*Honoring the Fallen of OIF/OND and OEF *

NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan "Resolute Support will serve as the bedrock of an enduring partnership" between NATO and Afghanistan, Campbell told an audience of Afghan and international military officers and officials, as well as diplomats and journalists.

The post-2014 mission in Afghanistan will be known as Operation Resolute Support. Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan will come to an end. The detailed operation plan for Resolute Support was approved by NATO Foreign Ministers at the end of June 2014. The U.S. military component of RSM will be Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Operation Freedom's Sentinel - U.S. Wounded In Action: 75

Spc. John M. Dawson, 22, of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was attacked by small arms fire while he was on an escort mission. He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 33 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. April 09, 2015

Petty Officer 3rd Class Devon J. Doyle, 21, of Alamosa, Colorado, died May 16, in Manama, Bahrain, of a non-combat related incident while on liberty. The incident is under investigation. May 18, 2015

Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan D. Burris, 24, of Lisle, Illinois, died May 21, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, of a non-combat related incident at Zayed Military City. The incident is under investigation. He was temporarily assigned to the Crisis Response Element of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula, Special Operations Command Central, U.S. Central Command. May 22, 2015

Sgt. 1st Class Pablo A. Ruiz, 37, of Melbourne, Florida, died May 24, in Bagram, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. May 25, 2015

Krissie K. Davis, 54, of Talladega, Alabama, a member of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at Anniston, Alabama, and deployed to DLA Disposition Services Bagram as part of the civilian expeditionary workforce, was killed June 8, during an indirect fire attack on Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan. June 09, 2015

Master Sgt. Peter A. McKenna Jr., 35, of Bristol, Rhode Island, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. In Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds when he was attacked by enemy small arms fire. 8 August 2015

Capt. Matthew D. Roland, 27, of Lexington, Kentucky. He was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida. Died of wounds suffered Aug. 26 when the vehicle they were traveling in was attacked near Camp Antonik, Afghanistan. 27 August 2015

Staff Sgt. Forrest B. Sibley, 31, of Pensacola, Florida. He was assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. Died of wounds suffered Aug. 26 when the vehicle they were traveling in was attacked near Camp Antonik, Afghanistan. 27 August 2015

Spc. Kyle E. Gilbert, 24, of Buford, Georgia, Assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. In Bagram, Afghanistan, in a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation. September 22, 2015

Capt. Jonathan J. Golden, 33, of Camarillo, California, Assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Crash of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. October 2 2015

Capt. Jordan B. Pierson, 28, of Abilene, Texas, Assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Crash of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. October 2 2015

Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Hammond, 26, of Moundsville, West Virginia, Assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Crash of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. October 2 2015

Senior Airman Quinn L. Johnson-Harris, 21, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Crash of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. October 2 2015

Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, 29, of Pensacola, Florida. Assigned to the 66th Security Forces Squadron, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts Crash of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. October 2 2015

Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz, 21, of McDonough, Georgia. Assigned to the 66th Security Forces Squadron, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Crash of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan October 2 2015

Maj. Phyllis J. Pelky, 45, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Crash of a British Puma Mk2 helicopter in Kabul, Afghanistan. October 11 2015

Master Sgt. Gregory T. Kuhse, 38, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was assigned to the 3rd Manpower Requirements Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Crash of a British Puma Mk2 helicopter in Kabul, Afghanistan. October 11 2015

Maj. Adrianna M. Vorderbruggen, 36, of Plymouth, Minnesota. When their patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 9th Field Investigations Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. December 21 2015

Staff Sgt. Michael A. Cinco, 28, of Mercedes, Texas. When their patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 11th Field Investigations Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. December 21 2015

Staff Sgt. Peter W. Taub, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When their patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 816, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. December 21 2015

Staff Sgt. Chester J. McBride, 30, of Statesboro, Georgia. When their patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 405, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. December 21 2015

Technical Sgt. Joseph G. Lemm, 45, of Bronx, New York. When their patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York. December 21 2015

Staff Sgt. Louis M. Bonacasa, 31, of Coram, New York. When their patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York. December 21 2015

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

There had been 4,804 coalition deaths 4,488 Americans
2 Australians, 1 Azerbaijani, 179 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, 1 Czech, 7 Danes, 2 Dutch, 2 Estonians, 1 Fijian, 5 Georgians, 1 Hungarian, 33 Italians, 1 Kazakh, 1 South Korean, 3 Latvian, 22 Poles, 3 Romanians, 5 Salvadoran, 4 Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, 2 Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of January 2, 2012, according to a CNN and iCasulties count.
Graphical breakdown of casualties. At least 32,230 U.S. troops had been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon.

icasualties.org Operation Iraqi Freedom

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pres. Bush: “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated”

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

Back Into Iraq - Lured Back in the Continuing Blowback From the Previous Failed Policies of Quickly Abandoning the Missions and Those Sent to Accomplish After 9/11! That Created the Growth and Spread, and Now This ISIL or Islamic State, the Criminal Terror in That Region and Beyond of Many Groups Following the al Qaeda Terror Mold and even More Extreme:

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

Operation Inherent Resolve - U.S. Wounded In Action: 5

Cpl. Jordan L. Spears, 21, of Memphis, Indiana, was lost at sea Oct. 1 while conducting flight operations in the North Arabian Gulf. He was initially classified as a non-global war on terrorism casualty. Spears was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-163, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. October 1 2014

Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal, 19, of Riverside, California, in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, whose headquarters element deploys from Camp Pendleton, California. October 23 2014

Capt. William H. DuBois, 30, of New Castle, Colorado, died when his F-16 aircraft crashed near a coalition air base in the Middle East. He was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. December 1 2014

Tech. Sgt. Anthony E. Salazar, 40, of Hermosa Beach, California, at an air base in southwest Asia in a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 577th Expeditionary Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force Squadron, 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group, U.S. Air Forces Central Command. April 13, 2015

Pfc. Monterrious T. Daniel, 19, of Griffin, Georgia, died June 12 in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado. June 14, 2015

Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler, 39, of Roland, Oklahoma, Kirkuk Province, Iraq, from wounds received by enemy small-arms fire during an operation. He was assigned Headquarters U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. October 22 2015

Pvt. Christopher J. Castaneda, 19, of Fripp Island, South Carolina, Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident. Assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. November 19 2015

* * * CIA Torture: Read the Senate Intelligence Committee report * * *

In a Democracy: 'Citizens must know what is done in their name'

Human rights groups call for special prosecutor to investigate CIA torture

22 December 2014 - The ACLU and Human Rights Watch say the offences amount to ‘a vast criminal conspiracy’ and are ‘shocking and corrosive’ to US democracy and credibility read more>>>

* * * Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses * * *

* * * The British Iraq War Inquiry * * * Released will carry private communications between GWBush and TBlair, like this already released: TB said there was a danger the Tories would see this as their chance to get rid of him … Bush said they would make it clear to the Tories that if they moved to get rid of TB "we will get rid of them".

* * * Iraq War Promoted Terrorism Rather Than Reducing It * * * 24 April 2014 - Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War promoted terrorism rather than reducing it and was a “strategic failure”, according to a major new report which estimated the cost of all UK conflicts since the end of the Cold War.
The Royal United Services Institute said the UK could face a bill of nearly £65bn, once the cost of long-term care for injured veterans was factored in, with most of the money was spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The study, called Wars in Peace, said both conflicts were largely “strategic failures” for the UK, The Guardian reported."

Facts: Matthew Hoh {former Marine and foreign service officer in Afghanistan}: "We spend a trillion dollars a year on national security in this country."
"And when you add up to the Department of Defense, Department of State, CIA, Veterans Affairs, interest on debt, the number that strikes me the most about how much we're committed financially to these wars and to our current policies is we have spent $250 billion already just on interest payments on the debt we've incurred for the Iraq and Afghan wars." 26 September 2014

Bob Herbert "Losing Our Way" : "And then the staggering costs of these wars, which are borne by the taxpayers. I mean, one of the things that was insane was that, as we're at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Bush administration cut taxes. This has never been done in American history. The idea of cutting taxes while you're going to war is just crazy. I mean, it's madness." Bill 'Moyers and Company': Restoring an America That Has Lost its Way 10 Oct. 2014

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

December 22 2014 - American taxpayers have shelled out roughly $1.6 trillion on war spending since 9/11, according to a new report from Congress’ nonpartisan research arm. That’s roughly $337 million a day -- or nearly a quarter million dollars a minute -- every single day for 13 years. read more>>>

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Chris Hayes MSNBC: "If you can run a deficit to go to war, you can run a deficit to take care of the people who fought it" In response to Republican opposition to expanding Veterans' benefits on fiscal grounds

Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, let alone the results from, including the long ignored or outright denied existence of, till this Administrations Cabinet and Gen Shinseki, only Government branch consistent for the past six years, issues! As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded, VA budget is still borrowed thus added, problem creating, costs that shouldn't exist!

"If military action is worth our troops’ blood, it should be worth our treasure, too — not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

"We got a huge round of tax cuts in this country a few weeks before9/11. Once 9/11 happened and we invaded Afghanistan, we kept the tax cuts anyway. How did we think we were going to pay for that war? Did we think it was free?"

"Then, when we started a second simultaneous war in another country, we gave ourselves a second huge round of tax cuts. After that second war started. The wars, I guess, we thought would be free, don`t worry about it, civilians. Go about your business." Rachel Maddow - 23 May 2013

For compiled Veterans Administration, Veterans reports, lack of Sacrifice still by those served and what little their Congressional, and State, Representatives either accomplished or more often Obstruct as to us Veterans, visit my other website. Rather then adding a few to these dedication posts as I have been. Thank You for visiting!!

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Soldiers Missing From Vietnam War Accounted For
October 16, 2015 - The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of three servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be buried with full military honors.
Army Maj. Dale W. Richardson, of Mount Sterling, Illinois; Staff Sgt. Bunyan D. Price Jr. of Monroe, North Carolina; and Sgt. Rodney L. Griffin of Mexico, Missouri, have been accounted for. Price was buried April 11 in Belmont, North Carolina; Griffin was buried April 25 in his hometown; Richardson was buried Aug. 29 in Mountain View, Arkansas; and the group remains representing the crew will be buried Oct. 20 in Arlington National Cemetery.
Richardson, Price, and Griffin, all assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, were passengers aboard an UH-1H Iroquois (Huey) helicopter that was en route to Fire Support Base Katum, South Vietnam, when it was diverted due to bad weather. read more>>>

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
October 23, 2015 - The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
U.S. Army Cpl. Robert E. Meyers of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, will be buried Oct. 26, in Arlington National Cemetery. Meyers, assigned to Company A, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, was declared missing in action, Dec. 1, 1950, after his unit was involved in combat operations in the vicinity of Sonchu, North Korea. The U.S. Army declared Meyers deceased March 2, 1954.
In 1954, United Nations and communist forces exchanged the remains of war dead in what came to be called “Operation Glory.” All remains recovered in Operation Glory were turned over to the Army’s Central Identification Unit for analysis. The remains they were unable to identify were interred as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii, known as the “Punchbowl.” read more>>>

Airman Missing From WWII Accounted For
November 6, 2015 - The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Air Forces 1st Lt. William O. Pile of Circleville, Ohio, will be buried Nov. 10 in Arlington National Cemetery. On Dec. 23, 1944, Pile was assigned to the 559th Bombardment Squadron, 387th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force, and was deployed to Germany. Pile was the pilot of a B-26C Marauder, with eight other crewmen onboard, which crashed after being struck by enemy fire while on a bombing mission against enemy forces near Philippsweiler, Germany. Pile and his co-pilot, 2nd Lt. Robert Ward, were reported killed in action. The other seven crewmen survived the crash by parachuting to safety; however, one crewman was captured by enemy forces and was reported to have died in captivity. His remains were later returned to U.S. custody. Pile and Ward were not recovered during the war. read more>>>

Marine Missing From World War II Accounted For
December 4, 2015 - The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, unaccounted for since World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Marine Cpl. James D. Otto, 20, of Los Angeles, will be buried Dec. 8, in Arlington National Cemetery. In November 1943, Otto was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded. Otto was reported killed in action on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: After OEF/OIF - August & September 2015

2015-10-10T12:19:00.000-04:00

Carter, Top Leaders Honor Victims of Chattanooga Attack

WASHINGTON, August 15, 2015 — The lives of the five “fallen patriots” who were killed as a result of the July 16 attacks in Chattanooga, Tennessee, were “truly exemplary,” Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today during a memorial service in that city.
Carter joined Vice President Joe Biden, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Navy Adm. Jonathan Greenert, the chief of naval operations, and Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, the current commandant of the Marine Corps who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other officials at the ceremony.
Those in attendance honored the service of Marines Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, Lance Cpl. Skip Wells, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith, who died from the shooting attack on the Navy Operational Support Center Chattanooga.
Never Forget read more>>>

BIDEN REMARKS: Vice President Joe Biden offers remarks during the memorial service for five slain service members at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 15, 2015. Defense Secretary Ash Carter joined Biden for the event, which honored the four Marines and one sailor who died from the July 16 shooting.

DeJa-Vu: “With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11", Decades and War From, All Over Again!!

Theodore Roosevelt, “A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.” 1903

“The strength of the armed forces of the United States is as much about its families as it is about its combat capability.” – General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." - Abraham Lincoln

"To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan" - President Lincoln

NATO holds ceremony closing Afghan mission Event carried out in secret due to threat of Taliban strikes in Afghan capital, which has been hit by repeated bombings

28 Dec 2014 - NATO has held a ceremony in Kabul formally ending its war in Afghanistan, officials said, after 13 years of conflict and gradual troop withdrawals that have left the country in the grip of worsening conflicts with armed groups. read more>>>

Obama, Hagel Mark End of Operation Enduring Freedom

December 28, 2014 - Obama marks end of combat in Afghanistan

Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel

icasualties.org OEF - Operation Enduring Freedom

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

Operation Freedom's Sentinel - U.S. Wounded In Action: 53

Sgt. 1st Class Pablo A. Ruiz, 37, of Melbourne, Florida, died May 24, in Bagram, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. May 25, 2015

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

icasualties.org Operation Iraqi Freedom

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pres. Bush: “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated”

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

Operation Inherent Resolve - U.S. Wounded In Action: 5

* * * CIA Torture: Read the Senate Intelligence Committee report * * *

In a Democracy: 'Citizens must know what is done in their name'

Human rights groups call for special prosecutor to investigate CIA torture

22 December 2014 - The ACLU and Human Rights Watch say the offences amount to ‘a vast criminal conspiracy’ and are ‘shocking and corrosive’ to US democracy and credibility read more>>>

* * * Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses * * *

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

December 22 2014 - American taxpayers have shelled out roughly $1.6 trillion on war spending since 9/11, according to a new report from Congress’ nonpartisan research arm. That’s roughly $337 million a day -- or nearly a quarter million dollars a minute -- every single day for 13 years. read more>>>

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Airman Missing From World War II Accounted For
August 6, 2015 - U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Stephen V. Biezis of Chicago will be buried Aug. 14, in Arlington National Cemetery. His co-pilot, 1st Lt. James F. Gatlin of Jacksonville, Florida, was buried Jan. 30, in Bushnell, Florida. On Dec. 23, 1944, Biezis and his crew of five were assigned to the 575th Bombardment Squadron, 391st Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force and were deployed to Germany. Biezis was the co-pilot of a B-26C Marauder that crashed after being struck by enemy fire while on a bombing mission against enemy forces near Ahrweiler, Germany. Biezis, Gatlin and three other crew members were reported killed in action. His remains were not recovered during the war. read more>>>

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
August 10, 2015 - Army Cpl. Nehemiah E. Butler Pocomoke City, Maryland, will be buried today in Arlington National Cemetery. In late December 1950, Butler and elements of Company C, 19th Infantry Regiment (IR), 24th Infantry Division (ID), were deployed near Seoul, South Korea, when their unit was attacked by enemy forces. During the attempt to delay the enemy forces from advancing, Butler was separated from his unit while moving towards a more defensible position. Butler was reported missing Jan. 1, 1951. read more>>>

Airman Missing From World War II Accounted For
August 11, 2015 - Army Air Forces 1st Lt. William P. Cook of Alameda, California; Flight Officer Arthur J. LeFavre of Red Bank, New Jersey; Staff Sgts. Maurice J. Fevold of Chicago, Frank G. Lane Jr. of Cleveland and Ward C. Swalwell Jr. of Chicago; and Sgt. Eric M. Honeyman of Alameda, California, have been accounted for and will be buried with full military honors. Cook was buried Oct. 18, 2014, in Oakland, California. Fevold was buried Oct. 20, 2014, in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, and Lane was buried May 2 in Willoughby, Ohio. Honeyman was buried on June 22 in Trail, British Columbia, Canada. LeFavre will be buried on Aug. 18 in Arlington National Cemetery. The group representing the crew will be buried on Aug. 18 in Arlington National Cemetery. Swalwell will be buried on Aug. 20 in Arlington National Cemetery. read more>>>

Soldier Missing From Vietnam War Accounted For
August 21, 2015 - Army Maj. Dale W. Richardson of Mount Sterling, Illinois, will be buried Aug. 29, in Mountain View, Ark. Richardson was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, and was the passenger aboard an UH-1H Iroquois (Huey) helicopter that was en route to Fire Support Base Katum, South Vietnam, when it was diverted due to bad weather. After flying into Cambodian airspace, the aircraft came under heavy enemy ground fire, causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. The Huey’s four crewmen and its four passengers survived the landing. One crewman was able to evade being captured by enemy forces and later returned to friendly lines. The other three crewmen and one passenger were captured. Two of the captured crewmen were released by the Vietnamese in 1973, and the remains of the other two captured men were returned to U.S. control in the 1980s and identified. Richardson died at the site of the crash during a fire fight with enemy forces. His remains were not recovered after the fire fight. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: After OEF/OIF - June & July 2015

2015-08-05T15:08:00.000-04:00

DeJa-Vu: “With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11", Decades and War From, All Over Again!!

Theodore Roosevelt, “A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.” 1903

“The strength of the armed forces of the United States is as much about its families as it is about its combat capability.” – General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." - Abraham Lincoln

"To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan" - President Lincoln

NATO holds ceremony closing Afghan mission Event carried out in secret due to threat of Taliban strikes in Afghan capital, which has been hit by repeated bombings

28 Dec 2014 - NATO has held a ceremony in Kabul formally ending its war in Afghanistan, officials said, after 13 years of conflict and gradual troop withdrawals that have left the country in the grip of worsening conflicts with armed groups. read more>>>

Obama, Hagel Mark End of Operation Enduring Freedom

December 28, 2014 - Obama marks end of combat in Afghanistan

Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel

icasualties.org OEF - Operation Enduring Freedom

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

Operation Freedom's Sentinel - U.S. Wounded In Action: 34

Sgt. 1st Class Pablo A. Ruiz, 37, of Melbourne, Florida, died May 24, in Bagram, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. May 25, 2015

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

icasualties.org Operation Iraqi Freedom

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pres. Bush: “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated”

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

Operation Inherent Resolve - U.S. Wounded In Action: 1

* * * CIA Torture: Read the Senate Intelligence Committee report * * *

In a Democracy: 'Citizens must know what is done in their name'

Human rights groups call for special prosecutor to investigate CIA torture

22 December 2014 - The ACLU and Human Rights Watch say the offences amount to ‘a vast criminal conspiracy’ and are ‘shocking and corrosive’ to US democracy and credibility read more>>>

* * * Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses * * *

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

December 22 2014 - American taxpayers have shelled out roughly $1.6 trillion on war spending since 9/11, according to a new report from Congress’ nonpartisan research arm. That’s roughly $337 million a day -- or nearly a quarter million dollars a minute -- every single day for 13 years. read more>>>

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Gov. Reps of Country Served Still Denying Veterans Chance to Fulfill Family Dream, DeJa-Vu

There's a law that prohibits the VA from paying for in vitro fertilization because of concerns unused embryos might be discarded.

snip
With efforts to change the law stymied by the politics of abortion, Kevin and Lauren got married this weekend and made no secret of their dream.

Disabled veteran denied chance to fulfill family dream

August 5, 2015 - Many veterans depend on the VA for medical care. But some say that they are being denied a chance to fulfill their dreams because there is one battle wound for which the VA does not offer a solution.
After two and a half years in the hospital and 30 surgeries, Kevin Jaye is out of the army but still dealing with the VA.
"Another survey from the Department of Veterans Affairs of my mental health," he says, reading his mail to his fiance. "That will be fun."
He's classified as 100 percent disabled because a roadside bomb in Afghanistan cost him his right leg and severely damaged his left. He's learned to live with that, but there's another disability -- one he's not sure he can talk about on television.
"And then I lost...had injuries to," he stammers before being assured frankness was allowed.
"I lost my left testicle," Jaye said. "The right one was damaged."
The unmentionable wound young men dread the most.
"There goes essentially your manhood," he said. "Now what?"
But he had to tell Lauren Belliotti because he wanted to marry her.
"I was sad for him and then I was nervous for the future," said Belliotti.
Would they be able to have children of their own? read more>>>

View More: Health News|Live News|More News Videos

DeJa-Vu: “With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11", Decades and War From, All Over Again!!

VA’s Gulf War Registry Health Exam alerts Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to environmental exposures during their military service. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.
About the Gulf War Registry health exam
This comprehensive health exam includes an exposure and medical history, laboratory tests, and a physical exam. A VA health professional will discuss the results face-to-face with the Veteran and in a follow-up letter.
Important points about registry health exams read more>>>

The Addressing of, Ignored, Veterans Issues, Started Under Sec. Shinseki & Obama Executive Branch, Continues

This is but one of so many the Country served totally ignored, some states never had a National Cemetery to Honor those from who Served the Country and Residents of, especially in our Wars, after they passed on, many from the results of those long ignored issues, where residents of could visit and reflect as well as the families of!! Or they just plain denied the issues existed, as told by hired 'experts?' and used in Congressional hearings to justify the conservative obstruction of the Responsibility of Those Served the Budgets of the Veterans Administration to the few who served them!! Taken on by Sec. Shinseki, continued with Sec. McDonald, conservatives thought they were getting a conservative corporate tool to use in rushing the VA to private corporate control for profit, they didn't, and with much needed help by the Obama Executive Administration and it's Cabinet!! They've been upgrading many that were already established as well as expanding same while establishing new, Hallowed Ground, National Cemeteries, that continues!!

VA oversees largest expansion of national cemeteries since the Civil War

4 August 2015 - More than 500 Veterans, family members and patriotic citizens witnessed the ceremonial breaking of ground and dedication of the Tallahassee National Cemetery earlier this summer. The event, fittingly held on Memorial Day weekend, attracted a stellar cast of local, state and national dignitaries, community and military bands, color and honor guard units, Veterans and supporters.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald provided the keynote address. He was joined onstage by Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Jeff Miller, Ranking Member Corrine Brown, U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, interim Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ronald Walters and other state and local officials.
“Here, we establish another glade of America’s most hallowed ground,” said McDonald, “to pay homage to men and women who so valued America that they placed their lives at risk in the defense of generations yet to come.”
When Tallahassee National Cemetery opens for first burials in a few short weeks, it will be part of the largest expansion of national cemeteries since the Civil War. In the next few years, VA will open 17 new cemeteries throughout the country. Later in 2015, VA will dedicate Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, also in Florida. This entire expansion effort will increase or enhance burial access for over two million Veterans and their families. Once these planned projects are complete, more than 96 percent of Veterans will have access to a burial option within a 75-mile radius of their homes. read more>>>

DeJa-Vu: “With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11", Decades and War From, All Over Again!!

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart and innovative investment!

First Lady's Joining Forces Initiative Aid to Military Women Continues

Joining Forces Celebrates Its 4th Anniversary

Michele and Jill: Joining Forces Four Yrs. Later

As Congress continues obstructing, conservative ideology, especially as to Military personal and Veterans, the only Government Branch consistent, six plus years, on the issues, the Executive and it's Cabinet, continues actually doing what the Country Served should be! Wars, and the continuing blowback from the policies, still unpaid for as well as VA obstructed budgets still mostly borrowed, which bring about the conservative wanted, and country served, FOX speak media hyped 'scandals'!!

Utility Jobs Training to Open for Troops, Veterans, Spouses

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2015 – The Defense Department today announced a partnership to launch employment training for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses in highly skilled utility industry jobs.
The Utility Industry Workforce Initiative is a public-private partnership comprising DoD, the departments of Energy, Veterans Affairs and Labor, and private-sector companies Edison Electric Institute, Center for Energy Workforce Development, Nuclear Energy Institute, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and American Gas Association, defense officials said.
The initiative’s goal is to promote and design training and credentialing opportunities for applicants to enter the utility industry, officials noted.
Program Builds on White House Efforts
The announcement builds on the White House effort that began in April to help America’s veterans find high-quality jobs, with a goal to train 75,000 workers for the renewable energy industry by 2020. About 200,000 service members leave the military annually. read more>>>

Apr 3, 2015 - From the Battlefield to the Workforce

VA Launches New No-Cost Training Programs

Programs Designed to Help Transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans Develop New Skills and Credentials
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched two new no-cost training programs, Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs) and VA Learning Hubs, to help transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans from all eras learn skills, earn credentials, and advance in civilian careers following separation from service.
ALPs and Learning Hubs are part of VA’s Veterans Economic Communities Initiative (VECI), promoting education and employment opportunities for Veterans through integrated networks of support in 50 cities. VA launched the VECI program in response to President Obama’s August 2014 challenge to help Veterans and families integrate with their communities and find meaningful jobs that can lead to economic success. Under VA Secretary Robert McDonald’s MyVA transformation, VECI is now in place in cities across the United States.
“My message to transitioning Servicemembers is simple: Plan early and stay engaged, because transition is the mission,” said McDonald. “These two new resources provide no-cost opportunities for our transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans to learn new skills and earn credentials, which can increase their competitiveness during their transition.” read more>>>

Proposed: One-of-a-Kind Medical School to Care for Military Veterans

Syracuse University has briefed federal and state officials on a proposal to create a one-of-a-kind medical school on campus to train doctors to care for military veterans at understaffed VA hospitals nationwide.>>>

Surprise, Surprise, NOT! Here we are in 2015 and the 21st century! Survey finds civilian physicians feel underprepared to treat veterans

* * * * *

VA Helping Private Sector Understand Veterans Care Needs

Veterans Being Forced To Seek Costly Private Care

VA Helping Vets Who Served as Medics Capitalize on Their Experience

Veterans' Administration Continues Move Into 21st Century

Online Tools, Standardized Forms, and More

Effective March 24th, 2015, VA is implementing improvements to make it easier for you to apply for benefits.

Online application tools, standardized forms, and a new intent to file process will create faster and more accurate decisions on your claims and appeals.

What does it all mean?

As part of the VA’s full-scale transformation in 2015, these new changes will:

* Streamline the benefits process, making it faster and easier
* Use standardized forms to file disability claims and compensation appeals
* Establish a new intent to file a claim process

Learn more about these important changes:

A new edition of the WRIISC Advantage newsletter has arrived! Nearing the 25 Anniversary of the Gulf War, this edition highlights continued efforts to conduct meaningful research related to Gulf War Veteran’s health concerns. The newsletter includes information on Gulf War research at VA and the WRIISC’s role and understanding the pathophysiology of Gulf War Illness.

War Related Illness and Injury Study Center
The WRIISC Advantage newsletter features useful and timely information on deployment health concerns of Veterans and features specific areas of research underway at the WRIISC. The issues are provided here listed with the latest issue first. You may subscribe to receive a printed copy of this newsletter by contacting us by email. Read More w/Links to Newsletters>>>

Even though still grossly under funded and for decades not built nor maintained as the responsibility of those served promised and keep promising, were finally being addressed under Sec. Shinseki with much needed help from this Executive Branch and it's Cabinet and continuing same with Sec. McDonald after the conservative target on the Gen. was accomplished with his ouster!!

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

'Operation Ranch Hand (ORH)' AO Coverage is Official

Whether or not the people served, through their representatives, decide they finally should Sacrifice, decades and wars from, especially, of not!!

VA expands disability benefits for Air Force personnel exposed to contaminated C-123 aircraft

June 18, 2015 - VA today published a new regulation that expands eligibility for some benefits for a select group of Air Force Veterans and Air Force Reserve personnel who were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange through regular and repeated contact with contaminated C-123 aircraft that had been used in Vietnam as part of Operation Ranch Hand(ORH).
VA published this regulation as an interim final rule so that it could immediately begin providing benefits to eligible Air Force veterans and Air Force Reserve personnel who submit a disability compensation claim for any of the 14 medical conditions that have been determined by VA to be related to exposure to Agent Orange.
VA Secretary Bob McDonald made the decision to expand benefits following receipt of a 2015 report by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (IOM) on Post-Vietnam Dioxin Exposure in Agent Orange-Contaminated C-123 Aircraft. This VA-requested report found evidence that as many as 1,500 to 2,100 Air Force and Air Force Reserve personnel who served as flight, medical and ground maintenance crew members on ORH C-123 aircraft previously used to spray Agent Orange in Vietnam were exposed to the herbicide.
“Opening up eligibility for this deserving group of Air Force veterans and reservists is the right thing to do,” said McDonald. “We thank the IOM for its thorough review that provided the supporting evidence needed to ensure we can now fully compensate any former crew member who develops an Agent Orange-related disability.” read more>>>

Presumption of Herbicide Exposure and Presumption of Disability During Service for Reservists Presumed Exposed to Herbicide

Will Country Served, by the Few, Actually Sacrifice {?}

Whether or not the people served, with their poser patriotic flags a flying, through their obstructionist representatives, decide they finally should Sacrifice, the VA is their duty, their responsibility and their promises to those few, decades and wars from, especially, of not!! They never built the VA as promised! Grossly under funded, especially during and after our wars, VA budgets are and have been mostly borrowed capital, deficits for decades, with interest payments, with legislative unfunded bills passed, all causing the needed media hyped conservative 'scandals', previous hearings on with nothing done after, in want to privatize for corporate profit with little to no regulation, just agency administration left, with little control over the corporate entities, to lay blame on in future congressional, media hyped 'scandal', hearings!

US to pay millions for Agent Orange claims

June 18, 2015 - The Department of Veterans Affairs said Thursday it has decided to extend benefits for Agent Orange exposure to Air Force reservists who flew C-123 aircraft contaminated with the herbicide.
The change in benefits will go into effect immediately for up to 2,100 personnel who flew and trained on the cargo aircraft, which were put into service in the United States in the early 1970s to the 1980s after being used to spray herbicide in the Vietnam War.
The VA denied the benefits but began re-examining the issue after lobbying by veterans and a recent study confirming the possibility of health risks.
“Opening up eligibility for this deserving group of Air Force veterans and reservists is the right thing to do,” VA Secretary Bob McDonald said in a release.
The benefits will cover 14 medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange. The VA urged veterans who served in three units based in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts from 1969 to 1986 to file claims. Others stationed with units in Florida, Arizona, Virginia, the Philippines, South Korea, Panama and Taiwan might also have been exposed. read more>>>

Think Pink About Women in the Military Get your pink on to support female veterans

June 26, 2015 - A special organization in West Michigan is helping women who have been injured in combat. WINC (Women Injured iN Combat), is asking you to think pink about women in the military for the 2 Million Strong and Rising campaign on June 27. Wear pink clothing or purchase a pink shirt from WINC to spread the word about women in the military.
The idea was started by Zaneta Adams, who served eight years in the military before she was injured in a fall. She severely injured her back, and was told she may never walk again. Her experience inspired her to do something to help raise awareness of women in the military and women who were injured in combat. read more>>>

Homeless Vets Are The 'Conscience Of America,' Retired General Says In Fort Worth

All In On Ending Veteran Homelessness: We stand together

June 4, 2015 - Five years ago, the Obama Administration set an ambitious goal: to end homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015. Many scoffed; many continue to scoff. In the face of such skepticism, we remain optimistic and focused, and know this is an historic opportunity we must seize. Veteran homelessness is not a reality we have to accept.
On Monday, the four of us took this message on the road in a three-city swing to connect with communities committed to ending veteran homelessness. In Houston, we joined Mayor Annise Parker at a rally celebrating the creation of a system in her community which ensures that all veterans who need assistance will be quickly linked to the supportive services and permanent housing. The progress made in places like Houston, New Orleans, and Salt Lake City inspires us and provides models and strategies – like “Housing First” – for every community in the nation.
What we have been able to achieve in partnership with each other— joining forces with state and local governments, the business community and non-profits—is nothing short of amazing. In fact, between the 2010 rollout of Opening Doors – the first-ever federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness – and the January 2014 point-in-time homeless count, homelessness among veterans nationwide has been slashed by one-third. This progress is a testament to what our nation can do when we set the bar high, invest resources and effort, and refuse to scale back our vision. It’s unacceptable that men and women who wore the uniform are returning without a safe, stable place to call home.
Now, it’s important to understand this doesn’t mean that no veteran will ever face a housing crisis in the future. But it does mean that communities like Houston, New Orleans and Salt Lake City are leading the way in building systems that will prevent and address homelessness whenever possible. read more>>>

Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program

The purpose of the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) is to provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans.
HVRP was initially authorized under Section 738 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act in July 1987. It is currently authorized under Title 38 U.S.C. Section 2021, as added by Section 5 of Public Law 107-95, the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis to eligible applicants such as: State and local Workforce Investment Boards, public agencies, for-profit/commercial entities, and non-profit organizations, including faith based and community based organizations. read more>>>

Obama Executive Administration and Cabinet continue doing what country served and their reps continue failing to do, for decades and wars from, not only as to Homelessness but the long list of the ignored or outright denied issues being addressed, finally started under Sec. Shinseki and continuing under Sec. McDonald, obstructed still by the peoples, conservative, representation!!

American Veterans: Missing in America Project Missing in America Project inters unclaimed remains of military veterans

June 30, 2015 - The cremated remains of 10 military veterans left Downtown this morning on a journey to Dayton National Cemetery, where they will be buried with full military honors.
The Missing in America Project coordinated the effort working with the Schoedinger family of funeral homes and Green Lawn Cemetery. The volunteer group was founded in 2006 to find and identify unclaimed cremated remains of U.S. veterans and have them properly buried in a national cemetery. With today’s ceremony, it will bring the number to 71 veterans and three spouses whose remains have been identified and given a proper service since the Ohio chapter of the project began its own work.
The men whose remains are being buried served in World War I, World War II and during peace time. The only thing known about them are their ranks, branch of service, years of service, dates of birth and of death and that they died in central Ohio.
The oldest of the cremated remains has been unclaimed for 46 years, said Steve Ebersole, the Ohio coordinator of the Missing in America Project. There also is a father and son in the group and one veteran among those being buried received an Air Medal for valor with five oak leaf clusters for his actions in World War II. read more>>>

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veteran Information

U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)

U.S. Department of Justice Strengthening Our Military Families & Veteran Recruitment

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing {HUD-VASH}

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

Exact Count of Civilian Casualties may never be known, as is the case in every conflict, especially an Invasion by another Country. For it is the Innocent Civilians and those Defending their Countries,of which All would be counted if this country, the U.S., were ever invaded, who suffer the most, during and long after!

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Remains of 36 Marines are back on American soil

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

The flag-draped caskets containing the remains of Marines killed at the Battle of Tarawa nearly 72 years ago came home
July 27, 2015 - Thirty-six Marines received a somber, near-silent reception Sunday when their remains were returned from a World War II battlefield.
The flag-draped caskets containing the remains of U.S. Marines killed at the Battle of Tarawa nearly 72 years ago arrived at 4 p.m. aboard three Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
"When you heard the bugler blow taps, it felt like the temperature in here went down 10 degrees," said Brig. Gen. Christopher Mahoney, deputy commander of Marine Corps Pacific Forces, inside Hickam's Hangar 35. "For a Marine to see the heroes finally returned to the United States with the promise of returning them to their families, to complete that journey, to complete that circle, means a tremendous amount."
Air Force Lt. Col. Melinda Morgan, spokeswoman for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, said, "I do believe this would be an unprecedented number of service members being repatriated, especially of all one service, they all being Marines." read more>>>

Soldier Missing From WWII Accounted For
June 16, 2015 - The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing since World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. John W. Herb of Cleveland, Ohio, will be buried June 18, in Arlington National Cemetery. On April 13, 1945, Herb was assigned to the 368th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, 1st Air Division, as the pilot of an P-51D Mustang. His aircraft sustained damage while strafing German aircraft on the ground. During Herb’s attempted landing in an open field southeast of Hamburg, Germany, his aircraft crashed. Herb’s wingman reported seeing the wreckage burning in the field. Herb was reported killed in action. His remains were not recovered during the war. read more>>>

Soldier Missing From Vietnam War Accounted For
June 11, 2015 - The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of three servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be buried with full military honors.
Army Chief Warrant Officers 3 James L. Phipps of Mattoon, Illinios, and Rainer S. Ramos of Wiesbaden, Germany, were the pilots of a UH-1C Iroquois (Huey) helicopter gunship that was shot down in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. Also aboard the aircraft were door gunners Staff Sgt. Warren Newton of Eugene, Oregon, and Spc. Fred J. Secrist of Eugene, Oregon. The crew was assigned to Troop C, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 14th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. The crew will be buried, as a group, on June 17 at Arlington National Cemetery. read more>>>

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
July 01, 2015 - The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Sgt. Joseph M. Snock Jr. of Apollo, Pennsylvania, will be buried July 6, in Arlington National Cemetery. In late November 1950, Snock was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), while fighting enemy forces east of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. On Nov. 29, 1950, Snock and elements of the 31st RCT, historically known as Task Force Faith, withdrew from their positions to consolidate with the rest of the 31st RCT south of the P’ungnyuri Inlet at the reservoir. During heavy fighting the day after consolidation, Snock was reported missing in action. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: After OEF/OIF - May 2015

2015-06-07T11:27:00.000-04:00

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Theodore Roosevelt, “A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.” 1903

“The strength of the armed forces of the United States is as much about its families as it is about its combat capability.” – General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

This Memorial Day, PBS will be premiering The Homefront at 9pm/8c.

This revealing two hour special explores the important role that Military families play in the lives of today's Service Members.
More than two million men and women serve in America’s all-volunteer military force, and another three million are their husbands, wives, sons and daughters. Yet over the course of two long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the stories — and the service — of these military families have often been overlooked.
In a revealing two-hour documentary special presented by Bob Woodruff, The Homefront will bring the true stories of these military families to a PBS audience.
Watch videos and read more about the film below. read more>>>

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." - Abraham Lincoln

"To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan" - President Lincoln

It's Not Rude: These Portraits Of Wounded Vets Are Meant To Be Stared At

May 25, 2015 - It's impolite to stare. But when it comes to severely injured soldiers, maybe we don't look enough; or maybe we'd rather not see wounded veterans at all.
That's the message you get from photographer David Jay's Unknown Soldier series. Jay spent three years taking portraits of veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but before that — for nearly 20 years — he was a fashion photographer. His stylish, artful images appeared in magazines like Vogue and Cosmopolitan.
"The fashion stuff is beautiful and sexy — and completely untrue," he says.
Truth became the focus of Jay's work for the first time about 10 years ago, when he started The SCAR Project, a series of portraits of women, naked from the waist up, with mastectomy scars. Around the time he was taking those photos, he was also trying to comprehend the news coming from Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We hear about 'this number of men were killed' and 'this many were injured,'" Jay says, "and we think of them — maybe they got shot — or we don't really picture what these injured men look like." read more>>>

NATO holds ceremony closing Afghan mission Event carried out in secret due to threat of Taliban strikes in Afghan capital, which has been hit by repeated bombings

28 Dec 2014 - NATO has held a ceremony in Kabul formally ending its war in Afghanistan, officials said, after 13 years of conflict and gradual troop withdrawals that have left the country in the grip of worsening conflicts with armed groups. read more>>>

Obama, Hagel Mark End of Operation Enduring Freedom

December 28, 2014 - Obama marks end of combat in Afghanistan

Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel

icasualties.org OEF - Operation Enduring Freedom

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

Operation Freedom's Sentinel - U.S. Wounded In Action: 24

Sgt. 1st Class Pablo A. Ruiz, 37, of Melbourne, Florida, died May 24, in Bagram, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related incident. May 25, 2015

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

icasualties.org Operation Iraqi Freedom

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pres. Bush: “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated”

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

Operation Inherent Resolve - U.S. Wounded In Action: 1

* * * CIA Torture: Read the Senate Intelligence Committee report * * *

In a Democracy: 'Citizens must know what is done in their name'

Human rights groups call for special prosecutor to investigate CIA torture

22 December 2014 - The ACLU and Human Rights Watch say the offences amount to ‘a vast criminal conspiracy’ and are ‘shocking and corrosive’ to US democracy and credibility read more>>>

* * * Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses * * *

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

December 22 2014 - American taxpayers have shelled out roughly $1.6 trillion on war spending since 9/11, according to a new report from Congress’ nonpartisan research arm. That’s roughly $337 million a day -- or nearly a quarter million dollars a minute -- every single day for 13 years. read more>>>

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Henry Johnson’s honor: WWI hero set for long-overdue presidential medal

VA’s Gulf War Registry Health Exam alerts Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to environmental exposures during their military service. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.
About the Gulf War Registry health exam
This comprehensive health exam includes an exposure and medical history, laboratory tests, and a physical exam. A VA health professional will discuss the results face-to-face with the Veteran and in a follow-up letter.
Important points about registry health exams read more>>>

Severely wounded at age 21, Johnson was denied even a Purple Heart and refused any disability benefits when he mustered out. He died at 32, a destitute alcoholic.

Obama To Honor Harlem Hellfighter With Medal Of Honor

June 02, 2015 - President Obama will award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Henry Johnson, an African-American soldier whose combat bravery occurred during World War I, but whose actions were ignored for decades.

BOWMAN: That day didn't last. The Army did turn to Johnson to help sell war bonds and recruit black troops, but African-American soldiers were not seen as equals. Johnson received no veterans' benefits, even though he was almost totally disabled by his wounds. When he complained publicly about how African-American veterans were being treated, that was too much for the Army. One memo from military intelligence said Johnson was suffering from a, quote, "case of a swelled head" and concluded Sgt. Johnson's right to wear the uniform should be immediately revoked. With no job, estranged from his family and drinking heavily, Johnson died at age 32 in Washington. His death certificate listed his occupation - ex-soldier.
CAROLINE WEKSELBAUM: It's horrible what happened to him later on in his life. It's disgusting. read more>>>

Theodore Roosevelt, “A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.” 1903

May 14, 2015 - It was exactly 97 years ago, May 15, 1918, in a front-line World War I outpost near the Tourbe and Aisne Rivers in northeast France, that an American infantryman from Albany, Pvt. Henry Johnson, repelled a German attack.
It wasn’t any ordinary hand-to-hand combat. The Germans struck in the predawn darkness, at least a dozen of them, shooting and throwing grenades and surprising Johnson and fellow doughboy Needham Roberts, wounding them both. As the Germans started dragging Roberts away, Johnson fought back with his gun.
When his bullets were gone, he used his rifle as a club. Then he used a bolo knife, killing Germans left and right and saving Roberts.

snip
It was racism that forced New York to establish a separate, all-black volunteer force. It was racism that forced the 369th to fight under French instead of U.S. command. And it was racism that forced Johnson’s heroics to be forgotten. read more>>>

World War I veterans, one black and one Jewish, awarded Medal of Honor Sgt. William Shemin, left, Private Henry Johnson, right

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart and innovative investment!

First Lady's Joining Forces Initiative Aid to Military Women Continues

Joining Forces Celebrates Its 4th Anniversary

Michele and Jill: Joining Forces Four Yrs. Later

Veterans Battle for Jobs on the Home Front

MAY 9, 2015 - Recently, in the midst of an effort to persuade store managers to hire veterans, I talked to a human resources executive at a major retail chain. She told me she wanted to do the right thing and hire veterans, but added that she was also concerned by reports that many had returned home with post-traumatic stress disorder and other problems. She worried that a veteran could possibly pose a threat to customers and other employees.
I mentioned that conversation when talking to hiring officials whose companies I serve as a consultant. None have said they would reject a veteran out of hand, but many acknowledge feeling hesitant when they see a résumé noting deployments to Afghanistan or Iraq.
One hiring manager said that because he had never been in the military, it would be difficult to ask veterans what they had experienced while serving. He added that “if something in their demeanor makes me uneasy, I politely end the interview.” read more>>>

These hires helped create further hires in the communities which created even further hires!!

100,000 Jobs Mission Hires Over 240,000 Veterans

May 14, 2015 - The 100,000 Jobs Mission announced today that its coalition of private companies has collectively hired 241,833 U.S. military Veterans through the first quarter of 2015, demonstrating that it is well on its way toward reaching its new goal of hiring 300,000.
Founded in 2011 by 11 companies, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., the coalition now stands at 196 member companies.
“This latest milestone reflects the growing number of private sector companies that place high value on the skills of our nation’s Veterans,” said Ross Brown, director of Military and Veterans Affairs for JPMorgan Chase. “More companies making a commitment to join the coalition reaffirms how important this Mission continues to be to employers.”
Collaboration Among Private Sector Companies read more>>>

VA Begins Summer of Service to Bolster Volunteer Assistance for Veterans Calls Upon Individuals, Organizations and Communities to Serve Veterans in Nationwide Effort

WASHINGTON, DC — May 26, 2015 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a new nationwide initiative designed to build upon its existing partnerships to grow the number of individuals and organizations serving Veterans in their communities. The Department is renewing its commitment to Veterans and embarking upon a “Summer of Service” that seeks the help of citizens across the country to honor that commitment.
“We have made progress over the past year addressing the challenges we face in delivering care and benefits to millions of Veterans and their families,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. “While there is more work to do to honor our sacred commitment to Veterans, we also recognize that VA cannot do it alone. We are asking Americans everywhere to join the Summer of Service and help us give back to those who have given so much to our nation.”
In the coming weeks, VA will be working closely with Congressional partners, Veterans Service Organizations, Mayors and local communities, private sector and non-profit organizations, and VA employees to identify new and innovative ways to support VA’s commitment to care for those who “have borne the battle” and their families. read more>>>

Unlike, out of over 300million served, Thousands of people across America don’t just talk about honoring Veterans; they walk the walk. Dedicated Volunteers Serve Veterans for Decades

Surprise, Surprise, NOT!!!

