President Praises Troops, Declares Armed Forces Day
DOD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad McNeeley
President Barack Obama thanked American troops in declaring May 18, 2013, as Armed Forces Day, adding that words and ceremonies are not enough to honor them and their families who serve alongside them. "Whenever our liberties have come under assault, our service members have responded with resolve," Obama said.
Hagel Thanks Troops, Marks Armed Forces Day
DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel thanked active duty service members, veterans and their families for their efforts to keep the nation “strong and safe” in his message for Armed Forces Day 2013. Hagel urged Americans to reflect on what the military has meant to the country, noting that words of thanks and support “will never be enough to repay the debt that this nation owes its patriots.”
Hagel, Dempsey Speak Out Against Sexual Assault
DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
The fight against sexual assault in the military calls for moral courage at every level, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said during a Pentagon press briefing, May 17, 2013. Hagel and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described their May 16 meeting with President Barack Obama on the matter, and efforts to fight the crime with a focus on accountability and prevention.
Secretary Welcomes French Defense Minister to Pentagon
DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel commended France’s decisive actions in Mali and said the U.S. would continue aerial refueling support during a meeting with French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian at the Pentagon, May 17, 2013. Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Hagel also congratulated Le Drian on France’s commitment to a strong NATO and increased European security cooperation.
Hagel Meets With Turkish Leaders at Pentagon
DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel welcomed Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz and Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Davutoglu during an honor cordon at the Pentagon, May 17, 2013. Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Hagel reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Turkey as a strong NATO ally and discussed the countries’ shared concerns over the complex threats in Syria.
Carter: 'No Tolerance' in DOD for Human Trafficking
DOD File photo
Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter said there is “absolutely no tolerance” in the department for sexual assault and human trafficking during a meeting at the White House, May 17, 2013. Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Carter told members of the president’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons that training to recognize and report human trafficking will be updated.
Hagel Initiatives Combat Sexual Assaults in Military
DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has launched new initiatives to eradicate sexual assault in the military. The multidisciplinary approach addresses sexual assault prevention from the command to the recruiting levels, and will increase reporting and improve victim care. Hagel also appointed an independent panel to make recommendations on legal reforms to hold sexual offenders accountable.
U.S. Troops Meet With Mayor Of Afghanistan's Farah City
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Josh Ives
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Roderick Cooper, left, and U.S. Army Master Sgt. Deborah Manzanares provided security during a meeting with the Farah City mayor at his office in Farah City, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. Cooper is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah and Manzanares, a non-commissioned officer-in-charge, is assigned to Military Advisory Team Six.
