Group Honors Wounded Warriors, Families of Fallen
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2009 - In 2005, David Dominguez of San Diego noticed casualty reports in Iraq and Afghanistan were barely making news. After several years of war, the American public had settled back into its routine. Article

Career Fair Offers Employment Opportunities
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, July 7, 2009 - Job fairs are a popular method of conducting entry-level recruiting and initial screening by companies across the country. A Hiring Heroes Career Fair is scheduled at the Camp Pendleton South Mesa Club, July 23. Article

Edwards NCO Uses Training to Help Save Victim
	EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE,, Dec. 16, 2008 - An Edwards Air Force Base NCO rushed to help save the lives of two strangers after hearing the sound of a crash and seeing a cloud of smoke and debris on Highway 14 Dec. 7 in Lancaster, Calif. Article

Delta Blue Star Moms Support Troops, Each Other
	WASHINGTON, April 11, 2008 - Servicemembers’ friends and families living in west-central California have a shoulder to lean on if they should need it. Article

Group Rides to Support Wounded Vets
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2008 - Wounded veterans recovering in some California Veterans Affairs facilities hear some of their visitors long before they see them. Article

‘The Soldiers Project’ to Hold Conference
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2008 - A group of volunteer mental health professionals that offers its services to troops and their extended families will host a conference May 16-18 in Los Angeles for military members who have served in the global war on terror and those who interact with them. Article

Soldier Finds Ties to Past Support in Story
	WASHINGTON, March 26, 2008 - In 1967, Robert Hutchinson was a young soldier serving in the jungles of Vietnam. He was concerned that the men in his unit weren’t getting enough mail from home. Article

City Celebrates 40 Years of Troop Support
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2008 - A shade more than 40 years ago, the city of San Mateo, Calif., took an unprecedented step : it “adopted” Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Article

Group Announces Scholarship Opportunity
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2008 - Homefront America, a troop-support organization based in California, recently announced it will, for the third year, award 25 scholarships in May to benefit military children. Article

Group Helps Troops, Families Find Jobs
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2008 - Servicemembers nationwide looking for jobs in their off-duty hours need look no further than a troop-support group based in southern California. Article

Teen Honors War Dead, Visits Wounded
	WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2007 - Under wintry skies at Arlington National Cemetery today, a California teenager who has generated 2.6 million messages of gratitude to U.S. servicemembers placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Article

California School Honored for Public Service
	WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2007 - The Defense Department recognized a California high school at the Pentagon today for supporting one of its students and a program she undertook for the nation’s servicemembers. Article

California Parade Honors Vietnam Vets
	WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2006 - This Veterans Day, Antelope Valley, Calif., is making sure Vietnam veterans get the welcome home they never got with a Welcome Home parade, one of the event’s organizers said. Article

Event Celebrates Children of Fallen Servicemembers
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2006 - Children of servicemembers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11 are invited to jump aboard the Snowball Express -- destination Disneyland, with a couple of fun stops along the way. Article

Program Recognizes Military Children
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2006 - Thanks to a new program, children of deployed servicemembers will know they are heroes, too. Article

Community Unites to Benefit Marine
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2006 - Marine Lance Cpl. James Gentile’s path in life was forcibly altered when he was shot in the face while on patrol with Gulf Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines in Ramadi, Iraq. Article

Program Connects Families With Books
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2006 - A California-based program designed to reinforce the benefits of reading aloud to children is making it easier for deployed parents to do so. Article

Teen to Ship Mile-Long Yellow Ribbon to Troops
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2006 - A 17-year-old Los Angeles boy likes the sentiment of the old song about tying a yellow ribbon ‘round the old oak tree to remember someone who’s away from home. But Matthew Cook is taking the idea a step -- make that a mile -- further. Article

NASCAR Fans in California Support Troops
	WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2006 - For the sixth time since a California teenager began her quest two and a half years ago to collect and distribute a million thank you letters to U.S. servicemembers, the “A Million Thanks” organization set up its booth at a Nextel Cup NASCAR race. Article

