Dianna Cahn
- Writer, DoD Inspector General
Washington, D.C.
Yes, the real Dianna Cahn. Hackers have been evicted.
Writer with unmissable journalism streak and global viewpoint. Let's keep doing better. Views are my own.
Articles by Dianna Cahn
Staying ahead of the blasts
Soldiers give out candy while on patrol through the picturesque Tangi valley in Wardak province on Oct. 17, 2009, in search of bombs. The region is prone to bombs that target their convoys as they move through the hostile yet beautiful valley. (Dianna Cahn/Stars and Stripes) First of two parts. See part two here. This article first appeared in the Stars and Stripes editions, Nov. 24, 2009. It is republished unedited in its original form.
From the archives, 2010: Monti’s Chaos
This article first appeared in the Stars and Stripes Europe and Mideast editions, Nov. 26, 2010. It is republished unedited in its original form. KUNAR RIVER VALLEY, Afghanistan — Ryan Krowlicki attributed his apprehension that June day to the fact that he was new to combat. The 2nd Platoon first lieutenant couldn’t shake the feeling that the bomb patrol hadn’t cleared the route ahead of the convoy, along the narrow mountain road over the Kunar River.
‘Where’s our reckoning?’: Military women gather outside Pentagon in #MeToo protest
ARLINGTON, Va. — The moment was the most traumatic in her life. The last thing Nichole Bowen-Crawford wanted to do was fly across the country to stand in the bitter cold outside the nerve center of the nation's defense system and tell everyone who would listen about being assaulted by a fellow soldier and then silenced by her superiors. But she believed she had to speak up and encourage others like her to break their silence.
VA official weighs benefits of South Hampton Roads facility
The Virginian-Pilot | Jul 11, 2015 at 12:00 AM Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan Gibson talks to the media at the Hampton VA Medical Center in Hampton on Friday, July 10, 2015. Steve Earley | The Virginian-Pilot (Steve Earley) A proposed 150,000-square-foot VA health care center in South Hampton Roads would be a big help for veterans here, but the project needs to be funded, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan Gibson said Friday after a tour of the Hampton hospital.
Former admirals and generals warn Trump is 'dangerous' to military and country
Former admirals and generals warn Trump is 'dangerous' to military and country Retired generals and admirals hold a press conference supporting Hillary Clinton for Commander in Chief on Sept. 21, 2016, inside the National Press Club Building. Here, Ret. General Wesley Clark speaks to the press room.
Special Ops General: Rate of Deployment 'Unsustainable'
WASHINGTON -- At the front of nearly every fight the U.S. is engaged in around the world, special operations forces are deploying at a rate that is "unsustainable," their top commander said Thursday. Under rapid-fire questioning from Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., Army Gen. Raymond Thomas, who leads Special Operations Command, was reluctant to acknowledge his forces were being spread thin.
School District Suing Family Over Special Education Placement
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — After winning a four-year battle, Navy Capt. Cassidy Norman and his wife, Michelle, thought they had finally cleared the path for their daughter with severe disabilities to receive the educational opportunities she needs. They faced down withering pressure from the Virginia Beach School District as they fought to ensure that Marisa was in the best learning environment — a private school with smaller classrooms and more individual attention.
The fight for Marisa: Inside a long legal battle over where a sailor’s special-needs child should go to school
The fight for Marisa: Inside a long legal battle over where a sailor’s special-needs child should go to school Michelle Norman and husband Navy Capt. Cassidy Norman pose with their children Chase, 9, and Marisa, 15, during a trip to Disney World in December 2018. The Normans are fighting the Virginia Beach school district to keep Marisa, who is severely disabled, in a private school.
The fight for Marisa: Inside the four-year legal battle over where a sailor’s special-needs daughter should go to school
The fight for Marisa: Inside the four-year legal battle over where a sailor’s special-needs daughter should go to school Michelle Norman and husband Navy Capt. Cassidy Norman pose with their children Chase, 9, and Marisa, 15, during a trip to Disney World in December 2018. The Normans are fighting the Virginia Beach school district to keep Marisa, who is severely disabled, in a private school.
Judges ruled a sailor’s special-needs daughter should go to private school. A Virginia school district is suing.
