Battle of Tora Bora
2028-12-03
The Battle of Tora Bora, fought from December 6 to 17, 2001, was a significant military engagement during the early stages of the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan. The primary objective was to capture or kill al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was believed to be hiding in the Tora Bora cave complex in eastern Afghanistan. U.S. Special Forces, along with allied Afghan militias, launched an assault against entrenched al-Qaeda fighters in the rugged mountainous terrain. Despite intense fighting and heavy bombardment, bin Laden managed to evade capture. The battle highlighted the challenges of mountain warfare and the limitations of relying on local militias for critical operations.
Learn More:

Battle of Tora Bora: Wikipedia Entry
Delta Force’s “Dalton Fury” Interview, Historical Footage: 60 Minutes (2011)
Gary Berntsen, CIA Commander, Interview (Audio): BBC
This Day in Army History (Video): AF.mil

Support is Available
Reflecting on significant moments in U.S. history can evoke strong emotions. If you or someone you know is feeling lonely or facing challenges with mental health, housing, employment, transportation, healthcare, veteran benefits, family issues or any other situation, we’re here to help. Call the Be Connected support line for service members, veterans, and their families at 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387), available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM MT. For urgent mental health crises, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 9-8-8 (veterans – press 1) or text 838255, and for life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. This information is provided as a public service and is not intended to replace advice or care from licensed professional providers.

Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance
2028-12-07
National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance is observed on December 7 to honor and remember the lives lost in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. The attack resulted in the deaths of more than 2,400 Americans and led to the United States’ entry into World War II. The day’s observance serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought and died during the war and the importance of honoring their memory. The significance of National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance lies in its recognition of the courage and resilience of those who served and sacrificed during World War II, as well as the need to continue to remember and learn from the lessons of that time. The day is marked by ceremonies and events that honor the memory of those who were lost, paying tribute to the survivors and their families, and promoting reflection and understanding of the impact of the attack and the war that followed. It is a time to come together as a nation to honor and remember the sacrifice and bravery of those who served during this pivotal moment in our history.
Learn More:

83 Year Reflection (2024): CPF.Navy.mil
83 Year Reflection News Coverage (2024): WFAA
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Artifacts: National Park Service
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Wikipedia Entry
Observing National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Army.mil
Pearl Harbor Attack: The National WWII Museum
Remembering Pearl Harbor: Defense.gov

Support is Available
Reflecting on significant moments in U.S. history can evoke strong emotions. If you or someone you know is feeling lonely or facing challenges with mental health, housing, employment, transportation, healthcare, veteran benefits, family issues or any other situation, we’re here to help. Call the Be Connected support line for service members, veterans, and their families at 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387), available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM MT. For urgent mental health crises, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 9-8-8 (veterans – press 1) or text 838255, and for life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. This information is provided as a public service and is not intended to replace advice or care from licensed professional providers.

AMVETS Birthday
2028-12-10
AMVETS (American Veterans) was founded in 1944 and is open to all individuals who have honorably served in the U.S. military, including the National Guard and Reserves. With more than 250,000 members nationwide, AMVETS is committed to improving the quality of life for veterans, their families, and survivors. AMVETS’ mission is to advocate for veterans’ rights, enhance veterans’ lives, and support their reintegration into civilian life. The organization has played a significant role in shaping policies that benefit veterans and their communities. AMVETS has provided assistance, jobs, and services to veterans for nearly 80 years. A fun fact is that AMVETS presents the prestigious “Silver Helmet Award,” often referred to as the “Veteran’s Oscar,” for excellence in various fields. Learn more at https://www.amvets.org/

U.S. National Guard Birthday
2028-12-13
This annual observance commemorates the establishment of the National Guard on December 13, 1636. This day recognizes the important role played by the National Guard in protecting American communities and responding to domestic emergencies. The National Guard serves as the country’s first line of defense in times of domestic emergencies and operates under the authority of both state and federal governments. Its citizen soldiers are often called upon to assist in a wide range of missions, including disaster response and a vital role in supporting overseas military operations, with Guard units regularly deploying alongside active-duty forces. The significance of the National Guard lies in its ability to quickly respond to emergencies and provide critical support to civilian authorities in times of crisis. Their dedication and service to the country are invaluable, and they are a vital asset in protecting America’s communities and ensuring national security.

