An elite team of Marines has been dispatched to Haiti to help defend the U.S. embassy there after the country&#8217;s prime minister announced his resignation and gang violence continues to spiral out of control.
The Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (F.A.S.T.) team was dispatched as chaos reigns in the streets and Jimmy &#8220;Barbecue&#8221; Cherizier, a former policeman-turned-gangster, called for a &#8220;bloody revolution.&#8221; Nearly two dozen gangs control an estimated 80% of Haiti&#8217;s capital, Port-au-Prince, the Daily Mail <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13191889/Pentagon-sends-anti-terrorism-Marines-Haiti-beef-security-U-S-embassy-country-brink-civil-war.html">reported</a>. &#8220;Barbecue&#8221; is the leader of one of the prominent gang coalitions that have emerged in the city.
&#8220;At the request of the Department of State, the U.S. Southern Command deployed a U.S. Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to maintain strong security capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and conduct relief in place for our current Marines, a common and routine practice worldwide. The U.S. Embassy remains open, and limited operations continue, focused on assistance to US citizens and supporting Haitian led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power,&#8221; a statement from the U.S. Southern Command said, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/more-us-marines-deployed-to-help-secure-us-embassy-in-haiti/">according</a> to CBS News.
The U.S. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/u-s-military-evacuates-embassy-staff-in-haiti-as-yet-another-country-erupts-in-turmoil-under-biden">evacuated</a> non-essential personnel from the embassy over the weekend as violence in the country&#8217;s capital escalated. Thousands of criminals poured into the streets after gangs stormed the Port-au-Prince jail. They have also attacked the capital&#8217;s airport and engaged in firefights with cops.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/haiti-prime-minister-ariel-henry-resigning-once-transitional-council-formed/">agreed</a> to resign on Tuesday after he was unable to re-enter the country because the violence closed the country&#8217;s airports. He is currently in Puerto Rico.
Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) organized a mission that helped 10 Americans who were working at an orphanage in the capital evacuate the country, the Daily Mail reported.
Mills slammed the Biden administration&#8217;s &#8220;pattern of abandonment&#8221; of U.S. citizens, <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/13/us-news/congressman-evacuates-10-americans-from-crime-ravaged-haiti-slams-biden-for-pattern-of-abandonment/">telling</a> Fox News Digital, &#8220;This mission reiterates a disturbing reality under President Biden&#8217;s leadership: American lives are continually jeopardized. I have led missions to rescue Americans multiple times when Joe Biden has deserted them.&#8221;
Mills previously helped Americans escape Afghanistan during Biden&#8217;s 2021 withdrawal and helped nearly three dozen Americans get out of Israel in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attack in late 2023, the New York Post <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/13/us-news/congressman-evacuates-10-americans-from-crime-ravaged-haiti-slams-biden-for-pattern-of-abandonment/">noted</a>.
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&#8220;Yet again, this group was left behind by Biden and his State Department after requesting their help in-country,&#8221; he added.
Nearly 1,200 people have been killed as a result of the violence raging in the Caribbean nation, according to CBS News.

HAITI-POLITICS-UNREST-DEMONSTRATION

Elite Marine Team Deployed To Protect U.S. Embassy In Haiti As Country Descends Into Chaos

Conflicts

Haiti

Marines

World

The five U.S. Marines who died when their <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/all-5-marines-in-california-helicopter-crash-confirmed-dead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">helicopter crashed</a> in a mountainous region in southern California on Tuesday have been identified by the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar.
The victims were identified as Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Kansas; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Arizona; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Idaho; Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of New Hampshire; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Michigan, Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/5-marines-killed-california-helicopter-crash-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. Davis and Langen, the youngest members of the crew, were both crew chiefs, while Moulton, Casey, and Nava were helicopter pilots.
&#8220;We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family’s worst fear,&#8221; said Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, who leads the  Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361. &#8220;Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve. The Flying Tigers family stands strong and includes the friends and community who have supported our squadron during this challenging time. We will get through this together.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The five deceased Marines from the CH-53E helicopter mishap on February 6, 2024, have been identified. 
Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis 
Sgt. Alec Langen
Capt. Benjamin Moulton
Capt. Jack Casey
Capt. Miguel Nava
Additional information can be found at: <a href="https://t.co/whtVWUhEGN">https://t.co/whtVWUhEGN</a> <a href="https://t.co/LUDVUThJ3S">pic.twitter.com/LUDVUThJ3S</a>
&mdash; Camp Pendleton (@MCIWPendletonCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCIWPendletonCA/status/1756040529912189065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The 21-year-old Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2019 and was promoted to Lance Corporal just last month. He was decorated with the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Langen was promoted to sergeant in 2022 after enlisting in the Marine Corps five years earlier. He was decorated with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
Moulton joined the Marines in 2019 and worked his way to the rank of captain by August 2023. The 27-year-old was awarded a National Defense Service Medal. Casey joined the Marine Corps in May 2019 and was promoted to captain a little over four years later. He also received a National Defense Service Medal. Nava became a Marine in May 2017 and was promoted to captain in November 2021. He received the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter transporting the five Marines from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/helicopter-with-5-u-s-marines-found-after-going-missing-search-for-crew-ongoing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">went missing</a> on Tuesday. The helicopter was reported as “overdue,” prompting a search and rescue operation before authorities with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the Civil Air Patrol found the helicopter in a snowy mountainous region on Wednesday, The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/08/us/helicopter-crash-5-marines-dead.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
Hours later, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing announced that all the Marines on board the helicopter were dead.
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“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Flying Tigers’ while conducting a training flight last night,” Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte said in a statement. “These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so.”
The cause of the deadly crash is being investigated, but the helicopter reportedly encountered bad weather before it was last heard from at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Military Identifies 5 Marines Killed In California Helicopter Crash