Judges ruled a sailor’s special-needs daughter should go to private school. A Virginia school district is suing. Michelle Norman and husband Navy Capt. Cassidy Norman pose with their children Chase, 9, and Marisa, 15, during a trip to Disney World in December 2018. The Normans are fighting the Virginia Beach school district to keep Marisa, who is severely disabled, in a private school.
One more fight: Green Beret says military failed to detect his cancer. Now he seeks to hold the government accountable
Rich Stayskal. (Photo courtesy of Rich and Megan Stayskal) If there’s one skill that’s kept Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stayskal going for more than a decade in Special Forces it’s his ability to keep his eyes on the end game. It helped the former Marine recover from a gunshot wound to his lung while fighting in Iraq and go on to become a Green Beret two years later.
A Green Beret says the military failed to detect his cancer. Now he seeks to hold the government accountable.
A Green Beret says the military failed to detect his cancer. Now he seeks to hold the government accountable. Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stayskal, an Army Green Beret suffering from terminal lung cancer, arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington with his wife Meg on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2018. Stayskal says doctors at Fort Bragg missed the tumor on his lung evident in a scan six months earlier.
One more fight: Green Beret says military failed to detect his cancer. Now he seeks to hold the government accountable
One more fight: Green Beret says military failed to detect his cancer. Now he seeks to hold the government accountable Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stayskal, an Army Green Beret suffering from terminal lung cancer, arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington with his wife Meg on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2018. Stayskal says doctors at Fort Bragg missed the tumor on his lung evident in a scan six months earlier.
Green Beret says military failed to detect his cancer. Now he seeks to hold the government accountable
Green Beret says military failed to detect his cancer. Now he seeks to hold the government accountable Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stayskal, an Army Green Beret suffering from terminal lung cancer, arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington with his wife Meg on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2018. Stayskal says doctors at Fort Bragg missed the tumor on his lung evident in a scan six months earlier.
Green Beret says military failed to detect his cancer. Now he seeks to hold government accountable
Green Beret says military failed to detect his cancer. Now he seeks to hold government accountable Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stayskal, an Army Green Beret suffering from terminal lung cancer, arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington with his wife Meg on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2018. Stayskal says doctors at Fort Bragg missed the tumor on his lung evident in a scan six months earlier.
Smithsonian/Stars and Stripes survey targets military issues
Smithsonian/Stars and Stripes survey targets military issues By DIANNA CAHN | STARS AND STRIPES Published: January 2, 2019 WASHINGTON -- Female servicemembers and veterans were 10 times more likely than their male counterparts to answer that they faced or witnessed gender discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual assault in the military, according to an online poll of 1,708 Stars and Stripes digital subscribers around the world.
Poll asks troops and veterans their thoughts on sex discrimination, women in combat, mixed-gender training and more
Poll asks troops and veterans their thoughts on sex discrimination, women in combat, mixed-gender training and more By DIANNA CAHN | STARS AND STRIPES Published: January 2, 2019 WASHINGTON -- Female servicemembers and veterans were 10 times more likely than their male counterparts to answer that they faced or witnessed gender discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual assault in the military, according to an online poll of 1,708 Stars and Stripes digital subscribers around the world.
Poll asks troops, veterans thoughts on women in combat, mixed-gender training and more
Poll asks troops, veterans thoughts on women in combat, mixed-gender training and more By DIANNA CAHN | STARS AND STRIPES Published: January 2, 2019 WASHINGTON -- Female servicemembers and veterans were 10 times more likely than their male counterparts to answer that they faced or witnessed gender discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual assault in the military, according to an online poll of 1,708 Stars and Stripes digital subscribers around the world.
No dismissal in court-martial of USS Fitzgerald commander
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) returns to Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka following a collision with a merchant vessel while operating southwest of Yokosuka, Japan. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/U.S. Navy) A military judge has ruled that statements by the Navy’s top two officers about a deadly 2017 destroyer collision constituted apparent unlawful command influence, but not enough to merit a dismissal of the case.
No Dismissal in Court-Martial of USS Fitzgerald Commanding Officer
A military judge has ruled that statements made by the Navy's top two flag officers, about a deadly 2017 destroyer collision, constituted apparent unlawful command influence -- but not enough to merit a dismissal of the case. The court-martial of Cmdr. Bryce Benson, the USS Fitzgerald's former commanding officer, will go on. Seven sailors were killed June 17, 2017, when the Fitzgerald and a commercial vessel, the ACX Crystal, collided in the dark of night in busy waters off the coast of Japan.
No dismissal in court-martial of USS Fitzgerald commander
No dismissal in court-martial of USS Fitzgerald commander Cmdr. Bryce Benson U.S. NAVY By DIANNA CAHN | STARS AND STRIPES Published: December 22, 2018 WASHINGTON — A military judge has ruled that statements by the Navy’s top two officers about a deadly 2017 destroyer collision constituted apparent unlawful command influence, but not enough to merit a dismissal of the case. The court-martial of Cmdr. Bryce Benson, the USS Fitzgerald’s former commanding officer, will go on.
Families, survivors come together 50 years after Special Forces battle to share memories, heal
A proper farewell Families, survivors come together 50 years after deadly Special Forces battle to share memories, heal By Dianna Cahn |Stars and Stripes LAS VEGAS — The enemy came down the mountain and in from all sides in the middle of the night wearing loincloths and headbands with a message written in blood that translated into: “We come here to die.” North Vietnamese and Viet Cong special operations forces, known to the Americans as sappers, took the slumbering camp by surprise.
Veterans, survivors share their memories, 50 years later
Veterans, survivors share their memories, 50 years later By Dianna Cahn |Stars and Stripes Doug Godshall: ‘Like being punched by Mike Tyson’ Those hairy first moments of the attack on FOB 4 in Vietnam still keep many of them awake at night. Doug Godshall, at the time a specialist who had come in for the promotion board, was staying in the hooch of his best friend Pfc. Bill Bric. He watched him run into the night to be with his men on the perimeter and never saw him again.
Families, survivors come together 50 years after deadly Special Forces battle to share memories, heal
A proper farewell Families, survivors come together 50 years after deadly Special Forces battle to share memories, heal By Dianna Cahn |Stars and Stripes LAS VEGAS — The enemy came down the mountain and in from all sides in the middle of the night wearing loincloths and headbands with a message written in blood that translated into: “We come here to die.” North Vietnamese and Viet Cong special operations forces, known to the Americans as sappers, took the slumbering camp by surprise.
Chicago Democratic convention in ’68 embodies clash over future of America
Coming apart It had been a year of turmoil. A dramatic and unexpected escalation in the Vietnam War unsettled the nation — and the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. It lifted the veil of an imminent victory, and many Americans began to conclude that their leaders had been lying to them. Two champions of change were assassinated, unleashing riots and clashes with police and military troops on city streets.
Former Special Operations commander: Military medicine needs compassion, collaboration
SAN ANTONIO — The former commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command got personal during a conference of federal medical professionals. For most at the conference, it was an opportunity to share advances in science and medicine and the latest tools in treating the prevalent or the confounding wounds of war. Adm. William McRaven offered up a story.
Deported military spouse's quest for legal status proved expensive, futile
Alejandra Juarez, 38, left, says goodbye to her children, Pamela and Estela at the Orlando International Airport on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 in Orlando, Fla. Stars and Stripes has covered Alejandra’s journey as she has fought for a hearing to reverse her deportation. Now she’s back in Mexico, struggling to start over.
Deported woman's quest for a visa proved expensive, futile
Alejandra Juarez, 38, left, says goodbye to her children, Pamela and Estela at the Orlando International Airport on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 in Orlando, Fla. Stars and Stripes has covered Alejandra’s journey as she has fought for a hearing to reverse her deportation. Now she’s back in Mexico, struggling to start over.
A military family, divided: After deportation, a Marine veteran’s wife searches for a future
HOLDING ON TO HOPE A military family, divided: After deportation, a Marine veteran’s wife searches for a future Alejandra Juarez, right, kisses her daughter Estela, 9, as she picks her up from her new school in Mexico's Yucatan on Aug. 30. Juarez was deported on Aug. 3, after 22 years in the U.S., where she built a home and family with her husband, an Iraq War veteran.
