Lawrence and Melanie Pruitt stand amidst the remains of their property after the Eaton Fires. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Los Angeles District is assisting the couple by clearing debris and hazardous materials, enabling them to begin the rebuilding process. This mission is part of a broader federal effort to help affected residents recover and return to their communities. USACE is actively partnering with Los Angeles County, CalOES, FEMA, and other organizations to support wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California. Currently, USACE has more than 450 personnel on-site, along with around 3,000 contractors providing support to local, state, and FEMA partners for those impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires on January 7. This workforce includes engineers, debris removal crews, safety officers, quality assurance specialists, and more from across the nation. Additionally, over 200 crews are working 12-hour days, seven days a week, specifically to remove debris, m...

  Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Capehart, the deputy commanding officer for support of the 3rd Infantry Division, and Gina M. DiNardo, president of the American Kennel Club, spoke at the AKC Agility Premier Cup on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on May 2, 2025. The AKC partnered with the 3rd ID to present "AKC Salutes the Troops" at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield.

  The United States Marines display ceremonial excellence with a Marine Barracks Washington Evening Parade, Friday, May 2, 2025.

  Matthew Valkenburgh joined the army seeking direction in life and discovered mixed martial arts. He retired in 2005 and quickly became a fighter, finding his passion for teaching and embracing the new challenges it presented.

  Luther Alexander pursued his passion for aviation by earning his pilot's license. He soon became an instructor and faced new challenges in becoming a successful teacher.

  Jared Billy experienced years of addiction and it effected his ability to become a successful tattoo artist. His passion for art helped in his journey of sobriety and he became two years clean.

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Carey became the 215th Freedom Flyer, taking to the skies in a T-38 Talon—more than five decades after his capture and imprisonment during the Vietnam War. Carey was deployed aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) when he was forced to eject over North Vietnam on August 31, 1967. He spent 2,022 days in captivity before being released on March 14, 1973, during Operation Homecoming. The Freedom Flight—traditionally reserved for Air Force POWs—symbolizes a return to the skies for those once grounded in captivity. Since the inaugural flight in 1973, the 560th FTS has flown 215 former POWs, reinforcing its unique role in honoring those who endured the hardships of war and captivity.