New Orleans Soldier Home From Afghanistan Uses Deployment Money to Help Homeless

Sgt. Austin Winton Lumpkin, a soldier who returned home to Gretna from Afghanistan, used his deployment money to help the homeless. While he was home on leave, he purchased products to fill more than 200 bags, which included a new pair of socks, personal hygiene products, water, and snacks. "The reason I wanted to do this gift-giving project was to show people that you don't have to have a lot to give a little," said Lumpkin.

By Jeanne Goddard

16 March 35 Views

Obama Presents Soldier With Medal of Honor for Conspicuous Bravery

President Obama yesterday presented the Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Captain William Swenson for conspicuous gallantry at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. President Obama yesterday presented the Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Captain William Swenson for conspicuous gallantry at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Will's commanding officers wrote, In seven hours of continuous fighting, Swenson braved intense enemy fire, and willfully put his life in danger against the enemy's main effort, multiple times in service of his fallen and wounded comrades… and his endangered Afghan partners.

By Jeanne Goddard

16 October 33 Views

The Most Patriotic Thing You'll See Today: After Families' Ultimate Sacrifice, a Touching Gift in the Mail

Three years after the Panchots received the ultimate bad news delivered on their doorstep by two soldiers, a compassionate response from a stranger arrived via FedEx truck, essentially delivering the memory of their son Dale, back home. There's definitely a lot of love going in that box, says goat rancher and artist, Kaziah Hancock. She started Project Compassion, a fund that helps provide personal hand-painted portraits of soldiers killed in action, so their faces will never be forgotten.

By Jeanne Goddard

04 July 33 Views

Disabled in Iraq, Now Making Life Easier for Other Wounded Vets

A National Guardsman lost both legs in Iraq, but found a new mission helping others. It was a life-altering injury, but from the beginning, Dale Beatty had a positive attitude about it. Beatty created an organization Purple Heart Homes after a Builders Association -- of which he was a member -- helped him build a wheelchair-accessible home with wide doorways and roll-in bathrooms.

By Jeanne Goddard

15 February 41 Views

300 Veterans Lead Grueling Sandy Cleanup in Rockaway Beach (Video)

300 veterans, some trained in crisis management, have been donating their time and skills in the hard hit Rockaway neighborhood in Queens, New York, removing debris and making life easier and safer for storm weary residents. Their organization, Team Rubicon, helps others but also helps ex-soldiers from around the country to gain a new mission in life, something to become passionate about. They've joined together to tackle the seemingly endless task of rehabilitating the homes for an entire neighborhood.

By Jeanne Goddard

14 November 38 Views

At 102, Female WWII Veteran Keeps Doing Good Deeds

When asked to reveal the secret to her longevity, Bea Abrams Cohen credits her do-good attitude, helpfulness toward others, and the power of prayer. The chatty 102 year-old has worked for more than seven decades supporting philanthropic organizations and especially the U.S. military, since her service in World War II.

By Jeanne Goddard

01 May 36 Views

WWII Japanese-American Soldier Whose Dad was Interred Awarded High Honor

A Japanese-American soldier who single-handedly stormed machine gun nests in World War II clearing the way for an entire battalion to escape was awarded the military's second highest honor yesterday, the Distinguished Service Award.

By Jeanne Goddard

09 June 40 Views

How Tootsie Rolls Saved A Group Of US Troops in 1950 (WATCH)

Imagine being in the middle of fighting a war in freezing cold weather when you run out of ammunition and get candy instead.

By Tiffani Spengler

20 March 41 Views

Photo of Marine Who Slowed Down to Help a Boy Finish 5K Goes Viral

A marine who gallantly dropped back in a race to help a nine-year-old boy finish has become an internet sensation. The boy reportedly got separated from his group and asked 19-year-old Lance Corporal Myles Kerr: 'Sir, will you please run with me?'

By Jeanne Goddard

05 August 33 Views

He Saved Six Soldiers' Lives With Innovative Use of Child's Toy

A remote control toy truck sent to Sgt. Chris Fessenden in Afghanistan by his brother helped to trigger a bomb meant to kill U.S. soldiers. In 2007, Ernie Fessenden teamed up with a hobby store owner to create a radio-controlled model truck outfitted with a wireless video camera to help his brother check for bombs under trucks. That souped-up toy ended up preventing the potential deaths of six soldiers two weeks ago.

By Jeanne Goddard

09 August 39 Views