Photos

Air Force Master Sgt. Jehu Forte shakes hands with his daughter Thalia, 7, as he hugs his son Abram, 6, after a ceremony awarding him a Bronze Star at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 8, 2020. Forte received the decoration for meritorious achievement for actions while supporting U.S. and coalition forces in the Middle East as a tactical operations superintendent and air advisor.

Sailors assigned to the guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf embrace family and friends after the ship returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Va., following a nine-month deployment, Jan. 4, 2020.

An airman attends the 403rd Wing Children’s Holiday Party at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Dec. 7, 2019. The event included games, face painting, a bounce house, crafts and pictures with Santa.

Army Spc. Oscar S. Tenesaca hugs his family after a welcome home ceremony in Teaneck, N.J., Dec. 6, 2019, for 167 New Jersey National Guard soldiers returning from a deployment to eastern Africa supporting Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Breonna Clough, assigned to the USS Harpers Ferry, hugs her sister at Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 27, 2019, upon the ship’s return following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of operations.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sarah Salazar reunites with a loved one as the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie returns to Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 18, 2019, after a deployment to the U.S. 3rd Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of operations.

The daughter of a U.S. airman thanks Army veteran Frederick Apfelbacker for his service during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial near Madingley, England, Nov. 11, 2019. The ceremony marked the 101st anniversary of the armistice ending World War I.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Donald Shoals talks to military children about an F-15 Eagle at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 26, 2019, during Operation Hero. The hands-on event aims to help military children understand the deployment process.

Military children get in fighting shape with a quick workout at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 26, 2019, during Operation Hero. The hands-on event aims to help military children understand the deployment process.

A service member's child plays a game during an annual Halloween trunk-or-treat event at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 30, 2019.

An airman reunites with his daughter upon returning to Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 8, 2019, following a deployment.

A new Marine embraces a loved one during liberty call at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 17, 2019. After 13 weeks of intense training, new Marines assigned to Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion reunited with loved ones for a day of on-base liberty.

Marines, sailors and members of their families celebrate with residents in Ginowan, Japan, Sept. 29, 2019, before participating in the 2019 Ginowan Hagoromo Festival Kanchashii dance competition.

The family of Army Brig. Gen. Roy Macaraeg of the Hawaii National Guard pins him to his new rank during a ceremony in Honolulu, Oct. 8, 2019.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Todd Talstein walks with his family during a homecoming celebration for the fast-attack submarine USS Toledo at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Sept. 12, 2019.

Air Force Airmen 1st Class Nino Garcia, left, and Jose Von Vogler help a child operating a water hose during Operation Hero at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 28, 2019. Operation Hero is a hands-on event aimed at helping military children understand the deployment process.

Navy Chief Petty Officer Richard Utley watches as he’s pinned by his wife and mother during a ceremony aboard the USS Nimitz at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Wash., Sept. 13, 2019.

Army Lt. Gen. Charles Flynn gives condolences to Elizabeth Ohree and her family during the service for her brother, Pfc. William H. Jones, at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Aug. 22, 2019. Jones, who was reported missing in action during the Korean War, was accounted for Sept. 13, 2018.

Army Brig. Gen. Stefanie Horvath holds her new general officer flag with her twin daughters Zoe, left, and Jona during a promotion ceremony in Rosemount, Minn., July 9, 2019. Horvath was slated to become director of joint staff for the Minnesota National Guard.

An airman greets a loved one at Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, R.I., July 4, 2019, upon returning from a deployment supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.