California

Death

U.S. Military

The five Marines aboard a helicopter that <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/helicopter-with-5-u-s-marines-found-after-going-missing-search-for-crew-ongoing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">went missing</a> and was later found to have crashed in California earlier this week are dead, the U.S. military said Thursday morning.
The helicopter was flying from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego for a routine training exercise when it was reported as &#8220;overdue,&#8221; prompting a search and rescue operation. Authorities with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the Civil Air Patrol found the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter while searching a snowy mountainous region on Wednesday, The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/08/us/helicopter-crash-5-marines-dead.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
Hours later, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing announced that all the Marines on board the helicopter were dead.
&#8220;It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the &#8216;Flying Tigers&#8217; while conducting a training flight last night,&#8221; Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte said in a statement. &#8220;These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Update: The five 3rd MAW Marines have been confirmed deceased. 
“To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time.” -Maj. Gen. Borgschulte, 3rd MAW Commanding General <a href="https://t.co/CBLs2jDKWG">pic.twitter.com/CBLs2jDKWG</a>
&mdash; 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (@3rdmaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/3rdmaw/status/1755576079710818351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The U.S. military did not identify the five deceased Marines as policy requires their identities to remain concealed until 24 hours after all next-of-kin have been notified. As of Thursday morning, authorities were still working to recover the Marines&#8217; remains and launch an investigation into what caused the deadly crash.
&#8220;To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time,&#8221; Borgschulte added.
President Joe Biden issued a <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/02/08/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-loss-of-u-s-marines-in-california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> Thursday saying he and first lady Jill Biden &#8220;are heartbroken at the loss of five U.S. Marines.&#8221;
&#8220;As the Department of Defense continues to assess what occurred, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nation’s finest warriors,&#8221; Biden said.
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The crash comes a month after six U.S. Navy crewmembers, who were operating an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-12/crew-rescued-after-navy-helicopter-crashes-into-san-diego-bay" target="_blank" rel="noopener">survived</a> a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/navy-helicopter-carrying-six-people-crashes-into-san-diego-bay">crash</a> into the San Diego Bay and were rescued off the coast of Coronado by a nearby Navy vessel.

CH-53E Super Stallion

All 5 Marines In California Helicopter Crash Confirmed Dead

Military

San Diego

U.S.

The U.S. Department of Defense is warning Congress of continued military recruitment struggles as the country will enter the new year with its smallest fighting force since before World War II. 
Ashish Vazirani, the Pentagon’s acting undersecretary for personnel and readiness, told the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday that the Army, Navy, and Air Force missed their 2023 recruitment goals by a combined 41,000 personnel, The Daily Mail <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12869575/pentagon-biden-army-navy-marines-space-force-military-recruit-gen-z.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. The annual defense authorization bill passed by Congress earlier this week stated that active-duty troops will drop to 1,284,500 in fiscal 2024, which is down by 64,000 troops over the past three years, giving the U.S. military its smallest force since 1940, <a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2023/12/14/amid-recruiting-woes-active-duty-end-strength-to-drop-again-in-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to the Military Times. 
&#8220;That number understates the challenge before us as the services lowered end-strength goals in recent years, in part because of the difficult recruiting environment,” Vazirani said, adding that military recruitment is facing “one of its greatest challenges” since the last declared draft ended in 1973. 
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed his concern over the decreasing military numbers.
“We need a larger force, in every branch. But the reality of recruiting is driving the numbers, not what we actually need,” Wicker told The Military Times. 
Some branches of the armed forces have gone to more extreme lengths recently to boost their recruitment levels. Earlier this year, the Navy <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/navy-hires-active-duty-drag-queen-to-combat-sinking-recruitment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made</a> Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley, an active-duty sailor and drag queen, one of five Navy Digital Ambassadors in a pilot recruitment program. The Air Force <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/air-force-to-decrease-body-weight-standards-for-entry-as-americans-increasingly-too-fat-to-enlist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made a move</a> in April to recruit more Americans into its ranks by decreasing weight standards. 
The strategies didn’t appear to work, as both the Navy and the Air Force are expected to be down thousands of airmen and sailors from its 2021 numbers. The Army is facing the largest recruitment problem out of the military branches as it’s down over 40,000 troops over the past three years. The Marine Corps, which along with the Space Force met its most recent recruitment goal, is still expected to be down by nearly 9,000 active-duty service members compared to fiscal year 2021. 
The Pentagon is seeking to change the direction of the military&#8217;s poor recruiting numbers by developing a message that &#8220;resonates&#8221; with young Americans, according to Vazirani.
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&#8220;While the picture of the current recruiting environment is acutely difficult, the Defense Department and the military services are working together to resolve issues, improve processes, and expand awareness of the many opportunities military service offers,&#8221; said Vazirani. &#8220;We must reach today&#8217;s youth where they are with a message that resonates with them and motivates them to act.&#8221;

Army Recruitment

Pentagon Warns Of Military’s Dropping Numbers Heading Into 2024 As U.S. Fields Smallest Fighting Force Since Before WWII

Pentagon Warns Of Military's Dropping Numbers Heading Into 2024 As U.S. Fields Smallest Fighting Force Since Before WWII

