Military

The US Army identified the soldier who was mauled to death by a bear in Alaska as 30-year-old Staff Sgt. Seth Michael Plant of St. Augustine, Florida.

Children who lose a military parent are finding comfort and support through programs designed to help kids of fallen heroes.  

HeavenDropt is a Largo-based company that makes unique products out of recycled military parachutes. 

A woman embarked on a mission 14 years ago to help veterans facing homelessness in Tampa. Connie Lindsay's effort to lend a helping hand to veterans turned into Liberty Manor for Veterans.

Bayfront Health St. Petersburg has become a training ground for special operations medics preparing to work in battlegrounds.  

Frederick Riefkohl was a World War I hero who led a successful showdown with a German submarine, but he never received the Medal of Honor — America's highest award for valor in combat. Researchers say he may have been unfairly discriminated against at the time because he was from Puerto Rico. Now officials may posthumously award him for his act of heroism, more than 50 years after his death.

The Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care Program from Veteran Affairs is helping veterans who are in need of assistance with daily living activities.

During the first week of ‘Military May," FOX 13 is highlighting service members who received the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Army Veteran John Jaquez, of Spring Hill earned a Silver Star while defending the village of Nhi Ha from North Vietnamese infiltration.

The United States Department of Defense awards top honors to recognize "acts of valor performed by Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines."

Military spouses looking for work or trying to launch a business are getting some much-needed help from a variety of programs.

The American Legion Post 139 in Tampa honored workers at McKay Bay Waste to Energy Plant for helping properly and honorably burning more than 1,000 unserviceable flags in February.

During the first week of ‘Military May," FOX 13 is highlighting service members who received the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Retired Colonel Sam Martin, of Tierra Verde, received a total of four Silver Star awards during his career.

More than 80 Lakeland area veterans touched down in the nation's capital to spend the day touring their war memorials.

During the first week of ‘Military May," FOX 13 is highlighting service members who received the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Corporal Evan Stafford of Apollo Beach was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on April 7, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Craft beer enthusiasts Ramey Simpson and Jerry Brown launched the business in 2019. Simpson retired from the Air Force in 2021 after 24 years of service. Brown is a 27-year veteran of the Army and still currently serving.

During the first week of ‘Military May,” FOX 13 is highlighting soldiers who received the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Lance Corporal Johnnie Clark's story of bravery during the Vietnam War is certainly worthy of the honor.