DoDEA Americas Rolls Out Full-Day Prekindergarten at 28 Schools - This newly renovated interactive learning area at DoDEA Americas' Crossroads Elementary School onboard Marine Corps Base Quantico is ready to foster creativity and critical thinking among Prekindergarten students. These spaces are essential in laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and success. DoDEA Americas is rolling out full-day Prekindergarten programs at 28 schools this August. The Universal Prekindergarten Program creates a supportive and engaging learning environment, enhancing various aspects of child development and preparing students for a smooth transition into kindergarten. DoDEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs for the Department of Defense. DoDEA operates 160 accredited schools in 8 districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA Americas has 50 schools and is committed to excellence in education, fostering well-rounded, lifelong learners ready to succeed in a dynamic world.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, meets with 98-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charles “Chester” Clapper during a celebration in Clapper’s honor at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 12, 2024. Clapper, whose life goal was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General, was drafted into military service in 1943 and served as a flame thrower during the Battle of Iwo Jima, being one of seven surviving members of his company following the battle. One of Clapper’s life goals was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Noah Seal) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, meets with 98-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charles “Chester” Clapper during a celebration in Clapper’s honor at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 12, 2024. Clapper, whose life goal was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General, was drafted into military service in 1943 and served as a flame thrower during the Battle of Iwo Jima, being one of seven surviving members of his company following the battle. One of Clapper’s life goals was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Noah Seal)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jon Peterson, left, commanding officer, 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, accepts a microphone from Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson, outgoing commanding officer of 2nd DSB, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 27, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson relinquished command of 2nd DSB to her husband Lt. Col. Jon Peterson, after serving two years as the battalion’s commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jessica J. Mazzamuto) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jon Peterson, left, commanding officer, 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, accepts a microphone from Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson, outgoing commanding officer of 2nd DSB, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 27, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson relinquished command of 2nd DSB to her husband Lt. Col. Jon Peterson, after serving two years as the battalion’s commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jessica J. Mazzamuto)

Vacation Bible School held at Protestant Chapel on MCB Camp Lejeune - A Vacation Bible School (VBS) student participates in a group prayer at the Protestant Chapel on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 29, 2023. VBS is the largest event for children that the United States Navy Chaplain Corps sponsors each year in support of military families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge Borjas)

2024 Destructive Weather Exercise on MCB Camp Lejeune - Edwin Dillard, operations officer, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune conducts an exercise brief at the Emergency Operations Center during the annual Destructive Weather Exercise (DWX) on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 12, 2024. MCB Camp Lejeune held the DWX to test the base’s emergency response capabilities in order to promote flexibility and readiness during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniela Chicas Torres)

The relinquishment of command ceremony represents the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from the outgoing commanding general to the incoming acting commander. - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., left, acting commander, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCIEAST-MCB) Camp Lejeune, embraces Brig. Gen. Adolfo Garcia Jr., right, outgoing commanding general, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune during the MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune relinquishment of command ceremony ​on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 24, 2024. The relinquishment of command ceremony represents the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from the outgoing commanding general to the incoming acting commander. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jorge Borjas)

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper conducts official visit of Camp Lejeune - North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper shakes hands with Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune Deputy Commander Col. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr. prior to a luncheon at The Club at Paradise Point on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 21, 2024. This is Cooper’s first visit to MCB Camp Lejeune since Hurricane Florence impacted the area and the installation's extensive reconstruction efforts began. During his tour, Cooper met with senior leaders of the installation, spoke with Marines during a luncheon for Military Appreciation Month and saw first-hand improvements made to installation facilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Leo Amaro)

OICC Florence completes construction milestone for new fire station at Camp Lejeune - Members of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune's Fire and Emergency Services take turns signing the beam for Military Construction Project 1518, the new Hadnot Point Fire Station at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “Topping out” ceremonies are informal ceremonies used to commemorate a construction milestone for the completion of the foundational structure of a building. During the ceremony, project key players sign the beam prior to its placement on top of the structure.