DoD map of the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ), and the areas around it in both the North and South. Click on map for a larger image.

The United States and South Korean militaries began their annual Key Resolve exercise today. Key Resolve was planned for the first time by the Republic of Korea, as part of the preparation for those forces to assume wartime operations control in Dec. 2015. The exercise involves about 10,000 ROK forces and about 3,500 from the U.S. military. Other allied nations, Denmark, United Kingdom, Australia, Colombia and Canada, also have forces participating. Units from the U.S. Navy and Air Force are also conducting exercises in the area. Key Resolve will end March 21.
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Chika Tokashiki, left, of the BC Sports basketball team, defends against a player from the Lady Storm basketball team March 3 at the Semper Fit Gym at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The Lady Storm and BC Sports basketball teams competed against one another in one of the final rounds of an all-women’s basketball tournament for Okinawa and American teams. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Elizabeth A. Case)

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Story by Lance Cpl. Elizabeth Case

Okinawa and U.S. women’s basketball teams competed in an all-women’s basketball tournament March 2-3 at the Semper Fit Gym at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
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Chief Warrant Officer 4 Stephanie “Trudy” Truax and her son, Lance Cpl. Scott Truax pose in front of a UH-60 Black Hawk before her last flight at Ladd Army Airfield, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 2, 2012.

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Story by Capt. Heather Hall

This week’s Third Army/ARCENT Soldier of the Week is Chief Warrant Officer 4 Stephanie “Trudy” Truax, tactical operations officer /UH-60 standardizations and personnel recovery officer for Third Army/ARCENT.
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Father Emil Joseph Kapaun celebrating Mass with this jeep hood as an alter, Oct 7, 1950. Kapaun was captured by Chinese troops during the Korean war less than a month later on November 2, 1950. Kapaun died in a prison camp May 23, 1951 at age 35. Photo by Col. R. A. Skeehan

The Wichita Eagle reports that Emil Kapaun, serving as a Roman Catholic chaplain, will be awarded the Medal of Honor on April 11, 2013, for his valor during the Korean War. Kapaun, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his battlefield actions, will receive the Medal for his actions as a prisoner of the Chinese. From Nov. 2, 1950 to May 23, 1951, Father Kapaun was held prisoner, first during a forced march north and then in a prisoner of war camp. The priest had remained behind with a group of American wounded as U.N. forces were forced to retreat in the face of the Chinese assault.
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Sgt. Miguelange G. Madrigal, a radio Supporting Arms Liaison Team G, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, salutes Lt. Gen. Steven A. Hummer, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, after being awarded a Silver Star Medal aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Jan. 31, 2013. Madrigal was awarded the nation’s third highest honor for his actions as a member of a squad patrol that was pinned down by insurgent fire. On Feb. 15, 2008, he repelled an enemy attack, rushed to save a fellow Marine, called in multiple fire-support missions, and called in a casualty evacuation. (U.S. Marine Corps photochief with by Cpl. Marcin Platek/Released)

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Story by Cpl. Marcin Platek

A Silver Star Medal was presented to Sgt. Miguelange G. Madrigal of 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, at a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Jan. 31st.

Lt. Gen. Steven A. Hummer, the commander of MARFORRES and Marine Forces North, presented the medal and later expressed the boldness of Madrigal’s actions.
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