Stars and Stripes

Pacific scoreboard for the July 6 edition

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Interservice softball Firecracker Shootout At Gunners Fitness Center Softball Fields, Camp Foster, Okinawa Final pool-play standings (listed in order of playof...

USFJ-AFL football: Yokosuka improves to 5-0 in rare shootout

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan � Northern Division games typically feature bruising defense and low scores. On Saturday, the Yokosuka Seahawks and defending champion Misawa Jets staged scoring pyro...

Interservice softball: Players say fastpitch-to-slowpitch is tough switch

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa � It's widely assumed that softball players can switch more easily from fastpitch to slowpitch than the other way around. Don't believe it, said a handful of women's ...

Admiral: U.N. resolution made North Korean ship change course

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Amid a new round of missile launches by North Korea since Thursday, Chief of Naval perations Adm. Gary Roughead called the situation in North Korea and its recent military posturing "not helpful to the peace and security of the region."

DODDS-Europe athletes flocking to Iowa college

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

While the Garmisch trio of Tyler Brown, Kevin Durr and Jimmy Reed will be testing their skills at the top rung of college athletics, opportunities exist at all levels for DODDS-Europe athletes....

Student-athletes finding their way to U.S.

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Europe-based student-athletes who think their remoteness means "game over" when it comes to getting college offers from the States can draw comfort from Munich International School alums Tyler ...

Americans from Spangdahlem, local Germans take annual �Explore the Eifel� walk

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

BINSFELD, Germany � Nearly 50 Americans from Spangdahlem Air Base took a hike Thursday afternoon through and around the town of Binsfeld just outside their base, learning a lot about the neighb...

Money Talk: Keep after your lender

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Dear Liz: I'm in a potentially bad situation with my home equity line of credit. I'm trying to refinance my primary mortgage and would save nearly $150 a month. But the HELOC lender is dragg...

NCO receives Silver Star for valor in '08 battle at Wanat

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Staff Sgt. Sean Samaroo joins more than a dozen troops who participated in the July 13, 2008, battle � in which an estimated 200 enemy fighters ambushed a U.S. force about a quarter that size � in being awarded the Silver Star.

Some seek mental health checks for spouses of multiple-deployed soldiers

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

While the Army has been working to gauge the mental health toll of multiple deployments on soldiers, some Army leaders and spouses say the service is moving too slowly to address similar effects on military family members.

Hotel workers banking on Western tourists

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

HILLAH, Iraq � More than 100 Iraqi tourism workers will go back to work when U.S. forces leave their base in the city of Hillah later this year. The workers, formerly employed by the Baby...

Tourism industry thriving in Iraq

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

NAJAF, Iraq � It may be hard for Westerners to believe, but one industry that's booming, despite the global recession, is Iraqi tourism. Provinces like Najaf and Karbala, off-limits to ou...

After Hours: Lotus Palace, Akasaka, Tokyo

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Lotus Palace was always packed when I walked by. But the snazzy exterior made me wonder whether it was popular for its food or for its atmosphere. After my first bite, I found out it was ...

After Hours: Ristorante del Pino, Naples, Italy

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The words "buffet" and "gourmet" aren't usually found in the same sentence, much less in the same restaurant. But for those who don't want to choose between quantity and quality, Ristorante del...

Homefront: Anything better than doing homework

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

At the beginning of this year, I did something I never thought I would do in a million years; I enrolled in graduate school at the local campus of the University of Virginia. One thing I have l...

Spouse Calls: Stay involved, PTSD spouses

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Spouse Calls bloggers have been discussing the necessity of keeping families involved in counseling for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Here are excerpted comments from two wives:...

Games: �MySims Racing� fun but familiar

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Ever get tired of having to be Toad or Princess Peach? Just want to be yourself? Check out "MySims Racing" for the Wii. The E-rated driving game from Electronic Arts gives you muc...

See, buy and eat on Okinawa�s Kokusai Street

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A visit to Okinawa is not complete until you've been to Kokusai Street. But you'll need at least a full day to poke around in all the shops of this mecca of commerce. Even then, you will ...

Pacific scoreboard for the July 5 edition

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Interservice softball Firecracker Shootout At Gunners Fitness Center Softball Fields, Camp Foster, Okinawa Pool-play standings Men's Pool A ...

Kids at DMZ school get English help from soldiers

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Daesungdong Elementary School, which lies amid the heavily armed DMZ, is visited twice a week by English-teaching U.S. soldiers even amid the recent political posturing by North Korea.

Army identifies soldier found dead at Bamberg

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Army officials have identified the soldier from the 54th Engineer Battalion who was found dead Thursday outside Warner Barracks in Bamberg, Germany. Spc. Levi Clark, 20, was found outside...

Americans in Italy urged to carry paperwork as G-8 summit nears

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Troops and civilians stationed at Aviano, Vicenza and Camp Darby are urged to avoid large gatherings in cities and advised to carry passports and residency permits with them.

DODEA director outlines challenges, new programs

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Shirley Miles, the head of Defense Department schools worldwide laid out some of the system's challenges and some planned new programs this week for parents and teachers in Italy.

Today's Praise: �Idol� alum Phil Stacey aims to comfort

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

"American Idol" made Phil Stacey one of the country's most famous sailors when he sang as a finalist in Season 6. On his upcoming album, Stacey pays tribute to those who are serving in wa...

Sailors who want to be a chief petty officer face a tough field

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Sailors are finding it tougher to make the coveted rank of chief petty officer in recent years, due to increased retention, especially in the senior pay grades, Navy officials said.

Americans, Iraqis get together for Fourth of July celebrations

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

DIWANIYAH, Iraq � Iraqi sheiks, politicians and schoolchildren mingled with U.S. soldiers and civilians in a July Fourth celebration Friday that included red, white and blue streamers, a Stars ...

Rep. Murphy, Iraq veteran, takes helm of �don�t ask, don�t tell� fight

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to repeal the law banning homosexuals from serving openly in the military as soon as possible, with or without President Obama's help.

Opinion: More could receive the Medal of Honor

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Over the last seven years of combat operations in the War on Terrorism, more than a million brave servicemen and women have faithfully served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nearly 5,000 have died; th...

Marines push deeper into southern Afghan towns

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

U.S. Marines moved into villages in Taliban strongholds in southern Afghanistan on Friday, meeting little resistance as they tried to win over local chiefs on the second day of a large military operation.

Pacific scoreboard for the July 4 edition

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Interservice softball Firecracker Shootout At Gunners Fitness Center Softball Fields, Camp Foster, Okinawa Pool-play standings Men's Pool A ...

What Congress can and can�t do for troops, families

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

For the last eight years, lawmakers have loaded annual defense authorization bills with new pay and benefit initiatives to support troops and their families and to show the nation's appreciation.

Report faults USFK�s hiring practices

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new Army Audit Agency report says officers responsible for deciding whether civilian contractors qualified for status of forces agreement visas in South Korea were sometimes not properly trained to make those decisions.

New Navy �cammies� trickle into fleet

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Strange blue "cammies" are showing up here and there at bases overseas. Those servicemembers aren't from a visiting military. They're wearing the Navy's newest wardrobe addition.

Officials reinforce dog-ownership rules after pit bull incident

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A pit bull terrier owned by a U.S. sailor is suspected of killing a calf in the Nohen district of Uruma, prompting a new prefectural campaign to inform Americans connected to the military about the rules of off-base dog ownership.

Part of long-delayed Kaiserslautern community center opens

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

With the snip of a blue ribbon, a portion of the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center opened its doors Thursday, six long years after ground was broken on the site.

Correction

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A July 2 story about a military smoking ban should have said the nonprofit, independent Institute of Medicine was responsible for the smoking study. ...

Recall of Dairyshake MRE mix issued

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A militarywide recall has been issued for Dairyshake powders found in Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs) and Unitized Group Rations-Express (UGR-Es).

Letters to the editor for Friday, July 3, 2009

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

European and Mideast editions (EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. Click here to jump ah...

Web site restrictions hinder some CID cases

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Restrictions on Web access through Department of Defense computers prevent some military police and Criminal Investigation Command investigators from accessing sites relevant to their cases.

Tobacco tax affecting AAFES, NEX prices

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Prices on cigarettes are increasing, in some cases by as much as $1.60 a pack, at military bases throughout the world due to a hefty tax increase on tobacco products sold in the United States.

Saab al Bor�s experience shows turnaround, but Iraq now has to take economic initiative

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Last week, a woman was putting out bunches of greens at the produce and meat market in this small town near Baghdad. They cost her customers about 25 cents a bunch. Two years ago, her livelihood cost her shrapnel wounds that left scars on her leg, arms and neck.

