FIRST LADY VISIT

First lady Michelle Obama thanks sailors for their service and hard work during an event at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 31, 2009. The event marked the homecoming of the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and the USNS Comfort from their recent deployments. Her visit was an extension of her continued support for military families. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gina K. Wollman

THANKING SAILORS

First lady Michelle Obama speaks to sailors and their families about her respect and admiration for their service during a visit to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 31, 2009. The first lady spoke at an event marking the homecoming of the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and the USNS Comfort from recent deployments. US Navy photo by Seaman Desiree Green

NORFOLK SALUTE

First lady Michelle Obama salutes during the singing of the national anthem while visiting Naval Station Norfolk, Va., July 31, 2009. The first lady spoke at an event marking the homecoming of the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and the USNS Comfort from recent deployments. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Desiree Green

ALASKAN AGGRESSOR

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark W. Graper, commander, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft over the Joint Pacific Alaskan Range Complex in an F-16 Aggressor aircraft during Red Flag Alaska on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 28, 2009. Red Flag is a field training exercise. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz

HORIZON SCAN

U.S. Army Spc. Lucas Butler scans the horizon with the sight of his M-249 automatic weapon during an anti-improvised explosive device and anti-indirect fire mission in the area of Abu Ghraib, July 30, 2009. Butler is an infantryman assigned to the 1st Infantry Division's 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo

ELDER INSIGHTS

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Chad Althiser speaks with Afghan elders at the end of a meeting outside Fire Base Fiddler's Green, Afghanistan, July 24, 2009. Althiser is the commander of India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Christopher R. Rye

STALLION LANDING

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter lands to deliver supplies on Patrol Base Jaker, Afghanistan, July 28, 2009. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. James Purschwitz

UNDER COVER

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brad Stys provides security during a patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 27, 2009. The Marines are deployed to support NATO's International Security Assistance Force and will participate in counterinsurgency operations, including training Afghan security forces to improve stability in the country. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau