Airline Experience Begs Question,
‘Who Are America’s Heroes?’

The challenge issued by a flight attendant during a recent commercial air flight seemed innocuous enough: “Name just one of the five Medal of Honor recipients from the current engagements in Afghanistan or Iraq, and get a free drink coupon.”

But the passengers’ response – more specifically, the inability of all but just one to respond – revealed how little the average American knows about its military heroes. (continue reading…)

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan, March 10, 2009 – Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment — the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Afghanistan — now have a special group of people to help them complete their mission in Afghanistan.

The task force’s all-female Marine team is interacting with the Afghan female population in southern Afghanistan — a task considered culturally unacceptable for the male Marines operating there.

A similar program has been used in combat operations in Iraq, but this is the first time Marine forces in Afghanistan have employed the concept, officials said.

Marine Corps Capt. Mike Hoffman, commanding officer of 3/8′s Company I, said the all-female team is an important asset for his Marines.

“[The team] provides us access to half of the population that we normally do not have access to,” Hoffman said. “They did extremely well interacting with the female villagers.”

Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Johanna Shaffer, the team leader, said their first mission, a cordon-and-search operation in support of Operation Pathfinder, was very successful. (continue reading…)