Pentagon

U.S. Air Force

U.S. Army

U.S. Navy

United States Space Force

Americans are keenly aware of Hollywood greats who not only entertained us but served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Jimmy Stewart. Paul Newman. Charles Bronson. Humphrey Bogart. Charlton Heston.
Some became American institutions. Others portrayed tough-guy heroes for decades.
The following stars aren’t necessarily known for their on-screen bravado. Others routinely make us laugh for a living.
They served, too, and on Veterans Day it’s worth noting their contributions.
<h2>Rob Riggle</h2>
The veteran SNL funnyman has become a constant comedy presence on shows like “Modern Family,” and movies like “Step Brothers” and “The Hangover.” He’s constantly working, but before diving into that breakneck pace he served 23 years, in total, with the U.S. Marines.
Riggle’s service included nine active-duty years in Liberia, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Albania. The retired <a href="https://people.com/tv/rob-riggle-military-service-hollywood-bet-on-myself/#:~:text=Riggle%20served%2023%20years%20total,to%20serve%20in%20some%20capacity.%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lieutenant Colonel told People magazine</a> how invaluable his time in the military was to his personal improvement.
&#8220;They pushed me beyond my perceived limits… so whatever I thought I was capable of, the Marines said, &#8216;Actually, you can do a whole lot more when pushed.’ And they were right.” 
<div id="attachment_651375" style="width: 849px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-651375" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-651375" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1775381859-839x576.jpg" alt="WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 04: (L to R) Word War II and Korean War veterans Pat Finn, Melvin Hurwitz, Johnny Johnson and Mel Jenner join actor and host Rob Riggle (C) at the 2023 American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes event at Omni Shoreham Hotel on November 04, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)" width="839" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1775381859-839x576.jpg 839w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1775381859-300x206.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1775381859-768x527.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1775381859.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 839px) 100vw, 839px" />WASHINGTON, DC &#8211; NOVEMBER 04: (L to R) Word War II and Korean War veterans Pat Finn, Melvin Hurwitz, Johnny Johnson and Mel Jenner join actor and host Rob Riggle (C) at the 2023 American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes event at Omni Shoreham Hotel on November 04, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)</div>
<h2>Adam Driver</h2>
Han Solo’s on-screen son is one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, including his work in the upcoming Michael Mann drama “Ferrari.”
Driver’s intensity is a calling card, which helps explain why he signed up to defend his country shortly after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. 
He said during a 2015 TED Talk that his military time was “one of the things I’m most proud of having done in my life.”
He served nearly three years before a mountain bike injury forced him to accept a medical discharge. The future star tried to work through the injury, but his body wouldn’t have it. That prevented him from serving overseas in Iraq, <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2813966/adam-driver-draws-parallels-between-acting-military-careers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he told NPR’s “Fresh Air.”</a>
&#8220;I wanted to go so much. I mean, you were training to do this job for two years with these people. The idea of not going, someone else going in your place or not being there, is not really an easy thing to sit with.&#8221;
<div id="attachment_651379" style="width: 787px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-651379" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-651379" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-180216884-777x576.jpg" alt="TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 10: Actor Adam Driver of 'Tracks' poses at the Guess Portrait Studio during 2013 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)" width="777" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-180216884-777x576.jpg 777w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-180216884-300x222.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-180216884-768x569.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-180216884.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 777px) 100vw, 777px" />TORONTO, ON &#8211; SEPTEMBER 10: Actor Adam Driver of &#8216;Tracks&#8217; poses at the Guess Portrait Studio during 2013 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)</div>
<h2>Drew Carey</h2>
The “Price Is Right” wisecracker routinely supports the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. He’s deployed his wit to make soldiers smile during multiple USO outings. 
He knew exactly how they felt.
Carey signed up with the U.S. Marines in 1980 where he served his country for six years as a field radio operator with the 25th Marine Regiment in Ohio. He eventually attained the rank of sergeant, exploring his gift for gab along the way.
He began penning jokes for military stand-up performances, paving the way for his post-Marine life.
Joining the military had a <a href="https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/drew-carey-cleveland-ohio-marine-corps-history-lone-sailor-statue-great-lakes-science-center/95-941db02d-2a8a-4c78-adb6-e7930a4806df" target="_blank" rel="noopener">profound effect</a> on the future funnyman.
“I went from not being able to afford to eat or clothe myself to getting three meals a day. I had an instant family. I had something to be proud of every day.”
<div id="attachment_651387" style="width: 880px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-651387" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-651387" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1190047851-870x576.jpg" alt="NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Actor Drew Carey visits SiriusXM Studios on November 25, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)" width="870" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1190047851-870x576.jpg 870w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1190047851-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1190047851-768x509.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1190047851.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px" />NEW YORK, NEW YORK &#8211; NOVEMBER 25: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Actor Drew Carey visits SiriusXM Studios on November 25, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)</div>
<h2>Ice-T</h2>
The veteran rapper was once best known for his incendiary songs targeting crooked cops. Today, he’s a long-standing member of “Law &amp; Order: Special Victims Unit,” the literal face of hard-working police officers.
As a young man, he <a href="https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/famous-veteran-ice-t.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">joined the Army</a> to get his life in order.
Then-Tracy Marrow had a wife and daughter, so the move gave him structure along with financial security. He briefly misbehaved during his four-year stint in the 25th Infantry Division, but was able to bounce back and complete his service.
He also used that time to plot his future. Marrow picked up music equipment he’d later use in the early stages of his rap career during his military service.
<div id="attachment_651389" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-651389" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-651389" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1773441395-864x576.jpg" alt="NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: Ice-T attends the 38th Annual Rock &amp; Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame )" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1773441395-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1773441395-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1773441395-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-1773441395.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />NEW YORK, NEW YORK &#8211; NOVEMBER 03: Ice-T attends the 38th Annual Rock &amp; Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame )</div>
<h2>Pat Sajak</h2>
The future game show host shouted, “Good Morning, Vietnam,” into a mic long before Robin Williams made the phrase famous. Sajak didn’t come up with the catchphrase – Williams’ real-life inspiration for the 1987 film of the same name came courtesy of DJ Adrian Cronauer.
Sajak kept that irreverent spirit alive during his days in the U.S. Military.
The future “Wheel of Fortune” star initially trained as a finance clerk but later found his calling as a DJ for the American Forces Vietnam Network. 
Sajak lamented that his service didn’t include life on the battlefield. He called his service “soft,” and felt some shame attached to it. He took solace in the reaction to his broadcasts from fellow soldiers who cheered him for <a href="https://www.uso.org/stories/283-wheel-of-fortune-host-pat-sajak-recounts-his-days-as-an-army-dj">making them feel closer to home</a> with every show.
<div id="attachment_651397" style="width: 801px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-651397" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-651397" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-859977418-1-791x576.jpg" alt="ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 10: 'Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak attends a taping of the Wheel of Fortune's 35th Anniversary Season at Epcot Center at Walt Disney World on October 10, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)" width="791" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-859977418-1-791x576.jpg 791w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-859977418-1-300x219.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-859977418-1-768x559.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-859977418-1-1536x1119.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-859977418-1-2048x1492.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px" />ORLANDO, FL &#8211; OCTOBER 10: &#8216;Wheel of Fortune&#8217; host Pat Sajak attends a taping of the Wheel of Fortune&#8217;s 35th Anniversary Season at Epcot Center at Walt Disney World on October 10, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)</div>
<h2>Mel Brooks</h2>
One of the funniest men alive <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2882521/actor-comedian-mel-brooks-served-in-army-in-world-war-ii/#:~:text=In%201944%2C%20he%20was%20drafted,training%20at%20Fort%20Sill%2C%20Oklahoma.">lived through the Battle of the Bulge</a>.
Brooks was drafted into the Army in 1944 and brushed up on combat engineering at Virginia Military Institute. By November he was in France and later Belgium as part of the 78th Infantry Division.
He helped clear the battlefield of land mines to allow Allied soldiers to push forward in the Battle of the Bulge. He even saw combat during his service.
The future legend could find something funny about anything, even the horrors of war. He would go on to savage the Third Reich in his 1967 comedy classic, “The Producers,” featuring the loopy tune “Springtime for Hitler.”
<div id="attachment_651399" style="width: 876px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-651399" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-651399" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-666006012-866x576.jpg" alt="LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Director Mel Brooks speaks onstage at the screening of 'High Anxiety' during the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 26657_004 (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for TCM)" width="866" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-666006012-866x576.jpg 866w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-666006012-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-666006012-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/GettyImages-666006012.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px" />LOS ANGELES, CA &#8211; APRIL 07: Director Mel Brooks speaks onstage at the screening of &#8216;High Anxiety&#8217; during the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 26657_004 (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for TCM)</div>
Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of <a href="http://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at <a href="https://twitter.com/HollywoodInToto?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@HollywoodInToto</a>.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

