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Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Senior enlisted man based in Hawaii will advise Joint Chiefs of Staff
The top enlisted leader at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Camp Smith has been tapped to go to the Pentagon to serve as the most senior enlisted service member in the entire U.S. military. The Pentagon announced Tuesday that Fleet Master Chief David Isom, a seasoned combat veteran, has been selected to serve as the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or SEAC. He will be the sixth person to take on the position since it was was created in 2005. Isom enlisted in the Navy in 1987, and after passing SEAL selection went on to serve with the service's most elite special operations units, including Navy Special Warfare Development Group—better known to the general public as SEAL Team Six. His deployments include the Persian Gulf War, tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and—according to his official bio—several deployments across the Pacific and the Horn of Africa. His military awards include four Bronze Star Medals, including two with 'V ' devices for valor ; two Combat Action Ribbons ; and a Presidential Unit Citation. Before serving as the senior enlisted man for Indo-Pacific Command he had already been in Hawaii as the senior enlisted leader for Special Operations Command Pacific. In both roles Isom's duties included traveling the region visiting American bases to talk to troops as well as working to bolster ties with foreign service members from other countries and observing training. At the Pentagon, Isom will replace Marine Sgt. Maj. Troy Black, who is leaving the job after serving as SEAC for two years. Black previously served as the sergeant major of the Marine Corps before he was selected as the SEAC by Army Gen. Mark Milley and continued on as the senior enlisted advisor to Air Force Gen. C.Q. Brown, whom President Donald Trump controversially fired from the role of chairman in February along with Navy chief Adm. Lisa Franchetti and other officers serving under the Joint Chiefs. After the firings, Hawaii's U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono charged that 'there is no reasonable justification for these terminations. Instead, the dismissals reveal the President's true intention : installing a group of 'yes men' with fealty to him and not the Constitution or the American people.' Under Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon is seeing major shake-ups across the board. Hegseth has vowed to rid the military of 'woke ' officers and civilian personnel, and pledged that there will be a new focus on 'lethality.' Though considered the most senior enlisted role in the military, the SEAC doesn't actually lead troops as part of the chain of command but serves as an advisor to the military's most senior officer to serve as a voice to the Pentagon's top leadership addressing the issues of enlisted personnel. In this case, Isom will advise Brown's replacement, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine. Just as Brown's firing was controversial, Trump's appointment of Caine raised eyebrows. Though Caine is a respected officer with extensive experience across the U.S. government, at the time of his nomination he had already retired as a lieutenant general—making him legally ineligible for the role. To make him eligible, Trump had to order that he be both reinstated to active service and promoted to four-star general. Trump has often told a story of meeting Caine in Iraq during his first presidency, describing him as wearing the iconic red MAGA hat of his supporters and expressing personal admiration and loyalty to Trump—which would have violated several military policies if true. The details of the story often differed and shifted when Trump told it at different venues. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Caine told lawmakers 'I went back and listened to those tapes, and I think the president was actually talking about somebody else. I've never worn any political merchandise or said anything to that effect.' When Hirono asked him 'if you wore it, would that constitute partisan political activity by a uniformed officer—yes or no ?' Caine answered, 'I think it probably would, yes.' Caine ultimately was confirmed with 44 Republicans and 16 Democrats voting in favor, though his confirmation was opposed by both Hawaii's Hirono and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Isom will be the first sailor to serve as SEAC and is leaving Camp Smith for the Pentagon at a time when the military views the Pacific as its top priority theater of operations amid tensions with China. He would bring extensive experience in the region as well as personal knowledge of and relationships with members of foreign militaries that Pentagon leaders are hoping to strengthen alliances with.
