WEATHER ALERT
St. Johns County students to attend school on Veterans Day to make up for time missed during hurricane
Read full article: St. Johns County students to attend school on Veterans Day to make up for time missed during hurricaneTo make up for one of the days students missed when two hurricanes shut down schools in Northeast Florida, the St. Johns County School District is having students come to school on Veterans Day, the district announced on Wednesday.
Taking a bow-wow: Military Working Dog Bronco pawses for applause in Naval Station Mayport retirement
Read full article: Taking a bow-wow: Military Working Dog Bronco pawses for applause in Naval Station Mayport retirementMilitary Working Dog Bronco, a chocolate Labrador, will receive a full retirement ceremony Friday at Naval Station Mayport.
The drownings of 2 Navy SEALs were preventable, military investigation finds
Read full article: The drownings of 2 Navy SEALs were preventable, military investigation findsA military investigation has concluded that two U.S. Navy SEALs drowned as they tried to climb aboard a ship carrying illicit Iranian-made weapons to Yemen because of glaring training failures and a lack of understanding about what to do after a fall into deep, turbulent waters.
‘A friend to us all’: Local D-Day veteran who shared story of service, survival dies at 99
Read full article: ‘A friend to us all’: Local D-Day veteran who shared story of service, survival dies at 99Herbert Griffin, the local D-Day veteran who shared his story of service and survival with News4AX and other media outlets died Wednesday, according to Doug Myers, president of Jax Home Health, Inc.
Jacksonville community gathers at Cecil Field for day of celebration, remembrance for POW/MIA Recognition Day
Read full article: Jacksonville community gathers at Cecil Field for day of celebration, remembrance for POW/MIA Recognition DayFriday is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It is a day to remember Americans who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home. Events are planned around our area over the next two days to honor them.
Orange Park woman was inspiration behind POW/MIA flag. Her kids share the agonizing story behind the idea
Read full article: Orange Park woman was inspiration behind POW/MIA flag. Her kids share the agonizing story behind the ideaMary Hoff was instrumental in the creation of the iconic POW/MIA flag. United States. Her husband's plane was shot down in 1970. He is still missing in action.
Events planned Friday, Saturday to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day in Jacksonville
Read full article: Events planned Friday, Saturday to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day in JacksonvilleFriday is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It is a day to remember Americans who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home. Events are planned around our area over the next two days to honor them.
‘It has helped me to find myself again’: US Army veteran finds additional help at VA resource fair
Read full article: ‘It has helped me to find myself again’: US Army veteran finds additional help at VA resource fairHundreds of veterans packed VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Thursday to find resources available to them, especially for suicide prevention.
Guam to Georgia: Pup's journey to reunite with rescue mom will knock your 'Socks' off
Read full article: Guam to Georgia: Pup's journey to reunite with rescue mom will knock your 'Socks' offSgt. Smith from Valdosta, Georgia, can now fly her adorable adopted pup Socks from Guam to her new fur-ever home!
Local nonprofits encouraged to apply for VyStar Foundation’s youth grants of up to $20K
Read full article: Local nonprofits encouraged to apply for VyStar Foundation’s youth grants of up to $20KVyStar Foundation started accepting requests Monday from local nonprofits to apply for a grant of up to $20,000 as part of the foundation’s youth grant cycle.
‘It’s so empowering’: AARP hosts ‘A Tribute to American Servicewomen’ in Jacksonville
Read full article: ‘It’s so empowering’: AARP hosts ‘A Tribute to American Servicewomen’ in JacksonvilleAARP hosted “A Tribute to America’s Servicewomen.” Dozens of servicewomen gathered for discussion panels, guest speakers and special presentation.
‘If I die tomorrow, I ain’t got no regrets’: Georgia Vietnam veteran shares harrowing story for the first time
Read full article: ‘If I die tomorrow, I ain’t got no regrets’: Georgia Vietnam veteran shares harrowing story for the first timeA Vietnam veteran from Waycross, Georgia is sharing his story for the first time.
USNS Burlington returns to Naval Station Mayport after humanitarian deployment
Read full article: USNS Burlington returns to Naval Station Mayport after humanitarian deploymentU.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet said the USNS Burlington will return Thursday afternoon, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m.
New IPA hopes to bring awareness to veteran suicide prevention efforts in Northeast Florida
Read full article: New IPA hopes to bring awareness to veteran suicide prevention efforts in Northeast FloridaThe Fire Watch and Veterans United are teaming up two make a “hazy,” “New England” style IPA, branded with resources meant to help veterans who are struggling.
Military families enjoy free back-to-school bash at several YMCA locations across Northeast Florida
Read full article: Military families enjoy free back-to-school bash at several YMCA locations across Northeast FloridaStudents are just weeks away from heading back to school and to help the families of men and women who’ve protected our country, First Coast YMCA and VyStar Credit Union held a back-to-school bash for them Saturday morning.
WWII pilot from Jacksonville, 24, accounted for 79 years after being killed in Papua New Guinea
Read full article: WWII pilot from Jacksonville, 24, accounted for 79 years after being killed in Papua New GuineaThe Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced on Thursday that U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Alfred J. Hamwey, 24, of Jacksonville, killed during World War II, was accounted for in May.
Local active-duty military, veterans enrolled in transition training program celebrate graduation
Read full article: Local active-duty military, veterans enrolled in transition training program celebrate graduationA classroom full of active-duty military and veterans enrolled in the Operation New Uniform’s (ONU) transition training program will graduate Friday morning.
If you’re active-duty military & you’re lending a helping hand, don’t hand over your phone, the FTC warns
Read full article: If you’re active-duty military & you’re lending a helping hand, don’t hand over your phone, the FTC warnsPeople are reporting millions of dollars lost in a scam that targets active-duty military and plays on their desire to help.
Urgent call for service: Beaches Honor Guard seeking military volunteers to help fulfill requests across Jacksonville
Read full article: Urgent call for service: Beaches Honor Guard seeking military volunteers to help fulfill requests across JacksonvilleThe Beaches Honor Guard needs more active duty military members or veterans to help fulfill different requests.
‘Swamp Foxes’ return to NAS Jacksonville following 9-month deployment overseas
Read full article: ‘Swamp Foxes’ return to NAS Jacksonville following 9-month deployment overseasThe “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 will return home to NAS Jacksonville this weekend following a nine-month deployment overseas.
‘We’re his family today’: Hundreds gather at Jacksonville National Cemetery to lay veteran with no known family to rest
Read full article: ‘We’re his family today’: Hundreds gather at Jacksonville National Cemetery to lay veteran with no known family to restHundreds of people across the region answered a call to help lay a local veteran with no known family to rest.
Senate’s NDAA would require women to register for selective service if there were a military draft
Read full article: Senate’s NDAA would require women to register for selective service if there were a military draftIf H.R. 8070 passes and becomes law, men and women will have to register for selective service in case the military ever executes the draft.
TELL US: What do you think about a law requiring qualified women to sign up for a military draft?
Read full article: TELL US: What do you think about a law requiring qualified women to sign up for a military draft?We want to hear from you. What do you think about a law requiring qualified women to sign up for a military draft?
‘Absolutely amazing’: Military spouses showered with gifts, food, massages at unique Jacksonville event
Read full article: ‘Absolutely amazing’: Military spouses showered with gifts, food, massages at unique Jacksonville eventJacksonville is home to Florida’s largest population of military families. And Thursday, the city is set to host a memorable evening dedicated to the spouses of retired and active military members.
‘Little sense of home’: Volunteers team up to send thousands of packages to deployed military members
Read full article: ‘Little sense of home’: Volunteers team up to send thousands of packages to deployed military membersCSX and Operation Gratitude teamed up Saturday morning inside the Prime Osborn Center to prepare thousands of care packages for deployed military service members.
A Chinese military buff inadvertently bought 4 books of military secrets for under $1
Read full article: A Chinese military buff inadvertently bought 4 books of military secrets for under $1A military history buff in China appears to have made an alarming discovery after picking up four books for less than $1 at a neighborhood recycling station.
NCIS investigating after Wisconsin crewman dies during training exercise at Naval Air Station Jacksonville
Read full article: NCIS investigating after Wisconsin crewman dies during training exercise at Naval Air Station JacksonvilleA Wisconsin Chief Naval Aircrewman died earlier this month during a training exercise at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
‘Just enjoy life’: WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and Navy sailors
Read full article: ‘Just enjoy life’: WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and Navy sailorsFamily, friends, and U.S. Navy sailors surprised a World War II veteran with a 100th birthday celebration at his home in Fleming Island Sunday afternoon.
Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association launches virtual museum to preserve veterans’ stories
Read full article: Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association launches virtual museum to preserve veterans’ storiesThe Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association recently launched a Veterans Museum to make sure important information is never lost.