2019 American Valor: A Salute To Our Heroes Veterans Day Special

‘They Pushed Me Beyond My Perceived Limits’: Hollywood Stars Who Served

'They Pushed Me Beyond My Perceived Limits': Hollywood Stars Who Served

actors

Entertainment

Hollywood

Vietnam

World War II

U.S. Marine Corps Major Gen. Chris A. McPhillips announced Tuesday that the 248th Marine Corps Ball has been canceled by the U.S. Central Command, citing &#8220;unforeseen operational commitments.&#8221;
McPhillips announced the update to the annual event, scheduled on November 16 in Tampa, Florida, for former and retired maritime land forces to get dressed to the nines and celebrate the tradition and legacy of the Marine Corps.
&#8220;Due to unforeseen operational commitments and the nature of our current mission, it is with great regret that we must cancel this year&#8217;s event,&#8221; McPhillips wrote in a letter.
The Central Command&#8217;s decision to cancel the celebration resulted from the Marine Corps&#8217; &#8220;primary responsibility&#8221; to guarantee the defense and security of the United States, McPhillips said.
&#8220;It is this commitment to duty that has necessitated the cancellation of what would undoubtedly have been an exceptional evening of camaraderie and tradition,&#8221; he said, expressing gratitude for the &#8220;immense effort&#8221; to those who spent the time and energy to plan the event.
&#8220;Please know that this decision was not made lightly, and the chief consideration was the need to uphold the highest standards of readiness and the completion of our operational responsibilities,&#8221; he said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command has just announced that their Marine Corps 248th Ball scheduled for November 16th has now been Cancelled due to “Unforeseen Operational Commitments and the Nature of our current Mission.” <a href="https://t.co/8MOmnvGvyo">pic.twitter.com/8MOmnvGvyo</a>
&mdash; OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) <a href="https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1719734648169808294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The announcement comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East after Hamas terrorists launched a brutal war against Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people, including at least 29 U.S. citizens.
Department of Defense authorities also reported at least 27 attacks against U.S. forces have occurred in the Middle East since October 17.
U.S. officials have since <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3571205/pentagon-press-secretary-air-force-brig-gen-pat-ryder-holds-an-on-camera-press/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deployed or are deploying</a> approximately 900 troops to the region.
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3575354/300-more-us-troops-deploy-to-us-central-command/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> on Tuesday that 300 U.S. troops would deploy to the CENTCOM area of operations to &#8220;provide capabilities in explosive ordnance disposal, communications, and other support functions for forces already in the region.&#8221;
&#8220;These forces will not go to Israel,&#8221; Ryder said. &#8220;They are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities.&#8221;
A spokesperson with the Marine Corps Central Command told The Daily Wire in an email that the decision to cancel the annual Birthday Ball stemmed from the &#8220;dynamic and uncertain security environment&#8221; in the Command Team&#8217;s area of responsibility, which <a href="https://www.marcent.marines.mil/#:~:text=Who%20we%20are,the%20CENTCOM%20area%20of%20responsibility." target="_blank" rel="noopener">covers</a> 21 nations in the Middle East, Central, and South Asia, and the strategic waterways that surround them.
&#8220;Because of the uncertain situation, the MARCENT (Marine Corps service component for U.S. Central Command) Commander wants to avoid a last-minute cancellation that would burden Marines, families, veterans, and members of the community with trying to recoup money from ticket sales, reservations, etc,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;MARCENT will perform a modified celebration of the Marine Corps&#8217; birthday that honors the history and traditions of the service.&#8221;
The announcement marks the third time the Marine Corps birthday celebrations have been canceled since 2020.
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger canceled the event in October 2021 for the second consecutive year in Washington, D.C., citing an &#8220;abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic,&#8221; <a href="https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/breaking-news/2021/10/13/marine-corps-commandants-246-birthday-ball-canceled-due-to-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to the Marine Times.