Survey finds civilian physicians feel underprepared to treat veterans

June 1, 2015 - A survey of nearly 150 U.S. physicians who frequently treat veterans found civilian doctors aren't adequately trained in health issues related to military service, according to research published today in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
More than half of the respondent indicated they were not comfortable discussing health-related exposures and risks that veterans might experience such as depleted uranium, smoke and chemical weapons. Further, the survey indicated doctors needed more training to properly identify, communicate with and treat veterans who have military-related health conditions as more than 70 percent reported that they felt that they were between very uncomfortable and just moderately comfortable in this area.
The survey, which spanned two medical meetings in Ohio, involved 140 civilian physicians serving high levels of veterans, defined as at least one of five patients.
"None of the survey results showed an overall high level of comfort with veteran's health issues," said Todd Fredricks, DO, lead researcher. "Our research suggests civilian physicians need more resources to better understand the health implications of military service, particularly since a large number of these patients have experienced combat and may face long-term physical and mental implications."
It's estimated that PTSD effects 31 percent of Vietnam veterans, 10 percent of Desert Storm veterans and as many as 10 percent of veterans of the war in Afghanistan. Yet, only 15 percent of physicians reported a high level of understanding of PTSD. read more>>>

Conservative long want Ideology to Privatize is for bottom line Corporate Profit, nothing else!!
Reason they obstruct the people served Responsibility as to VA budgets, especially as to our wars and, for decades! Reason when under Conservative leadership, Executive branches, little is done and Congressional legislation, to wave that, poser, patriotism, is submitted and passed it's rarely funded! Reason the needed media hyped 'scandals' persist, and create even more problems, as those served not only ignore but outright deny many issues even exist, through their representatives, to push that ideology of privatizing, for corporate profit with little regulation, into reality!! And those Served want it that way as they don't even like paying for the wars let alone the long term results from, as they buy into the con of it being cheaper and better, the total opposite is the truth!! It already does cost them plenty more, borrowed with interest as well, to fix the problems their representatives cause, the same over and over and snowball out causing even more!!

Veterans' Administration Continues Move Into 21st Century

Online Tools, Standardized Forms, and More

Effective March 24th, 2015, VA is implementing improvements to make it easier for you to apply for benefits.

Online application tools, standardized forms, and a new intent to file process will create faster and more accurate decisions on your claims and appeals.

What does it all mean?

As part of the VA’s full-scale transformation in 2015, these new changes will:

* Streamline the benefits process, making it faster and easier
* Use standardized forms to file disability claims and compensation appeals
* Establish a new intent to file a claim process

Learn more about these important changes:

Conservative Ideology and IVF, {ALL}, Coverage for Veterans

The VA can't help because conservative opponents in Congress 23 years ago passed a law blocking the VA from paying the costs of IVF treatment for veterans.
Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington has worked for five years to change the law.

"Appalling" law prevents IVF coverage for veterans

June 5, 2015 - Servicemen and women who are wounded in war have to rebuild their lives, and the goal of having a family keeps many of them going. But an act by Congress decades ago is still preventing some veterans from achieving that goal, reports CBS News correspondent Jan Crawford.
Some of the stories are heartbreaking; veterans who have sacrificed almost everything for our country, and now have life-changing injuries that prevent them from having children naturally -- and a law from 23-years ago that forces the VA to say, esssentially, you're on your own.
As they looked toward their future, Alex and Holly Dillmann always dreamed it would include children.
But in his second tour in Afghanistan, Alex, an Army Staff Sgt. and squad leader, was critically injured by a roadside bomb. He had 25 surgeries and spent more than a year in the hospital.
What got Alex and Holly through the ordeal were their dreams for the future.
"We would talk about what our life was going to be like when we got out of the hospital," Holly said. "That was getting a house, that was getting our dog -- that was Alex returning back to work, getting a career, and that was having a child one day." read more>>>

Aging Vets, Aging Infrastructure

Least we don't forget the long ignored or out right denied issues even exist, especially relating to our flag waving, poser, patriotic wars!!

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"
Why even these recent long wars have yet to be paid for, nor the long results from!!

But hey, those served, and unwilling to Sacrifice, get off plenty easy by doing the conservative ideology of, many many many of the brothers and sisters have long passed away from same issues, and still are!! Finally being addressed by this Executive administration and with help from it's Cabinet, where their budgets and charges under could help, that started under Sec. Shinseki and continues under Sec. McDonald, still grossly under funded and obstructed budgets, thankfully he wasn't a corporate tool the conservatives wanted for more privatization for corporate profit!!

Lake Nona VA hospital dedication highlights aging vets, aging infrastructure

26 May 2015 - One of the main issues facing the VA health system is aging: an aging population and an aging infrastructure, said VA Secretary Robert McDonald during the dedication ceremony for the Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona on Tuesday.
"While the total number of veterans is actually declining, the total number of issues of veterans and the veterans needing help in the VA system is increasing. It's not because of Afghanistan or Iraq. It's because of the aging of the veterans who served during the Vietnam era," he said.
In 1975, there were 2 million veterans over the age of 65. In 2017 there will be more than 10 million veterans over 65, he said.
McDonald, along with more a dozen local and federal lawmakers, spoke at the dedication ceremony, which was held under a large white tent perched outside of the new facility.
They then lined up in front of the building, on little blue crosses marked for them with tape, smiled for the cameras and cut a red ribbon. read more>>>

Veterans Courts - Giving a Second Chance for Every Veteran

Greatly expanded with the help of the present Justice Department, but mostly accomplished within the states, as has happened on many other issues and with present Executive branch and other Cabinet agencies, especially the Veteran Administration, whose main charge are those who've served the Nation, starting under Sec. Shinseki and continuing under Sec. McDonald with long ignored or out right denied issues for decades and wars from!

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Long time Vietnam, all, vets nemesis and Conservative think tank 'expert?' Sally Satel Still Selling Care for PTSD Veterans is Waste of Money, and that's just PTS, not Agent Orange or Gulf war Syndrome, to name but only a tiny few the Nation served blockout, but find so easy to follow the conservative political line and lay blame on the mostly dedicated, keeping politics outside the main entrances, VA personal, so no need to Sacrifice, including paying for the flag waving, poser, patriotic wars, these present ones yet have been, especially by the wealthy!!

Giving an Iraq vet a fighting chance

A FIGHTING CHANCE to make things right is what many veterans in trouble with the law say they want most. And in some cases, they're finding that chance in a special kind of courtroom. Our Cover Story is reported now by Mark Strassmann:

"Everybody coming here for one specific reason, and that's to give a second chance for every veteran."
May 24, 2015 - Staff Sgt. Tommy Rieman is a certified American hero, a recipient of the Silver Star for valor in Iraq. But the bravest thing he ever did was fight to get his life back.
To appreciate the significance of the ceremony held in Harnett County in North Carolina, you first have to learn Rieman's story -- all of it, its remarkable highs and sorrowful lows.
"I think I came out the womb with a uniform on," Rieman laughed. "For me, there was nothing greatest than the honor to put on the uniform and represent this country."
In December of 2003, Rieman was on his first deployment in Iraq when his three-vehicle convoy drove into a death trap.

snip
Rieman had come home a hero, but a haunted one. He was battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD) and alcoholism. "I was drinking two bottles of whiskey a day, and anything else I could get my hands on." He lost his marriage, his house, almost everything that was special to him.
"I was a changed person," he said. "I was full of hatred. I didn't want to communicate. I became the man I never wanted to be."
With his life in freefall, Rieman tried to commit suicide -- first in Iraq, and then after he got home. read more>>>

Homeless Vets Are The 'Conscience Of America,' Retired General Says In Fort Worth

All In On Ending Veteran Homelessness: We stand together

June 4, 2015 - Five years ago, the Obama Administration set an ambitious goal: to end homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015. Many scoffed; many continue to scoff. In the face of such skepticism, we remain optimistic and focused, and know this is an historic opportunity we must seize. Veteran homelessness is not a reality we have to accept.
On Monday, the four of us took this message on the road in a three-city swing to connect with communities committed to ending veteran homelessness. In Houston, we joined Mayor Annise Parker at a rally celebrating the creation of a system in her community which ensures that all veterans who need assistance will be quickly linked to the supportive services and permanent housing. The progress made in places like Houston, New Orleans, and Salt Lake City inspires us and provides models and strategies – like “Housing First” – for every community in the nation.
What we have been able to achieve in partnership with each other— joining forces with state and local governments, the business community and non-profits—is nothing short of amazing. In fact, between the 2010 rollout of Opening Doors – the first-ever federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness – and the January 2014 point-in-time homeless count, homelessness among veterans nationwide has been slashed by one-third. This progress is a testament to what our nation can do when we set the bar high, invest resources and effort, and refuse to scale back our vision. It’s unacceptable that men and women who wore the uniform are returning without a safe, stable place to call home.
Now, it’s important to understand this doesn’t mean that no veteran will ever face a housing crisis in the future. But it does mean that communities like Houston, New Orleans and Salt Lake City are leading the way in building systems that will prevent and address homelessness whenever possible. read more>>>

Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program

The purpose of the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) is to provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans.
HVRP was initially authorized under Section 738 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act in July 1987. It is currently authorized under Title 38 U.S.C. Section 2021, as added by Section 5 of Public Law 107-95, the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis to eligible applicants such as: State and local Workforce Investment Boards, public agencies, for-profit/commercial entities, and non-profit organizations, including faith based and community based organizations. read more>>>

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veteran Information

U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)

U.S. Department of Justice Strengthening Our Military Families & Veteran Recruitment

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing {HUD-VASH}

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Until They Are Home

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

MIA - UW MIA Recovery and Identification Project

University launches initiative to identify and recover missing soldiers

The new UW MIA Recovery and Identification Project is thought to be the first of its kind launched by a university to help the Department of Defense
May 20, 2015 - A year after using cutting-edge DNA analysis to identify the remains of an American soldier mistakenly buried with the enemy after World War II, the University of Wisconsin-Madison announced Wednesday it will put its expertise in history, archaeology and forensic and genetic analysis behind the U.S. government's tedious efforts to identify and recover other missing service members.
The new UW MIA Recovery and Identification Project is thought to be the first of its kind launched by a university to help the Department of Defense, which spends about $2.5 million per service member identification, and makes an average of 74 identifications per year.
The search for Army Private First Class Lawrence S. Gordon, the American soldier mistakenly buried in a German cemetery, cost a team of civilian researchers about 1% of what the government spends, and required about two years of digging through decades-old military records, according to Middleton filmmaker Jed Henry, who led the civilian team and created a documentary about the effort.
Henry began the search for Gordon after finding out he was the only member of his grandfather's Reconnaissance Company who died in battle but never was identified and given a proper burial.
Recovering and identifying Gordon's remains cost about $25,000 — mostly for travel, Henry said.
"We could probably identify another 3,000 to 4,000 unknowns for half of that — $12,500," Henry said Wednesday, referring to the potential of the UW MIA Recovery and Identification Project. read more>>>

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
May 22, 2015 – The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that the remains of a U.S. soldier missing from the Korean War have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors, according to a DoD news release.
Army Cpl. Richard L. Wing, 19, of Toledo, Ohio, will be buried June 5, in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington D.C., according to the release. read more>>>

Missing World War II Soldier Accounted For
May 22, 2015 – The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that the remains of a missing World War II U.S. serviceman have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors, according to a DoD news release.
U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Alvin Beethe of Elk Creek, Nebraska, will be buried June 8 in Arlington National Cemetery, the release said. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: After OEF/OIF - April 2015

2015-05-06T14:08:00.000-04:00

To Veterans Administration Nurses

A week of gratitude

Though we will be celebrating Nurses Week at VA, we want to also celebrate the care they provide every other day of the year. Generations of nurses past and present have proudly served our Veterans – full of tenacity, passion and an innovative spirit. They represent the backbone of what Veterans have come to rely on for their physical, social and emotional well-being.
National Nurses Day is celebrated on May 6 to raise awareness of the important role nurses play in society. This day marks the beginning of National Nurses Week, which concludes on May 12, the birthday of the English nurse Florence Nightingale. She became known as the founder of professional nursing, due to her pioneering work during the Crimean War (1853-1856).
Since then, Nightingale has been the enduring symbol of selfless dedication and care, epitomizing the essence of nursing. The American Nurses Association encourages its state and territorial nurses associations (along with other related organizations) to honor our Nation’s nurses for their tireless commitment during this weeklong celebration. read more>>>

And throughout the VA, out of a population of some 318.9 million (2014), with tax cuts and demanding more of, where only a few million of, and their families, especially in our flag waving patriotic wars and long occupations resulting, have sacrificed and served, some actually Sacrifice for those that Served them:

"Thousands of people across America don’t just talk about honoring Veterans; they walk the walk!!"

As the Country waves it's flags and use Veterans of the, poser, patriotic wars, especially, as political and marketing tools with symbols, words, and short term actions, while ignoring or out right denying the many issues, finally being addressed under Sec. Shinseki and with the help of the Obama Executive Administration and it's Cabinet Agencies, the Dedicated Volunteers, in all area's, have kept the many VA needs and charges under functioning since the Veterans Administration was first established!! Many being Veterans themselves but also those who've never served in the Military but see and feel the need to those few who've served them, that's 'Patriotism'!!

Dedicated Volunteers Serve Veterans for Decades

April 13, 2015 - This is National Volunteer Week, time to Celebrate Service. Time to salute those great men and women in every VA medical center who give of themselves to others. And time to invite everyone else to come along and discover the power of making a difference.
You’ll meet them every time you visit a VA medical center. In 2014, over 140,000 volunteers gave more than 11 million hours in service to America's Veterans.
We can’t calculate the amount of caring and sharing these VA Voluntary Service volunteers provide to Veteran patients. Our volunteers are a priceless asset to America's Veterans and to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
A Volunteer for Over 50 Years read more>>>

Gold Star Wives marks 70 years of service

April 9, 2015 - It was 50 years ago when Linda Vrba Geoghegan received the heart wrenching telegram she'll never forget reading.
A cab driver had pulled up to her parents' home in Stedman to deliver the telegram: Her husband, Staff Sgt. Raymond J. Vrba, was killed serving in Vietnam.
Many other women have bonded over similar tragedies - husbands who have died serving in the military, or after they've returned to the country after service. The women have leaned on each other through the Gold Star Wives of America Inc. organization.
April 5 marked the 70th anniversary of the first meeting of Gold Star Wives of America Inc. Congress designated April 5 as Gold Star Wives Day.
The organization's most significant work is helping a spouse navigate benefits available to her, said Ann Childress, president of the local chapter.
"Our main goal is helping the widows get their lives in order," she said. read more>>>

NATO holds ceremony closing Afghan mission Event carried out in secret due to threat of Taliban strikes in Afghan capital, which has been hit by repeated bombings

28 Dec 2014 - NATO has held a ceremony in Kabul formally ending its war in Afghanistan, officials said, after 13 years of conflict and gradual troop withdrawals that have left the country in the grip of worsening conflicts with armed groups. read more>>>

Obama, Hagel Mark End of Operation Enduring Freedom

December 28, 2014 - Obama marks end of combat in Afghanistan

Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel

icasualties.org OEF - Operation Enduring Freedom

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

Operation Freedom's Sentinel - U.S. Wounded In Action: 19

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

icasualties.org Operation Iraqi Freedom

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pres. Bush: “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated”

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

Operation Inherent Resolve - U.S. Wounded In Action: 1

* * * CIA Torture: Read the Senate Intelligence Committee report * * *

In a Democracy: 'Citizens must know what is done in their name'

Human rights groups call for special prosecutor to investigate CIA torture

22 December 2014 - The ACLU and Human Rights Watch say the offences amount to ‘a vast criminal conspiracy’ and are ‘shocking and corrosive’ to US democracy and credibility read more>>>

* * * Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses * * *

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

December 22 2014 - American taxpayers have shelled out roughly $1.6 trillion on war spending since 9/11, according to a new report from Congress’ nonpartisan research arm. That’s roughly $337 million a day -- or nearly a quarter million dollars a minute -- every single day for 13 years. read more>>>

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart and innovative investment!

First Lady's Joining Forces Initiative Aid to Military Women Continues

Joining Forces Celebrates Its 4th Anniversary

Michele and Jill: Joining Forces Four Yrs. Later

What Veterans Get in Privatizing the Veterans Administration

Push For VA Privatization, for Corporate Profit, Back on Table

When you partner up with companies like, Poser Patriots, Patient Care America, a compounding pharmacy in Florida that makes the creams and supplements, it gives the abilities to back up what is done in Congressional Hearings, and led in by Conservatives, in attacking Government agency personal, giving a wink and nod to those private government contractors they really work for, instead of doing the jobs charged with in working to actually investigate problems and or corruption, thus the, oft repeated from previous Hearings with nothing done to alleviate but cut funding to make sure they continue and grow while causing other problems, 'media hyped scandals' arise. One big help for these private Government contractors is to have, in this case doctors, a stable of professionals, doesn't even need to be that large but the more the better, who like them are concerned with building their bottom lines to the max they can get away with for how ever long and if caught pay out, campaign contributions and more including high paying jobs and titles for after they leave the government and law making, what's needed to soften the blow, get it out of the press and develop new ways to continue the con, all with help from those hired to represent the people but not making it easier to carry out the corrupt scams!!

Civilian, TRICARE-authorized providers who have signed a contract to join the network.

{Poser Patriot} Deanna Dutting with her website 'Healing 4 Heroes':

During the meeting Dutting shared the pitch she makes to service members and veterans.
"Here's these amazing creams, they're completely free. All you got to do is type in your TRICARE number online and submit it," explained Dutting.
Dutting said a doctor then calls the patient and writes a prescription. A one month supply of scar and pain creams, plus a dietary supplement costs taxpayers around $25,000.
"If you want to feel bad or do your own research, you can do just like the rest of us did, but we got over it real quick once we started making our money, you know what I mean?" said Dutting.

Another big help is those same, conservatives especially, either stripping away regulations already on the books, made as law makers to protect the people they're supposed to represent, offering no new regulations to combat the practices of business, corporations and individuals, or just plain ignore regulations that they as hired representatives are charged to do oversite on, not just the agencies but the private sector government contractors practices under the laws they make or are supposed to make!!

Part One: "Free" pain meds for veterans cost taxpayers big bucks

May 5, 2015 - A CBS News investigation has found American troops and veterans are being prescribed dubious drugs that cost taxpayers hundreds of millions dollars. The growing practice of selling the drugs has caused a big, expensive problem for Major General Richard Thomas, who oversees TRICARE, the military health benefit system.
In the last year, TRICARE spending on compounded prescriptions surged from $42 million a month to more than $300 million.
"We're on track this year to spend over $2 billion unless we get our hands around this," said Thomas. "It's just been astronomical, an explosion of the charges in a relatively short period of time."
Virtually all the spending is for products the DOD believes are of dubious clinical benefit, like pain and scar creams. The cost to taxpayers can be $15,000 for a month supply.
Major Thomas told us he hasn't been able to find anything in the creams that justify their expense. The creams are marketed directly to military personnel at "free lunch" events hosted outside the gates of Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.
"There's no free lunch here," said Thomas. "These individuals, their patriotism is directly tied to their paycheck. They're not helping these soldiers." read more>>>

While they've always been on the fringes in this new age of digital communication and more it's even easier to find numerous individuals extremely eager to make a buck or comfortable living by building websites, and especially showing their, Poser, patriotism by tying them to the Military and Veterans of. The constant using of for marketing purposes and that, flag waving Poser, patriotism of a few minutes of 'support them troops' memes and symbols. Build them big enough and millions can be brought in with the principles becoming millionaires rapidly and crumbs, if anything, passed on to the targeted groups of Military and us Veterans. While making sure everyone gets them tax cuts, especially the wealthy, so no Sacrifice needed by those served to the few who serve or have served them!!

Unlike, out of over 300million served, Thousands of people across America don’t just talk about honoring Veterans; they walk the walk. Dedicated Volunteers Serve Veterans for Decades

TRICARE is the health care program for almost 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide—including active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families, survivors, certain former spouses and others registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

Your health plan option determines the type of doctor or "providerAny doctor, team of doctors, nurse-practitioner, physician assistant, hospital, clinic, laboratory, ambulance company or supplier of medical equipment that delivers medical services or supplies to you." you'll see.

Do you want to invite your provider to join TRICARE? If unfamiliar with visit site and look around>>>

May 6, 2015 - A CBS News investigation revealed American troops and veterans in pain are being marketed questionable, custom-made prescription creams for pain and scars, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Jim Axelrod reports.

Part Two: Doctors seen as "complicit" in costly abuse of military health benefit system

May 6, 2015 - "They're getting providers, doctors or whomever to write scripts, fill in scripts without even seeing the patient," said Thomas.

snip
Dr. Bolger told us he's sent prescription requests like ours by a service that pays him to review patient files from states where he's licensed -- New York, the state of our request, is not one of them.
"I'm only supposed to be sent prescriptions from the states where I'm licensed. Unfortunately, in this case, one time I got a prescription from a state where I wasn't supposed to," said Dr. Bolger.
Dr. Bolger said that our prescription was the only one he's written for someone who lives in a state where he's not licensed. He said he had no idea the U.S. military was billed for prescriptions he writes, but that he does know he's not the only one writing them. read more>>>

Federal Investigations: Mil/Vets TRICARE - Private Sector Compounding Pharmacies & Doctors

An update, from CBS reports, on what I posted yesterday, What Veterans Get in Privatizing the Veterans Administration, as to Conservative 'privatization' of Military and Veterans Health Care!!

6 May 2015 report - {Poser Patriot} Deanna Dutting with her website 'Healing 4 Heroes': " "If you want to feel bad or do your own research, you can do just like the rest of us did, but we got over it real quick once we started making our money, you know what I mean?" said Dutting.

Feds open investigations into compounding pharmacies

May 7, 2015 - CBS News has learned there are multiple federal investigations underway into 90 compounding pharmacies and doctors for suspicious practices.
In a recent investigation related to compounding pharmacies, CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod reported on Paul Borger, a doctor who runs a weight loss clinic in Davenport, Iowa.
Borger wrote a prescription for pain creams for Axelrod even though the two had never met or spoken. read more>>>

6 May 2015 report - Major General Richard Thomas, who oversees TRICARE: "There's no free lunch here," said Thomas. "These individuals, their patriotism is directly tied to their paycheck. They're not helping these soldiers."

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, so see present day tax payers, especially the wealthy, haven't paid yet for any of this corruption, nor the continued blowback from the spread and growth from the policies implemented!

Neither the long term results from, including the long ignored or outright denied existence of, till this Administrations Cabinet and Gen Shinseki, only Government branch consistent for the past six years, Veterans issues from!

As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded for decades and the wars from now, VA budget is still borrowed, with interest, thus added problem creating costs, with representative who control the purse strings blaming the mostly dedicated VA personal within, that shouldn't exist!

Veterans' Administration Continues Move Into 21st Century

Online Tools, Standardized Forms, and More

Effective March 24th, 2015, VA is implementing improvements to make it easier for you to apply for benefits.

Online application tools, standardized forms, and a new intent to file process will create faster and more accurate decisions on your claims and appeals.

What does it all mean?

As part of the VA’s full-scale transformation in 2015, these new changes will:

* Streamline the benefits process, making it faster and easier
* Use standardized forms to file disability claims and compensation appeals
* Establish a new intent to file a claim process

Learn more about these important changes:

His father was an abuser. Now that Patrick Stewart knows PTSD was a factor, he has a message

Sir Patrick Stewart's father, Alfred, was a World War II hero. He fought valiantly in the Battle of Dunkirk, a tactically important conflict. But when he came home, he continued to fight.
Patrick Stewart has shared his story about his father's abuse with millions, but this is a new way of thinking about it — even for him.
Back then they called it "shell shock," "war neurosis," or "combat stress reaction," if they called it anything at all. It wasn't until 1980 that the American Psychological Association recognized PTSD as a specific, diagnosable disorder with specific symptoms — the same year Alfred Stewart died. Patrick Stewart didn't realize that his father suffered from PTSD until 2012. read more>>>

Conservative Think, American Enterprise Institute, Tanks Own: Sally Satel Still Selling Care for PTSD Veterans is Waste of Money. Long Time, Vietnam, Veterans Nemesis and Denier

Conservatives Continue Blocking Military Veterans' Access to Medical Marijuana

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

When veterans return, their children also deal with the invisible wounds of war

April 16 2015 - Twice a day, Koen Hughes’s medicine alarm beeps and sputters. He yells out across the kitchen to his father, retired Army Staff Sgt. Jonah Hughes, an Iraq war veteran, who suffers from such a severe brain injury that it’s hard for him to remember things like whether he showered, and sometimes how to shower.
Koen is always there, reminding him to take his anti-seizure pills, nervously double-checking his medicine box and squinting as he monitors his father’s behavior.
Koen is 10.
“Daaad! Your medicine!” pants a frantic Koen, who has a mop of light-brown hair and loves geography, Legos and Indiana Jones.
His burly 38-year-old father wears a black Wounded Warriors T-shirt and pocket pants, and speaks slowly, softly, searching for words his brain has lost.
“Got it,” he answers.
He’s what Koen calls a “wounded parent.” And, the boy says, lowering his blue eyes to the ground, “It’s different than having other kinds of parents.” read more>>>

April 16 2015 - Obama to wounded warriors: 'We've got your back'

The ones who don't, have Veterans backs, DeJa Vu all over again, are the people served and through their representatives, and present day so called journalism profession, especially conservatives!!

Out of over 300million, Thousands of people across America don’t just talk about honoring Veterans; they walk the walk. Dedicated Volunteers Serve Veterans for Decades

What we know about PTSD and Vietnam veterans today

That like with Agent Orange, and more ignored or out right denied issues, many have long passed on because of the lack of Responsibility and Duty, let alone Promises Never Kept in building the VA correctly, thus giving conservatives what they want the media hyped, often repeated same over decades 'scandals', many have passed on, still do, because of!!

Conservative Think, American Enterprise Institute, Tanks Own: Sally Satel Still Selling Care for PTSD Veterans is Waste of Money. Long Time, Vietnam, Veterans Nemesis and Denier

April 30, 2015 - For the 2.7 million Americans who fought in the Vietnam War, the painful memories of war still linger 40 years later.
A recent congressionally mandated study by the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that more than 283,000 Vietnam veterans still suffer post-traumatic stress disorder from their war experiences in Southeast Asia. That translates to approximately 283,000 male and 400 female Vietnam veterans living today.
Dr. James Lowery, PTSD clinical team member for the VA of Northern Indiana, said even though their service may have been 40 or more years ago, often the memories are vivid and real as if they happened only recently.
“The nature of the Vietnam War, like all wars, was complex. Because of the topography of the country and the nature of the enemy, in some cases, it was not always clear who was dangerous, or from where the danger might come. This uncertainty led to heightened anxiety in some veterans upon their return,” Lowery said.
PTSD can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like combat, assault or disaster. Unfortunately, it’s a condition that can ravage our nation’s veterans and lead to dysfunctional lives, alcoholism, and suicide. The mental illness also was linked with other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and ailments of the back, knees or other joints. read more>>>

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, nor the continued blowback from the spread and growth from the policies implemented!
Neither the long term results from, including the long ignored or outright denied existence of, till this Administrations Cabinet and Gen Shinseki, only Government branch consistent for the past six years, Veterans issues from!
As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded for decades and the wars from now, VA budget is still borrowed, with interest, thus added problem creating costs, with representative who control the purse strings blaming the mostly dedicated VA personal within, that shouldn't exist!

The Long Shadow of PTSD

May 2015 - After two tours as an infantryman in Vietnam, Dave Dillard came home to a country that he felt didn't understand where he'd been, or how the war had affected him. The Army discharged him with no advice about the lingering mental strains of combat. His family told him to get on with his life. Some of the World War II veterans he met at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post weren't much help, either. "Just forget it," they told him.
He couldn't forget, but he moved on. He studied theater arts in San Francisco and later taught elementary school. But he gradually withdrew from friends and family. He avoided crowds and standing in lines. While mowing the lawn one afternoon, a loud noise sent him diving under a bush. Sleep was tortured. He dreamed that he'd been sent back to Vietnam for a third tour, and always he saw the same North Vietnamese soldier, his face lit up in the darkness by a rifle's muzzle flash.

snip
"They came home, stayed quiet and tried to muddle on as best they could," says Steven Thorp, a San Diego psychologist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "They worked really hard as a distraction, 70, 80 hours a week, so PTSD didn't really hit them full force until they retired, or the kids left the house, or they're reminded of loss through the deaths of their friends."
"What they do know is that they're different," Thorp says. "But they don't know why it happened, and they don't know how to change it." read more>>>

Listen, here, to “We’ve Never Been The Same: A War Story”

And visit the Transom site of 'We’ve Never Been The Same: A War Story' to read, and listen also, about.

My Life, My Story: VA’s healthcare improvements through deliberate storytelling

Apr 16, 2015 - My Life, My Story is a VA program that interviews veterans about their lives and adds the written stories to their medical record. The goal of the project is to foster a closer connection between veterans and their VA providers. The stories honor the voices and lived experiences of our veterans.

“Combat comes at a moral cost. The good news is that in the safety of safe, caring relationships … people can find forgiveness and healing for moral wounds. They don't have to be mortal wounds.” – Chaplain (Col.) Thomas Waynick, Pentagon Chaplain

Understanding Moral Injury

May 4, 2015 - As a service member, you may encounter inner conflicts, ethical or moral challenges during deployments, special missions, or in the course of one’s duty. You may be required to act in ways that go against your moral beliefs or witness behaviors by others that make you feel uncomfortable.1 These experiences can lead to moral injury.
This article explores the concept of moral injury, why a service member might experience it and the resources available for care and support.
What is Moral Injury?
Moral injury occurs when one experiences an act that conflicts with or violates a core moral value, or deeply held belief, and leads to an internal moral conflict. It is the betrayal of what you may feel is morally right. It might arise from your own actions or inaction, other people’s behaviors or by witnessing the suffering of others. Moral injury can occur either during or at some point after the event, and may be associated with feeling shame or guilt.
Examples can include participation in direct or indirect actions such as: read more>>>

Vietnam War, 50 years later: Giving a voice to Latino veterans

03/21/15 - Growing up, Tomas Summers Sandoval was surrounded by veterans of the Vietnam War: His father and uncle and neighbors served proudly, the survivors returning to start families in the working-class suburbs of Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire.
But outside his social circle, Summers Sandoval was dismayed to find very little has been done to document the impact of the war on Latino communities.
This month, 50 years since U.S. troops set foot in Vietnam, Summers Sandoval has found himself face to face with these men as they tell their stories.
“To understand Latinos in California, how they found their way into the military is a window to understanding the educational inequalities in society of the time,” the soft-spoken Summers Sandoval said.
A history professor at Pomona College, Summers Sandoval is researching the Latino experience in Vietnam and plans to calculate the casualties of Latinos in the war, teaming up with economics professor Fernando Lozano to get those figures. read more>>>

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Last Days in Vietnam Extended Preview

04/01/2015 - Nominated for an Academy Award® for Documentary Feature. In April of 1975, the North Vietnamese Army was closing in on Saigon as South Vietnamese resistance was crumbling. With the clock ticking and the city under fire, 135,000 South Vietnamese managed to escape with help from a number of Americans who took matters into their own hands in a desperate effort to save as many people as possible. Watch the preview >>>

Vietnam, the National Guard - 40th anniversary of the end of that conflict

Vietnam, 'Operation Babylift' Forty Years Ago

40yrs. After: The Agent Orange Legacy

A War That {Never Really!} Ended in 1975, 40 years ago on April 30

40yrs. Later, Warm Welcome in Vietnam

Data methods used by VA portray actual Veterans experience

April 2, 2015 - VA is committed to providing high quality, proactive, personalized, patient-driven care to Veterans and strives to improve our services. We are determined to rebuild the trust of Veterans and stakeholders and improve service delivery by focusing on Veteran outcomes.
Some Veterans are still waiting longer than they desire for their appointments, and we are working hard to try to get them the care they have earned where and when they need it.
We realize appointment wait-time data, and how it gets calculated in a system that schedules over 80 million encounters a year, can be complicated and hard to understand—so we want to take this opportunity to explain our methods. We are working in good faith to be as transparent and open as possible with our data, and the way it’s calculated.
VA began publicly posting patient access data online in June 2014. You can find that data here. Back in October, VA made clear that, as directed by Congress, it was establishing new wait-time standards that more accurately reflect whether or not a veteran has been waiting too long for an appointment. VA has done just that, and has been fully transparent about it all along. We began reporting average appointment wait times in two categories: completed and pending. Both of these measures are determined based on the Veteran’s preferred date. The preferred date method is based on a clinician’s specified date for the patient to be seen, or 30 days from a date that the patient prefers to be seen in the absence of a clinical recommendation.
We report this completed appointment average wait time data monthly. VA also regularly advises and updates Veterans service organizations and congressional stakeholders on our patient access data and wait time methods. read more>>>

Homeless Vets Are The 'Conscience Of America,' Retired General Says In Fort Worth

25 March 2015 - Some 50,000 military veterans are homeless each night in the United States. In parts of North Texas, that number is declining. The latest census shows the homeless vet count in Fort Worth has dropped by one-third compared to last year. Seventy vets in that city currently call the Presbyterian Night Shelter home. On Tuesday, at a fundraiser for a vets program, a retired Marine general told vets he's got their backs.
Outside the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, small American flags lined flower beds to welcome 15 homeless veterans. Inside, the smell of fresh biscuits, scrambled eggs and bacon filled a church hall, where 150 people gathered for the second annual Freedom Breakfast.
“I really believe that veterans are the conscience of America,” says retired Marine General Terrence Dake. read more>>>

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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veteran Information

U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)

U.S. Department of Justice Strengthening Our Military Families & Veteran Recruitment

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing {HUD-VASH}

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Until They Are Home

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
April 30, 2015 - The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Master Sgt. Francis H. Stamer of San Fernando, California, will be buried May 6, in Arlington National Cemetery. On Nov. 1, 1950, Stamer was assigned to Company M, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, when his unit was attacked by Chinese forces at Unsan village in North Korea. This attack forced the unit to withdraw five miles southeast to Ipsok village. Stamer was reported missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950. A military board later amended his status to killed in action. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: After OEF/OIF - March 2015

2015-04-06T15:06:00.000-04:00

Gulf Wars Exposures: Gulf War (August 2, 1990 to present), includes Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

Gulf War Veterans may have been exposed to a variety of environmental and chemical hazards that carried potential health risks. Join the Gulf War Registry and the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to document your exposures and health concerns. find out more>>>

ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans
"DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War."

U.S. Nerve Gas Hit Our Own Troops in Iraq

3/27/15 - During and immediately after the first Gulf War, more than 200,000 of 700,000 U.S. troops sent to Iraq and Kuwait in January 1991 were exposed to nerve gas and other chemical agents. Though aware of this, the Department of Defense and CIA launched a campaign of lies and concocted a cover-up that continues today.
A quarter of a century later, the troops nearest the explosions are dying of brain cancer at two to three times the rate of those who were farther away. Others have lung cancer or debilitating chronic diseases, and pain.
More complications lie ahead.

snip
As Alan Friedman wrote in "The Spider Web: The Secret History of How the White House Illegally Armed Iraq", the Reagan and Bush administrations, which backed Iraq in its 1980-1988 war with Iran, approved of U.S. companies selling chemical agents and equipment to Iraq, including “a huge petrochemicals complex called PC2. Western intelligence also knew that PC2 was capable of generating chemical compounds to make mustard and nerve gas.”
Donald Riegle, a Democratic U.S. Senator from Michigan, held hearings about the veterans illnesses in 1993 and 1994. He told me the decision by Reagan and Bush “to secretly help Saddam Hussein build his biological and chemical weapons was a monstrous strategic error that eventually led to the tragedy of Gulf War Syndrome, which killed and disabled so many unprotected American troops.”

snip
When Brown and others tried to obtain their medical records to prove their illnesses were service-related, they learned that the records had disappeared. In a 2007 letter, Dr. Gary Trogdon, chief of the Public Inquiries Section at the Army’s Historical Resources Branch, informed Brown that Army units were told to destroy the “after action” reports, since “there was no space to ship the paper back to the States.” But, Trogdon said, records were kept at the brigade level. When Brown asked Senator Mark Warner to help, he, too, came up empty-handed. read more>>>

The above ProPublica/Seattle report, what was done under both Bushes, continued:

Part Two: A Son Lost in Iraq, but Where Is the Casualty Report?

Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort

Military Service-Related Exposures

Depleted uranium, chemical and biological agents, anthrax, mefloquine —get info on these service-related exposures.

Finally started getting addressed, though limited because of the congressional budgets, for decades and wars of, by the Shinseki VA administration and now continuing with the McDonald administration, and for the first time in my lifetime, while conservative ideology continues obstructing and cutting which isn't a first, as a vet with the Executive branch and it's Cabinet aiding where it can, the only Government branch actively addressing the real issue problems and has since coming in, while being either ignored or out right denied the issues exist, so those served need not Sacrifice while they wave their, poser, patriotic flags and flash the same in words and symbols!!!

Military Exposures

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service. read more>>>

NATO holds ceremony closing Afghan mission Event carried out in secret due to threat of Taliban strikes in Afghan capital, which has been hit by repeated bombings

28 Dec 2014 - NATO has held a ceremony in Kabul formally ending its war in Afghanistan, officials said, after 13 years of conflict and gradual troop withdrawals that have left the country in the grip of worsening conflicts with armed groups. read more>>>

Obama, Hagel Mark End of Operation Enduring Freedom

December 28, 2014 - Obama marks end of combat in Afghanistan

Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel

icasualties.org OEF - Operation Enduring Freedom

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

icasualties.org Operation Iraqi Freedom

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pres. Bush: “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated”

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

* * * CIA Torture: Read the Senate Intelligence Committee report * * *

In a Democracy: 'Citizens must know what is done in their name'

Human rights groups call for special prosecutor to investigate CIA torture

22 December 2014 - The ACLU and Human Rights Watch say the offences amount to ‘a vast criminal conspiracy’ and are ‘shocking and corrosive’ to US democracy and credibility read more>>>

* * * Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses * * *

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

December 22 2014 - American taxpayers have shelled out roughly $1.6 trillion on war spending since 9/11, according to a new report from Congress’ nonpartisan research arm. That’s roughly $337 million a day -- or nearly a quarter million dollars a minute -- every single day for 13 years. read more>>>

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Backlog Reduced 67 Percent Under New Automation and Process Improvements

Washington – 30 March 2015 - The federal initiative to provide timely decisions on disability payments to Veterans has crossed a major milestone in its final sprint to eliminate the backlog of Veterans’ benefits claims.
The major transformation effort to apply new technology and process solutions has paid off at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It reduced its inventory of backlogged claims from a high of 611,000 claims in March of 2013 to fewer than 200,000 this week, while at the same time improving decision quality.
“Make no mistake, we’re not slowing down short of the finish line,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Allison Hickey. “Our goal is to eliminate the claims backlog by the end of 2015 – meaning all Veterans will receive timely and accurate decisions on their disability claims.” read more>>>

Chris Hayes: "If you can run a deficit to go to war, you can run a deficit to take care of the people who fought it" In response to Republican, long ago lost as the party of Lincoln and not just as to us Veterans, opposition to expanding Veterans' benefits on fiscal grounds

Data methods used by VA portray actual Veterans experience

April 2, 2015 - VA is committed to providing high quality, proactive, personalized, patient-driven care to Veterans and strives to improve our services. We are determined to rebuild the trust of Veterans and stakeholders and improve service delivery by focusing on Veteran outcomes.
Some Veterans are still waiting longer than they desire for their appointments, and we are working hard to try to get them the care they have earned where and when they need it.
We realize appointment wait-time data, and how it gets calculated in a system that schedules over 80 million encounters a year, can be complicated and hard to understand—so we want to take this opportunity to explain our methods. We are working in good faith to be as transparent and open as possible with our data, and the way it’s calculated.
VA began publicly posting patient access data online in June 2014. You can find that data here. Back in October, VA made clear that, as directed by Congress, it was establishing new wait-time standards that more accurately reflect whether or not a veteran has been waiting too long for an appointment. VA has done just that, and has been fully transparent about it all along. We began reporting average appointment wait times in two categories: completed and pending. Both of these measures are determined based on the Veteran’s preferred date. The preferred date method is based on a clinician’s specified date for the patient to be seen, or 30 days from a date that the patient prefers to be seen in the absence of a clinical recommendation.
We report this completed appointment average wait time data monthly. VA also regularly advises and updates Veterans service organizations and congressional stakeholders on our patient access data and wait time methods. read more>>>

Homeless Vets Are The 'Conscience Of America,' Retired General Says In Fort Worth

25 March 2015 - Some 50,000 military veterans are homeless each night in the United States. In parts of North Texas, that number is declining. The latest census shows the homeless vet count in Fort Worth has dropped by one-third compared to last year. Seventy vets in that city currently call the Presbyterian Night Shelter home. On Tuesday, at a fundraiser for a vets program, a retired Marine general told vets he's got their backs.
Outside the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, small American flags lined flower beds to welcome 15 homeless veterans. Inside, the smell of fresh biscuits, scrambled eggs and bacon filled a church hall, where 150 people gathered for the second annual Freedom Breakfast.
“I really believe that veterans are the conscience of America,” says retired Marine General Terrence Dake. read more>>>

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Special Report: Traumatic Brain Injury

03/17/2015 - Traumatic brain injury is one of the invisible wounds of war and one of the signature injuries of troops wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. This Defense.gov special report highlights the Defense Department's efforts to care for wounded warriors suffering from this condition while promoting research to improve diagnosis and treatment.
New Tool Helps Intrepid Center Collect Electronic TBI Data
The National Intrepid Center of Excellence received special recognition from Government Computer News for successful innovation of a continuity management tool that enables clinicians to electronically collect thousands of data points per patient, electronically, and that also pulls additional sets of information to form a robust repository of TBI-related health data.
DARPA Developing Implants to Help With TBI Memory Loss
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is working to develop wireless, implantable brain prostheses for service members and veterans who suffer memory loss from traumatic brain injury.
More Stories>>>

Veterans Hurt by Chemical Weapons in Iraq Get Apology

MARCH 25, 2015 - The under secretary of the Army on Wednesday apologized for the military’s treatment of American service members exposed to chemical weapons in Iraq, and he announced new steps to provide medical support to those with lingering health effects and to recognize veterans who had been denied awards.
Under Secretary Brad R. Carson acknowledged that the military had not followed its own policies for caring for troops exposed to old and abandoned chemical munitions that had been scattered around Iraq, and he vowed improvement.
He also said that the Army had reversed a previous decision and approved a Purple Heart medal for a soldier burned by sulfur mustard agent, and that he expected more medals to be issued to other veterans after further review.
“To me, the scandal is that we had protocols in place and the medical community knew what they were, and yet we failed in some cases to implement this across the theater,” he said. “That was a mistake, and I apologize for that. I apologize for past actions and am going to fix it going forward.”

snip
In a sign that steps were being taken, Mr. Carson said, the Army on Tuesday approved a Purple Heart for an explosive-ordnance disposal technician burned by sulfur mustard agent while dismantling a roadside bomb in 2007. The veteran, former Specialist Richard T. Beasley, had previously been denied the medal.

snip
That standard did not conceive of the insurgents’ practice in Iraq of occasionally using old chemical shells in roadside bombs — essentially traps in which the chemical agents inside might be released by an unsuspecting soldier tasked with destroying the weapon or handling its broken remains.
Mr. Carson said the four services now agree that wounds caused by such makeshift bombs would qualify for the award. read more>>>

While under both Bush CiC commands:

ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans
"DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War."

Part Two: A Son Lost in Iraq, but Where Is the Casualty Report?

Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart and innovative investment!

Obama: Solar Program to Train Troops for Civilian Careers

From the battlefield to the workforce

April 3, 2015 - As part of a program to help military members land jobs, the skill of precision welding is being taught to a select number of U.S. Marines at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. CBS News visited the base where we saw active duty Marines attending class.
They've been allowed under a Pentagon program called SkillBridge to spend the last four months of their enlistments in full-time job training. Every one of the 15 Marines has a guaranteed job, thanks to a national shortage of skilled welders.
"It's a dream job for me really," said Sgt. Damien Gilbert.
He said acceptance into the program was a huge weight off his shoulders.
"I'm an infantryman by trade, so there's not very many jobs out in the civilian world that transfer that skill over," said Sgt. Gilbert.
The Pentagon now allows 15 private employers access to 16 military bases nationwide. Microsoft is one of those companies and is looking for internet technology (IT) technicians. read more>>>

Many of those taking these courses are further advanced in the alternative energy development already, having used the advanced technologies on bases and especially in these war theaters, then those taking courses in in the private sector. Ignored by that private sector when leaving the Military they're just legitimizing that training and advanced knowledge, already experienced in!!

February 21, 2015 - The first set of transitioning military service members graduated last week from the solar job training pilot program at Camp Pendleton in California. Minh Le, SunShot Initiative director, spoke at the ceremony. The pilot program provides participating military service members with four to six weeks of intensive solar training courses at no cost. Participants learn how to size and install solar energy systems and develop other related solar job skills. SunShot also announced two additional military bases that will host the solar job training pilot program – Fort Carson in Colorado and Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. The Camp Pendleton graduates have all been offered interviews with five prominent U.S. solar companies. Read more and see photos of the program’s first graduation ceremony.

U.S. To Train Veterans To Install Solar Panels, White House Announces

The proposals are modest compared with what President Barack Obama has asked Congress to do through legislation to promote clean energy, invest in infrastructure projects and force reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. But with lawmakers unwilling to consider any major climate legislation, Obama has sought to maximize what presidential authority he does hold.

09/18/2014 - The U.S. is planning to train veterans to become solar panel installers in the next six years, the White House said Thursday.
The jobs training program is among a host of initiatives the White House says will cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 300 million tons through 2030, plus save billions of dollars on energy bills for homeowners and businesses. It will launch this fall at one or more military bases and train a total of at least 50,000, including veterans.
The Agriculture Department will also spend nearly $70 million to fund 540 solar and renewable energy projects, focused on rural and farming areas. And the Energy Department will propose stricter efficiency standards for commercial air conditioners, a move the department said could cut emissions more than any other efficiency standard it has issued to date.
The proposals are modest compared with what President Barack Obama has asked Congress to do through legislation to promote clean energy, invest in infrastructure projects and force reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. But with lawmakers unwilling to consider any major climate legislation, Obama has sought to maximize what presidential authority he does hold. read more>>>

While coming in with the two long wars still ongoing and a near total collapse of the economy the Veterans of weren't overlooked, except by the people served and through their direct representatives, and not only as to employment, and issue that comes with all Veterans especially after our wars and the private sector shies away from hiring or rehiring those that served them!!

President’s Council Announces Increase in Veteran Hires

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2015 – In the more than five years since President Barack Obama established the Veterans Employment Initiative, a steadily increasing annual percentage of veterans have entered federal civilian service.
In fiscal year 2014, according to an Office of Personnel Management news release issued today, the percentage of veteran new hires hit a new high of 33.2 percent, surpassing the previous mark set in FY 2013, when 31 percent of all new Federal civilian hires were veterans.
Fiscal 2014 also marked the first time since the president established the Veterans Employment Initiative that new veteran hires increased in a year when overall new employee hires also increased.
‘Ongoing and Sustainable’ Progress for Veterans read more>>>

Veterans' Administration Continues Move Into 21st Century

Online Tools, Standardized Forms, and More

Effective March 24th, 2015, VA is implementing improvements to make it easier for you to apply for benefits.

