ArcaneThunder

About Arcane Thunder

Exercise Arcane Thunder 24 is a collaborative U.S.-led exercise designed to reinforce strong and strategic relationships between U.S. Allies, and partner nations by demonstrating theater-wide precision synchronization in Germany and Morocco. Participants will test multi-domain capabilities in all domains enabling joint freedom of action in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa area of responsibility. Arcane Thunder 24 promotes understanding, collaboration, and interoperability between Allied and partner nations, and contributes significantly to regional stability and security by improving the ability of Allied forces to operate together effectively in times of crisis or conflict.

Video by Scott Sturkol

Family members of World War II hero Pvt. Robert Skaar discuss donating uniform to Fort McCoy History Center

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office

Sept. 30, 2024 | 3:27

Family members of Pvt. Robert Skaar, a Soldier killed in action in World War II in France, discuss donating the Soldier's uniform to the Fort McCoy History Center during this interview Sept. 30, 2024, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Skaar died in France in 1945 during the war and was recently identified and returned home. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Skaar was identified June 7, 2024. In early 1945, Skaar was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 222nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division, a DPAA release states. On March 10, 1945, Skaar was killed in action while his unit was on patrol near Wildenguth, France. The Germans never reported Skaar as a prisoner of war, and his remains were not immediately recovered. Skaar’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Dozens of people were on hand for Skaar's service in La Crosse as he was finally brought home Oct. 1, 2024. (Audio by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)