Spouse CallsA weekly column in Stripes' Scene magazine by Terri Barnes, a military wife and mother of three who lives and writes in Germany. • This week's column • Terri' Barnes blog

Widow wants to bring newborn son to stateside home of slain MarineMichael H. Ferschke III, born on Okinawa on Jan. 7, will never get to meet his father in person. But his mother is taking pains to ensure he will get to know him well. • Story• Related stories:Jan. 25:Widow’s residency battle hits little snagOct. 5, 2008:Marine’s widow granted temporary visaSept. 27, 2008:Marine’s widow hits U.S. visa snagSept. 7, 2008:Seeking a father’s presence

Resurrecting the ruins of Aqar QufAs violence subsides, the government in this rural corner of the Abu Ghraib district is struggling to get national funding to reopen the Aqar Quf historic site and bolster the local economy. • Story• Photo gallery

No calm as "Sons' setsOne of the "storm clouds on the horizon" that top U.S. officials in Iraq have often cited is how the "Sons of Iraq" program will transition from U.S. to Iraqi control. But of larger significance is what will happen when the "Sons of Iraq" program is phased out entirely. • Story • Photo gallery• Related stories:Feb. 12:Can Iraq sustain its progress?Feb. 11:U.S. worries about losing expertise

CrossFit workouts are rarely routineCrossFit Ramstein — a tight group of airmen, spouses, civilians and teenagers pushing their bodies past once unfamiliar pain thresholds — has attracted a core following of about 30 members, ranging in age from 15 to 43. • Story

Housing fraud has serious consequencesLarceny carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and a dishonorable discharge under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. A housing fraud conviction may also include confinement, a reduction in rank to E-1 and forfeiture of pay. • Story

Securing MaiwandWith little knowledge of language or culture, U.S. troops in Afghanistan are trying to lay the groundwork for future operations. • Story • Photo gallery

Unique prioritiesMilitary families with special needs children face tough choices when overseas assignments mean less access to disability care • Story

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