Apr 19, 2013

Last year Fort Hood won the installation and team award at both the Secretary of Army and Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards competitions. This year it was no surprise when they captured the Sustainability award for a non-industrial installation 2012 Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards competition.

Apr 19, 2013

Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, joins In Depth to discuss why the Army is asking Congress for another BRAC round.

Apr 19, 2013

Members of Team Red, White and Blue--Fort Bragg honor the victims of the attack at the Boston Marathon with a 26.2-minute run around Hedrick Stadium, Wednesday.

Apr 19, 2013

The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center today named winners of the Fiscal 2012 Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff Safety Awards.

Apr 19, 2013

The Army won three categories in the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards Program competition this year. Aberdeen Proving Ground took the Environmental Restoration Installation award; Dorenda Coleman, Arizona Army National Guard's sustainability manager, won the team/individual award for Sustainability; and Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center's Counterfeit Refrigerant Impact Team captured the Environmental Excellence in Weapon System Acquisition small program award.

Apr 19, 2013

On March 26, the Army announced that Sgt. 1st Class Josalette Simmons is the 2013 Department of the Army Sexual Assault Response Coordinator of the Year.

Apr 19, 2013

Womack Army Medical Center has undertaken an enormous renovation to reorganize about 79,000 square feet of space to its existing footprint. The nearly $23 million renovation, which began Monday, is projected to be completed by July 14, 2014.

Apr 19, 2013

Fort Bragg schools superintendent announced on the school district's website April 12 that the potential for furloughs for Department of Defense employees will not affect the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year.

Apr 19, 2013

Transition Services program, now known as Army Career and Alumni Program has undergone various changes and improvements. The program, designed to help Soldiers transition from Army life into the civilian world, is ever-changing to ensure that it provides the best resources for servicemembers.

Apr 19, 2013

A Fort Bragg Soldier and his wife describe a 19-year journey of healing. By telling their story, the retelling not only helps with the continuous healing process but also makes sure March 23, 1994, on Green Ramp, Pope Air Force Base will never be forgotten.

Apr 19, 2013

Fort Huachuca, AZ. - Similar to the restructuring in early the 1990s, our Army is transforming from one in conflict to a peacetime force. This is not an easy transition and requires patience, understanding and dedication to the Army's Values. As funding, available personnel and resources contract, we will all be tempted to cut corners and find the easiest way of conducting business. This easier way is not always the best option. We need to ensure we are always doing what is right.

Apr 19, 2013

It's what everyone wants to return to after a tough day at work - a comfortable place where you can relax and call your own.

Apr 19, 2013

In light of the bombings at the Boston Marathon April 15, active duty and civilian personnel on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall are encouraged to be aware of anything suspicious on or off the joint base.

Apr 19, 2013

A total of 53 Arlington National Cemetery funerals and memorial services were conducted on the days of April 15 and 17, but two services received extraordinary media attention.

Apr 19, 2013

More than a dozen agencies and organizations provided the Fort Carson community with a wide array of spring- and summer-focused safety information at the Safety Day Fair, held Tuesday at the Special Events Center.

Apr 19, 2013

Dakota Givens was the first recipient of a scholarship named in honor of his father, Pfc. Jesse A. Givens, who died nearly 10 years ago in Iraq while on patrol with 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, then based out of Fort Carson.

Apr 19, 2013

Attention to detail and calm demeanor have gotten Jim Schloss a long way in his 15 years at Fort Carson. The Directorate of Public Works Engineering Division architect, and retired Coast Guard officer, is an integral part of the engineering team tasked with shaping the future of installation facilities old and new.

Apr 19, 2013

The Under Secretary of the Army, Joseph W. Westphal, Ph.D., presented a coin to Sgt. 1st Class Devera Martin, Deployment and Deployment Systems Department noncommissioned officer in charge, Combined Arms Support Command, for her "game changer" service April 18.

