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Soldier deaths in South Korea put spotlight on US military suicide crisis
<br>Illustration by Andrea Villari/Stars and Stripes
<br>Illustration by Andrea Villari/Stars and Stripes

At least eight 2nd Infantry Division soldiers died by suicide in nearly three years, from May 2016 to April 2019. The number is not necessarily indicative of a trend, but it provides a grim snapshot of an unprecedented crisis in the military that has grown despite a concerted push to stop it.

Spc. Nicholas C. Panipinto, 20,died on Nov. 6, 2019, from injuries sustained when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle overturned at Camp Humphreys.<br>U.S. Army
Spc. Nicholas C. Panipinto, 20,died on Nov. 6, 2019, from injuries sustained when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle overturned at Camp Humphreys.<br>U.S. Army

US soldier dies, two others injured when armored vehicle overturns during training in South Korea

Spc. Nicholas C. Panipinto, 20, died on Wednesday from injuries sustained in the rollover at Camp Humphreys.

Soldiers look at an app on a smartphone in this 2018 file photo. Soldiers in Fort Hood’s 504th Military Intelligence Brigade raised concerns about the terms of service of their brigade’s app (not pictured).<br>James Avery/U.S. Army
Soldiers look at an app on a smartphone in this 2018 file photo. Soldiers in Fort Hood’s 504th Military Intelligence Brigade raised concerns about the terms of service of their brigade’s app (not pictured).<br>James Avery/U.S. Army

Soldiers with top-secret clearances say they were forced to use an app that could endanger them

The soldiers — many of whom have jobs in interrogation, human intelligence and counterintelligence — noticed that the app's terms of service said it could collect substantial amounts of personal data, and that the developer has a presence overseas.

Australian Timothy Weeks, left, and American Kevin King, as shown in a 2017 Taliban video. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said the country would release three high-ranking Taliban prisoners in exchange for Weeks and King.<br>Screenshot
Australian Timothy Weeks, left, and American Kevin King, as shown in a 2017 Taliban video. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said the country would release three high-ranking Taliban prisoners in exchange for Weeks and King.<br>Screenshot

US, Australian professors to be freed in swap for Taliban leaders, Afghan president says

Two university professors who were kidnapped in Kabul three years ago are set to be freed in exchange for high-ranking Taliban leaders, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Tuesday.


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Episode 23: Wrapping up, a look at key issues, and farewell

The Force for Hire team looks back at the series and examines some key issues about the world of private military contracting.

In this final episode of Force for Hire, we examine some major questions about the private military contracting world that we uncovered.

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Veteran and entrepreneur Jeff Branham, CEO and founder of MyFitLInk, at On Your Mark Coaching and Training in Chicago on Nov. 7, 2019.<br>Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune/TNS
Veteran and entrepreneur Jeff Branham, CEO and founder of MyFitLInk, at On Your Mark Coaching and Training in Chicago on Nov. 7, 2019.<br>Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune/TNS

As veterans launch startups, their resilience and skill sets are seen as assets in running a business

Navy veteran-turned-entrepreneur Todd Connor says vets have a unique skill set that makes them natural entrepreneurs, but what they often lack are the networks and capital to get their ideas off the ground.

A map from the Center for a New American Security's report, “From Sea to Shining Sea: State Level Benefits for Veterans," shows the number of veteran benefits by state, ranging from a low of eight in the District of Columbia to a high of 60 in Illinois, with an average of 36 benefits offered.<br>Center for a New American Security
A map from the Center for a New American Security's report, “From Sea to Shining Sea: State Level Benefits for Veterans," shows the number of veteran benefits by state, ranging from a low of eight in the District of Columbia to a high of 60 in Illinois, with an average of 36 benefits offered.<br>Center for a New American Security

New study shows veteran benefit discrepancies between states

The Center for a New American Security has created an online database that allows veterans to search for and compare state benefits. The tool was launched Monday.

Pilot Steven Brown, right, is shown here after he got shot in the helmet on a mission in Vietnam on Nov. 11, 1969. Pilot Bobby Baker is at left.<br>TNS
Pilot Steven Brown, right, is shown here after he got shot in the helmet on a mission in Vietnam on Nov. 11, 1969. Pilot Bobby Baker is at left.<br>TNS

Two soldiers each survived being shot in the helmet on Veterans Day 1969. Fifty years later, they reunited.

During a ceremony, Dennis Schoville and Steven Brown reflected on what happened in 1969 in the South Vietnamese skies over the Mekong Delta.