A military family, divided: After deportation, a Marine veteran’s wife searches for a future
Alejandra Juarez, right, kisses her daughter Estela, 9, as she picks her up from her new school in Mexico's Yucatan on Aug. 30. Juarez was deported on Aug. 3, after 22 years in the U.S., where she built a home and family with her husband, an Iraq War veteran. Stars and Stripes has covered Alejandra’s journey as she has fought for a hearing to reverse her deportation. Now she’s back in Mexico, struggling to start over.
Families Of Kids With Special Needs Say Military Is Failing Them
WASHINGTON — Shortly after his baby daughter’s open heart surgery in Boston nearly six years ago, Army 1st Sgt. Joshua Carrigg was reassigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state and an uneasy fit for the family of five became a nearly three-year nightmare. Carrigg and his wife, Austin, said they couldn’t get the services they needed for their two younger children with special needs — including therapy or a school aide for their son with autism.
Nicholson: 'Strategy is working' in Afghanistan
Gen. John Nicholson, the U.S.'s top commander in Afghanistan, speaks at an Independence Day ceremony at NATO's Resolute Support headquarters on July 4, 2018. WASHINGTON — The outgoing commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan on Wednesday said that despite the Taliban’s continued ability to launch large-scale attacks on major cities, a recent cease-fire and new moves toward reconciliation indicated unprecedented progress in the nearly 17-year fight. Army Gen.
'We are just tired of this fight:' Special-needs families say military is still failing them
'We are just tired of this fight:' Special-needs families say military is still failing them The Carrigg family poses with Sen. Chris Coons, D-Delaware, in July 2017 on Capitol Hill. Army 1st Sgt. Joshua Carrigg and his wife Austin were among dozens of special needs families to file a complaint that the military failed them after care to their sick children was denied. From left: Christian and Nickolas Carrigg, their father Joshua Carrigg, Coons, Melanie and Austin Carrigg.
US-Led Coalition Fight Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq 'Far From Over'
The Islamic State problem in Iraq and Syria is far from over and U.S. and coalition forces are not letting up on efforts to neutralize ISIS fighters from cities where they still have strongholds, military officials said Tuesday. “There is still a lot of work to be done both militarily and on civilian stabilization efforts in both countries,” said Col. Sean Ryan, a spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition fight against ISIS.
US-led coalition fight against ISIS in Syria, Iraq 'far from over'
WASHINGTON — The Islamic State problem in Iraq and Syria is “far from over” and U.S. and coalition forces are not letting up on efforts to neutralize the ISIS fighters from cities where they still have strongholds, military officials said Tuesday. “There is still a lot of work to be done both militarily and on civilian stabilization efforts in both countries,” said Col. Sean Ryan, a spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition fight against ISIS.
U.S.-led coalition fight against ISIS in Syria, Iraq 'far from over'
WASHINGTON -- The ISIS problem in Iraq and Syria is “far from over” and U.S. and coalition forces are not letting up on efforts to neutralize the Islamic State fighters from cities where they still have strongholds, military officials said Tuesday. “There is still a lot of work to be done both militarily and on civilian stabilization efforts in both countries,” said Col. Sean Ryan, a spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition fight against ISIS.
Longtime wife of combat veteran, mother of two deported to Mexico
Alejandra Juarez, 38, center, passes through TSA screening at the Orlando International Airport on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 in Orlando, Fla. Juarez, the wife of a former Marine is preparing to self-deport to Mexico in a move that would split up their family. WASHINGTON — Alejandra Juarez, wife of a combat veteran and mother of two U.S. citizen-children, was deported to Mexico on Friday after losing her battle to remain in the United States.
Longtime wife of combat veteran, mother of two, boards flight en route to deportation
Alejandra Juarez, 38, center, passes through TSA screening at the Orlando International Airport on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 in Orlando, Fla. Juarez, the wife of a former Marine is preparing to self-deport to Mexico in a move that would split up their family.
