How WWII brought about the normalization of tattoos
Finding an ink-free service member is infinitely more rare than the alternative, but that is a relatively new phenomenon.
Pentagon & Congress
VA’s #2 leader downplays political strife between Congress, department
Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence said his relationship with congressional Democrats is strong, despite public fighting.
Senate panel backs plans for $456 billion VA budget next year
The proposed appropriations package would push total VA spending about $400 billion for the first time.
Veteran and US citizen arrested by ICE warns it could happen to anyone
The Army vet was arriving at work when federal agents surrounded his car, broke his window, pepper sprayed him, dragged him out and arrested him, he said.
Harvard to launch new service fellowship for veterans, federal workers
The American Service Fellowship will provide 50 students with free tuition for a one-year master's degree program.
New mortgage support program for struggling veterans set to become law
Congress passed a bill creating a new partial claim program for veterans who have fallen behind on mortgage payments.
Will RFK Jr.’s push for psychedelics help or hurt the emerging field?
Veterans groups are among those seeking to access the drug ibogaine and other psychedelics to treat PTSD, opioid addiction and other conditions.
House panel advances DOD policy bill with sweeping acquisition reforms
Both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have now approved their initial drafts of the annual defense authorization bill.
Senate confirms controversial vet to lead Pentagon personnel office
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata has made inflammatory comments about Democratic leaders and former President Barack Obama.
Pope Leo XIV is the son of a D-Day veteran
The first American to ever be elected pope is the son of D-Day veteran.
Lawmakers back White House FY26 plans for more troops, 3.8% pay hike
The military's active-duty end strength would grow by about 26,000 troops next year under plans being considered in the House and Senate.
House panel to mark up annual defense authorization bill this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 14, 2025.
Undersea expedition discovers bow of USS New Orleans, lost in WWII
On Nov. 30, 1942, a torpedo sank the heavy cruiser New Orleans, sending it to the bottom of the Pacific. Its whereabouts were lost to history — until now.
Ken Burns documentary on American Revolution to premiere this fall
As the U.S. prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Ken Burns is releasing a deep look into the fight for American independence.
VA expects 30K voluntary job cuts by October, erasing need for layoffs
More than 17,000 Veterans Affairs jobs have been eliminated or vacated since the start of the year.
‘A new challenge’: Air Force vet becomes two-time living organ donor
Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is a two-time living organ donor after giving a kidney to a fellow veteran and part of her liver to another recipient.
Veteran Kurt Russell discovers his surprising Revolutionary War ties
On July Fourth, actor Kurt Russell visited a small museum in Massachusetts dedicated to his ancestor, who was killed by British soldiers 250 years ago.
