren’t ‘magic weapons’
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says that European allies are developing a coordinated program to train Ukrainian forces on the F-16 fighter jet. But Pentagon leaders warn that it will be a costly and complex task and won’t be a magic solution to the war.
‘Hidden heroes’: For families with disabled veterans, caregivers can be a lifeline
According to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, there are more than 5.5 million "hidden heroes," spouses and children serving as a caregiver to their disabled military veteran. Virginia Beach resident Lillie Williams was among them, but now has a caregiver to help tend to her husband's needs.
Investigation after death of sailor reveals Navy SEALs training plagued with failures in medical care, other problems
The training program for Navy SEALs is plagued by widespread medical failures, poor oversight and the use of performance-enhancing drugs that have increased the risk of injury and death to those seeking to become elite commandos. That’s according to an investigation triggered by the death of a sailor last year.
Want to believe? UFO tracking company visits Hampton Roads, touts app for reporting sightings
At least 4,000 sightings have been reported in Norfolk and Virginia Beach over the last 50 years, according to data collected by Enigma Labs, a UAP tracking company that hosted a discussion this week in downtown Norfolk.
USS George Washington redelivered to the Navy after days of sea trials
The USS George Washington was delivered following three days of sea trials. Sea trials test the carrier’s systems and operations system, and demonstrate all the carrier’s capabilities at sea.
Every medal and ribbon the US military awards, ranked
The United States military awards a variety of medals to its service members in recognition of their achievements and sacrifices. These medals come in different types and are awarded for different actions or accomplishments. The highest among these is the Medal of Honor that was most recently awarded to Paris Davis in March 2023 for his service in the Vietnam War. However, this is just one of many awards that are issued across all US military branches.
Rep. Jen Kiggans introduces bipartisan bill to support service member mental health
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, who represents the 2nd District, introduced last week the Sailor Standard of Care Act, what she calls a “bipartisan solution” to improve mental health care for sailors. She championed the legislation in response to the suicides of seven Hampton Roads-based sailors last year. The tally for 2023 is already at two.
USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Norway
In early May, the U.S. Navy said that the ship had departed from Norfolk on its “first combat deployment,” following a shorter two-month deployment in the autumn of 2022.
After 6-year overhaul, USS George Washington departs Newport News shipyard for sea trials
Sea trials mark the final phase of the USS George Washington’s lengthy overhaul, which has been plagued by pandemic-related supply chain issues and rashes of sailor suicides.
New addition at Fort Story: A 120-ton WWII battleship gun barrel arrives Tuesday
The historic barrel was saved from being scrapped and will honor the USS Iowa veterans that served on the battleship during World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War.
What to know about Camp Lejeune toxic water claims
Two water treatment plants supplying water to the base became contaminated with trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, benzene and vinyl chloride, deadly chemicals known to cause 15 health issues including miscarriages, birth defects, cancers and leukemia.
Trails of Purpose will expand mental health services for military members at new Virginia Beach location
Trails of Purpose, which uses horses for assisted psychotherapy and mental health education, will host military members and their families during an open farm day on May 27 at One Red Maple Farm in Virginia Beach. The nonprofit began in 2019 on a 15-acre farm in Chesapeake.
Remains of Marine veteran killed in Ukraine headed to eastern North Carolina
A Turkish Airlines plane flying from Istanbul with the remains of retired Marine Capt. Grady Kurpasi landed at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in the early evening. They were loaded onto a private jet bound for Wilmington, North Carolina.
Seeing ads about Camp Lejeune? What to know about the toxic water and deadline to sue.
Camp Lejeune made national news after President Joe Biden signed into law a way for veterans and their families to seek justice after being exposed to deadly toxins from the base’s water sources. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know.
Navy, in suicide probe, admits it ‘failed’ crew of USS George Washington
The Navy released Thursday the findings of a comprehensive investigation into command climate and sailor quality of life aboard the dry docked USS George Washington. The report details 48 recommendations meant to tackle what Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea called “years worth of systemic shortcomings.”
What happens to Hampton Roads if the U.S. defaults on its debt: ‘Undoubtedly create chaos’
The U.S. government could run out of money as soon as June 1 unless politicians agree to raise or suspend the debt ceiling. Where would that leave Hampton Roads, where federal defense dollars account for approximately 40% of the region’s economy?
Veterans’ Camp Lejeune claims are being ignored. Lawmakers demand answers.
Sens. Ted Budd, Thom Tillis and seven other lawmakers demanded answers Wednesday on why their constituents continue to die from Camp Lejeune’s toxic waters while the Department of Justice and the Navy refuses to settle their claims.
NASA releases exposure tracker tool for War on Terror veterans
Data will be used in a study of 5,000 veterans analyzing their ailments with their deployment histories.
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Temporary Memorial Day exhibit slated to open at Military Aviation Museum
The Poppy Wall of Honor will be on display at Virginia Beach's Military Aviation Museum beginning Friday, May 19, through June 14.
Raising naval officers: Mom’s military service paved the way for her children to follow in her footsteps
A first-generation immigrant from Taiwan, Jensin decided early on she would attend the Naval Academy. She graduated in 1991 and pursued a 21-year Navy career, serving as a public affairs officer while raising two children alongside her husband, also a career Navy officer. Now her two children are following in her mighty footsteps.
Marine veteran who placed NYC subway rider in fatal chokehold released on bond
A U.S. Marine veteran who used a fatal chokehold on an agitated New York City subway passenger was freed from custody hours after surrendering on a manslaughter charge.
One scientist has spent 30 years trying to understand and treat Gulf War Illness
At first, Dr. Robert Haley was skeptical. “But boy, talking to them and talking to their wives particularly this was something really serious and was impairing their function,” he said.
Governor seeks pardon for Army sergeant sentenced to 25 years in fatally shooting of protester
Daniel Perry’s sentence now pushes the case toward a potentially thorny decision for Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has said he wants to issue a swift pardon.
Army sergeant who fatally shot BLM protester in Texas sentenced to 25 years
A U.S. Army sergeant was sentenced to 25 years in prison Wednesday for fatally shot an armed man during a Black Lives Matter protest in Texas.
Defense secretary warns U.S. military at risk by Senate block over abortions
The U.S. military faces “unnecessary and unprecedented” risk from a Republican senator’s block on officer promotions aimed at protesting the Pentagon’s abortion policy, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
Military given deadline to implement Brandon Act, aiming to help service members seek mental health care
There was renewed push for the implementation of the Brandon Act after Hampton Roads-based Navy installations reported seven sailors died by suicide last year, contributing to 328 active-duty suicides total.
Poquoson teacher selected as ‘Hometown Hero’ to fly with Thunderbirds ahead of Langley air show
Becky Morrison, an 11th grade history teacher at Poquoson High School, beat out approximately 50 other nominees as the 2023 “Hometown Hero." What set her apart was the work she has done to connect the community with local veterans.
Hometown hero Becky Morrison rides in F-16 Thunderbird
Becky Morrison, a Poquoson history teacher, was selected by Joint Base Langley-Eustis as the 2023 Hometown Hero and got to ride in an F-16 Thunderbird piloted by Major Jeff Downie in Hampton, Va. on Friday, May 5, 2023.