Simi Valley Freedom Walk to Thank Troops
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2006 - Simi Valley, Calif. -- home of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library -- is planning a Freedom Walk to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to show the community's support for the nation's servicemembers. Article

Troop Support Group Plans San Diego Freedom Walk
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2006 - San Diego will honor its military heritage with a Freedom Walk planned to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Article

Sacramento Freedom Walk to Cap Patriotic Weekend
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2006 - A weekend of events in Sacramento, Calif., saluting America's military veterans and current servicemembers will culminate in a candlelit walk on the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Article

Radio Show Addresses Military Life
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2006 - Nationally syndicated columnist Jacey Eckhart has turned from pen to microphone in an effort to help military families tackle unique issues they face. Article

Group Helps Troops Trade Helmets for Hardhats
	WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2006 - Transitioning from the military into the civilian work force can be as simple as trading one type of headgear for another through "Helmets to Hardhats." Article

S.A.M. Shows Troops U.S. Support
	WASHINGTON, July 25, 2006 - "Operation: S.A.M.," or Supporting All Military, is working to ease servicemembers' minds about how much support they have back home. Article

Woman Shares Love for Patriotic Art
	WASHINGTON, July 4, 2006 - Eileen Schwartz founded Flags Across the Nation, an America Supports You member group, hoping to make a difference and display the American spirit for all citizens to see. Article

Horse Runs for Wounded Troops, Families
	WASHINGTON, June 6, 2006 - "Sweet Freedom," a 2-year-old racehorse, has started off his racing career with a bang, doing his part to support America's war wounded. Article

Family Sends Gourmet Coffee to Troops
	WASHINGTON, May 3, 2006 - There's nothing like a steaming cup of gourmet coffee to get you started in the morning, and coffee is one of the few things servicemembers can make in a combat zone, said Jon Rogers, founder and president of the Rogers Family Company. Article

Toyota Helps Guards, Reservists Find Jobs
	WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2006 - Don Esmond, a Vietnam War hero, walked into the Toyota Motor Sales in Torrance, Calif., one day in early 2004 and told the staff he wanted the company to develop a hiring program for guardsmen and reservists returning to civilian life from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Article

Web Site Shows Troops, Families the Goods
	WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2006 - A new Web site featuring resources for military families hopes to become a one-stop information source for job seekers, coupon hunters and charity backers. Article

California Group Sizzles Up Steaks for Troops
	WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2006 - "Cooks From the Valley," a California volunteer group, recently returned from the Middle East, where they sizzled up 2.8 tons of prime 14-ounce New York strip steaks for crewmembers aboard the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Aegis cruiser San Jacinto and guided-missile destroyer Donald Cook, said Tom Anton, a group leader. Article

Groups Combine Resources, Give Valentines
	WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2006 - Two organizations have teamed up to send valentines to troops in Baghdad in a union made possible by "America Supports You." Article

Army NCO Spearheads Wheelchair Delivery
	WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2006 - For more than a year, Army Sgt. Amy E. Perkins has been working to bring some relief to the people in Tal Afar, Iraq. This month her hard work will finally pay off. Article

Network Provides Aid to Troops' Families
	WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2006 - In four years, "Operation Homefront" has grown from a local San Diego effort to a national presence, continually increasing its ability to help military families. Article

Fund Helps Families' Comeback from War
	WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2006 - In the past six months, the eight volunteers of "Operation Family Fund" have given $300,000 in grants to military families in need. Article

Newly American Pianist Plays to Troops
	WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2006 - A Russian-born, classically trained pianist with a wide range of performing styles has been entertaining American troops overseas for years. Now she has a special reason to thank the troops who protect her new country. Article

Fox News Spotlights Teen's Writing Campaign
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2006 - The 16-year-old founder of "A Million Thanks," a nationwide program encouraging students to write thank-you letters to servicemembers, appeared on "Fox and Friends" this morning to speak about her new campaign to send 2.6 million cards and letters to the troops in 2006. Article