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Wounded Marine and His Family to Receive Life-Changing Home Makeover on Military Makeover with Montel®
The Reeves Family of North Carolina, Honored for Their Service and Resilience, to Be Featured in Upcoming Season Airing on Lifetime TV. 'The story of the Reeves family is one of resilience and commitment to community. We are honored to recognize and uplift a family who truly embodies the heart of service to their fellow veterans.'— Nicole Oropesa, President of BrandStar Entertainment KING, NC, UNITED STATES, May 28, 2025 / / -- Military Makeover with Montel® along with Official Non-Profit Partner, Purple Heart Homes, proudly announces its upcoming season spotlighting the remarkable story of U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sean Reeves and his family. Coming to Lifetime TV this summer, this season will follow an inspiring path of bravery, dedication, and recovery, culminating in a well-earned home makeover for a selfless family. Sean's courageous service and sacrifice were recognized with many military decorations, such as the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, NATO Medal ISAF Afghanistan, and the Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, among others. Montel Williams' co-host Jennifer Bertrand and Purple Heart Homes CEO John Gallina spoke at the King, NC event where Mayor Rick McCraw proclaimed May 16, 2025, as 'Military Makeover with Montel in honor of Sean Reeves Day' and went on to declare June as 'Military Makeover' month. Driven by the September 11th attacks experienced during his upbringing in Greensboro, North Carolina, Sean Reeves enlisted in the United States Marine Corps upon his 2008 high school graduation. He served as an infantry rifleman (0311) with the First Battalion, Second Marines and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. During Operation Northern Penetration, Mr. Reeves sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and three gunshot wounds resulting from an improvised explosive device (IED) detonation and subsequent ambush. Despite these severe injuries, he continued his military service until his medical retirement in 2011. Presently, Mr. Reeves is employed as a Care Coordinator at Veterans Bridge Home, providing support to veterans and their families as they navigate challenging transitions. Notwithstanding persistent chronic pain, cognitive impairments, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and having achieved remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he remains a dedicated advocate and an essential source of support within the veteran community. His soulmate, Ms. Marilyn Cecilia Williams, a junior programmer/analyst at Atrium Wake Forest Health, shares his life journey. They reconnected years after high school at Mr. Reeves's sister's wedding and have maintained their relationship since 2015. Ms. Williams contributes significantly to their household with her warmth, resilience, and creative pursuits in gardening, animal care, and artistic expression, which are integral to their family's fortitude. 'The story of the Reeves family is one of resilience and commitment to community,' said Nicole Oropesa, President of BrandStar Entertainment. 'Through Military Makeover with Montel, we are honored to recognize and uplift a family who truly embodies the heart of service to their fellow veterans.' With the help of generous partners and the King, NC community, alongside Co-Host Art Edmonds and Designer Jennifer Bertrand, Military Makeover with Montel will renovate the Reeves family home to reflect the care, accessibility, and comfort they deserve. This makeover will not only serve their daily needs—it will celebrate their unwavering dedication to service and one another. Full makeover will be realized between June 10th to June 22nd. The reveal of the home makeover will be filmed on June 22nd. To volunteer, click here. Media Contact: Kristen Noffsinger, SVP, Kreps PR | [email protected] | 954-464-7388 ### Military Makeover with Montel: Military Makeover with Montel® is an award-winning reality TV series dedicated to transforming the homes and lives of military families across the country. Hosted by Veteran, Author and TV Personality Montel Williams, alongside Co-Host Art Edmonds and Designer Jennifer Bertrand, the show brings together businesses, non-profits, and local communities to create lasting change for those who've served. Airing on Lifetime® and the American Forces Network, Military Makeover is more than a renovation show—it's a powerful mission where help, healing, and hope truly start at home. For more information, visit and follow us on X @MilitaryMakeover and Facebook and Instagram @MilitaryMakeover. Purple Heart Homes: Purple Heart Homes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by John Gallina and the late Dale Beatty, two Iraq combat-wounded Veterans who started a mission to provide housing solutions for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans and their families. Driven by the belief that no Veteran should be left behind, Purple Heart Homes, together with the community, is committed to ensuring quality of life solutions for Disabled American Veterans from all eras. Purple Heart Homes – Improving Veterans' Lives One Home at a Time. For more information, visit and follow us on X @PHHTweet and Facebook and Instagram @PurpleHeartHomes. Kristen Noffsinger Kreps PR & Marketing +1 954-464-7388 [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Complete surprise!‘: WWII vet, Canton native turning 100 overwhelmed by birthday cards across world
