The National guards motto is always ready, always there --in Oklahoma a group of Army National Guardsman came to the aid of a family. The military prides itself in taking care of families of deployed servic emembers, whether it’s mowing the lawn, fixing a leaky faucet, looking after the children so mom or dad can have some well-deserved time off, or whatever the case might be. And adding to the…

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., who cast more votes than any other U.S. senator from New Jersey, died last Monday after complications from viral pneumonia. He was 89 years old. First elected to the Senate in 1982, Lautenberg lived to be the oldest member of the upper chamber by the end of his tenure and was the last surviving World War II veteran in the Senate. He initially retired from the…

As you know less than a week away is Memorial Day. It’s a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our nation. Death is not an easy subject nor one we want to talk about, but it’s real, it happens. On the upcoming National Day of Remembrance, services are held around the globe honoring those patriots who have fought and died in preserving our nation’s freedoms…

Mark Major once led a team of soldiers in combat in Iraq. Now he leads a team of railroad employees. The difference? he’s not getting shot at anymore. As thousands of American soldiers return to the civilian workforce after service in Iraq or Afghanistan, many are finding jobs on the nation’s rail lines. More than 25 percent of all U.S. railroad workers have served in the military. There is a…

Here in Amador county On May 27, Hospice of Amador & Calaveras wants to share its commitment to increase Veterans’ access to compassionate, high quality hospice care for those who are facing serious and life-limiting illness. As part of this commitment, Hospice of Amador & Calaveras is a part of an innovative program called “We Honor Veterans” They are equipped to address the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans. They…

Recently a retired Air Force Colonel, Bill Talley spoke out about life as a POW. The retired colonel spoke of the filth and the torture that POWs endured during his 11 months in the camp in Vietnam, and the courage exhibited by his fellow American soldiers. He talked about the really brave men who survived the prison camps, some of them for years. His talk, enhanced by more than 30…

As many people know Five months ago, Army Sgt. Brendan Marrocco’s arms belonged to someone else. Marrocco, who was blown up in 2009, is the first soldier to receive a double arm transplant -- and only the 7th successful recipient in the United States. He still doesn’t have any physical sensation in his hands, but he manages pretty well. Doctors estimate it could be two years before he gets feeling…

About a month ago everyone watched as the Marine Corps’ new mascot, Chesty 14 was made a full Marine. Chesty, wore his uniform beautifully, walked with undeniable charisma and a bit of boldness, as he approached Gen James Amos then stopped. Gen Amos barked the order, “Recruit Chesty, for the last time, report to the commandant of the Marine Corps!” Refusing to walk up to the General, even after being…

Seven U.S. service members were killed on Saturday in one of the deadliest days for Americans in Afghanistan in recent months, as the Taliban continued attacks against foreign troops as part of their spring offensive. The U.S.-led coalition reported that five international troops were killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan, it was confirmed they were all Americans. The coalition also reported that a soldier with the Afghan National…

Authorities have said that The Air Force official in charge of its sexual-assault prevention program was arrested for groping. Lt. Col. Jeff Krusinski was removed from his position as head of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office pending an investigation. The incident happened just after midnight Sunday when a drunken Krusinski allegedly approached a woman in a parking lot in Arlington, Va., and grabbed her part so her anatomy,…