Armed Services YMCA Improves Quality of Life
	TWENTYNINE PALMS, California, Sept. 13, 2005 - Armed Services YMCA continues to increase quality of life for servicemembers and their families by offering support to communities and families. For director Anita Neu-Fultz and her staff at the Combat Center ASYMCA, that goal is paramount and unwavering as they volunteer to help others year-round. Article

San Diego Chargers Recognize Troops
	SAN DIEGO, Sept. 9, 2005 - American servicemembers from Southern California's various military units were recognized for their service during a military appreciation ceremony at the San Diego Chargers final preseason football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Article

Pendleton Children Receive Free Backpacks
	CAMP PENDLETON, California, Sept. 8, 2005 - Camp Pendleton's Office Depot donated 725 backpacks filled with school supplies to the children of military families. The donation came just in time - five days before students returned to Camp Pendleton's schools for the 2005-2006 school year. Article

Miramar Marines Return to Welcome Home
	MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, California, Sept. 2, 2005 - About 80 Marines debarked a plane at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after a seven-month deployment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and were welcomed home with open arms by family and friends. Article

Santa Barbara Welcomes Reagan Sailors
	SANTA BARBARA , California, Aug. 24, 2005 - More than 3,000 sailors from USS Ronald Reagan received a warm welcome from the residents of Santa Barbara as they experienced all the food, shopping and hospitality the city has to offer. Article

Mending Troops Invited to Comedy Club
	SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19, 2005 - Patients from Navy hospitals in San Diego and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton caravanned to Pasadena, Calif., where they were the guests of honor at a Hooters restaurant and the nearby Ice House Comedy Club. America's Heroes of Freedom, a private veterans support organization, bought the comedy tickets and the pre-show feast for the servicemembers and their spouses. Article

Sailors Meet San Diego Padres Pitcher
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 18, 2005 - San Diego Padres pitcher Trevor Hoffman signed autographs and met with more than 100 sailors and their families at Naval Base Coronado. The signing was one of three such opportunities for sailors to meet with players this year, which Morale Welfare and Recreation organized with the Padres ball club. Article

Boxing Salutes Marines at Camp Pendleton
	MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, California, Aug. 12, 2005 - As the sun set at the 11 Area field, pink and yellow hues streaked through the sky’s puffy clouds, adding a beautiful backdrop for a historic night at Camp Pendleton. Marines were treated to a free boxing program dubbed "Salute to America’s Heroes," which was put on by Sycuan Ringside Promotions. A crowd of 7,395 was on hand to watch the nationally televised event. Article

Secretary Recognizes 'America Supports You' Team Members
	LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5, 2005 - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld expressed personal words of appreciation to local grassroots supporters of U.S. servicemembers and the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program here Aug. 4. Article

Rumsfeld Praises Actor Sinise for Troop Support
	LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5, 2005 - Each week the cast of "CSI: NY" uses scientific skill to solve mysteries. But the reason Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld visited the show's set in Studio City here Aug. 4 was no mystery: actor Gary Sinise is a solid supporter of U.S. servicemembers, and Rumsfeld's a big fan of Sinise and his efforts. Article

Chaplain, Church Unite to Support Troops
	NEWPORT BEACH, California, Aug. 4, 2005 - In an effort to support the troops, the Liberty Baptist Church opened its doors to Marines, sailors of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and their families during the Family First Seminar. The purpose of the day-long seminar was to provide advice and counseling to couples to help them better cope with the stress brought on by deployments. Article

Girl Scouts Donate ‘Boxes of Joy’
PERSIAN GULF, Aug. 2, 2005 - The Girl Scouts of the San Diego Imperial Council donated an assortment of cookies to deployed sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge. The cookie donation is in support of the Girl Scouts' ‘Operation Thin Mint,’ which is an effort to give thanks to deployed servicemembers. Article