Strangers from across New England and the globe are penning their birthday wishes to Howard Hanson, a lifetime Canton resident and World War II veteran who turns 100 this weekend. Hanson's centennial celebrations kicked off two weeks ago when he was surprised by generations of his family at the Brookmeadow Country Club. In 1943, at the age of 18, he was sworn into the Navy as a third-class petty officer coxswain. During his service at the height of World War II, he landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, after the storm on D-Day. His family says he spent the next three nights in a foxhole on the island. In the years following his service, he received many awards for his heroism, including the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) for Extraordinary Heroism, the Croix de Guerre, and more. After the war, he studied the saxophone and clarinet at Schillinger House, which is currently known as Berklee College of Music. You can find Hanson on his Walpole Street home nowadays. His letter carrier, Jayne Murphy, stops by almost every day. Over the last two weeks, ahead of his birthday, Murphy's been delivering dozens of birthday letters for Howard across New England and the globe. Murphy told Boston 25 she's been spreading Howard's story on social media and asking community members and strangers to wish her friend a happy birthday before turning 100 on Sunday. Hanson added, 'Unbelievable! Complete surprise.' The two read one letter he received out loud, 'Thank you for your service, and god bless. You're an amazing veteran and a wonderful man... Keep having fun!' Murphy finished, 'It's so simple. Everybody says mail doesn't matter ... It does matter because I get to see this clown every day!' Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWII veteran, Canton native surprised for his 100th birthday celebration
A Canton legend and World War II veteran celebrated his birthday Saturday with a surprise party organized by generations of family and friends. Howard Hanson, 100, walked into Brookmeadow Country Club Saturday night to a cheering crowd. His Canton American Legion Band also played him in. 'Oh boy, am I surprised,' Hanson told Boston 25. 'Unbelievable!' Hanson was born in Canton in 1925 as the youngest of eight siblings. In 1943, at the age of 18, he was sworn into the Navy as a third-class petty officer coxswain. During his service at the height of World War II, he landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, after the storm on D-Day. His family says he spent the next three nights in a foxhole on the island. In the years following his service, he received many awards for his heroism, including the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) for Extraordinary Heroism, the Croix de Guerre, and more. After the war, he studied the saxophone and clarinet at Schillinger House, which is currently known as Berklee College of Music. Cindy Gillis and Eric Hanson, two of Howard's children, were waiting for him at Brookmeadow Country Club in Canton while his son led him inside. Gillis explained, 'He will do anything for anybody.' Eric Hanson added, 'I often question, 'Is he the longest consecutive citizen in the town?'' To this day, the 100-year-old still lives in Canton and is an active member of the local American Legion band, where he rehearses six times a week. His conductor, Gary Good, told Boston 25, 'It's incredible ... He has a lot of energy when he comes to band. He shakes hands with all of us, says hello, jokes around, and really plays and plays well.' In 2020, during the pandemic, family and friends could only drive by the veteran's house to celebrate his 95th birthday. Today, they celebrated his 100th in style, and in-person. Howard Hanson finished, 'Wonderful!' Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Atlanta World War II Nayy veteran dead at 103
The Brief Atlanta World War II veteran Albert Henley "Hank" Sturgess Jr. died on Sunday at the age of 103. Sturgess earned nine battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation for his bravery while serving in the South Pacific during World War II. He lived in Georgia for the rest of his life after coming home from his service. ATLANTA - An Atlanta World War II veteran who fought in the South Pacific will be laid to rest this week. Albert Henley "Hank" Sturgess Jr. died on Sunday at the age of 103. The backstory Born in 1921 in Pennsylvania, Sturgess moved to Atlanta in 1931 with his parents. Outside his time in the Navy, he lived in Georgia for the rest of his life. Good Day's Buck Lanford met Sturges in 2023 when the veteran was celebrating his 102nd birthday. The metro Atlanta man worked as the CIO on the destroyer USS Radford, and received a Presidential Citation from the Secretary of the Navy for his bravery in combat. He once led the rescue of hundreds of survivors of the sunken cruiser USS Helena while under attack from Japanese warships. Sturgess told Lanford that he remembered being at "the tip of the spear" serving near the Solomon Islands. "We had to act very quickly with the information we had," he said. "We couldn't contemplate it. We just had to act." After the war, Sturgess remained active in his community, eventually being named Atlanta Realtor of the Year. He was also president of the Sandy Springs Chamber of Commerce and president of the Sons of the American Revolution. What they're saying When asked by Lanford about his secret to living a long life, Sturgess was extremely modest. "It's all by God's grace because I didn't do anything different. I lived the same life that you're living now. It's just by God's grace that he's allowed me to live as long as I have," he said. What's next A celebration of Sturgess' life will be held at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Sandy Springs 30327 at 10 a.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family says contributions may be made in his name to the missions fund at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, where Sturgess served as deacon and elder. He is survived by his son, Robert Henley Sturgess, daughter-in-law Anne Sturgess, granddaughter Frances Julia Sturgess, stepsister Eleanor Whitfield, cousin Jerry Mowell, and several nephews and nieces. The Source Information for this story came from a previous FOX 5 report by Buck Lanford and Albert Sturgess, Jr,'s obituary.