Apr 19, 2013

Ric Edelman, host of the television show "The Truth about Money" answered questions about mortgages, retirement plans and educational savings posed by servicemembers, retirees and civilians from the National Capital Region during a taping of his show at the Fort Belvoir Community Center, Tuesday night. Edelman, who's been named Barron's top independent financial adviser three of the last four years spoke about how it's vital to start saving for retirement as early as possible, and that servicemembers should not get complacent about their money. He also stressed that servicemembers could follow his four-point plan for better financial success.

Apr 19, 2013

Community volunteers helped improved the quality of life for man and nature during the annual Potomac Watershed Clean-up Sunday. Soldiers, students and civilians maneuvered through wooded areas, filling bags with garbage, along Belvoir's shoreline. Volunteers sacrificed personal time, removing trash from several areas on post such as Dogue Creek, Tompkins Basin Park and Accotink Bay.

Apr 19, 2013

Servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians need to be mindful of the emails they receive in their personal email accounts. A number of users accessing personal webmail accounts from their DoD systems recently exposed a spear-phishing campaign targeting DoD users' personal webmail accounts. A total of 15 different subject lines and four different domains appeared in the spear-phishing campaign.

Apr 19, 2013

Temperatures rose into the 90s during the workday April 11-12, creating an uncomfortable working environment for many in the Garrison's 1930s-era buildings. At home, most people just switch their air conditioning units to cool when the weather gets warm or back to hot when the weather changes to colder temperatures.

Apr 19, 2013

Families and Soldiers within the Army Air Operations Group took steps toward improving resiliency during an executive committee Family Readiness Group meeting April 11 in Lewis Village. The FRG meeting, which was the first for AAOG's Headquarters, gave Soldiers and spouses the opportunity to discuss needs, natural disaster emergency plans, appropriate social media behavior and USO activities available to the unit.

Apr 19, 2013

Sgt. Maj. Scott R. Wilmot, U.S. Army Force Management Support Agency, received a Legion of Merit award Friday for his exemplary service and for formulating long-lasting strategic senior-enlisted structure initiatives in his three years as the unit's senior enlisted advisor. With 30 years in the Army, Wilmot is honored to receive the highest peacetime award a Soldier can receive.

Apr 19, 2013

Soldiers new to Fort Belvoir received information on resources available to them on post during Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program's Newcomers Orientation at Wallace Theater, Tuesday morning. The goal of the orientation was to make Soldiers and Families aware of the resources available to them in a time of need, according to Tammy Braddy, Relocation Readiness relocation specialist.

Apr 19, 2013

USO-Metropolitan Washington honored civilian and servicemember volunteers for their commitment to helping military men and women during its Annual Celebration of Volunteers ceremony Saturday. Families, USO and military leadership joined at the Fort Belvoir Officers' Club to applaud the efforts of 5,000 volunteers in the Washington D.C., Northern Virginia and Baltimore areas. These volunteers sacrificed 83,000 hours of personal time to host events, prepare food and put together care packages for servicemembers.

Apr 19, 2013

Fort Knox has the largest known maternity colony of federally endangered Indiana bats in Kentucky and the second largest known colony in the species' range.

Apr 19, 2013

This summer, Army ROTC cadets from all over the U.S will travel to one of forty countries with the Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency program--in support of DoD and the various COCOMMs--in an effort to assist lesser developed countries, exchange language and cultural experiences and build better relationships in these areas.

Apr 19, 2013

Monday, April 22, the Army joins the nation in celebrating Earth Day. Army installations and organizations will continue efforts to support the Army's mission by conserving cultural and natural resources, harnessing more energy from alternative sources, promoting greater fuel and energy efficiency, and furthering Net Zero energy, water and waste efforts. By making the right choices today, our Army will remain the world 's premier military force into the future.

Apr 19, 2013

Three-year-old Connor Kirch surveyed the 56-foot tower with his aunt, Melissa Fowler, that his mother, Lia was about to descend as part of the second No Ordinary Spouse day Friday.

