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Obama to Award Medal of Honor to Vietnam-era Airman

A fallen Vietnam War-era airman will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for heroism from President Barack Obama during a Sept. 21 White House ceremony. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. “Dick” Etchberger was killed March 11, 1968, in Laos during the battle of Mount Phou Pha Thi. Read More.

Department Joins in Call for Innovative Solutions

The Defense Department is putting some of its most vexing challenges on the Internet for the public to help solve as part of a new initiative to invite creative solutions to government problems. Pentagon officials submitted four challenges to the Challenge.gov website that launched today. The site, a White House initiative administered by the General Services Administration, offers millions of dollars in prizes to those who find solutions to challenges that span all areas of government, from improving health and public schools to advancing science, technology and the environment. Read More.

Marine Helicopters Join Flood-relief Efforts in Pakistan

As part of the ongoing U.S. aid to Pakistan, two Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters arrived today at Pano Aqil Air Base near Sukkur, Pakistan, bringing the total number of U.S. helicopters in that area to six. The aircraft are part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., said Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick Ryder, a spokesman for the office of the U.S. defense representative in Pakistan. Read More.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15. Originally, it was a weeklong observation approved by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968; and in 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to 30 days. It is a time to honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. and to celebrate the Hispanic heritage, history, and culture. The National Capital Region will celebrate this heritage through galas, art exhibits, festivals, and music. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) is proud to host the nation's premier Hispanic Heritage Month event taking place September 12-15, under the unifying theme, Celebrating History, Heritage and the American Dream. Attendees will join more than 3,000 Latino leaders from across the country at events such as the Public Policy Conference, Reyes of Comedy, and 33rd Annual Awards Gala. For more information, log onto www.chci.org. In addition, the Smithsonian will honor Hispanic heritage through a number of educational programs, exhibits, and movie screenings at its museums, as well as a daylong Fiesta Musical at the National Zoo on September 19 from 11am to 5pm. The day includes costumed dancers, animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, traditional crafts, and Latin American foods. For a full list of events, click here.