Online application tools, standardized forms, and a new intent to file process will create faster and more accurate decisions on your claims and appeals.

What does it all mean?

As part of the VA’s full-scale transformation in 2015, these new changes will:

* Streamline the benefits process, making it faster and easier
* Use standardized forms to file disability claims and compensation appeals
* Establish a new intent to file a claim process

Learn more about these important changes:

So Many Wars, So Many War Debts Unpaid

150 yrs. ago: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle”

150th anniversary of President Lincoln's second Inaugural address

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." - Abraham Lincoln

March 4, 2015 - I first came to VA’s central office 22 years ago to interview for an opening in the public affairs office. I was tense and nervous, as it was yet another of many interviews in a five-month-long job search.
Then, as if it was meant to happen, as I walked in front of VA headquarters, President Lincoln gave me the boost I needed.
Right there on the front of the building at eye level was our 16th president’s famous charge to all Americans – “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.”
Even then, I marveled at the fact that in 1865 President Lincoln wrote one of the shortest and most perfect mission statements in history, for a federal agency that would not begin to exist until 65 years later. read more>>>

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veteran Information

U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)

U.S. Department of Justice Strengthening Our Military Families & Veteran Recruitment

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing {HUD-VASH}

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

Veterans Courts, Unique Brand of Justice

In Veterans Courts, prosecutors become social workers for the accused Veterans Treatment Courts {two page pdf fact sheet}

Justice for Vets

Veterans Court Resource Guide

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Vietnam War, 50 years later: Giving a voice to Latino veterans

Read New Gulf War Newsletter

Proactive Pain Management: 10 Ways to Manage Your Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can last a long period of time, even if it comes and goes. This is something that many adults suffer from, and it is one of the symptoms often reported by Gulf War Veterans. In fact, nearly all Gulf War Veterans referred to the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) report chronic pain as one of their top complaints.
The Fastest Way to Get a Disability Claim Decision
If you’re a Veteran who needs to file a disability compensation claim for the first time or you need to submit a new claim for a previous service-related condition, there is now a faster, easier way to get a claim decision. With the help of your local Veterans Service Officer, you can file an electronic claim, eClaim, through eBenefits and get a faster VA decision.
Gulf War Registry: Three Reasons to Participate read more w/backlinks>>>

03/21/15 - Growing up, Tomas Summers Sandoval was surrounded by veterans of the Vietnam War: His father and uncle and neighbors served proudly, the survivors returning to start families in the working-class suburbs of Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire.
But outside his social circle, Summers Sandoval was dismayed to find very little has been done to document the impact of the war on Latino communities.
This month, 50 years since U.S. troops set foot in Vietnam, Summers Sandoval has found himself face to face with these men as they tell their stories.
“To understand Latinos in California, how they found their way into the military is a window to understanding the educational inequalities in society of the time,” the soft-spoken Summers Sandoval said.
A history professor at Pomona College, Summers Sandoval is researching the Latino experience in Vietnam and plans to calculate the casualties of Latinos in the war, teaming up with economics professor Fernando Lozano to get those figures. read more>>>

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Until They Are Home

Vietnam veteran comes home to rest after nearly 45 years

Apr 09, 2015 - Army Sergeant Bunyan Durant Price Jr. was declared "Missing In Action" in Cambodia in 1970, and remained that way since. His body was returned to his family in Gastonia Thursday. read more>>>

RIP: Lucy Coffey, the Oldest Female Veteran in the United States

Oldest female veteran in the U.S. dies at 108

19 March 2015 - Lucy Coffey, the oldest female veteran in the United States, died Thursday at her home in Texas. She was 108.
Coffey had been ill for about a week, Quita Marquez, a friend and veterans service officer, told The Associated Press. The Bexar County Veterans Service Office paid tribute to Coffey, saying in a statement that "she was an incredibly lady who will be missed dearly. Her contributions to our country and community will not be forgotten." read more>>>

Oldest woman veteran dies in San Antonio

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: After OEF/OIF - February 2015

2015-03-09T07:38:00.000-04:00

This is the longest period without a U.S. military combat-zone death since 9/11

Feb. 26, 2015 - At the end of an hour-long panel discussion in Washington on Wednesday, a middle-aged man raised his hand. Fred J. Boenig, the father of a U.S. airman who died in Afghanistan, had a question for Rep. Adam D. Kinzinger, who called himself “hawkish” on using U.S. military power against the Islamic State.
“This is no disrespect, but when you said that, the only thing I can hear is a knock on my door again,” said Boenig, dressed in a red tie and blue blazer with a Gold Star pin on it. “I have one question: Do know how many days it has been since the last U.S. casualty? The last military casualty?”
Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said that he wasn’t sure, and estimated that it had been a month or so. Boenig interrupted, and said it had been 75 days — the longest since 2001.
“When you talk about being a hawk, maybe that is something that you’d really want to keep track of, because 75 days does seem like a long time,” Boenig said, as the room around him sat silently.
Watch the exchange here: read more & watch>>>

NATO holds ceremony closing Afghan mission Event carried out in secret due to threat of Taliban strikes in Afghan capital, which has been hit by repeated bombings

28 Dec 2014 - NATO has held a ceremony in Kabul formally ending its war in Afghanistan, officials said, after 13 years of conflict and gradual troop withdrawals that have left the country in the grip of worsening conflicts with armed groups. read more>>>

Obama, Hagel Mark End of Operation Enduring Freedom

December 28, 2014 - Obama marks end of combat in Afghanistan

Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel

icasualties.org OEF - Operation Enduring Freedom

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

icasualties.org Operation Iraqi Freedom

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pres. Bush: “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated”

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

* * * CIA Torture: Read the Senate Intelligence Committee report * * *

In a Democracy: 'Citizens must know what is done in their name'

Human rights groups call for special prosecutor to investigate CIA torture

22 December 2014 - The ACLU and Human Rights Watch say the offences amount to ‘a vast criminal conspiracy’ and are ‘shocking and corrosive’ to US democracy and credibility read more>>>

* * * Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses * * *

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

December 22 2014 - American taxpayers have shelled out roughly $1.6 trillion on war spending since 9/11, according to a new report from Congress’ nonpartisan research arm. That’s roughly $337 million a day -- or nearly a quarter million dollars a minute -- every single day for 13 years. read more>>>

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

* * * Operation United Assistance * * *

* * * DoD Helps Fight EBOLA in West Africa * * *

Most DoD Personnel to Return From West Africa

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Nowak, left, senior enlisted advisor for Joint Forces Command - United Assistance and 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and Army Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, commander of JFC-UA and the 101st, case their unit colors during a ceremony held at the Barclay Training Center, Monrovia, Liberia, Feb. 26, 2015. U.S Army photo by Spc. Rashene Mincy
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2015 – Most Defense Department personnel who deployed to West Africa to support the U.S. Agency for International Development and international partners in fighting Ebola at its source already have returned to their home stations, and nearly all will return home over the next two months, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said last night.
In a statement, Kirby said DoD will identify 100 personnel who will maintain a continued presence in the region, working to strengthen the disease preparedness and surveillance capacity of the national governments.
“DoD personnel will build on a strong military partnership with the armed forces of Liberia to enhance their Ebola response efforts and provide disaster response training to the government of Liberia,” the admiral said.
Life-saving Resources read more>>>

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Coming home

Scott Pelley revisits men who served in a Marine company that took especially high casualties in Afghanistan; a group he first met five years ago
Mar 08 2015 - Two and a half million Americans served in Iraq and Afghanistan. And we wondered what's become of them long after they cut down the yellow ribbons and the camo went into hiding in the back of the closet. What do they think of their war? Was coming home the homecoming they hoped for?
Recently, we joined an annual reunion of men that we first met five years ago. It was back in 2009, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion of the 8th Marines, was taking the highest casualties on Afghanistan's most lethal battlefield. When we met them again last summer in Washington we found that their searing experience had made them brothers in war and peace.
We caught up with them on a field trip, part of their Washington reunion. They fell in without uniforms, weapons or the passing of years. They're mostly civilians now gathered in one place they could be together, the place they could say things that had been left unsaid or deliver news of the last five years. Golf Company's Lance Corporal Burrow and Lieutenant Bourgeois were enlisted in the ranks of Arlington National Cemetery. Each stone arch, a gateway through time. read more>>>

VA Continues to Move Into the 21st Century in These Six Years and On

Health care for veterans goes high tech

March 8 2015 - When Barbara Van Dahlen was brainstorming ways to address veterans’ mental-health needs 10 years ago, she was inspired by Craigslist and the way the site made it easy for buyers to find sellers.
“I thought — I should be able to use technology to connect mental-health professionals all over the country with veterans and their families,” said Van Dahlen, a licensed clinical psychologist and president of nonprofit group Give an Hour. The organization gives troops and their families access to free mental-health services through video sessions with a network of volunteers.
Give an Hour was founded in 2005 — when few had heard of “telehealth” and the iPhone did not exist yet.
Fast forward to 2015: The charity now teams up regularly with technology firms to help veterans. It has worked with the likes of Google to reach more veterans through a series of video chats. It paired with Booz Allen Hamilton to analyze program data to better deliver services. And it is exploring a partnership with Doctor on Demand, an app that gives users 15-minute appointments with doctors, virtually.
Technology is critical in overcoming the stigma around mental health issues, said Van Dahlen, who launched a national campaign to raise awareness about the topic in Washington last week. read more>>>

Rising Costs {mostly borrowed} of Caring for Veterans

VA Chief Warns of Rising Cost of Caring for Younger Veterans

The people served actually think that when legislation is passed, poser patriotic enhancing political points for their reps and themselves, it's actually paid for! As to our wars and the long term results after, policy blowback, for the Veterans of, well not since WWII have the people served actually Sacrificed, mostly willingly and across the Nation including veterans depending on political ideologies, thus not building and maintaining, and thus saving in many ways because of, the Responsibility they hold to those very few that served them! Why in these modern times they don't even pay for their flag waving, poser, patriotic wars and think nothing of it, while speaking full support, and who's more patriotic to country, of the few that served, blame the next elected Executive branch leader especially if of opposite political party or if same just ignore!

... two instigated wars whose costs were so inhibitive they were kept off the books, ... The Obama Administration brought this into the open ...
"as well as two ongoing foreign wars, which his predecessor never even tried to pay for. Of course the president is running large deficits; trying to eliminate them now would make an economic catastrophe even worse."

Neither OEF/OIF and the continuing blowback from the policies implemented and supported are yet to be paid for!!

Mar 04, 2015 - Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald told lawmakers on Wednesday that the department is on track to meet two lofty goals set by his predecessor: End the disability claims backlog and veteran homelessness.
But McDonald, in testimony before the veterans' affairs panel of the House Appropriations Committee, offered a laundry list of figures and some projections indicating that whatever victories the VA may achieve in the next year or so, the pieces already are set for the making of another one.
"The cost of fulfilling our obligations to veterans grows over time because veterans demand for service and benefits continues to grow as wars end," he said. "While it's true that the total number of veterans is declining, the number of those seeking care and benefits is increasing dramatically."
The last 14 years of war have seen increasing numbers of today's veterans applying for VA care, which is already striving to meet the care demands of the larger and aging Vietnam veteran population, McDonald said. In 2014, for example, 22 percent of Vietnam veterans received service-connected disability benefits, but that figure is expected to increase. read more>>>

Facts: Matthew Hoh {former Marine and foreign service officer in Afghanistan}: "We spend a trillion dollars a year on national security in this country."
"And when you add up to the Department of Defense, Department of State, CIA, Veterans Affairs, interest on debt, the number that strikes me the most about how much we're committed financially to these wars and to our current policies is we have spent $250 billion already just on interest payments on the debt we've incurred for the Iraq and Afghan wars." 26 September 2014
Bob Herbert "Losing Our Way" : "And then the staggering costs of these wars, which are borne by the taxpayers. I mean, one of the things that was insane was that, as we're at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Bush administration cut taxes. This has never been done in American history. The idea of cutting taxes while you're going to war is just crazy. I mean, it's madness." Bill 'Moyers and Company': Restoring an America That Has Lost its Way 10 Oct. 2014

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

And what else do those served get away with, through the representatives they hire, to avoid their Responsibility? Why they choose the easy ways out, just like they do in arguing their, poser, patriotism,, they either just totally ignore the Veterans during and after on an ever growing list of issues or they follow the written and spoken so called experts, usually politically motivated while getting comfortable return in wealth from the denial these issues even exist and that link is just about PTS. The homefront battles continue for Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome, OEF/OIF Burn Pits and oh so many more reaching back to surviving WWII Veterans right up to today. Many were Finally being addressed when Gen Shinseki came onboard, with the still extremely limited budget funding, and with extended help by the Executive administration and it's Cabinet where their charges could be integrated on long standing Veterans issues, that continues under Sec. McDonald but so does the Congressional obstructions and attacks, even from those served, as it continues causing costly problems that create other costly problems. Those problems are extremely helpful for political enhancing points of the people served representatives and given eager media backing as new{?} 'scandals' that have been seen before over and over and not corrected after, attack, hearings on!

Speaking of the politics and those served support of same but ignoring so they don't have to Sacrifice:

ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - * Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans *
While under both bushes:
"DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War."

Part Two: * A Son Lost in Iraq, but Where Is the Casualty Report? *

* Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort *

Chris Hayes: "If you can run a deficit to go to war, you can run a deficit to take care of the people who fought it" In response to Republican, long ago lost as the party of Lincoln and not just as to us Veterans, opposition to expanding Veterans' benefits on fiscal grounds

New webpage allows vets with PTSD to apply for discharge upgrade

December 17, 2014 - Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who were discharged under “other than honorable” conditions can apply on a new webpage to have their discharge upgraded if it was due to PTSD.
Veterans can go to the site to get information about applying for a change in status through the Army Review Boards Agency.
The Army says it is committed to making sure the veterans receive fair consideration of their service and the conditions that may have mitigated the misconduct that led to their discharge, he said. The Army launched the site in accordance with a Department of Defense memorandum from September. According to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, PTSD was not recognized as a diagnosis at the time of service in past conflicts such as the Vietnam War. read more>>>

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart and innovative investment!

U.S. Veterans Training For Solar Installation Army

February 18, 2015 - U.S. military veterans are being urged to join the ranks of America’s solar army by signing up to a new Energy Department solar job training pilot program.
The initiative has been designed to help members transition from active service into new careers as installation specialists, electricians and sales consultants.
The program is part of the DoE’s SunShot Solar Instructor Training Network, which aims to add 50,000 photovoltaic installers, building inspectors and other solar workers to the industry by 2020.
Three military bases have answered the call through a SkillsBridge initiative, which offers no-cost training for serving personnel during their final six months of duty.
Trainees will be drilled in the sizing and installation of solar power systems and developing other related solar skills.
“As more homes and businesses across America choose solar power for their electricity needs, the solar industry is growing rapidly, and demand for highly skilled solar workers is on the rise,” said Minh Le, director, SunShot Initiative. read more>>>

So Many Wars, So Many War Debts Unpaid

150 yrs. ago: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle”

150th anniversary of President Lincoln's second Inaugural address

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." - Abraham Lincoln

March 4, 2015 - I first came to VA’s central office 22 years ago to interview for an opening in the public affairs office. I was tense and nervous, as it was yet another of many interviews in a five-month-long job search.
Then, as if it was meant to happen, as I walked in front of VA headquarters, President Lincoln gave me the boost I needed.
Right there on the front of the building at eye level was our 16th president’s famous charge to all Americans – “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.”
Even then, I marveled at the fact that in 1865 President Lincoln wrote one of the shortest and most perfect mission statements in history, for a federal agency that would not begin to exist until 65 years later. read more>>>

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veteran Information

U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)

U.S. Department of Justice Strengthening Our Military Families & Veteran Recruitment

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing {HUD-VASH}

Oscars 2015: Who Dana Perry Is and Why She Want Us to Pay Attention to Suicide

Oscar and 'Veterans Press 1'

Suicide in not new! Many issues in human life can bring on someone to take that route of self destruction! Veterans suicides aren't new, but are helped towards, especially in war theater veterans, by the ease in which those they served ignored the issues like Post Traumatic Stress {PTS} of war theaters, along with ignoring so many other issues, finally being addressed through the VA under Sec. Shinseki and continuing under Sec. McDonald with the continued help from an entire Executive Administration and it's Cabinet. So many of our brothers from Vietnam and Korea choose that route, not only suffering from PTS but the other issues as well, as the Country served ran from their responsibilities in fully funding the Agency they promised to the few who serve them, so they cope not cure from issues like PTS! That decades long, and wars from, under funding brings about constant costly problems that are turned into 'scandals', for the media political hype and the peoples representatives, who control the Countries purse strings of funding it's needs, own political enhancement as they attack the mostly Dedicated VA personal, thank god for the constant flow of young to old volunteer's! A few, so called experts, in their health care fields enriched themselves, in a number of ways, by feeding the needed 'proof' that these issues, like PTS, didn't even exist so the people and through their representatives needn't Sacrifice themselves! Talk of Veterans Suicides have come to light with these two recent long conflicts, once again, like so many other issues the VA and DoD taking the blame, from the people served and through their representatives who in turn feed the, very wealthy and extremely low taxed, media meme's, none looking in their mirrors at the real problems and who's actually creating the oft repeated and returned to 'scandals' so brazenly hyped!

My Congratulations to the Producers of and the voters who not only Nominated but blessed them with the 'WIN' on this Documentary not many will probably see, doesn't fit the political FOX speak meme's, after all they're getting 'American Sniper' also nominated all wrong in the message that should be learned in their poser patriotism, nor has there been much reporting, local and national, about. Just the same on who wore what and attacks or praise on who said what, from an apathetic society, unwilling to Sacrifice!

Neal Simon: 'Veterans Press 1'

“Veterans Press 1” takes viewers into the responders’ cubicles as they connect with veterans coping with everything from depression and divorce, to anger and anxiety. Often, the callers are teetering along the twin cliff edges of disillusionment and destruction. Many calls are routine, if that word is app...
Feb. 22, 2015 - Sometime tonight, tucked into the glitzy and glamorous celebration of all things movies, presenters will announce the Academy Award winner for Best Short Documentary film of 2014. And then, amidst the starlets in designer gowns, the leading men in tuxes, the acclaimed directors with shelves full of trophies in Malibu mansions and the Tinseltown blockbusters like “American Sniper,” a small film with a wide heart may take center stage for a few minutes. If that happens, if “Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1” wins the best short documentary Oscar, Hollywood’s bright lights will shine on a Hornell High School graduate and her 250 Veterans Administration colleagues who are employed at the national VA suicide hotline in Canandaigua.
The HBO film captures the crucial work of the highly-trained VA staff as they field some 1,000 calls a day from veterans, active service personnel and military family members.
The film — which was produced by Dana Perry and directed by Ellen Goosenberg Kent — was shot over about nine months in 2012. The filmmakers were embedded, a couple days at a time, in the non-descript government building in Ontario County. Their camera lens documents with unflinching honesty the heartbreak, the tensions and the triumphs at the crisis hotline center.
“Veterans Press 1” takes viewers into the responders’ cubicles as they connect with veterans coping with everything from depression and divorce, to anger and anxiety. read more>>>

Feb 23, 2015 - While accepting the Oscar for best documentary short subject, producer Dana Perry said suicide should be talked about "out loud," dedicating the award to her son.
During her acceptance speech on behalf of "Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1," the music abruptly cut off when Perry mentioned her son, Evan Scott Perry, who committed suicide at age 15 in 2005.
"I lost my son," Perry told reporters after the speech. "We need to talk about suicide out loud to try to work against the stigma and silence around suicide because the best prevention for suicide is awareness and discussion and not trying sweep it under the rug."
Perry also mentioned veteran suicide in her Oscar speech, which she called "a crisis." Tonight's Oscar-winning HBO documentary, directed by Perry and Ellen Goosenberg Kent, is about the Department of Veterans Affairs' 24-hour call center for veterans. read more>>>

Filmmakers put veterans and suicide in spotlight

February 23, 2015 - Two filmmakers who won an Oscar for their documentary on a suicide hotline used their acceptance speech to urge troubled veterans to receive help.
Dana Perry and Ellen Goosenberg Kent spent months at the Department of Veterans Affairs' suicide hotline headquarters filming Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1, which showed the dedicated efforts staffers make to prevent veterans from killing themselves. Their Oscar on Sunday night was for best documentary short subject.
Perry mentioned her 15-year-old son, who had killed himself. "We should talk about suicide out loud," Perry said.
VA Secretary Robert McDonald praised the HBO documentary for highlighting "the challenges our veterans can face and the work of our dedicated Veterans Crisis Line staff." read more>>>

February 23, 2015 - Statement from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald on Oscar Win for HBO Documentary Highlighting Life-Saving Work of Veterans Crisis Line

America's longest war ended, fyi; but shared sacrifice wasn't part of it

VA's Veterans Crisis Line Saves Lives Every Day

February 19, 2015 - Caring, Confidential Responders Always There
VA’s Veterans Crisis Line has answered over 1,625,000 calls.
That’s more than a million-and-a-half times a Veteran has felt suicidal or depressed or lost and decided to call for help…and the Crisis Line was there.
It’s a crisis too many of our wounded warriors face.
The Crisis Line has sent over 45,000 rescues to assist callers with emergency services. That means that when our trained responders know the caller is in a serious crisis and they can’t calm them down or convince them to go to a VA hospital and see a Suicide Prevention Coordinator, they call the closest local emergency personnel to go to that Veteran’s home and help them.
And that has happened 45,000 times. read more>>>

Veterans Courts, Unique Brand of Justice

In Veterans Courts, prosecutors become social workers for the accused

February 24, 2015 - Since the main job of district attorneys is to indict and prosecute criminals, you might find it odd that many of those prosecutors are whole-hearted supporters of a system that acts to treat — not to punish — the problems of one class of offenders: veterans. I recently spent a few weeks looking into special courts for veterans, courts that have been set up in 220 communities around the nation both as a kind of payback for the sacrifices of vets, and as a center where those vets arrested for various offences can get help. The surprising thing I found was that DAs have gone along with public defenders, veterans organizations, judges, probation officers and a variety of social workers in supporting this unique brand of justice.
In San Francisco, the DA is former police chief George Gascon, a Cuban-born American who served in the U.S Army. He says: “These are people that have put their life on the line, many die … And I think when our veterans come back, and they are harmed in the process, then we as a society, as a nation, we owe them that support, and that includes the criminal justice system.”

snip
After appearing in veterans court they are studied by a bevy of workers; they are evaluated by social workers and psychiatrists, they are examined by medical professionals and counseled by Veterans Affairs workers. Many show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder; many abuse drugs and alcohol; large numbers are homeless. Using federal and local money, the gang of helpers tries to attack these problems in each individual, who in turn must check in with the court on a weekly basis. From what I could see in court, and in the VA center where much of the “help” occurs, most of the vets themselves are enthusiastic to get a new chance to clean up. read more>>>

Veterans Treatment Courts {two page pdf fact sheet}

Justice for Vets

Veterans Court Resource Guide

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

C-123 Vets Could Win Changes On Agent Orange Exposure Soon

Read New Gulf War Newsletter

Proactive Pain Management: 10 Ways to Manage Your Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can last a long period of time, even if it comes and goes. This is something that many adults suffer from, and it is one of the symptoms often reported by Gulf War Veterans. In fact, nearly all Gulf War Veterans referred to the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) report chronic pain as one of their top complaints.
The Fastest Way to Get a Disability Claim Decision
If you’re a Veteran who needs to file a disability compensation claim for the first time or you need to submit a new claim for a previous service-related condition, there is now a faster, easier way to get a claim decision. With the help of your local Veterans Service Officer, you can file an electronic claim, eClaim, through eBenefits and get a faster VA decision.
Gulf War Registry: Three Reasons to Participate read more w/backlinks>>>

C-123 AO Exposed Vets Issue Could Finally Be Resolved Soon

Another part of the of the, so many other issues as well that are ignored or out right denied, including recent war theater issues, by those served and through their Representatives, Agent Orange issue. Finally had started to be addressed, budgets still grossly under funded and mostly borrowed, under Sec. Shinseki, with help from the Executive Branch and it's Cabinet agencies where applicable on many ignored issues, continues under Sec. McDonald. Will conservatives in Congress, as they continue seeking privatization for corporate profit of the peoples responsibility, go along or continue obstructing as they have for decades and wars from! So many brothers, and sisters, have passed on from the issues long ignored by those they served, RIP now!!

26 February 2015 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it will make an announcement next week about treatment for Air Force reservists who may have been exposed to Agent Orange after Vietnam. Ohio U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown has joined the chorus of voices asking for a policy change.
Agent Orange is a defoliate that was used in the Vietnam War which was found to have serious health consequences. Courtesy of U.S. Army
As many as 2,100 people who worked on C-123 cargo planes in the Air Force reserves could have been exposed to Agent Orange residues in the 1970s, after those planes had been used in Vietnam to spray the toxic defoliant. The planes weren’t thoroughly cleaned before being reused in the reserves in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. One C-123 that was finally retired to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force was decontaminated by contractors in the 1990s before going on display inside a hangar.
Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Columbus was one of the sites that flew C-123s for medical and other missions, and a growing group of former reservists has been asking the VA for recognition for health conditions that could be related to dioxin, the toxin in Agent Orange. read more>>>

Just one of the, oh so many, issues of finally recognizing from War Theaters and Veterans of, by the Sec. Shinseki Veterans Administration, continuing under Sec. McDonald, and with needed help from this Executive Administration and Cabinet. Decades long under funded VA budgets, especially during and long after our wars, from Congress and brushed aside in previous Executive Administrations, what the Country choose to ignore or out right deny, and that's just PTS, from our previous decades and wars of!! Adding this long battle of Veterans C-123 Vets Could Win Changes On Agent Orange Exposure Soon, will Congress, they control the purse strings and obligations, and the Country represented go along with, especially of conservative ideologies, or will that battle continue as the brothers die off along with some of their children continue suffering from, as budgets continue being obstructed!

10 things every Veteran should know about Agent Orange

1. Agent Orange was a herbicide and defoliant used in Vietnam read more>>>
2. Any Veteran who served anywhere in Vietnam during the war is presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. read more>>>
3. VA has linked several diseases and health conditions to Agent Orange exposure. read more>>>
4. Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation must file a claim. read more>>>
5. VA offers health care benefits for Veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service. read more>>>
6. Participating in an Agent Orange Registry health exam helps you, other Veterans and VA. read more>>>
7. VA recognizes and offers support for the children of Veterans affected by Agent Orange who have birth defects. read more>>>
8. Vietnam Veterans are not the only Veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange. read more>>>
9. VA continues to conduct research on the long-term health effects of Agent Orange in order to better care for all Veterans. read more>>>
10. VA contracts with an independent, non-governmental organization to review the scientific and medical information on the health effects of Agent Orange. read more about each>>>

The Country served has 'failed' to build their Responsibility to those who served and serve them, thus creating the often repeated and expanded costly problems within of which it's representatives hold repeated, for the media and personal political points, hearings and don't fulfill their charged employment duties, instead attacking the VA personal as they continue obstructing the needed costs to actually fix developed problems!! The devastating effects on Test Vets and from PTS, Agent Orange, Homelessness, more recent the Desert Storm troops Gulf War Illnesses, Gulf War Exposures with the very recent affects from In-Theater Burn Pits and oh so so much more! Tens of Thousands of Veterans' that have been long ignored and maligned by previous VA's and the whole Country and through their Representatives including previous Executive Administrations. Let the Veterans fight the Homefront battles for what the Country promises and die off, out of sight out of mind! Conservatives, especially extremists, ideology is to privatize, the Peoples Responsibility, for corporate profit the VA and all of Government!

50 Years After American Troops Land on 'Nam O Beach', A New Vietnam Flourishes

On the beach where US troops landed 50 years ago, a new Vietnam flourishes

28 February 2015 - A solitary fisherman crouches in the surf, his eyes skimming the surface for signs of movement in the shallows. A conical hat protects him from the afternoon sun. He is alone on the beach, which lies 14km north of the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang. Behind him, flies swarm around rubbish strewn across the sand. To a passerby it wouldn’t occur that anything of significance had ever happened here.
It was on this unremarkable stretch of Nam O Beach where, at 9.03am on 8 March 1965, 3,500 US marines disembarked from their landing crafts and waded on to Vietnam’s shores, becoming the first American ground troops to arrive in the country.
At the time, the US-backed government in South Vietnam was suffering from power struggles among its leadership and troops were deserting its army. Communist forces from North Vietnam were taking advantage, advancing down the Ho Chi Minh trail and gaining control in the countryside. Viet Cong guerrillas had attacked a US compound in the Central Highlands in February. Now, they were approaching Da Nang. General William Westmoreland requested two battalions of US marines to provide support, and at this crucial turning point, President Lyndon B Johnson agreed. read more>>>

'Did they survive?': children of the Vietnam war, 50 years on

Just after this picture was taken, these boys were evacuated from their village. Nearly half a century later, would American veterans be able to find them?
Larry Johns was 14, and in a school gym class, when he learned his brother had died. It was September 1969 and President Nixon had recently taken office, swearing to end the hugely unpopular war that was raging in Vietnam. The nation was already fervently polarised, and protesters were leading large rallies on the streets and university campuses of America. Larry’s older brother Jeff had been shipped out to a reconnaissance unit 35 miles north-west of Saigon on a mission to end the war. He’d only been gone five months when he was shipped back home in a sealed casket fastened down with a US flag.
“It was an accident,” says Larry, nearly 50 years on. “But those kinds of accidents happened all the time.”
After serving in the navy and then establishing himself in the book-printing business, Larry began seeking out veterans who had served in the same base camp as his brother. The army had been largely silent on the details behind his death, so Larry dug for photographs and details. Bit by bit he learned the truth: Jeff, then 19, had been in a group of soldiers sent out to the perimeter of their base camp to fit a 40lb shaped charge, an explosive intended to ward off enemy Vietnamese soldiers. But artillery blasts from the camp had caused a heavy static electricity that detonated the charge by accident, killing eight men. Severed fingers, limbs and shreds of uniform had rained down all over the camp. Only two of the eight bodies had remained partially intact, Larry later learned, and one of them was Jeff’s. read more>>>

50 years on, veterans find healing by returning to Vietnam to help

March 6, 2015 - Fifty years since the first major American combat unit was deployed to Vietnam, the lethal legacies of war still haunt generations of civilians in that country. Special correspondent Mike Cerre, who served in that conflict, reports from Danang about some Americans who have returned in hopes of making a difference.
Fifty years ago this week, the U.S. began its Rolling Thunder bombing campaign in what was then North Vietnam. It was followed by the landing of the first major combat units in South Vietnam on March 8, 1965.
Special correspondent Mike Cerre went back to the site of the initial Marine landing in Da Nang, and met a group of American veterans who have returned to the country to fight a very different battle.
MIKE CERRE: As the first major American combat unit deployed to Vietnam in 1965, the Ninth Marine Expeditionary Brigade landed in Da Nang. The Marines landed with only their packs on their backs on a limited mission to protect the strategic air base in Da Nang.
The landing was deceptively quick and peaceful. read more>>>

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Until They Are Home

Airmen Missing From WWII Accounted For
February 24, 2015 - The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced yesterday that the remains of U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been accounted for and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
Army Air Forces 1st Lts. William D. Bernier of Augusta, Montana; Bryant E. Poulsen of Salt Lake City, Utah; Herbert V. Young Jr. of Clarkdale, Arizona and Tech Sgts. Charles L. Johnston of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Hugh F. Moore of Elkton, Maryland and Staff Sgts. John E. Copeland of Dearing, Kansas; Charles J. Jones of Athens, Georgia; and Sgt. Charles A. Gardner of San Francisco, California, have been accounted for and buried with full military honors. Jones will be buried Feb. 28 in Athens, Georgia and Johnston will be buried March 2 in Arlington National Cemetery. On March 18, there will be a group burial service at Arlington National Cemetery honoring Poulsen, Copeland and the other crew members. Bernier was buried Sept. 19, 2014, in his hometown. Young was buried Oct. 15, 2014, in Prescott, Arizona Moore was buried on Nov. 11, 2014, in his hometown. Gardner was buried on Dec. 4, 2014 in Arlington National Cemetery. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - January 2015

2015-02-05T15:08:00.000-05:00

‘Children of the Fallen’

Introduction: The making of The Washington Post’s ‘Children of the Fallen’

Avery and Alaya Alexander, 9: Fatherless from the start.
January 20 2015 - Over the weekend, several of my colleagues and I published a very ambitious project called Children of the Fallen: 14 portraits of children whose parents died during the conflict in Afghanistan, the longest war in U.S. history.
But our original idea was far simpler. We wanted to profile just one child, the son of Johnny “Mike” Spann, a CIA paramilitary officer killed in a prison uprising in Afghanistan — and the very first American to die in the conflict. His son was just a baby when he died. My editor, Lynda Robinson, who helms The Post’s local enterprise team, wanted to profile the way his father’s absence had shaped this boy’s life as a way of offering a different perspective on the impact of the war.
Calvin Davis, 6, is shown at his Menifee, Calif., home on Nov. 19. His father, Marine Staff Sgt. Jonathan D. Davis, died in Afghanistan in 2013. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)
I had just interviewed Spann’s widow, Shannon, that spring for a story about the CIA’s Memorial Wall. But when I called Shannon and pitched her on letting us profile her son, she was reluctant. She lives in a new state, works in a different job and enjoys her newfound privacy.
So Lynda came up with a different idea: Instead of focusing on a single child, we’d write short narratives about 14 kids, one for each year since 9/11. In the end, “Children of the Fallen” contains 14 vignettes about 17 kids, whose ages range from 6 to 34 and who live all across the country. (For some years, we chose to focus on a set of siblings.) read more>>>

Children of the Fallen: Portraits of Loss

The knock at the door. The shock and grief that followed. An absence that lasts a lifetime.
Much of the country grew weary of the longest war in U.S. history years ago. But for the hundreds of children who lost parents in Afghanistan, the conflict that began 26 days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks will never really end. They continue to pay the cost of war with the cheers they won’t hear from the soccer sidelines, the hugs they won’t get at their high school graduations, the arms they won’t clasp down the aisle at their weddings. read more w/links to each>>>

Portraits: One for each year of the Afghanistan war

NATO holds ceremony closing Afghan mission Event carried out in secret due to threat of Taliban strikes in Afghan capital, which has been hit by repeated bombings

28 Dec 2014 - NATO has held a ceremony in Kabul formally ending its war in Afghanistan, officials said, after 13 years of conflict and gradual troop withdrawals that have left the country in the grip of worsening conflicts with armed groups. read more>>>

US-led coalition marks end of 'longest war' in Afghanistan

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,485 coalition deaths -- 2,356 Americans, 41 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 10 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 40 Poland, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of November 3 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 20,065 up to Dec. 30, 2014 {20,048 up to December 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

icasualties.org OEF - Operation Enduring Freedom

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

Obama, Hagel Mark End of Operation Enduring Freedom

December 28, 2014 - Obama marks end of combat in Afghanistan

Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel

Ending America's longest war

Jan 04, 2015 - Lara Logan reports from Afghanistan on the future of the country as the U.S.-led coalition draws down its forces read more>>>

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

icasualties.org Operation Iraqi Freedom

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pres. Bush: “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated”

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

* * * CIA Torture: Read the Senate Intelligence Committee report * * *

In a Democracy: 'Citizens must know what is done in their name'

Human rights groups call for special prosecutor to investigate CIA torture

22 December 2014 - The ACLU and Human Rights Watch say the offences amount to ‘a vast criminal conspiracy’ and are ‘shocking and corrosive’ to US democracy and credibility read more>>>

* * * Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses * * *

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

December 22 2014 - American taxpayers have shelled out roughly $1.6 trillion on war spending since 9/11, according to a new report from Congress’ nonpartisan research arm. That’s roughly $337 million a day -- or nearly a quarter million dollars a minute -- every single day for 13 years. read more>>>

“With no shared sacrifices being asked of civilians after Sept. 11"

* * * Operation United Assistance * * *

* * * DoD Helps Fight EBOLA in West Africa * * *

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Michelle Obama - 'American Sniper' and What Eastwood Hasn't Said

What Eastwood should have said instead of staying completely silent! As the FOX speak intolerant, mostly 'chickenhawks', many calling themselves christians, so comfortable and oh so brave sitting at their keyboards and Not In Combat Theaters, though many saying their ready to go, NOT, who have yet to pay for these wars and, DeJa-Vu, the long term results from them, the grossly underfunded VA for decades and wars from, including the growth in the blowback from the policies they fully supported 'In All Our Names', started ramping up their continued hate of all others:

"While I know there have been critics, I felt that, more often than not, this film touches on many of the emotions and experiences that I've heard firsthand from military families over these past few years," she said. "This movie reflects those wrenching stories that I've heard -- the complex journeys that our men and women in uniform endure. The complicated moral decisions they are tasked with every day. The stresses of balancing love of family with a love of country. And the challenges of transitioning back home to their next mission in life."

Eastwood has yet to speak, reaping even greater extremely low taxed, starting with both wars and added to throughout, wealth from as they flock to the theaters, as he's one of them, talking to chairs and with the FOX, pointed hate, speak so popular among them all!!! My take from the marketing teaser clips for the movie is that was a main theme the movie was supposed to be focused on, the inner battles of many sent into war theaters and their return from, not any hero bravado only seen by many waving their, poser, patriotic flags!!

Michelle Obama weighs in on "American Sniper"

January 30, 2015 - First Lady Michelle Obama on Friday praised the recently-released movie "American Sniper," a film about a soldier in the Iraq War that's become a flashpoint between liberals and conservatives.
At an event with film industry leaders focused on expanding the public's understanding of veterans' issues, Mrs. Obama said she had a chance to watch "American Sniper" on Air Force One.

Mrs. Obama said her perspective on veterans' issues has been changed after meeting with veterans and military families personally. "But for all those folks in America who don't have these kinds of opportunities, films and TV are often the best way we have to share those stories," she said. read more>>>

Chris Kyle took it on himself to bury his own nightmares by using the dangerous weapons he became extremely comfortable with, that shouldn't be so easy to obtain in a civil society, and thought it was a great idea to try and help ease the effects of PTS, long ignored with many other issues and outright denied, his own, and of others on the firing range with fully loaded semi's that are one of many triggers for many especially without proper care to bring on their nightmares. Now the veteran, Eddie Ray Routh who had been diagnosed with PTSD who killed him is awaiting trial, next month, because of those choices!!

As one, female Veteran, who assembled bombs for F16s in the Persian Gulf and Iraq, said in a CBS report the other night:

January 29, 2015 - She wrote that she's proud of her service but added this: "That doesn't change the fact that I contributed - however indirectly - to human beings vanishing from the earth in a moment of sheer agony." Portraits of War - Understanding the True Cost of War - 100 Faces

A biography of PTSD. A new study finds that veterans suffering from PTSD goes back nearly as far as warfare itself. Author David Morris joins Patrick Murphy to talk about his new book

The American Sniper You Didn't Hear About

27 January 15 - One American sniper called Iraqi natives “savages,” compared them to American welfare recipients, and bragged about looting their homes after killing them. Another American sniper became so disgusted by what he had done that he started the first-ever antiwar blog, and is actively encouraging his fellow soldiers to use their First Amendment rights to speak out against what he calls an “illegal occupation” in Iraq. Guess which one had a blockbuster movie made about him, and which one got ignored? read more>>>

Feb 1, 2015 - I was an American sniper, and Chris Kyle’s war was not my war

Feb 4, 2015 - “The truth is unspeakable”: A real American sniper unloads on “American Sniper”

As to Chris Kyle's war record claims, not to say he isn't truthful, but:

ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans

And as to two previous Presidents {CiC's}, Father and Son, and three War Theaters, this from the just above link:

"DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War."

Part Two: A Son Lost in Iraq, but Where Is the Casualty Report?

Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort

* * * Got Your 6 * * *

‘Section 60,’ at Arlington

New webpage allows vets with PTSD to apply for discharge upgrade

December 17, 2014 - Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who were discharged under “other than honorable” conditions can apply on a new webpage to have their discharge upgraded if it was due to PTSD.
Veterans can go to the site to get information about applying for a change in status through the Army Review Boards Agency.
The Army says it is committed to making sure the veterans receive fair consideration of their service and the conditions that may have mitigated the misconduct that led to their discharge, he said. The Army launched the site in accordance with a Department of Defense memorandum from September. According to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, PTSD was not recognized as a diagnosis at the time of service in past conflicts such as the Vietnam War. read more>>>

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart and innovative investment!

So Many Wars, So Many War Debts Unpaid

Pat Hynes: A Vietnam War debt that remains unpaid

February 4, 2015 - The Paris Peace Accords were signed Jan. 27, 1973, making possible a re-united Vietnam. The peace accords ended eight years of the American War (as it is known to the Vietnamese) and two prior decades of covert warfare against this small, agrarian Asian country. For much of the American public, the war was a bitterly divisive issue to put behind them.
With no good ending, why dwell on or learn from or lose sleep over Vietnam, unless you had lost a loved one or were a veteran haunted by its violence?
In the Paris peace negotiations President Nixon agreed to pay Vietnam $3.25 billion for reconstruction aid; however, he was impeached before this agreement was honored. The following two post-war presidents — Ford and Carter — refused to enforce it and Congress then annulled the agreement.
Our government then set out to punish Vietnam, working to hinder its entry into the United Nation, initiating an economic and trade embargo and blocking aid from international agencies, until 2000. Some have labeled this period of penalizing the country that defeated us, the second American War in Vietnam.
Last March, I traveled through Vietnam from Hanoi to Da Nang in central Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). The purpose of my journey was to investigate the plight of third and fourth generation Agent Orange-dioxin victims, the fate of contaminated sites from the war and what is being done to overcome the legacy of the 12 million gallons of Agent Orange our military sprayed on upland forests, coastal mangroves and villages from 1961-1971. read more>>>

Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, nor the continued blowback from the spread and growth from the policies implemented!

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veteran Information

U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)

U.S. Department of Justice Strengthening Our Military Families & Veteran Recruitment

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

HUD-VA PROGRAM THAT SERVES HOMELESS VETERANS TO EXPAND INTO NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITIES FOR THE FIRST TIME

February 2, 2015 - Today the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that the HUD and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program that helps homeless veterans find permanent supportive housing will, for the first time, expand directly into Native American communities. This support for veterans is provided through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by VA.
The HUD-VASH program will now be opened to tribes so they may directly serve Native American veterans living on or near tribal lands. To expand the HUD-VASH program, $4 million will be invested specifically to support Native American veterans experiencing homelessness by providing them with secure housing and connecting them with clinical services and case management. This groundbreaking new effort will expand opportunity for approximately 650 veterans who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“Ensuring that our men and women who served in uniform receive the care and support they’ve earned is a national responsibility,” said HUD SecretaryJulián Castro. “But for too long, fulfilling that responsibility to many Native American veterans has been borne by Indian Country alone. We’re changing that this year.” read more>>>

The Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing {HUD-VASH}

Tories leave Canada’s battle-scarred veterans in the lurch: Editorial

Not just American Veterans are being left, not only homeless but in lack of sacrifice by those served, behind once service to Country is done:

Homeless Veterans: The hidden homeless who live at Heathrow Airport, and much more on 'The Independent' Homeless Veterans appeal!

Homelessness, it isn't only the many problems facing Veterans here in America, and elsewhere, often just ignored or out right denied they exist, think also Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome to name but a few of the oh so many issues. But see if you're homeless, veteran or not, you're a lazy bum according to conservative, see just above 'tory', ideology and speak, if a Veteran you're obviously a free loader on the society as a whole, so they shouldn't be forced into funding that, Sacrifice!

February 3 2015 - Clay Hunt veterans suicide prevention act passes in Senate, will head to White House

Getting much political press the past couple of days is this: FEB. 3, 2015 - Preventing Suicides Among Veterans Is at Center of Bill Passed by Senate. Will it help in stemming the tide of the numbers of suicides among Veterans, more talked about the present from two long wars and occupations, having abandoned the missions and those sent to accomplish so very quickly after 9/11, then the legions of from past decades and wars from. They sell it as being funded yet no one has demanded it's long past time for those served to Sacrifice themselves, especially the wealthy among us who added to that growing wealth through investments in the defense industry, i.e. the wars. But it adds to the long needed infusion of more Veterans Administration funding recently passed that had been defeated previously and thus watered down with the final passage. Back when first defeated Sen. Bernie Sanders told Congressional Conservatives this: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014.

By the way, neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, nor the continued blowback from the spread and growth from the policies implemented! Without 'Sacrifice' by those served the funding is mostly borrowed with interest payments and added costly problems caused.

But once again the issues that lead many towards possibly taking their own lives were quite frankly ignored or just plain outright denied, through the representatives of, so the people served didn't see the need to 'sacrifice' themselves.

My take on this legislation, after all the praise for dies down, even from fellow veterans, is that it'll join much of the rest collecting dust and forgotten, Until the time arises, and it does extremely often, when the peoples representatives hold, not helpful, hearings to rather attack the VA personal hearings for not completely implementing no matter how they tried with the, results of wars enhancing, grossly under funded budgets, those served responsibility through those who control the countries purse strings their representatives in both houses!

Suicide among our Veterans population is not new, but has been much of what leads to largely ignored for decades and especially related to war theaters, like so much more!

As the Obama Administration came in they were tasked to deal with the already dangerous two long wars and occupations, along with so much more like the collapsed economy. One area not ignored were the returning Soldiers and their Families along with those discharging and joining our Veterans Community ranks. Bringing in Gen Shinseki, target on him already for speaking Military truth to the previous CiC and peoples Representatives. Like many before him he came in to oversee an Agency that was grossly under funded especially in relation to the war policies engaged in by others and not fully funded nor properly overseen by previous Veterans Administration Secretaries, under Clinton Cleland tried but was often blocked in moving the agency forward, and an Agency, the People Served Responsibility, not built on their Promises, thus constantly causing extremely costly problems, called 'scandals' by the Peoples, conservative, Representatives who control the Nations purse strings, usually the same over and over from previous Congresses.

Being a Vietnam Veteran himself he knew the pitfalls and battles Veterans have fought for years, those served and their reps not blaming themselves but the VA agency mostly dedicated employee's in every area tasked under the VA administration, thankfully there have always been plenty of volunteers giving aid to staffs and the tasks charged to perform and the veterans within. He took on the decades long ignored issues that Congress saw fit not to fund. They might throw a few million every now and then for studies, mostly to private firms, they knew the results wanted would be reported in, thus no actual Sacrifice by those served, i.e. taxes and especially for the wealthy who added to with defense and war investments. They also used writing and speeches by, mostly following political lines, so called experts as their talking points to deny issues even existed, it was all in the heads or previous conditions of each individual veteran. So much needed proper care wasn't available and Veterans were left to wage battles on the homefront many often dying from what was ignored or denied.

Those below are just some that the General {retired} and his staff started addressing, still grossly under funded and wasting needed funds on problems created by that under funding, these issues with help from the Obama Executive Administration and Cabinet agencies when they could partner up on similar issues along with those around the Executive branch. After that target finally succeeded in his ouster it was feared much of that advancing forward, as promised but never fulfilled by the country served, might come to an end. But with the pick by the President {CiC} of Secretary Robert A. McDonald that's so far looks like he's proceeding where Gen Shinseki left off and with the infusion, still mostly borrowed, of more funds continuing to improve the agency. Left so far behind, and constantly under attack, for so long.

Promoting and Protecting the Health of Veterans and VA staff

Agent Orange

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

Burn Pits

Radiation

Camp Lejeune

More on Other Exposures >>>

Agent Orange-Related Diseases

Viral Hepatitis

HIV/AIDS

Seasonal Flu

Ebola Virus Disease

More on Other Diseases >>>

You can find much more information on the Veterans Administration Public Health Site Page >>>

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Until They Are Home

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - December 2014

2015-01-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

With all the consumer holiday hype, even the FOX speak christian war{?} on christmas was back and the military and us veterans were used as marketing tools, the following happened with barely a whimper from the media and the country served. Reminding many of how extremely quickly we Abandoned the Missions and those sent to Accomplish after 9/11, with almost full flag waving, poser patriotic, support, some 70%plus, for the policies, and all that was carried out under same, of an added, still unpaid for in many ways, invasion and long occupation!

NATO holds ceremony closing Afghan mission Event carried out in secret due to threat of Taliban strikes in Afghan capital, which has been hit by repeated bombings

28 Dec 2014 - NATO has held a ceremony in Kabul formally ending its war in Afghanistan, officials said, after 13 years of conflict and gradual troop withdrawals that have left the country in the grip of worsening conflicts with armed groups.
The event was carried out on Sunday in secret due to the threat of Taliban strikes in the Afghan capital, which has been hit by repeated suicide bombings and gun attacks over recent years.
On January 1, the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission will be replaced by a NATO "training and support" mission.
"Resolute Support will serve as the bedrock of an enduring partnership" between NATO and Afghanistan, Campbell told an audience of Afghan and international military officers and officials, as well as diplomats and journalists.

snip
"In just a few days, our combat mission in Afghanistan will be over," US President Barack Obama said in his Christmas Day address. "Our longest war will come to a responsible end".
Sunday's ceremony completes the gradual handover of responsiblity to the 350,000-strong Afghan forces, who have been in charge of nationwide security since the middle of last year. read more>>>

US-led coalition marks end of 'longest war' in Afghanistan

* * * Operation Resolute Support * * *

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,485 coalition deaths -- 2,356 Americans, 41 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 10 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 40 Poland, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of November 3 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 20,065 up to Dec. 30, 2014 {20,048 up to December 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class Ramon S. Morris, 37, of New York, New York, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the enemy attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. December 12, 2014

Spc. Wyatt J. Martin, 22, of Mesa, Arizona, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the enemy attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. December 12, 2014

Staff Sgt. Matthew R. Ammerman, 29, of Noblesville, Indiana, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from small arms fire while conducting a clearing operation. December 3, 2014

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

Obama, Hagel Mark End of Operation Enduring Freedom

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2014 – President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel each issued statements today marking the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan.
After 13 years of combat operations, Operation Enduring Freedom drew to a close today in a ceremony at the International Security and Assistance Force headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan.
“Today's ceremony in Kabul marks a milestone for our country,” Obama said. “For more than 13 years, ever since nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken from us on 9/11, our nation has been at war in Afghanistan. Now, thanks to the extraordinary sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, our combat mission in Afghanistan is ending, and the longest war in American history is coming to a responsible conclusion.”
“At the end of this year,” Hagel said, “as our Afghan partners assume responsibility for the security of their country, the United States officially concludes Operation Enduring Freedom. … In 2015, we begin our follow-on mission -- Operation Freedom's Sentinel -- to help secure and build upon the hard-fought gains of the last 13 years.”
Today, though, “we give thanks to our troops and intelligence personnel who have been relentless against the terrorists responsible for 9/11 -- devastating the core al-Qaida leadership, delivering justice to Osama bin Laden, disrupting terrorist plots and saving countless American lives,” the president said. read more>>>

December 28, 2014 - Obama marks end of combat in Afghanistan

Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel

December 28, 2014 - At the end of this year, as our Afghan partners assume responsibility for the security of their country, the United States officially concludes Operation Enduring Freedom. Our combat mission in Afghanistan, which began in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, will come to an end.
In 2015, we begin our follow-on mission, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, to help secure and build upon the hard-fought gains of the last 13 years.
I want to express my deep gratitude to all U.S. personnel, both military and civilian, who have served in Afghanistan since 2001, many on multiple deployments. I also thank the thousands more who were a part of the mission at home and around the world. In fighting America's longest war, our people and their families have borne a heavy burden, and some paid the ultimate price.
From my first trip to Afghanistan in 2002 to my visit earlier this month, I have seen firsthand the hard and heroic work done by American military and civilian personnel. read more>>>

NATO holds ceremony closing Afghan mission

Ending America's longest war

Jan 04, 2015 - Lara Logan reports from Afghanistan on the future of the country as the U.S.-led coalition draws down its forces read more>>>

Will we abandon the Afghan people again? Like we so quickly did after the Afghan/Soviet long occupation and war, then again most of the missions after 9/11. As we supplied the then Mujahideen fighters with Arms in their fight against the Soviet invasion and long occupation. our promises to help rebuild after years of death and destruction quickly forgotten.

We are now in an 'operation' of training and intelligence support for the Afghan Soldiers and Police Forces. The NATO operation labeled as Operation Resolute Support and the U.S. operation within labeled as Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Human rights groups call for special prosecutor to investigate CIA torture

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Capt. William H. DuBois 30, who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, of New Castle, Colorado, died Dec. 1 when his F-16 aircraft crashed near a coalition air base in the Middle East. He was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. 1 December 2014

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

* * * CIA Torture: Read the Senate Intelligence Committee report * * *

In a Democracy: 'Citizens must know what is done in their name'

22 December 2014 - The ACLU and Human Rights Watch say the offences amount to ‘a vast criminal conspiracy’ and are ‘shocking and corrosive’ to US democracy and credibility read more>>>

* * * Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses * * *

$14 Million An Hour: War Costs Top $1.6 Trillion Since 9/11, Say Congressional Researchers

December 22 2014 - American taxpayers have shelled out roughly $1.6 trillion on war spending since 9/11, according to a new report from Congress’ nonpartisan research arm. That’s roughly $337 million a day -- or nearly a quarter million dollars a minute -- every single day for 13 years. read more>>>

* * * Operation United Assistance * * *

* * * DoD Helps Fight EBOLA in West Africa * * *

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

The 'failures!!' By Those Served, To The Few Serving Them

Mission Ends in Afghanistan, but Sacrifices Are Not Over for U.S. Soldiers

DEC. 31, 2014 - As United States combat operations formally ended, many military families said they sensed they had already been forgotten. read more>>>

Forgotten long ago as the Country quickly Abandoned the Missions and those sent to Accomplish after 9/11, with near full support and, poser patriotic, flags a waving!! And as quickly Abandoned any Accountability as to those leading, with everything done left on the table!!

A Veteran’s Chemical Burns Expanded Military Doctors’ Knowledge, but His Care Faltered

The VA, Continuing Rebuilding What the Country Served Should Already Have Built

Veterans Are A Low Priority in Congress, the People Served Representatives

‘Our policies must be worthy of the sacrifices we ask,’ says Hagel

‘Section 60,’ at Arlington

On Veterans, Conservatives and Countries in No Different

On Veterans' Issues It Only Takes One (R) Conservative to Speak For Rest

Sen. Tom {Dr. NO} Coburn Reality 'Conservatives' Support For Veterans'

These, just below, are from our neighbor to the north, Canada, but there are plenty more as well as from Britain and elsewhere, especially when Conservatives have control over the purse strings and are supposed to help the peoples agencies.

Conservatives brace for bad news in auditor general’s report on veterans care

This gives some incite without a subscription, needed for just above:

Vets needing PTSD benefits face dizzying paperwork, eight-month wait: auditor

Tories leave Canada’s battle-scarred veterans in the lurch: Editorial

Homeless Veterans Appeal:

It isn't only the many problems facing Veterans here in America, often just ignored or out right denied they exist, think also Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome to name but a few , but elsewhere as well. See if you're homeless, veteran or not, you're a lazy bum, never mind if a Military Veteran and the route causes for many to be homeless you've already ignored those issues, according to conservative politics ideologies and led by FOX speak, as you obviously don't want to work! Hard working and laid off, not fired, so collecting unemployment, meager percent of previous earnings, you like it that way and want it to last. But boy howdy how you're 'supported', poser patriotism from those who never serve or even try to, especially Military and Veterans. As ordered into our free wars and when discharged to a grossly under funded people severed responsibility the VA for care by mostly extremely dedicated personal, who actually do support your service, under constant attack, by mostly conservative, by the hired representatives in government of those served!

An 'absolute nightmare' of homelessness and isolation 30 November 2014 - A question of respect for our homeless veterans The symbols and not Sacrifice is the norm! Especially here for the American, Poser, Patriots served!!

Fact: Sen. Bernie Sanders told Conservatives: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014 Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, let alone the results from, including the long ignored or outright denied existence of, till this Administrations Cabinet and Gen Shinseki, only Government branch consistent for the past six years, issues! As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded, VA budget is still borrowed thus added, problem creating, costs that shouldn't exist!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

New webpage allows vets with PTSD to apply for discharge upgrade

December 17, 2014 - Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who were discharged under “other than honorable” conditions can apply on a new webpage to have their discharge upgraded if it was due to PTSD.
Veterans can go to the site to get information about applying for a change in status through the Army Review Boards Agency.
The Army says it is committed to making sure the veterans receive fair consideration of their service and the conditions that may have mitigated the misconduct that led to their discharge, he said. The Army launched the site in accordance with a Department of Defense memorandum from September. According to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, PTSD was not recognized as a diagnosis at the time of service in past conflicts such as the Vietnam War. read more>>>

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

VA Announces New Grants to Help End Veteran Homelessness

December 8, 2014 - HUD AND VA TEAM UP TO HELP ADDITIONAL 2,000 HOMELESS VETERANS FIND PERMANENT HOMES

26 August 2014 - HUD, VA, AND USICH ANNOUNCE 33% DROP IN VETERAN HOMELESSNESS SINCE 2010

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

But alas don't worry be happy, we got us an expensive private corporate merc army, that also has yet to be paid for, that's also charged with intelligence gathering!!

Prior too this present Executive and Veterans administrations:

October 23, 2008 - And now VA investigators are trying to figure out if this one-time survey points to the likelihood that documents have been improperly destroyed for months or even years.
"Whatever this problem is, it didn't just start in the last two weeks," said Dave Autry, a spokesman for Disabled American Veterans. "It'd be unreasonable to assume that. Who knows what's been destroyed."
The documents, which didn't have duplicates at the VA, would have been critical in deciding veteran pension and disability claims. As a result, many veterans are asking whether their delayed or denied claims were affected by lost paperwork. read more>>>

Oct 16, 2008 - VA claims found in piles to be shredded

October 24, 2008 - House panel will target VA shredding

February 11, 2009 - Veterans' Claims Found in Shredder Bins
ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans
"DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War."
Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort

And the just above is just recent history, not all that has been for decades and wars from!!

"If military action is worth our troops’ blood, it should be worth our treasure, too" "not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

The real scandal is those Served have yet to Sacrifice, DeJa-Vu all over again!

June 29, 2014 Surge in patients outpaces fayetteville's VA health care's building boom

Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans'

Veterans Administration"The Bush White House was so concerned..............."

DeJa-Vu - Veterans' Get 'Lip Service' and Oh So Cheap 'Patriotic Symbols/Words'

To Those 99% Served, 'Build the Veterans Administration Promised!!'

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

VA doctors only see ten patients a day, don't have the facilties or staff to handle more

February 27 2014 - Senate rejects far-reaching Veterans Affairs bill

To which directly after the vote they get this reply as to their Poser Patriotism honesty:

Then only a few months later they vote once again, after forced changes on same bill, and pass it, but:

June 13 2014 - VFW attacks the three Republicans who voted against Senate VA bill

Jun 22, 2014 - GOP: "It costs too much to fund the VA"

June 24, 2014 - Conservatives, the People Represented, Blasting Costs of Veterans Care - Again

And this is only a small part of what happens as problems develop from the ever present Congressional obstruction and then are compounded:

The Other Side, Reality, of the so called VA 'scandal'

VA Directs Monthly Meetings Between Local Health Facilities, Veterans Service Organizations in All 50 States

At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), our most important mission is to provide the high quality health care and benefits Veterans have earned and deserve — when and where they need it. In mid-April, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs directed the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to complete a nation-wide Access Audit to ensure a full understanding of VA’s policy among scheduling staff, identify any inappropriate scheduling practices used by employees regarding Veteran preferences for appointment dates, and review waiting list management.
VA is already taking corrective action to address issues resulting from the audit. read more w/Twice Monthly Update links

VA Releases Latest Nationwide Data on Access to Veterans Health Care

VA 'scandal'? It's the Country Served and Their Representatives 'SCANDAL'

Sen. Burr Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been!!

Veterans Administration 'scandal'? Conservative Ideology as Usual!!

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

3 September 2014 - V.A. Rules May Enable Benefits Long Denied to Vietnam-Era Veterans

What the Country Served, poser patriotism, should have already not only funded but built, as technologies advanced, decades and wars from especially, is finally coming into being.

After finding private businesses to contract and work with the DoD and the VA to develop and put into use, decades of problems from lack of funding, along with ignoring and even denying the costly issues of wars, and growing outdated practices which cost extremely much more to fix and are often compounded into other costly problems, personal and monetary, to bring these Government Agencies important issues into 21st century practice and use thus needing only regular maintenance costs to maintain as new technologies enhance their abilities.

This isn't only in sharing health care needs issues between these two agencies, which should have always been, especially in war related times, but existed especially in the Veterans Administration right up to these last recent years and way too long needs of developing updated practices while still working with obstructed and grossly under funded budgets thus taking from other area's, in this present executive administration with help from the other cabinet agencies, of the budget which created more problems that compound.

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

New DOD-VA Health Records System Coming to More Facilities Soon

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Joining Forces Yields 65,000 Military Spouse Hires Since 2011

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va., Dec. 3, 2014 – The second lady of the United States made a surprise appearance at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial today to honor the Military Spouse Employment Partnership’s expansion and commend companies who have hired more than 65,000 military spouses since Joining Forces launched in 2011.
Brainchild of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, Joining Forces links employment, educational and wellness resources to military families.
“When we launched MSEP, we were excited to have 50 businesses involved [and] today … over 260 businesses have entered the partnership, so that’s nearly five times the number of when we started,” Biden said at today’s event. “These partnerships represent every employment sector and are offering jobs at every level within their organizations.”
The second lady recognized the Class of 2014 signatory partners as well as the 266 enduring corporate partners and other organizations that have been instrumental in posting some 1.8 million jobs on the MSEP career portal.
A personal connection read more>>>

Arlington: Health Initiative Focuses on Veterans

Teaching health-care providers to ask about patients’ military backgrounds.
December 2, 2014 - Chamberlain College of Nursing in Arlington co-sponsored a veteran’s health awareness campaign last month, shedding light on health issues that more prominently affect veterans than the average civilian. The American Academy of Nursing established the initiative, “Have You Ever Served in the Military?” so that all healthcare providers know to ask about their patients’ military backgrounds when assessing overall health.
The American Academy of Nursing has been promoting “Have You Ever Served in the Military?” since its official start on Labor Day 2013. Today, it exists in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington. It was created in response to First Lady Michelle Obama’s and Jill Biden’s Joining Forces program, which helps the private and public sectors provide adequate services to the nation’s soldiers and veterans, as well as their families.
#Chamberlain College of Nursing, which began its nursing education programs in 1889, is one the initiative’s official co-sponsors. Chamberlain offers nursing degrees ranging from Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice to more than 20,000 students nationwide. read more>>>

A New Solar Energy Job-Training Pilot Program for Veterans

First Lady Thanks Military Family Support Personnel

First lady calls homeless vets a ‘stain on the soul of the nation’

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

* * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

* * * Got Your 6 * * *

Excavation begins in Okinawa field where barrels previously found

November 21, 2014 - Workers began excavation Friday on an additional 66 spots at the Okinawa City soccer field where barrels containing toxic herbicides were found last year.
The announcement to investigate the magnetic anomalies — thought to be more barrels or other metal objects — was made Thursday by the Okinawa Defense Bureau. Should any barrels or substances that indicate the presence of defoliants be found, the bureau plans to notify the city and prefectural governments immediately.
The excavation comes on the heels of a report released by the Japanese government in July that found while 83 barrels already unearthed in the reclaimed land adjacent to the Kadena Air Base fence line contained ingredients used in Agent Orange, they were of the incorrect consistency and quantities however, leading officials to instead believe they were used in a common herbicide.
The barrels caused a stir amongst both locals and U.S. military personnel and dependents when they were found. Veterans who have claimed exposure to Agent Orange while stationed on Okinawa said it confirmed what they had been saying all along. Parents of students at the nearby Amelia Earhart Intermediate School, Bob Hope Primary School and the Kadena middle and high schools expressed concern. Activists and local media also seized on the issue. read more>>>

VA Public Health - Agent Orange

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Veterans Health Care System Was Broken, and No One Was Immune

The delays were driven by an explosion in veterans seeking care. Outpatient visits to the VA system rose from 46.5 million in 2002 to 83.6 million a decade later. The number of veterans receiving mental health treatment grew from less than 900,000 in 2006 to more than 1.2 million in 2012.
The problem was exacerbated by the lack of physicians and other medical personnel.

Togus allegations highlight breadth of problems at VA

It shouldn’t be a surprise that officials at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Maine may have manipulated treatment information. The same has happened, to differing degrees, at VA facilities throughout the country, and Togus, as the Maine hospital is known, is under the same pressures, with the same rising demand for health care amid the same staffing shortages.
The allegations are a further reminder of how widespread the problems at VA hospitals were before the scandal was unearthed earlier this year. More than simply the fault of a few bad apples, the shortcomings at the VA were the result of a systemwide failure that was diverting care, and would have needed fixing even if hospitals had not started fudging the numbers. read more>>>

VA to Accept Proposals for New Scheduling System

November 21, 2014 - As part of The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ongoing effort to improve Veterans’ access to healthcare, VA announced it has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new Medical Appointment Scheduling System (MASS).. The new MASS technology will help improve access to care for Veterans by providing schedulers with state-of-the-art, management-based scheduling software.

snip
The new system will replace a legacy scheduling system that has been in use at VA since 1985. VA’s acquisition approach for the new scheduling solution remains full and open; any qualified vendor may compete. Potential bidders are not required to have prior experience working with VA. Proposals are due on January 9, 2015. read more>>>

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Military, Veterans and the Charities for

Dec 30, 2014 - Payday Lenders Find Loopholes in Law to Gouge Troops

July 29, 2014 'Poser Patriots': While Sending Military to Wars, Predatory Lenders

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

Homeless Veterans Charity Scam Spreads Beyond Florida Grifting the American Veterans' and Country

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Camp Lejeune Health Benefits, Regulations Published: Water Contamination

From the 1950s through the 1980s, people living or working at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other chemicals.

Eligibility for Camp Lejeune Benefits Expanded

Veterans and their families who lived at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between Aug. 1, 1953 and Dec. 31, 1987 may be eligible for VA health benefits. A Dec. 16, 2014 law changed the eligibility date from Jan. 1, 1957 to Aug. 1, 1953.
Veterans: Enroll online or call 1-877-222-8387 for help.
Family members: You may be eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses for 15 conditions. Apply online or call 1-866-372-1144 for help.
Visit Camp Lejeune: Past Water Contamination to learn more.

Desert Storm - Gulf War Service

Veterans may get Gulf War Registry Exam Chemical Warfare Agents in Operation Iraqi Freedom

Servicemembers who demolished or handled explosive ordinance may have been exposed to warfare agents such as mustard agents or sarin.
These exposures may cause health effects.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is contacting Servicemembers and Veterans who may have been exposed. If you were exposed and have not been contacted, call their hotline: 1-800-497-6261. much more information>>>

* * * Veterans Administration Public Health * * *

VA Seeking Nominations for Appointment to the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses

Washington – October 6, 2014 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to serve as a member of the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses (RAC). read more>>>

Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, nor the continued blowback from the spread and growth from the policies implemented!
Neither the long term results from, including the long ignored or outright denied existence of, till this Administrations Cabinet and Gen Shinseki, only Government branch consistent for the past six years, Veterans issues from! As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded, VA budget is still borrowed, with interest, thus added problem creating costs that shouldn't exist!

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Until They Are Home

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

A forgotten corner of hell

Anderson Cooper accompanies volunteers searching for the remains of World War II airmen missing in action in the waters off Palau
2014 Nov 23 - More than 400,000 Americans died fighting in the Second World War. Adding to the heartache of that staggering loss, nearly one in five of those killed was declared missing in action. To this day, the families of some 73,000 unaccounted for servicemen have lived with the mystery of how they died and have been deprived of the comfort that comes from a burial. At the end of the war, the technology didn't exist to find and identify many of the missing, but today it does. This is the remarkable story of a group of volunteers who spend their own time and money quietly searching for these long lost servicemen -- remarkable because of what they've discovered in recent years. They are doing it, they say, for the fallen and their families.
And focus on Palau, a Pacific island nation that saw some of the fiercest fighting of the war 70 years ago, a place some pilots called "a forgotten corner of hell."
Fly today over Palau's 586 small islands and miles of barrier reefs and you'll see no sign of the carnage that once occurred here. But beneath the jungle canopy you can still find the rusted ruins of Japanese anti-aircraft guns; and in the clear blue water, a graveyard of planes and the men who flew them. As the Second World War raged in the Pacific, the islands of Palau were teeming with Japanese soldiers and under attack by American planes. The skies overhead were filled with Hellcats, Corsairs, Avengers and B-24 Liberators. On September 1, 1944, this B-24, number 453, and its crew took off on a bombing mission. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - November 2014

2014-12-02T15:31:00.000-05:00

Hagel Says Vietnam Wall Teaches Sacrifice, Need for Questioning Policies

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2014 – The Vietnam War Memorial teaches Americans to honor those who sacrificed, but also to be honest and to question the policies that send Americans to war, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said today.
Hagel served as an Army sergeant in the 9th Infantry Division during the war and spoke at the Wall today about the meaning of the memorial.
The secretary spoke about his first Veterans Day as a veteran in Omaha, Nebraska. “I’ve always remembered that Veterans Day in 1969, because it reminded me of the one constant throughout the Vietnam War – the uncommon valor of common Americans from every corner of our country,” he said. “They were the quiet heroes of our time. Some of these veterans are here today, and the names of many more are memorialized on the Wall behind us.”
The Wall lists the names of the more than 58,000 Americans killed during the war. Those looking at the names also see the reflections of themselves.
“As it records the names of the past, and reflects our hopes for the future, it also offers a reminder – a message that carries across generations: The Wall reminds us to honor those who defend our country – from making sure they’re treated with the dignity, respect, and appreciation they deserve, to caring for those who return home with visible – and invisible – wounds of war,” Hagel said.
No matter when, where or what war, the United States has “a sacred responsibility” to care for and honor those who sacrificed, the secretary said. read more>>>

Unbroken Line of Vets Keeps America Free, Biden Says

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va., Nov. 11, 2014 – An unbroken line of veterans has kept the United States and its freedoms safe since the founding of the republic, Vice President Joe Biden said today at America’s most sacred shrine.
Biden thanked veterans and their families for their efforts and sacrifices during Veterans’ Day ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.
The vice president placed a wreath at the tomb and delivered remarks to about 2,000 veterans.
“Every single generation of veterans throughout our history has been the best that this country has had to offer,” he said. “It is as true today as it was 200 years ago when a generation of warriors held the ramparts at Fort McHenry against the full might of the British navy in the Battle of Baltimore.”
That battle, the vice president reminded the audience, inspired Francis Scott Key to write what became the U.S. national anthem – The Star-Spangled Banner.
In the song, Key asks the question “does that star-spangled banner yet wave?” and the vice president used that question to illustrate the contributions of veterans through American history. read more>>>

The Most Tested Among Us: Vice President Biden Pays Tribute to Our Nation's Veterans

The VA, Continuing Rebuilding What the Country Served Should Already Have Built

Veterans Are A Low Priority in Congress, the People Served Representatives

‘Our policies must be worthy of the sacrifices we ask,’ says Hagel

‘Section 60,’ at Arlington

Oct 26, 2014 - U.S. Marines end Afghan operations, prepare to come home

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,481 coalition deaths -- 2,353 Americans, 41 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 10 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 40 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of November 3 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 20,048 {20,037 up to November 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner, 48, Nanticoke, Maryland. He was assigned to Headquarters, United States Army Garrison, Fort Drum, New York. In Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the enemy attacked their vehicle with a vehicle borne improvised explosive device, on November 24, 2014

Spc. Joseph W. Riley, 27, Grove City, Ohio. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the enemy attacked their vehicle with a vehicle borne improvised explosive device, on November 24, 2014

Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Cathcart 31 Bay City, Michigan, USA Company A, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Died of wounds received from small-arms fire while on dismounted combat operations in Kunduz province, Afghanistan, on November 14, 2014

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq, OIF, is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses

* * * Operation United Assistance * * *

* * * DoD Helps Fight EBOLA in West Africa * * *

4 November 2014 - It was at Bucca that an unexpected and powerful alliance was formed between the Islamic extremists and the Ba'athists loyal to Saddam Hussein, who were angry at losing power.
"You put them together and you get a mixing of organized military discipline with highly motivated, highly active ideological fervor, and the result is what we see have today," Skinner said. read more with video report>>>

* * * The British Iraq War Inquiry * * * Released will carry private communications between GWBush and TBlair, like this already released: TB said there was a danger the Tories would see this as their chance to get rid of him … Bush said they would make it clear to the Tories that if they moved to get rid of TB "we will get rid of them".

Iraq War Promoted Terrorism Rather Than Reducing It 24 April 2014 - Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War promoted terrorism rather than reducing it and was a “strategic failure”, according to a major new report which estimated the cost of all UK conflicts since the end of the Cold War.
The Royal United Services Institute said the UK could face a bill of nearly £65bn, once the cost of long-term care for injured veterans was factored in, with most of the money was spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The study, called Wars in Peace, said both conflicts were largely “strategic failures” for the UK, The Guardian reported."

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Thank goodness, it looks like Secretary McDonald is continuing what Secretary Shinseki had started. Addressing the long ignored and outright denied many many issues, by those served and through their Representatives, especially conservatives! Decades now and the wars from! These recent long Theaters have yet to be paid for, especially by the wealthy, let alone the VA budget is still mostly borrowed, two tax cuts came with these wars and occupations, the Poser Patriots continue waving their flags and Ignore their Responsibility!!

VA Expands Eligibility for VA Health Care Related to Military Sexual Trauma

Expansion closes a gap in health care eligibility
Washington, DC – December 1, 2014 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), under authority from the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (“VACAA”), today announced expanded eligibility for Veterans in need of mental health care due to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during their military service. This trauma is commonly known as military sexual trauma (MST).
This expansion, which primarily pertains to Reservists and National Guard members participating in weekend drill, gives the authority to offer Veterans the appropriate care and services needed to treat conditions resulting from MST that occurred during a period of inactive duty training.
“VA simply must be an organization that provides comprehensive care for all Veterans dealing with the effects of military sexual trauma,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “Our range of services for MST-related experiences are constantly being reexamined to best meet the needs of our Veterans.”
Secretary McDonald met last week with Ruth Moore, a Navy Veteran and MST survivor for whom the Ruth Moore Act of 2013 is named. Ms. Moore will be working with VA to ensure that survivors are treated fairly and compassionately, and that Veterans with MST can access fair compensation exams and access health care practitioners who are trained in understanding and working with MST issues. read more>>>

For the Veterans' Community Sisters: Women Veterans Health Care, call 1-855-VA-WOMEN1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-66361-855-829-6636) New Hotline now up and running

On Veterans, Conservatives and Countries in No Different

The long problems with Veterans care, and actual support, isn't just an American failed political ideology, ignoring many issues or just plain denying the issues exist. The reports in these time are all archived and are added to often. Here, in America, they get regurgitated every now and then by the peoples Representatives as media grabbing 'scandals'! Plenty of news time for them hired reps to boost their ego's and help keep getting them re-elected and after the many, attack on VA personal, hearings very little is done, by the Poser Patriot population served and through their hired Representatives!

These are from our neighbor to the north, Canada, but there are plenty more as well as from Britian and elsewhere, especially when Conservatives have control over the purse strings and are supposed to help the peoples agencies.

Fact: "If military action is worth our troops’ blood, it should be worth our treasure, too — not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

Conservatives brace for bad news in auditor general’s report on veterans care

Nov 24, 2014 - The Harper government’s frenzy of funding to support veterans continued to rain down Monday, just ahead of what’s expected to be a politically toxic report by the auditor general on mental health services for ex-soldiers. In the 48 hours leading up to Michael Ferguson’s fall report, the Conservatives — who have long prided themselves on... subscription needed to read more>>>

This gives some incite without a subscription:

Vets needing PTSD benefits face dizzying paperwork, eight-month wait: auditor

11/25/2014 - Many of Canada's battle-scarred veterans wait up to eight months to find out if they are eligible for long-term, mental-health disability benefits and the department responsible for their care has no idea if its treatment programs are effective, the auditor general said Tuesday.
For a handful of those ex-soldiers, the cumbersome application process is only the beginning of a battle for care that can rage for years.
Michael Ferguson's fall report takes Veterans Affairs Canada — and to a lesser extent, National Defence — to task for saddling psychologically battered veterans with a dizzying array of paperwork and for making them wait an unnecessarily long time for help.
"The department doesn't really seem to have spent time looking at the process from the point of view of the veteran," Ferguson said. "And we think the department needs to put themselves in the shoes of the veterans who are trying to access these services, in order so they can understand the experience of trying to navigate through that whole process just to get an answer." read more>>>

Tories leave Canada’s battle-scarred veterans in the lurch: Editorial

Nov 25 2014 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been under fire in Parliament for “nickel and diming” veterans, a core Tory constituency. read more>>>

Homeless Veterans Appeal:

An 'absolute nightmare' of homelessness and isolation

An appeal for help this Christmas for those British war veterans who have ended up on the streets and with nothing. Chris Green reports
30 November 2014 - A few years ago, Sean Staines was living in a forest in Leicestershire with not even a sleeping bag to keep him warm. The 48-year-old had left the Army in 2000, but over a number of years his life on "civvy street" slowly unravelled until it became, in his words, an "absolute nightmare" of homelessness and isolation.
His plight is an extreme example of what can happen to Britain's veterans after they leave the military. While the vast majority of the UK's 4.6 million former servicemen and women have managed to readjust to civilian life, some are badly in need of help.
The Independent on Sunday's Homeless Veterans Appeal, being run in partnership with The Independent, i, the London Evening Standard and the London Live TV station, is supporting two charities whose work is crucial in preventing homelessness among veterans and helping those who have fallen on hard times.
ABF The Soldiers' Charity, the national charity of the British Army, is an umbrella organisation which gives grants to more than 5,000 people every year, as well as essential funds to other, smaller charities with specific expertise in helping both serving and former soldiers. read more>>>

30 November 2014 - A question of respect for our homeless veterans

If you were moved by the Tower of London poppies, we hope you will support our Christmas appeal for ex-soldiers read more>>>

The symbols and not Sacrifice is the norm! Especially here for the American, Poser, Patriots served!!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

VA Announces New Grants to Help End Veteran Homelessness

26 August 2014 - HUD, VA, AND USICH ANNOUNCE 33% DROP IN VETERAN HOMELESSNESS SINCE 2010

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

But alas don't worry be happy, we got us an expensive private corporate merc army, that also has yet to be paid for, that's also charged with intelligence gathering!!

Prior too this present Executive and Veterans administrations:

October 23, 2008 - And now VA investigators are trying to figure out if this one-time survey points to the likelihood that documents have been improperly destroyed for months or even years.
"Whatever this problem is, it didn't just start in the last two weeks," said Dave Autry, a spokesman for Disabled American Veterans. "It'd be unreasonable to assume that. Who knows what's been destroyed."
The documents, which didn't have duplicates at the VA, would have been critical in deciding veteran pension and disability claims. As a result, many veterans are asking whether their delayed or denied claims were affected by lost paperwork. read more>>>

Oct 16, 2008 - VA claims found in piles to be shredded

October 24, 2008 - House panel will target VA shredding

And the just above is just recent history, not all that has been for decades and wars from!!

The real scandal is those Served have yet to Sacrifice, DeJa-Vu all over again!

June 29, 2014 Surge in patients outpaces fayetteville's VA health care's building boom

Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans'

Veterans Administration"The Bush White House was so concerned..............."

DeJa-Vu - Veterans' Get 'Lip Service' and Oh So Cheap 'Patriotic Symbols/Words'

To Those 99% Served, 'Build the Veterans Administration Promised!!'

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

VA doctors only see ten patients a day, don't have the facilties or staff to handle more

February 27 2014 - Senate rejects far-reaching Veterans Affairs bill

To which directly after the vote they get this reply as to their Poser Patriotism honesty:

Then only a few months later they vote once again, after forced changes on same bill, and pass it, but:

June 13 2014 - VFW attacks the three Republicans who voted against Senate VA bill

Jun 22, 2014 - GOP: "It costs too much to fund the VA"

June 24, 2014 - Conservatives, the People Represented, Blasting Costs of Veterans Care - Again

And this is only a small part of what happens as problems develop from the ever present Congressional obstruction and then are compounded:

The Other Side, Reality, of the so called VA 'scandal'

VA Directs Monthly Meetings Between Local Health Facilities, Veterans Service Organizations in All 50 States

At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), our most important mission is to provide the high quality health care and benefits Veterans have earned and deserve — when and where they need it. In mid-April, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs directed the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to complete a nation-wide Access Audit to ensure a full understanding of VA’s policy among scheduling staff, identify any inappropriate scheduling practices used by employees regarding Veteran preferences for appointment dates, and review waiting list management.
VA is already taking corrective action to address issues resulting from the audit. read more w/Twice Monthly Update links

VA Releases Latest Nationwide Data on Access to Veterans Health Care

VA 'scandal'? It's the Country Served and Their Representatives 'SCANDAL'

Sen. Burr Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been!!

Veterans Administration 'scandal'? Conservative Ideology as Usual!!

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

3 September 2014 - V.A. Rules May Enable Benefits Long Denied to Vietnam-Era Veterans

What the Country Served, poser patriotism, should have already not only funded but built, as technologies advanced, decades and wars from especially, is finally coming into being.

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

New DOD-VA Health Records System Coming to More Facilities Soon

Female American Indian veteran brings recognition to fellow warriors

25 November 2014 - An American Indian veteran visited Fort Leonard Wood Friday to help bring more recognition to Native American women warriors.
Mitchelene BigMan, president and founder of Native American Women Warriors, served as keynote speaker at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood National American Indian Heritage Month observance hosted by the 3rd Chemical Brigade at the Main Post Chapel.
BigMan, who served as an Equal Opportunity advisor in the Army, spoke about her time in the military and how her organization came about.
“(Being in the military) was the best thing for me, it taught me how to be a better leader,” BigMan said. “We fight side-by-side with people from all over, not only the United States, but from different countries. We learn so much from each other.” read more>>>

Rarely Pro-Active as to Veterans' issues, though they do like to take credit when Veterans fight and win as they continue helping the conservative wants to privatize for corporate profit the VA like our wars, the long long ignored or outright denied many issues over the decades and wars from, that aren't paying members of the national organization. Same for most of the long running national veterans orgs.. Finally recognizes that Women serving the many, Poser Patriots that refuse to Sacrifice and follow the conservative lines in attacking the Veterans Administration personal, have Served Honorably! Seems those served, Poser Patriots led by the media and the continuing FOX speak, are once again trying to keep this very low keyed. As this report, one of only a couple found about, is a quick blurp in the NY Times, like they want those 99%plus served to continue thinking they always have publicly Honored the service of the Women Veterans' in the charter and not just the oh so cheap and hollow words and symbols when needed!

V.F.W. Goes Gender-Neutral, Recognizing Female Veterans

NOV. 21, 2014 - So the V.F.W. is changing, too, winning congressional approval to alter the wording of its charter. No longer is it “a national association of men” who served in wartime; it is one of “veterans.” And it is no longer to assist “widows” — rather, “surviving spouses.” The changes, approved at the national convention, were made in bills just passed by the House and Senate. “We didn’t change our congressional charter to be politically correct,” read more>>>

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

VA to Host Annual National Veterans Small Business Engagement

November 21, 2014 - From Dec. 9 to Dec. 11, the Department of Veterans Affairs will host its annual National Veterans Small Business Engagement (NVSBE) at the Georgia World Congress Center, located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., NW, Atlanta, Ga., 30313.
This three-day event attracts thousands of Veteran-owned small businesses to connect with federal agencies, commercial corporations, prime contractors and other partners to foster success. With greater opportunities for direct access and exposure to contracting and program specialists, NVSBE welcomes Veterans to make the connections necessary to succeed in today’s competitive contracting environment.
“As a three-time past attendee, I believe the single greatest benefit for our company is the convenience and efficiency of an agency-wide effort,” said Martha Weekly of FFE, Inc., a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business. read more>>>

Joining Forces Yields 65,000 Military Spouse Hires Since 2011

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va., Dec. 3, 2014 – The second lady of the United States made a surprise appearance at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial today to honor the Military Spouse Employment Partnership’s expansion and commend companies who have hired more than 65,000 military spouses since Joining Forces launched in 2011.
Brainchild of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, Joining Forces links employment, educational and wellness resources to military families.
“When we launched MSEP, we were excited to have 50 businesses involved [and] today … over 260 businesses have entered the partnership, so that’s nearly five times the number of when we started,” Biden said at today’s event. “These partnerships represent every employment sector and are offering jobs at every level within their organizations.”
The second lady recognized the Class of 2014 signatory partners as well as the 266 enduring corporate partners and other organizations that have been instrumental in posting some 1.8 million jobs on the MSEP career portal.
A personal connection read more>>>

Arlington: Health Initiative Focuses on Veterans

Teaching health-care providers to ask about patients’ military backgrounds.
December 2, 2014 - Chamberlain College of Nursing in Arlington co-sponsored a veteran’s health awareness campaign last month, shedding light on health issues that more prominently affect veterans than the average civilian. The American Academy of Nursing established the initiative, “Have You Ever Served in the Military?” so that all healthcare providers know to ask about their patients’ military backgrounds when assessing overall health.
The American Academy of Nursing has been promoting “Have You Ever Served in the Military?” since its official start on Labor Day 2013. Today, it exists in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington. It was created in response to First Lady Michelle Obama’s and Jill Biden’s Joining Forces program, which helps the private and public sectors provide adequate services to the nation’s soldiers and veterans, as well as their families.
#Chamberlain College of Nursing, which began its nursing education programs in 1889, is one the initiative’s official co-sponsors. Chamberlain offers nursing degrees ranging from Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice to more than 20,000 students nationwide. read more>>>

A New Solar Energy Job-Training Pilot Program for Veterans

First Lady Thanks Military Family Support Personnel

First lady calls homeless vets a ‘stain on the soul of the nation’

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

* * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

* * * Got Your 6 * * *

Excavation begins in Okinawa field where barrels previously found

November 21, 2014 - Workers began excavation Friday on an additional 66 spots at the Okinawa City soccer field where barrels containing toxic herbicides were found last year.
The announcement to investigate the magnetic anomalies — thought to be more barrels or other metal objects — was made Thursday by the Okinawa Defense Bureau. Should any barrels or substances that indicate the presence of defoliants be found, the bureau plans to notify the city and prefectural governments immediately.
The excavation comes on the heels of a report released by the Japanese government in July that found while 83 barrels already unearthed in the reclaimed land adjacent to the Kadena Air Base fence line contained ingredients used in Agent Orange, they were of the incorrect consistency and quantities however, leading officials to instead believe they were used in a common herbicide.
The barrels caused a stir amongst both locals and U.S. military personnel and dependents when they were found. Veterans who have claimed exposure to Agent Orange while stationed on Okinawa said it confirmed what they had been saying all along. Parents of students at the nearby Amelia Earhart Intermediate School, Bob Hope Primary School and the Kadena middle and high schools expressed concern. Activists and local media also seized on the issue. read more>>>

VA Public Health - Agent Orange

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Veterans Health Care System Was Broken, and No One Was Immune

The delays were driven by an explosion in veterans seeking care. Outpatient visits to the VA system rose from 46.5 million in 2002 to 83.6 million a decade later. The number of veterans receiving mental health treatment grew from less than 900,000 in 2006 to more than 1.2 million in 2012.
The problem was exacerbated by the lack of physicians and other medical personnel.

Togus allegations highlight breadth of problems at VA

It shouldn’t be a surprise that officials at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Maine may have manipulated treatment information. The same has happened, to differing degrees, at VA facilities throughout the country, and Togus, as the Maine hospital is known, is under the same pressures, with the same rising demand for health care amid the same staffing shortages.
The allegations are a further reminder of how widespread the problems at VA hospitals were before the scandal was unearthed earlier this year. More than simply the fault of a few bad apples, the shortcomings at the VA were the result of a systemwide failure that was diverting care, and would have needed fixing even if hospitals had not started fudging the numbers. read more>>>

VA to Accept Proposals for New Scheduling System

November 21, 2014 - As part of The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ongoing effort to improve Veterans’ access to healthcare, VA announced it has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new Medical Appointment Scheduling System (MASS).. The new MASS technology will help improve access to care for Veterans by providing schedulers with state-of-the-art, management-based scheduling software.

snip
The new system will replace a legacy scheduling system that has been in use at VA since 1985. VA’s acquisition approach for the new scheduling solution remains full and open; any qualified vendor may compete. Potential bidders are not required to have prior experience working with VA. Proposals are due on January 9, 2015. read more>>>

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

July 29, 2014 'Poser Patriots': While Sending Military to Wars, Predatory Lenders

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

Homeless Veterans Charity Scam Spreads Beyond Florida Grifting the American Veterans' and Country

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Camp Lejeune Health Benefits, Regulations Published: Water Contamination

Desert Storm - Gulf War Service

Veterans may get Gulf War Registry Exam Chemical Warfare Agents in Operation Iraqi Freedom

Servicemembers who demolished or handled explosive ordinance may have been exposed to warfare agents such as mustard agents or sarin.
These exposures may cause health effects.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is contacting Servicemembers and Veterans who may have been exposed. If you were exposed and have not been contacted, call their hotline: 1-800-497-6261. much more information>>>

* * * Veterans Administration Public Health * * *

VA Seeking Nominations for Appointment to the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses

Washington – October 6, 2014 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to serve as a member of the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses (RAC). read more>>>

Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Until They Are Home

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Airmen Missing From WWII Accounted For
December 01, 2014 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been accounted for and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
Army Air Forces 1st Lts. William D. Bernier of Augusta, Montana; Bryant E. Poulsen of Salt Lake City, Utah and Herbert V. Young Jr. of Clarkdale, Arizona; Tech Sgts. Charles L. Johnston of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Hugh F. Moore of Elkton, Maryland; Staff Sgts. John E. Copeland of Dearing, Kansas and Charles J. Jones of Athens, Georgia; and Sgt. Charles A. Gardner of San Francisco, California, have been accounted for and will be buried with full military honors. Gardner will be buried Dec. 4 in Arlington National Cemetery. read more>>>

The Continuing Efforts to Bring the Missing WWII Soldiers Home

Solving the mystery of a missing WWII soldier

November 23, 2014 - Until he found the wreckage of the plane his grandfather flew, Casey Doyle says the circumstances surrounding Jimmie Doyle’s disappearance were a painful unknown. Watch Anderson Cooper’s full report, "A Forgotten Corner of Hell.”

A forgotten corner of hell

Anderson Cooper accompanies volunteers searching for the remains of World War II airmen missing in action in the waters off Palau
2014 Nov 23 - More than 400,000 Americans died fighting in the Second World War. Adding to the heartache of that staggering loss, nearly one in five of those killed was declared missing in action. To this day, the families of some 73,000 unaccounted for servicemen have lived with the mystery of how they died and have been deprived of the comfort that comes from a burial. At the end of the war, the technology didn't exist to find and identify many of the missing, but today it does. This is the remarkable story of a group of volunteers who spend their own time and money quietly searching for these long lost servicemen -- remarkable because of what they've discovered in recent years. They are doing it, they say, for the fallen and their families.
And focus on Palau, a Pacific island nation that saw some of the fiercest fighting of the war 70 years ago, a place some pilots called "a forgotten corner of hell."
Fly today over Palau's 586 small islands and miles of barrier reefs and you'll see no sign of the carnage that once occurred here. But beneath the jungle canopy you can still find the rusted ruins of Japanese anti-aircraft guns; and in the clear blue water, a graveyard of planes and the men who flew them. As the Second World War raged in the Pacific, the islands of Palau were teeming with Japanese soldiers and under attack by American planes. The skies overhead were filled with Hellcats, Corsairs, Avengers and B-24 Liberators. On September 1, 1944, this B-24, number 453, and its crew took off on a bombing mission. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - October 2014

2014-11-05T10:22:00.002-05:00

Marines Wrap-Up Afghan Combat Operations, Coming Home

U.S. Marines end Afghan operations, prepare to come home

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - October 26, 2014 - In a ceremony Sunday morning in dusty desert sunlight, U.S. Marines and British combat troops officially marked the end of their operations in Afghanistan, transferring Camps Leatherneck and Bastion to Afghan control. As national anthems from the three countries played, service members from all three countries stood at attention. The Marine flags were ceremoniously furled and cased, in recognition of the end of mission.
"This transfer is a sign of progress," said Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, Commander of Regional Command South West. "It's not about the coalition, it's really about the Afghans and what they've achieved over the last 13 years. What they have done here is truly significant."
Every single combat Marine and British troop will soon board planes to head home - the exact date has been withheld for security reasons. It's a milestone in Helmand, the deadliest province for coalition forces throughout the war, with more than 940 troops killed, including 360 Marines. Five have died this year. read more>>>

FINAL BATTALION 10/27/2014 12:22 PM CDT A U.S. Marine prepares to load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014. The battalion was the final Marine Corps infantry battalion to serve in Helmand province as the Marine Corps ended its operations. The Marine is assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.

LEAVING CAMP BASTION 10/27/2014 12:04 PM CDT U.S. Marines and sailors load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province the day prior, and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom also withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan. The U.S. troops are assigned to Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan.

Marines, Brits Turn Over Helmand Bases to Afghan Forces

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014 – U.S. Marines and service members from the United Kingdom left Regional Command Southwest in Afghanistan’s Helmand province today, turning their facilities over to the Afghan security forces. read more>>>

The end of America's longest war October 27, 2014|U.S. Marines handed over the sprawling Helmand base to the Afghan army, which will now continue the fight against the Taliban. The local troops taking over from the Marines will inherit more than $200 million of U.S. equipment and infrastructure. Elizabeth Palmer reports.

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,478 coalition deaths -- 2,350 Americans, 41 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 10 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 40 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of November 3 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 20,037 {19,987 up to November 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut 49 Oceanside, California, USA Navy reservist assigned to Naval Amphibious Liaison Element, Combined Forces Air Component Center, U.S. Central Command Al Udeid Air Died of a non-combat related incident at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, on October 24, 2014

Maj. Jonathan Doyle Walker 44 Merriam, Kansas, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Military Information Support Group Died of a non-combat related incident at Camp As Sayliyah in Doha, Qatar, on October 1, 2014

Obama, Military Hail Signing of U.S.-Afghan Agreement

Sept. 30, 2014 – Newly sworn-in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani today signed the bilateral security agreement between his government and the United States, as well as a status of forces agreement with NATO.
The agreements mark an historic day in the U.S.-Afghan partnership that will help advance our shared interests and the long-term security of Afghanistan,” President Barack Obama said in a statement released by the White House. read more>>>

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

MIA/POW

If a Flag Waving 'Poser Patriot' in the 99%plus Served and Don't Feel Your Responsibility is to Sacrifice

And those 'Poser Patriots' served tell everyone just who wondered off, they get their FOX facts reality!!

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

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October 24, 2014 DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal, 19, of Riverside, California, died Oct. 23, in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation.
He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, whose headquarters element deploys from Camp Pendleton, California.

Marine is first U.S. death in operations against Islamic State

Corporal Jordan Spears, 21 of Memphis, Indiana, was a crewman aboard a V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft flying off the USS Makin Island and went into the sea when the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff, the Navy said on Friday.
Oct 3, 2014 - A U.S. Marine who went into the sea from a V-22 Osprey during a flight mishap over the northern Gulf this week was the first American killed in U.S. military operations against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. read more>>>

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Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses

4 November 2014 - It was at Bucca that an unexpected and powerful alliance was formed between the Islamic extremists and the Ba'athists loyal to Saddam Hussein, who were angry at losing power.
"You put them together and you get a mixing of organized military discipline with highly motivated, highly active ideological fervor, and the result is what we see have today," Skinner said. read more with video report>>>

Operation Inherent Resolve Targeted Operations Against ISIL Terrorists

DoD Authorizes Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for Operation Inherent Resolve

October 31, 2014 - The Department of Defense announced today that service members deployed abroad in support of Operation Inherent Resolve are eligible for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright signed a memorandum authorizing award of the medal.
This award provides immediate recognition to our service members supporting efforts to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community. read more>>>

6 October 2014 U.S., Partner Nations Strike ISIL in Syria, Iraq

3 September 2014 - Obama Sending 350 More Troops to Iraq

8 August 2014 Obama authorizes limited air strikes against militants in Iraq

7 August 2014 Obama, With Reluctance, Returns to Action in Iraq

July 6, 2014 How Nearly 800 U.S. Troops Spent Their Fourth Of July In Iraq

July 6, 2014 Hagel: US To Secure Embassy, Assess Situation In Iraq

July 18, 2014 Most Think the U.S. Has No Responsibility To Act in Iraq

July 2, 2014 Dempsey: Leaders Wait to Hear From Iraq Assessment Teams

July 1 2014 Pentagon Spokesman Provides Update on Iraq Missions

30 June 2014 Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby on Additional Security Forces to Iraq

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pentagon Spokesman Notes Operation United Assistance Progress

* * * Operation United Assistance * * *

* * * DoD Helps Fight EBOLA in West Africa * * *

The U.S. Africa Command, through U.S. Army Africa, provides coordination of logistics, training, and engineering support to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in West Africa to assist in the overall U.S. Government Foreign Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief efforts to contain the spread of the Ebola Virus/Disease, as part of the international assistance effort supporting the Governments of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

“US Army Africa is establishing a Joint Force Headquarters in Monrovia at the direction of the President of the United States, to coordinate military support for the United States Agency for International Development-led comprehensive U.S. Government response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. As the designated Joint Force Commander planning military support to this broad international effort to support the Government of Liberia, I am currently working here in Liberia with an assessment team to determine how to provide command and control, logistics expertise, training, and engineering support under Operation UNITED ASSISTANCE.” –Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, Commander, U.S. Army Africa
Ebola Information for Personnel read more with backlinks>>>

U.S. Troops Help Fight Ebola In Liberia

Soldiers Prepare to Support Ebola Response

U.S. Military Stands Up Labs, Hospital in Liberia

Military Teams Building Up Infrastructure to Combat Ebola

18 October 2014 - Military Health Updates on Ebola Crisis

19 October 2014 - Pentagon Rapid Response Ebola Team Announced

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TX-19 Congressional Candidate Neal Marchbanks - Veteran: 28 March 2014 - "Congress controls the budget for the VA and it is the fault of Congress that the VA does not have enough employees and that the facilities are too small."

Fact: ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans

DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War.

Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort

Book review: ‘Section 60,’ at Arlington National Cemetery, by Robert M. Poole

November 7 2014 - There is as yet no national memorial to those who have fought in our three wars in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, and the battles in other countries that have harbored combatants in what used to be called the “Global War on Terror” but now, like the current war in Iraq, has no name. How could there already be a memorial, with the outcome so deeply in doubt not just in Iraq and Afghanistan, but across a major swath of the globe?
And so the families and loved ones of those who have fallen in these wars have nowhere to express their grief and love and despair and hope, except at the grave sites of the 7,000 Americans who have been killed in the effort. Many of those graves rest in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, a 14-acre plot that, Robert M. Poole tells us in this lovely, heartfelt and haunting book, “will serve as a memorial for the recent wars, a point of contact for the community of the living and the community of the dead.”
Poole, a former executive editor of National Geographic, reports on a handful of the members of those two communities, united by something that happened far away from Arlington but that resulted in internment on sacred ground in Section 60. read more>>>

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

'Sea of Sacrifice; a Flood of Blood', 100th Anniversary of World War I

A flood of poppies in London

November 5, 2014 - It was a simple idea. Take the poppy, long a symbol of loss in war, and turn it into a commemoration worthy of the 100th anniversary of World War I - the war that was supposed to end all wars, but didn't.
And so, for each British and Empire soldier who died in that war, a ceramic poppy has been "planted" in what used to be the moat of the ancient Tower of London. And the result has astonished and captivated a nation.
Seen from the air, it is a sea of sacrifice; a flood of blood.
And, for the crowds who have come in the hundreds of thousands to witness it, it has been a lesson no history book can teach. read more>>>

That 'Sea of Sacrifice', that which the greater majority served, in recent decades, know nor care to know little about as they wave their flags of, poser, patriotism and labeling themselves, like religion, as more so then others are!!

More Military Families Are Relying On Food Banks And Pantries

Sen. Bernie Sanders told Conservatives: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014
Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, let alone the results from, including the long ignored or outright denied existence of, till this Administrations Cabinet and Gen Shinseki, only Government branch consistent for the past six years, issues! As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded, VA budget is still borrowed thus added, problem creating, costs that shouldn't exist!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

VA Announces New Grants to Help End Veteran Homelessness

26 August 2014 - HUD, VA, AND USICH ANNOUNCE 33% DROP IN VETERAN HOMELESSNESS SINCE 2010

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

But alas don't worry be happy, we got us an expensive private corporate merc army, that also has yet to be paid for, that's also charged with intelligence gathering!!

Prior too this present Executive and Veterans administrations:

October 23, 2008 - And now VA investigators are trying to figure out if this one-time survey points to the likelihood that documents have been improperly destroyed for months or even years.
"Whatever this problem is, it didn't just start in the last two weeks," said Dave Autry, a spokesman for Disabled American Veterans. "It'd be unreasonable to assume that. Who knows what's been destroyed."
The documents, which didn't have duplicates at the VA, would have been critical in deciding veteran pension and disability claims. As a result, many veterans are asking whether their delayed or denied claims were affected by lost paperwork. read more>>>

Oct 16, 2008 - VA claims found in piles to be shredded

October 24, 2008 - House panel will target VA shredding

And the just above is just recent history, not all that has been for decades and wars from!!

The real scandal is those Served have yet to Sacrifice, DeJa-Vu all over again!

June 29, 2014 Surge in patients outpaces fayetteville's VA health care's building boom

Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans'

Veterans Administration"The Bush White House was so concerned..............."

DeJa-Vu - Veterans' Get 'Lip Service' and Oh So Cheap 'Patriotic Symbols/Words'

To Those 99% Served, 'Build the Veterans Administration Promised!!'

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

VA doctors only see ten patients a day, don't have the facilties or staff to handle more

February 27 2014 - Senate rejects far-reaching Veterans Affairs bill

To which directly after the vote they get this reply as to their Poser Patriotism honesty:

Then only a few months later they vote once again, after forced changes on same bill, and pass it, but:

June 13 2014 - VFW attacks the three Republicans who voted against Senate VA bill

Jun 22, 2014 - GOP: "It costs too much to fund the VA"

June 24, 2014 - Conservatives, the People Represented, Blasting Costs of Veterans Care - Again

And this is only a small part of what happens as problems develop from the ever present Congressional obstruction and then are compounded:

The Other Side, Reality, of the so called VA 'scandal'

VA Directs Monthly Meetings Between Local Health Facilities, Veterans Service Organizations in All 50 States

At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), our most important mission is to provide the high quality health care and benefits Veterans have earned and deserve — when and where they need it. In mid-April, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs directed the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to complete a nation-wide Access Audit to ensure a full understanding of VA’s policy among scheduling staff, identify any inappropriate scheduling practices used by employees regarding Veteran preferences for appointment dates, and review waiting list management.
VA is already taking corrective action to address issues resulting from the audit. read more w/Twice Monthly Update links

VA Releases Latest Nationwide Data on Access to Veterans Health Care

VA 'scandal'? It's the Country Served and Their Representatives 'SCANDAL'

Sen. Burr Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been!!

Veterans Administration 'scandal'? Conservative Ideology as Usual!!

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

3 September 2014 - V.A. Rules May Enable Benefits Long Denied to Vietnam-Era Veterans

What the Country Served, poser patriotism, should have already not only funded but built, as technologies advanced, decades and wars from especially, is finally coming into being.

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

New DOD-VA Health Records System Coming to More Facilities Soon

Veterans' PSA: The Power of 1

08/28/2014 - One small act can make a big difference in the life of a Veteran or Service member in crisis. “The Power of 1,” a public service announcement from the Veterans Crisis Line, shows how taking the time to reach out can be the first step to getting those who served the support they need. A single action — one call, one chat, one text, one conversation — can have a significant impact. The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans or Service members in crisis, as well as their families and friends, with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, and text-messaging service. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Reach out. One call can open the door to support.

For the Veterans' Community Sisters: Women Veterans Health Care, call 1-855-VA-WOMEN1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-66361-855-829-6636) New Hotline now up and running

DoD Special Report: National American Indian Heritage Month

Since the Revolutionary War, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have played a vital role in our country's freedom and security. The Defense Department honors the many contributions and accomplishments of American Indians and Alaska Natives during National American Indian Heritage Month, as we remember the legacy of the first Americans and celebrate their vibrant culture and heritage.

Visit Report Site for more>>>

November is National Family Caregivers Month VA Offers Programs for Family Caregivers

As President Barack Obama has said, “Family caregivers have an immeasurable impact on the lives of those they assist, but their hours are long and their work is hard. Many put their own lives on hold to lift up someone close to them.”
Finding yourself in the role of a caregiver can be an overwhelming experience. Caregivers often find themselves taking on unfamiliar tasks with little experience and limited medical knowledge. It can be an extremely demanding job and many caregivers experience isolation and burnout.
VA’s Caregiver Support Program has developed several educational programs to assist caregivers in developing new skills sets and understanding the importance of self-care which helps avoid “caregiver burnout” and also helps caregivers achieve a sense of balance to their lives. read more>>>

Vets Are Amazing Artists 2014 NVCAF 1st Place Artwork

Spread the word! Vets are amazing artists. Check out this gallery of work from this year’s Creative Arts Festival

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

A New Solar Energy Job-Training Pilot Program for Veterans

September 18, 2014 - Solar energy is shattering records in the United States. Since President Obama took office, installed solar power has increased 13-fold, topping nearly 16 gigawatts today – enough to power the equivalent of 3.2 million average American homes. As solar energy continues to grow, it is becoming a major source of high-paying American jobs – employing nearly 143,000 full-time professionals last year. read more>>>

First Lady Thanks Military Family Support Personnel

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2014 – First Lady Michelle Obama teamed up with actor Bradley Cooper yesterday to place a conference call to military support personnel to thank them for their continued service to military families. read more>>>

First lady calls homeless vets a ‘stain on the soul of the nation’

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

* * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

* * * Got Your 6 * * *

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

July 29, 2014 'Poser Patriots': While Sending Military to Wars, Predatory Lenders

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

Homeless Veterans Charity Scam Spreads Beyond Florida Grifting the American Veterans' and Country

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Camp Lejeune Health Benefits, Regulations Published: Water Contamination

Desert Storm - Gulf War Service

VA Seeking Nominations for Appointment to the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses

Washington – October 6, 2014 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to serve as a member of the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses (RAC).
The RAC was established pursuant to section 104 of Public Law 105-368 to provide advice to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on proposed research studies, research plans, or research strategies relating to the health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War. The Committee periodically releases reports that summarize and make recommendations regarding research on the health of Gulf War Veterans.
“VA recognizes and respects the service, dedication and many challenges faced by Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War, and is committed to improving the health and well-being of these Veterans. Through its recommendations regarding relevant research, members of the RAC play an integral part in helping us achieve this goal,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “Widening our search for committee members to fill the upcoming vacancies will provide better diversity, and enable us to bring in new, well-qualified members with fresh perspectives and input.” read more>>>

Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Until They Are Home

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - September 2014

2014-10-07T11:48:00.001-04:00

"12 years {now into the 13th year} also is a long time. We now have a lifetime responsibility to a generation of service members, veterans and their families." Dr. Jonathan Woodson 11 Sep. 2013: 'With 9/11 Came Lifetime Responsibility' {two tax cuts, especially for the wealthy, came with these two recent unpaid for wars, nor the results of, DeJa-Vu all over again from the previous decades and wars from! Ignore the many issues, by those served, no need to fund!}

‘Let us never rush into war’

Obama: ‘Move Heaven and Earth’ to Care for Disabled Vets

October 5 2014 - Dedication of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Washington DC

"To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan" - President Lincoln

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2014 – With the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, the nation commemorates for the first time the two battles disabled veterans have fought -- the battle “over there” and the battle at home -- the battle to recover, President Barack Obama said today during the dedication ceremony.
Congress approved the building of the memorial with the passage of Public Law 106-348. In October 2000 President Bill Clinton signed the federal legislation into law, authorizing the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation Inc. to establish the memorial.
The foundation was created to educate the public on issues related to disabled veterans. The memorial will provide a place of healing and unity and a point of education for remembering disabled veterans after their wars are over.
A moment that shapes a lifetime
“To all our disabled veterans, our extraordinary wounded warriors, we gather … on this gorgeous autumn day in America because each of you endured a moment that shaped the arc of your lives and that speaks to our debt as a nation,” Obama told those gathered for the dedication.
“Maybe it was there on the battlefield as the bullets and shrapnel rained down around you. Maybe it was as you lay there, the medics tending to your wounds. Perhaps it was days or months later, in that hospital room when you finally came to. Perhaps it was years later as you went about your day, or in the midnight hour when the memories came rushing back like a flood,” the president said. read more>>>

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." - Abraham Lincoln

President Obama Speaks at the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Dedication

Memorial honoring wounded veterans dedicated

Thousands Attend Opening of First Memorial for Disabled Veterans in Washington, D.C.

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,476 coalition deaths -- 2,349 Americans, 41 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 10 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 40 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of October 7 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,987 {19,952 up to September 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Andrew Tarrant Weathers 30 DeRidder, Louisiana, USA 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group Died on September 30, 2014, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of a gunshot wound sustained when the enemy attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on September 28

Stephen Byus 39 Reynoldsburg, Ohio, USA Civilian employe of the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, deployed with Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Killed along with a U.S. soldier and a Polish soldier when a suicide bomber detonated a car bomb next to an international military convoy in Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 16, 2014

Maj. Michael J. Donahue 41 Columbus, Ohio, USA Company C, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps Killed along with a U.S. Defense Department civilian employee and a Polish soldier when a suicide bomber detonated a car bomb next to an international military convoy in Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 16, 2014

Sgt. Rafal Celebudzki 38 Szczecin, Poland Support Company, Multinational Corps North East Killed along with a U.S. soldier and a U.S. Defense Department civilian employee when a suicide bomber detonated a car bomb next to an international military convoy in Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 16, 2014

Sgt. Charles C. Strong 28 Suffolk, Virginia, USA 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment Killed when an individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform turned his weapon against ISAF members in Herat province, Afghanistan, on September 15, 2014

Spc. Brian K. Arsenault 28 Northborough, Massachusetts, USA Company B, 1st Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Killed when his unit was engaged by enemy small-arms fire in Ghazni, Afghanistan, on September 4, 2014

Obama, Military Hail Signing of U.S.-Afghan Agreement

Sept. 30, 2014 – Newly sworn-in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani today signed the bilateral security agreement between his government and the United States, as well as a status of forces agreement with NATO.
The agreements mark an historic day in the U.S.-Afghan partnership that will help advance our shared interests and the long-term security of Afghanistan,” President Barack Obama said in a statement released by the White House. read more>>>

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

MIA/POW

If a Flag Waving 'Poser Patriot' in the 99%plus Served and Don't Feel Your Responsibility is to Sacrifice

And those 'Poser Patriots' served tell everyone just who wondered off, they get their FOX facts reality!!

Sen. Bernie Sanders told Conservatives: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014
{Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, let alone the results from! As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded, VA budget is still borrowed thus added, problem creating, costs that shouldn't exist!}

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

Marine is first U.S. death in operations against Islamic State

Corporal Jordan Spears, 21 of Memphis, Indiana, was a crewman aboard a V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft flying off the USS Makin Island and went into the sea when the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff, the Navy said on Friday.
Oct 3, 2014 - A U.S. Marine who went into the sea from a V-22 Osprey during a flight mishap over the northern Gulf this week was the first American killed in U.S. military operations against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. read more>>>

Targeted Operations Against ISIL Terrorists

The president has authorized U.S. Central Command to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). DoD reports on>>>

U.S., Partner Nations Strike ISIL in Syria, Iraq

Oct. 6, 2014 – U.S. and partner nations' military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct three airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported. read more>>>

3 September 2014 - Obama Sending 350 More Troops to Iraq

Obama authorizes limited air strikes against militants in Iraq

Aug 8, 2014 - President Barack Obama said on Thursday he had authorized U.S. air strikes to blunt the onslaught of Islamist militants in northern Iraq and began airdrops of supplies to besieged religious minorities to prevent a "potential act of genocide." read more>>>

Obama, With Reluctance, Returns to Action in Iraq

AUG. 7, 2014 - In sending warplanes back into the skies over Iraq, President Obama on Thursday night found himself exactly where he did not want to be. Hoping to end the war in Iraq, Mr. Obama became the fourth president in a row to order military action in that graveyard of American ambition. read more>>>

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby on Additional Security Forces to Iraq

June 30, 2014 - At the direction of the president, the U.S. military augmented its security assistance by up to approximately 200 personnel to reinforce security at the U.S. embassy, its support facilities, and Baghdad International Airport. The president authorized this augmentation as a prudent measure to protect U.S. citizens and property. read more>>>

July 6, 2014 How Nearly 800 U.S. Troops Spent Their Fourth Of July In Iraq

July 6, 2014 Hagel: US To Secure Embassy, Assess Situation In Iraq

July 18, 2014 Most Think the U.S. Has No Responsibility To Act in Iraq

Pentagon Spokesman Provides Update on Iraq Missions

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2014 – U.S. military personnel who have been sent to Iraq in recent weeks are performing two distinct mission sets, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
Kirby said during a Pentagon news briefing that military orders since June 16 now total 770 authorized personnel, with 650 now in the country. Some are providing security assistance, and the rest are serving with assessment and advisory teams at the joint operations center in Baghdad. read more>>>

Dempsey: Leaders Wait to Hear From Iraq Assessment Teams

July 2, 2014 – U.S. officials are waiting to hear the assessment that U.S. special operations troops are making of Iraqi security forces before making a decision on further support, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told reporters following a speech at the Pacific Club here that U.S. officials could not decide what kind of assistance to provide when Iraq first asked for help.
“We didn’t have enough information to understand what kind of assistance we could provide,” he said. read more>>>

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Pentagon Spokesman Notes Operation United Assistance Progress

* * * Operation United Assistance * * *

* * * DoD Helps Fight EBOLA in West Africa * * *

The U.S. Africa Command, through U.S. Army Africa, provides coordination of logistics, training, and engineering support to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in West Africa to assist in the overall U.S. Government Foreign Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief efforts to contain the spread of the Ebola Virus/Disease, as part of the international assistance effort supporting the Governments of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

“US Army Africa is establishing a Joint Force Headquarters in Monrovia at the direction of the President of the United States, to coordinate military support for the United States Agency for International Development-led comprehensive U.S. Government response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. As the designated Joint Force Commander planning military support to this broad international effort to support the Government of Liberia, I am currently working here in Liberia with an assessment team to determine how to provide command and control, logistics expertise, training, and engineering support under Operation UNITED ASSISTANCE.” –Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, Commander, U.S. Army Africa
Ebola Information for Personnel read more with backlinks>>>

U.S. Troops Help Fight Ebola In Liberia

Soldiers Prepare to Support Ebola Response

U.S. Military Stands Up Labs, Hospital in Liberia Liberia 10/16/2014 - Operation United Assistance Joint Force Commander MG Darryl Williams updates reporters on the military members supporting the fight against Ebola in Africa.

Military Teams Building Up Infrastructure to Combat Ebola 10.16.2014 - General heading effort in Liberia speaks on challenges facing his troops.

18 October 2014 - Military Health Updates on Ebola Crisis

19 October 2014 - Pentagon Rapid Response Ebola Team Announced

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MATTHEW HOH: "We spend a trillion dollars a year on national security in this country."
"And when you add up to the Department of Defense, Department of State, CIA, Veterans Affairs, interest on debt, the number that strikes me the most about how much we're committed financially to these wars and to our current policies is we have spent $250 billion already just on interest payments on the debt we've incurred for the Iraq and Afghan wars." 26 September 2014

Full Show: America’s New War in the Middle East

September 26, 2014 - As Congress skipped town and avoided a vote on war, President Obama announced this week that the US was taking the lead in bombing jihadists in Iraq and Syria, opening what is being widely interpreted as another long and costly American military campaign in the Middle East.
This week, Bill discusses the latest on the conflict with Jonathan Landay, a veteran national security reporter for McClatchy Newspapers and Matthew Hoh, a former Marine and foreign service officer in Afghanistan.
“As much as President Obama wishes we weren’t the world’s policemen, perhaps we are,” Landay tells Moyers. “And there’s no escaping that curse.” read more>>>

Fact: ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans

DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War.

Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

More Military Families Are Relying On Food Banks And Pantries

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

VA Announces New Grants to Help End Veteran Homelessness

Initiative Targets 70,000 Homeless and At-Risk Vets and Families in High Need Communities WASHINGTON – 30 September -2014 - In addition to the $300 million in Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program grant awards announced on August 11, 2014 serving 115,000 Veterans and their family members, today Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald announced the award of $207 million in SSVF grants that will help an additional 70,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families. The grants will be distributed to 82 non-profit agencies and include “surge” funding for 56 high need communities. read more>>>

26 August 2014 - HUD, VA, AND USICH ANNOUNCE 33% DROP IN VETERAN HOMELESSNESS SINCE 2010

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

But alas don't worry be happy, we got us an expensive private corporate merc army, that also has yet to be paid for, that's also charged with intelligence gathering!!

Prior too this present Executive and Veterans administrations:

October 23, 2008 - And now VA investigators are trying to figure out if this one-time survey points to the likelihood that documents have been improperly destroyed for months or even years.
"Whatever this problem is, it didn't just start in the last two weeks," said Dave Autry, a spokesman for Disabled American Veterans. "It'd be unreasonable to assume that. Who knows what's been destroyed."
The documents, which didn't have duplicates at the VA, would have been critical in deciding veteran pension and disability claims. As a result, many veterans are asking whether their delayed or denied claims were affected by lost paperwork. read more>>>

Oct 16, 2008 - VA claims found in piles to be shredded

October 24, 2008 - House panel will target VA shredding

And the just above is just recent history, not all that has been for decades and wars from!!

The real scandal is those Served have yet to Sacrifice, DeJa-Vu all over again!

June 29, 2014 Surge in patients outpaces fayetteville's VA health care's building boom

Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans'

Veterans Administration"The Bush White House was so concerned..............."

DeJa-Vu - Veterans' Get 'Lip Service' and Oh So Cheap 'Patriotic Symbols/Words'

To Those 99% Served, 'Build the Veterans Administration Promised!!'

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

VA doctors only see ten patients a day, don't have the facilties or staff to handle more

February 27 2014 - Senate rejects far-reaching Veterans Affairs bill

To which directly after the vote they get this reply as to their Poser Patriotism honesty:

Then only a few months later they vote once again, after forced changes on same bill, and pass it, but:

June 13 2014 - VFW attacks the three Republicans who voted against Senate VA bill

Jun 22, 2014 - GOP: "It costs too much to fund the VA"

June 24, 2014 - Conservatives, the People Represented, Blasting Costs of Veterans Care - Again

And this is only a small part of what happens as problems develop from the ever present Congressional obstruction and then are compounded:

The Other Side, Reality, of the so called VA 'scandal'

VA Directs Monthly Meetings Between Local Health Facilities, Veterans Service Organizations in All 50 States

At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), our most important mission is to provide the high quality health care and benefits Veterans have earned and deserve — when and where they need it. In mid-April, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs directed the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to complete a nation-wide Access Audit to ensure a full understanding of VA’s policy among scheduling staff, identify any inappropriate scheduling practices used by employees regarding Veteran preferences for appointment dates, and review waiting list management.
VA is already taking corrective action to address issues resulting from the audit. read more w/Twice Monthly Update links

VA Releases Latest Nationwide Data on Access to Veterans Health Care

VA 'scandal'? It's the Country Served and Their Representatives 'SCANDAL'

Sen. Burr Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been!!

Veterans Administration 'scandal'? Conservative Ideology as Usual!!

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

3 September 2014 - V.A. Rules May Enable Benefits Long Denied to Vietnam-Era Veterans

What the Country Served, poser patriotism, should have already not only funded but built, as technologies advanced, decades and wars from especially, is finally coming into being.

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

New DOD-VA Health Records System Coming to More Facilities Soon

The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have installed a software viewer that allows clinicians to jointly access health record systems at seven VA facilities and two Defense facilities — and this meets the definition of a “full deployment” set by the secretaries of the two departments, a Pentagon spokeswoman said.
The two agencies combined operate a total of more than 1,300 clinics and hospitals.
The Joint Legacy Viewer combines data from VA and DOD health information systems and displays it chronologically on a single screen, eliminating the need for clinicians to access two separate applications.
Maureen Schumann, a Defense spokeswoman, said the initial deployment was a pilot program. read more>>>

Sen. Bernie Sanders told Conservatives: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014
{Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, let alone the results from! As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded, VA budget is still borrowed thus added, problem creating, costs that shouldn't exist!}

Veterans' PSA: The Power of 1

For the Veterans' Community Sisters: Women Veterans Health Care, call 1-855-VA-WOMEN1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-66361-855-829-6636) New Hotline now up and running

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

A New Solar Energy Job-Training Pilot Program for Veterans

September 18, 2014 - Solar energy is shattering records in the United States. Since President Obama took office, installed solar power has increased 13-fold, topping nearly 16 gigawatts today – enough to power the equivalent of 3.2 million average American homes. As solar energy continues to grow, it is becoming a major source of high-paying American jobs – employing nearly 143,000 full-time professionals last year. read more>>>

First Lady Thanks Military Family Support Personnel

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2014 – First Lady Michelle Obama teamed up with actor Bradley Cooper yesterday to place a conference call to military support personnel to thank them for their continued service to military families. read more>>>

First lady calls homeless vets a ‘stain on the soul of the nation’

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

* * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

July 29, 2014 'Poser Patriots': While Sending Military to Wars, Predatory Lenders

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

Homeless Veterans Charity Scam Spreads Beyond Florida Grifting the American Veterans' and Country

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Camp Lejeune Health Benefits, Regulations Published: Water Contamination

From the 1950s through the 1980s, people living or working at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other chemicals.
Health benefits
Veterans and family members who served on active duty or resided at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between Jan. 1, 1957 and Dec. 31, 1987 may be eligible for medical care for 15 health conditions: read more>>>

Desert Storm - Gulf War Service

VA Seeking Nominations for Appointment to the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses

Washington – October 6, 2014 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to serve as a member of the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses (RAC).
The RAC was established pursuant to section 104 of Public Law 105-368 to provide advice to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on proposed research studies, research plans, or research strategies relating to the health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War. The Committee periodically releases reports that summarize and make recommendations regarding research on the health of Gulf War Veterans.
“VA recognizes and respects the service, dedication and many challenges faced by Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War, and is committed to improving the health and well-being of these Veterans. Through its recommendations regarding relevant research, members of the RAC play an integral part in helping us achieve this goal,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “Widening our search for committee members to fill the upcoming vacancies will provide better diversity, and enable us to bring in new, well-qualified members with fresh perspectives and input.” read more>>>

Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - August 2014

2014-09-04T10:47:00.000-04:00

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,468 coalition deaths -- 2,343 Americans, 41 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 10 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of September 3 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,952 {19,882 up to August 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Christopher Waugh Mulalley 26 Eureka, California, USA B Troop, 1st Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division Died as the result of a non-combat related incident in Gardez, Afghanistan, on August 22, 2014

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Ivan Leggett 39 Ruskin, Florida, USA Company A, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps Died of injuries sustained when he was stabbed in the neck by a suspect identified as a low-level Taliban commander in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 20, 2014

Sgt. 1st Class Samuel Carlos Hairston 35 Houston, Texas, USA Company A, 1st Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Killed when his unit was engaged by enemy small-arms fire in Ghazni, Afghanistan, on August 12, 2014

Maj. Gen.Harold Joseph Greene 55 Schenectady, New York, USA Assigned to the Combined Security Transition Command, Afghanistan Greene was killed when a soldier wearing an Afghan Army uniform opened fire on group of senior U.S. and Afghan officers visiting Marshal Fahim National Defense University in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 5, 2014. Greene, the highest ranking military officer killed in action since 9/11, was a logistics expert who was deployed to Afghanistan to help the Afghan military manage soldiers and equipment. Full story

Staff Sgt. Girard David Gass Jr. 33 Lumber Bridge, North Carolina, USA Company C, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group Died at Jalalabad Airfield Hospital from a non-combat related incident that occurred while on patrol in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, on August 3, 2014

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

MIA/POW

If a Flag Waving 'Poser Patriot' in the 99%plus Served and Don't Feel Your Responsibility is to Sacrifice

And those 'Poser Patriots' served tell everyone just who wondered off, they get their FOX facts reality!!

Sen. Bernie Sanders told Conservatives: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014
{Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, let alone the results from! As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded, VA budget is still borrowed thus added, problem creating, costs that shouldn't exist!}

Back Into Iraq

3 September 2014 - Obama Sending 350 More Troops to Iraq

Obama authorizes limited air strikes against militants in Iraq

Aug 8, 2014 - President Barack Obama said on Thursday he had authorized U.S. air strikes to blunt the onslaught of Islamist militants in northern Iraq and began airdrops of supplies to besieged religious minorities to prevent a "potential act of genocide." read more>>>

Obama, With Reluctance, Returns to Action in Iraq

AUG. 7, 2014 - In sending warplanes back into the skies over Iraq, President Obama on Thursday night found himself exactly where he did not want to be. Hoping to end the war in Iraq, Mr. Obama became the fourth president in a row to order military action in that graveyard of American ambition. read more>>>

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby on Additional Security Forces to Iraq

June 30, 2014 - At the direction of the president, the U.S. military augmented its security assistance by up to approximately 200 personnel to reinforce security at the U.S. embassy, its support facilities, and Baghdad International Airport. The president authorized this augmentation as a prudent measure to protect U.S. citizens and property. read more>>>

July 6, 2014 How Nearly 800 U.S. Troops Spent Their Fourth Of July In Iraq

July 6, 2014 Hagel: US To Secure Embassy, Assess Situation In Iraq

July 18, 2014 Most Think the U.S. Has No Responsibility To Act in Iraq

Pentagon Spokesman Provides Update on Iraq Missions

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2014 – U.S. military personnel who have been sent to Iraq in recent weeks are performing two distinct mission sets, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
Kirby said during a Pentagon news briefing that military orders since June 16 now total 770 authorized personnel, with 650 now in the country. Some are providing security assistance, and the rest are serving with assessment and advisory teams at the joint operations center in Baghdad. read more>>>

Dempsey: Leaders Wait to Hear From Iraq Assessment Teams

July 2, 2014 – U.S. officials are waiting to hear the assessment that U.S. special operations troops are making of Iraqi security forces before making a decision on further support, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told reporters following a speech at the Pacific Club here that U.S. officials could not decide what kind of assistance to provide when Iraq first asked for help.
“We didn’t have enough information to understand what kind of assistance we could provide,” he said. read more>>>

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

More Military Families Are Relying On Food Banks And Pantries

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Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Veterans among millions of Americans relying on food banks

August 18, 2014 - According to a new report, one in seven Americans is receiving food assistance. But the faces of those struggling to put food on the table may surprise some. Manuel Bojorquez reports.

A window into other issue. Listen as the Veteran speaks, from the trauma's of War/Occupation Theaters to the trauma's on the oh so 'patriotic' streets of America, "If it weren't for my son........."

About 20 percent of all the households using Feeding America services include a member who is serving or has served in the military. Of those, 620,000 households have at least one member currently in the military, which is one quarter of all U.S. military households.

Hunger in America

The Hunger in America study series is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive insight into charitable food distribution in the United States.
Hunger in America is a series of quadrennial studies that provide comprehensive demographic profiles of people seeking food assistance through the charitable sector and an in-depth analysis of the partner agencies in the Feeding America network that provide this assistance. It is the largest study of its kind. The data collected through the Hunger in America studies help guide the development of programs and solutions that improve food security for individuals and their households and inform public policy and support for solving hunger in America.
Hunger in America 2014 is the sixth and most comprehensive study undertaken. The 2014 study reveals that each year, the Feeding America network of food banks provides service to 46.5 million people in need across the United States, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors. Through a network of 58,000 pantries, meal service programs, and other charitable food programs, the Feeding America network reaches people in need in every community across the U.S. read more w/report links>>>

Yuppers! That, poser patriotism, 'Support the Troops'

It really is a bitch, ain't it, when the rare piece of reality comes along and wipes out the phony meme's and in the case of the Military and Veterans the symbols used, especially when the reality is easy to ignore!

More Military Families Are Relying On Food Banks And Pantries

About 20 percent of all the households using Feeding America services include a member who is serving or has served in the military. Of those, 620,000 households have at least one member currently in the military, which is one quarter of all U.S. military households.

And carried into when those few who serve join our Veterans community especially us from our military actions or wars and long occupations, while them served never think they to should 'sacrifice'! Why it's to easy to just ignore or deny, much much cheaper, the issue's, especially as to those flag waving 'patriotic' wars and them follow the conservative long line of accusing the mostly dedicated personal, and volunteers, who strive to work for or help the Veterans especially those in the VA, it's all their fault and certainly not the, go shopping, 99%plus served! Why those served don't feel the need even to pay the multi billions in war costs, mostly to private corporate contractors, leading into the trillions!

August 18, 2014 - Despite the economic recovery, more than 46 million Americans — or one in seven — used a food pantry last year. And a surprisingly high number of those seeking help were households with military members, according to a new survey by Feeding America, which is a network of U.S. food banks.
The — conducted in 2013 — found that almost 620,000 of the households using Feeding America services have at least one member currently in the military. That's one quarter of all U.S. military households.
Deborah Flateman, who's president and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank in Baltimore, says she isn't surprised. Last year, her food bank started working with groups like the USO to provide food aid to families affiliated with nearby military bases like Fort Meade.
She says, so far, they've used their mobile food pantry to distributed more than 200,000 pounds of food to military families.
"They're not unlike any of the other families that we serve," says Flateman. "They meet hardship and they need assistance with food."
And other food banks and pantries say they're seeing a similar increase. read more>>>

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

But alas don't worry be happy, we got us an expensive private corporate merc army, that also has yet to be paid for, that's also charged with intelligence gathering!!

Prior too this present Executive and Veterans administrations:

October 23, 2008 - And now VA investigators are trying to figure out if this one-time survey points to the likelihood that documents have been improperly destroyed for months or even years.
"Whatever this problem is, it didn't just start in the last two weeks," said Dave Autry, a spokesman for Disabled American Veterans. "It'd be unreasonable to assume that. Who knows what's been destroyed."
The documents, which didn't have duplicates at the VA, would have been critical in deciding veteran pension and disability claims. As a result, many veterans are asking whether their delayed or denied claims were affected by lost paperwork. read more>>>

Oct 16, 2008 - VA claims found in piles to be shredded

October 24, 2008 - House panel will target VA shredding

And the just above is just recent history, not all that has been for decades and wars from!!

The real scandal is those Served have yet to Sacrifice, DeJa-Vu all over again!

June 29, 2014 Surge in patients outpaces fayetteville's VA health care's building boom

Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans'

Veterans Administration"The Bush White House was so concerned..............."

DeJa-Vu - Veterans' Get 'Lip Service' and Oh So Cheap 'Patriotic Symbols/Words'

To Those 99% Served, 'Build the Veterans Administration Promised!!'

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

VA doctors only see ten patients a day, don't have the facilties or staff to handle more

February 27 2014 - Senate rejects far-reaching Veterans Affairs bill

To which directly after the vote they get this reply as to their Poser Patriotism honesty:

Then only a few months later they vote once again, after forced changes on same bill, and pass it, but:

June 13 2014 - VFW attacks the three Republicans who voted against Senate VA bill

Jun 22, 2014 - GOP: "It costs too much to fund the VA"

June 24, 2014 - Conservatives, the People Represented, Blasting Costs of Veterans Care - Again

And this is only a small part of what happens as problems develop from the ever present Congressional obstruction and then are compounded:

The Other Side, Reality, of the so called VA 'scandal'

VA Directs Monthly Meetings Between Local Health Facilities, Veterans Service Organizations in All 50 States

At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), our most important mission is to provide the high quality health care and benefits Veterans have earned and deserve — when and where they need it. In mid-April, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs directed the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to complete a nation-wide Access Audit to ensure a full understanding of VA’s policy among scheduling staff, identify any inappropriate scheduling practices used by employees regarding Veteran preferences for appointment dates, and review waiting list management.
VA is already taking corrective action to address issues resulting from the audit. read more w/Twice Monthly Update links

VA Releases Latest Nationwide Data on Access to Veterans Health Care

VA 'scandal'? It's the Country Served and Their Representatives 'SCANDAL'

Sen. Burr Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been!!

Veterans Administration 'scandal'? Conservative Ideology as Usual!!

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

3 September 2014 - V.A. Rules May Enable Benefits Long Denied to Vietnam-Era Veterans

What the Country Served, poser patriotism, should have already not only funded but built, as technologies advanced, decades and wars from especially, is finally coming into being.

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

New DOD-VA Health Records System Coming to More Facilities Soon

The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have installed a software viewer that allows clinicians to jointly access health record systems at seven VA facilities and two Defense facilities — and this meets the definition of a “full deployment” set by the secretaries of the two departments, a Pentagon spokeswoman said.
The two agencies combined operate a total of more than 1,300 clinics and hospitals.
The Joint Legacy Viewer combines data from VA and DOD health information systems and displays it chronologically on a single screen, eliminating the need for clinicians to access two separate applications.
Maureen Schumann, a Defense spokeswoman, said the initial deployment was a pilot program. read more>>>

Sen. Bernie Sanders told Conservatives: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014
{Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, let alone the results from! As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded, VA budget is still borrowed thus added, problem creating, costs that shouldn't exist!}

Veterans' PSA: The Power of 1

A Big 'Congratulations' to these young Sister's!!

Group of amputee female U.S. veterans now becoming mothers

"These women were there for me as the band of sisters when — I went through the greatest pain, the greatest trauma in my life," Duckworth told the show. "And now we get to be together for the time of greatest joy."

September 2, 2014 - The women, which includes Illinois congresswoman Tammy Duckworth all bonded while recovering from the injuries they suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan. But now they can all bond over the new chapter of their life — motherhood.
Four female Iraq veterans who bonded over the loss of their limbs are now sharing a much happier experience together.
The women told the "Today" show about first getting wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan but then finding each other at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. And now the women have all opened a new chapter of their lives by becoming mothers or pregnant.
"I am so thrilled that I'm gonna be a mother here in just — four months," Illinois Rep. Tammy Duckworth told the show. She was an Army captain who lost both of her legs when the helicopter she was co-piloting was shot down.
"These women were there for me as the band of sisters when — I went through the greatest pain, the greatest trauma in my life," Duckworth told the show. "And now we get to be together for the time of greatest joy."
They will join their fellow amputees by becoming mothers: Dawn Halfaker's son Raice was born four months ago and Danielle Green-Byrd gave birth last month to her son Daniel, the show reported. read more>>>

For their and the Veterans' community sisters: Women Veterans Health Care, call 1-855-VA-WOMEN1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-66361-855-829-6636) New Hotline now up and running

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

First Lady Thanks Military Family Support Personnel

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2014 – First Lady Michelle Obama teamed up with actor Bradley Cooper yesterday to place a conference call to military support personnel to thank them for their continued service to military families. read more>>>

First lady calls homeless vets a ‘stain on the soul of the nation’

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

* * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

26 August 2014 - HUD, VA, AND USICH ANNOUNCE 33% DROP IN VETERAN HOMELESSNESS SINCE 2010

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

July 29, 2014 'Poser Patriots': While Sending Military to Wars, Predatory Lenders

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

Homeless Veterans Charity Scam Spreads Beyond Florida Grifting the American Veterans' and Country

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Soldier Missing From WWII Accounted For
September 03, 2014 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing since World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Pfc. Bernard Gavrin, 29, of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be buried on Sep. 12, in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. On June 15, 1944, as part of an Allied strategic goal to secure the Mariana Islands, U.S. forces were ordered to occupy Saipan. After a month of intense fighting, enemy forces conducted a suicide assault, known as a banzai attack. This was designed to inflict as many casualties as possible against the 105th Infantry Regiment (IR), 27th Infantry Division (ID). During these attacks, elements of the 105th IR sustained heavy losses, with more than 900 soldiers killed or injured. Gavrin was reported missing in action on July 7, 1944.read more>>>

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - July 2014

2014-08-03T13:16:00.001-04:00

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,464 coalition deaths -- 2,338 Americans, 41 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 10 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of April 2, 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,882 {19,873 up to July 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Pfc. Donnell Antwain Hamilton, Jr. 20 Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Died on July 24, 2014, at Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, from an illness sustained in Ghazni province, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Benjamin G. Prange 30 Hickman, Nebraska, USA 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division One of two soldiers killed when the enemy attacked their vehicle with a roadside bomb in Mirugol Kalay, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on July 24, 2014

Pfc.Keith M. Williams 19 Visalia, California, USA 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division One of two soldiers killed when the enemy attacked their vehicle with a roadside bomb in Mirugol Kalay, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on July 24, 2014

Sgt. Jaroslav Lieskovan 39 Czech Republic 2. Vysadkovy Roty, 43. Vysadkovy Prapor, 4. Brigady Rychleho Nasazeni (2nd Airborne Company, 43rd Airborne Battalion, 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade) Lieskovan died on July 14, 2014, at Central Military Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic, of wounds suffered when a suicide bomber on a bicycle blew himself up near a Czech army patrol that was stopped outside a health clinic in Qalandar Khel, Bagram district, Parwan province, Afghanistan, on July 8, 2014. Four other Czech soldiers also died in the bombing.

Cpl. Jan Senkyr 38 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic 2. Vysadkovy Roty, 43. Vysadkovy Prapor, 4. Brigady Rychleho Nasazeni (2nd Airborne Company, 43rd Airborne Battalion, 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade) Senkyr was one of four Czech soldiers killed when a suicide bomber on a bicycle blew himself up near a Czech army patrol that was stopped outside a health clinic in Qalandar Khel, Bagram district, Parwan province, Afghanistan, on July 8, 2014. A fifth soldier died of his wounds on July 14.

Cpl. Libor Ligac 32 Tynisti nad Orlici, Czech Republic 43. Vysadkovy Prapor, 4. Brigady Rychleho Nasazeni (43rd Airborne Battalion, 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade) Ligac was one of four Czech soldiers killed when a suicide bomber on a bicycle blew himself up near a Czech army patrol that was stopped outside a health clinic in Qalandar Khel, Bagram district, Parwan province, Afghanistan, on July 8, 2014. A fifth soldier died of his wounds on July 14.

Sgt. Ivo Klusak 33 Jicin, Czech Republic 2. Vysadkovy Roty, 43. Vysadkovy Prapor, 4. Brigady Rychleho Nasazeni (2nd Airborne Company, 43rd Airborne Battalion, 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade) Klusak was one of four Czech soldiers killed when a suicide bomber on a bicycle blew himself up near a Czech army patrol that was stopped outside a health clinic in Qalandar Khel, Bagram district, Parwan province, Afghanistan, on July 8, 2014. A fifth soldier died of his wounds on July 14.

Sgt. David Benes 28 Chomutov, Czech Republic 41. Mechanizovany Prapor, 4. Brigady Rychleho Nasazeni (41st Mechanized Battalion, 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade) Benes was one of four Czech soldiers killed when a suicide bomber on a bicycle blew himself up near a Czech army patrol that was stopped outside a health clinic in Qalandar Khel, Bagram district, Parwan province, Afghanistan, on July 8, 2014. A fifth soldier died of his wounds on July 14.

