Commissaries survive quake, tsunami, but not government shutdown

NAPLES, Italy – Stock up on Patriot’s Choice products and command-sponsored milk, because if U.S. lawmakers don’t agree to a budget by Friday night, commissaries on bases worldwide will shut their doors.

Government shutdown: How it will affect veterans

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs is less likely to see major disruptions than other government agencies in the event of a government shutdown, but that doesn’t mean everything will remain normal for veterans seeking help.

Major Earthquake Hits Off Japan’s Coast

Japan was hit by a strong earthquake and tsunami warning Thursday night nearly a month after a devastating temblor and tsunami flattened the northeastern coast.

U.S. troops in Afghanistan suffer more catastrophic injuries

Newly released combat statistics from last year reveal an unprecedented number of castastrophic injuries suffered by U.S. troops in Afghanistan, according to an L.A. Times story.

WH Confirms Shutdown Would Delay Troop Pay

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration warned Wednesday that a federal shutdown would undermine the economic recovery, delay pay to U.S. troops fighting in three wars, slow the processing of tax returns and limit small business loans and government-backed mortgages during the peak home buying season.

Mistake May Shortchange Wounded Vets

For more than five years, thousands of wounded and injured military reservists and National Guard troops nationwide might have lost medical benefits because of a Pentagon mistake, according to an investigation by Sen. Ron Wyden.

Gadhafi Writes Obama to End Airstrikes

WASHINGTON — Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi appealed directly to President Obama to end what Gadhafi called “an unjust war.” He also wished Obama good luck in his bid for re-election next year.

U.S. Army deserter denied asylum by Germany

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — The U.S. soldier who asked the German government for political asylum in November 2008 has been rebuffed by the German Interior Ministry.

Is Obama ready for Pentagon leadership turnover?

Adm. Mike Mullen, now serving as the Pentagon’s top officer as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is expected to retire after his term ends in September, and Gen. David Petraeus, commander of all U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, is under serious consideration to become the next head of the CIA when he leaves the military behind.

Official: Troops’ pay would be withheld until shutdown is resolved

Troops worldwide would remain on duty if the federal government shuts down Friday, but would only receive pay through April 8 until the crisis was resolved, a government official with knowledge of Pentagon plans said.