Thieves steal monument to Washington soldier who died in Afghanistan

Mikayla Bragg served in Afghanistan and took her own life in that country in December 2011.

The city of Longview honored her service with a plaque that was dedicated in April 2012. The touching ceremony included poetry, prayers, eulogies and the singing of the national anthem by the Mark Morris High choir, according a report in the Longview Daily News.

The memorial plaque reads:

"The city of Longview honors the life of Mikayla "Kayla" Anne Bragg. A motor transport operator for the Third Brigade Combat Team, First Infantry Division of the U.S. Army serving in Afghanistan, and recognize her courage, devotion and unselfish sacrifice to our nation. June 9, 1990 - December 21, 2011."

Her father Steve Bragg has been circulating images of the plaque via social media, hoping to find what he suspects were scrap metal thieves.

"Whoever did this is the pond scum at the bottom of the earth," he told the Daily News.

More In Your Army

Army will no longer rotate tank units to Korea — but the tanks are staying

The move comes after a sudden jump in overseas duty for the service's armored units after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Congress wants more troops in Europe as war in Ukraine drags on

Congress wants to see a boost in U.S. military presence through permanent basing and rotational deployment as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues.

Lost rifle is latest in feud between Texas Guard and butterfly preserve

It's not every day that a butterfly enthusiast gets an M4A1. But Monday was that day.

Multiple errors led to fuel leak in Pearl Harbor water, Navy says

Some 6,000 people, including Navy, Army and Air Force families, suffered nausea, headaches, rashes and other symptoms.

‘It’s scary as hell’ — PFAS exposure a ‘widespread’ problem for troops, families nationwide

Some of the highest concentrations of PFAS chemicals in the country have been found at and around military bases.

In Other News

Major veterans toxic exposure legislation delayed again, but lawmakers insist it’s not defeat

Officials are optimistic the sweeping veterans bill will be finalized by Congress sometime next month.

He liked the pro-America, pro-constitution vibe. But he liked the rage, too.

Extremist groups are shifting toward a more militia-style environment, targeting veterans for recruitment, valuing their skills and preying on their patriotism.

President Biden honors Wounded Warriors at soldier ride

President Joe Biden welcomed members of the Wounded Warrior Project to the White House for the group's annual solider ride.

Largest budget in VA history gets backing from House appropriators

Lawmakers also plan to reclassify some VA spending to make it easier to balance future budgets.

Black veteran groups seek policy agenda on racial inequities

Advocates say racial inequality in access to veterans benefits can upend the lives of Black people who proudly served their country.

Okinawa wants US base reduced 77 years after battle’s end

The governor of Okinawa is calling for further reduction of the U.S. military presence there amid growing fear of regional military tension.

US to send Ukraine rocket systems, other aid in new package

The aid is part of the $40 billion in security and economic assistance passed last month by Congress.

Are overseas retirees about to lose military postal privileges?

One major concern is how military retirees overseas will get their mail-order medications through Tricare Express Scripts.

Setbacks with new health records system have ‘shaken’ VA secretary

The $16 billion project has faced numerous setbacks in recent years.

More money to buy weaponry and fight inflation in House defense bill

Despite hours of sometimes intense debate, the measure advanced out of committee on a bipartisan 57-1 vote.

Load More