Wife of combat veteran and mother of 2 to be deported Friday
Alejandra Juarez, left, and her husband of 20 years Temo Juarez, an Iraq combat veteran, enjoy a barbecue with friends in April. Alejandra entered the country illegally in 1998 and is being deported to Mexico Friday, dividing the family of four. WASHINGTON — Alejandra Juarez, the wife of a combat veteran who took on a dramatic fight to remain in the United States under increasingly stringent immigration policies, arrived at a Florida airport early Friday in preparation to be deported.
Longtime wife of combat veteran, mother of two deported to Mexico
Alejandra Juarez, 38, center, passes through TSA screening at the Orlando International Airport on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 in Orlando, Fla. Juarez, the wife of a former Marine is preparing to self-deport to Mexico in a move that would split up their family.
Final plea: Combat veteran's wife facing Friday deportation reaches out to Trump
Alejandra Juarez, left, and her husband of 20 years Temo Juarez, an Iraq combat veteran, enjoy a barbecue with friends in April. Alejandra entered the country illegally in 1998 and is being deported to Mexico Friday, dividing the family of four. WASHINGTON — She thought the hard days were behind her. Her rough childhood in Mexico after her father died and her family fell apart. The terrifying trips with a coyote across the border — twice because she was captured and sent back the first time.
USS Fitzgerald junior officer enters no plea in arraignment for court-martial
Lt. Natalie Combs did not enter a plea Monday at her arraignment for a general court-martial on charges stemming from the deadly collision involving the USS Fitzgerald Navy destroyer last year. As the ship’s tactical action officer, she is charged with negligent dereliction of duty resulting in death and negligent hazarding of a vessel regarding the June 17, 2017, collision of the Fitzgerald and a merchant vessel off the coast of Japan. Seven sailors were killed.
USS Fitzgerald junior officer enters no plea in arraignment at court-martial
The Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald, which was involved in a collision with a merchant ship Saturday, June 17, 2017, is seen at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Sunday, June 18, 2017. WASHINGTON — Lt. Natalie Combs did not enter a plea Monday at her arraignment on general court-martial charges stemming from the deadly collision involving the USS Fitzgerald Navy destroyer last year.
USS Fitzgerald junior officer enters no plea in arraignment for court-martial
The Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald, which was involved in a collision with a merchant ship Saturday, June 17, 2017, is seen at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Sunday, June 18, 2017. WASHINGTON — Lt. Natalie Combs did not enter a plea Monday at her arraignment for a general court-martial on charges stemming from the deadly collision involving the USS Fitzgerald Navy destroyer last year.
Votel: Time for Pakistan to step up in peace efforts in Afghanistan
U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, right, the commander of U.S. Central Command, visits servicemembers deployed to Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, May 9, 2018.
Fitzgerald, McCain collisions: Tragedy is much bigger than those on board.
An unlikely speaker took the podium last month at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Maryland to honor the life of one of the 17 sailors killed last year in two separate Navy destroyer collisions. Cmdr. Bryce Benson, the former commanding officer of the USS Fitzgerald, spoke of Petty Officer 1st Class Xavier Martin’s achievements during his time on board his ship.
Fitzgerald, McCain collisions: Are the right people being held to account?
An unlikely speaker took the podium last month at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Maryland to honor the life of one of the 17 sailors killed last year in two separate Navy destroyer collisions. Cmdr. Bryce Benson, the former commanding officer of the USS Fitzgerald, spoke of Petty Officer 1st Class Xavier Martin’s achievements during his time on board his ship.
Former Fitzgerald commander pleads not guilty to three criminal charges from collision
WASHINGTON – The former commanding officer of the Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty Tuesday to criminal charges stemming from the deadly collision of his ship and a commercial vessel off Japan just over one year ago. Cmdr. Bryce Benson was arraigned at the Navy Yard in Washington, where a Navy prosecutor read the three charges against him aloud.
Sending Military Lawyers to Be Immigration Prosecutors
Sending Military Lawyers to Be Immigration Prosecutors AP Photo/Elliot Spagat, FileWASHINGTON — Calling it an “inappropriate application of military personnel,” three leading senators urged the secretary of defense to reconsider sending military attorneys to southern border states to help prosecute immigration cases.“We are … deeply troubled,” wrote Sens.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Dianna
Contact Dianna, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack