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Stars Behind the Stripes

What makes America's military the finest force in history are its people – the service members, veterans, families and DOD civilians who readily give their time, talents and tenacity.

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A Navy diver is submerged in water. Play
Below the Surface
2:20
Below the Surface
Air Force Lt. Col. Rob Marshall takes us to the top of North America--Alaska's Denali--as he completes his quest to climb peaks on all seven continents. Video by Air Force Lt. Col. Rob Marshall Play
Airman Finally Reaches the Peak of Denali
10:47
Airman Finally Reaches the Peak of Denali
On November 6th, 2020, Sgt. John James from Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) at Camp Hansen, Okinawa Japan, used his USMC training to save a life and strengthen the U.S./Japan Alliance. Play
Marine Saves Okinawan Woman From Snake Bite
1:30
Marine Saves Okinawan Woman From Snake Bite
United States Air Force pilots, from U.S. Pacific Air Forces, carry the torch from trailblazers like Amelia Earhart. They inspire future generations of trailblazers every day as they flex their strength in support of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Play
Following the Footsteps of Amelia Earhart!
2:05
Following the Footsteps of Amelia Earhart!
Remi Adeleke's story reads like a movie script; from being born into African royalty in Nigeria, to losing everything and growing up on the mean streets of The Bronx, New York City, he knew he wanted to do something important with his life. Watch the video to see how he went on to join the U.S. Navy SEALs, and then break into the world of acting and writing. Narration by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink. (U.S. Navy video by Austin Rooney/released) Play
Unexpected: Navy SEAL Remi Adeleke's Incredible Story
18:06
Unexpected: Navy SEAL Remi Adeleke's Incredible Story
Army Staff Sgt. Amanda Elsenboss, a member of the National Guard's All Guard Marksmanship Team, whose members are selected from all 54 states and territories, competes in the East Coast Full Bore Championships at Camp Butner, N.C., May 11, 2021. Elsenboss, with the Pennsylvania National Guard, took third place in her team division. She will go on to represent the U.S. in the Long Range World Championships in South Africa. Play
National Guard Soldier is Among the World's Best Long Range Shooters
1:21
National Guard Soldier is Among the World's Best Long Range Shooters
Everyone finds motivation in different places. For Army Sgt. Maj. Lynei Woodard, it's intensely personal. Woodard, who is the operations sergeant major at the 98th Training Division (IET), has remained deeply driven and focused for years. This Army Reserve #Soldier has not only served her nation since she was 17 years old, but she earned three degrees and established a career in nursing, all while raising a family. As she prepares to retire from military service, she reflects on what has propelled her to achieve so much. Play
Recipe For Success
1:42
Recipe For Success
Air Force Maj. Shana Hirchert, a flight physician with the 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron, participates in exercise Gryphon Ox. During the exercise, her team retrieved a simulated casualty from a simulated plane crash in partnership with Pararescue. While aboard the CV-22 Osprey aircraft, she provided emergency care en route to a U.S. naval hospital in Okinawa, Japan. Play
Flight Physician
1:00
Flight Physician
Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, united with Yokota Air Base, Japan, and the Japan Self-Defense Force for the 69th annual Operation Christmas Drop, delivering love from above for the people of the Palau. C-130 aircrews airdropped 64 bundles, totaling 3,200 lbs of cargo to the people living on some of the most remote islands in the world, Dec. 6-10. Despite challenges because of COVID-19, the many steps taken to mitigate transmission ensured the operation was a success. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Video by Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Donovan Zeanah Play
Operation Christmas Drop 2020 Wrap Up
2:08
Operation Christmas Drop 2020 Wrap Up
Allen Kale’iolani Hoe, a Vietnam veteran and former civilian aide to the secretary of the Army, shares how a Vietnam-era flag became a reminder of purpose for generations of combat soldiers. That spirit continues to drive this Hawaii native and his family toward generations of service to the military. Video by Air Force Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Taranto Play
Heritage of Honor
2:16
Heritage of Honor
Crew members from Coast Guard Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi and Station Port Aransas in Texas work with the state's game wardens, Texas State Aquarium personnel, and volunteers to release about 146 sea turtles into the Gulf of Mexico near Corpus Christi, Feb. 22, 2021. The turtles had been displaced by a storm and were released into water of at least 55 degrees. (U.S. Coast Guard video) Play
Coast Guard Turtle Rescue
0:49
Coast Guard Turtle Rescue
Marine Corps Cpl. Shannon Lilly, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, talks about her work as an artillery chief during a live-fire range near Setermoen, Norway, March 4, 2020. Lilly is the first female artillery chief and the first female artillery chief to fire an M777 howitzer. Play
First Female Artillery Chief
1:57
First Female Artillery Chief
The Air Force and Department of Defense participated in the filming of “The Right Stuff” television series to showcase our contributions to the nation’s space program to a worldwide audience. We spoke to an aviation consultant for the series, Carl Pascarell, a former Naval Aviator. Video by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Neal Uranga Play
The Right Stuff - Aviation Consultant
1:35
The Right Stuff - Aviation Consultant