Focus
During his two year stint at Fort Drum, Col Jerome Penner III left the military installation better than he found it. Under his command medical buildings were renovated, a Warrior Transition Unit complex was constructed and a community-based clinic was opened. His job was completed and he was ready to retire. Then
Schools
On a recent evening, dozens of people filed in and out of Beachwood Elementary School. In the school gymnasium, Sgt. Jonathan Dao, a soldier assigned to the 555th Engineer Brigade, attempted to hula hoop with his son, Anthony, 7, and his daughter, Alana, 23 months. Although he fared better with a jump
Schools
Approximately 1.5 million students were home schooled in 2007, according to a study compiled by the National Center for Educational Statistics. A growing number of these students are from military families. Although the family dynamics are similar, with frequent PCS moves and deployments to deal with, parents home school for different
Veterans
In recent months, several new programs have been implemented for TRICARE beneficiaries. Health care for reserve retirees, mail order pharmacy services, online behavioral health services, and transitional care are among the most far-reaching provisions. For starters, under a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2010, a program tentatively being called
Kids
For years, only the children of wealthy families could afford music lessons. However, with the inception of school-based instrument rental programs and need-based grants to cover the cost, more than half of the U.S. households have someone ages 5 and above have someone who plays a music instrument, according to a
Health
Have you heard the one about military medical centers offering free cosmetic surgeries to keep the surgeons in practice for wounded warriors? If so, you are not alone. In 2004, several national publications published articles on the topic. New Yorker Magazine reported: "Anyone wearing a uniform is eligible," Dr. Bob Lyons, the
Military Life
Joe Cabalo is wise beyond his 18 years. Already he has earned the respect of his peers and adults alike. The secret to his success - integrity, service and excellence, he said. "I was taught the core values of the Air Force and I try to teach them to the cadets," Cabalo, a
Military Life
Since the time that Benjamin "Javier" Gutierrez was born he has amazed his parents. He was born 10 weeks early and weighed only two pounds. Doctors did not think he would survive, but he learned to eat quickly and was sent home five weeks later, weighing three pounds, his mother, Melissa
Military Life
On a recent Sunday afternoon, 8-year-old Gene Sulton Jr. donned a black suit and tie and a big smile. Shortly before church, he talked about his life and future. He has a positive attitude and a great outlook on life considering that he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia last year. "When
Military Life
Megan and Patrick Wilson had to grow up the hard way. For starters, in 2008 their father, Spc. John Wilson enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 40, after working as a police officer for more than 20 years. With her husband stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the family remained in
