Stars and Stripes Daily Headlines

February 21, 2017     Former DOD comptroller: Be skeptical of military claims of readiness crisis Robert Hale, who served under President Barack Obama, said the services do have some shortfalls but are likely putting their “worst foot forward” in hopes of scoring funding increases under the new administration, which has proposed a major defense buildup.   Iraqi forces on Mosul hilltop gird for fierce fight ahead Iraqi troops worked to secure a strategic hilltop overlooking Mosul's international airport and a nearby military base on Tuesday, fearing the Islamic State group, which still holds both facilities, may launch another wave of nighttime counterattacks.   Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund gets $10 million grant for education center The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has received a $10 million grant for its proposed education center adjacent to its famous memorial on the Mall in Washington.   Soldier who died in noncombat incident in Iraq identified Pfc. Brian P. Odiorne of Ware, Mass., died in a noncombat incident in Anbar province, Iraq, the Defense Department said. The incident is under investigation.   Okinawa-based civilian goes missing while skiing Japanese Alps Friends and family of Mathew Healy, a physician’s assistant whose wife serves in the Air Force on Okinawa, posted a plea for donations via a GoFundMe site that by Tuesday evening had garnered more than $28,000 toward the search-and-rescue operation’s estimated $40,000 cost.   Analysis | National security adviser choice McMaster battle-tested in Iraq President Donald Trump’s choice for his national security adviser is a battle-tested Army general whose leadership in dealing with insurgents in Tal Afar, Iraq, in 2005 made him a leading U.S. strategist.   Air Mobility Command chief pays morale-boosting visit to Ramstein, Spangdahlem Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey said that she and AMC commander Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II are concerned about the motivation, health and morale of their airmen given the current budgetary challenges and demands placed on them.   Terrorists are building drones. France is destroying them with eagles. Under French military supervision, four golden eagle chicks hatched last year atop drones - born into a world of terror and machines they would be bred to destroy.