American Forces News Service

In today's blog, AFPS' Elaine Wilson highlights President Barack Obama's video message of appreciation for U.S. troops and their families, and shares how all Americans can salute them for their service in Iraq.

The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki told veterans.

"A very tough fight" remains in Afghanistan that will demand more hard work and sacrifice, President Barack Obama acknowledged while thanking troops for advancing the mission in Iraq.

President Barack Obama traveled to Fort Bliss, Texas, to pay tribute to the post's servicemembers, whose contributions and those of their comrades made possible the official end of combat operations in Iraq.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates solicited support for his initiative to reform the Pentagon at the American Legion, telling the crowd that the United States cannot afford a peace dividend.

An insurgent leader believed to be responsible for the movement of fighters across three provinces was captured by Afghan-led security forces.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with leaders of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, both of which have their headquarters in Germany.

The U.S. military has fought two separate wars in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the American Legion, and only now do commanders in Afghanistan have the troops and resources necessary to win this second conflict.

It is thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of American servicemembers that Iraq has the chance for political freedom, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the annual convention of the American Legion.

Army Spc. John Hanson has cerebral palsy, a condition that initially kept him out of the military. But he was determined to "wear the uniform," and now serves in Afghanistan.

Vice President Joe Biden is in Iraq to meet with U.S. and Iraqi leaders about the new U.S. mission there, and to underscore the United States' commitment to an ongoing relationship with the nation.

The Defense Department uses Facebook and other social media tools to help market its initiatives as the entire informational environment continues to evolve.

Iraqi security forces arrested two suspected al-Qaida in Iraq criminal associates during joint security operations conducted in eastern Mosul.

Certifying one's own son to fly a helicopter with night-vision gear takes the stress level up a notch – up about 500 feet from the ground to be specific.

In her latest blog, AFPS' Elaine Wilson writes about her kids' first day at a new school and shares tips to help parents successfully navigate the first week of school.

The United States continues to provide $200 million in relief aid to Pakistan as flood waters begin to recede, but it will be months before the full extent of the damage can be assessed.

News media representatives were permitted to take video and still photos at a detention facility for the first time since it became operational.

About 40 airmen from the Air Force's 621st Contingency Response Wing arrived in Pakistan Aug. 28 to support Pakistan flood-relief operations.

A combined Afghan-coalition security force targeted and killed a Taliban leader during an operation in the Helmand province.

Time became something of a commodity for Marines and sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit here as they prepared to deploy a month early aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group.