Correction

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The June 25 story "Worlds Apart: While soldier fights for his country, his wife struggles to stay in the U.S." contained inaccurate information because of a reporting error. U.S. Citizenship an...

Americans in Italy can easily find a place to play baseball

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

VICENZA, Italy � It's nowhere nearly as popular as soccer. Or even that other American sports export, basketball. But there are Italians who play baseball. And they're doing so every weekend ar...

U.S. forces searching for missing soldier in Afghanistan

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

U.S. forces in eastern Afghanistan are conducting an intense search for a soldier who wandered off his post and is now presumed captured by the Taliban, a spokeswoman for U.S. Forces Afghanistan confirmed Thursday.

Calendar of Fourth of July holiday events in the Pacific

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Fourth fireworks Looking for Fourth of July fireworks? Many Pacific bases are planning daylong celebrations with fireworks displays. All shows are scheduled for Saturday. Okinaw...

U.S. troops to aid search for downed Yemeni plane

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Servicemembers from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa have deployed to assist with search-and-rescue operations for Yemeni Air Flight 626.

Misawa adds more smoke-free housing

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan � Misawa officials said last week that they've added additional types of family housing � including recently renovated townhouses and "H-style" units � to tho...

Debate swirls over smoking in Air Force homes

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Some Air Force base housing residents in the Pacific say they wish their commands would offer them the option of smoke-free housing. Others � smokers and nonsmokers alike � believe the mi...

Woods salutes military to kick off July 4 weekend

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In three years, Tiger Woods' signature golf tournament, the AT&T National, has become a summer ritual for servicemembers in the national capital region, and this year it kicks off the steaming hot July Fourth weekend.

Calendar of Fourth of July holiday events in Europe

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Belgium Benelux: Events, which will take place at SHAPE, start at 3 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday. Fireworks begin at 11 p.m. Saturday. Brussels: Events start at 9 a....

Special IG for Afghanistan gets more hiring, firing power

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

President Barack Obama has signed into law a measure giving the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction more power to hire and fire personnel, the White House said Tuesday....

Rally against Dal Molin expansion set for Saturday

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

VICENZA, Italy � Tens of thousands of Italians traditionally gather in Vicenza to celebrate the United States' Independence Day with members of the American military community. But the only lar...

AAFES� shop talk is coolly received in Vogelweh

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Senior Army leaders at Vogelweh, Germany, made it known they were not happy with AAFES' plans to consolidate a number of its Vogelweh stores into the KMCC at Ramstein Air Base.

Twin serving in Iraq is awarded Bronze Star with valor for saving lives

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

FALAHAT, Iraq - One of the bombs whizzed by 1st Lt. Reed Preece's head and broke the gunner's legs. The other took a chunk of the driver's shoulder like an ice cream scoop. The Stryker ...

Volksmarch column for the July 2 edition

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Happy Fourth of July, everybody! We hope you have a lot of fun this weekend and work a volksmarch or two into the festivities. The Belgian walks in H�nningen and Longvilly have been excellent i...

The other rockets� red glare: Heidelberg Castle illumination draws crowds

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Three times a year, the illumination of Heidelberg castle by a spectacular fireworks display draws tens of thousands of visitors to the picturesque city.

Lets go / Best bets for the July 2, 2009 edition

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

German gems The German Tourist Board is highlighting several sites that tourists might want to visit in Berlin during this year's 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wa...

Letters to the editor for Thursday, July 2, 2009

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

European and Mideast editions (EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. Click here to jump ahe...

Yongsan trio back to lead Team Korea in Ten-Miler

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

CAMP CASEY, South Korea � Three Yongsan Garrison-based Team Korea veterans have been picked to lead the 8th U.S. Army team into the Army Ten-Miler slated for Oct. 4 in Washington, D.C. ...

Letters to the editor for Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

European and Mideast editions (EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. Click here to jump a...

Letters to the editor for Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

European and Mideast editions (EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. Click here to jump a...

Letters to the editor for Friday, June 26, 2009

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

European and Mideast editions (EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. There were no Pacific letters on this date.)...

Quick Trips: A day of fun near Hanau

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Hanau is a sprawling city on Germany's Main River, east of Frankfurt. It has been known for its goldsmiths, Philippsruhe palace and the famous fairy-tale gatherers, the Brothers Grimm. But its suburbs also have a couple of small treasures worth discovering.

