Latest news with #USMC
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Fort Worth organization raises awareness and support for veteran suicide prevention
An estimated 22 men and women who have served in our military are dying in battle each day. It's not from a battle in a combat zone, but rather a battle going on inside their own minds. Preventing suicide among US veterans is one of the missions that a Fort Worth-based organization is focused on addressing and bringing to the public's attention. When she joined the Marine Corps as a teenager, Kara Martin thought she had her career and future planned out. Kara Martin "I really enjoyed my time there," said U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Kara Martin. "I was only 17 when I went in." Her first years were spent building trust with her fellow Marines in a unit trained to believe in loyalty to each other above all. But when the young sergeant was sent to Afghanistan in 2011, Martin said that code was broken. "I endured a lot of sexual harassment in the military," said Martin. Harassment that she said escalated. "Some of my closest comrades, my fellow Marines, were those responsible for sexually harassing me, and then ultimately, while I was on tour," Martin said. "I was sexually assaulted by one of my fellow Marines at night while I was on the operating base in Afghanistan," she said. It led Martin to forego her dream of a military career. The trauma that the mother of two, who lives in Saginaw, has dealt with since then became overwhelming earlier this year. "Everybody around me would be better off if I wasn't here because I was damaged," said Martin. "Because the people I trusted hurt me the most." Martin became one of dozens of U.S. veterans who attempt suicide every day. "I took a bunch of medication that I was prescribed and I told everybody that I loved them and asked them to take care of my family," Martin said. "And I took them and just hoped that I wouldn't wake up." An average of 22 U.S. veterans a day die from suicide. Martin recovered from her attempt and got the help she needed from the Airpower Foundation. Kara Martin "That's the first time that I've received treatment—actually received treatment—that really helped me get through what I was going through and learn new coping skills," said Martin. The 36-year-old is now an advocate and will be taking part in Airpower Foundation's month-long Walk 22 event that starts on Sunday in Fort Worth. Of all the worthy resources and services that the nonprofit offers veterans, mental health treatment might be the most important and most needed. "This has always been something that is kind of taboo or in the dark or in the shadows and we want to shine a light on it and make it ok to talk about," said Melissa Dabi, the Airpower Foundation Executive Director. Martin said she's on a path of healing, but only because of the treatment she continues to receive. "They haven't just over and over again changed my life," she said. "They have ultimately saved my life ... I do not let the negative things that happened define me."
GMA Network
6 days ago
- General
- GMA Network
PH, US marines hold live-fire drill in Tarlac
Filipino personnel who are skilled in mortar operations exchanged knowledge and ideas with their US counterparts, according to the PMC. (Courtesy if the Philippine Marines) The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) conducted a joint live-fire exercise at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac on Thursday as part of the Kamandag Exercise. In a statement, the PMC said the 81mm mortar was used in the activity. 'PMC fired mortar rounds at designated targets, demonstrating accuracy. The USMC likewise showcased their own mortar operations, performing their methods for target acquisition and fire correction before successfully engaging their assigned targets,' the PMC said. Filipino personnel who are skilled in mortar operations exchanged knowledge and ideas with their US counterparts, according to the PMC. The exercise also exhibited coordinated fire adjustments facilitated by forward observers to enhance accuracy on the battlefield, the PMC added. An observer from Thailand witnessed the live-fire exercise. 'The live-fire exercise highlights the enduring partnership between the PMC and USMC in their mutual commitment to enhancing and readiness through continued cooperation and joint training,' the PMC said. This year's Kamandag Exercise officially commenced on May 26 and is scheduled to conclude on June 6. PMC commandant Major General Arturo Rojas said a total of around 4,000 participants are expected to join the training. The US missile system Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) will be used in the training. Among the exercises that will be featured in this year's Kamandag are the following: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRN) Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) Senior Enlisted Leaders Symposium (SELS) Maritime & Special Operation Forces events Live Fire Integration Maritime Strike Counter-Landing/Defensive Retrograde Operation Special Operating Forces Strike Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. –NB, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
World War II veteran among those honored at HHI Memorial Day ceremony
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV) – Monday, Hilton Head Island's annual ceremony drew dozens of veterans and hundreds of people who showed their respect for those who fought. 'We honor those today that gave the ultimate love. You can't give any more than they did.' USMC Colonel Kenneth Delmazo said from the podium. That was why this crowd came to the Hilton Head Veterans Memorial to honor those who fought and those who sacrificed for our country. 'They put their lives in danger,' Delmazo said. 'They left their families. They answered the nation's call when it was needed. Regardless of the politics of the day, it didn't matter. And here's what always gets me. And when I think about this, they did it for people they don't even know.' The 32nd annual event sponsored by the Navy League offered patriotic music and a special resolution offered by Mayor Alan Perry from the town to all veterans. That resolution was then given to the longest serving and surviving member of the military at today's ceremony, World War two veteran Gerald Hushour. Hushour is 97 years old and offered a very simple message on carrying on a long life. 