By Andres Ibarra |Staff Writer| During a surprise visit to Afghanistan, President Barack Obama promised the troops, after nearly 13 years of fighting, he intends to end the war in Afghanistan by the end of this year. Speaking to the troops at Bagram Airbase, Obama said the war has reached a crucial point with Afghan forces claiming primary responsibility for their country’s security. This will allow most of the 32,000 stationed U.S. troops to depart. However, he still plans on having a few troops to remain stationed in Afghanistan in order to protect the gains made during the war, according to The Huffington Post. “After all of the sacrifices we've made, we want to preserve the … [Read more...] about President Obama vowes to end Afghan war soon
Afghanistan
Murph Crossfit
By Mark Mascetti |Staff Writer| On Memorial Day, many Americans will utilize the day off from work and school to celebrate with family and friends, while others seize the day and pay a tribute to America’s heroes. Memorial Day is reserved as a national holiday in remembrance of America’s fallen heroes from active military service. Members of the CrossFit community nationwide participate in an intense workout named Murph in honor of Navy SEAL, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a recipient of the Medal of Honor, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. “The workout consists of a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, followed by an additional mile run all while wearing a 20 pound vest, … [Read more...] about Murph Crossfit
Chronicle news briefs
By Daniel DeMarco |Staff Writer| Pig virus continues to spread across U.S. (Jan. 18) A deadly pig virus has reportedly spread to Wyoming and California, bringing the total number of states affected to 22 since it surfaced in the country last April. The virus is not harmful to humans, but is having a heavy effect on the pork industry where numbers are estimated to be in the millions of pigs lost to the virus. Student Christian Barker said, “I think that says something about our food industry when every year there’s some crazy new virus killing all the animals.” Mystery rock recently found on Mars (Jan. 20) As part of an exploration mission, a rover on Mars discovered a … [Read more...] about Chronicle news briefs
Obama discusses next four years
By Marysol Guzman |Staff Writer| President Barack Obama spoke in front of House members and civilians to discuss the future of America for the next four years of his presidency last Tuesday Feb. 12. The President opened his State of the Union address with a quote from President John F. Kennedy: “The Constitution makes us not rivals for power but partners for progress.” Immigration reform, investments in energy, investments in education, gun control, higher minimum wage, health benefits, job creation and home manufactured goods were just a few of his topics discussed in his speech. Obama also thanked troops and civilians who sacrificed their lives for the safety of … [Read more...] about Obama discusses next four years
Former marine weighs in on women in combat
By James Kohler | Staff Writer | Women can now fight alongside their male counterparts in the United States military. On April 24, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta opened combat positions to women that were previously restricted only to men. “If members of our military can meet the qualifications for a job — and let me be clear, we are not reducing qualifications — then they should have the right to serve,” said Panetta. As a former infantryman in the U.S. Marine Corps, I think it is a fantastic idea. If a woman wants to strap on 80 pounds of gear, carry a 20-pound weapon and patrol through a dangerous city in Iraq or Afghanistan then I’ll be in formation right next to her. Reuben … [Read more...] about Former marine weighs in on women in combat
Timeless love stories exposed for Valentine’s Day
By Krystina Pedersen |Staff Writer| Valentine’s Day is here again. For some it’s a day of love, excitement and surprise. For others it’s a day of heartbreak and misery. “Valentine’s Day is a day to share love, not just with a boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse, but a day to share love with family and friends,” said student Anisha Puri. Most people can trace their memories all the way back to elementary school where Valentine’s Day consisted of distributing cards and little goodies to everyone in your class and doing little arts and crafts. When Abigail Perez was in kindergarten she made a special cupcake for her crush, but got into an argument with her cousin on her way to deliver the … [Read more...] about Timeless love stories exposed for Valentine’s Day