Corrections

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In Friday's edition, the service affiliation of DODDS-Europe female athlete of the year Bethany Walcott's father was incorrect. He is a Navy chaplain. In Sunday's Junior Little League sto...

Letters to the editor for Monday, June 29, 2009

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

European and Mideast editions (EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. Click here to jump ahe...

Photo gallery: Air Force rock band plays at U.S. Capitol

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

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USFJ-AFL football: Guild�s interceptions, Fortson�s TDs have Yokota on roll

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan � Thanks to two interceptions by Frederick Guild and two touchdowns by Kevin Fortson, the Yokota Warriors are on a two-game roll in the U.S. Forces Japan-American Footbal...

Little League baseball: Stuttgart-Vilseck sweeps pair from Kaiserslautern

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

STUTTGART, Germany � Trevin Stein's baffling change-up and James Taylor's high heat nailed down an 11-9 victory Saturday by the Stuttgart-Vilseck Wolverines for a two-game sweep of the Kaisersl...

Troops from Italy lead the way in U.S. Army Europe Ten-Miler

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

GRAFENW�HR, Germany � Soldiers from Italy were the top active-duty finishers Saturday in the U.S. Army Europe Ten-Miler run. The race was a qualifier for the Installation Management Comma...

Money Talk: Cushion yourself from expensive overdraft fees

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Dear Liz: Like many Americans, I often must scramble to make ends meet between paychecks. I vigilantly monitor my account online, and when my balance is getting low, I curb my expenses as be...

After Hours: Elena Garden at Home plus, Uijeongbu, South Korea

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Call me Mr. Function. Eating to me is little more than something you have to do to continue breathing. I eat virtually anything, and I yearn for no particular kinds of food. I always de...

After Hours: Kleines Caf� and Lavandou Caf�, Mannheim, Germany

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Not far from an abandoned U.S. Army post in the German city of Mannheim is a shady street speckled with cafes and restaurants that are simple, relaxing and easy to enjoy. A row of large...

Homefront: What I hide from the kids

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

While wrapping Father's Day gifts, I realized how many thing I hide from my kids. Unfortunately, I can't always remember my hiding places. For example, the boys seem to go through AA batt...

Spouse Calls: Bagger�s beef with �green� bags

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

I typed the words "Commissary Bagger" into my Google browser and got tons of info about commissaries, bagger tips info, head baggers, patron comments, commissary cashier...

Games: �Tiger Woods� making motions

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Swing it or fling it. It works well either way with "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10" for the Wii. Those tired of hitting the digital links with a set of clubs can now tackle th...

Games: Supernatural romp: �Ghostbusters� continues fun where movies left off

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

If you've been waiting 20 years for "Ghostbusters III," it's finally time to strap on your proton pack. "Ghostbusters: The Video Game" brings back the original crew to...

Rediscovering life in my family�s home country

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In Military Life: Stripes reporter Grant Okubo tells us what it's like to find himself living in "the country that my great-great-grandparents called home."

Transportation problems force overhaul of schedule

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Citing transportation problems that wiped out this weekend's games, commissioner Robert Cole has overhauled the remaining U.S. Forces Japan-American Football League regular-season and playoff schedule.

MCCS Semper Fit chief retires

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The longtime face of Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa athletics and fitness has left the island.

High school football: DODDS-Pacific modifies Class AA playoff format

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Are you ready for a new Far East High School Class AA football playoff format?

Lt. Col. Linwood Billings on what is a hero

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

...

Ombudsman: Mosul unit wrong to bar Stripes reporter

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Stars and Stripes' ombudsman weighs in on reporter Heath Druzin beingbarred from returning to cover a unit that he previously accompanied during the joint U.S.-Iraqi military effort to secure Mosul.

Letters to the editor for Thursday, June 25, 2009

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

European and Mideast editions (EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. There were no letters to the edit...

Let's go / Best bets

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

B&Bs in Spain, Germany Up to 18 percent of Andalusia, Spain, is protected as a nature reserve, making it a good place to vacation away from the stress of big-city life and to ...

The language of signs: Naples exhibit showcases Americana through highway

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Lookin' for a little slice of post-modern Americana with a side of Jack Kerouac-nostalgia? Check out "On The Road" � an art exhibit featuring the work of American photographer Charlie Bidwell. A selection of Bidwell's photos went on display at the Philomarino art gallery in downtown Naples on Thursday night.