US-POLITICS-DEFENCE-ARMED FORCES-MILLEY-BIDEN

Marine Corps Central Command Cancels Annual Ball Due To ‘Unforeseen Operational Commitments’

Marine Corps Central Command Cancels Annual Ball Due To 'Unforeseen Operational Commitments'

Department of Defense

Hamas

Israel

Leaders of the terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, all groups funded by Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/10/25/news/terrorist-groups-meet-to-unite-in-war-against-israel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">met on Wednesday</a> in Lebanon, where Hezbollah is located.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah met with Hamas deputy chief Saleh Al-Arouri and Palestinian Islamic Jihad head Ziad al-Nakhala. A portrait of Iran’s original Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and another portrait of Iran’s current Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, were on the wall behind them.
Al-Arouri declared in 2014 at the fourth conference of the World Union of Islamic Sages (held in Turkey) that Hamas was responsible for the abduction and murder of three Jewish teenagers, Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaer, and Naftali Fraenkel, <a href="https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/20706/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying</a>, “The struggle of the masses has grown to include all the occupied lands. It reached a height in the heroic action carried out by the [Izz al-Din] al-Qassam Brigades, which captured three settlers in Hebron.&#8221;
Nasrallah <a href="https://www.haaretz.com/2008-02-24/ty-article/nasrallah-israel-to-be-destroyed-within-years/0000017f-dc6a-df62-a9ff-dcffb0490000">said</a> in 2008 that “Israel will be destroyed in a few years.&#8221; In 2020, he <a href="https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/khamenei-says-israel-will-not-survive-628946" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>, &#8220;When Khomeini declared Al Quds Day in 1979, it was a culmination point of his personal struggle against Israel, which he began addressing in 1960. Khamenei was restating the position of Najaf and Qom regarding Palestine, a position that remains a consistent position until the present. This position is that Palestine from river to sea must be liberated. Israel has no legitimacy to exist at all and must be destroyed.&#8221;
Al-Nakhala <a href="https://jcpa.org/islamic-jihad-leader-we-will-attack-israel-from-the-north-and-south/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in 2018, “I’m sure we will defeat the Zionist project, and this entity will disappear.”
Hezbollah and Hamas were <a href="https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/references/terrorist-organizations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">placed</a> on the U.S. State Department’s list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations on October 8, 1997; Palestine Islamic Jihad was <a href="https://www.dni.gov/nctc/ftos/pij_fto.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">designated</a> a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.
In October 1983, the U.S. military suffered the <a href="https://www.military.com/history/5-surprising-facts-about-1983-beirut-barracks-bombing.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">single deadliest day</a> since the Vietnam War when 246 American troops were murdered in a terrorist bombing at their Beirut, Lebanon, barracks.
In 2012, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia <a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2473896/anderson-v-the-islamic-republic-of-iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted</a> of the attack:
<blockquote>
In 1983, high-ranking members of Hezbollah and a member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, acting at the direction of the Iranian Ambassador to Syria, met in Baalbek, Lebanon. At this meeting, the individuals “formed a plan to carry out simultaneous attacks against the American and French barracks in Lebanon.” Subsequent to these discussions, members of Hezbollah disguised a 19-ton truck to resemble a water delivery truck that regularly traveled to the Beirut International Airport, near the U.S. Marine barracks, and rigged the truck so that it could carry an explosive device. On the morning of October 23, 1983, a group of Hezbollah operatives ambushed the real water delivery truck, and the fake truck was sent to the barracks, driven by an Iranian member of Hezbollah. Upon reaching the barracks, the fake truck increased its speed and broke through the wire and sandbag barriers surrounding the facility. Once the truck reached the center of the barracks, the bomb it carried was detonated.
</blockquote>

Leader of Lebanon’s Nasrallah meets with senior leaders of Islamic Jihad and Hamas

Leaders Of Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad Meet In Lebanon

Beirut

Hezbollah

Islamic Jihad

Terrorists

The U.S. Marine Corps is temporarily loosening uniform standards to deal with a camouflage shortage due to supply chain issues.
Commandant General Eric Smith made the announcement in an Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxwEQO4LJiu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a>, saying service members will be able to substitute desert-colored uniforms for the usual woodland patterned ones, which are currently scarce thanks to a manufacturing shortage.
Smith said he recently returned from the Indo-Pacific region, where service members told him, &#8220;I can&#8217;t get cammies,&#8221; a nickname for the camouflage combat utility uniform.
&#8220;That problem is going to stay with us until the fall of 2024 when the manufacturer can fill the backlog that has been created after COVID. Until that time, local commanders, battalions and squadrons are authorized to use <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120916065851/http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/pmice/InfoPapers/Clothing/FROG.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FROG</a> [flame-resistant organizational gear] gear or desert cammies to mitigate,&#8221; Smith said.
&#8220;What we cannot have is a situation where a Marine is wearing unserviceable cammies, because that looks bad for the Corps, and we can’t have a situation where that Marine is being given a hard time about those unserviceable cammies. We’re going to get this fixed, Marines, but it’s going to take a little patience,&#8221; Smith added.
The relaxing of uniform standards does not mean that Marines can decide on their own to wear a different uniform, Major John Parry, a Marine spokesman, <a href="https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/09/29/marines-authorized-wear-desert-pattern-uniform-commanders-discretion-amid-cammie-shortage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> the Marine Corps Times.
“This does not mean a Marine may make a decision unilaterally to wear a different uniform or civilian attire due to a serviceability issue with their designated uniform of the day,” Parry said.
“The guidance to battalion and squadron leaders and above is to make decisions that uphold the high standards of our service while maintaining mission readiness and reducing overall impact on daily operations,” the Marine spokesman said.
The &#8220;nonstandard&#8221; uniform items are a rare move for the branch, which prides itself on strict uniform standards, the Marine Corps Times <a href="https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/09/29/camouflage-uniform-shortage-prompts-marine-corps-to-soften-attire-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
The woodland patterned &#8220;cammies&#8221; <a href="https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/09/29/marines-authorized-wear-desert-pattern-uniform-commanders-discretion-amid-cammie-shortage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are</a> typically the primary daily uniform for Marines. Recruits <a href="https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/09/29/camouflage-uniform-shortage-prompts-marine-corps-to-soften-attire-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are supposed</a> to receive three utility uniforms with the woodland pattern and two with the desert pattern.
Lately though, the Marine Corps has been giving recruits just two woodland sets and one desert set, the Marine spokesman said in August. Meanwhile, some recruits have been training in FROG gear, which is typically saved for deployments. Some Marines have <a href="https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/09/29/camouflage-uniform-shortage-prompts-marine-corps-to-soften-attire-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> resorted to patching up holes in their &#8220;cammies&#8221; with Marine-pattern bandanas or scraps of old uniforms.
Despite the pivot to desert-colored &#8220;cammies,&#8221; however, <a href="https://www.mynavyexchange.com/marpat-woodland-blouse-with-permethrin-/12840487" target="_blank" rel="noopener">both</a> <a href="https://www.mynavyexchange.com/marpat-desert-blouse-with-permethrin-/12840553" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appear</a> to be in short supply on the My Navy Exchange website.
&#8220;Unfortunately, we are experiencing supply delays on this item,&#8221; a message on the website reads for both products. &#8220;The estimated back in stock date is Fall 2024. We greatly apologize for this inconvenience.&#8221;
The CEO of American Apparel, which makes most of the uniforms, said over the summer that inflation impacted the company&#8217;s ability to find workers to produce items.
“McDonald’s and a lot of the fast food guys are paying $2 and $3 more an hour than we could afford to pay,” CEO Chuck Lambert <a href="https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/09/29/camouflage-uniform-shortage-prompts-marine-corps-to-soften-attire-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> the Marine Corps Times in August. “Where they could go up on the price of the hamburger, we can’t go up on the price of a uniform.”
Commandant Smith was <a href="https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/09/21/the-marine-corps-finally-gets-an-official-top-leader/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nominated</a> by President Biden in May and confirmed as the military branch&#8217;s leader just last month.

TOPSHOT-AFGHANISTAN-US-NATO-UNREST

Marine Corps Loosens Uniform Standards Amid Camouflage Shortage

Biden Administration

Economy

Supply Chain

The United States Military said on Monday that it has located the wreckage of an F-15 fighter jet that crashed over the weekend in South Carolina.
Joint Base Charleston, which is located in <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/south-carolina">South Carolina</a>, said Sunday on social media that efforts were underway to locate the aircraft with the help of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort following a “mishap” in the afternoon and asked for the public&#8217;s help in finding the stealth fighter.
Personnel from Joint Base Charleston and [Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort], in close coordination with local authorities, have located a debris field in Williamsburg County,&#8221; Joint Base Charleston said in a statement. &#8220;The debris was discovered two hours northeast of JB Charleston.&#8221;
&#8220;Teams from JB Charleston, @MCASBeaufortSC, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing out of MCAS Cherry Point, Navy Region Southeast, the FAA, the Civil Air Patrol, as well as local, county, and state law enforcement across South Carolina have been working together to locate the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B,&#8221; the statement continued. &#8220;Members of the community should avoid the area as the recovery team secures the debris field. We are transferring incident command to the USMC this evening, as they begin the recovery process.&#8221;
Retired Air Force Gen. Hawk Carlisle <a href="https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/09/18/with-f-35-still-missing-marine-corps-holds-aviation-standdown/">said</a> in an interview that F-35s often times will have their radar cross sections modified when they are flying during public or semi-public flights so foreign adversaries like communist China are not able to watch and see how the plane appears on radar during combat. The radar cross section of an F-35 is so small that it appears on radar as an object roughly the size of a bumble bee.
However, if the jet&#8217;s radar cross section had not been enlarged before the flight that could explain why it was so difficult to the find the jet — the most advanced fighter jet in the world — which can cost up to $160 million each depending on how it is configured.

F-35 Fıghter Jets in flight at sunset

Military Officials Locate Debris From F-35 Fighter That Crashed Over South Carolina

Airplane crash

Three U.S. Marines killed during a training exercise in the Australian north coast city of Darwin on Monday were identified on Tuesday after an American MV-22B Osprey aircraft carrying the troops crashed and wounded several others.
Captain Eleanor V LeBeau, 29, Corporal Spencer R Collart, 21, and Major Tobin J Lewis, 37, were reportedly killed in the crash after the aircraft caught fire when lying in support of Exercise Predators Run.
&#8220;We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family,&#8221; Col Brendan Sullivan, commanding officer of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin, said in a <a href="https://www.marines.mil/News/Press-Releases/Press-Release-Display/Article/3507817/update-marine-rotational-force-darwin-mv-22b-osprey-tiltrotor-aircraft-crash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news release</a>. &#8220;Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and with all involved.&#8221;
The tiltrotor aircraft was carrying 23 U.S. Marines when it crashed at roughly 9:30 a.m. local time on Melville Island, off the Northern Territory of mainland Australia in the Timor Sea. Twenty Marines suffered injuries in the crash, and five in serious condition were flown to a town 50 miles away for treatment.
&#8220;At present, we remain focused on required support to the ongoing recovery and investigative efforts,&#8221; Sullivan added.
U.S. Marine Corps officials said three Marines remain in Royal Darwin Hospital, one in critical condition and two in stable condition. Military officials said 17 others were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles <a href="https://apnews.com/article/osprey-crash-australia-marines-89a89b2ba580249f8cd6960909ca0dcd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> said she would not detail the conditions of those in the hospital out of respect for them and their families.
&#8220;It&#8217;s&#8230; a credit to everyone involved that we were able to get 20 patients from an extremely remote location on an island into our tertiary hospital within a matter of hours,&#8221; Fyles told reporters.
The deceased Marines had highly decorated careers and received numerous service medals and awards.
Corporal Collart, originally from Arlington, Virginia, enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 2020 and was promoted to Corporal in February 2023. He served in Pensacola, FL, and Jacksonville, NC, before arriving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Cpl Collart, an MV-22B crew chief, received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, according to military officials.
Captain LeBeau, originally from Belleville, Illinois, piloted the aircraft when it crashed. Authorities reportedly commended her for landing the plane, allowing 20 others to survive the wreck. She was commissioned into the Marine Corps in August 2018 and was promoted to Captain in March 2023. She served in Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, and Jacksonville, NC, before arriving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Capt LeBeau, an MV-22B pilot, received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, according to military officials.
Major Lewis, originally from Jefferson, Colorado, was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 2008, being promoted to Major in 2018. He has served in Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, Jacksonville, NC, and Okinawa, Japan, before arriving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. Maj Lewis, an MV-22B pilot, received two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, according to military officials.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin paid tribute to the deceased Marines on social media.
&#8220;These Marines served our country with courage and pride, and my thoughts and prayers are with their families today, with the other troops who were injured in the crash, and with the entire USMC family,&#8221; Austin tweeted.
The Osprey aircraft that crashed was one of two that left the Australian town of Darwin for the Tiwi Islands – where Melville Island is located – roughly 50 miles away. The &#8220;routine training exercise&#8221; supported Exercise Predators Run, a multi-nation military exercise comprised of the United States, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and East Timor.
Roughly 2,500 people take part in the military drill, including about 500 from the United States, according to Fox News. The exercise, set to end on September 7 after 12 days, has reportedly been paused following the tragic incident.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said emergency responders were surprised the death toll from the crash was not higher.
&#8220;For a chopper that crashes and catches fire, to have 20 Marines that are surviving, I think that&#8217;s an incredible outcome,&#8221; Murphy said.
Though unclear what caused the incident, this isn&#8217;t the first time the Osprey aircraft has been involved in a fatal crash.
Since 2012, there have been five fatal crashes involving Marine Osprey aircraft, according to the AP. In June 2022, a mechanical failure related to the aircraft&#8217;s clutch caused the deaths of five Marines in California after the Osprey crashed, according to a crash investigation report.
Three months before the fatal incident, four other Marines were killed in an Osprey crash during a NATO exercise in Norway.
Ben Whitehead contributed to this report.

US Marine Corps Identifies Three Marines Killed During Australia Training Exercise

Australia

Three U.S. Marines were killed during a training exercise on a northern Australian island on Sunday after an American MV-22B Osprey aircraft carrying the troops crashed, wounding several others, according to officials. 
The tiltrotor aircraft was carrying 23 U.S. Marines when it crashed at roughly 9:30 a.m. local time on Melville Island, which is off the Northern Territory of mainland Australia in the Timor Sea. Twenty Marines were injured in the crash, and five in serious condition were flown to a town 50 miles away for treatment, according to a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-aircraft-crash-australia-e85fcd46cd3c85933d724a8cf4f253b3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from the Associated Press. 
“Marine Rotational Force &#8211; Darwin can confirm a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crash on Melville Island, north of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, while transporting troops during a routine training exercise,” the Marine Rotational Force in Darwin (MRF-D) said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFDarwin/status/1695703721081204844/photo/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">press release</a>. 
At least one of the injured Marines underwent surgery at a hospital in Darwin, according to Natasha Fyles, the chief minister of Australia’s Northern Territory. Recovery efforts were still ongoing, and the cause of the crash was under investigation, according to the MRF-D press release, which was issued early Sunday. 
There was a “significant fire in the vicinity of the crash site,” according to an audio recording of an American official’s report to Australian air traffic controllers following the incident, the AP reported. 
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The Osprey aircraft that crashed was one of two that left the Australian town of Darwin for the Tiwi Islands – where Melville Island is located – roughly 50 miles away. The “routine training exercise” was in support of Exercise Predators Run, a multi-nation military exercise comprised of the United States, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and East Timor. 
“The initial reports suggest that the incident involves just U.S. defense force personnel,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “Our focus as a government and as the department of defense is very much on incident response and on making sure that every support and assistance is given at this difficult time.”
Roughly 2,500 people take part in Exercise Predators Run, including about 500 from the United States, according to <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-military-aircraft-carrying-about-20-marines-crashes-over-australia-killing-3-injuring-others?intcmp=tw_fnc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fox News</a>. The exercise, set to end on September 7 after 12 days, has reportedly been paused following the tragic incident. 
Though it’s unclear what caused the incident, this isn’t the first time the Osprey aircraft has been involved in a fatal crash. Since 2012, there have been five fatal crashes involving Marine Osprey aircraft, according to the AP. In June 2022, a mechanical failure related to the aircraft’s clutch caused the deaths of five Marines in California after the Osprey crashed, according to a crash investigation report. Three months before that, four Marines were <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/27/australia-crash-us-marines-killed-osprey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed</a> in an Osprey crash during a NATO exercise in Norway.

1st Marine Division holds final mission rehearsal across Southern California before deployment

3 U.S. Marines Killed, Several Injured During Training Exercise In Australia

On Monday, the families of 13 service members who were murdered in a terrorist attack at the Kabul airport in 2021 held a press conference. They called on the Biden administration to give them some answers and inform the public as to how their loved ones actually died in the terrorist attack.
Joe Biden committed the single most egregious act I’ve ever seen a president undertake: the cowardly, pusillanimous, and disgusting pullout from Afghanistan without any plan whatsoever. This caused the complete collapse of Afghanistan to the Taliban, left millions of people behind, and abandoned hundreds to thousands of Americans left behind in enemy hands. Green card holders were not able to get out. Translators were left to be murdered. American soldiers were blown up at the airport because proper security was not actually guaranteed.
And Biden has never paid the political price for it.
The real story of Biden’s presidency is encapsulated in the arrogance, the egotism, the disgusting, selfish involvement of the president of the United States in presiding over the greatest foreign policy disaster of my lifetime, and then just blithely talking it away.
Biden is not a good person. He is the kind of person who ignores a four-year-old grandchild for four years, if he thinks it’s politically beneficial for him to do so. He is the kind of person whose entire career has been marked by lying about others. He’s the kind of person who slandered a man who was involved in a car crash in which his wife and one of his children were killed. He slandered that person as a drunk driver for years. That’s the kind of person that Joe Biden is.
It is disgusting that this person who was perceived as warm, generous, fuzzy and cuddly — the guy who nuzzled small children for no reason — was so cold and calculating that he really did not care what happened to the people who got left behind, including American soldiers. Biden is a person who cares first and foremost about himself. And that is perfectly obvious in the way he treated the Gold Star family members.
<h4><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/episode/ep-1783-i-will-never-forget-biden-s-disastrous-afghanistan-pull-out-member-exclusive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WATCH: The Ben Shapiro Show</a></h4>
That was certainly evident from the testimony of the Gold Star family members and wounded soldiers who were at the press conference. American service members were murdered in Kabul and the treatment of these Gold Star family members was egregious and disgusting.
Biden had talked to the wounded vets, and when he did, he spoke about his son Beau’s death — who had died of brain cancer. Biden tried to suggest that his son Beau’s death, which was tragic and terrible, was somehow the equivalent of people being blown up in combat.
For those who ever have to visit a house of mourning, the rule is: Shut up. You visit a house of mourning, you shut up and let them talk, because you don’t know how that person feels, even if you’ve gone through something similar.
But the media don’t care about Biden’s actions. They don’t care. The Gold Star family members are of no consequence to them. No one knows their names. No one gives them coverage. These are not people who you’re going to see on the nightly news. You’re not going to see interviews with those wounded soldiers.
This whole “caring grandpa” routine is a lie. He’s a corrupt politician. He has been for decades. He’s never held a real job outside of the federal government. And he went around telling people who just lost family members, young people who were blown up, that he knew how they felt because he had a son who died of cancer in circumstances entirely unrelated to his military service.
Gold Star father Darin Hoover said of Biden, “Do what our son did. Be a grown-ass man. Admit to your mistakes. Learn from them so that this doesn’t happen ever, ever again.”
People told Biden that the collapse in Afghanistan was going to happen. They all told him, but he didn’t care because he’s a stubborn ass, a fool, and a bad person. Across the country, thousands of people were being murdered by the Taliban, dragged out of their house, and killed. But he didn’t care about that. He said, “Don’t worry, we’re not going to leave our Afghan allies behind.”
Spoiler alert: We left tens of thousands of Afghan allies behind. He said we would do everything we could to provide safe evacuation for our Afghan allies — but he was a liar. We left all those people to be murdered. He said we would not leave Americans behind. This, too, was a lie. We left hundreds of Americans behind.
He said we made clear to the Taliban that any attack — any attack — on our forces or disruption of our operations at the airport would be met with a swift and forceful response, that we were keeping a close watch on any potential terrorist threat at or around the airport.
No, we damned well didn’t. We have dead American service people to prove it.
A couple of days later, he went on national television and claimed the whole thing had been a wonderful success for his administration, saying, “The extraordinary success of this mission was due to the incredible skill, bravery, and selfless courage of the United States military and our diplomats and intelligence professionals.”
That is who Joe Biden is. That’s what Americans should be focused on going into the election.
And that’s why these families will never see the light of day on national news. That’s why you won’t hear the names of the Gold Star family members outside of conservative media. The names of the soldiers should be household names, but they won’t be.
Never forget how this man sinned against the American people, against our Afghan allies, and against our soldiers and their families.
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Gold Star Families From Kabul Terror Attack Blast Biden. Never Forget How He Abandoned Our Soldiers.

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