Marines, Families Score in L.A.
	SAN DIEGO, July 29, 2005 - More than 500 Marines received free tickets to watch the L.A. Angels play the Oakland Athletics. The tickets were given by the 9/11 Foundation that gives aid to spouses who have lost loved ones in the military. Article

Historical Society Gives Scholarships
	SAN DIEGO, July 25, 2005 - The Marine Corps Recruit Depot's museum historical society gave three $500 college scholarships to Marines. The scholarships are named after Col. Nathan Smith and were presented by his widow Janet. The noncommissioned officers attending Marine Enlisted Commissioning Program Preparatory School had to write an essay to earn the scholarship. Article

Servicemembers Read To Children
	MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, California, July 22, 2005 - The United Through Reading program is helping deployed parents read to their children even while a half-a-world away. "This program is a great way for deployed servicemembers to strengthen the bonds between them and their children, providing a bridge through communication during challenging times," said Teri Patterson, director of development and public relations, San Diego Armed Services YMCA. Article

Local Supporters Dine Wounded Troops, Families
	SAN DIEGO, July 1, 2005 - About 40 Marines and two Navy corpsmen from Medical Holding Platoon, Naval Medical Center San Diego, attended an appreciation dinner Monday night at Casa Guadalajara Mexican restaurant in San Diego's Old Town. Article

Marines Battle Aliens in Hollywood Blockbuster
	LOS ANGELES, July 1, 2005 - Marines from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Recon Battalion and 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, joined forces to show off their combined military prowess against evil aliens when filming a simulated and intense combat scene for the Steven Spielberg film “The War of the Worlds.” Article

Charlie Daniels Band Brings Spirit to Station
	MIRAMAR, California, June 21, 2005 - On June 21, the legendary country group performed a free concert for the thousands of servicemembers and their families at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's Mills Park, drawing Marines and Sailors from as far as MCAS Yuma, Ariz., to the night of free entertainment. Article

'Operation Gratitude' Gears Up for Shipment
	WASHINGTON, June 16, 2005 - Over the Memorial Day weekend, "Operation Gratitude" assembled and shipped almost 20,000 care packages to deployed troops as part of its "Patriotic Drive." The group is gearing up for another big push. Article

Girl Collects Batteries for Troops
	WASHINGTON, May 25, 2005 - When 12-year-old Lizzy Lulu, of Lancaster, Calif., learned that American servicemembers in Iraq use betteries for various electronic devices, she decided to launch a campaign to collect 1,000,000 "AA" batteries. Article

California Teen Still Thanking U.S. Forces
	WASHINGTON, May 19, 2005 - A California teenager this week reached her goal of collecting 1.4 million thank you letters for America's armed forces -- and is still finding new ways to convey America's thanks to the military for their service. Article

Californians Show Respect for Fallen Troops
	WASHINGTON, April 20, 2005 - Californians Grant Bjorn and Robert C. Pfeiler are reaching out to America. They’re working to bring the country together in support of fallen servicemembers and the families they’ve left behind. The two men embarked on their quest in January, when they formed “American Heroes Tribute,” a nonprofit corporation aimed at showing respect and support as a country to fallen servicemembers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. To honor the fallen and their families, the pair envision placing large, tribute banners for each fallen warrior on light poles in cities and counties across the country by Memorial Day 2006. Article

Businessman Helps Families of Fallen Troops
WASHINGTON, April 6, 2005 - “Freedom isn’t free,” asserted San Diego-area businessman James Lee. That’s why, Lee said, he’s promoting the sales of G.I.-styled bracelets to assist families of servicemembers who’ve been killed or wounded while serving in the war against terrorism. The silicon-rubber bracelets bearing the inscription “For Those Who Serve” go for $1 to $5 on Lee’s Web site. The bracelets are the color of the military’s Purple Heart Medal. Article