Local group among those who commemorate 80th anniversary of D-Day parachute drop
Read full article: Local group among those who commemorate 80th anniversary of D-Day parachute dropAhead of this week's ceremonies, dozens re-created the mass parachute drop that cleared the way for the historic landing, including a group that trained in Northeast Florida.
City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department hosts Memorial Day observance
Read full article: City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department hosts Memorial Day observanceVeterans, service members, government leaders, loved ones and other citizens will gather in memory of Jacksonville’s fallen heroes at the City’s annual Memorial Day observance.
Nonprofit to host job fair at NAS Jacksonville to help veterans transition out of military, into workforce
Read full article: Nonprofit to host job fair at NAS Jacksonville to help veterans transition out of military, into workforceA national nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans transition out of the military and into the workforce will host a career fair at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
‘You never forget’: Jacksonville National Cemetery holds traditional ceremony to honor fallen heroes
Read full article: ‘You never forget’: Jacksonville National Cemetery holds traditional ceremony to honor fallen heroesThe Jacksonville National Cemetery held its traditional “Memorial Day Observance “ ceremony Saturday morning to remember those who died while fighting for our country.
880 crosses honoring veterans, fallen heroes line Baker County streets ahead of Memorial Day
Read full article: 880 crosses honoring veterans, fallen heroes line Baker County streets ahead of Memorial DayFrom one side of U.S. 90 near Lowder Street to the other, it's impossible to miss the touching display of crosses and flags lining that stretch of road in honor of local military heroes for Memorial Day.
Volunteers help place thousands of flags on graves at Jacksonville National Cemetery for Memorial Day ceremony
Read full article: Volunteers help place thousands of flags on graves at Jacksonville National Cemetery for Memorial Day ceremonyVolunteers are needed Thursday to help place thousands of flags on graves at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
‘Above and beyond the call of duty’: USS Carney returns to Mayport after historic deployment in Middle East
Read full article: ‘Above and beyond the call of duty’: USS Carney returns to Mayport after historic deployment in Middle EastThe USS Carney returned to Naval Station Mayport on Sunday morning after a dangerous and historic seven-month deployment in the Middle East.
Gallery: USS Carney heroes return to Mayport after historic 7-month deployment
Read full article: Gallery: USS Carney heroes return to Mayport after historic 7-month deploymentMore than 500 people went to Naval Station Mayport Sunday morning to welcome the heroes aboard the USS Carney who returned after a dangerous and historic seven-month deployment in the Middle East.
Jacksonville executives gather to repair Navy veteran’s home in Atlantic Beach
Read full article: Jacksonville executives gather to repair Navy veteran’s home in Atlantic BeachA team of Jacksonville executives gathered Friday morning to perform repairs on a veteran’s home in the Oak Harbor neighborhood in Atlantic Beach.
Veterans soar to new heights with drone pilot training program
Read full article: Veterans soar to new heights with drone pilot training programVeterans with the Wounded Warrior Project are learning on how to become drone pilots as part of a collaboration with CSX Railroad Transportation to diversify job opportunities and employ more veterans.
Congress honors deceased Korean War hero with lying in honor ceremony
Read full article: Congress honors deceased Korean War hero with lying in honor ceremonyCongress has given one of its highest final tributes, a lying in honor ceremony at the Capitol, to Medal of Honor Recipient Ralph Puckett Jr. He led an outnumbered company in battle during the Korean War and was the last surviving veteran of that war to receive the Medal of Honor.
K9s for Warriors to add a Veterinary Clinic for its service dogs
Read full article: K9s for Warriors to add a Veterinary Clinic for its service dogsK9s for Warriors will soon be able to give their service dogs top-of-the-line medical care on their Ponte Vedra campus. On Wednesday, the group broke ground on the state-of-the-art Duffield Veterinary Clinic.
Volunteers come together to beautify transitional housing center for veterans experiencing homelessness
Read full article: Volunteers come together to beautify transitional housing center for veterans experiencing homelessnessDozens of volunteers came together Saturday morning to spruce up a facility that provides transitional housing for veterans who are experiencing homelessness.
‘One big happy family’: Local veterans embark on special trip to visit war memorials in Washington
Read full article: ‘One big happy family’: Local veterans embark on special trip to visit war memorials in WashingtonNearly two dozen veterans flew to the nation’s capital Saturday morning as a part of the First Coast Honor Flight.
