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.

The Order of the Purple Heart reaches out to wounded veterans raising funds for service, and rehabilitation for any wounded, disabled, or handicapped veteran and their dependents.

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.

With the cost of public and private universities increasing every semester, there is a real question for many potential students if the cost of the degree is worth it.

Headlines: Retirement changes worry enlisted ranks. And, Pentagon defends handling of remains after landfill scandal.