U.S., Kyrgyzstan reach deal on Manas air base use

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan tentatively approved a deal on Tuesday that should allow the U.S. to continue shipping military hardware and troops crucial to operations in Afghanistan through an air base in the Central Asian state.

Letters to the editor for Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

European and Mideast editions (EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. Click here to jump ah...

Video: 'Wee Man' visits Landstuhl

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Jason "Wee Man" Acuna, a star of MTV's "Jackass," spent Monday morning touring Landstuhl Regional Medical Center's Intensive Care Unit and various wards before having lunch at the Warrior Transition Unit's United Services Organizations.

Past perfect: Outdoor museum brings Black Forest history to life

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The first things that usually come to mind at the mention of Germany's Black Forest are cuckoo clocks, waterfalls, skiing and hiking. In Gutach, about 10 miles north of Triberg, an unusual open-air museum offers visitors an alternative way to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the region in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Jason "Wee Man" Acu�a

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

...

Letters to the editor for Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

(EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date.)Pacific edition Wasteful Air Force flights ...

Letters to the editor for Monday, June 22, 2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

European and Mideast editions (EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. Click here to jump ah...

Money Talk: Credit card accounts are difficult to reopen

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Dear Liz: My credit card issuer has informed me that it is closing my account due to inactivity. I've been a customer since 1993 and used the account extensively until two years ago, when I dec...

After Hours: Itto Gokoku, near Yokota Air Base, Japan

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

For anyone who has recently arrived in Japan, getting used to the culture, especially the food, can be a challenge. Even more overwhelming is the sheer variety of food and flavors available.

After Hours: Eisgrub-Br�u, Mainz, Germany

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

"No soldier can fight unless he is properly fed on beef and beer," John Churchill, the first duke of Marlborough, was quoted as saying 200 years ago. If that saying holds true today, ...

Homefront: Learning how to stay put

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

I'm starting to feel "left behind" by my friends who have completed their three-year tours in the D.C. area and are about to move on to new places. Just because Ron and I have d...

Spouse Calls: Author�s tips for deployed dads

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Armin Brott is low key about his military background. The author of "The Expectant Father" and several more books about fatherhood said, "These days I'm up to my ears in this stu...

Games: Coming up: �Avatar�

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Games based on movies tend to fall short, usually because game developers are given too little time and money to create anything special. However, "James Cameron's Avatar: The Game&q...

Games: Legos do battle in real time

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Pirates, knights and aliens ... all in one game. Sound like too much for the tiny Nintendo DS? Well, "Lego Battles" manages to squeeze a lot of action and a lot of fun into it...

Games: �Sims� is simply fun

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

"The Sims 3" offers more options that you can possibly pack into one life. That's why I've created an entire household of digital people. Brian is charismatic and friendly and h...

You might want to think twice before signing on for a bus trip to Fuji

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A popular saying in Japan goes like this: "Anybody would be a fool not to climb Mount Fuji once � but a fool to do so twice." My addendum: "And anybody with small children ...

Afghans welcome U.S. acceptance of blame

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Afghanistan's government welcomed Saturday a U.S. report accepting blame for a bombing run that killed dozens of villagers, saying it confirmed that international military forces were not doing enough to safeguard civilians.

Servicemembers getting higher returns with military's Thrift Savings Plan

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Investment professionals warn against attempting to time the market's peaks and valleys. A consistent plan will yield better results for the average investor, they say. However, actively managing a portfolio can produce better returns.

Quick trips: Lake of� opportunity

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Bostalsee bills itself as the largest recreational lake in southwest Germany. Upon hearing the claim, I couldn't help but hearken back to the words of venerable family man Clark W. Griswold in ...

Take a visit to a Tokyo kimono workshop for a traditional experience

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

As with other big cities, experiencing Tokyo comes with a lengthy checklist of places to see and foods to sample. Somewhere between the sunrise dash to Tsukiji Fish Market and the wall-...

Saying goodbye at Fort Bragg

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

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Visitors to D.C. war memorials talk about what heroism means

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

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Yes, you can visit the enchanting Italian isle without going broke

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Italy's Isle of Capri has been a playground for the rich and famous since the 1950s, but you don't have to be a millionaire to afford a day trip. To reach the island from Naples, hop a fe...

Video: D-Day remembrance in Normandy

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A look back at the ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of the World War II allied invasion of Normandy.

65th anniversary of D-Day

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

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