Comedian Carrot Top Performs for Troops
VENTURA COUNTY, California, March 31, 2005 - Comedian Carrot Top, a.k.a. Scott Thompson, displays his patriotism during a performance at Naval Base Ventura County, Calif., on March 22, 2005. The comedian, renowned for his creative use of props, volunteered to perform at several stateside military bases as part of the Spirit of America Tour. Article

Concern for Troops Spurs Involvement
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2005 - Anne Galvan said she clearly remembers watching the compelling news coverage of U.S. troops moving up to Baghdad during the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “I remember sitting on my couch and watching these brave troops serving our country and answering the call to duty, leaving their families,” Galvan said during a telephone interview with American Forces Press Service. “And I thought, ‘You know, I need to do something. I want to show my support.’” Article

Duo Collects Cameras for Troops' Families
	WASHINGTON - Jennifer Petersen of Ladera Ranch, Calif., made a New Year's resolution to help make the world a better place for her 18-month- old daughter, Kayla. And she is hoping to fulfill that resolution by helping the families of service members who, she said, are "not only protecting our country, but protecting our world." By the end of February, Petersen, 28, hopes to collect at least 10,000 digital cameras to give to families of deployed service members so they can share photos with loved ones serving abroad in the war on terror. Article

Teen Seeks Valentines for Troops
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3, 2005 - The California teenager who recently collected and distributed 1,000,000 letters and emails of appreciation to our service members and veterans, is now asking for Valentines for troops stationed in the United States and overseas. Shauna Fleming, 15, a Sophomore at Lutheran High School in Orange, California, and founder of the A Million Thanks organization, said her campaign is about showing appreciation to the troops, and that Valentines are a great way for Americans to tell our troops that their hearts are with them. Article

San Diego Military Families Get Bikes
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 23, 2004 - More than 750 children of military families all over the San Diego area will receive a special holiday gift courtesy of the San Diego United Service Organizations and BAE Systems company. BAE donated 766 bicycles to the USO to present to local military families. This marked the 10th year that BAE Systems donated bicycles to military families in San Diego. Article

Program Helps Military Families Stay Connected
	SAN DIEGO, Dec. 21, 2004 - With so many U.S. troops on lengthy deployments overseas, the Family Literacy Foundation is helping ease fear, uncertainty and anxiety in children in military families through a program called "Uniting Through Reading." Uniting Through Reading enables deployed parents onboard Navy ships, at air stations abroad, and in tents throughout the world to share their love and support with their children by reading favorite books on videotape. Article

Effort Supports California Military Families
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2004 - A statewide effort is helping provide a happier holiday season for California residents serving in the military and their family members. "Operation Christmas for Our Troops" has prompted the collection of nearly 7,000 toys as well as certificates and cash donations to help military families make ends meet or cover emergency expenses. Article

Entrepreneur Supports Troops Via Military-Themed Cookies
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2004 - A California businessman is supporting the U.S. military through his line of special cookies featuring emblems of the armed services. Cliff Smith of San Diego, founder and president of the Cookie Club of America Inc., launched Stampers cookies this spring. The vanilla-almond cookies bear embossed emblems of the branches of the military. Article

Bush Highlights 'America Supports You' Program
	WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2004 - President Bush urged every American today "to find some way to thank our military and help out the military family down the street." Speaking to Marines and their families during a visit to Camp Pendleton, Calif., the president called the holiday season of giving a time for the country to "stand with the men and women who stand up for America - our military." Bush urged people to go to the Defense Department's "America Supports You" Web site to learn about private efforts being undertaken nationwide to show support for the troops. Article

Teenager Collects a Million Thanks for America's Fighting Forces
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2004 - It's not every day a 15-year-old gets to meet the president of the United States, but Shauna Fleming of Orange, Calif., is no ordinary teenager. Shauna collected one million letters of thanks for U.S. servicemembers, and she gave the milestone letter to the president in a private White House meeting Nov. 17. Article