Department of Veterans Affairs officials have announced a three-year study of an advanced artificial arm that easily allows those with severe limb loss to pick up a key or hold a pencil.
"This arm is a high-tech example of how VA researchers are continually modernizing the materials, design and clinical use of artificial limbs to meet veterans' lifestyle and medical needs," said Dr. Joel Kupersmith, a physician and VA's chief research and development officer.
In collaboration with specialists at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the study marks the first large-scale testing of the arm, which allows those who have lost a limb up to their shoulder to perform movements while reaching over their head, a previously impossible maneuver for people with a prosthetic arm.
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For the first time, the Department of Defense is endorsing the observance of World No Tobacco Day by encouraging servicemembers to participate.
The effort is part of DOD's multiyear tobacco cessation campaign, Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone Proud.
"On Memorial Day, when we reflect on the sacrifices our fallen heroes made so that we can live free, it seems that World No Tobacco Day comes at a perfect time," said Capt. David Arday, a physician and U.S. Public Health Service officer and chairman of the DOD Alcohol and Tobacco Advisory Committee.
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The 30th Mission Support Group deputy commander here was killed in action while serving in the Al Anbar province in Iraq May 25.
Naval Reserve Cmdr. Duane Wolfe, assigned as officer in charge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Al Anbar Area Office, Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, was performing his reserve duties in the Navy when he was killed by injuries received during an improvised explosive device attack.
"Each and every member of our team feels this tragedy, but we will pull together and help our own," said Col. David Buck, the 30th Space Wing commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they cope with this terrible loss."
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Department of Veterans Affairs officials launched a new Web site to strengthen the connection between college and university mental health professionals and veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts studying on their campuses.
"Many of our newest veterans are beginning their post-service lives by furthering their educations," said Dr. Gerald M. Cross, the VA's acting undersecretary for health.
"This initiative is designed to ensure that colleges and universities are able to assist with any special mental health needs they may have," he said.
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The 586th Air Expeditionary Group is one of three Air Force groups organized to complete joint expeditionary taskings and is contributing significantly to operations in Iraq and Kuwait, the group's commander said.
Col. Alan Metzler, 586th AEG commander, spoke with journalists and bloggers during a DODLive Blogger's roundtable May 20. Colonel Metzler is responsible for organizing, training and equipping more than 650 ground combat Airmen across four geographically separated locations to fill U.S. Army requirements. The Airmen conduct combat logistics, convoys, area security operations, detainee visitation, explosive detection and chapel ministry.
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton May 27 reiterated U.S. commitment to South Korea's and Japan's security in light of what she called North Korea's "provocative and belligerent" activities and rhetoric.
"The United States has and intends always to honor ... the defense of South Korea and Japan," she said. "That is part of our alliance obligation, which we take very seriously."
While not discussing details of North Korea's nuclear and missile tests conducted this week in violation of a United Nations resolution, Clinton noted that the international community is coming together to condemn them.
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Vice President Joe Biden, the U.S. Air Force Academy commencement speaker, told graduates and newly-commissioned second lieutenants from the class of 2009 "this is your moment to bend history to the service of a better day."
"You will carry our skies and beyond on your backs. I promise you, we will have your back. That is a guarantee," said Mr. Biden, addressing 1,046 graduates May 27 before they walked the stage to receive their degrees.
Mr. Biden told the graduates and their families that the administration considers their safety and care upon coming home from war a top priority. President Barack Obama made similar remarks May 22 at the Naval Academy graduation.
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The Department of Defense officials announced May 27 the death of two Airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 26 near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.
Killed was Lt. Col. Mark E. Stratton II, 39, of Houston, who was deployed as the commander of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team. He was assigned to the Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. as an executive assistant for the Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs, Asia.
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Former professional tennis player Anna Kournikova spoke to students in the Ramstein High School varsity and tennis clubs May 19 at the school's gymnasium here.
Ms. Kournikova visited with students as part of a six-day educational United Service Organizations tour to help her learn what military members and their families experience overseas and then relate the experience to those in the United States.
"It gives me a great opportunity to come and see you guys and your parents, to get educated and learn about how you guys live outside your home country," said Ms. Kournikova as she spoke to the students. "When I go back to the States, I tell everyone what you guys do here and just try to make them aware of what all of your families do for our country, for us to feel safe and for us to have the life we have."
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President Barack Obama held up Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., as an example for America to follow toward energy independence during a visit there May 27.
The air base, a huge facility outside Las Vegas best known as the "Home of the Fighter Pilot," also is the site of the largest solar electric plant of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, and the president would like to see more such facilities around the country.
The array has more than 72,000 solar panels built on part of an old landfill. The facility provides about a quarter of the electricity for the 12,000 people who live and work at the base.
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