‘Mad Foxes’ return home to NAS Jacksonville after 6-month deployment in Japan
Read full article: ‘Mad Foxes’ return home to NAS Jacksonville after 6-month deployment in JapanPatrol Squadron Five (VP-5), the “Mad Foxes,” returned home to the Naval Air Station Jacksonville Monday morning after a six-month deployment in Misawa, Japan.
Ugly weather doesn’t dampen beautiful homecoming for ‘Fighting Tigers’ of NAS Jax
Read full article: Ugly weather doesn’t dampen beautiful homecoming for ‘Fighting Tigers’ of NAS JaxDespite less than beautiful weather, the sun shone in the hearts of many Wednesday at Naval Air Station Jacksonville as dozens of families welcomed home the "Fighting Tigers" of the VP-8 squadron following a six-month deployment to Japan.
From being spit on to being honored: Vietnam War veterans recognized in Jacksonville ceremony
Read full article: From being spit on to being honored: Vietnam War veterans recognized in Jacksonville ceremonyThe Jacksonville National Cemetery hosted its annual ceremony to commend many for their courage and sacrifice in the Vietnam War.
Mayor signs Jacksonville Heroes Act to increase benefits for city employees who serve in the military
Read full article: Mayor signs Jacksonville Heroes Act to increase benefits for city employees who serve in the militaryMayor Donna Deegan is hosting a signing ceremony for the Jacksonville Heroes Act.
‘It was love at first sight’: Jacksonville couple gears up to celebrate 75 years of wedded bliss
Read full article: ‘It was love at first sight’: Jacksonville couple gears up to celebrate 75 years of wedded blissIf you were to step inside the Guerra family home near Regency, you might find at least three generations visiting in the family room.
Local retired Navy pilot weighs in on possible impact of US Army sergeant accused of selling military secrets to China
Read full article: Local retired Navy pilot weighs in on possible impact of US Army sergeant accused of selling military secrets to ChinaA week after a U.S. Army Sergeant was arrested and accused of selling top-secret records to the Chinese government, a local retired Navy pilot is weighing on the possible impact his arrest could have on the Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia military community.
‘It destroyed my frigging house!’: Calls flood Putnam County Sheriff’s Office after F-15 sonic boom causes damage
Read full article: ‘It destroyed my frigging house!’: Calls flood Putnam County Sheriff’s Office after F-15 sonic boom causes damageThe Putnam County Sheriff’s Office got more than a dozen calls on Saturday after an apparent sonic boom from low-flying jets shocked residents and caused damage ranging from items falling off walls to broken glass.
‘It feels like a miracle’: Jacksonville reservist now homeowner thanks to affordable housing program with HabiJax
Read full article: ‘It feels like a miracle’: Jacksonville reservist now homeowner thanks to affordable housing program with HabiJaxA military hero will soon be moving into the house she just bought with the help of Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax).
USS Delbert D. Black returns to Mayport after deployment overseas prompted by conflict in Israel
Read full article: USS Delbert D. Black returns to Mayport after deployment overseas prompted by conflict in IsraelThe USS Delbert D. Black returned to Naval Station Mayport Sunday after being deployed for almost three months in the Eastern Mediterranean.
‘She was serving our country’: Community pays respects to Army Sergeant Kennedy Sanders
Read full article: ‘She was serving our country’: Community pays respects to Army Sergeant Kennedy SandersThe community gathered in Waycross Friday to honor Army Sergeant Kennedy Sanders, the 24-year-old who was among the three soldiers killed in a drone attack in Jordan in late January.
A closer look at Jacksonville-based Navy assets in combat operations
Read full article: A closer look at Jacksonville-based Navy assets in combat operationsWe’ve told you about the Jacksonville-based Navy ships, helicopters and crews involved in combat operations over the past year. And, as the US Navy continues to serve in the Red Sea, engaging with Iranian-backed Houthi missiles and drones, we wanted to take a closer look at the Jacksonville-based assets involved.
Recently deployed councilman proposes giving city employees who are military members more pay when called for duty
Read full article: Recently deployed councilman proposes giving city employees who are military members more pay when called for dutyCity Councilman Rory Diamond, who serves in the Florida Army National Guard, wants the city of Jacksonville to do something to alleviate struggles for city employees who serve in the military.