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Soldiers look at an app on a smartphone in this 2018 file photo. Soldiers in Fort Hood’s 504th Military Intelligence Brigade raised concerns about the terms of service of their brigade’s app (not pictured).<br>James Avery/U.S. Army

Soldiers with top-secret clearances say they were forced to use an app that could endanger them

The soldiers — many of whom have jobs in interrogation, human intelligence and counterintelligence — noticed that the app's terms of service said it could collect substantial amounts of personal data, and that the developer has a presence overseas.

See more U.S. news
Spc. Nicholas C. Panipinto, 20,died on Nov. 6, 2019, from injuries sustained when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle overturned at Camp Humphreys.<br>U.S. Army

US soldier dies, two others injured when armored vehicle overturns during training in South Korea

Spc. Nicholas C. Panipinto, 20, died on Wednesday from injuries sustained in the rollover at Camp Humphreys.

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An AH-1Z Viper prepares to land at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., on April 17, 2017.<br>Harley Robinson, U.S. Marine Corps/AP

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Smoke rises after an Israeli forces strike in Gaza City on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019. <br>Hatem Moussa/AP

Israel kills Islamic Jihad leader, setting off fierce clash

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Ivanka Trump, the daughter and senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, answers questions in Rabat, Morocco on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019.<br>Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Ivanka Trump rejects notion family profits from presidency

Ivanka Trump brushed off criticism that her family has profited off the presidency and said Friday a big difference between her family and Democrat Joe Biden's is that President Donald Trump amassed his fortune before he entered politics while Biden's wealth is "derivative" of his time in office.

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Soldiers look at an app on a smartphone in this 2018 file photo. Soldiers in Fort Hood’s 504th Military Intelligence Brigade raised concerns about the terms of service of their brigade’s app (not pictured).<br>James Avery/U.S. Army

Soldiers with top-secret clearances say they were forced to use an app that could endanger them

The soldiers — many of whom have jobs in interrogation, human intelligence and counterintelligence — noticed that the app's terms of service said it could collect substantial amounts of personal data, and that the developer has a presence overseas.

See more U.S. news
Spc. Nicholas C. Panipinto, 20,died on Nov. 6, 2019, from injuries sustained when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle overturned at Camp Humphreys.<br>U.S. Army

US soldier dies, two others injured when armored vehicle overturns during training in South Korea

Spc. Nicholas C. Panipinto, 20, died on Wednesday from injuries sustained in the rollover at Camp Humphreys.

See more Pacific news
An AH-1Z Viper prepares to land at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., on April 17, 2017.<br>Harley Robinson, U.S. Marine Corps/AP

Czechs to sign deal to buy 12 US military by year’s end

The Czech defense minister says the government is planning to sign a deal with the U.S. government by year’s end to purchase 12 military helicopters.

See more Europe news
Smoke rises after an Israeli forces strike in Gaza City on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019. <br>Hatem Moussa/AP

Israel kills Islamic Jihad leader, setting off fierce clash

Israel launched airstrikes Tuesday against two senior commanders from the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, killing one in Gaza but missing another in Syria in a sharp escalation of Israel’s regional conflict with Iran, which backs the militant group.

See more Middle East news
Ivanka Trump, the daughter and senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, answers questions in Rabat, Morocco on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019.<br>Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Ivanka Trump rejects notion family profits from presidency

Ivanka Trump brushed off criticism that her family has profited off the presidency and said Friday a big difference between her family and Democrat Joe Biden's is that President Donald Trump amassed his fortune before he entered politics while Biden's wealth is "derivative" of his time in office.

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Veteran and entrepreneur Jeff Branham, CEO and founder of MyFitLInk, at On Your Mark Coaching and Training in Chicago on Nov. 7, 2019.<br>Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune/TNS
Veteran and entrepreneur Jeff Branham, CEO and founder of MyFitLInk, at On Your Mark Coaching and Training in Chicago on Nov. 7, 2019.<br>Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune/TNS

As veterans launch startups, their resilience and skill sets are seen as assets in running a business

Navy veteran-turned-entrepreneur Todd Connor says vets have a unique skill set that makes them natural entrepreneurs, but what they often lack are the networks and capital to get their ideas off the ground.

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Gregg Peppin took in a ceremony honoring Korean War veterans, including his late father, Richard.<br>Star Tribune/TNS
Gregg Peppin took in a ceremony honoring Korean War veterans, including his late father, Richard.<br>Star Tribune/TNS

Trip to South Korea helps Minnesota son complete his Marine veteran father's story

Growing up in Golden Valley, Gregg Peppin only heard bits and pieces of his father’s Korea experience. “When I asked my mom about it, she said, ‘Your dad saw a lot of dead people,’” Peppin recalled.