'Exercise and don't get upset over political problems,' said a smiling Hushour. Among the veterans and citizens who came to the event, the entire Gleason family. More than a dozen people from four generations. They have come to the Island for vacation and come to this ceremony for 18 years in a row. They say it is the best way they can think of to honor their father and grandfather, a World War two veteran himself who first brought them to the annual event. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Military Pullback in Africa Opens Door for China and Russia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. military is shifting its Africa strategy away from long-standing efforts to address governance and root causes of conflict. Instead, Washington is pressing African security forces to operate more independently as America reduces its footprint. At African Lion 2025, the U.S. military's largest joint exercise on the continent, this strategic shift was evident. "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing," General Michael Langley, the top U.S. military official in Africa, told The Associated Press. Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. Why It Matters This transition comes amid rising threats from Islamist insurgents and expanding influence by Russia and China on the continent. While the U.S. reduces direct involvement, militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and Islamic State are gaining ground, increasing the risk of violence spreading beyond current hotspots. The shift also reflects Pentagon priorities under President Donald Trump's administration, focusing resources on homeland defense and expecting allies to assume greater responsibility. Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of... Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. More Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo What To Know African Lion, held across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, brought together troops from over 40 nations for a month of joint training in air, land, and sea operations. Exercises included drone flights, close-combat drills, and satellite-guided rocket launches. But alongside these maneuvers, the military's messaging has moved away from its traditional "whole of government" approach that combined defense, diplomacy, and development to stabilize fragile states. General Langley said that the U.S. now aims to build partner capacity rather than lead security efforts. "We have our set priorities now — protecting the homeland. And we're also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas," he said, citing ongoing support for Sudan. Beijing and Moscow Influence Meanwhile, China and Russia are rapidly expanding their influence in Africa through military training, arms sales, and private mercenaries. China runs extensive cooperation programs, including joint exercises with several African nations, aiming to secure strategic partnerships and resource access. Russia, via the Wagner Group and other contractors, provides combat support in the Sahel and Central Africa, gaining ground in unstable regions. These moves challenge the U.S.'s traditional security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back. A target is hit with artillery fire as U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025.... A target is hit with artillery fire as U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. More Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo What People Are Saying U.S. General Michael Langley stated: "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in April: "We have held the first meeting in the new Russia-Alliance of Sahel States format... Russia confirmed today that it is prepared to... assist in formation of the Joint Forces of the Alliance of Sahel States by providing advisory services." What Happens Next As General Langley prepares to leave his post later this year, the U.S. military faces mounting challenges maintaining influence while encouraging African nations to assume greater security roles. Whether partners can rise to the task amid growing insurgencies and rival powers will shape the future of U.S.-Africa relations and regional stability.
GMA Network
26-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH, US marines open Kamandag exercise; NMESIS to be used in training
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) officially opened Monday their Kamandag Exercise for this year with the participation of other countries. At a press conference, PMC commandant Major General Arturo Rojas said a total of around 4,000 participants are expected to join the training, which is set to be completed on June 6. 'We have around 2,000 for the PMC side and around the same number with our USMC counterparts,' Rojas said. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and United Kingdom Armed Forces will also participate in Kamandag. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, Bahrain, Canada, New Zealand, among others, will serve as observers. The US' missile system Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) will be used in training, according to Rojas. 'We'll be using the NMESIS also. Again, be able to learn and sustain what we have, what we did in the past Balikatan,' he said. The NMESIS will be deployed to the northern Luzon area, according to USMC's Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 25.3 commanding officer Colonel Jason Armas. 'These are scenario-driven exercises where we will conduct operations with the NMESIS, which is a great capability. It extends the commander's operational reach. And what it really does is it continues to validate Force Design 2030 for the USMC,' Armas said. 'And I would argue that it truly enhances the archipelagic coastal defense concept for the Philippine Armed Forces and really moving forward in modernization,' he added. Among the exercises that will be featured in this year's Kamandag are the following: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRN) Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) Senior Enlisted Leaders Symposium (SELS) Maritime & Special Operation Forces events Live Fire Integration Maritime Strike Counter-Landing/Defensive Retrograde Operation Special Operating Forces Strike Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
