Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 28, 2014.  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Yeshabel Villotcarrasco, 23, of Parma, Ohio, died as a result of a non-hostile incident June 19 aboard USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) while the ship was[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—July 28, 2014. The Department of Defense announced the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Benjamin G. Prange, 30, of Hickman, Neb.; and Keith M. Williams, 19, of Visalia, Calif. They died July 24, in Mirugol Kalay, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—July 22, 2014. In its efforts to better understand suicide among all its components, the Department of Defense released its first quarterly suicide report (QSR), today, for the four quarters of 2013. The report summarizes suicide counts and annual rates for the active component, reserves, and National Guard. Additionally,[Read More…]

President Barack Obama and Staff Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts bow their heads during the benediction at the Medal of Honor ceremony for SSG Pitts in the East Room of the White House, July 21, 2014. At left is SSG Pitt’s wife Amy and one-year-old son Lucas. (Official White House Photo[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 21, 2014.  The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, lost during World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Marine Pfc. Randolph Allen of Rush, Kentucky, will[Read More…]

Announcement follows news that failed for-profit college Corinthian Colleges, Inc. is still recruiting on military bases WASHINGTON, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–July 21, 2014.  Chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that he included language in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, FY2015 to help put an end[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 4, 2014 – 11:24 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody.  Please be seated.  Good morning and welcome to the White House.  And Happy Fourth of July!  (Applause.) Deputy Secretary Mayorkas, thank you for taking care of the important part of this morning, which is administering the oath[Read More…]

Law Extends Program to Aid Military Families During Future Conflicts CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–July 3, 2014.  Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to expand the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund (IMFRF) to cover future conflicts for which the Illinois National Guard and Reserve may be called to duty. Since its inception in 2003,[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 3, 2014. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL: Good morning. Happy early 4th of July. I hope you all have big plans tomorrow. I’m going to make a couple of opening comments and then ask Chairman Dempsey for some thoughts and then we’ll go to your questions. I know,[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–June 30, 2014 – 4:34 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Please be seated.  Let me start by thanking Acting Secretary Gibson for welcoming us here today.  I am pleased to be joined by our Vice President, Joe Biden, from leaders across this department, and our many partners,[Read More…]