WASHINGTON - Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents and detained several others during an overnight security operation targeting an insurgent leader.

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Army Sgt. 1st Class Tim Fiedler Jr., and his younger brother, Army Staff Sgt. Rich Fiedler, have put in more than 50 years of combined service in the same Iowa National Guard company.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama honored 1,200 service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, and their families for their service to the country during an Independence Day event at the White House.

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta called six forward-deployed service members to convey his thanks and support for their service as they were beginning their Fourth of July holiday in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bahrain.

WASHINGTON - The International Military Education and Training program provides important value as it fosters strong military-to-military relations, increased understanding, and closer defense cooperation that enhance regional stability around the globe.

WASHINGTON - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asks citizens to take a moment this Independence Day to remember America's service members who have done so much to secure and safeguard the nation throughout its history.

KABUL, Afghanistan - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and detained one suspect during an operation in Logar province.

WASHINGTON - The Senate confirmed Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, currently the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, as the next director of the CIA. Petraeus will replace Leon E. Panetta, who has taken office as secretary of defense.

WASHINGTON - National Guard and reserve members and their families deserve the thanks and support of a grateful nation, first lady Michelle Obama said during a visit to an Army National Guard facility in Vermont.

GROTON, Conn. - Navy Petty Officer 1st Class James Pearson coordinates a community service program where sailor-volunteers have assisted in 36 projects throughout the New England area.