The USS San Antonio receives an 11-gun salute as it makes its way under the Verrazano Bridge and into the New York Harbor during Fort Hamilton’s annual Salute to Ships May 20.
Photo – Courtesy USAG Fort Hamilton
Raw footage of VCA Firing battery preparation for 4 July, 2011 at Battery Park
Slideshow of 4 July, 2011 photos at Battery Park
You have undoubtedly heard that we have just suffered the “deadliest day” in the 10 year war in Afghanistan. We lost 30 troops in a single incident. These are sailors, soldiers and airmen that will not be coming home. I am at a lost for words, but I hope you join us in extending condolences and best wishes to the families of those men that died.
As a recipient of GI Bill benefits , I was fortunate enough to get a paid (mostly anyway) education courtesy of my Uncle Sam. The GI Bill has changed several times since I separated, with the latest changes happening post 9/11. One of the biggest (and best) changes is the ability to transfer your benefits to your dependents. I wish I could do this now! Read the full story at the defense.gov web site and as a veteran, you should visit the Department of Veterans Affairs site often. Know your Veterans benefits. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that my buddy told me he was attending Columbia University at no cost. I kicked myself.
This story is worth retelling.
SSGT. Giunta is the first living soldier to earn the Medal since the Vietnam War. On 25 October 2007, SSGT. Giunta’s squad was ambushed while patrolling in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley. While under fire, he pulled another squad member back to cover; thus saving his life, and then he provided medical aid to another wounded soldier who had been wounded while the enemy was attempting to take him. SSGT. Giunta was serving with 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team’s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment at the time of the engagement.
President Obama will present the Medal of Honor to SSGT. Salvatore Giunta on 16 November 2010.
Full press release can be found here
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In 1944, 29 year old U.S. Army CAPT. George Vujnovich, attached to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), led a mission to rescue more than 500 downed U.S. airmen. 66 years later, on Sunday 17 October 2010, CAPT. Vujnovich (Later MAJ.), now 95, is presented the Bronze Star by Rep. Joseph Crowley at Manhattan’s St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.
Please join the VCA in congratulating and thanking MAJ. George Vujnovich for a job well done!