NORTHERN NEW MEXICO VETERANS

USMC PC

2010-04-01T17:51:00.000-06:00

In a ruling against Camp Lajeune, a 25 year retired career Marine won a freedom of speech ruling.

Jesse Neito's automobile was cited for inflammatory anti-Islamic stickers and was ordered to remove them.

Mr. Neito's son was killed aboard the USS Cole.

The employee of Camp Lejeune said he will continue to drive his sticker adorned vehicle onto base, stating that the Marine Corps has allowed Political Correctness to run amok.

AVAST YE PIRATES!! AARRrrrr

2010-04-01T10:19:00.000-06:00

USS Nicholas GMF
Please step out of the gene pool for eight would be Somali pirates..
A group of Somali men attempted to commandeer a US guided missile frigate sailing within the Horn of Africa area.
USS Nickolas sunk a pirate skiff, killing three men and taking their mother ship captive with five prisoners.
GO NAVY!

NM VA and SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

2010-03-23T10:17:00.000-06:00

(SANTA FE, NM)—The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will sign a renewal of a Strategic Alliance Memorandum at a signing ceremony on Wednesday March 17^th at the NMDVS Main office in Santa Fe’s Bataan Memorial Building.

Signing the agreement at the 10:30am ceremony will be NMDVS Cabinet Secretary John Garcia, New Mexico SBA New Mexico District Director John C. Woosley and SBA Region Administrator Yolanda Garcia Olivarez.

“With this renewed partnership we will work together with the NMDVS to expand SBA services to the Veteran and small business community,” said SBA Director Woosley. “We celebrate the continuing strong relationship that SBA has with the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services with the joint signing of the agreement.”

The two agencies both strive to serve veterans who own a small business, or would like to start one. The SBA was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, and assist in all phases of business operations.

The NMDVS was elevated from a state commission to a full cabinet agency in 2003 to assist veterans in New Mexico and their dependents with their veteran benefits and services needs.

One such service by the department is helping current and prospective veteran-owned businesses through its Veteran Business Resource Center. Created in 2008, it was the first center in the nation designed solely for assisting veterans. The center can get help them with business planning, marketing, and assistance with applying for low-interest veterans’ Patriot Express and other business loans through the SBA.

“Renewing this agreement ensures that our two agencies will continue to work together to serve New Mexico’s veteran-owned small businesses,” said NMDVS Cabinet Secretary Garcia, who is also a member of the nine-person national SBA Veterans’ Business Advisory Board.”This strong partnership continues to be viewed by other states as a model for how two agencies should work together to serve our men and women who are looking to start or improve new careers after they’ve served our country.”

The NMDVS estimates that one out of every seven small businesses in New Mexico—or about 22,000-- is a veteran-owned business.

UNDER SECETARY OF VA BENIFITS

2010-03-23T10:14:00.000-06:00

NMDVS Secretary Garcia Accepts Invitation by VA Secretary Shinseki

to Join Search Commission

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Cabinet Secretary John M. Garcia has accepted an invitation by U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki to serve on a special Search Commission tasked with recommending candidates for the vacant post of VA Under Secretary for Benefits.

The Commission will be conducting its candidate interviews March 24-26 in Washington, D.C.

According to federal law, the Commission must recommend at least three candidates to the VA Secretary, who in turn forwards this final list along with his input to the President of the United States. The President then makes his choice, which must then be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

“I am extremely honored by Secretary Shinseki’s invitation to serve on this commission,” said NMDVS Secretary Garcia. “The Commission has a very important task to perform because the position to be filled is one of the most critical within the structure of the VA system.”

The Under Secretary for Benefits reports directly to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on non-medical Veterans’ benefits matters. The Under Secretary oversees the management of a $45 billion budget and a staff of 15,000. On the organization chart, the two largest portfolios are managed by the Under Secretary for Health, who runs all the VA hospitals and clinics, and the Under Secretary for Benefits, which oversees all major benefit programs outside the health arena, including pension and disability benefits, GI Bill benefits for college, home loan guarantees, life insurance and more.

Other benefits managed by the office include the monthly payments for disabled veterans, pensions for low-income veterans who served in wartime, educational programs, VA home loans (allowing many veterans to take out mortgages without a down payment), group life insurance at low cost, and vocational rehabilitation.

VETERANS' HEALTH CARE

2010-03-23T10:11:00.000-06:00

Greetings to all!

Now that the health -care reform bill has been pushed through congress, it awaits the Senate to fix the bill prior to being sent for the Executive Office for Presidential signature.

Secretary of Defense, Bill Gates and others from the House of Representatives along with the Senate are promising a fix to the bill to protect the VA Health-Care system, which includes TRICARE and civilian health-care for family survivors.

Personally, when I see a government employee smiling while they state they are going to do something positive, I am very leery.

I would strongly suggest that you contact the folks you elected to represent you and insist that our hard fought for VA health system is protected, DO NOT take their political double-talk as the truth...keep after them!

HEADS UP FOLKS!

2010-03-23T09:16:00.001-06:00

Well folks, the House of Representatives has pushed through a health-care bill which does not protect TRICARE, the VA health-care system nor the civilian health system run by the VA for surviving family members.

Congress and Secretary of Defense Gates are promising fixes to this flawed bill.

As a veteran I have as much confidence in the veracity of Congressional double- talk as I do in a six year old child's ability to follow through with a promise.

I heartily recommend that you e-mail, write letters and make phone calls to the folks you elected to represent you; and do not take their double-speak as the truth.

HONORS

2010-02-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

State Legislators to be Honored at Capitol Ceremony

Albuquerque Woman who Raised $350K for Injured Soldiers, Injured Iraq War Veteran, and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Also to be Honored

Date/Time: February 3, 2010 (12noon)

Location: State Capitol Rotunda, Santa Fe

(SANTA FE, NM)-New Mexico’s state legislators will be honored at Military and Veterans’ Day at the State Legislature on February 3^rd during the Legislative Session at the State Capitol in Santa Fe.

At a special noon ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) will thank all 112 legislators for their work in legislative sessions on behalf of the state’s 180,000 veterans. NMDVS Cabinet Secretary John Garcia will also acknowledge the 24 legislators (6 in the Senate, 18 in the House of Representatives) who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Military and Veterans’ Day at the State Legislature is an annual day during the New Mexico Legislative Session to give veterans an opportunity to meet with their state legislators and discuss veterans’ issues. All veterans are strongly encouraged to stop by during the day and voice their concerns.

Albuquerque Mom Who Raised $350K for Wounded Soldiers to Also be Honored

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will also honor Terrie Krueger of Albuquerque. The mother of two active-duty Naval Officers raised $350,000 in a grass-roots effort--mostly in the Albuquerque Metro area—for the Wounded Warrior Project. The national organization assists severely wounded soldiers after they return home from the combat field.

Krueger presented a check for that amount at a special halftime ceremony of the nationally-televised Army-Navy college football game last December 12^th. The money was a result of a grass-roots effort organized by Krueger in the Albuquerque Metro area. She had vowed to top a $25,000 donation from a multi-national company at the previous year’s (2008) Army-Navy football game.

Erik Schei & Parents to be Honored

25-year old former Army Staff Sgt. Erik Schei (“Shy”) and his parents will also be honored at the ceremony. Schei suffered a brain injury from a sniper’s bullet while on patrol in Mosul, Iraq in October of 2005.

He was given zero chance of survival, and doctors suggested they cease life-support. But his parents, Christine & Gordon, refused to do this and instead took him home—vowing to nurse him back to full-strength. Though still confined to a wheelchair, Erik has begun to speak a few words and can communicate with people.

Alejandro Ruiz to also be Honored

The NMDVS will also honor former Army Master Sergeant and Carlsbad native Alejandro Ruiz. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for—as an Army Private--defeating an entire enemy squadron after everyone in his own unit was either killed or badly injured in an attack from a fortified bunker on Okinawa in World War II.

Ruiz recently passed away at a California Veterans’ home. He was 86 years old.

Ruiz is one of twelve Medal of Honor recipients from New Mexico. The award is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States^.

WOUNDED WARRIER PROJECT

2010-01-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

State Legislators to be Honored at Capitol Ceremony

Albuquerque Woman who Raised $350K for Injured Soldiers; Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient to Also be Honored

Date/Time: February 3, 2010 (12noon)

Location: State Capitol Rotunda, Santa Fe

(SANTA FE, NM)—Honoring New Mexico’s State Legislators is the theme for Military and Veterans’ Day at the State Legislature on February 3^rd during the Legislative Session at the State Capitol in Santa Fe.

At a special noon ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) will thank all 112 legislators for their work in legislative sessions on behalf of the state’s 180,000 veterans. NMDVS Cabinet Secretary John Garcia will also acknowledge the 24 legislators (7 in the Senate, 17 in the House of Representatives) who served our country in the U.S. Armed Forces.

New Mexico is recognized nationally as providing some of the most innovative and comprehensive state veterans’ benefits and services in the nation.

“Many states use us a model for how to serve veterans,” said NMDVS Secretary Garcia. “Veterans here in New Mexico are fortunate to have a dedicated group of lawmakers working on their behalf in the legislature, so we would like to show our appreciation for their tireless work.”

Albuquerque Mom Who Raised $350K for Wounded Soldiers to Also be Honored

At the ceremony, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will also honor Terrie Krueger of Albuquerque. The mother of two active-duty Naval Officers raised $350,000 in a grass-roots effort--mostly in the Albuquerque Metro area—for injured soldiers and veterans.

Krueger chose the Wounded Warrior Project as the recipient of her effort, and presented a check for that amount to organization officials at a special halftime ceremony of the nationally-televised Army-Navy college football game last December 12^th. She became inspired to raise the money after watching last year’s ceremony, where a major corporation presented a check for $25,000. An incredulous Krueger thought she could do better.

The Wounded Warriors Project is a national organization which seeks to honor, empower, raise public awareness, and serve as a national advocate for wounded soldiers.

Alejandro Ruiz to also be Honored

The NMDVS will also MSGT. Alejandro Ruiz, who as a Pfc. was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in saving his squad from enemy attack on Okinawa in World War II. Ruiz recently passed away at the Yountville Veterans’ home in California. He was 86 years old. Surviving family members have been invited to the ceremony, where the NMDVS will present them with a state flag and an official Letter of Condolence from the state.

Ruiz is one of twelve Medal of Honor recipients from New Mexico. The award is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States^.

FALSE HONORS

2010-01-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Vet Pleads Guilty in False Honors Case

January 07, 2010

The Roanoke Times, Va.

Even as he pleaded guilty to inflating his military record, Thomas James Barnhart insisted he'd received a Purple Heart.
"I was given a Purple Heart with no paperwork in Vietnam, so it was as if I had made up the award myself," Barnhart, 58, said Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Roanoke.
But Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Jacobsen said Barnhart, who lives in the Norfolk area, didn't stop with one Purple Heart. In paperwork filed when he transferred from the Navy to the Coast Guard, then in applications for disability benefits, Barnhart claimed an increasing array of honors. Ultimately he said he'd been a Navy SEAL, earned five Purple Hearts -- each supposedly marking a combat wound -- Bronze and Silver stars for valor, and more.
Barnhart's case echoed that of Randall Moneymaker, who in March 2008 was convicted of federal fraud and theft charges linked to false claims of combat missions and wounds that gained him a job as an Army recruiter and veterans disability benefits.
Jacobsen, who had prosecuted Moneymaker, said Barnhart also improperly sought benefits. In 1991 and 2005, Barnhart told Veterans Affairs interviewers tales of combat missions and a pilot dying in his arms. He said he'd been nominated for the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor.
All of that was bogus, Jacobsen said.
The prosecutor agreed that Barnhart was in the Navy from 1969 to 1979 and the Coast Guard until 1990.
But investigation showed only that Barnhart earned a medal for offshore duty during the Vietnam War. There was no record of combat or combat awards.
Barnhart pleaded guilty to violating federal Stolen Valor legislation by falsely claiming to have been awarded medals. He also pleaded guilty to a felony embezzlement charge tied to $13,923 in disability payments for supposed post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a short statement, Barnhart said he'd given the wrong reasons for why he suffered from PTSD, but seemed to defend the diagnosis itself.
Judge James Turk accepted Barnhart's guilty pleas and noted that his plea agreement said he would repay the disability payments along with whatever fines and prison term might be imposed. He scheduled sentencing for April 8.
After the hearing, Jacobsen, who served with the U.S. Army Reserve in Iraq, said military veterans, like fishermen, are prone to exaggeration. But falsifying service records for financial gain is "just galling," Jacobsen said.
So is claiming false honors during wartime, he added.
"You've got the real sailors, soldiers and airmen out there putting their lives on the line every day," Jacobsen said.
He said authorities were alerted to Barnhart's false claims by the veterans group AMVETS. Mary and Chuck Schantag, who run the group's ReportStolenValor.org Web site, could not be contacted Wednesday.
Doug Sterner, a Vietnam veteran from Colorado who was a leading advocate for the 2005 Stolen Valor legislation, said Barnhart's case shows the need for Congress to push the military to keep better records of medals such as Purple Hearts.
"There are literally tens of thousands of people who were given awards that never made it to paperwork," Sterner said.

SOCIAL NETWORKS

2010-01-13T19:11:00.001-07:00

Late Rent/Utility/Rental Deposit Assistance

#Depending on Funds#

Life Link 2523 Cerrillos Road 505-438-0010 Call for appointment.

Faith at Work 3204A Mercantile Court 505-471-6323

St. Vincent De Paul 1088 Early Street 505-989-8328

Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority 664 Alta Vista 505-988-2859

LIHEAP 39 Plaza La Prenza 505-476-9200 (heating and cooling costs)

Adelante 505-467-2571 (families with school children)

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling

Alcoholics Anonymous 505-982-8932

Al-Anon 505-473-0101

Care Connection 505-995-9550

Cocaine Connection 505-984-7207

Friendship Club 505-982-9040

Life Link 505-438-0010

Narcotics Anonymous (24 hours) 505-984-2098

Quit NOW Stop Smoking 1-800-784-8669

Santa Fe Sobering Center 505-992-6740

Santa Fe Recovery Center 505-471-4985

Shower and Laundry Facilities

Salvation Army 525 West Alameda 505-988-8054

(Monday-Friday 08:30-10:30, 13:00-14:30)

Other Numbers

Santa Fe Rape Crisis and Trauma Treatment Center

505-986-9111 or 1-877-394-4258

Santa Fe County Health Office 505-476-2600

Healthcare for Homeless 505-988-1742

Catholic Charities 505-424-9789

Somos Un Pueblo Unido 505-424-7832

New Mexico Suicide Prevention (English) 1-866-435-7166
(Espanol) 1-800-784-2432

Crisis Response 505-820-6333

Child Support Enforcement 1-800-288-7207

Landlord Tenant 505-983-8447

AIDS 1-900-342-2437

CYFD Protective Services 505-827-7450

THANK YOU !

2010-01-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here’s wishing you, your staff--and most importantly, your families--a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Thank you for your coverage of veterans events and issues in 2009. There are nearly 180,000 veterans in New Mexico—yet less than half have bothered to file for their earned benefits. So every time you cover a veterans’ event or issue means one more opportunity for an uninformed/unsuspecting veteran to find out about a potentially life-changing benefit or opportunity for them and their families.

Thank you again…and I look forward to working with you in 2010!

Ray Seva

Public Information Officer,
New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

Bataan Memorial Bldg.

407 Galisteo St. Room 142

Santa Fe, NM 87504

(505) 362-6089 cell

www.dvs.state.nm.us

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2009-12-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

My warmest wishes to all for a happy and healthy new year!

The link below was given to me yesterday, it is from an NRA convention last Thanksgiving, I feel it is still relevant.

Oly North video

VETERANS' HOMELESS SHELTER

2009-12-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

New Mexico Veterans’ Integration Center Receives $1.6 Million VA Grant

(ALBUQUERQUE, NM/December 21, 2009)— The New Mexico Veterans’ Integration Center (VIC) has received the first annual installment of a three -year, $1.6 million per-diem grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA).

The money will allow the center to expand to its planned 50-room capacity leased through an agreement with the Value Place Hotel on Central Avenue in Albuquerque. There are currently 31 rooms being leased.

“This grant is a tremendous Christmas gift for veterans in need,” said New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Cabinet Secretary John M. Garcia, whose department provides funding for the center and also helped apply for the grant. “With the move to the new hotel, we are now taking the level of care for these veterans to another level.”

The NMDVS along with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions assist with operating the VIC and to help the estimated 7,000 homeless veterans in New Mexico.

In addition to providing shelter, the VIC also provides counseling, employment assistance, and “life-skills” assistance to help residents re-integrate into society. Residents must sign up for a two-year residency and must adhere to a strict “zero-tolerance” policy concerning the use of drugs & alcohol.

The grant had been approved in August of 2008, but was withheld by the VA after an inspection of the original center by VA officials turned up numerous safety and health hazards. Improvements to fix these violations would have cost at least $500,000—money that the center or the state simply didn’t have, said VIC Board President Larry Campos of the NM Department of Workforce Solutions’ Veterans’ Employment and Training Center.

“We had raised these concerns before with our landlord--but he never acted on them,” said Campos. “So when we were successful in getting that grant, we had no choice but to move—which unfortunately meant a delay in receiving that Grant money.”

The VIC moved to the new location in August after its lease expired at the original location—the former Sundowner Lounge and Economy Motel five miles west of the new location on Central Avenue. And while the new modern location easily met all safety requirements according to the City code, it still needed a few adjustments to satisfy the strict VA requirements. Work on these minor additions is currently underway, which was enough to allow the release of the first installments of the grant. (amount of payments will be gradually released by VA).

“The check’s already in the bank,” said a beaming Campos. “We are going to do some great things here at the new VIC.”

The NMDVS also provides funding to assist homeless veterans in southern New Mexico, through the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope in Las Cruces.

MARINE CORPS HERO 12-20-09

2009-12-20T14:21:00.002-07:00

Marine Awarded Navy Cross for Afghan Heroics

December 20, 2009

Stars and Stripes|by Matt Orr

CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa — A 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion Marine here received his nation’s second highest award for valor.
In a ceremony at Recon Point, Gunnery Sgt. John Mosser was awarded the Navy Cross medal for his actions during a deadly battle in Afghanistan in June.
Maj. Danny Strelkauskas, now the commanding officer of Company F, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, at Camp Pendleton, Calif., attended the ceremony to pin on Mosser’s medal.
Strelkauskas was Mosser’s team leader during that firefight in Afghanistan and has received the Silver Star for his part in the battle. The two of them were leading a team of more than 20 Marines of Company H, 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, when the small unit was attacked.
Gen. James B. Laster, commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, also was present for the ceremony.
“Where do we find such men?” Laster said. “It is my opinion that we don’t find them. They find us. They hear the sound of guns, and they respond.”
Mosser was the team sergeant of the Marine patrol that was pinned down by heavy sniper and automatic-weapons fire in a small valley on June 26.
“I had been in firefights before but not like that,” Mosser said Friday. “It was unique. The enemy was well entrenched and firing at us from a high angle above. We were just reacting. There wasn’t much thinking — just return fire and take cover.”
Mosser’s Navy Cross citation said the gunnery sergeant’s reaction was gallant, that he helped save Marines during the bloody battle.
“He single-handedly dragged the wounded Marine over 35 feet to a covered position and administered first aid,” the citation said in part, describing one of Mosser’s heroics during the firefight. “With the entire patrol desperately pinned down, one Marine killed, and five more severely wounded, he devised a plan to break contact and extract his team.”
He then called for and adjusted close air support, dragged that wounded Marine a second time to safety and directed the Marines still in the fight.
Continually exposing himself to enemy fire, he maneuvered the remaining members of his team still trapped in the ambush, all the time constantly engaging the enemy until everyone was safe.
“I wasn’t the only one doing things that day,” Mosser said. “The other Marines and Sailors that were with me are some of the bravest people I have had the honor of serving with.”
Strelkauskas said the gunny was humble.
“There should have been a lot more of us that died that day,” Strelkauskas said, “but because of his heroic actions, we made it out of there.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

Just returned from the monthly American Legion, Post #1, Santa Fe, New Mexico monthly meeting and Christmas party.

The VVA is requesting names and photographs of veterans killed in action who were from New Mexico. This information will go towards the Vietnam Veterans Museum in Washington, D.C. Bring a brief history of the veteran and a photograph to your local Fed Ex where it will be photocopied and sent to the museum, at no cost to you.

Tickets are on sale to veterans for the annual American Legion Post #1, Santa Fe, NM New Years Party; the festivities begin at 20:00 to 00:01, food, music by Los Camaros and drink will be available, a low cost taxi service will also be provided so you do not need to worry about a possible D.U.I., the service will pick you up and bring you home after your celebration.

January 8, 2010, "Gato," our bar manager, will sponsor a party for post members.

Congratulations to Bonifacio Benavidez, he volunteered to be our 2nd Vice Commander. The post still needs a volunteer to be our Chaplain.

Job hunting? The NACE Foundation is offering scholorships to pay for training, provide mentorship, and help with placement in the corrosion industry. 44 percent of industry professionals will be retiring within the next 10 years.
The nonprofit USA Cares will assist veterans with living and travel expenses as they go through the program.
The average annual compensation for U.s> corrosion professionals is: $90,000.
For more information contact: www.nace-foundation.org

Please feel free to contribute your stories to this blog site.

NEW VAN

2009-12-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

(ALBUQUERQUE, NM)— The New Mexico Veterans’ Integration Center (NMVIC) in Albuquerque will be receiving a passenger van from Bernalillo County.

The county is donating one of its 12-passenger vans due to the purchase of newer vans for countywide service.

The van will be presented by County Manager Thaddeus Lucero and Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins at a special 9am ceremony at the NMVIC, located at the Value Place Hotel …13001 Central Avenue near Tramway.

On hand to receive the keys will be NMVIC President Larry Campos and New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Deputy Secretary Alan Martinez, whose department provides funding for the NMVIC. Also on hand will be state Representative Ed Sandoval of Albuquerque, who helped facilitate the deal for the county to donate the van.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous donation by Bernalillo County, “said NMDVS Secretary John Garcia. “This will allow the center to help transport residents to and from various programs which help homeless veterans with getting their lives back together.”

In addition to providing shelter for homeless veterans, the NMVIC provides transitional services to assist the re-integration of these veterans into society. Counseling job training skills are available for these veterans and their families.

The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimates there are about 7,000 homeless veterans in New Mexico. The NMVIC leases half of the hotel’s 120-rooms to provide shelter and transitional services for homeless veterans and their families.

AIR FORCE NEWS

2009-12-15T12:54:00.001-07:00

HUH?

To blend into their surroundings, snipers often dress themselves in "ghillie suits."
A ghillie suit is generally constructed of netting, burlap, cloth. and living plants.

History:

Scottish folklore called a mythical creature the "ghillie dhu" -- a guardian of the trees.
Some accounts say Scottish shepherds wore ghillie suits to sneak up on poachers and predators which threatened their flocks.
Ghillie suits first saw military use by the British in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

2,060
Number of foreign contractors still doing business with the Defense Department despite convictions for serious violations.

SPORTS

Air Force rugby team won its sixth consecutive Armed Forces Rugby Championship title Nov. 13, beating Army 34-0.
Air Force allowed only 3 points in 5 tournament games played Nov. 10-13 at Ft. Benning, GA. Only the Navy team was able to score.

EARLY OUT?

3,700 airmen, primarily officers are being cut from the ranks within the next 10 months. 2,074 officers and 1,633n enlisted airmen are asked to voluntarily separate. This is a double whammy: no voluntary separation pay and a tight civilian job market. GOOD NEWS? At the same time 9,300 civilians are scheduled to be put on the payroll. The Air Force needs to fill 1,800 communications and information positions, 700 science and engineering posts, and 600 logistics jobs.

C.A.P.

Dec. 1, 1941, the Civil Air Patrol was founded. The organization allowed private pilots to contribute to civil defence efforts.
During WWII, under the jurisdiction of the Army Aircorps, CAP pilots flew more than 500,000 hours, were credited with sinking 2 enemy submarines, and rescued hundreds of crash survivors.
In 1946, President Truman established the CAP as a federally chartered benevolent civilian corporation, and in May 1948 it became an official auxilliary of the Air Force.

HUMOR

Father calling to his daughter as her date took a seat on the couch:
"Oh, dreamboat! Your barnacle is here!"

Did you know there are more aircraft in the oceans than there are submarines in the sky?!

COMMENTS and SUGGESTIONS

All constructive information and clean humor will be accepted.

HICKAM AFB REMEMBERS 68 YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

2009-12-10T17:20:00.001-07:00

Airmen and their families gathered at Hickam Air Force Base's historic flag pole, for the 68th remembrance ceremony to honor those men and women who lost their lives in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
"On a similar morning 68 years ago on these very grounds, our world changed forever," said Col. Giovanni Tuck, the 15th Airlift Wing commander.
"The Japanese attack on Hickam Field, 'a day that will live in infamy,' stated by the president to Congress, was one of the defining moments in U.S. military history," he said.
The Hickam AFB honor guard raised the flag while the Pacific Air Forces Band performed the national anthem. Four F- 15 Eagles from the Hawaii Air National Guard flew a four-ship missing man formation during the ceremony.
The Hickam Air Force Base ceremony featured a performance of "Lest We Forget," a song written by Chief Master Sgt. Larry MacTaggart, a member of the Pacific Air Forces Band. The event coincided with a ceremony conducted by the Navy at the Arizona Memorial. At the end, the honor guard's rifle report from a three-volley salute resounded over Atterbury Circle, the site of the flag pole. "Taps" followed.
"The story of the largest airborne attack force ever assembled by the Imperial Japanese navy is one worth remembering just as it was," said Hawaii Lieutenant Governor James Aiona Jr., the guest speaker. "No exaggeration is needed for effect. No tall tale is needed to help us remember. It is a story that lives forever in our hearts and it has united us in a common memory."
An unannounced military strike conducted by the Japanese against the U.S. naval base and Army Air Corps air fields on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, just before 8 a.m., thrust the U.S. into World War II. The Japanese navy launched from the decks of aircraft carriers with the intent to cripple the U.S. Navy fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor.
Stories of heroism provided a glimpse into the past; stories about Airmen watching the first wave of attacks from the windows in their homes immediately recognizing the call of duty, despites pleas from their wives to stay home; stories about civilians who understood the need to save important financial documentation, eventually giving their lives in the attempt; and stories about an officer who opened a manhole cover during the attack to protect fleeing men from the consolidated barracks, giving his life in the effort to save every man who entered the whole.
"The attack on Dec. 7, 1941 steeled America's resolve and brought out the best in our nation during its darkest hour," Governor Aiona said. "Which I believe is a testament to all those involved."
Several Hickam Field survivors of the attacks and their family members were among the guests in the crowd. Sylvia Phillips is the widow of retired Maj. Claude Phillips, then a technical sergeant who rushed to a hangar to man the gun of a damaged B-17. He is credited with shooting down a Japanese Zero and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions.
Retired Col. Vane Ward Burnett, represented by his widow Helen Hurnett and sons, Ira and George, was an aviation cadet on duty at Hickam Field's communications center. He witnessed the attack on Hickam Field and Pearl Harbor from the second floor windows of the building. Colonel Burnett passed away in Nov. 21, 2009.
Col. Sam Barrett, from the 15th AW vice commander, represented his mother's cousin, Tech. Sgt. Charles Brunson, who survived the multiple Japanese attacks on Hickam. He was killed six months later in New Zealand as a crewman aboard a B-17 that crashed during take off with a full bomb load.
Retired Col. Andrew Kowalski was a master sergeant in the consolidated barracks now the Pacific Air Forces headquarters. On the morning of the attacks he was designated the casualty control officer.
"It was a fancy name for counting the dead," Colonel Kowalski said. "The bodies were laid out everywhere. It was a sad day seeing people trying to identify who was still alive; very traumatic."
After witnessing the ceremony 68 years after the infamous day he survived, he fought to choke back tears remembering and talking about the events that transpired.
"Events like this bring back these memories," the 95-year-old man said. "You feel grateful and humble that the good Lord has given you this long life and you hope that you have used it rather than abused it."
The veteran's stories from that day are becoming more and more legendary as the generation to have survived this attack gets older.
"They help us perpetuate the legacy of that fateful day as a living tribute to the character and service to an entire nation," said Governor Aiona. "Sixty-eight years later we continue to gather with great conviction to honor those brave men and women who lost their lives. In all, 189 men died at Hickam Field, members of the greatest generation -- gone."
To the veterans and their surviving family members present, "We draw from all of you great strength and know you have placed a sacred trust in all of us who wear the uniform," Colonel Tuck said. "You have entrusted our great nation into your very capable hands. We will not let you down. You are the foundation on which our United States Air Force stands and will certainly not forget.
from: Military.com

SNOW AND WIND

2009-12-08T12:52:00.002-07:00

Cold and snow with a nice breeze to keep the bugs off!

Trivia:

May 1942- Battle for Corregidor resulted in the loss of what country/territory?

Feb. 1942- What British General was famous for the largest capitulation of British led forces in history, surrendered to the Japs. at Singapore's Ford Factory?

May 1941- What was the code name (translated to English), of the German invasion of Crete?

Defense Secretary Gates states that the US is committed to win the war in Afghanistan, despite plans to "bug out" in 2011; though this is the start date for the pull out which will most likely take years.

Admiral Mullen gave Marines, at Camp Lejeune, NC, a pep talk; saying they have a two year window to turn around the war situation in Afghanistan. The Admiral stated that we need to win this conflict to keep nuclear weapons out of terrorist hands.

Medal of Honor winner and WWII veteran, Col. Van T. Barfoot, USA Ret., is fighting to keep his flag pole at his Richmond. Va. home, his homeowners assoc. states it violates their codes. Col. Barfoot also served in Korea and Vietnam before retiring in 1974.

Let's Say Thanks-

A website which lets you send free personalized postcards to deployed Service-members. Xerox will print the cards at no cost and mail them to overseas personnel. For more information go to: www.letsaythanks.com

FREE ALASKA FISHING

Charter boat captains from Homer, Wittier, and Valdez, Alaska are joining forces with the Alaska Halibut Veteran Fishing Tournament next year. So far 40 charter boats are pledged for more than 500 Veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan and Desert Storm Wars for a free day on the water.

For more information and to register visit: www.voief.org

Trivia Answers:

Philippines

Genera Arthur Percival

Operation Mercury

NATIVE VETERAN NEWS

2009-12-07T16:51:00.001-07:00

Kickoff at Shiprock Chapter House

(Hwy 64 past Hwy 491)

(SANTA FE, NM)—The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) and representatives from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue department will kick off the Native American Veterans’ Income Tax Settlement Fund on Thursday at the Shiprock Chapter House on at 10am.

The two departments along with the Department of Indian Affairs are teaming to administer the Native American Veterans’ Income Tax Settlement Fund to pay for these claims.

At the special workshop, Native American veterans will learn about how to file a claim with the state of New Mexico if they believe they had state income tax withheld from their military paychecks while they were domiciled on tribal land.

Claim forms can be found on the NMDVS website or can be picked up at selected NMDVS field offices. A copy of a separation document (DD-214 or similar document from the Department of Defense) must also be attached to the completed claim form, which can then be sent to the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services.

The NMDVS will then verify if a form is accompanied by the separation document, and then send everything to the Department of Taxation and Revenue for processing and ultimate payment of refunds.

“The state of New Mexico wants to correct something for our Native American veterans,” said NMDVS Secretary John Garcia. “We will help any veteran who had any state income tax withheld while they were on active-duty but exempt from this because they were living on tribal land.”

According to the findings by the NMDVS, there are more than 9,000 Native American veterans who may have had New Mexico income tax withheld from their military pay while they were living on tribal land here in New Mexico. Widows can also apply on behalf of their deceased veteran-spouse.

“The only way we can verify if a veteran did indeed have their military salary taxed by the state of New Mexico is for that Native American veteran to fill out a claim,” said Secretary Garcia. “If you can’t find your separation papers, we will help you request a duplicate copy. But we can’t help you if you don’t first fill out that claim form.”

Claim forms along with an attached DD-214 or other separation papers can be mailed to:

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services

Alan Martinez/Deputy Secretary

PO Box 2324

Santa Fe, NM 87504-2324

All refunds will be paid by the Taxation and Revenue Department. Once a form is initially sent to the NMDVS, expect up to 90-days for the process to be completed. All claims must be mailed. No emails or Fax’s will be accepted.

All The News

2009-12-06T21:31:00.001-07:00

Greetings

I took a short break for medical reasons and am back.

Santa Fe:

Southwest Acupuncture College 1622 Galisteo Street 505-438-8880

Offering free acupuncture treatments to veterans at their student clinic.

Medical:

Suicide. Every 16 minutes someone in the United States commits suicide; each year about 5,000 are veterans.

The VA has established a comprehensive suicide- prevention program, which includes coordinators at every VA medical center, pocket-sized suicide risk-assessment cards, and a national suicide-prevention hotline. The center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with an option to speak to a veteran at all times.

The American Legion plays a key role in the fight to prevent suicide among veterans, by taking part in VA's SAVE program: search for possible signs of suicide, ask questions, validateencourage treatment and expedite the process of getting help. the life of a potential suicide victim, and

Suicide risk assessment is a process, not an event. Most suicide ideas are associated with the presence of an underlying, treatable disorder.

VA National Suicide Prevention Hotline:

(800) 273-8255 (extension 1)

Online: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/veterans/default.aspx

AWAK= Automated Wearable Artificial Kidney

This devise removes toxins and excess fluid from the blood for those whose kidneys can no longer do the job.

A special salt solution is infused into the abdomen, where it picks up waste from the blood. The solution is drained from the abdomen and purified. The clean solution is returned to the abdomen, this is continued indefinitely. The patient replaces the "sorbient" cartridge every few hours and change the battery which rund the pump.

Chewers beware. A pinch between cheek and gums delivers the same amount of carcinogen chemicals as smoking five cigarettes, leading towards pancreatic and oral cancers.

Web:

The US Army hosts a Web site offering health information and support for reservists.

www.hooah-4health.com

Christmas Eats.

Eating well.

www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menues/collections/christmas

Wreaths Across America

What started off as a wreath laying gesture at the Arlington National Cemetery is spreading across the country.

Beginning in November Christmas wreaths, some donated my wreath manufacturers, some discounted and payed for by local business' and community organizations, are being placed on our hero's head stones at the National cemeteries across the country.

To learn more about the wreaths project, including how to start a local drive, contact:

www.wreathsacrossamerica.org P.O. Box 256, Harrington, NE 04643

News

2009-11-30T18:51:00.001-07:00

It appears that congress has finally discovered that the VA has a terminal case of backlog, they have brought up legislation to make the claims process move quicker; we shall see if the claims are thrown out faster or accepted. Keep me up to date on your situation.

I know from my experience that 6 years is common for a series if disability claims followed by the VA denying such claims, I am going through refiling my claim once again.

On the state level, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A veteran was partaking of liquid refreshments at one of the many American Legion Clubs in that fine city; he decided to sleep off his excessive consumption by sleeping in his personal vehicle. The local "Boys in Blue" did not agree with his decision and arrested him, the case went to court and the veteran was found guilty of...get this...intention to drive while under the influence of alcohol/and/or drugs. The "Legion" grapevine states that his keys were in his pocket when the police arrested him. His case is being appealed.

Many active duty service members are finding themselves spending their own money for parts and supplies - and the brass is doing nothing about the situation.

28 November. The 234th anniversary of the US Navy Chaplain Corps 832 are on active duty with 236 in the reserve. 91 are Roman Catholic, 10 Orthodox, 10 rabbis, 3 imams, and one Buddhist chaplain. The remaining are divided amongst the 90 individual faith groups.

Foreign contractors are possibly facing tougher requirements under a proposed Senate bill, one being open to lawsuits for harming US service personnel while under contract.

It appears that foreign contractors are required liability insurance, yet our service members and their families are not allowed to take them to court to make amends over deaths and bodily injuries.

The $2.4 billion dollar redesign "World Class" Walter Reed Medical Center appears to have a few design problems:

>Not enough surgical rooms.

>Operating rooms too small to accommodate present and future advancements in technology.

>Not enough single bed plans to reduce airborne and contact infections.

>Nursing stations too far removed from patient care areas.

>Poor fiber optic and wireless services.

National News

2009-11-27T17:27:00.001-07:00

16:45 Santa Fe weather: 50 degrees F. and partly cloudy. Forecast for the rest of the evening: partly cloudy temperatures in the mid 20's to low 30's

Senator Webb of Virginia has introduced a bill named the Cold War Service Medals Act of 2009.

Introduced on November 5, the bill would allow the medal to be issued to all honorably discharged veterans who served nore than two years or were deployed for 30 day or more from the time period spanning September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991. Families could receive the medal if the Cold War veteran has died.

Health:

Yale University is looking into how the VA is implementing two treatment programs for PTSD; cognitive therapy, and prolong exposure therapy. A grant will be used from the National Institute of Health to assess 250 providers in residential programs to see if these treatments have been properly implemented.

News:

After a yearlong environmental assessment of several home ports, the Navy's conventional riverine forces will stay in Virginia. Nine bases were examined in the assessment: Yorktown, Little Creek; New London, CN.; Kings Bay, GA.; Mayport, FL.; Gulfport, MS.; San Diego and Ventura Cty., CA.; and Kitsap, WA.

Former Navy astronaut, Capt. Lisa Nowak pleaded guilty to third degree felony burglary and misdemeanor battery. Nowak confronted her romantic rival Colleen Shipman, in the parking lot of Orlando International Airport in February 2007 after driving from Huston. Shipman had been dating Nowak's love interest, former space shuttle pilot Bill Oefelein.

That is all I have for you today. Please feel free to register your comments and share your information concerning veterans issues.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T18:25:00.001-07:00

17:35

At Santa Fe; 45 degrees F. and a clear sky, forecast is: Clear and temperatures in the teens and twenties tonight.

To all veterans, their families and supporters of veterans, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Please remember all of the military personnel and their families who do not have the opportunity to celebrate and give thanks with their home town!

The American Legion and the Knights of Columbus both put on a nice food spread for our veterans without loved ones to celebrate with them, I do not think I will need to eat for quite a few days.

Trivia:

Why are sailors in engineering spaces called snipes?

In the mid 19th century, when steam power was new to the Navy, those in the engineering spaces were not treated as equals to their topside mates, given sub standard berthing and food, etc.; that is until an engineering officer named Snipe demanded equal treatment for his men, they were known from that time on as Snipes' Men, which was shortened to snipes.

Statistics:

467,499 Pounds of turkey being served to troops in Afganistan and Iraq.

$3.7 billion is the three year cost of the Veterans' Caregiver and Omnibus Health Benifits Act.

522 Number of additional women being recruited for the year 2010.

Online:

Wilderness Challenge 2009, a two-day adventure race in West Virginia, open only to active-duty military personnel. www.militarytimes.com/multimedia keyword search: rafting, wilderness

Please feel free to comment on such subjects as VA health-care, education benefits, VA disability claims, etc.

I will publish these comments after ensuring they are relevant to veterans issues.