Image description: Wilbur, a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog with a Marine special operations team, takes a break with his handler after successfully searching a build site for an Afghan Local Police (ALP) checkpoint. The ALP complemented counterinsurgency efforts by assisting and supporting rural areas with a limited Afghan National Security Forces presence.
Photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, U.S. Department of Defense
May honors all members of the United States Military as part of Military Appreciation Month. The national observance is a special time to thank and honor our troops, veterans and their families for their dedication to protecting our country.
This year’s theme of the month-long observance is “The United States Armed Forces: The Strength of the Red, White and Blue.”
Find ways you can support members of our military and learn more about events near you.
Image description: Staff Sgt. Samuel Salgadovalle practices “Warrior Yoga” during a Soldier 360 course.
The Soldier 360 course helps noncommissioned officers tackle the effects of multiple deployments and the challenges of leading soldiers. Yoga is one of the physical activities recommended as an avenue to increase flexibility and strength while reducing stress.
Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Spradlin, U.S. Army
Image description: A firefighter airman starts a concrete saw during “emergency egress training” at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. The training provides practice cutting through aircraft canopies in the event that a pilot needs rescuing from an airplane on fire.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon Davis, U.S. Air Force
Image description: A ground crew member signals to a fighter jet as it returns from a flight during heavy snows at Naval Air Facility Misawa in Japan in January.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth G. Takada, U.S. Navy
 checkpoint. The ALP complemented counterinsurgency efforts by assisting and supporting rural areas with a limited Afghan National Security Forces presence.
Photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, U.S. Department of Defense)