Lance Cpl. Todd John Chidgey 29 Gosford, New South Wales, Australia 2nd Commando Regiment Killed in a non-combat related incident at Australian Defence Force headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 1, 2014

Back Into Iraq

Obama authorizes limited air strikes against militants in Iraq

Aug 8, 2014 - President Barack Obama said on Thursday he had authorized U.S. air strikes to blunt the onslaught of Islamist militants in northern Iraq and began airdrops of supplies to besieged religious minorities to prevent a "potential act of genocide." read more>>>

Obama, With Reluctance, Returns to Action in Iraq

AUG. 7, 2014 - In sending warplanes back into the skies over Iraq, President Obama on Thursday night found himself exactly where he did not want to be. Hoping to end the war in Iraq, Mr. Obama became the fourth president in a row to order military action in that graveyard of American ambition. read more>>>

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby on Additional Security Forces to Iraq

June 30, 2014 - At the direction of the president, the U.S. military augmented its security assistance by up to approximately 200 personnel to reinforce security at the U.S. embassy, its support facilities, and Baghdad International Airport. The president authorized this augmentation as a prudent measure to protect U.S. citizens and property. read more>>>

July 6, 2014 How Nearly 800 U.S. Troops Spent Their Fourth Of July In Iraq

July 6, 2014 Hagel: US To Secure Embassy, Assess Situation In Iraq

July 18, 2014 Most Think the U.S. Has No Responsibility To Act in Iraq

Pentagon Spokesman Provides Update on Iraq Missions

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2014 – U.S. military personnel who have been sent to Iraq in recent weeks are performing two distinct mission sets, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
Kirby said during a Pentagon news briefing that military orders since June 16 now total 770 authorized personnel, with 650 now in the country. Some are providing security assistance, and the rest are serving with assessment and advisory teams at the joint operations center in Baghdad. read more>>>

Dempsey: Leaders Wait to Hear From Iraq Assessment Teams

July 2, 2014 – U.S. officials are waiting to hear the assessment that U.S. special operations troops are making of Iraqi security forces before making a decision on further support, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told reporters following a speech at the Pacific Club here that U.S. officials could not decide what kind of assistance to provide when Iraq first asked for help.
“We didn’t have enough information to understand what kind of assistance we could provide,” he said. read more>>>

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Veterans' Affairs committee chairmen reach deal on legislation

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Neither War, OEF and OIF, has yet to be paid for. And as the decades previous and wars, ignoring the issues of those who served in, of the under funded Veterans' Administration budget is still mostly on borrowed capital, even more so for these two long occupations, after quickly abandoning the missions from 9/11 with those served full 'patriotic' approval!

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Deal? There's no 'deal' on this issue, it's just more obstruction and shirking of responsibility, DeJa-Vu for decades now and wars from, by the people served, Poser Patriots, through their hired representatives and leading to the want to privatize for corporate profit built on then bigger budgets from lawmakers!!

Rep Miller: There Is NO Negotiations, NOR Offsets, Like Your Rubber Stamped, Corporate Profit, Wars, As To The Peoples Responsibilities, Through Their Representatives!!

These present wars, Afghanistan and Iraq, after abandoning the missions and those sent to accomplish so quickly after 9/11 to invade another, have yet to be paid for!!

July 27, 2014 - The House and Senate Veterans' Affairs committee chairmen have reached a deal on legislation that will address problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), aides to both sides confirmed to CBS News. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., are expected to outline the deal at a news conference Monday.
The two lawmakers released a statement Sunday saying they "made significant progress on legislation to make the VA more accountable and recruit more doctors, nurses and other health care professionals." An aide added that the agreement will "deal with both the short-term and long-term needs of the VA."

snip
If the plan is approved by the bipartisan group of negotiators from both chambers, it will still have to pass both the House and Senate. Both chambers are expected to adjourn at the end of this week for a five-week recess. read more>>>

And Who Says Politics Doesn't Play From Within the Agencies to the Branches

Especially to the Legislative to keep the costs, or create costly 'scandals', way down in the VA

VA Bill Next Stop: President Obama's Desk ... FINALLY!!

The five Republicans in the House of obstruction, especially in paying for the wars and the long term results of, DeJa-Vu, who voted no on the still obstructed and grossly under funded needs, decades and wars from now, watered down once again, bill: Rick Crawford (Ark.), Walter Jones (N.C.), Jack Kingston (Ga.), Mark Sanford (S.C.) and Steve Stockman (Texas). Joining these Senators: Sens. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) , who had voted 'Nay' weeks back while the House delayed after!! None having any problems, Poser Patriots, in rubber stamping All the war costs, no mention of offsets, including the no bid private contracts, off the books till administrations changed and all borrowed, yet to be paid back!!

Was it Politics, to feed the Conservative 'scandal' needs especially in the Rep Miller House Veterans Affairs Committee attack hearings, or Greed Brought into VA Facilities{?} Where politics nor greed should ever cross those thresholds!!

VA reform bill clears Senate, awaits Obama's signature

July 31, 2014 - A bill to reform the beleaguered Veterans Affairs health care system cleared the Senate by a wide bipartisan vote on Thursday evening. The law now heads to President Obama's desk just before lawmakers depart for their August recess.
The $16.3 billion proposal, which passed by a margin of 91-3, includes $10 billion to allow veterans who are unable to receive a timely appointment within the VA system to seek care from outside providers. It also includes $5 billion to allow the VA to hire more doctors and nurses to handle a greater caseload, and approximately $1.3 billion to finance leases for 27 new VA facilities across the country.
The bill was the product of negotiations between the chairmen of the House and Senate veterans affairs committees. It passed the House on Wednesday by a margin of 420-5.
Republicans were pushing to allow veterans to seek care from private or non-profit hospitals outside the VA system, while Democrats were concerned with strengthening the VA's capacity to handle more patients in the future. Both sides ultimately came away with significant progress on those goals. read more>>>

Prior too this present Executive and Veterans administrations:

October 23, 2008 - And now VA investigators are trying to figure out if this one-time survey points to the likelihood that documents have been improperly destroyed for months or even years.
"Whatever this problem is, it didn't just start in the last two weeks," said Dave Autry, a spokesman for Disabled American Veterans. "It'd be unreasonable to assume that. Who knows what's been destroyed."
The documents, which didn't have duplicates at the VA, would have been critical in deciding veteran pension and disability claims. As a result, many veterans are asking whether their delayed or denied claims were affected by lost paperwork. read more>>>

Oct 16, 2008 - VA claims found in piles to be shredded

October 24, 2008 - House panel will target VA shredding

And the just above is just recent history, not all that has been for decades and wars from!!

The real scandal is those Served have yet to Sacrifice, DeJa-Vu all over again!

June 29, 2014 Surge in patients outpaces fayetteville's VA health care's building boom

Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans'

Veterans Administration"The Bush White House was so concerned..............."

DeJa-Vu - Veterans' Get 'Lip Service' and Oh So Cheap 'Patriotic Symbols/Words'

To Those 99% Served, 'Build the Veterans Administration Promised!!'

Gen. Shinseki, with a target on him after speaking Military Truth and the bushco firing him and political ideology/greed within the agency helping those in power targeting him, with help from this Executive Branch and it's Cabinet, like the Department of Labor - Veterans, The Department of Housing and Urban Development - Veterans and the Department of Justice - Veterans Courts and Related to name but only a few Veterans issues with Executive Branches Cabinet help, was finally addressing decades long ignored issues with some even denied they exist. Long Ignored by those served, other VA Secretaries and Executive Administrations, especially Conservative, and Especially Congresses who Represent the People Served, or are supposed to, and control the Nations purse strings, not for corporations. Across the VA and all issues of the us Veterans and especially from our Wars and long Occupations of others, not just Care Issues!
Already started but an agency can do only so much and at the pace the people served allow with what the agency is budgeted, still grossly under funded with two more long wars and the budget mostly borrowed with interest payments to cause problems thus feeding the conservative want to privatize for corporate profit off the peoples treasury, and country served willing to pay for:

"He would update the VA software program for scheduling called VISTA, a program first used in 1985.
Nabors also calls for the VA to hire more doctors and nurses, and build more physical space that will be needed for veterans in the future."

What the VA Needs is Those Served Actually Sacrifice, Not Poser Patriotism from Congress and those, 99%, People Served!!

Build the Veterans Administration Promised from the beginning with Real Patriotism not the decades of, cheap, empty rhetoric and Unfunded Congressional Legislation, putting their names too for that patriotic feel and praise, just like the unfunded flag waving patriotic wars with two tax cuts and no offsets mentioned, still unpaid for, used only to attack the VA personal for not rapidly addressing what was passed, Poser Patriotism!!

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

VA doctors only see ten patients a day, don't have the facilties or staff to handle more

June 27, 2014 - The results of the White House investigation of VA health care were released late Friday evening, and they paint a bleak picture.
The review says VA leadership is not prepared to deliver effective day-to-day management and is marked by an inherent lack of responsiveness.
The president ordered the investigation after reports that some VA managers lied about how long veterans waited for health care, hiding the fact that many couldn't get appointments for months.
President Obama sent his deputy White House chief of staff Rob Nabors to be his eyes and ears at the VA, and his report combines scathing criticism with ideas on moving the VA forward. read more>>>

Just the recent history, people, 99%, served representatives, that continues following the previous decades and wars from:

February 27 2014 - Senate rejects far-reaching Veterans Affairs bill

To which directly after the vote they get this reply as to their Poser Patriotism honesty:

Then only a few months later they vote once again, after forced changes on same bill, and pass it, but:

June 13 2014 - VFW attacks the three Republicans who voted against Senate VA bill

To which follows the usual rhetoric from the obvious group of law makers, decades in doing same, as they seek to privatize for corporate profit off the peoples treasury. As still a government agency they would then have the ability to legislate added fee's and more along with finally raising the budgets for. Only two ways for them to boost those corporate bottom lines, continue placing the budgets on the credit cards or raise the countries taxes, except their wealthy friends, higher. The long conservative ideology, already in play, in the peoples corporate government.

Jun 22, 2014 - GOP: "It costs too much to fund the VA"

June 24, 2014 - Conservatives, the People Represented, Blasting Costs of Veterans Care - Again

And this is only a small part of what happens as problems develop from the ever present Congressional obstruction and then are compounded:

June 25, 2014 - One of the reasons the case load for VA doctors is so low is that patients in VA medical facilities are older and their complex medical conditions require longer appointments, Lynch said. And some facilities don't have the proper number of exam rooms or staff to handle more patients.

The Other Side, Reality, of the so called VA 'scandal'

06.24.2014 - In testimony before Congress, Veterans Affairs leaders said that VA facilities are often outdated and ill equipped to handle modern trends in outpatient treatment.

Now if only the flag waving, Poser Patriotic Country served would demand they Sacrifice, like they should have starting decades ago and wars from as well as stop ignoring or denying the issues Veterans continue fighting for their care of!! Pay for the wars, these have yet to be, and fully keep the promises made to those 1% that Served them!!

VA Directs Monthly Meetings Between Local Health Facilities, Veterans Service Organizations in All 50 States

VA 'scandal'? It's the Country Served and Their Representatives 'SCANDAL'

Sen. Burr Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been!!

Veterans Administration 'scandal'? Conservative Ideology as Usual!!

Homeless veterans get housing in new Syracuse facility

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

VA Releases Latest Facility-Level Patient Access Data

WASHINGTON - July 31, 2014 - In keeping with the commitment to improve transparency in the department’s processes, VA today released the latest update of facility-level patient access data.
Of note in this, the Department’s fifth updated data set:
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has reached out to over 217,000 Veterans to get them off wait lists and into clinics read more w/report link>>>

Secretary McDonald Issues Message to VA Employees

WASHINGTON – July 31, 2014 - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald today released the following message to VA employees:

MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY McDONALD
I am grateful to President Obama and to Congress for this opportunity to join the dedicated employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and I am honored to serve as your Secretary and lead VA. We are immensely fortunate to work in an organization with the noblest and most respected mission in Government—serving this Nation’s Veterans.
We have strong institutional values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. We will all need to depend on and live by our values as we rise to meet the challenges ahead. Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson—my West Point classmate, a trusted friend, and a great leader—had it right in his recent statement to Congress: “We can turn these challenges into the greatest opportunity for improvement in the history of the Department.” read more>>>

The New VA Secretary

Gen Shinseki had a target on him as soon as he spoke Military truth and the bushco fired him, with cheers from their supporters! The Conservatives got what they long sought, Shinseki gone bcause he was finally addressing Veterans issues and still with a grossly under funded budget from those who control the purse strings and represent the Poser Patriots who refuse to Sacrifice as to their Responsibility especially concerning wars!

Here's hoping that All that the Gen Shinseki VA administration started addressing, with full help from the Executive Administration, not only as to the present Veterans, already ignored issues, returning but the past decades and wars from ignored or denied Veterans issue's continues, and more, and those served fulfill their Responsibility, Finally, going forward. And the Conservative dream of privatizing for corporate profit, Congress then can build the needed bottom lines with bigger budgets and added fee's then, is never brought to completion!!

Five Things to Know About the New VA Secretary

Jul 29, 2014 - The Senate confirmed Robert McDonald as the new Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs today, one month after President Obama nominated him for the post.
McDonald was confirmed with a vote of 97-0. McDonald, a former CEO of Procter & Gamble, will join the VA as the embattled department tries to ease wait times for veterans by providing health care outside the VA system as well as hiring new doctors, nurses and clinicians at VA facilities.

snip
McDonald wrote a list called “What I Believe In,” which includes 10 principles he lives by and could be applied to his time at the VA.
Here’s the list: 1. Living a life driven by purpose is more meaningful and rewarding than meandering through life without direction. 2. Companies must do well to do good and must do good to well. 3. Everyone wants to succeed, and success is contagious. 4. Putting people in the right jobs is one of the most important jobs of the leader. 5. Character is the most important trait of a leader. 6. Diverse groups of people are more innovative than homogeneous groups. 7. Ineffective systems and cultures are bigger barriers to achievement than the talents of people. 8. There will be some people in the organization who will not make it on the journey. 9. Organizations must renew themselves. 10. The true test of the leader is the performance of the organization when they are absent or after they depart. read more>>>

Present: More Time Passes While Veterans Wait - Past: Decades & Wars From = DeJa-Vu

Not surprising as the Country Served easily forgets their Responsibility, easier to lay blame on the agency charged to further their side of the contracts the VA especially as to wars, to the Veterans not only since but during the long conflicts they demand, with flags waving, to serve in, only in this case even the cheap easy way out symbols are lacking! With but the occasional mention of the 'dough boys'! As they ignore the issues, or just plain deny, of the returning that served them!

America's forgotten heroes: World War I veterans

July 30, 2014 - A hundred years ago Wednesday, Austrian warships bombarded Belgrade. It was day three of what would be known as The Great War, The World War, and eventually World War I.
Nearly five million Americans would serve.
A century later, there is no national memorial in the nation's capital to honor their sacrifice.
It was supposed to be "the war to end all wars." Instead, in the cruelest of ironies, it began a century of bloodshed. But a hundred years on, few remember the "doughboys," Americans who died for their country. read more>>>

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

First lady calls homeless vets a ‘stain on the soul of the nation’

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

July 31, 2014 - First lady Michelle Obama stressed the administration’s commitment to end homelessness among veterans Thursday and predicted that the country is on “the verge of making a major breakthrough.”
“That’s a stain on the soul of this nation,” Obama, speaking at the 2014 National Conference on Ending Homelessness, said of veteran homelessness. “As Americans, the idea that anyone who has worn our country’s uniform spends their nights sleeping on the ground should horrify us.”
A longtime promoter of better nutrition and exercise to address an epidemic of childhood obesity, the first lady has recently concentrated her efforts on the administration’s fight against homelessness among veterans. In June, she unveiled the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, a partnership intended to solidify the effort, and called on mayors to commit to end the condition in their communities by 2015.
Speaking to a packed audience at the Renaissance Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, Obama said she was outraged to hear that veterans who’ve served their country lack shelter when it rains. read more>>>

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families * * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Senate Republicans Block Veterans' Health Bill on Budget Worry

America's Debt: At Military Grocery Stores, More Food Stamps Used

ex VP Cheney Doesn't Much Like Military Families, Veterans, on Food Stamps

GWB Now Wrapping Himself in 'Magnetic "Support the Veterans" Ribbons'

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

July 29, 2014 'Poser Patriots': While Sending Military to Wars, Predatory Lenders

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

Homeless Veterans Charity Scam Spreads Beyond Florida

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Marine Missing From WWII Accounted For
July 21, 2014 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, lost during World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Marine Pfc. Randolph Allen of Rush, Kentucky, will be buried July 29 in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. In November 1943, Allen was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, which landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll, in an attempt to secure the island against stiff Japanese resistance. Over several days of intense fighting approximately 1,000 Marines were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded. As a result of these attacks, Allen was reported killed in action on Nov. 20, 1943. read more>>>

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - June 2014

2014-07-04T05:33:00.001-04:00

Helping a Homeless Veteran

Veterans Health

Sadly, we’ve all seen it: a fellow Vet homeless, begging for change. Carry these and give them the support they need.

Click for full view then right click and save to your computer, print out to pass on

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,455 coalition deaths -- 2,335 Americans, 41 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of April 2, 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,873 {19,784 up to June 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Thomas Z. Spitzer 23 New Braunfels, Texas, USA 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force Died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on June 25, 2014

Lance Cpl. Brandon John Garabrant 29 Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force One of three Marines killed along with a military working dog when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on June 20, 2014

Lance Cpl. Adam Franklin Wolff 25 Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force One of three Marines killed along with a military working dog when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on June 20, 2014

Staff Sgt. David Hamilton Stewart 34 Stafford, Virginia, USA 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force One of three Marines killed along with a military working dog when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on June 20, 2014

Staff Sgt. Jason Andrew McDonald 28 Butler, Georgia, 30308 Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group McDonald was one of five soldiers killed when an airstrike from a U.S. B-1 bomber accidentally hit their position during a combat operation in Gazah village in Zabul province, Afghanistan, on June 9, 2014.

Spc. Terry John Hurne 34 Merced, California, USA Company B, 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Died from a non-combat related incident at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar province, Afghanistan, on June 9, 2014

Staff Sgt. Scott Richard Studenmund 24 Pasadena, California, USA Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group Studenmund was one of five soldiers killed when an airstrike from a U.S. B-1 bomber accidentally hit their position during a combat operation in Gazah village in Zabul province, Afghanistan, on June 9, 2014.

Pvt. Enlisted Grade 2Aaron Scott Toppen 19 Mokena, Illinois, USA Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Toppen was one of five soldiers killed when an airstrike from a U.S. B-1 bomber accidentally hit their position during a combat operation in Gazah village in Zabul province, Afghanistan, on June 9, 2014.

Cpl. Justin Robert Clouse 22 Sprague, Washington, USA Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Clouse was one of five soldiers killed when an airstrike from a U.S. B-1 bomber accidentally hit their position during a combat operation in Gazah village in Zabul province, Afghanistan, on June 9, 2014.

Spc. Justin Ryan Helton 25 Beaver, Ohio, USA 18th Ordnance Company, 192nd Ordnance Battalion, 52nd Ordnance Group Helton was one of five soldiers killed when an airstrike from a U.S. B-1 bomber accidentally hit their position during a combat operation in Gazah village in Zabul province, Afghanistan, on June 9, 2014.

Pfc.Matthew Herbert Walker 20 Hillsboro, Missouri, USA Company B, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Died of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy fire in Paktika province, Afghanistan, on June 5, 2014

Capt. Jason Benjamin Jones 29 Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, USA Company C, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group Died of wounds suffered during a small-arms firefight in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, on June 2, 2014

Back Into Iraq

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby on Additional Security Forces to Iraq

June 30, 2014 - At the direction of the president, the U.S. military augmented its security assistance by up to approximately 200 personnel to reinforce security at the U.S. embassy, its support facilities, and Baghdad International Airport. The president authorized this augmentation as a prudent measure to protect U.S. citizens and property. read more>>>

Pentagon Spokesman Provides Update on Iraq Missions

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2014 – U.S. military personnel who have been sent to Iraq in recent weeks are performing two distinct mission sets, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
Kirby said during a Pentagon news briefing that military orders since June 16 now total 770 authorized personnel, with 650 now in the country. Some are providing security assistance, and the rest are serving with assessment and advisory teams at the joint operations center in Baghdad. read more>>>

Dempsey: Leaders Wait to Hear From Iraq Assessment Teams

July 2, 2014 – U.S. officials are waiting to hear the assessment that U.S. special operations troops are making of Iraqi security forces before making a decision on further support, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told reporters following a speech at the Pacific Club here that U.S. officials could not decide what kind of assistance to provide when Iraq first asked for help.
“We didn’t have enough information to understand what kind of assistance we could provide,” he said. read more>>>

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Surge in patients outpaces fayetteville's VA health care's building boom

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

The Other Side, Reality, of the so called VA 'scandal'

Only a few years back, while the country had abandoned the missions and those sent to accomplish after 9/11 and waged a companion long war and deadly occupation with cheering flag waving, the Pols, Conservative, from the Federal to the State sought to privatize much of the Salisbury NC VA Hospital care, contracting with local non VA hospitals for emergency services and in patient care, which has a National Cemetery adjacent to the care facilities, for corporate profit off the people served treasury, two tax cuts came with the rubber stamped still not paid for wars, and the ability as a government agency to actually greatly increase the budgets for that growth corporate bottom line. Since it was stopped that VA campus has been expanding in size and care issues under the Shinseki Veterans Administration with help from the present Executive Branch and it's Cabinet. And from early reports does not carry any of these present 'scandal' charges but still operating under grossly inadequate budget funding which is still mostly borrowed with interest. The Fayetteville VA on the other have, in an area of big Military Bases is coming back with much different reading as to these 'scandals' that nobody paid much attention to before, would mean more Sacrifice from them if they did.

This wasn't only happening at that VA and many arguments used were on the conditions of the long ignored facilities not just VA Hospitals but Clinics and more, rapidly issues addressed under the Shinseki VA Administration with help even from the Recovery Act funds which created jobs both short and long term and will greatly benefit the communities where spent economically going forward, including upgrading the existing and expanding the numbers of National Cemeteries across the Country, another of the so many ignored by the Country Served issues as to it's Veterans, those few who've served them.

In one of the links above you'll find this:

“We applaud Senator-elect Kay Hagan and Congressmen Mel Watt and Larry Kissell for standing with veterans and VA employees throughout this ordeal, but this fight is far from over,” said AFGE national secretary-treasurer J. David Cox, who worked as a registered nurse at the Salisbury VA Medical Center for over 20 years. “Senator Burr and VA Secretary James Peake are claiming that they want to do what is in the best interest of veterans and save this hospital, but all they have really done is committed to giving it a slow death. We refused to let that happen and we’ll fight everyday until 2013 to make sure it doesn’t.”

June 29, 2014 - The Fayetteville VA Medical Center has been playing catchup for years.
A surge in the veteran population following a decade of war has stressed the system since at least 2010, when Elizabeth Goolsby took the helm of the 21-county region served by the Fayetteville VA.
In the four years since, the number of patients seen at the local VA has grown more than 10,000 to nearly 60,000 each year.
A building boom across several counties is adding new clinics, centers and offices, including significant changes to the VA's main campus in Fayetteville. But it still won't be enough.
"Even when all of this building is done ... we will still be short 200,000 square feet, and that's by the 2012 standards," Goolsby said.
In short, the VA could double the size of its new health center under construction off Raeford Road and still be short on space, she said. read more>>>

Veterans have been dying for decades because those like Rep Miller and Sen Burr, and the ideologies of, lead in ignoring the many issues, PTS, Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome to name but only a few, and why because these conservatives seek to privatize, bringing in all the problems within that private sector, for corporate profit off the peoples treasury and as still a government agency they would then have the ability to legislate added fee's and also bigger budgets!!!

There's whistle blowers and political whistle blowers, there's executives and political executives, and the latter work with the politics of those above them in these government jobs add in greed and power to the mix!!

It isn't only about the Veterans, with mutiple tours in theater, of these two recent wars nor about us older Veterans aging out, it's also about the Shinseki Veterans Administration finally addressing long ignored, by the Country served, Veterans issues. Finally being covered, in a still grossly under funded Government Agency, and getting help, even the caretakers of, long ignored as many have passed on from while fighting to get what the Country promises!

The real scandal is those Served have yet to Sacrifice, DeJa-Vu all over again!

Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans'

Veterans Administration"The Bush White House was so concerned..............."

DeJa-Vu - Veterans' Get 'Lip Service' and Oh So Cheap 'Patriotic Symbols/Words'

To Those 99% Served, 'Build the Veterans Administration Promised!!'

"He would update the VA software program for scheduling called VISTA, a program first used in 1985.
Nabors also calls for the VA to hire more doctors and nurses, and build more physical space that will be needed for veterans in the future."

What the VA Needs is Those Served Actually Sacrifice, Not Poser Patriotism from Congress and those, 99%, People Served!!

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

VA doctors only see ten patients a day, don't have the facilties or staff to handle more

June 27, 2014 - The results of the White House investigation of VA health care were released late Friday evening, and they paint a bleak picture.
The review says VA leadership is not prepared to deliver effective day-to-day management and is marked by an inherent lack of responsiveness.
The president ordered the investigation after reports that some VA managers lied about how long veterans waited for health care, hiding the fact that many couldn't get appointments for months.
President Obama sent his deputy White House chief of staff Rob Nabors to be his eyes and ears at the VA, and his report combines scathing criticism with ideas on moving the VA forward. read more>>>

Just the recent history, people, 99%, served representatives, that continues following the previous decades and wars from:

February 27 2014 - Senate rejects far-reaching Veterans Affairs bill

To which directly after the vote they get this reply as to their Poser Patriotism honesty:

Then only a few months later they vote once again, after forced changes on same bill, and pass it, but:

June 13 2014 - VFW attacks the three Republicans who voted against Senate VA bill

Jun 22, 2014 - GOP: "It costs too much to fund the VA"

June 24, 2014 - Conservatives, the People Represented, Blasting Costs of Veterans Care - Again

And this is only a small part of what happens as problems develop from the ever present Congressional obstruction and then are compounded:

June 25, 2014 - One of the reasons the case load for VA doctors is so low is that patients in VA medical facilities are older and their complex medical conditions require longer appointments, Lynch said. And some facilities don't have the proper number of exam rooms or staff to handle more patients.

The Other Side, Reality, of the so called VA 'scandal'

06.24.2014 - In testimony before Congress, Veterans Affairs leaders said that VA facilities are often outdated and ill equipped to handle modern trends in outpatient treatment.

Surge in patients outpaces fayetteville's VA health care's building boom
June 29, 2014 - The Fayetteville VA Medical Center has been playing catchup for years.

And what did the Shinseki Veterans Administration, Finally, and with the help of this entire Executive Administration, start addressing, while addressing the issues of the present Veterans of two long wars some issues already being ignored, that was ignored by those served and the representatives they hire as law makers:

Those using us Veterans as political pawns should really really follow the issues before commenting, especially so called journalist, like by actually visiting the Veterans Administration site. Even the archived information of years past, on issues, and the Veterans of and Wars from, especially. Plenty of issues covered, and fought for help by Veterans, even some denied existed with those denying making good livings from and used for the politics the country wanted so they need not fund. It seems the easier it gets to actually research issues the less research goes into reporting or spinning same, all for political purposes oh and that oh so patriotism so many think they have so much of just by speaking the words or using the cheap symbols of, usually produced by cheap labor oversea's!

Just some of what this present VA was addressing, long ignored, Finally: Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses

This article just below addresses 'Gulf War Syndrome': Jun 25, 2014 - Veterans' Affairs issue an 'all too similar' scene

Or how about Burn Pits Exposures, an issue already being ignored by those served and those hired to represent along with many others from these recent war theaters.

Or how about Radiation Exposures, covering decades of the previous service and wars from to the present war theaters and R&D over the many years.

Then of course we go back further, then the Desert Storm ignored issues, to the Vietnam conflict and Agent Orange Exposures which now covers the use of on Military bases around the world and transport of affecting Military personal, still being added to as Veterans fight for what the Country promised but refuses Sacrifice in fulfilling those promises, not even based In Country Vietnam. Even being addressed by this Administration in Vietnam in cleaning up the known area's where used or stored, not enough and compensation to the Vietnamese especially from the chemical companies still being fought for.

You can find much more at the VA Health Care - Public Health site with plenty of links to delve further into what has been finally happening.

Many issues have been lightly touched over the years, some even moving forward at a sloths pace, some even with legislation usually with no added funding for but used to attack VA personal at hearings because enough wasn't done. With Congress throwing a few million here and there for studies on, knowing full well they'll get the results they want, they and the country served want! But the present VA, under Shinseki and now hopefully continuing after Conservatives got what they wanted, him gone, wasn't having anything to do with that, even in getting obstructed in the much needed funding for, and they had an Executive Branch fully behind them!

Blood Boils Again and Again as I watch the media and the American public served, having almost totally ignored the deaths of tens of thousands of Veterans from the previous decades and war issues of, fixate, Poser Patriotism, on recent deaths and the Politics of!!

They targeted Gen Shinseki after he spoke Military truth and the bush co fired him, with cheers from those war supporters, giving the VA virtually no help, they finally accomplished what they sought, getting rid of him and disgracing what he was accomplishing, along with the continued attacks on the greater majority of true caring VA workers, and they were obstructing at every move.

Never doing when they had control even in conservative executive administrations and especially with full control as they launched two more long wars and occupations!! The media helping them all the way!!

Now if only the flag waving, Poser, patriotic Country served would demand they Sacrifice, like they should have starting decades ago and wars from as well as stop ignoring or denying the issues Veterans continue fighting for their care of!! Pay for the wars, these have yet to be, and fully keep the promises made to those 1% that Served them!!

VA Directs Monthly Meetings Between Local Health Facilities, Veterans Service Organizations in All 50 States

WASHINGTON - July 2, 2014 - Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan Gibson met with the leadership of 26 Military and Veterans Service Organizations (MSOs and VSOs) to reaffirm his commitment to work together to address the unacceptable, systemic problems in accessing VA healthcare.
During the meeting, he updated the organizations’ representatives on VA’s work with the Office of Special Counsel to restore Veterans’ trust in the system and on VA’s progress in reaching out to get Veterans into clinics and off of waiting lists. He told MSO and VSO leaders that he looks forward to working with them to better serve Veterans nationwide, in communities where they live. He also shared that he has directed all VA Medical Center leadership to hold monthly meetings with VSOs and community partners.
Acting Secretary Gibson thanked MSOs and VSOs for being VA’s valuable partners in serving Veterans and continuing to improve the department and solicited their ideas on how VA can improve Veterans’ access to care and services.

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VA Releases Latest Nationwide Data on Access to Veterans Health Care

WASHINGTON – July 3, 2014 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today released its bi-monthly data update showing progress on VA efforts to accelerate access to quality health care for Veterans who have been waiting for appointments.
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan D. Gibson announced that VA outreach has now extended to nearly 140,000 Veterans across the country to get them off of wait lists and into clinics for medical appointments. VA also released the latest updated, facility-level patient access data. read more>>>

VA 'scandal'? It's the Country Served and Their Representatives 'SCANDAL'

Sen. Burr Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been!!

Veterans Administration 'scandal'? Conservative Ideology as Usual!!

Homeless veterans get housing in new Syracuse facility

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

Secretary Shinseki’s Farewell Message to VA Employees

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki speaks at a meeting of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in Washington, Friday, May 30, 2014. (PHOTO/AP, Charles Dharapak)
May 30, 2014 - This morning, I resigned as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. My personal and professional commitment and my loyalty to Veterans, their families, and our survivors was the driving force behind that decision. That loyalty has never wavered, and it will never wane.
Over the course of the last five-and-a-half years, you have made significant and lasting progress in expanding access for Veterans, in significantly decreasing the backlog in Veterans’ claims while building the system that will end the backlog in 2015, and in bringing an end to Veterans’ homelessness. We have come a long way together in bringing this Department into the 21st Century in ways that will serve Veterans well into the future. Yet, there is more work to be done, and I have no doubt that you will achieve all that you set about doing in the interest of Veterans.
I have been privileged to have served as your Secretary and am deeply grateful to the employees and leaders who have placed the interests of Veterans above and beyond their own self-interests; who are serving with dignity, compassion, and dedication; and who live by VA’s core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. I know that you will provide your support and loyalty to Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson, who is now your leader. In fact, I expect it.
Thank you. May God richly bless all of you, Veterans, and this great country of ours.
Eric K. Shinseki

Link to VA press releases, statement

RIP Louie Zamperini, a national hero in both sports and war

World War II vet remained "Unbroken" until the end

July 3, 2014 - In the 1930s and 40s Louie Zamperini was one of the most famous men in America, a national hero in both sports and war.
In 1936 he starred at the Olympics in Berlin. In World War II, after his bomber crashed in the Pacific he floated on a raft for 47 days, fighting off sharks with his bare hands.
Close to death, he was captured by the Japanese, and spent two years in prison camps where he was singled out for brutal torture because of his hero status back home.
But he remained "Unbroken" -- the title of a bestselling biography.

snip
We asked if he considers himself a hero.
"Oh no, no. I got three purple hearts, for what? I got all my limbs. I see these guys in a wheelchair with one, two limbs missing. Those guys are your heroes." read more>>>

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families * * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Senate Republicans Block Veterans' Health Bill on Budget Worry

America's Debt: At Military Grocery Stores, More Food Stamps Used

ex VP Cheney Doesn't Much Like Military Families, Veterans, on Food Stamps

GWB Now Wrapping Himself in 'Magnetic "Support the Veterans" Ribbons'

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

Homeless Veterans Charity Scam Spreads Beyond Florida This Internet cafe and Sweepstakes gambling ring, using Homeless Veterans as it's 'patriotic' grift bait, is growing well beyond the borders of Florida. Which caused in that state the resignation of that state's lieutenant governor and 57 people arrested in March on felony charges.

The effort to pass a sweepstakes legalization bill in North Carolina collapsed after Burns' arrest in Florida, triggered by probes into a homeless veterans charity prosecutors said was a front for collecting nearly $300 million in untaxed profits from sweepstakes cafes. read more>>>>

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - May 2014

2014-06-03T10:37:00.000-04:00

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,443 coalition deaths -- 2,323 Americans, 40 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of April 2, 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,784 {19,722 up to May 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Private 1st Class Jacob H. Wykstra 21 Thornton Colorado Non-Hostile - Helicopter crash Kandahar Maruf district 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Fort Carson, CO May 28, 2014

Spc. Adrian Michael Perkins 19 Pine Valley, California, USA Company B, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Died from a non-combat related injury in Amman, Jordan, on May 17, 2014

Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Ray Barreras 49 Tucson, Arizona, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Died on May 13, 2014, in San Antonio Military Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Herat province, Afghanistan, on May 6

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deric Michael Rasmussen 33 Oceanside, California, USA Company C, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division Died as the result of a non-combat incident in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, on May 11, 2014

Spc. Daniela Rojas 19 Los Angeles, California, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Died from a non-combat related illness in Homburg, Germany on May 3, 2014

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq - Last Released and Coming Home

US Soldier Freed From Captivity in Afghanistan

This undated image provided by the U.S. Army shows Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl
May 31, 2014 - The only American solider held prisoner in Afghanistan has been freed from Taliban captivity in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Obama administration officials said Saturday.
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was handed over to U.S. special forces by the Taliban Saturday evening, local time, in an area of eastern Afghanistan, near the Pakistani border. Officials said the exchange was not violent and the 28-year-old Bergdahl was in good condition and able to walk.
In a statement, President Barack Obama said Bergdahl's recovery "is a reminder of America's unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield."
The handover followed secret and indirect negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban, with the government of Qatar serving as the go-between. Qatar is taking custody of the five Afghan detainees that had been held at Guantanamo Bay.
According to a senior defense official traveling with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in Singapore, once Bergdahl climbed onto the noisy helicopter he took a pen and wrote on a paper plate, the "SF?" — asking the troops if they were special operations forces.
They shouted back at him over the roar of the rotors: "Yes, we've been looking for you for a long time."
Then, according to the official, Bergdahl broke down. read more>>>

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl’s Parents Speak Tearfully About Their Son’s Return

Obama statement on Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl

May 31, 2014 12:38 PM - The following is the text of a statement by President Obama on the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl:
Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years. On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal. Today we also remember the many troops held captive and whom remain missing or unaccounted for in America’s past wars. Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery is a reminder of America’s unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield. And as we find relief in Bowe’s recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with those other Americans whose release we continue to pursue. read more>>>

Parents of just-freed U.S. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl: "We cannot wait to wrap our arms around our only son."

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Flashback: Republicans {Long Conservative Ideology} Block VA Benefits 'Decades Long' and wars from, as they seek to privatize for corporate profit off the peoples treasury and any fee's they can pass for those corporate overlords!! Like Their Wars!!!

Published on May 23, 2014

Republicans in February blocked important legislation from Sen. Bernie Sanders to improve veterans' access to health care among other things. Only two Republicans, Sens. Dean Heller and Jerry Moran, voted for the veterans benefits bill, which was endorsed by every major veterans organization.

Read more about the bill

House defies White House, passes defense bill, while attacking the Veterans Administration, still grossly under funded and from rubber stamped wars, and the Executive Branch and reaching out to their faithful for campaign contributions!

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER, added to the past decades and wars of the ignoring of many issues along with the denying they exist, don't have to pay for the care needed! Think PTS, Agent Orange and Desert Storms Gulf War Syndrome, to name but only a very few, most now being addressed under This VA and Executive branch even though grossly, decades and wars from, under funded!!

The real scandal is those Served have yet to Sacrifice, DeJa-Vu all over again!

Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans'

Veterans Administration"The Bush White House was so concerned..............."

DeJa-Vu - Veterans' Get 'Lip Service' and Oh So Cheap 'Patriotic Symbols/Words'

Veterans Administration System Change?

Their Battle to Get The General is Over, Now What - DeJa-Vu

{for full view click on graphic}

With a target on his back since being appointed, after being fired for being Military Honest, Conservatives got what they've long sought, and attempted to do prior, the VA Secretary Out, and their flag waving constitution patriots(?) love it!

“Why in 2009 were we still using paper?” VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers “When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we’ve been operating on a six month wait for over a decade.” 27 March 2013 Will the actual cause of costly Veterans Affairs problems and ease of ignoring costly issues of the brothers and sisters especially related to the cheered on flag waving wars and long occupations finally be resolved, Country actually Sacrificing and Actually do what Gen Shinseki had finally started addressing, with help from this entire Executive Administration and it's Cabinet, in fully funding the VA's needs, and that includes ability to have an expanded investigative force keeping the greedy and politically connected within honest about the jobs charged to do with those politics left out of their government jobs. Those that don't understand show what little they know about the VA and it's many charges that are those flag waving patriots responsibility and what has been finally started to be accomplished under the Non Political, only the Veterans needs on his plate, Gen Shinseki and the Administration he brought in, especially in addressing long ignored costly issues and with no help from the peoples representatives which them people like, easier to blame an agency then themselves!!

06/02/14 - VA problems still need congressional action, Shinseki resignation notwithstanding Rachel Maddow points out that the resignation of Eric Shinseki as Secretary of Veterans Affairs did not solve the V.A.’s problems and Congress needs to take further action even as the Shinseki resignation has distracted the nation’s focus.

The Country that 'Talks the Talk' but rarely 'Walks the Walk', patriotism posers who loves the free wars and ignore any sacrifice as to the long term results from, while ignoring the many issues of Veterans, those that served them, especially as a result of our wars, their representatives leading that ignoring while attacking the under funded VA, decades now and wars from, they control the purse strings of the Country!

These present wars have yet to be paid for, many greatly increased their wealth with investments in, and once again neither have the long term results from!!

5/29/14 - Sen. Sanders to bring back veterans bill GOP previously blocked Rachel Maddow points out the willingness of Congress to push more money at the Pentagon than the Pentagon wants while under-funding veterans, and reports that Senator Bernie Sanders will bring back a veterans bill previously blocked by the GOP.

TX-19 Congressional Candidate Neal Marchbanks - Veteran: 28 March 2014 - "Congress controls the budget for the VA and it is the fault of Congress that the VA does not have enough employees and that the facilities are too small." Congress are the Country Served!!!

Sen. Bernie Sanders told Republicans: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014

Statement by VA Secretary Shinseki on Allegations Regarding the Phoenix VA Health Care System

Modern Conservative Ideology is Not Supporting on Veterans' Issues

It was extremely spotty in previous decades and wars from, since Korea, but for a few lawmakers hired. As they led the ignoring of the so many issues now being addressed by this under funded Veterans' Administration.

Sen. Burr, as minority leader on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, when he decides to even attend the hearings of,Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been, but boy howdy does NC love them Defense Dollars which keep it's economy afloat as it attacks education, the unemployed {including unemployed veterans}, the poor and middle clases {including the veterans within}, the health care needs {including veterans and families needing medicaid}, residents and military and veterans needing food stamps, and much more many including the residents who are Veterans'! Nor are the rest of the Conservative's in the Senate. Nor is Rep. Miller, Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, he leads as attack prosecutor, for photo ops TV appearances and political scandal creation, in their minds only, his fellow conservatives, who also aren't friends of Veterans and lead in ignoring the many issues especially as to our wars, especially when the testimonies are from VA civil servants, not there to do their jobs and help the Veterans Affairs agency.

Especially under Democratic elected Executive Administrations, while praising VA Secretaries, who do extremely little while serving as, under Republican Executive Administrations. Especially, in these recent times, quickly abandoned the missions and those sent after 9/11 and rubber stamped war costs for not one, after 9/11, but two invasions and long occupation theaters! Doing the bidding of those they represent and others, none demanding they Sacrifice as they demand the Military and the Families of do!

They are 'posers' of that 'patriotism' to country and constitution and especially in 'support the troops' and 'national security'!

As they continue seeking to privatize government for corporate profit off the peoples treasury and any fee's they then can legislate for those corporate entities. Not regulated! No oversite, making their jobs then even easier! No accountability for those corporate entities while laying all blame on any civil servants as they keep the agencies in the false sense of a government of and by the people, false representative democracy, but totally controlled by the Corporations and the few benefiting from! And bringing in the vast private sector problems, created as they seek bigger bottom line profit, rarely mentioned in congress and especially as conservatives attack government agencies and not the already private contractors, richly rewarded!

05/27/14 - GOP senator picks fight with American veterans groups

Rachel Maddow reports on the shaming of Republican Senator Richard Burr by U.S. veterans groups after the senator criticized them in an open letter ahead of Memorial Day weekend, and points out the GOP’s lack of engagement on matters of foreign policy.

Nor is the reactive, never proactive, American Legion, taking the lead in this round of attacks on the VA dedicated personal with those inside helping them, who's always conservative leaders reap their own rewards while Not Demanding Those Served Owe Sacrifice. While continuing to seek the ouster of Gen Shinseki because he, along with this whole executive administrations cabinet, is doing what conservative executive administrations, and in congress, leaderships in the VA, ignored doing for decades and obstructed in all democratic administrations!!

Conservatives outraged over treatment of veterans filibustered better health care for vets in February 2014 - Read more about the bill
Conservatives Pro-Business right-wing Think Tank American Enterprise Institutes own Sally Satel, Still Selling Care for PTSD Veterans is Waste of Money! Nemesis of us Vietnam Veterans who fought for recognition of! She, and some others, have made very lucrative livings writing and speaking in denial of, giving reason to country and politicians serving them to ignore, and thus have the blood of hundreds of thousands of not only military, military veterans but civilians who suffer the ravages from extreme trauma's, on just one long of many ignored issues by those served issue so they need not pay for care!
Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans', while waving 'their' flags of 'patriotism(?)': 'Fox's Allen West Attacks Decorated Vet Rep. Tammy Duckworth', they're cult followers ignore, Again!!
Fox News contributor Ben Carson Calls Veterans Affairs Scandal A 'Gift From God', yup, for them campaign contribution flyers, ignoring their total hypocrisy and no qualms to show very publicly on the floor of both congressional houses, into the congressional public record, as their supporters wave their flags and spit on us Veterans' from their free wars, we got us credit cards, especially!

Privatization in government is a huge part of the problems, in just recent past the NSA the National Security backround checking, think the Navy Shipyard shootings, the Health Care technologies of the ACA and on and on and..........,not only with the private contractors within VA but all agencies, especially our wars as well!

Where were those American (conservative) Legion and Conservatives (long seeking to privatize for corporate profit) calls to fire Principi, 2001–2005, Nicholson, 2005–2007, James Peake, 2007– change of Executive Administrations, who did absolutely nothing as two more wars/occupations raged, oh wait they were being highly praised (even by rolling, conservative leaders of, thunder) because they were theirs!! The problems weren't even being reported and insider VA whistle blowers were no where to be found, there were many reports of lost records in lost or stolen computers though!!

VA 'scandal'? It's the Country Served and Their Representatives 'SCANDAL'

Sen. Burr Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been!!

Veterans Administration 'scandal'? Conservative Ideology as Usual!!

Homeless veterans get housing in new Syracuse facility

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

Secretary Shinseki’s Farewell Message to VA Employees

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki speaks at a meeting of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in Washington, Friday, May 30, 2014. (PHOTO/AP, Charles Dharapak)
May 30, 2014 - This morning, I resigned as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. My personal and professional commitment and my loyalty to Veterans, their families, and our survivors was the driving force behind that decision. That loyalty has never wavered, and it will never wane.
Over the course of the last five-and-a-half years, you have made significant and lasting progress in expanding access for Veterans, in significantly decreasing the backlog in Veterans’ claims while building the system that will end the backlog in 2015, and in bringing an end to Veterans’ homelessness. We have come a long way together in bringing this Department into the 21st Century in ways that will serve Veterans well into the future. Yet, there is more work to be done, and I have no doubt that you will achieve all that you set about doing in the interest of Veterans.
I have been privileged to have served as your Secretary and am deeply grateful to the employees and leaders who have placed the interests of Veterans above and beyond their own self-interests; who are serving with dignity, compassion, and dedication; and who live by VA’s core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. I know that you will provide your support and loyalty to Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson, who is now your leader. In fact, I expect it.
Thank you. May God richly bless all of you, Veterans, and this great country of ours.
Eric K. Shinseki

Link to VA press releases, statement

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families * * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Senate Republicans Block Veterans' Health Bill on Budget Worry

America's Debt: At Military Grocery Stores, More Food Stamps Used

ex VP Cheney Doesn't Much Like Military Families, Veterans, on Food Stamps

GWB Now Wrapping Himself in 'Magnetic "Support the Veterans" Ribbons'

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

The effort to pass a sweepstakes legalization bill in North Carolina collapsed after Burns' arrest in Florida, triggered by probes into a homeless veterans charity prosecutors said was a front for collecting nearly $300 million in untaxed profits from sweepstakes cafes. read more>>>>

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Paying Tribute to our Fallen Heroes this Memorial Day

"Flags In" - Memorial Day 2014 - 'Honoring The Fallen' The Fallen Brothers and Sisters and Our Veterans Community are Not a Corporate Marketing Tool!!!