Capture of Saddam Hussein
2028-12-13
On December 13, 2003, during Operation Red Dawn, U.S. forces captured former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein near his hometown of Tikrit. Hussein was found hiding in a “spider hole” beneath a farmhouse in ad-Dawr. The operation involved approximately 600 soldiers, including special operations units such as Delta Force and the Intelligence Support Activity (ISA), under Task Force 121, supported by the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division. The capture was a significant milestone in the Iraq War, marking the end of Hussein’s attempts to evade coalition forces following his regime’s collapse earlier that year.
Learn More:

10 Year Reflection (2013): Army.mil
Capture of Saddam Hussein: Wikipedia Entry
Historical Footage: 60 Minutes, December 17, 2003
Historical Footage: NBC News, December 14, 2003
Our Place in History, Story of Eric Maddox: Defense Intelligence Agency (2013)
Recounting the Capture: Shawn Ryan Show

Support is Available
Reflecting on significant moments in U.S. history can evoke strong emotions. If you or someone you know is feeling lonely or facing challenges with mental health, housing, employment, transportation, healthcare, veteran benefits, family issues or any other situation, we’re here to help. Call the Be Connected support line for service members, veterans, and their families at 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387), available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM MT. For urgent mental health crises, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 9-8-8 (veterans – press 1) or text 838255, and for life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. This information is provided as a public service and is not intended to replace advice or care from licensed professional providers.

Battle of the Bulge
2028-12-16
The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Ardennes Offensive, was a major German assault during World War II, fought in the Ardennes Forest from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945. Over one million German soldiers, including 200,000 assault troops, faced 700,000 Allied troops, including General Patton’s 3rd Army. The battle, conducted in harsh winter conditions with cold, snow, and dense fog, saw thousands of Allied soldiers suffering frostbite and trench foot, with many wounded succumbing to the cold. It was the bloodiest battle for American forces on the Western Front, with 20,000 killed and tens of thousands wounded, missing, or captured. Despite initial German advances creating a “bulge” in the Allied lines, the offensive was repelled after fierce fighting, aided by clearing weather on Christmas Day that allowed Allied airstrikes. The battle ended in an Allied victory, depleting German resources and hastening the collapse of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich.
Learn More:

Casualty Report: Defense Casualty Analysis System
Battle of the Bulge: History.com
Battle of the Bulge Memorial: Arlington National Cemetery
Firsthand Accounts: American Veterans Center
Battle of the Bulge Heroes: National Veterans Memorial Museum
80 Year Reflection (2024): Health.mil
Battle of the Bulge: Wikipedia Entry
Battle of the Bulge: Army.mil
Irving Locker Firsthand Account: American Veterans Center
80 Year Reflection (2024): AFN News, DVIDS, U.S. DoD
Battle of the Bulge (Video): History.com
Roberta Nolan, Daughter of James O’Boyle Lyons

Support is Available
Reflecting on significant moments in U.S. history can evoke strong emotions. If you or someone you know is feeling lonely or facing challenges with mental health, housing, employment, transportation, healthcare, veteran benefits, family issues or any other situation, we’re here to help. Call the Be Connected support line for service members, veterans, and their families at 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387), available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM MT. For urgent mental health crises, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 9-8-8 (veterans – press 1) or text 838255, and for life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. This information is provided as a public service and is not intended to replace advice or care from licensed professional providers.

U.S. Space Force Birthday
2028-12-20
The United States Space Force was established on December 20, 2019, as the sixth branch of the U.S. military. The Space Force’s primary mission is to protect U.S. interests in space and to ensure freedom of operations in the space domain. The Space Force is responsible for developing, acquiring, and operating military space systems, including communications, navigation, surveillance, and missile warning satellites. The Space Force also conducts a range of operations, including space-based missile defense, offensive space operations, and space situational awareness. The significance of the Space Force lies in its recognition of the critical importance of space to national security and the need for this highly specialized and advanced military organization that plays a critical role in ensuring America’s continued dominance in space.
