Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 15, 2012.  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  Sgt. Michael J. Guillory, 28, of Pearl River, La., died Dec. 14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion,[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 14, 2012.  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Nelson D. Trent, 37, of Austin, Texas, died Dec. 13 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned[Read More…]

Events Celebrate 2.4 Million Returning Veterans Since 9/11, Boost Efforts to Support Servicemembers Transitioning to Civilian Life CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–December 14, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today joined with Erica Borggren, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Illinois servicemembers to celebrate Chicago Welcome Home the Heroes Weekend, which will mark[Read More…]

AFGHANISTAN—(ENEWSPF)—December 13, 2012 AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI:  I will speak in our language and there will be some interpretation.  (THROUGH TRANSLATOR):  In the name of God, the most merciful and most compassionate.  The media members, both Afghan and international, American press, you’re most welcome to our press conference availability today. [Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—December 13, 2012. The Army released suicide data today for the month of November.  During November, among active-duty soldiers, there were 12 potential suicides:  one has been confirmed as a suicide and 11 remain under investigation.  For October, the Army reported 20 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers; since the[Read More…]

State Continues Nation’s First Joint Computer Donation Program to Help Veterans Access Job Training, Employment SPRINGFIELD–(ENEWSPF)–December 12, 2012. State officials donated approximately 100 surplus computers to veterans’ organizations to provide veterans with greater access to online training and internet-based employment assistance.  The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Director[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—December 12, 2012. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON E. PANETTA:  (JOINED IN PROGRESS) here in the middle of nowhere to say merry Christmas, guys.  I really wanted to — to come out and wish all of you happiest holidays.  I know you’re all a long way from home, and I[Read More…]

KABUL, Afghanistan–(ENEWSPF)–December 12, 2012  – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained three suspected insurgents during an operation in Ghazni district, Ghazni province, today. The leader controlled a group of insurgents responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and oversaw the transportation of supplies[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 11, 2012. The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams, 25, of New Carlisle, Ohio, died Dec. 10 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive[Read More…]

KABUL, Afghanistan–(ENEWSPF)–December 11, 2012 – Afghan and coalition forces killed the Taliban leader Allah Nur and detained three suspected insurgents during a security operation in Baghlan-e-Jadid district, Baghlan province, yesterday. Allah Nur controlled more than a dozen insurgents and was responsible for improvised explosive device attacks in Baghlan-e-Jadid.  He also[Read More…]