"Flags In" A Memorial Day Time Lapse

May 23, 2014 -
Prior to every Memorial Day weekend, Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard" conduct a solemn tradition known as "Flags-In", placing a flag in front of every tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery. Please enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at these hallowed grounds while we honor the fallen this Memorial Day weekend.
Video courtesy of Army Sgt. Sean-David from the Old Guard.

Honoring Canadian, American War Dead In Afghanistan

05.23.2014 - Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Of Staff Admiral James Winnefeld addressed a Canadian embassy tribute Thursday to U.S. and Canadian service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.

Armed Forces Day Message

May 24, 2014 - Hagel Remembers the Post-9/11 Fallen

05/24/2014 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, right, stops to chat with veteran Peter P. Ruplenas as he arrives at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to deliver remarks at the National Reading of the Names: Post 9/11 Heroes ceremony in Washington, D.C., May 24, 2014. Ruplenas served during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War as a combat photographer.

May 24, 2014 - In this week’s address, President Obama commemorated Memorial Day by honoring the brave men and women in uniform who have given their lives in service to our country. As we stand with our veterans and military families this weekend, the President underscored our commitment to uphold our nation’s sacred trust with our veterans and ensure they get the benefits and opportunities they deserve and have earned. read more>>>

* * * Defense.gov Special Report: Memorial Day 2014 * * *

Team Rubicon - This Memorial Day 2014

Restored Dignity at Arlington Cemetery Four Years After The only ones that really care are some Military Veterans, the Military Personal and their immediate Families, the extended Families and Friends of the Fallen. The country served, 'patriotism posers' following the next 'scandal', then the next, for political reasons with the press, and especially their political representatives, leading them and none demanding they haven't yet sacrificed themselves! As they use the Fallen, Military and us Veterans', as corporate marketing tools! Not marketing to give the masses served the ability to add a few extra nickels and dimes to the collective treasury pot each week in Sacrificing as everyone demands those serving and their families carry that burden. It's for bottom line profits for businesses, corporate kitties and investors in market growth with great help from the peoples representatives in cutting any Sacrifice they should bear, or none at all, for even greater bottom lines!

Maybe thousands more missing at Arlington

06/10/2010 - At least hundreds more graves -- and perhaps thousands -- may turn out to be misidentified or missing, says Salon.com’s Mark Benjamin, who has been investigating records discrepancies at Arlington since early 2009.
“Despite nearly 10 years and countless dollars spent on computerizing its operations,” Benjamin wrote almost a year ago, on July 16, “the cemetery still relies mostly on paper burial records that in some cases do not match the headstones.” read more>>>

Arlington works to correct mistakes of its past

ARLINGTON, Va. -- May 26, 2014 -- New management has done much to restore order at America's premiere military cemetery, four years after revelations of misplaced remains and misidentified graves.
The day begins with the horses: washed down and shined up -- right down to their hooves and the brass on their harnesses. Theirs is sacred duty, part of a stately ritual of mourning and respect that dates back to the Civil War.
For the families, nothing else in the world matters that day. For the staff of Arlington National Cemetery, this is one of 20 burials that will take place in a four-hour period.
"It's important that the funeral processions do not cross each other, that the family feels that they're the only thing going on at that particular moment," says Renea Yates, who is in charge of each day's burials.

The burials are timed and mapped out with the aid of computers and GPS, part of a new electronic records keeping system that tracks more than a quarter million gravesites.
"All of these graves that are in gray are occupied; green is available," says Joe Alberti. read more>>>

And in a totally malfunctioning Congress, the Peoples Representatives, with obstruction causing major costly problems in many area's and issues and lack of oversite after rubber stamping all war costs for two long occupation theaters, no bid private contracts, off the books till administrations changed, this was only one of the many problems created within! And those problems continue and compound!

Arlington Cemetery trying to account for missing $12 million

January 25, 2012 - Arlington National Cemetery is trying to account for $12 million — about a quarter of its current annual budget — that was allocated to the cemetery between 2004 and 2010 but apparently was never spent.
Congressional leaders and federal investigators who have been probing the cemetery’s operations said at a Senate hearing Wednesday that there was no documentation detailing where the funds are or how such a large amount of taxpayer money could have gone missing. read more>>>

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Soldier Missing From Korean War Accounted For
May 27, 2014 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Pfc. James R. Holmes of Warren, Ohio, will be buried May 29 in Arlington National Cemetery. In November 1950, Holmes was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, which was pushing north through North Korea to the Yalu River. In late November, the unit was attacked by enemy forces and withdrew south to the town of Anju. On Dec. 1, 1950, Holmes was declared missing in action. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - April 2014

2014-05-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,438 coalition deaths -- 2,319 Americans, 40 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of April 2, 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,722 {19,694 up to May 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Pfc.Christian J. Chandler 20 Trenton, Texas, USA 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Killed when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, Afghanistan, on April 28, 2014

Sgt.Shawn M. Farrell II 24 Accord, New York, USA 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Nejrab district, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, on April 28, 2014

Cpl.James Walters 36 Leedstown, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom 657 Squadron, Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing, Army Air Corps One of five British servicemen killed when their Lynx Mk9A helicopter crashed near Takhtah Pul in southern Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on April 26, 2014

Warrant Officer Class 2 Spencer Faulkner 38 England, United Kingdom 657 Squadron, Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing, Army Air Corps One of five British servicemen killed when their Lynx Mk9A helicopter crashed near Takhtah Pul in southern Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on April 26, 2014

Capt.Thomas Ellis Clarke 30 Cowbridge, Wales, United Kingdom 657 Squadron, Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing, Army Air Corps One of five British servicemen killed when their Lynx Mk9A helicopter crashed near Takhtah Pul in southern Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on April 26, 2014

Lance Cpl. Oliver Matthew Thomas 26 Brecon, Powys, Wales, United Kingdom 3 Military Intelligence Battalion, British Army Reserve One of five British servicemen killed when their Lynx Mk9A helicopter crashed near Takhtah Pul in southern Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on April 26, 2014

Flight Lt.Rakesh Chauhan 29 Birmingham, England, United Kingdom Intelligence Branch, Royal Air Force One of five British servicemen killed when their Lynx Mk9A helicopter crashed near Takhtah Pul in southern Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on April 26, 2014

Spc.Kerry Michael George Danyluk 27 Cuero, Texas, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Danyluk died on April 15, 2014, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Pul-e Alam, Logar province, Afghanistan, on April 12, 2014

Capt.James Edward Chaffin III 27 West Columbia, South Carolina, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Died of a non-combat related incident in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on April 1, 2014

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq

One U.S. soldier is currently listed as captured or Duty Status -- Whereabouts Unknown as of March 3 2012. The information below reflects the name as Prisoner of War or Duty Status -- Whereabouts Unknown by the Pentagon.

Sgt Bowe R. Bergdahl 23 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Ketchum, Idaho Captured in Paktika province in Afghanistan, on June 30, 2009. The Pentagon declared him Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown on July 1 2009 and his status was changed to Missing-Captured on July 3 2009.

January 15, 2014 - U.S. has video of captured American soldier

February 18, 2014 - Principles collide in captive soldier's case

March 2, 2014 - Is Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl a hero or a deserter?

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Disability Claims Backlog Reduced by 44 Percent Since Peaking One Year Ago

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Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

WASHINGTON – April 1, 2014 - One year after the backlog of pending disability compensation claims peaked at over 611,000 in March 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reduced that number by approximately 44 percent to 344,000 claims – a reduction of more than 267,000 – while at the same time improving the accuracy of the decisions being made on Veterans’ disability claims. Additionally, on average, Veterans are waiting 119 days less for a decision than they were at this time last year.
“No Veteran should have to wait to receive earned benefits. Through a combination of transformation initiatives and the hard work of our employees, we are making significant progress toward our goal of eliminating the claims backlog in 2015,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. “We still have more work to do, and no one is more committed than our Veterans Benefits Administration employees, over half of whom are Veterans themselves.”
The current backlog, defined as claims pending more than 125 days, is at its lowest point since March 2011, when the backlog spiked in part because of the need to readjudicate 150,000 previously decided cases involving exposure to the Vietnam-era defoliant, Agent Orange. read more>>>

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER

05/02/14 - Senate gets serious on veteran care wait time

Sen. Bernie Sanders, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, talks with Rachel Maddow about investigations into resolving the problem of the massive backlog of veterans’ claims awaiting attention from the VA.

TX-19 Congressional Candidate Neal Marchbanks - Veteran: 28 March 2014 - "Congress controls the budget for the VA and it is the fault of Congress that the VA does not have enough employees and that the facilities are too small."
Congress, in Veteran Marchbanks statement, are the people served and who representatives work for, or are supposed to!

Bernie, unlike Miller on the House side, as the Conservative ideology has been to privatize for corporate profit the Government agencies, much more expensive and with little to no oversite and less in accountability, is seeking to work with and help the VA in the fulfilling, long ignored, the not only promises but responsibility of the Country served. Not, once again, attack the dedicated civil servants, for political ideology and scandal to gain their ideology goals, working to fulfill those responsibilities the country ignores and doesn't sacrifice themselves to!

Statement by VA Secretary Shinseki on Allegations Regarding the Phoenix VA Health Care System

WASHINGTON – May 1, 2014 - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki made the following statement on the allegations regarding the Phoenix VA Health Care System:
“We take these allegations very seriously. Based on the request of the independent VA Office of Inspector General, in view of the gravity of the allegations and in the interest of the Inspector General’s ability to conduct a thorough and timely review of the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS), I have directed that PVAHCS Director Sharon Helman, PVAHCS Associate Director Lance Robinson, and a third PVAHCS employee be placed on administrative leave until further notice.
“Providing Veterans the quality care and benefits they have earned through their service is our only mission at the Department of Veterans Affairs. We care deeply for every Veteran we are privileged to serve.
“We believe it is important to allow an independent, objective review to proceed. These allegations, if true, are absolutely unacceptable and if the Inspector General’s investigation substantiates these claims, swift and appropriate action will be taken.
“Veterans deserve to have full faith in their VA health care. I appreciate the continued hard work and dedication of our employees and of the community stakeholders we work with every day in our service to Veterans.”

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New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

But alas many already have, DeJa-Vu all over again and again........., unless convenient, especially political, to boost the 'support the troops' and 'patriotism' meme's, especially the hired representatives representing those who hired them and are alright with that as they do same! The only Government agency consistent, since first entering office, in the support of and seeking ways to help, they don't control the countries purse, is this Executive Administration and it's entire Cabinet when they can under their budgets and charges of the agencies. As the Administration of the VA continues fighting to rebuild what should always have been, while under constant conservative obstruction, only other Veterans Administration to attempt was under brother Vietnam Veteran Max Cleland but was blocked on many fronts by the congressional conservative ideologies at those times: “Why in 2009 were we still using paper?” VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers “When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we’ve been operating on a six month wait for over a decade.” 27 March 2013, especially as we send the very few into our wars of choice, while being under constant attack by the, so called, conservative mentality seeking to privatize for corporate profit thus maintaining under funding that creates the then costly problems to fix and ability to attack the dedicated civil servants in the agency, any agency!

April 30, 2014 - First lady Michelle Obama announced pledges from foundations and corporations totaling more than $160 million Wednesday to help veterans and their families get the services they need as the country adjusts to a postwar footing.
Calling this a "pivotal moment for our military families and for our country" as the war in Afghanistan ends, the first lady said military families should never have to face the challenges associated with the transition to civilian life alone.
Appearing at a conference of philanthropic groups, Mrs. Obama warned that with fewer homecoming videos and welcome-home parades for returning troops likely in future years, "we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country. ... We've got to show our military families that our country is there for them not just while they're in uniform but for the long haul."
The first lady highlighted the launch of the Philanthropy-Joining Forces Impact Pledge, under which more than 30 organizations are making commitments to provide a range of services over the next five years, including $62 million in existing commitments and $102 million in new pledges over the next five years. read more>>>

* * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Senate Republicans Block Veterans' Health Bill on Budget Worry

America's Debt: At Military Grocery Stores, More Food Stamps Used

ex VP Cheney Doesn't Much Like Military Families, Veterans, on Food Stamps

GWB Now Wrapping Himself in 'Magnetic "Support the Veterans" Ribbons'

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

The effort to pass a sweepstakes legalization bill in North Carolina collapsed after Burns' arrest in Florida, triggered by probes into a homeless veterans charity prosecutors said was a front for collecting nearly $300 million in untaxed profits from sweepstakes cafes. read more>>>>

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

WASHINGTON, April 27, 2014 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the members of the Dallas-based America’s Future organization for their efforts on behalf of veterans, but said such efforts must continue.
Groups like America’s Future will help define how the nation looks at its veterans, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said yesterday during a speech to the group in Dallas.
“What image will this generation’s veterans have?” the chairman asked. “The veterans themselves have less to say about who they are and how they will be remembered than you do, frankly.”
Dempsey spoke about the images he has had of veterans from World War II and Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. “Now we have the veterans of 12 years of conflict in an all-volunteer force, and how they will be remembered by history will be largely shaped by if America’s people and businesses and communities either embrace them or convince them that their service was valued or was not,” he said.
Dempsey brought up a lesson from history. Yesterday was the 77th anniversary of the German-Italian bombing of the Spanish village of Guernica. “The idea was they were working on advancing this new technology related to aerial warfare,” he said. “And the big idea on the part of the Axis was they would make resistance so outrageous, so costly to the Spanish that they would just capitulate.”
It didn’t work that way, the chairman said, and Pablo Picasso captured it in the famous painting, “Guernica”.
“Seventy-seven years later, technology keeps charging on and we learn to adapt with it,” Dempsey said. “But we can’t ever forget that what really matters in warfare are our young men and women who choose to serve and put themselves in harm’s way.” read more>>>

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

ZERO: A NUMBER THE U.S. MILITARY HASN'T SEEN FOR MORE THAN A DECADE

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - March 2014

2014-04-03T11:40:00.000-04:00

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,426 coalition deaths -- 2,312 Americans, 40 Australians, 448 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of April 2, 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,694 {19,665 up to March 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Sapper Adam Moralee 23 Newcastle, United Kingdom, England 26 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 32 Engineer Regiment Moralee was preparing engineer plant equipment for redeployment out of theater when he was fatally injured in a non-hostile accident at Camp Bastion in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on March 5, 2014

March 31, 2014 - March 2014 marked the first time in more than a decade that there were zero U.S. fatalities among American troops engaging in combat, according to numbers from the Department of Defense.
After a decade at war in the post-9/11 environment, with major wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and smaller conflicts in the various other countries where the U.S. uses more covert methods to fight against terrorism, the lack of combat deaths in March 2014 marks a milestone. In Iraq, the death toll reached 4,474 before the last soldier fell in November 2011. For years after the war’s launch in 2003, no months passed where at least one American didn’t die in battle and then only towards the end of the conflict did the numbers taper off enough to have a month where the only fatalities were non-combat related. read more>>>

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq

January 15, 2014 - U.S. has video of captured American soldier

February 18, 2014 - Principles collide in captive soldier's case

March 2, 2014 - Is Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl a hero or a deserter?

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

After the Wars - Post-Kaiser survey of Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans

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Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

04/03/14 - Vets’ daunting battle at home: reconnecting

Rajiv Chandrasekaran, senior correspondent for the Washington Post, talks with Rachel Maddow about the distance between military life and the civilian world and the challenge veterans face trying to connect the two.

Published: April 2 - The Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a nationally representative survey among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. Click "Detailed view" on any question to view results by military branch, combat arms/combat support, gender and other groups. breakdown of survey>>>

Post-Kaiser survey of Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans - Results and survey methodology

A legacy of pain and pride

March 29, 2014 - More than half of the 2.6 million Americans dispatched to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan struggle with physical or mental health problems stemming from their service, feel disconnected from civilian life and believe the government is failing to meet the needs of this generation’s veterans, according to a poll conducted by The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The long conflicts, which have required many troops to deploy multiple times and operate under an almost constant threat of attack, have exacted a far more widespread emotional toll than previously recognized by most government studies and independent assessments: One in two say they know a fellow service member who has attempted or committed suicide, and more than 1 million suffer from relationship problems and experience outbursts of anger — two key indicators of post-traumatic stress. read more>>>

Disability Claims Backlog Reduced by 44 Percent Since Peaking One Year Ago

WASHINGTON – April 1, 2014 - One year after the backlog of pending disability compensation claims peaked at over 611,000 in March 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reduced that number by approximately 44 percent to 344,000 claims – a reduction of more than 267,000 – while at the same time improving the accuracy of the decisions being made on Veterans’ disability claims. Additionally, on average, Veterans are waiting 119 days less for a decision than they were at this time last year.
“No Veteran should have to wait to receive earned benefits. Through a combination of transformation initiatives and the hard work of our employees, we are making significant progress toward our goal of eliminating the claims backlog in 2015,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. “We still have more work to do, and no one is more committed than our Veterans Benefits Administration employees, over half of whom are Veterans themselves.”
The current backlog, defined as claims pending more than 125 days, is at its lowest point since March 2011, when the backlog spiked in part because of the need to readjudicate 150,000 previously decided cases involving exposure to the Vietnam-era defoliant, Agent Orange. read more>>>

"Why in 2009 were we still using paper?" VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers "When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we've been operating on a six month wait for over a decade." 27 March 2013

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER!

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

Military personal with a wealth of transferable skills and professionalism

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Vietnam Veterans looking for info on Agent Orange Head here: Agent Orange

The U.S. military sprayed millions of gallons of Agent Orange and other herbicides on trees and vegetation during the Vietnam War. Several decades later, concerns about the health effects from these chemicals continue.
VA offers eligible Veterans a free Agent Orange Registry health exam for possible long-term health problems related to exposure. find much more>>>

Senate Republicans Block Veterans' Health Bill on Budget Worry

America's Debt: At Military Grocery Stores, More Food Stamps Used

ex VP Cheney Doesn't Much Like Military Families, Veterans, on Food Stamps

GWB Now Wrapping Himself in 'Magnetic "Support the Veterans" Ribbons'

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

The effort to pass a sweepstakes legalization bill in North Carolina collapsed after Burns' arrest in Florida, triggered by probes into a homeless veterans charity prosecutors said was a front for collecting nearly $300 million in untaxed profits from sweepstakes cafes. read more>>>>

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

"12 years also is a long time. We now have a lifetime responsibility to a generation of service members, veterans and their families." Dr. Jonathan Woodson 11 Sep. 2013: 'With 9/11 Came Lifetime Responsibility' {two tax cuts, especially for the wealthy, came with these two recent unpaid for wars, nor the long term results of, DeJa-Vu all over again of previous decades and wars of! Ignore the many issues from those who serve, by those served, no need to fund!}

Marchbanks criticizes Neugebauer's budget proposal

3/28/2014 - District 19 Democratic Congressional Candidate Neal Marchbanks slammed Incumbent Republican Randy Neugebauer for his testimony before the House Committee on the national budget earlier this week. Specifically, the challenger was critical of Neugebauer's proposed performance-based cuts to the Veterans' Administration.

snip
The veteran population has grown rapidly and the facilities to care for them have not kept pace with this increase. Congress controls the budget for the VA and it is the fault of Congress that the VA does not have enough employees and that the facilities are too small. {note: i.e. Those they represent and are Served!}
I am a veteran and I utilize these facilities regularly, I know these employees are working hard to try to keep up with their jobs. I have nothing but respect for them. They do their jobs and try to serve a growing population with the limited resources we give them. We need a representative in Washington that will work with the VA to improve the services and facilities, not someone who will point fingers and lay blame on hardworking civil servants. read more>>>

Amen Brother, Amen!

Here's the Campaign website of Neal Marchbanks

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Obama honors the dead of World War I

26 March 2014 - President Obama paid tribute Wednesday to those who gave their lives during the First World War a century ago, walking among the crosses at Flanders Field in Belgium.
"The lessons of that war speak to us still," Obama said.
The president noted that World War I included the first use of chemical weapons, and discussed his modern efforts to remove chemical weapons from Syria.
"We must never, ever take our progress for granted," Obama said.
The year 2014 marks the centennial of the start of the First World War. read more>>>

Cambodia repatriates remains of three possible U.S. MIAs

April 2, 2014 - A ceremony was held in Cambodia on Wednesday to repatriate what are believed to be the remains of three American servicemen who went missing in action more than 40 years ago during the Vietnam War.
The remains, in three white coffins draped with U.S. flags, were hoisted Wednesday into a C-17 military cargo plane for transport to Hawaii, where they will undergo DNA testing to try to confirm their identities. An honor guard of four currently serving U.S. servicemen carried the coffins.
"As the son of a combat helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam twice, I am truly privileged to be a part of this important ceremony," U.S. Ambassador William Todd said in a speech at Phnom Penh International Airport in which he also thanked the Cambodian government for its assistance in searching for the missing.
"To my fellow Americans assembled here today, I am humbled and honored to join with you to pay respect to our fellow countrymen who put our nation's needs above their very lives," Todd said. "Today, we honor colleagues who died far from home and whom we never knew." read more>>>

Soldier Missing From Vietnam War Accounted For
March 18, 2014 - Army Staff Sgt. Lawrence Woods of Clarksville, Tenn., will be buried as part of group on March 21, at Arlington National Cemetery, in a ceremony honoring the servicemen who were lost in an aircraft crash on Oct. 24, 1964. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ........... - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - February 2014

2014-03-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

Soldiers Remind Him of His Dad, Army Sgt. Andy Eckert Killed in Iraq Ohio 8-year-old turns $20 into priceless gift

February 28, 2014 - At the Ohio Air National Guard base near Toledo, Lt. Col. Frank Dailey still can't believe the honor recently bestowed upon him.
"It's incredible being recognized in such a manner," he says.
It happened at a Cracker Barrel, of all places. As the security camera shows, Dailey entered the restaurant on Feb. 7 for an early lunch. At about the same time, 8-year-old Myles Eckert came in with his family.
Myles was very excited. He'd just found a $20 bill in the parking lot. He'd started thinking of what he could spend it on.
"I kind of wanted to get a video game, but then I decided not to," Myles says.
He changed his mind when he saw the guy in uniform.
"Because he was a soldier, and soldiers remind me of my dad," Myles explains. read more>>>

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,425 coalition deaths -- 2,313 Americans, 40 Australians, 447 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of March 1, 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,665 {19,573 up to February 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Master Sgt.Aaron Carl Torian 36 Paducah, Kentucky, USA 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment Died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on February 15, 2014

Spc.John Alexander Pelham 22 Portland, Oregon, USA Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group Pelham was part of a team of ISAF advisers working with Afghan soldiers on February 12, 2014, in Tagab, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, when two individuals wearing Afghan army uniforms opened fire on the advisers. Pelham was killed along with Sgt. 1st Class Roberto C. Skelt before the shooters were killed by coalition soldiers.

Sgt.Roberto Carlos Skelt Jr. 41 York, Florida, USA Company A, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group Skelt was part of a team of ISAF advisers working with Afghan soldiers on February 12, 2014, in Tagab, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, when two individuals wearing Afghan army uniforms opened fire on the advisers. Skelt was killed along with Spc. John A. Pelham before the shooters were killed by coalition soldiers.

Pfc.Joshua Allen Gray 21 Van Lear, Kentucky, USA Signal Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Died from a non-combat related incident at Bagram Airfield in Parwan province, Afghanistan, on February 10, 2014

Spc.Christopher Andrew Landis 27 Independence, Kentucky, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group Died at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds received when the enemy attacked his dismounted patrol with a rocket-propelled grenade in Kapisa province, Afghanistan, on February 10, 2014

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq

January 15, 2014 - U.S. has video of captured American soldier

February 18, 2014 - Principles collide in captive soldier's case

March 2, 2014 - Is Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl a hero or a deserter?

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

2014 Tillman Military scholars Application Now Open

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

February 28, 2014 - Ten years ago this April, I lost my husband Pat while he was serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. During his life, Pat never stopped learning, leading and living the ideals he believed in. He was a soldier, athlete and scholar, and he was deeply committed to a life of service both in and out of uniform.
After his death, our family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation to continue his legacy and fuel the potential of service members, veterans and military spouses who answered the call to serve after 9/11. In 2008, not long after passage of the historic Post-9/11 GI Bill, we created the Tillman Military Scholars program to provide academic scholarships and further invest in their higher education and career goals.
Today, the Tillman Military Scholars program unites the best talent and leadership from the military to continue making a significant, positive impact for our country and communities. Since its inception, the program has grown in both scope and impact investing more than $4.6 million in scholarships for 290 Tillman Military Scholars pursuing degrees at every level from undergraduate to Ph.D. at 85 academic institutions nationwide. As a community, Tillman Military Scholars demonstrate extraordinary academic and leadership potential as well as a deep desire to impact change for our country and communities through their studies in medicine, law, business, government, education and the arts. read more>>>

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER!

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

LGBT Service Members and Veterans Deserve Employment Protections

February 25, 2014 - The mid-1990s were a dark time for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, Americans.
In 1993, Congress passed the so-called Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, a law that mandated that gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members keep their sexual orientation a secret or face discharge from the military. In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, defining marriage as between one man and one woman for the purposes of the federal government and federal benefits. That same day, Congress failed—by a single vote—to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, which would have prevented employers from discriminating against workers and job applicants on the basis of sexual orientation.
In the past three years, we have come a long way toward reversing the setbacks of the 1990s, particularly by highlighting the way in which these laws went against the American commitment to support and care for those who have contributed to the defense of this country: LGBT service members and veterans. read more>>>

Military personal with a wealth of transferable skills and professionalism

Senate Republicans Block Veterans' Health Bill on Budget Worry

America's Debt: At Military Grocery Stores, More Food Stamps Used

ex VP Cheney Doesn't Much Like Military Families, Veterans, on Food Stamps

GWB Now Wrapping Himself in 'Magnetic "Support the Veterans" Ribbons'

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

The effort to pass a sweepstakes legalization bill in North Carolina collapsed after Burns' arrest in Florida, triggered by probes into a homeless veterans charity prosecutors said was a front for collecting nearly $300 million in untaxed profits from sweepstakes cafes. read more>>>>

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

Angelina Jolie: 'Unbroken' Is 'The Hardest Thing I've Ever Done'

02/25/2014 - Angelina Jolie is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, but even she has difficulty getting projects off the ground. Case in point: "Unbroken," the upcoming historical drama about the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympian and World War II hero who survived at sea for 47 days following a plane crash, only to be captured by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.
"This has been the hardest thing I've ever done," Jolie, who directed "Unbroken," told Tom Brokaw in an interview with NBC that was broadcast on Tuesday. "I had these hours of phone calls. I made all these boards. I took glue and tape and pictures off the internet. I put all my boards in a garbage bag, and carried them to Universal myself and I put them out. I pitched my butt off."
Jolie was convincing: "Unbroken," which Universal will release on Dec. 25, is her second effort as a director, following 2011's "In the Land of Blood and Honey." The script, written by Joel and Ethan Coen, Richard LaGravenese and William Nicholson, is based off the best-selling book by Laura Hillenbrand, which told Zamperini's story. The veteran is now 97 years old. read more>>>

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to January 2013 - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - January 2014

2014-02-02T09:47:00.000-05:00

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,417 coalition deaths -- 2,309 Americans, 40 Australians, 447 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of February 1, 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,573 {19,541 up to January 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Chief Warrant Officer Edward Balli 42 Monterey, California, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Ball was killed when Taliban insurgents used a truck bomb and eight gunmen to launch a coordinated attack on Forward Operating Base Pasab in the Zhari district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on January 20, 2014.

Spc.Andrew H. Sipple 22 Cary, North Carolina, USA 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Died from a non-combat related incident in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on January 17, 2014

Sgt.Daniel T. Lee 28 Crossville, Tennessee, USA Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group Killed when an Afghan commando unit assisted by ISAF advisers came under heavy fire during a mission to disrupt Taliban activity in the Ghorband district of Parwan province, Afghanistan, on January 15, 2014 Ghorband district

Chief Warrant OfficerAndrwe L. McAdams 27 Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA Detachment 53, Operational Support Airlift Command, Joint Force Headquarters, Wyoming Army National Guard One of two soldiers killed when their MC-12 reconnaissance aircraft crashed at Bagram Airfield, in Parwan province, Afghanistan, on January 10, 2014

Sgt.Drew M. Scobie 25 Kailua, Hawaii, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard One of two soldiers killed when their MC-12 reconnaissance aircraft crashed at Bagram Airfield in Parwan province, Afghanistan, on January 10, 2014

Sgt. 1st Class William Kelly Lacey 38 Laurel, Florida, USA Company F, 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Killed when the Taliban launched an attack using suicide bombers and rocket-propelled grenades on a joint Afghan-American forward operating base near Ghani Khel in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, on January 4, 2014

Sgt.Jacob Michael Hess 22 Spokane, Washington, USA Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force Died of a non-battle related injury while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on January 1, 2014

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq

January 15, 2014 - U.S. has video of captured American soldier

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

12/20/2013 - Sometimes people in Washington do a really good job, but take a lot of crap unfairly. Sometimes it takes a "nerd-in-residence" to start to set the record straight. This is the short version; every topic below deserves longer treatment.
In 2009, Eric Shinseki took over the Department of Veterans Affairs, with the mission of doing right for vets. Back then: VA didn't have the right software to process disability claims efficiently. Vets with Vietnam era-Agent Orange illnesses had a hard time getting claims judged properly. Some Vets and Vet Service Orgs (VSOs) felt they faced an adversarial attitude. VA line workers got a lot of unfair abuse. (Note to self: as a customer service rep, I get a lot of that also, almost every day, so I can identify.) More and more Vietnam vets file disability claims, to get the benefits they deserve. However, it was really hard to get properly compensated for Agent Orange herbicide-related issues. Long story, but the bottom line is that Shinseki designated several Agent Orange-related diseases as "presumptive" conditions, and allowed claims to be made on that basis and approved fast. read more>>>

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER!

December 16, 2013 - The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved new regulations to make it easier for veterans to receive health care and compensation for certain illnesses, including Parkinsonism, dementia, and depression, which have been linked to traumatic brain injury.
The final rules, which will be published on Tuesday in the Federal Register, also add to the list unprovoked seizures and hormone deficiency diseases related to the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenal glands.
The new policy, which takes effect on Jan. 16, could pave the way for thousands of veterans to file claims. Since 2000, more than 287,000 active-duty service members and veterans have been found to have traumatic brain injuries, according to Defense Department figures. About 62,000 of those injuries have occurred since the start of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, said the Department of Veterans Affairs. read more>>>

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

{from the VA press release site with backlinks}
Adds Five Illnesses Related to Service-Connected TBI
WASHINGTON – December 16, 2013 - Some Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are diagnosed with any of five other ailments will have an easier path to receive additional disability pay under new regulations developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The new regulation, which takes effect 30 days from today, impacts some Veterans living with TBI who also have Parkinson’s disease, certain types of dementia, depression, unprovoked seizures or certain diseases of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.
“We decide Veterans’ disability claims based on the best science available,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “As scientific knowledge advances, VA will expand its programs to ensure Veterans receive the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.”
This regulation stems from a report of the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine (IOM) regarding the association between TBI and the five diagnosable illnesses. The IOM report, Gulf War and Health, Volume 7: Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury, found “sufficient evidence” to link moderate or severe levels of TBI with the five ailments. read more>>>

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Military personal with a wealth of transferable skills and professionalism

12.30.2013 Pentagon Channel A video news magazine designed to inform veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned through their service to America.

Disgraced Military Leaders, Congress thus Country, Undermine Veterans

01/27/14 - Rachel Maddow looks at the scandals that have rocked the upper ranks of the U.S. military and questions whether they undermine veterans’ political power.

01/27/14 - Rachel Maddow talks with Paul Rieckhoff, U.S. Army veteran and executive director of the IAVA, about pressuring President Obama to protect veterans’ benefits.

More than 1,800 vets' records intentionally destroyed or misfiled by 2 clerks

January 30, 2014 - More than 1,800 personnel records for U.S. veterans were destroyed or misfiled by two student employees of the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis County, federal criminal court documents show.
One of the student employees, Lonnie Halkmon, 28, was sentenced Thursday to two years of probation and ordered to perform 40 hours of community service. The other, Stanley Engram, 21, is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 7. Both pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government records and faced probation to six months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.

snip
Halkmon had worked at the center since 2005 and resigned rather than being terminated. The other four employees were offered the same deal.
Some employees seeking to earn an incentive bonus were intentionally misfiling, or “stashing,” records to finish more quickly, state court files show. Although Halkmon denied stashing files and said he'd lacked proper training, a tribunal handling Halkmon's appeal of the rejection of his unemployment benefits said his claims were not credible. read more>>>

More disturbing in relation to even before and through the early years of the Afghanistan, quickly abandoned missions of, and Iraq occupations, this:

ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans

DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War.

Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort

The War On Military Records

12/10/2013 - The era of big data has arrived on the battlefield and we need to find new ways to deal with it.

And meanwhile, as those served don't like to Sacrifice themselves, the country ignores and support the ignoring of the results of war on those who served in theater and carry that politically by blaming the Veterans Administration led by the political ideology seeking to privatize for corporate profit, the peoples responsibility: Army Times Oct. 16, 2008 - VA claims found in piles to be shredded

CNN iReport October 25, 2008 - House Vets' Committee To Probe VA Shredder Scandal

Tampa Bay Times Oct 27, 2008 - Hundreds of VA documents improperly shredded, review finds

CBS News February 11, 2009 - Veterans' Claims Found in Shredder Bins

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

January 28, 2014 - Every winter the Department of Housing and Urban Development picks a night in January for a "point-in time" survey of the nation's homeless. One group of particular concern is the number of veterans in shelters or on the street.

Iraq vet with PTSD makes Colorado's first legal recreational pot purchase

Vet with PTSD, First Legal Recreational Pot Purchase

One of the many, one other being use and thus for many overuse of alcohol, self medications used by many brothers and sister veterans for years, as the country ignored the issues of combat veterans {as well as civilian sufferers}, a few making handsome livings denying the existence of PTS and thus TBI's even {not to mention ignoring Test Vets, Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome, to name just a very few of many costly health, not just monetary but in lives, issues}. Those caught using did time in jails and long prisons terms, no medical help given during, even though the testimonies and actions of showed it helped them!!

1 January 2014 - Colorado's legal recreational marijuana industry kicked off Wednesday with an Iraq war veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder making the first pot purchase under the new law.
Sean Azzariti of Denver, who helped campaign for Amendment 64, bought an eighth of an ounce of a strain called Bubba Kush and a pot-infused edible truffle for $59 at the 3D Cannabis Center — one of about a dozen retailers that began selling up to an ounce of weed to adults starting at 8 a.m. mountain time.
"It's pretty surreal," the cashier told Azzariti, who grinned widely.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
"Thank you so much," he said as he accepted the package and held up his receipt for a phalanx of television cameras at the carefully choreographed inaugural sale.
"I feel amazing. This is a huge step forward for veterans," he said. "Now I get to use recreational cannabis to alleviate my PTSD." read more>>>

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

The effort to pass a sweepstakes legalization bill in North Carolina collapsed after Burns' arrest in Florida, triggered by probes into a homeless veterans charity prosecutors said was a front for collecting nearly $300 million in untaxed profits from sweepstakes cafes. read more>>>>

McCasland: Civic duty to vets more than seeing a movie

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

'Lone Survivor' Should be a Start Point for Conversation

A conversation, and responsibility already ingrained in those served and automatic to fulfill, that should have started decades and wars of ago!

“This winter, meet your obligation and be a good citizen: go to the movies.”
McCasland, who says he has no problem with the movie, does a problem with that advice.
He fears that too many people will go see the movie and feel their civic obligation is done.

Veteran and social worker says 'Lone Survivor' should be a start point for conversation
Jan. 21, 2014 - Don McCasland, veteran of combat in Iraq as a member of the 101st Airborne Division, doesn’t get “spun up” easily, but when he does, he lets people know about it.
Following his wartime experiences, McCasland suffered from severe PTSD but sought help through free counseling offered by a Clarksville organization called SAFE (Soldiers and Families Embraced). As a result, he found a new mission, working to help others dealing with the after-effects of war.
Since graduating with a masters degree in social work, McCasland has been working as SAFE’s program director while he continues to work as a counselor for incarcerated veterans in area jails and prisons, while also working with military-connected kids twice a week at New Providence Middle School.
Beginning Feb. 12, he will also take on a role facilitating a combat veterans support group. read more>>>

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

December 30, 2013 - Army Releases November 2013 Suicide Information

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to January 2013 - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - December 2013

2014-01-05T09:21:00.000-05:00

"12 years also is a long time. We now have a lifetime responsibility to a generation of service members, veterans and their families." Dr. Jonathan Woodson 11 Sep. 2013: With 9/11 Came Lifetime Responsibility

Gen. (retired) Shinseki Continues Moving VA Forward! And continues, finally, with constant help from the whole present Executive Administration and it's Cabinet when they can with their budgets, while still grossly under funded and the right is still targeting the VA for privatization for corporate profits, like their rubber stamped no bid private war contracts that add to the VA needs!!

If you still tow that political right line in laying all blame on the under funded VA, those served refuse to sacrifice, then you don't follow what's been going on! Not only these past some five years but in the previous decades, and wars of, as the country ignored the issues and waved their flags of patriotism with their representatives, who haven't been doing their jobs, and still aren't!!

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

12/20/2013 - Sometimes people in Washington do a really good job, but take a lot of crap unfairly. Sometimes it takes a "nerd-in-residence" to start to set the record straight. This is the short version; every topic below deserves longer treatment.
In 2009, Eric Shinseki took over the Department of Veterans Affairs, with the mission of doing right for vets. Back then: VA didn't have the right software to process disability claims efficiently. Vets with Vietnam era-Agent Orange illnesses had a hard time getting claims judged properly. Some Vets and Vet Service Orgs (VSOs) felt they faced an adversarial attitude. VA line workers got a lot of unfair abuse. (Note to self: as a customer service rep, I get a lot of that also, almost every day, so I can identify.) More and more Vietnam vets file disability claims, to get the benefits they deserve. However, it was really hard to get properly compensated for Agent Orange herbicide-related issues. Long story, but the bottom line is that Shinseki designated several Agent Orange-related diseases as "presumptive" conditions, and allowed claims to be made on that basis and approved fast. read more>>>

Neither War, OEF and OIF, has yet to be paid for {13page pdf}. And as the decades previous and wars, ignoring the issues of those who served in, of the under funded Veterans' Administration budget is still mostly on borrowed capital, even more so for these two long occupations, after quickly abandoning the missions from 9/11 with those served full 'patriotic' approval!

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

December 16, 2013 - The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved new regulations to make it easier for veterans to receive health care and compensation for certain illnesses, including Parkinsonism, dementia, and depression, which have been linked to traumatic brain injury.
The final rules, which will be published on Tuesday in the Federal Register, also add to the list unprovoked seizures and hormone deficiency diseases related to the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenal glands.
The new policy, which takes effect on Jan. 16, could pave the way for thousands of veterans to file claims. Since 2000, more than 287,000 active-duty service members and veterans have been found to have traumatic brain injuries, according to Defense Department figures. About 62,000 of those injuries have occurred since the start of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, said the Department of Veterans Affairs. read more>>>

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

{from the VA press release site with backlinks}
Adds Five Illnesses Related to Service-Connected TBI
WASHINGTON – December 16, 2013 - Some Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are diagnosed with any of five other ailments will have an easier path to receive additional disability pay under new regulations developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The new regulation, which takes effect 30 days from today, impacts some Veterans living with TBI who also have Parkinson’s disease, certain types of dementia, depression, unprovoked seizures or certain diseases of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.
“We decide Veterans’ disability claims based on the best science available,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “As scientific knowledge advances, VA will expand its programs to ensure Veterans receive the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.”
This regulation stems from a report of the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine (IOM) regarding the association between TBI and the five diagnosable illnesses. The IOM report, Gulf War and Health, Volume 7: Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury, found “sufficient evidence” to link moderate or severe levels of TBI with the five ailments. read more>>>

Rachel Maddow: "We got a huge round of tax cuts in this country a few weeks before9/11. Once 9/11 happened and we invaded Afghanistan, we kept the tax cuts anyway. How did we think we were going to pay for that war? Did we think it was free? Then, when we started a second simultaneous war in another country, we gave ourselves a second huge round of tax cuts. After that second war started. The wars, I guess, we thought would be free, don`t worry about it, civilians. Go about your business." 23 May 2013

"Why in 2009 were we still using paper?" VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers "When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we've been operating on a six month wait for over a decade." 27 March 2013

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER!

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,411 coalition deaths -- 2,302 Americans, 40 Australians, 447 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of January 3, 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,541 {19,514 up to December 1, 2013} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Capt.David Irvin Lyon 28 Sandpoint, Idaho, USA 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron, 21st Mission Support Group, 21st Bomb Wing Died from wounds suffered when his vehicle was attacked with a roadside bomb in Kabul, Afghanistan, on December 27, 2013

Sgt.Daniel Mark Vasselian 27 Abington, Massachusetts, USA 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force Died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on December 23, 2013

Staff Sgt.Jesse Lee Williams 30 Elkhart, Indiana, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Williams was one of six soldiers killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Now Bahar, Zabul province, Afghanistan, on December 17, 2013. The Pentagon is investigating whether the six soldiers died due to the helicopter crash or from enemy fire after the crash.

Chief Warrant Officer 2Joshua Benjamin Silverman 35 Scottsdale, Arizona, USA Company B, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Silverman was of six soldiers killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Now Bahar, Zabul province, Afghanistan, on December 17, 2013. The Pentagon is investigating whether the six soldiers died due to the helicopter crash or from enemy fire after the crash.

Sgt.Peter Christopher Bohler 29 Willow Spring, North Carolina, USA Company B, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Bohler was one of six soldiers killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Now Bahar, Zabul province, Afghanistan, on December 17, 2013. The Pentagon is investigating whether the six soldiers died due to the helicopter crash or from enemy fire after the crash.

Sgt. 1st ClassOmar Wilfred Forde 28 Marietta, Georgia, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Forde was one of six soldiers killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Now Bahar, Zabul province, Afghanistan, on December 17, 2013. The Pentagon is investigating whether the six soldiers died due to the helicopter crash or from enemy fire after the crash.

Chief Warrant Officer 2Randy Lee Billings 34 Heavener, Oklahoma, USA Company B, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Billings was one of six soldiers killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Now Bahar, Zabul province, Afghanistan, on December 17, 2013. The Pentagon is investigating whether the six soldiers died due to the helicopter crash or from enemy fire after the crash.

Spc.Terry Kishaun Dantez Gordon 22 Shubuta, Mississippi, USA E Troop, 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Gordon was one of six soldiers killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Now Bahar, Zabul province, Afghanistan, on December 17, 2013. The Pentagon is investigating whether the six soldiers died due to the helicopter crash or from enemy fire after the crash.

Lance Cpl.Matthew Rolando Rodriguez 19 Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force Died while conducting combat operations in Now Zad, Helmand province, Afghanistan on December 11, 2013

Petty Officer 1st ClassJames Lee Smith 38 Huffman, Texas, USA Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28, 9th Naval Construction Regiment, Navy Reserve Died of natural causes while hospitalized at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, on December 11, 2013

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications Joining forces for military children

Jill Biden writes that she felt she needed to do more for military families. | AP Photo
12/5/13 - As a lifelong educator and as part of a military family, the way we reach out to military children in our classrooms has been especially close to my heart. So when first lady Michelle Obama and I started Joining Forces, our initiative to encourage all Americans to take action to find ways to honor and support our service men and women, veterans and military families, I knew part of what I would focus on was raising awareness about the military child experience in the classroom.
Many Americans don’t know anyone in the military, so they aren’t aware that, on average, a military child attends six to nine schools by the time he or she graduates from high school. Through each transition, the children have to leave their friends, try out for new sports teams and adjust to a new school community.
And as we continue to draw down the number of active-duty troops serving in Afghanistan, it is worth remembering that this is not just the experience of children of active duty-service members — transition is also a part of life for military kids who are the children of our National Guard and Reserve force. As more than a million of our service men and women end their military careers and transition back to civilian life, many will move their families to places where they can find the best job or attend school. read more>>>

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

“As Commander-in-Chief, I’ll keep doing everything in my power to make sure we serve you as well as you’ve served us. And that means making sure you get the care and the benefits you need. It means making sure you don’t have to fight for a job when you get home. It means recognizing our military families and giving them the support that they deserve.” – President Obama at an event honoring wounded warriors

Caring for Wounded Warriors: An All-Hands-On-Deck Enterprise

December 24, 2013 - The president’s remarks from earlier this year echoed in my head during the recent 2013 Warrior Family Symposium, an event co-sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America and the National Defense Industrial Association. And something that really struck me during the symposium was that caring for our wounded warriors, making sure they have the kind of support the president promised, is an all-hands-on-deck enterprise.
The federal government has funded many initiatives designed to help our wounded warriors either to rejoin their branch of military service or reintegrate into their local community if they separate from military service. For example, the Army and Marine Corps have created Soldier for Life and Marine for Life programs for this purpose. Our sister agency, the Department of Veterans Affairs, delivers the health and other benefits to which our veterans are entitled.
Another takeaway from the symposium was how critical employment is to the recovery and well-being of our wounded warriors. read more w/backlinks embedded>>>

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

What the country wants, free wars and especially not fully funding the results of, as no one has demanded, especially their hired representatives, that it's way past time for those served to Sacrifice for those they've demanded do for them, DeJa-Vu all over again, and again, and......., as the already long under funded VA budget is still mostly borrowed!!!

The American Veteran - December 2013

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Iraq vet with PTSD makes Colorado's first legal recreational pot purchase

Vet with PTSD, First Legal Recreational Pot Purchase

1 January 2014 - Colorado's legal recreational marijuana industry kicked off Wednesday with an Iraq war veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder making the first pot purchase under the new law.
Sean Azzariti of Denver, who helped campaign for Amendment 64, bought an eighth of an ounce of a strain called Bubba Kush and a pot-infused edible truffle for $59 at the 3D Cannabis Center — one of about a dozen retailers that began selling up to an ounce of weed to adults starting at 8 a.m. mountain time.
"It's pretty surreal," the cashier told Azzariti, who grinned widely.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
"Thank you so much," he said as he accepted the package and held up his receipt for a phalanx of television cameras at the carefully choreographed inaugural sale.
"I feel amazing. This is a huge step forward for veterans," he said. "Now I get to use recreational cannabis to alleviate my PTSD." read more>>>

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

The effort to pass a sweepstakes legalization bill in North Carolina collapsed after Burns' arrest in Florida, triggered by probes into a homeless veterans charity prosecutors said was a front for collecting nearly $300 million in untaxed profits from sweepstakes cafes. read more>>>>

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Are you struggling with relationships, finances, finding a job, confusion about your future, dealing with loneliness, or adjusting to the challenges of civilian life?

A new web program, called Moving Forward, can help you start making steps toward positive change. Learn More...