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Coast Guard rescue swimmers show off training in Lake St. Clair

If you’re a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer and are looking to do a fun training exercise that also serves as team-building, what do you pick? How about jumping out of a helicopter into Lake St. Clair about 1.5 miles out, then swimming back to shore, decked out in your full gear?

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The USS Grayback sank in February 1944 after a Japanese aircraft hit it with a 500-pound bomb. <br>Tim Taylor-Lost 52 Project
The USS Grayback sank in February 1944 after a Japanese aircraft hit it with a 500-pound bomb. <br>Tim Taylor-Lost 52 Project

A WWII submarine went missing for 75 years. High-tech undersea drones solved the mystery.

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Staff Sgt. Cole N. Condiff<br>U.S. Air Force
Staff Sgt. Cole N. Condiff<br>U.S. Air Force

Airman who fell from plane had completed missions to Africa, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Cole N. Condiff, 29, was a special tactics combat controller with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, according to a release issued Saturday.

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Soldiers look at an app on a smartphone in this 2018 file photo. Soldiers in Fort Hood’s 504th Military Intelligence Brigade raised concerns about the terms of service of their brigade’s app (not pictured).<br>James Avery/U.S. Army
Soldiers look at an app on a smartphone in this 2018 file photo. Soldiers in Fort Hood’s 504th Military Intelligence Brigade raised concerns about the terms of service of their brigade’s app (not pictured).<br>James Avery/U.S. Army

Soldiers with top-secret clearances say they were forced to use an app that could endanger them

The soldiers — many of whom have jobs in interrogation, human intelligence and counterintelligence — noticed that the app's terms of service said it could collect substantial amounts of personal data, and that the developer has a presence overseas.

See more Army news

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Gregg Peppin took in a ceremony honoring Korean War veterans, including his late father, Richard.<br>Star Tribune/TNS
Gregg Peppin took in a ceremony honoring Korean War veterans, including his late father, Richard.<br>Star Tribune/TNS

Trip to South Korea helps Minnesota son complete his Marine veteran father's story

Growing up in Golden Valley, Gregg Peppin only heard bits and pieces of his father’s Korea experience. “When I asked my mom about it, she said, ‘Your dad saw a lot of dead people,’” Peppin recalled.

See more Marine Corps news
<br>Facebook
<br>Facebook

Coast Guard rescue swimmers show off training in Lake St. Clair

If you’re a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer and are looking to do a fun training exercise that also serves as team-building, what do you pick? How about jumping out of a helicopter into Lake St. Clair about 1.5 miles out, then swimming back to shore, decked out in your full gear?

See more Coast Guard news
The USS Grayback sank in February 1944 after a Japanese aircraft hit it with a 500-pound bomb. <br>Tim Taylor-Lost 52 Project
The USS Grayback sank in February 1944 after a Japanese aircraft hit it with a 500-pound bomb. <br>Tim Taylor-Lost 52 Project

A WWII submarine went missing for 75 years. High-tech undersea drones solved the mystery.

The USS Grayback, one of World War II's most effective submarines, was found in the ocean off Okinawa, Japan, more than 1,400 feet below the surface.

See more Navy news
Staff Sgt. Cole N. Condiff<br>U.S. Air Force
Staff Sgt. Cole N. Condiff<br>U.S. Air Force

Airman who fell from plane had completed missions to Africa, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Cole N. Condiff, 29, was a special tactics combat controller with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, according to a release issued Saturday.

See more Air Force news
Soldiers look at an app on a smartphone in this 2018 file photo. Soldiers in Fort Hood’s 504th Military Intelligence Brigade raised concerns about the terms of service of their brigade’s app (not pictured).<br>James Avery/U.S. Army
Soldiers look at an app on a smartphone in this 2018 file photo. Soldiers in Fort Hood’s 504th Military Intelligence Brigade raised concerns about the terms of service of their brigade’s app (not pictured).<br>James Avery/U.S. Army

Soldiers with top-secret clearances say they were forced to use an app that could endanger them

The soldiers — many of whom have jobs in interrogation, human intelligence and counterintelligence — noticed that the app's terms of service said it could collect substantial amounts of personal data, and that the developer has a presence overseas.

See more Army news
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Tomes scores 19 to lift Air Force over Texas State 78-71

Lavelle Scottie had 15 points and eight rebounds for Air Force (1-1). A.J. Walker added 12 points.

Sports

Tomes scores 19 to lift Air Force over Texas State 78-71

Lavelle Scottie had 15 points and eight rebounds for Air Force (1-1). A.J. Walker added 12 points.