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Authorities: Post abduction reports just rumors
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Col. Kevin Milton, U.S. Army garrison commander for Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, reported Friday there was no evidence to corroborate rumors that someone had attempted to abduct children on the installation.
During a press conference held outside military police headquarters, Milton began his remarks by explaining that the safety and welfare of Stewart-Hunter families, especially children, is a high priority with the installation’s leadership and military police force, and that every allegation or rumor is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
As background to this investigation, he said that, on Jan. 25, a military police patrol had spotted four juveniles in an area on post one wouldn’t expect to find elementary school-age children. When they were asked what they were doing in that area, the children told MPs that someone had tried to abduct them.
Milton said although the investigation continues, and the military police have stepped up patrols in the area where the alleged attempted abduction supposedly occurred, investigators believe there was no attempted abduction. He said none of the children’s stories matched, and none of their descriptions of the alleged suspect matched.
Milton said he had called for the press conference in response to comments on Facebook that have fueled rumors of an alleged abduction attempt.
“We’re putting out the facts as we know them. If someone knows anything that can contribute to this investigation, please let us know,” he said. “I am satisfied that (military police investigators) have exhausted every lead regarding this alleged abduction attempt.”
Milton reiterated that even though they believe the children were simply trying to get out of explaining why they were in an area their parents didn’t know about, military police would continue their investigation.
Standing ready to answer questions with Milton were Installation Provost Marshal Lt. Col. Frances E. Fullard, Assistant Chief of Police Maj. Donnie Lucas and Directorate of Emergency Services Director Julie A. Herrmann.
A question was posed to Lucas about the children’s descriptions of the alleged suspect, but he added nothing to what Milton already had explained. There was no evidence to corroborate the children’s stories, Lucas said.

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Exchange Service salutes Vietnam vets with custom truck design
Army and Air Force Exchange Service redesigned logo 2011

To thank Vietnam veterans for their sacrifices, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is debuting a new truck design, part of the Department of Defense retailer’s efforts alongside the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to honor veterans during the 50th anniversary of the war.

“The Exchange is privileged to have the opportunity to recognize Vietnam veterans through our fleet,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, who served in the Army during the Vietnam era. “These trucks will serve as rolling billboards, expressing gratitude for all who served during this era.”

The truck design features the silhouette of a lone service member set against the background of a faded horizon with a call to “thank a Vietnam veteran for service to our nation.” The single military member represents the warfighters who served during this time.

Three trucks in the fleet feature the commemorative design and will deliver merchandise to Exchange stores from the organization’s distribution centers in the continental United States.

The West Coast Distribution Center at Sharpe Army Depot in California; Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va.; and the Waco Distribution Center in Texas will each have a truck in service on their standard delivery routes, serving the whole country.

Air Force veteran Pat Thompson served in Vietnam before coming to the Exchange as a truck driver and mechanic. In his 18 years with the Exchange, he has deployed four times to support the troops. The new design means a lot to him.

“They remember,” said Thompson, who is based at the Exchange’s Waco Distribution Center. “We want to be remembered.”

The trucks also highlight the veteran online shopping benefit, which launched in November. The lifelong online military exchange benefit authorizes all who served honorably to enjoy tax-free shopping and exclusive military pricing at ShopMyExchange.com.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The U.S. began commemoration of the Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary in 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day 2025.

The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice in conjunction with the commemoration.

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