Apr 18, 2013

CAMP HUMPHREYS -- As they do each and every day -- whether it is in the motor pool, orderly room or field environment -- Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Soldiers worked and played together, side-by-side, during the 2013 KATUSA-U.S. Friendship Week activities, which began Monday in Zoeckler Gym and conclude today.

Apr 18, 2013

If your time here in Germany is coming to an end, but you feel like you didn't get to see all that you could, I have compiled a 'Bucket List' of 16 places that I think are worth your visit.

Apr 18, 2013

CAMP HUMPHREYS -- The Humphreys community gathered at MP Hill Gym April 13 to celebrate Earth Day with an Environmental Fair and Earth Day 5K Run. This year's Earth Day activities were hosted under the theme of "Acknowledge the past, Engage the Present, and Chart the Future." They were hosted by the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division, in collaboration with the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sports Division.

Apr 18, 2013

CAMP HUMPHREYS -- This is the Holocaust. There is no breath of fresh air when speaking or writing about this subject. There's no "happy ending," no Cinderella, and this is no fairy tale. This subject may be a little on the heavy side, but the truth is, it is on the heavy side. And, it is important that we do not forget.

Apr 18, 2013

In celebration of April being the Month of the Military Child, Outdoor Recreation hosted a Spring Break Block Party, April 11, featuring various activities, including archery, rock wall climbing, laser tag, shuffle board and more. Since 1986, Army installations around the world recognize the sacrifices and applaud the courage of military children by celebrating the Month of the Military Child.

Apr 18, 2013

About 14 months ago, the Department of Defense announced a shift in the force posture across U.S. European Command, including the closure of U.S. Army garrisons in Bamberg and Schweinfurt by the end of September 2014. For the Franconia Military Community, that announcement initiated the planning phase of the closure process. Now, FMC has shifted its focus to execution.

Apr 18, 2013

FORT LEE, Va. (April 18, 2013) -- Speaking at his promotion ceremony Friday that drew about 200 guests, Brig. Gen. Edward M. Daly relayed an oft-told account about the late Yankees baseball great Joe DiMaggio:

Apr 18, 2013

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Military and civilian attorneys, law enforcement representatives, social workers, child protective services employees, nurses, victim advocates and command team members came together to foster good working relationships during the 2nd Annual Sexual Assault Response Team Seminar last week at Fort Drum.

Apr 18, 2013

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) senior leaders kicked off the Month of the Military Child celebration April 9 at the Commons.

Apr 18, 2013

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- As the possibility of furlough draws nearer, agencies across Fort Drum are reaching out to help civilian employees prepare for uncertainty.

Apr 18, 2013

FORT LEE, Va. (April 18, 2013) -- The chief executive officer of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service visited Fort Lee April 8 to learn more about the store operations here.

Apr 18, 2013

Tobyhanna continues to earn new workload despite cuts to Defense spending. Technicians recently began supporting guided parachute systems used to drop supplies from as high as 25,000 feet, keeping the delivery aircraft well out of range of small arms fire.

Apr 18, 2013

FORT LEE, Va. (April 12, 2013) -- Members of the Fort Lee Child, Youth and School Services community held a ceremony April 12 to honor the memory of a deceased toddler who lost in November of last year.

Apr 18, 2013

This is a special week for Fort Jackson and the Army because of Hilton Field's historical significance and the impression it gives brand-new Soldiers and hundreds of thousands of Army family members who visit every year.

Apr 18, 2013

The new Fort Sill Youth Center dedicated its Cpl. Wilfred Flores Jr. computer lab on April 10, which would have been the corporal's 27th birthday.

Apr 18, 2013

The Fort Sill Army Substance Abuse Program will join with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies to sponsor Drug Take-Back Day April 25, on post.

Apr 18, 2013

The Army Provider Level Satisfaction Survey administered by Army Medical Command randomly surveys patients about the medical care they received at Reynolds Army Community Hospital.

Apr 18, 2013

The first class of female Soldiers joined A Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery, to learn the 13M, Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember military occupational specialty -- an MOS that was previously closed to women.

Apr 18, 2013

FORT SILL, Okla.-- The Fires Center of Excellence Battle Lab at Fort Sill garnered team and individual Department of Army awards for modeling and simulations experimentation for fiscal 2012. The team develops software programs that help provide military leaders data and analysis for advanced combat planning and strategy.

Apr 18, 2013

More than 300 Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, 214th Fires Brigade participated in a deployment ceremony April 11 at Rinehart Fitness Center.

Apr 18, 2013

FORT SILL, Okla. -- Volunteer Week is April 22-26, and this year's theme is "Volunteers - Strengthening a Nation." Every April, volunteers are recognized and honored for their selfless service during Volunteer Week. "With dwindling budgets and a challenging job market, volunteers make an incredible impact on the community," said Laurie Batule, Army Volunteer Corps program manager. Throughout the month, commanders have recognized family readiness group volunteers.

Apr 18, 2013

Fort Jackson's Basic Combat Training Museum hosted more than 500 students from Pierce Terrace and C.C. Pinckney elementary schools Wednesday for its second annual Military Child Appreciation Day.

Apr 18, 2013

None of the boats looked like they would float for very long, much less win any races. Most of them finished, though, despite being made out of used condiment containers, wooden pallets, kiddie pools and anything else that could be made to hold water, however temporarily.

Apr 18, 2013

More than 20 service members and civilians with 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery were awarded for their volunteer service April 10, 2013, at the battalion's conference room.

Apr 18, 2013

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - In 2009, national media reports of burial record discrepancies at Arlington National Cemetery resulted in a 100 percent gravesite accountability initiative during which all interment records and headstone errors were corrected. Today, digitized images of ANC grave markers, records of interment and geospatial map coordinates are available to the public via an online database. As a result of the system overhaul at ANC, the Secretary of the Army has directed all Army cemeteries to also reach 100 percent accountability and sustainable operations by 2014.

Apr 18, 2013

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The APG North (Aberdeen) youth center hosted the annual 4-H Meal Appeal cooking contest April 13.

Apr 18, 2013

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - APG Army Substance Abuse Program and Directorate of Emergency Services and are co-sponsoring this spring's Drug Take-Back Week April 22-26.

Apr 18, 2013

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Students and community members can enjoy a variety of hands-on science projects, presentations and events during Aberdeen Proving Ground's Arbor/Earth Day celebration Friday, April 26, at the APG North (Aberdeen) youth center.

Apr 18, 2013

FORT SILL, Okla.-- President John Kennedy once said "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future." Based on the achievements of Zachary and Robert Bedford Jr., the future is looking extremely hopeful.

Apr 18, 2013

Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Field (FS/HAAF) won the Secretary of the Army Environmental Award for cultural resources management in the installation category for fiscal year 2012.

Apr 18, 2013

The Fort Bragg Cultural Resources Management Team recently won Army-level recognition for their work in preserving historical and archeological artifacts on the installation. They were awarded first place in the Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards, in the "Cultural Resources Conservation, Team Award, Installation" category for fiscal year 2012.

Apr 18, 2013

Two-time Olympian Sgt. 1st Class Dremiel Byers, a Greco-Roman wrestler in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program, stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., returns to the mat this weekend for the first time since post-Olympic shoulder surgery at the 2013 U.S. Open in Las Vegas, Nev. He vowed to continue wrestling through the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he would be 41.

Apr 18, 2013

Focusing squarely on the triple bottom line of sustainability - mission, community and the environment, recently gained the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Vicenza recognition as the Fiscal Year 2012 winner of the Secretary of the Army Environmental Award for Environmental Quality - Overseas.

Apr 18, 2013

It is usually a combination of accomplishments rather than a single achievement that distinguishes an outstanding environmental restoration program. That is definitely the case with U.S. Army Garrison Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG); the 2012 winner of the Secretary of the Army Environmental Award for Environmental Restoration in the installation category.

Apr 18, 2013

The Army's under secretary said with sequestration in place and deep cuts requested, the Army is concerned about how it can train, equip and sustain Soldiers to be ready when called upon.

Apr 18, 2013

The practices of mālama `āina (care for the land) and mālama kai (care for the sea) have become very popular in Hawai`i, but they are part of a larger tradition known as Aloha `Āina -- love of the land.

Apr 18, 2013

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (April 18, 2013) -- New and improved recycling bins and the ability to recycle a greater variety of materials curbside are coming soon to your neighborhood.

Apr 17, 2013

The Army Air Operations Group is hosting a White Ribbon Campaign Tuesday, 23 April, at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington.

Apr 17, 2013

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - As the longest serving enlisted female Soldier in the U.S. Army, Donna Brock can draw from her depth of experience to share her experiences regarding leadership and mentoring. "I guess you can say I've been there, done that, got the T-shirt," Brock said of her 33 years of service. Brock is Command Sgt. Maj. and senior enlisted advisor to the Army Surgeon General.

Apr 17, 2013

Sgts. 1st Class Raymond Santiago and Timothy Briggs of the Ranger Training Brigade took top honors in the 30th Annual David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition, and were each presented with a Colt pistol and induction into the Order of St. Maurice during the official awards ceremony Monday at Marshall Auditorium. Retired Gen. Colin Powell, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State, was the guest speaker at Monday's ceremony, and he took the time to commend the 24 finishing teams for their show of endurance.

Apr 17, 2013

The 30th annual David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition saw 49 teams start the competition at Friday's opening ceremonies, but by the end of Sunday's four-mile buddy run, only 24 teams were left standing. The competition is known for the grueling endurance test it provides, and this year was no different.

Apr 17, 2013

A child diagnosed with autism has overcome his challenges and is now an above average student and is actively involved in extracurricular activities.

Apr 17, 2013

A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals and Akeem Dent of the Atlanta Falcons, both former University of Georgia standouts, said they wanted to make the trip to Fort Benning to learn more about what goes into a Soldier's daily routine.

Apr 17, 2013

The 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion Guardian Eagles received a new command team recently in the form of new commander Lt. Col. Daniel Y. Morris and Sgt. Maj. Dexter L. Kimble.

Apr 17, 2013

Monday, it's estimated that more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day and help "Mobilize the Earth."

Apr 17, 2013

With spring here and summer rapidly approaching, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center recently released an update to the Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation, a tool designed to help Soldiers recognize hazards during these high-risk seasons.

Apr 17, 2013

Representatives from the Council on Foreign Relations made a visit to Fort Benning Thursday and Friday, during which time they got a closer look at the numerous training initiatives conducted here. The representatives were mostly members of CFR's Stephen M. Kellen Term Member Program, which encourages promising young leaders in government, media, nongovernmental organizations, law, business, finance and academia to engage in a sustained conversation on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy.

Apr 17, 2013

Soldiers, veterans and other attendees received career tips and employment opportunities at the inaugural Employment Event in Heritage Hall at Rock Island Arsenal April 17. "This is the first time that USAG-RIA has done anything like this," said Renee Michl, director of human resources. "We are getting an amazing number of employers and veterans service organizations participating in this event."

Apr 16, 2013

National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 21-27, is a time to celebrate people's extraordinary accomplishments through service. It is also a time when the Army recognizes thousands of volunteers for their untiring volunteer support to Army communities.

Apr 16, 2013

NATO forces, civilians and Soldiers brave the Rugged Terrain Trail for muddy fun

Apr 16, 2013

It appeared to be a meeting of superheroes at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, where hundreds gathered awaiting their next mission assignment. In reality these everyday Avengers were being honored for their courageous services to the Yongsan community.

Apr 16, 2013

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington's 2013 production of 'Twilight Tattoo' begins 1 May! The season opener features His Majesty the King's Guard of Norway for a special joint performance.

Apr 16, 2013

Australia now benefits from a unique radar test capability at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Eight Australian Defence Force (ADF) communications-electronics technicians recently spent two weeks here to learn repair and maintenance of a radar system used to track enemy mortar rounds.

Apr 16, 2013

About five minutes earlier, Shivaun Pacitto had crossed the finish line in the 117th Boston Marathon. She was milling about with hundreds of other runners who were waiting to receive their medals and space blankets to ward off the spring chill. Then everything changed.

Apr 16, 2013

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Brian Walsh didn't speak until he was almost 6. Despite an early diagnosis of autism, which affected his ability to communicate, the 17-year-old high school senior has found his niche -- performing in the shoes, face paint and costumes of other people.

Apr 16, 2013

The CTSF was established in 1996 as a center for the rapid development and testing

Apr 16, 2013

April is the Month of the Military Child and was commemorated this year with the theme, "Celebrate Military Children: The Strength of Our Future," on Army garrisons.

Apr 16, 2013

In commemoration of Spiritual Resilience week, Yongsan hosted many events with a special guest, retired Maj. Gen. Robert F. Dees, former commander of Second Infantry Division, to promote spiritual strength among service members, civilians and families.

Apr 15, 2013

Christy reluctantly agreed to meet Joshua, the nephew of a co-worker, when he was home on leave from Germany for a second time. Joshua and Christy Garlick have now been married more than seven years.

Apr 15, 2013

Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. David Sanborn, normally the chief of Master Planning at U.S. Army Garrison Natick, Mass., has been serving since Oct. 6, 2012, as the command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison-Bagram, Afghanistan.

Apr 15, 2013

It was a night to remember for 80 Soldiers across the Republic of Korea as the United Service Organizations (USO) with the help of several business partners and guests, honored service members during the 42st Annual Six Star Salute at the Seoul Grand Hyatt, April 11.

Apr 15, 2013

The annual hallmark event topping off the commemorative month honoring military children happens April 27 beginning at 1 p.m. at Askren Manor at U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt.

Apr 15, 2013

The Defense Travel Management Office has extended the deadline to April 15 to complete an Overseas Housing Allowance Utility and Move-in expense survey because of a lack of participation.

Apr 15, 2013

Freecycle shop offers and accepts reusable items to community members for free

Apr 15, 2013

Earth Day events around post offer green alternatives to caring for Mother Earth.

Apr 15, 2013

The Schweinfurt Army Volunteer Corps expresses its appreciation to the hundreds of volunteers at U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt at its annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony April 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ledward Activity Center.

Apr 15, 2013

WIESBADEN, Germany - Pfc. Nathaniel Barnd had not been inside a boxing ring for four years when someone told him he could be more than a spectator at the 2012 Hispanic History Boxing Tournament - he could box. So he did, and the rest is history.

Apr 15, 2013

April 1, 2013, was scheduled to be the start of Spring Tour 2013 for the United States Army Field Band, but sequestration and restricted travel guidance forced the band to refocus its efforts.

Apr 15, 2013

Editor's note: The Virginia Army National Guard's Reconnaissance and Interdiction Detachment supports the Tidewater Drug Enforcement Agency's counterdrug missions. At the time of this incident, the author commanded the detachment. During a mission in the fall of 1996, a failure in air traffic control communication nearly led a Navy F-14 Tomcat to claw the author's OH-58 from the sky. The mission called for one OH-58 with forward-looking infrared to be positioned at Norfolk (Va.) International Airport for an ongoing counterdrug surveillance operation. My instructor pilot and I departed Richmond early on a Monday morning for Norfolk IAP with our crew chief behind us driving a van containing supplies for the week.

Apr 15, 2013