Myanmar will start drafting 5,000 people a month into the military soon. Some think of fleeing
Read full article: Myanmar will start drafting 5,000 people a month into the military soon. Some think of fleeingMyanmar’s military government says it will draft 60,000 young men and women yearly for military service under its newly activated conscription law, with call-ups beginning after the April festival marking the country’s traditional New Year.
Hundreds come out to honor fallen soldier Kennedy Sanders as she is brought home to Waycross
Read full article: Hundreds come out to honor fallen soldier Kennedy Sanders as she is brought home to WaycrossA local soldier who was killed in the line of duty overseas will be remembered Saturday during a funeral service in her native Waycross, Georgia.
Facing setbacks against resistance forces, Myanmar's military government activates conscription law
Read full article: Facing setbacks against resistance forces, Myanmar's military government activates conscription lawMyanmar’s military government has for the first time activated a decade-old conscription law that makes young men and women subject to at least two years of military service if called up, effective immediately.
‘Great economic boom for our city’: Boeing debuts new facilities set to bring 300+ jobs to Jacksonville
Read full article: ‘Great economic boom for our city’: Boeing debuts new facilities set to bring 300+ jobs to JacksonvilleElected officials and community leaders on Friday are set to cut the ribbon and tour the new 385,000-square-foot complex housing Boeing’s state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for military aircraft.
Moved to serve: These Black women in Jacksonville are continuing to push history forward in the military
Read full article: Moved to serve: These Black women in Jacksonville are continuing to push history forward in the militaryFrom the Revolutionary War to serving in the Middle East: Looking at the history of Black women in the military
Home sweet home: Hundreds of USS Farragut crew members return to Mayport after months-long deployment
Read full article: Home sweet home: Hundreds of USS Farragut crew members return to Mayport after months-long deploymentHundreds of men and women aboard the USS Farragut returned to Naval Station Mayport Saturday morning.
‘We hear them and are here for them’: Jacksonville artist paints portrait of Waycross soldier killed in Jordan
Read full article: ‘We hear them and are here for them’: Jacksonville artist paints portrait of Waycross soldier killed in JordanA Jacksonville artist is creating a special piece for the family of a soldier killed in Jordan earlier this week.
Mayport Mitch predicts 6 more weeks of winter; contradicting Punxsutawney Phil’s early spring prediction
Read full article: Mayport Mitch predicts 6 more weeks of winter; contradicting Punxsutawney Phil’s early spring predictionNaval Station Mayport sailors and their families took a dip Friday morning in the frigid base beach waters for a “Polar Plunge” with “Mayport Mitch,” the famed base groundhog.
Soldier from Waycross is one of three killed in drone attack on US base in Jordan
Read full article: Soldier from Waycross is one of three killed in drone attack on US base in JordanThree US Army soldiers were killed and more than 30 service members were injured in a drone attack in Jordan. The attack happened at Tower 22 in Jordan near the border with Syria. Specialist Kennedy Sanders of Waycross was one of the three killed.
Local Navy helicopter pilot meets son for first time after nearly 9-month deployment
Read full article: Local Navy helicopter pilot meets son for first time after nearly 9-month deploymentOne member of the "Spartans" helicopter squadron based out of NAS Jacksonville met his baby for the first time Sunday when the pilots returned from a nearly nine-month deployment.
SnapJAX Stories: Photography becomes therapy for local man
Read full article: SnapJAX Stories: Photography becomes therapy for local manIt was a photo on SnapJAX of a woman sitting in the intricate branches of a coral tree that got my attention. I talked with the man behind the picture and found out he has quite the story himself.
Mayport-based USS Mason among ships fending off attacks from Houthi rebels in Red Sea
Read full article: Mayport-based USS Mason among ships fending off attacks from Houthi rebels in Red SeaRebels from Yemen overnight launched a barrage of missiles and drones toward passing ships in the Red Sea, and a Mayport-based guided-missile destroyer, the USS Mason, helped fend off the attacks.
The Air Force said its nuclear missile capsules were safe. But toxic dangers lurked, documents show
Read full article: The Air Force said its nuclear missile capsules were safe. But toxic dangers lurked, documents showDocuments show the risks toxic substances posed in the underground capsules and silos where Air Force nuclear missile crews have worked since the 1960s.
Independent lawyers begin prosecuting cases of sexual assault and other crimes in the US military
Read full article: Independent lawyers begin prosecuting cases of sexual assault and other crimes in the US militaryThe U.S. military is now putting independent lawyers in charge of its investigations of sexual assault and other major crimes, what Secretary of Defense Lloyd J.