Headlines: Al Qaeda in Iraq claims responsibility for recent attacks. And, a soldier who survived a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan continues to fight for his life after he was critically wounded at his homecoming party.

Headlines: Linked by trauma, officer seeks recognition for a soldier he never knew. And, local residents oppose planned San Diego veteran center.

Headlines: Army charges 8 soldiers in connection with private’s death in Afghanistan. And, soldier pawns Purple Heart for Christmas cash.

Headlines: World leaders react to death of Kim Jong Il. And, 23-year-old was the last US soldier killed in Iraq.

Headlines: Last US base handed to Iraq ahead of pullout. And, White House and the Pentagon will not probe the story of Medal of Honor recipient.

Headlines: As our flag is put away, America’s mission in Iraq symbolically ends. And, Defense bill nears passage in Congress.

Headlines: Corps mistakenly sends Purple Heart ornaments to fallen soldiers. And, Congress tries again to get military sexual assault laws right.

Headlines: Shinseki says veteran homelessness population is down 12 percent. And, House and Senate agree on sweeping defense bill.

Headlines: Obama and Iraqi prime minister meet amid U.S. troop withdrawal. And, the president looks to cut the National Guard force along the border.

Headlines: Dozens killed in rare Afghanistan attack. And, Senators want investigation into VA wait data.