The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is partnering with the University of San Francisco and Massachusetts General Hospital to develop a technology that may reduce the severity of neuropsychological illness in service members and veterans, according to a recent DARPA report. The goal is to develop a neurological device, part of Systems-Based Neurotechnology for Emerging Therapies (SUBNETS), that would diminish symptoms of mental illness.

This new device was inspired by Medtronic's existing Deep Brain Stimulation technology. According to the firm, their DBS Therapy implanted device stimulates targeted areas of the brain with electrical pulses. This stimulation helps to control symptoms of psychiatric or movement disorders. Research for a similar device that would benefit veterans in particular was prompted by President Obama's brain initiative. This initiative provided DARPA with $50 million in funding for the new project.

The UCSF team is working on the development of the physical device that will use direct recording, stimulation, and therapeutic approaches to alter and eventually repair the neuron pathways responsible for symptoms of psychiatric or neurological diseases.

The team at Mass General Hospital will assess the symptoms neurological diseases such as  increased anxiety, impaired recall or inappropriate responses to stimuli alongside detailed brain scans. This practice, a "trans-diagnostic" approach to assess patients, will hopefully identify the specific brain areas responsible for certain symptoms.

Hopefully, DARPA's research will ease the symptoms of neurological diseases experienced by some service members, as well as veterans in life after service. The program's goal – developing a brain implant that can read and then control patients' emotional responses – could help treat conditions such as depression, addiction and borderline personality disorder.

MIT Technology Review interviewed researchers directly involved with the developing technology.

"Imagine if I have an addiction to alcohol and I have a craving," said Jose Carmena, a professor involved in UCSF's research, to the Technology Review. "We could detect that feeling and then stimulate inside the brain to stop it from happening."

Unfortunately, veterans have a suicide rate three to four times greater than the average American, noted Justin Sanchez, manager of the DARPA program. According to Darin Dougherty, a psychiatrist involved in the Mass General Hospital research, fear from PTSD is generated in a part of the brain involved in emotional memories, but it can be repressed by another region. Ideally, this new device would be able to detect signals from the the source before they trigger a fear response. The device would then prevent a patient's physical or emotional response to external stimuli.

Though this technology is not intended for widespread use, if successful, it would drastically improve the livelihood of veterans who were previously unaffected by typical medications or treatment for psychological conditions.

Corporal Jeff DeYoung was reunited with his black Labrador retriever named Cena on Thursday, June 5th, after being apart for four years. Cena had been DeYoung's bomb-sniffing dog and partner in Afghanistan in 2009.

According to the New York Daily News, Cena is a skilled canine that can sniff out 300 different kinds of explosives and 1000 different scents.

Talented dogs like Cena play an important role in the safety of our soldiers, both physically and mentally. Soldiers often build a special bond with their dogs, relying on them not just to find bombs and for physical protection, but also for comfort and companionship as in everyday life.

"My main goal was to protect him," DeYoung told ABC news. "I remember we would get into firefights and having to cover myself on top of him so he wouldn't get harm[ed]. It was all about him."

When DeYoung left the military in 2010, Cena stayed behind to continue serving the country. DeYoung went on to get married and start a family but throughout his life after service, he always had Cena in the back of his mind. After four long years, he went through Mission K9 Rescue to adopt his friend. The heroic canine had served six years in the military and had a hip problem that prevented continued service.

Canines that serve next to their soldiers find a special place, not only in their soldier's heart, but also with the hearts of the soldier's family.

Salvador and Sandra Diaz lost their son Staff Sgt. Christopher Diaz in September of 2011, but have recently been approved to adopt his Belgian malinois, Dino.

Initially, their request to adopt the dog was denied, because he was a young dog that could still work for the Marines. However, a special law allows grieving families in unique situations to adopt a working military dog. Under this law, Dino was allowed to become part of the Diaz family.

Salvador Diaz was the one who put in the request to adopt Dino and had planned on adding him to the family. While adopting Dino does not fill the void that Diaz's death has left in the lives of his family, it will provide a connection to him.

"We know that he's not going to replace Christopher but what he'll do is give us a little something that Christopher loved, and that was the Marine Corps and that was Dino," he told KGTV-TV.

Team USA took on team Nigeria last week in a pre-World Cup match in Jacksonville, Florida. The U.S. Department of Defense press service reported that during halftime, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia honored veteran Samuel Muldrew, Purple Heart recipient and former Army Pvt. 1st Class from 1943 to '45. As the crowd cheered, Muldrew, 91, was awarded a large coin with the inscription "Proud member, United States Armed Forces" by Battaglia and Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown. The current and former servicemen then saluted, kicking off the second half of the match. 

The award was fittingly presented the day after D-Day, and the reminder of Muldrew's courageous service during the second world war drew a standing ovation from the 50,000 spectators in attendance. The display of American pride was followed by the players securing a win in the second half of the match, finishing 2-1 against Nigeria. This victory secures team USA's place in the FIFA World Cup competition in Brazil later this month.

The World Cup has historically been the most watched sport event across the globe with 715.1 million views of the 2006 final game, held in Germany. The U.S. has not yet won the cup, but so far this year they have a three-game winning streak. Team USA's first official game in the cup will be held June 16, 2014, against team Ghana, according to the official FIFA schedule.

On June 14th, the United States will celebrate the Army's 239th birthday. The Army announced that the theme of this year's celebrations will be "America's Army: Our Profession." With the anniversary come many celebrations to honor the Army's troops and veterans.

Events started Friday, June 8th with ceremonies across the United States.

In Washington D.C. at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Under Secretary of the Army, Brad Carson, gave a keynote speech honoring today's troops and comparing them with the "greatest generation," those who served during WWII. In his speech, Carson reflected on the past 239 years of the Army and its effect on the globe.

"Our beginnings in 1775 may have been humble, but even then and certainly ever since, our Army has influenced the nation and the world," he said.

The extent of the Army celebrations stretch across the U.S. and it's territories. According to Kuam news, Governor Eddie Calvo of Guam gave a special speech honoring the island's servicemen and servicewomen, acknowledging the Army's history on the island and in the Pacific. In a time-honored tradition, the island will host its own Army Birthday Ball on June 14th, along with Army bases across the country.

Even in the nation's capital, celebrations will cumulate on June 21st with the Army Birthday Ball in National Harbor, Maryland.

Transitioning from active duty to life after service can be simultaneously positive and painful, full of both relief and anxiety. Lance Cpl. Nick Wright had his homecoming in 2007 following several tours in Iraq with the Marines Corps. According to the Denver Post American Homecomings project, Wright flew back to his home in California as a decorated war hero, where he settled into the life of a married father of five at only 29 years of age. Despite his family's blossoming since his retirement from the military, Wright found that negative emotions from the battlefield remained in his suburban life.

Steadily improving
For months after returning, the Post noted that Wright was "feeling naked" without an M-16 strapped onto him at all times, avoiding social interactions that may have triggered feelings of anxiety. He found it was difficult to sustain a civilian job without feeling unappreciated for his previous years of military service.

Despite his post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis shortly after returning from his last tour in Iraq, Wright told the Post that he appreciates the positives in his life more with each passing year. He is fiercely determined to overcome his situation, though he acknowledges that time has also helped him overcome his initial aggressive feelings upon returning home.

"There hasn't been one year that hasn't been a struggle, but it's getting better," he told the source. "Nothing's ever easy. Who the hell ever said it would be?"

Though he initially struggled to find and maintain a job, in 2012 Wright began his current position with a company that delivers equipment for hospice patients. The Post highlighted the fact that he's found some peace by helping the patients and families through end-of-life issues.

"I get to help patients who are passing on," he said. "You get to understand how the patients' families feel, and it gives me some peace of mind knowing that I did my best to make everyone more comfortable."

Coping with PTSD
According to the Department of Veteran's Affairs, PTSD is a complex disease that affects around 5.2 million people every year. Though many people around the world – around 50 percent – will experience trauma at some point in their lives, it is most common to develop lasting emotions if you were directly exposed to the trauma, were seriously injured during the event, believed that you were in danger, or felt helpless during the event. In the case of many military members, the trauma experienced is often first-hand.

Though there are ways to alleviate the symptoms through therapy or medication, self-help methods may also speed the road to recovery. Wright's reported self-help practices are similar to those recommended by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The first step on the road to recovery is often actively coping with and accepting the trauma that triggered the onset of the condition. PTSD is multi-faceted and can be hard to overcome, so knowing there may be setbacks during the healing period is also important to avoid feelings of defeat. Wright told the Post that his success was due in part to his constant perseverance and dedication to a cure.

The VA's National Center for PTSD notes that healing also does not mean blocking out the trauma that occurred, but being able to cope with the memories and symptoms that may arise. Relaxing activities such as swimming, meditation, muscle relaxation exercises, yoga, and spending time in nature may decrease symptoms over time. Practicing pleasant recreational or work activities has been shown to distract PTSD patients from their symptoms. Similar to Wright's experience working with hospice patients, getting involved in positive activities can promote positive feelings. PTSD may be a reality for some people during their life after military service, but Nick Wright is a case that shows with determination and the right approach, it doesn't have to define it.

On June 6th, 1944, 200,000 American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France and changed the course of World War II. Many soldiers lost their lives that day and on Friday the nation will remember their sacrifice on the 70th anniversary of D-day. This was the largest allied invasion during the war and set the course for Allied forces in their final push against the occupying Nazi forces.

According to Time, hundreds of survivors will be gathering on Normandy beach to commemorate the day. World leaders will also be gathering in Normandy to remember those who gave their lives. About 100,000 soldiers on each side of the war passed away that day, as well as 20,000 Normandy citizens. President Barack Obama is scheduled finish his trip to Europe in Normandy, and while there will attend a wreath-laying ceremony in the village of Colleville-sur-Mer where the graves of close to 9,000 Americans can be found marked by rows of white crosses. 

Back in the United States, Bedford, Virginia will be holding its own memorial events surrounding the National D-day Memorial. Bedford, although a small town, lost the most soldiers per capita on D-day of any American town. Thousands of people are expected to pay their respects and, according to Stars and Stripes, 13 buses of D-day veterans are planning on attending the events there. The day has been organized to honor the veterans and to throwback to the culture of the '40s. Events include a station where veterans will be telling their oral histories, a reunion tent for the veterans and a field style chapel service to honor those who died in the battle. 

Americans across the nation will each be remembering D-day in their own ways on Friday. Both current servicemembers and those embarking on life after military will remember friends, family and heroes who gave their lives. The nation will remember what those who died on D-day gave up for the sake of their fellow Americans and what those currently serving in the military sacrifice each day for the safety and freedom of the country.

The 2014 Special Olympics took place in the District of Columbia this year from May 20-22. Military Day was held on the 21st, a day when servicemembers have the chance to volunteer and partner with competing athletes in a 400-meter relay. The teams combined two military personnel with two athletes, each wearing T-shirts designating their represented branch. At the conclusion of the race, team Army finished in first place, followed by the Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and then the Navy.

After the relay, athletes competed in various track and field events, including classic disciplines such as shot put and the long jump, as well as events like the softball and tennis ball throw.

"All of the athletes really brought their A games today," said Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull, Army relay teammate. "This was a great opportunity to support these wonderful athletes and give them a chance to be a part of the team by representing a military service."

For military personnel, whether active members or those transitioning to life after service, Military Day is an opportunity to volunteer by partnering with intellectually disabled individuals for this 400-meter relay. The event is lighthearted and fun for everyone involved, though the military and federal employees help to heighten the competitive air of the event. The Special Olympics, founded in 1968, have showcased the fitness, courage and teamwork of participating individuals for many years. Participating in the Special Olympics program can improve the quality of life, health and life skills of intellectually disabled individuals, which stimulates academic and employment achievement.

"Overall, this is a very rewarding program as a volunteer or as someone participating in an event," said Turnbull. "All the service members and sprinters did an amazing job in the relay. It was great to see these athletes excel while [having] a great time."

After five long years, 23 year-old Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the last American prisoner of war in the Afghan conflict, will be returning home. Bergdahl was released to American Special Ops troops Saturday, after much political negotiation. In a controversial move, Bergdahl's release was arranged in exchange for the release of five Taliban prisoners who were being detained at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba.

President Barack Obama personally reached out to the Bergdahl family on Saturday to let them know that their son was safe. Later that day, he met with Robert and Jani Bergdahl, who had been visiting Washington D.C., at the White House Rose Garden.

"Right now, our top priority is making sure that Bowe gets the care and support that he needs, and that he can be reunited with his family as soon as possible," said Obama, addressing Bergdahl's recovery. He empathized with Mr and Mrs. Berdahl, saying, "As a parent, I can't imagine the hardship that you guys have gone through. As president, I know that I speak for all Americans when I say we cannot wait for the moment when you are reunited and your son, Bowe, is back in your arms."

Hometown's reaction
Bergdahl's hometown of Hailey, Idaho is preparing for his arrival. After half a decade of waiting and rallying behind the Bergdahl family, this small town of 7,000 has had its prayers answered. Signs of welcome have been hung through out the town and local scouts have taken up the job of hanging fresh yellow ribbons, according to Hailey local and friend of Bergdahl, Sherry Horton. 

"We're all still kind of walking around on clouds. We're all just waiting to get eyes on him. That's going to be a topper," she said, according to CNN.

Along with his return comes a long road of recovery and his hometown is ready to help him readjust to his life after service and captivity. They acknowledge that he will need time to heal and get well.

Sue Martin, owner of a local coffee shop where Bergdahl once worked, told the LA Times, "Patience is really important now… He's safe now. That's all we need to know."

As Hailey celebrates, the rest of the country reflects on what the Obama administration's negotiation with the Taliban might mean for the future of the army. Some believe that the safety of troops overseas might be compromised now that the Taliban has been able to trade an American soldier for Taliban prisoners.

Elite U.S. naval operatives see the Northwest region of the U.S. as providing an essential role for the military's expansion. According to Stars and Stripes, Adm. Harry Harris Jr. views the Northwest as a key site in future U.S. Naval endeavors.

Admiral thinks region absolutely essential
"The strategic value of the Northwest can't be overstated," said Harris, according to the source. "This is a huge center of gravity for the U.S. military. I think it's critical. That's why I'm taking time out of my schedule to come up and visit this area."

The U.S. government has sought a shift to the Pacific for numerous reasons. The most principal of these, according to Defense.gov, is that the Obama administration believes the U.S. is expending too much time and energy in other regions of the world. The source cites the Middle East as a region that the U.S. wants to incrementally withdraw from, establishing prerogatives and military benefits in other areas. 

Buttress presence to placate animosity in region
The U.S. seeks to bolster its naval presence in the Pacific – Stars and Stripes reported that 52 percent of the Navy's surface ships are situated in the Pacific, a number slated to increase to 60 percent by 2020. The imbroglio's near the Pacific are what many see as the rationale for the planned increase in Naval resources.

China and Japan are currently in an bitter dispute over a set of islands, a clashing of dual rights that has raised tempers in the region. The U.S. recognizes the Japan's right to the islands, reflecting the alliance between the two countries who have reached a high-level of amity since WWII. Another reason for the shift to the Pacific is the fear that North Korea will continue to perform nuclear tests, menacing its democratic neighbor, South Korea. 

"By now it is clear that the provocations, escalations and poor choices of North Korea's leaders are not only making their country less secure, they are condemning their people to a level of poverty that stands in stark contrast not only to South Korea, but every other country in East Asia," said former National Security Advisor Thomas Donilon, according to Defense.gov. 

Stars and Stripes noted that other events have recently sparked the U.S' interest in the region, such as Vietnamese protesting directed at China and Thailand's declaration of martial law.

Battelle, the world's largest nonprofit research and development organization, is partnering with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory of Massachusetts, and Aegis Technologies of Virginia to develop an "Iron Man"  military suit, a Battelle spokesperson recently confirmed. The concept for this Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit, or TALOS, has been in the works for a few months. In September 2013, the U.S. Special Operations Command issued a special notice inviting related professionals to submit low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) demonstrations of their research. Those encouraged to participate may be involved with industry labs, academia, a part of a government lab or individuals pursuing related sciences in their life after service.

The USSOC had a few suggestions in mind for technological developers, including full-body ballistic armor protection, Situational Awareness (SA) technology, and a powered exoskeleton that would improve agility. The USSOC invited select respondents to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, in October.

The 2014 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference and exhibition held May 20-22 in Tampa showcased the new technologies Battelle has been developing for TALOS. Live Science news met with the vice president for the special operations market group at Battelle, John Folkerts.

"How do you protect against direct action engagement?" he asked. "To protect troops in combat, soldiers must have access to better armor, better protection and better communication." 

Though the exact specifics of the suit are set to be released between 2016 and 2018 according to the source, there are some hints of brewing technological advances. NPR spoke with professors Norman Wagner from the University of Delaware and Gareth McKinley from MIT when the technology was in its first stages.

"We're starting with the material that's almost a liquid ceramic that transitions when you hit it hard," said Wagner. "These particles organize themselves quickly, locally in a way that they can't flow anymore and they become like a solid." 

This means that the suit would provide better protection after being hit by a bullet, but McKinley wants to go further. NPR noted that he believes the suit could include attachable arm and leg frames that use hydraulics to improve soldiers' speed and agility. The USSOC also envisions that the suit would include a computer similar to Google Glass to enhance battlefield vision, updating soldiers on enemy whereabouts or even chemical presence. A comparable system for Google Glass called Tactical Augmented Reality software is already in the works by Battelle.