Honor our living brothers and sisters as they return from our wars, especially the wounded, physically and mentally, all the time! Fully Fund the Veterans Administration, no questions asked, as we fund the Department of Defense, no questions asked.

"If military action is worth our troops' blood, it should be worth our treasure, too; not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedure; with their problems, not ours." General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

December 30, 2013 - Army Releases November 2013 Suicide Information

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Airman Missing From Vietnam War Accounted For
December 09, 2013 - U.S. Air Force Col. Francis J. McGouldrick Jr. of New Haven, Conn., will be buried Dec. 13, at Arlington National Cemetery. On Dec. 13, 1968, McGouldrick was on a night strike mission when his B-57E Canberra aircraft collided with another aircraft over Savannakhet Province, Laos. McGouldrick was never seen again and was listed as missing in action.
After the war in July 1978, a military review board amended his official status from missing in action to presumed killed in action. read more>>>

Searching for the FALLEN

January 5, 2014 - The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) will lead a team of scientists and engineers to fly a Multi-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (MB-SAR) to gather information to aid in the search and recovery of unaccounted for aircraft losses in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) and Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) is sponsoring the mission.
It is believed many of the downed aircraft sites are located in the Northern, Central, and Morobe provinces of PNG in austere terrain under triple canopy foliage. The goal of the mission is to highlight the effectiveness of remote sensing information to aid JPAC search and recovery efforts.
Similar SAR technology was employed by Fugro Spatial Solutions GeoSAR system in 2006 which resulted in production of a 5m Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the entire mainland of Papua New Guinea. read more>>>

Done "In Our Names"!

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to January 2013 - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

'Always a Marine': Homeless vets weather the holidays as national numbers dip

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - November 2013

2013-12-05T09:44:00.000-05:00

Flash Mob: The U.S. Air Force Band at the Smithsonian

Published on Dec 5, 2013 Starting with a single cellist on the floor of the National Air and Space Museum's "Milestones of Flight" gallery, and swelling to 120 musicians, The U.S. Air Force Band exhilarated museum visitors with its first-ever flash mob. The four-minute performance featured an original arrangement of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring/Joy to the World," led by the band's commander and conductor, Col. Larry H. Lang. Unsuspecting museum visitors including tourists and school groups were astonished as instrumentalists streamed into the gallery from behind airplanes and space capsules, and vocalists burst into song from the Museum's second floor balcony.

Enjoy, I did! And a 'Happy Holidays' especially to those who understand their meanings!

3 December 2013 - The Navy veteran keeps his few possessions in shipshape order. Hidden on a girder ledge, five cans of chicken-enchilada soup flank an alarm clock, a stack of hardcover mysteries and a plastic jug of water - half empty - scrawled with black marker to clearly designate ownership: "Bill's."
A few feet from the underbelly of the storm-drain bridge where Bill has lived since June, his perch holds whispers of daily survival and yesterdays lost. Above his bunk – a thin mattress long enough for a child – the cement wall is adorned with a 2013 calendar, a crucifix and three American flags.
On paper, Bill is one of 6,291 homeless veterans in Los Angeles – the highest number in any metro area – almost double the count in New York City (3,547), nearly five times the population in San Diego (1,486). Nationally, according to a fresh census released Nov. 21, Bill is one of 57,849 homeless veterans – a tally the Obama Administration has pledged to drive to zero by the end of 2015. Since 2010, a federal initiative has reduced that number by 24 percent, according to VA officials.
For now, the streets remain home for the holidays for tens of thousands of former military personnel. read more>>>

New policy allows military members to help undocumented relatives

Dec 1, 2013 - As a member of the Arizona Army National Guard, Gabriel Zermeño has been preparing for almost two years to be deployed overseas.
But the country he signed up to defend could also one day deport his father. The reason? Zermeño, 21, is a citizen born in the U.S. But his father, Jose Zermeño, 53, is an immigrant from Mexico who has been living in the U.S. illegally for more than 30 years and has faced deportation proceedings.
“At any moment, I could be overseas fighting for my country and he could be getting deported by the same country I was supposed to be fighting for,” Zermeño said.
Soon, however, Zermeño’s father may be able to legalize his status, possibly within a couple of months, thanks to a new policy issued by President Barack Obama’s administration. read more>>>

Veterans Conference in DC Seeks to Broaden Reach of Treatment Courts

December 3, 2013 - “Words cannot describe the second chance that you guys gave me, but if I had to, it would be that I am in a lifelong debt of gratitude.”
Those were the heartfelt thanks of former Marine corporal Eric Gonzales as he addressed the audience at the Veterans Treatment Court Conference being held in Washington D.C. Organized by Justice for Vets, the conference hopes to broaden the reach of veterans treatment courts to help veterans, particularly those who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Veterans treatment courts help veterans who get in trouble with the law because of their substance abuse or mental health issues get the treatment they need as an alternative to prison time. The courts are modeled on the drug treatment or mental health treatment courts first established two decades ago.
Justice for Vets estimates that since 2004 the number of veterans being treated for mental illness and substance abuse has increased by 38 percent, with most of their numbers coming from among the 2.5 million American military service members who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. read more>>>

"If military action is worth our troops' blood, it should be worth our treasure, too — not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

R. M.: "We got a huge round of tax cuts in this country a few weeks before9/11. Once 9/11 happened and we invaded Afghanistan, we kept the tax cuts anyway. How did we think we were going to pay for that war? Did we think it was free? Then, when we started a second simultaneous war in another country, we gave ourselves a second huge round of tax cuts. After that second war started. The wars, I guess, we thought would be free, don`t worry about it, civilians. Go about your business." 23 May 2013

"Why in 2009 were we still using paper?" VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers "When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we've been operating on a six month wait for over a decade." 27 March 2013

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER!

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,397 coalition deaths -- 2,292 Americans, 40 Australians, 446 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of December 1, 2013, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,514 {19,436 up to November 1, 2013} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt.Alex Anthony Viola 29 Keller, Texas, USA Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group Died of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with a roadside bomb while on dismounted patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on November 17, 2013

Staff Sgt.Richard Lee Vazquez 28 Seguin, Texas, USA Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group Died in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with a roadside bomb while on dismounted patrol in Panjwayi, Afghanistan, on November 13, 2013

Warrant Officer Class 2 Fisher, Ian 42 Essex England, 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, Died in Hostile IED attack, Helmand, Afghanistan, on November 6, 2013

Sgt. 1st ClassForrest Warren Robertson 35 Westmoreland, Kansas, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan, on November 3, 2013

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

WASHINGTON – November 21, 2013 - Today, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy joined with a coalition of private-sector partners from the telecommunications industry to launch “Warriors 4 Wireless,” a new nonprofit program aimed at connecting veterans and returning service members to jobs in the rapidly growing wireless telecommunications industry.
A White House release said the program includes stakeholders from Joining Forces -- a national initiative that provides opportunities and support to military members and their families -- as well as from the private sector, the federal government, the U.S. military, and industry trade associations committed to scaling successful training models for veterans with wireless-relevant skills.
Warriors 4 Wireless builds on a Veterans IT Training and Certification program, launched at the White House in April 2013 in response to a call to action by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama asking industries to make it easier for military service members and veterans to receive civilian training and certifications, according to the release. read more>>>

Michelle Obama at Disney to promote 'Joining Forces' initiative

November 14, 2013 - First Lady Michelle Obama called on private companies to follow examples of Walt Disney Co. by hiring military veterans, saying Thursday at Walt Disney World that employers need to tell them, "we're going to have your backs."
Obama, whose "Joining Forces" initiative is aimed at helping military veterans re-enter private life, told an estimated 500 representatives of local and national companies gathered at Disney's Boardwalk Resort that companies such as Disney, AT&T, Walmart and Starbucks have signed on with commitments to hire veterans by the thousands, and small- and medium-size businesses should follow their examples.
At the Disney-sponsored conference, called the "Veterans Institute," she said Joining Forces has helped 380,000 veterans get jobs in two years.
"That's outstanding. But it's not enough," she said in an 11-minute address, the keynote speech in a daylong conference of workshops and seminars on hiring veterans. "We need you all to really dig deep. We need you to double down." read more>>>

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

Jill Biden writes that she felt she needed to do more for military families. | AP Photo
12/5/13 - As a lifelong educator and as part of a military family, the way we reach out to military children in our classrooms has been especially close to my heart. So when first lady Michelle Obama and I started Joining Forces, our initiative to encourage all Americans to take action to find ways to honor and support our service men and women, veterans and military families, I knew part of what I would focus on was raising awareness about the military child experience in the classroom.
Many Americans don’t know anyone in the military, so they aren’t aware that, on average, a military child attends six to nine schools by the time he or she graduates from high school. Through each transition, the children have to leave their friends, try out for new sports teams and adjust to a new school community.
And as we continue to draw down the number of active-duty troops serving in Afghanistan, it is worth remembering that this is not just the experience of children of active duty-service members — transition is also a part of life for military kids who are the children of our National Guard and Reserve force. As more than a million of our service men and women end their military careers and transition back to civilian life, many will move their families to places where they can find the best job or attend school. read more>>>

VA and HUD Announce Twenty-Four Percent Reduction in Veterans’ Homelessness since 2010

WASHINGTON – November 21, 2013 - The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that a new national report shows a 24 percent reduction in homelessness among Veterans since 2010.
The report also showed an 8 percent reduction between January 2012 and January 2013. The decline keeps the Obama administration on track to meet the goal of ending Veterans’ homelessness in 2015.
“We are on the right track in the fight to end homelessness among Veterans. While this trend is encouraging news, we know that there is more work to do,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “As President Obama said, we’re not going to rest until every Veteran who has fought for America has a home in America. The results in the latest report are a credit to the effort given by our dedicated staff, and our federal, state, and community partners who are committed to ending Veterans’ homelessness.” read more>>>

Statement from Secretary Shinseki on the Disabilities Treaty

WASHINGTON -- November 21, 2013 -- Ratification of the Disabilities Treaty is important to our Nation's 5.5 million disabled Veterans.
Ratification of the Disabilities Treaty is not about changing America. It’s about helping the rest of the world raise their accessibility standards to the gold standard the United States has set through our ADA. Ratification will help reinforce America’s global leadership role and reputation, putting us in the strongest position to advance disability rights worldwide.
By joining the treaty, we will be helping the 5.5 million Veterans with disabilities and the 50 million Americans with disabilities study and work with dignity and pursue greater opportunity abroad with the same access they enjoy at home. read more>>>

VA Approves $8.8 Million in Grants to Provide Transportation and Renovated Housing for Homeless Veterans

WASHINGTON — November 12, 2013 - The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $8.8 million in grants to fund 164 projects in 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to rehabilitate currently operational transitional housing projects and acquire vans to facilitate the transportation needs of homeless Veterans.
“President Obama has made eliminating Veterans’ homelessness a national priority,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We want every Veteran who faces homelessness to know that VA is here to help. The Grant and Per Diem Program provides significant assistance to those who need it.”
The grants awarded through the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program are for currently operational grantees, who will use this funding to rehabilitate their current project locations to enhance safety, security and privacy for the homeless Veterans they serve. Additionally, funding for these organizations to acquire vans will assist homeless Veterans with transportation to medical appointments and employment opportunities, as well as enable grantees to conduct outreach within their communities. read more>>>

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

December 3, 2013 - More veterans of the Vietnam War were recently included to benefit coverage due to Agent Orange Exposure.
A recently declassified Department of Defense report contains evidence that there was a significant use of herbicides on the fenced-in perimeters of military bases in Thailand to remove foliage that provided cover for enemy forces.
This new information means that Vietnam-era veterans whose service involved duty on or near the perimeters of military bases in Thailand anytime between Feb. 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, may have been exposed to herbicides and may qualify for VA benefits.
Veterans and areas include: read more>>>

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

WASHINGTON – November 15, 2013 - VA is partnering with Delta Dental and MetLife to allow eligible Veterans, plus family members receiving care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), to purchase affordable dental insurance beginning Nov. 15, VA officials announced today.
“VA continues to explore innovative ways to help Veterans get access to the care and services they have earned and deserve,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “This new dental program is another example of VA creating partnerships with the private sector to deliver a range of high-quality care at an affordable cost, for our Nation’s Veterans.”
More than 8 million Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care can choose to purchase one of the offered dental plans. This three-year pilot has been designed for Veterans with no dental coverage, or those eligible for VA dental care who would like to purchase additional coverage. Participation will not affect entitlement to VA dental services and treatment. read more>>>

The American Veteran - December 2013

12.6.2013 - A video news magazine designed to inform veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned through their service to America.

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Speaker Boehner 4 Oct. 2013: "I think the American people expect if we’re going to raise the amount of money we can borrow, we ought to do something about our spending problem."

Really? Where was that when you were rubber stamping spending bush wants Before 9/11 and then after with the two wars and no bid contracts on the credit card and off the books, still not paid for, and this 'tea party' was all for that!!

Then, when we started a second simultaneous war in another country, we gave ourselves a second huge round of tax cuts. After that second war started. The wars, I guess, we thought would be free, don`t worry about it, civilians. Go about your business." 23 May 2013

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Are you struggling with relationships, finances, finding a job, confusion about your future, dealing with loneliness, or adjusting to the challenges of civilian life?

A new web program, called Moving Forward, can help you start making steps toward positive change. Learn More...

"If military action is worth our troops' blood, it should be worth our treasure, too; not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedure; with their problems, not ours." General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

November 21, 2013 - Army Releases October 2013 Suicide Information

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Team Recovers Remains from 1952 Plane Crash Site

10/31/2013 - A modern military identification team is working to identify the remains of fifty-two military members who perished when their C-124 transport plane went down in Alaska in 1952. The plane left Seattle and crashed while on approach to Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage. read more>>>

Done "In Our Names"!

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to January 2013 - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

Researchers Work to Prevent Past Neglect of Veterans

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - October 2013

2013-11-03T08:42:00.000-05:00

How do those served Honor The Fallen?! By not ignoring or neglecting the issues of the brothers and sisters who served with them when they return! By honoring their end of the contract and sacrificing as they demand those serving them do! By making sure the representatives they hire not attack, especially for political purposes and media headlines, the Veterans Administration workers but do their jobs hired to do, as they use their speak saying they do or want to, and fully fund the decades now long, and wars of, under funded agency! The attacks on the employee's come mostly from issues caused by that under funding and not from those employee's neglect or shoddy work and end up costing much more to correct! To make sure the funds needed are not mostly borrowed to be paid by the coming generations if at all and if the issues aren't ignored! They don't, nor didn't, serve a political ideology, they serve and protect the Country and it's, not groups within interpretation of, Constitution!

The following resources have been added to the Wounded Warrior Programs subfolder:

Operation Ward 57

Supports wounded warriors, their families and medical staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center by providing items that assist in recovery, maintenance and morale.

Hope for the Warriors - Above & Beyond

Provides guidance to wounded Service Members pursuing reintegration into the civilian sector.

The following resource has been added to the Family Support Group subfolder:

Hope for the Warriors - Family Support

Hosts couples, singles and family wellness retreats as well as caregiver dinners.

The following resource has been added to the Building & Locating Houses subfolder:

Operation Homefront - Homes on the Homefront

Awards mortgage-free homes to Veterans. In addition to the home, the families will build a customized transition plan with program staff.

November 1, 2013 - An estimated 2.3 million men and women have served during the nation’s last 12 years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. And as they transition out of the military, the veterans will need care for immediate and long-term conditions like post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.
And many from health care professionals to retired military are concerned that the neglect of past veterans is not repeated with this new generation.
Troops in World War II came home in 1945 and went right back to work and college. There was no re-integration, no recognition of post-traumatic stress. So many WWII vets had to find their own ways to cope with the trauma of war.
“I never saw my father go to bed – in my entire life – sober. I never saw him go to work drunk,” said retired Lt. Gen. Martin Steele. “I always saw this tortured man with the self-discipline and commitment and resolve to live life one day at a time.”
Alcohol was how Steele’s stepfather, a WWII veteran, dealt with his trauma of having his fighter plane shot down, spending a year in a Prisoner of War camp and being tortured by the Germans. read more>>>

"If military action is worth our troops' blood, it should be worth our treasure, too — not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

R. M.: "We got a huge round of tax cuts in this country a few weeks before9/11. Once 9/11 happened and we invaded Afghanistan, we kept the tax cuts anyway. How did we think we were going to pay for that war? Did we think it was free? Then, when we started a second simultaneous war in another country, we gave ourselves a second huge round of tax cuts. After that second war started. The wars, I guess, we thought would be free, don`t worry about it, civilians. Go about your business." 23 May 2013

"Why in 2009 were we still using paper?" VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers "When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we've been operating on a six month wait for over a decade." 27 March 2013

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER!

U.S. State Department Veterans Partnership 10.31.2013 - Secretary of State John Kerry will commemorate Veterans Day by delivering brief remarks to announce a new public-private veterans partnership at the US Department of State.

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Finally Home, Traumatically Injured Vets Face New Lives As VA Faces Costs

Oct 17, 2013 - Jerral Hancock wakes up every night in Lancaster, Calif., around 1 a.m. dreaming he is trapped in a burning tank. He opens his eyes, but he can't move, he can't get out of bed and he can't get a drink of water.
Hancock, 27, joined the Army in 2004 and went to Iraq, where he drove a tank. On Memorial Day 2007 -- one month after the birth of his second child -- Hancock drove over an IED. Just 21, he lost his arm and the use of both legs, and now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. The Department of Veterans Affairs pays him $10,000 every month for his disability, his caretakers, health care, medications and equipment for his new life.
No government agency has calculated fully the lifetime cost of health care for the large number of post-9/11 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with life-lasting wounds. But it is certain to be high, with the veterans' higher survival rates, longer tours of duty and multiple injuries, plus the anticipated cost to the VA of reducing the wait times for medical appointments and reaching veterans in rural areas.
"Medical costs peak decades later," said Linda Bilmes, a professor in the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and coauthor of "The Three Trillion Dollar War: The True Cost of the Iraq Conflict"... read more>>>

In the budget conferences who will be the one or ones that face the realities of the past decades plus, still continuing, especially the first some six years of and the other issues placed on the countries credit card, that aren't the wars that were off the books and with no bid private contractor contracts, never to be paid but plenty of wealth made from?

Cost of Iraq and Afghanistan estimated $4 to $6 trillion

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,393 coalition deaths -- 2,289 Americans, 40 Australians, 445 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of November 3, 2013, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,436 {19,334 up to October 1, 2013} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Lance Cpl.Christopher O'Bryan Grant 20 Richwood, Louisiana, USA 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force Died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on October 20, 2013

Sgt.Lyle Dervin Turnbull 31 Norfolk, Virginia, USA Company C, 62nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 11th Signal Brigade Died from a medical emergency after participating in a 10-mile run at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, on October 18, 2013

Staff Sgt.Patrick Howard Quinn 26 Quarryville, Pennsylvania, USA Company B, 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group Died of injuries sustained when the enemy attacked his base with small-arms fire in Paktika province, Afghanistan, on October 13, 2013

Capt.Jennifer Madai Moreno 25 San Diego, California, USA Nurse assigned to Madigan Army Medical Center and attached to a joint special operations task force as a cultural support team member Moreno was one of four soldiers killed during a night combat operation in the Zhari district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on October 6, 2013, that prevented a high-profile suicide bombing attack in Kandahar City. During the mission, a suspected suicide bomber detonated a bomb near the assault force. As the assault force reacted to the initial blast, they were struck by a series of explosions, killing the four soldiers.

Spc.Cody James Patterson 24 Philomath, Oregon, USA Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment Patterson was one of four soldiers killed during a night combat operation in the Zhari district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on October 6, 2013, that prevented a high-profile suicide bombing attack in Kandahar City. During the mission, a suspected suicide bomber detonated a bomb near the assault force. As the assault force reacted to the initial blast, they were struck by a series of explosions, killing the four soldiers.

Sgt.Joseph Michael Peters 24 Springfield, Missouri, USA 286th Military Police Detachment, 5th Military Police Battalion Peters was one of four soldiers killed during a night combat operation in the Zhari district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on October 6, 2013, that prevented a high-profile suicide bombing attack in Kandahar City. During the mission, a suspected suicide bomber detonated a bomb near the assault force. As the assault force reacted to the initial blast, they were struck by a series of explosions, killing the four soldiers.

Sgt.Patrick Christopher Hawkins 25 Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment Hawkins was one of four soldiers killed during a night combat operation in the Zhari district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on October 6, 2013, that prevented a high-profile suicide bombing attack in Kandahar City. During the mission, a suspected suicide bomber detonated a bomb near the assault force. As the assault force reacted to the initial blast, they were struck by a series of explosions, killing the four soldiers.

Spc.Angel Luis Lopez 27 Parma, Ohio, USA Company B, 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Died of wounds suffered when an Afghan security guard opened fire at Forward Operating Base Apache near Qalat in Zabul province, Afghanistan, on October 5, 2013

Lance Cpl.Jeremiah Michael Collins Jr. 19 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force Died while supporting combat operations at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on October 5, 2013

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

'Joining Forces' with America's Social Workers

Percentage of Veterans Hired for Executive Branch Increases

From an Office of Personnel Management News Release
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2013 – The federal government’s executive branch hired the highest percentage of military veterans in more than 20 years during fiscal year 2012, surpassing the previous high set in fiscal 2011, Office of Personnel Management officials announced today.
The numbers were contained in the report of Employment of Veterans in the Federal Executive Branch for Fiscal Year 2012, which also was released today.
The government hired about 195,000 new employees in fiscal 2012, compared to about 230,000 new employees in fiscal 2011 — a reduction of more than 34,000 total hires. Some 56,000 of the fiscal 2012 hires, 28.9 percent, were veterans, officials said. This is a 4.9-percentage-point increase over the fiscal 2009 baseline of 24.0 percent, and about 0.6 percentage points higher than the 28.3 percent realized in fiscal 2011, they added. read more>>>

Employment Numbers Nearly Triple Initial 'Joining Forces' Goal

Some 290,000 veterans and military spouses have been hired since the inception of the "Joining Forces" initiative two years ago, nearly tripling the initial goal, First Lady Michelle Obama said. Story>>>

A Snapshot of Our Nation's Veterans

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

The Coming Food Stamp Cut Will Hit 900,000 Veterans

The American Veteran - October 2013

10/29/2013 - A video news magazine designed to inform veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned through their service to America.

10.17.2013 - Vietnam Veterans from the Army documentary 'Veterans of Valor' talk about their wartime

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available • Read the Trauma Guide

Speaker Boehner 4 Oct. 2013: "I think the American people expect if we’re going to raise the amount of money we can borrow, we ought to do something about our spending problem."

OCTOBER 29, 2013 - Benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as food stamps, will automatically drop come Friday thanks to the loss of additional funds from the 2009 stimulus bill. That cut will hit about 900,000 of the country’s veterans, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
“Nationwide, in any given month, a total of 900,000 veterans nationwide lived in households that relied on SNAP to provide food for their families in 2011,” CBPP writes. The number varies state to state, with over 100,000 veterans in households that rely on the benefits in Florida and Texas each.
The coming cut will range from $36 a month for a family of four to $11 a month for a single person. Food stamps will average less than $1.40 per person per meal next year with the cut. Benefits were already sparse, at just $133 a month on average. read more>>>

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Are you struggling with relationships, finances, finding a job, confusion about your future, dealing with loneliness, or adjusting to the challenges of civilian life?

A new web program, called Moving Forward, can help you start making steps toward positive change. Learn More...

"If military action is worth our troops' blood, it should be worth our treasure, too; not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedure; with their problems, not ours." General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

October 31, 2013 - Army Releases September 2013 Suicide Information

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Missing Airmen From Vietnam War Accounted For
October 11, 2013 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, have been accounted for and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Robert E. Pietsch, 31, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Maj. Louis F. Guillermin, 25, of West Chester, Pa.,will be buried as a group Oct. 16, in a single casket representing the two servicemen at Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. Guillermin’s individual remains weres buried Oct. 5, 2013, in Broomall, Pa. read more>>>

WWII Marines Accounted For
October 11, 2013 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that two U.S. Marines missing in action from World War II, have been accounted for and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Henry S. White, 23, of Kansas City, Mo., and Staff Sgt. Thomas L. Meek, 19, of Lisbon, La., will be buried as a group in a single casket representing the two servicemen, on Oct. 18, at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. read more>>>

WWII Airman Identified
October 11, 2013 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors Army Air Force 1st Lt. Robert G. Fenstermacher, 23, of Scranton, Pa., will be buried on Oct. 18, in Arlington National Cemetery. On Dec. 26, 1944, Fenstermacher was a pilot of a P-47D Thunderbolt that was on an armed-reconnaissance mission against targets in Germany, when his aircraft crashed, near Petergensfeld, Belgium. read more>>>

Team Recovers Remains from 1952 Plane Crash Site

10/31/2013 - A modern military identification team is working to identify the remains of fifty-two military members who perished when their C-124 transport plane went down in Alaska in 1952. The plane left Seattle and crashed while on approach to Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage. read more>>>

Done "In Our Names"!

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to January 2013 - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

Fallen Soldiers in the War in Afghanistan Remembered

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - September 2013

2013-10-05T07:52:00.001-04:00

Fallen Service Members Honored 09.23.2013 - Coalition forces unveil a monument outside ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan to honor fallen service members.

23 September 2013 - At a memorial ceremony held at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul on Sunday, General Joseph Dunford, Commander of ISAF, and several other Afghan and foreign military officials offered tribute to the soldiers (both foreign and Afghan), who had lost their lives in battle over the past 11 years. read more>>>

Shutdown: The 'phony!!! patriotism?' Surrounding Public Visits to War Memorials

You do realize it's the Law, some 143yrs. old, that prevents visitors!! read more>>>

From the country served, not even a yawn, do a search and only come up with a few articles, very few!!!!!!

Gold Star Mothers Being Remembered Today By US Army

WASHINGTON-- Sep 29, 2013 -- Today the nation and the Army salute Gold Star Mothers who have lost sons or daughters while fighting America's wars.
"Gold Star Mothers Day" was created by Congress in 1936 to honor women whose children were taken from them due to war.
In a tri-signed letter to the Army, the Secretary of the Army along with the Chief of Staff and Sergeant Major, talked about the important legacy Gold Star Mothers and family members carry:

"The Gold Star Mothers, as well as all family members who bear the enormous burden of loss, will always be cherished members of our great Army family. We maintain our commitment to support these families while honoring the legacy of our fallen Soldiers."
The Army's Survivor Outreach Services gives mothers and family members access to support groups and counseling which are provided at the closest location to where they live. This service is available as long as they desire. read more>>>

* * * Presidential Proclamation -- Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2013 * * *

"If military action is worth our troops' blood, it should be worth our treasure, too — not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

R. M.: "We got a huge round of tax cuts in this country a few weeks before9/11. Once 9/11 happened and we invaded Afghanistan, we kept the tax cuts anyway. How did we think we were going to pay for that war? Did we think it was free? Then, when we started a second simultaneous war in another country, we gave ourselves a second huge round of tax cuts. After that second war started. The wars, I guess, we thought would be free, don`t worry about it, civilians. Go about your business." 23 May 2013

"Why in 2009 were we still using paper?" VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers "When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we've been operating on a six month wait for over a decade." 27 March 2013

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER!

Veterans Field Guide for Government Shutdown: Appropriations Lapse Plan

Annual funding for the federal government expires Monday, Sept. 30. The President, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the administration strongly believe that a lapse in appropriations should not occur. However, at this time, prudent management requires that the government plan for the possibility of a lapse and Office of Management and Budget is working with VA and other agencies to take appropriate action. This planning is consistent with what was done in previous instances where a potential lapse in appropriations was approaching. read more>>>

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Leaders Honor Missing, Captured Service Members, Families

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq

POW/MIA National Recognition Day Ceremony

As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, The Pentagon, Friday, September 20, 2013
Distinguished guests, General Dempsey, veterans, family members, representatives from veterans service organizations and the national POW/MIA community: it is an honor and a privilege to join all of you for this important observance.
Earlier this year we marked the 40th anniversary of Operation Homecoming, when hundreds of American prisoners of war were brought out of Vietnam to freedom. Many were aviators whose planes had been downed over North Vietnam, aviators such as Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, who is with us here today.
He, along with hundreds of other service members and civilians, endured unspeakable cruelty, attempts at political exploitation, and years of confinement. But through courage, resilience, and determination, they survived to return home to a grateful nation.
Each POW/MIA Recognition Day, we reaffirm America’s gratitude to all service members throughout our history. These service members who experienced the horror of wartime captivity, and we stand with the families of all who remain missing in action.
We honor patriots like my friend Navy Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., who was also on the airlift of prisoners out of Hanoi during Operation Homecoming. Commander Alvarez had been shot down while flying a mission after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, and endured more than eight terrible years as a prisoner of war – virtually the entire length of the Vietnam conflict.
Like many of his fellow POWs, Commander Alvarez continued serving his nation after his return. As a Naval officer, Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, and Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration, he sustained his commitment to America’s service members, our country, veterans, their families, and all that he has held dear in his life. read more>>>

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2013 – The Defense Department will never stop working to bring captured and missing service members home, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, pledged at a Pentagon ceremony today.
That commitment extends to Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured by enemy forces in Afghanistan more than four years ago, Hagel said.
“Our hearts today are with the Bergdahl family. Using our military, intelligence, and diplomatic tools, the United States is continuing its strong efforts to secure Sergeant Bergdahl’s safe release,” he said.
DOD’s commitment to leave no service member behind also extends to the more than 80,000 Americans who remain missing in action, the secretary said. read more>>>

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,383 coalition deaths -- 2,280 Americans, 40 Australians, 444 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of October 4, 2013, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,334 {19,200 up to September 30, 2013} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt.Thomas Allen Baysore Jr 31 Milton, Pennsylvania, USA Company C, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Died from wounds suffered when an individual wearing an Afghan Army uniform opened fire at a base in Paktia province, Afghanistan, on September 26, 2013

Chief Warrant Officer Jonathon S. Gibson 32 Aurora, Oregon, USA Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 6, Carrier Air Wing 11 Gibson was one of two sailors killed when their MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter fell off the destroyer USS William P. Lawrence while operating in the central Red Sea on September 22, 2013. The helicopter had just landed when a wave hit the ship severe enough to cause the helicopter to fall into the sea, sources told CNN.

Lt. Cmdr.Landon L. Jones 35 Lompoc, California, USA Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 6, Carrier Air Wing 11 Jones was one of two sailors killed when their MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter fell off the destroyer USS William P. Lawrence while operating in the central Red Sea on September 22, 2013. The helicopter had just landed when a wave hit the ship severe enough to cause the helicopter to fall into the sea, sources told CNN.

Staff Sgt.Timothy Raymond McGill 30 Ramsey, New Jersey, USA Company A, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Rhode Island Army National Guard One of three soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire while conducting range training in Gardez, Paktia province, Afghanistan, on September 21, 2013

Staff Sgt.Liam Jules Nevins 32 Denver, Colorado, USA Company B, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Colorado Army National Guard One of three soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire while conducting range training in Gardez, Paktia province, Afghanistan, on September 21, 2013

Spc.Joshua Jacob Strickland 23 Woodstock, Georgia, USA Company D, 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group One of three soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire while conducting range training in Gardez, Paktia province, Afghanistan, on September 21, 2013

Spc.James Taylor Wickliffchacin 22 Edmond, Oklahoma, USA C Troop, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Died on September 20, 2013, at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, of injuries sustained when a roadside bomb detonated near his dismounted patrol during combat operations in Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan on August 12, 2013

Sgt.William Dewitt Brown III 44 Franklin, North Carolina, USA Company C, 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Died from a non-combat incident at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Laghman province, Afghanistan, on September 19, 2013

Staff Sgt.Robert Edward Thomas Jr. 24 Fontana, California, USA 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Died September 13, 2013, at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of wounds suffered during a non-combat related incident in Maiwand, Afghanistan, on April 21, 2013

Staff Sgt.Randall Ray Lane 43 Indianapolis, Indiana, USA 1438th Transportation Company, 190th Transportation Battalion, 38th Sustainment Brigade, Indiana Army National Guard Died from a non-combat related illness in Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 13, 2012

Staff Sgt.Todd James Lobraico Jr. 22 New Fairfield, Connecticut, USA 105th Security Forces Squadron, 105th Mission Support Group, 105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard Killed when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on September 5, 2013

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

'Joining Forces' with America's Social Workers

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

Congresswoman Duckworth Speaks in Support of Veterans and Reopening the Government

Obamacare and Veterans, a website

Obamacare and Agent Orange

This is a republican budget bill, not what the Executive Branch wants nor the Democrats in the House and Senate, but they passed it in the Senate and the President says he'll sign it and yet the Speaker refuses to bring it to a vote, their bill, in the House!!

03 Oct 2013 - On Thursday, October 3, 2013, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) spoke out against $6.2 billion in cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs budget . Cuts would include programs like medical and prosthetic research for wounded Veterans, national Veterans cemeteries, the Veterans appeals board and resources to reduce the claims backlog. She offered a Motion to Recommit that would have brought the Senate passed Continuing Resolution up for a vote and have reopened the entire federal government.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, it would appear that the chairman has resigned himself to keeping government shutdown for 30 days so that the VA will run out of money. The way to ensure that the VA doesn’t run out of money in 30 days is to pass a clean CR to reopen all of government. read more>>>

As they stick flags in their breast pockets or pin to upper breasts and do photo ops with WWII veterans like they really really care and are oh so patriotic!!

Veterans Say House GOP's Piecemeal Approach Is Not Enough

The American Veteran - September 2013

September 23 2013 - A video news magazine designed to inform veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned through their service to America.

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available • Read the Trauma Guide

Speaker Boehner 4 Oct. 2013: "I think the American people expect if we’re going to raise the amount of money we can borrow, we ought to do something about our spending problem."

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Veterans Field Guide for Government Shutdown: Appropriations Lapse Plan

Annual funding for the federal government expires Monday, Sept. 30. The President, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the administration strongly believe that a lapse in appropriations should not occur. However, at this time, prudent management requires that the government plan for the possibility of a lapse and Office of Management and Budget is working with VA and other agencies to take appropriate action. This planning is consistent with what was done in previous instances where a potential lapse in appropriations was approaching. read more>>>

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities And much of the grifted monies finds it's way into the political coffers of candidates who then make policy, finding all they need to fund the wars wanted but not fully funding the results of those wars the peoples responsibility the veterans administration as well as grants from for successful private sector veterans programs and same people don't mind as they ignore the issues of the returned veterans, so it's easier for the cons to operate and with little to no threat of regulation, just like the corporate culture and handled by the same pols, federal and state!!

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Are you struggling with relationships, finances, finding a job, confusion about your future, dealing with loneliness, or adjusting to the challenges of civilian life?

A new web program, called Moving Forward, can help you start making steps toward positive change. Learn More...

"If military action is worth our troops' blood, it should be worth our treasure, too; not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedure; with their problems, not ours." General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet?

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In the 1960s, it often seemed that the Vietnam war would never end — and for government accountants, it hasn’t. They issue checks for $22 billion each year (nearly triple the annual cost of the Transportation Safety Administration) and have already paid $270 billion to vets and their families. And the Middle Eastern wars of the past two decades may prove to be the most costly of all.
Compensation to those veterans and their family members already costs $12 billion a year. Not only are they filing disability claims at what the AP calls “historic rates” — nearly half of the soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are asking for compensation — but the Veterans Administration has steadily expanded its definition of war-related ailments. Vietnam vets with diabetes and heart disease, for instance, can collect extra payments.

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And, of course, the real bottom line is the dollars are only a marker for the incalculable physical and emotional costs of war: The boys (and, these days, girls) who don’t come home. The kids who grow up missing a parent, the parents who outlive their children. The scarred limbs and broken hearts. How do you write a check for those? Both our major parties seemed increasingly inclined to play cop in the endless, byzantine Mideast power struggles. They ought to take a look at the books first. read more>>>

October 01, 2013 - Army Releases August 2013 Suicide Information

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

AIRMEN MISSING FROM WWII ACCOUNTED-FOR
September 12, 2013 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
Army Air Force 2nd Lt. Valorie L. Pollard of Monterey, Calif. and Sgt. Dominick J. Licari of Frankfort, N.Y. will be buried as a group in a single casket, on Sept. 19 at Arlington National Cemetery. The individually-identified remains of Licari were buried on Aug. 6 in Frankfort, N.Y. read more>>>

Airmen From Vietnam War Identified
September 19, 2013 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of Air Force pilots Maj. James E. Sizemore of Lawrenceville, Ill., and Maj. Howard V. Andre Jr., of Memphis, Tenn., have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors on Sept. 23 at Arlington National Cemetery. read more>>>

Done "In Our Names"!

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to January 2013 - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

Gold Star Mothers Being Remembered Today By US Army

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - August 2013

2013-09-02T08:37:00.000-04:00

'Freedom is Free' when a Country doesn't Sacrifice for their Wars and the Results Of!! How does a Country HONOR It's Fallen, by Their Own 'Sacrifice' in Taking Care of the Brothers and Sisters They Served With!!

From the country served, not even a yawn, do a search and only come up with a few articles, very few!!!!!!

WASHINGTON-- Sep 29, 2013 -- Today the nation and the Army salute Gold Star Mothers who have lost sons or daughters while fighting America's wars.
"Gold Star Mothers Day" was created by Congress in 1936 to honor women whose children were taken from them due to war.
In a tri-signed letter to the Army, the Secretary of the Army along with the Chief of Staff and Sergeant Major, talked about the important legacy Gold Star Mothers and family members carry:

"The Gold Star Mothers, as well as all family members who bear the enormous burden of loss, will always be cherished members of our great Army family. We maintain our commitment to support these families while honoring the legacy of our fallen Soldiers."
The Army's Survivor Outreach Services gives mothers and family members access to support groups and counseling which are provided at the closest location to where they live. This service is available as long as they desire. read more>>>

* * * Presidential Proclamation -- Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2013 * * *

Army Launches 50th Anniversary Commemoration of Vietnam War

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2013 – The afternoon in the Pentagon auditorium on Aug. 28 was a time for reflection on a war that spanned 10 years and cost the country the lives of more than 58,000 young men and women. It was also an occasion to honor and thank nine Vietnam War veterans who’d served a total of 14 tours in-country and 225 years in uniform.
Kicking off the Pentagon's first event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the conflict, Army Lt. Gen. Raymond V. Mason, deputy chief of staff for logistics, opened the ceremony recalling personal memories as well as his broader experiences as a young American citizen.
"I was a young Army brat and it was difficult for me to watch my dad come back after his third tour in Vietnam and not get treated appropriately, at least in my mind," Mason said. "I was just a pretty young guy at that time, but I could feel that it wasn't right. It struck me, and I knew if I ever had the opportunity to make that right I would do the best I could. read more>>>

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration

In this discussion on NPR, this morning, 26 August 2013, as they talk about the battle he also conveys his struggle with PTS and has publicly long before his receiving the Medal of Honor awarded this afternoon by President Obama in ceremony at the White House.

Pain, Loss And Tears Come With Medal Of Honor

August 26, 2013 - The Army staff sergeant who Monday afternoon will receive the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony has mixed emotions.
"I would never tell any soldier or service member, 'Hey, go out and get the Medal of Honor', because of the amount of pain and loss and tears that has to be shed in order to receive it," Staff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter tells Morning Edition host Renee Montagne. read more and listen to discussion>>>

Obama awards Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sergeant Ty Carter

August 26, 2013 - President Obama on Monday will award the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, to Army Staff Sergeant Ty M. Carter for the heroism he displayed during one of the most intense battles of the Afghanistan war.

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After that moment, Carter started receiving treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
"I don't like the 'D' on the end," Carter told Martin. "I don't believe in calling it a disorder. I believe that it's your body and mind's natural reaction to something traumatic... And if PT, post-traumatic stress is intense enough, it will affect your life. It will remove your ability to be happy and enjoy the company of your loved ones."
Carter said he still has "minor issues" with post-traumatic stress but that he's in excellent shape now, thanks to the support he has from his behavioral health care providers, his platoon sergeant and his friends and family.
"Everyone who cares for you and worries about you in your life is your safety net," he said. "At any point in time if I'm feeling stressed or if something is going wrong I have people I can talk to." read more>>>

"If military action is worth our troops' blood, it should be worth our treasure, too — not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

R. M.: "We got a huge round of tax cuts in this country a few weeks before9/11. Once 9/11 happened and we invaded Afghanistan, we kept the tax cuts anyway. How did we think we were going to pay for that war? Did we think it was free? Then, when we started a second simultaneous war in another country, we gave ourselves a second huge round of tax cuts. After that second war started. The wars, I guess, we thought would be free, don`t worry about it, civilians. Go about your business." 23 May 2013

"Why in 2009 were we still using paper?" VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers "When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we've been operating on a six month wait for over a decade." 27 March 2013

WHY? GOOD QUESTION THOSE SERVED SHOULD ANSWER!

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

click on graphic for larger view

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

POW/MIA: Afghanistan & Iraq

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,371 coalition deaths -- 2,269 Americans, 40 Australians, 444 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 5 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 38 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 19 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of September 1, 2013, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 19,200 {19,032 up to August 31, 2013} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st ClassRicardo D. Young 34 Rosston, Arkansas, USA 738th Engineer Support Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade Died of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, on August 28, 2013

Staff Sgt.Michael H. Ollis 24 Staten Island, New York, USA 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Killed when insurgents launched a complex assault, using suicide truck bomb, small-arms fire and indirect fire, on a forward operating base in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, on August 28, 2013

1st Lt.Jason Togi 24 Pago Pago, American Samoa, USA 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Killed when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with a roadside bomb in Hasan Karez, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2013

Lt.Miroslaw Lucki 38 Poland Jednostce Wojskowej Komandosow (Army Commando Unit) Died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a joint Afghan-Polish operation in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, on August 24, 2013

Spc.Kenneth Clifford Alvarez 23 Santa Maria, California, USA One of two soldiers killed when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in Haft Asiab, Afghanistan, on August 23, 2013

Pvt.Jonathon Michael Dean Hostetter 20 Humphreys, Missouri, USA 40th Mobility Augmentation Company, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade One of two soldiers killed when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in Haft Asiab, Afghanistan, on August 23, 2013

Master Sgt.George Allen Bannar Jr. 37 Orange, Virginia, USA Company C, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group Died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Wardak province, Afghanistan, on August 20, 2013

1st Lt.Timothy George Santos Jr. 29 Helena, Alabama, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Armored Division Santos died on August 18, 2013, in Fort Bliss, Texas, from pancreatic cancer that was diagnosed on March 24, 2013, while he was deployed in Kuwait City, Kuwait, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc.Keith Erin Grace Jr. 26 Baytown, Texas, USA Battery B, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division One of three soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked their unit with indirect fire in Dzadran, Paktia province, Afghanistan, on August 11, 2013

Sgt.James Avery Hicks 22 Little Rock, Arkansas, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division One of three soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked their unit with indirect fire in Dzadran, Paktia province, Afghanistan, on August 11, 2013

Staff Sgt.Octavio Herrera 26 Caldwell, Idaho, USA Battery B, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division One of three soldiers killed when enemy forces attacked their unit with indirect fire in Dzadran, Paktia province, Afghanistan, on August 11, 2013

Spc.Nickolas Shane Welch 26 Mill City, Oregon, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Welch died on August 6, 2013, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with a roadside bomb in Soltan Kheyl, Wardak province, Afghanistan, on July 23, 2013. Three other soldiers also were killed in the attack.

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

'Joining Forces' with America's Social Workers Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

August 15, 2013 - A little over a year ago, Paula Foster, a Nashville, Tenn.,-based social worker, met a female veteran struggling with both physical and mental health issues.
The former soldier had suffered a significant back injury during a deployment to Iraq. In addition to the excruciating physical pain she experienced, the soldier suffered from emotional distress and guilt. During deployment, her injury kept her from participating in a convoy that was attacked on a resupply mission, ultimately claiming the life of her best friend.
As a social worker, Paula is trained to provide a holistic approach, one that, over the course of 14 months, helped bridge gaps in this veteran's care, arming her with the coping skills she needed to re-engage in her family and her community. read more>>>

WASHINGTON – August 21, 2013 - The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the second round of HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) funding to local public housing agencies across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The $7.8 million will provide housing and clinical services for 1,120 currently homeless veterans. In May of this year, the two agencies announced $60 million in HUD-VASH vouchers.
The supportive housing assistance announced today is provided through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by VA. Since 2008, a total of 58,140 vouchers have been awarded and 43,371formerly homeless veterans are currently in homes of their own because of HUD-VASH.
“Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed and given up so much for our freedom,” said HUD Secretary Donovan. “These vouchers are helping America end veterans’ homelessness one veteran at a time until we see not one veteran living on the street. I look forward to continue working with Secretary Shinseki and the Department of Veterans Affairs to target assistance to our homeless veterans. ” read more>>>

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

Obamacare and Veterans, a website

August 07, 2013 - A new website has been launched to help military service veterans and their families know what the Affordable Care Act means for them.
Veterans receiving health care from the the Department of Veteran Affairs won't be seeing any changes in their benefits or out-of-pocket costs under the national health reform, but there may be opportunities for family members, according to a VA news release Tuesday.
The new website is www.va.gov/aca. You can also call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, Central time.
"Even if you are covered by your VA health care enrollment, your family members who are not enrolled in a VA health care program should use the (Health Insurance) Marketplace to get coverage," the website says. "They may get lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs." read more>>>

Obamacare and Agent Orange

31 July 2013 - If you are enrolled in one of the following VA health care programs, you have coverage under the standards of the health care law: Veterans health care program, Civilian Health and Medical program (CHAMPVA), Spina Bifida Health Care Program. If you are enrolled in VA health care, you don’t need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standard. The health care law does not change VA health benefits or veterans’ out-of-pocket costs. If you are not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply at any time.
Bottom line is: If you are enrolled in one of these programs, you are already covered under the requirements of the law. If you are not covered under these programs and need insurance to be covered, get in gear and apply for your veteran benefits before the taxes hit you for non-compliance. Need help to apply? Visit Fred or Ted at the clinic. Simple fix.
Now, for those of you who are concerned about Agent Orange exposure, and need information, or maybe those who have not checked in on it lately, I have something to get you started. read more>>>

VA Seeks Medical Professionals - HELP WANTED

VA is looking for the best and brightest in the medical field to join its ranks and provide cutting-edge health care to more than 8 million Veteran Health Administration enrollees. In its newest attempt at attracting talented medical professionals VA Careers is launching the “No Other System” campaign.
The “No Other System” video shows VHA physicians, nurses and other professionals working in a variety of fields that contribute to the overall health care needs of Veterans. Incentives, like transferring licenses from state to state and accessing advanced technology, are highlighted throughout the commercial for medical professionals looking to take their careers to a “new level of excellence.” read more with PSA's>>>

The American Veteran - August 2013

08.13.2013 - A video news magazine designed to inform veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned through their service to America.

August 1, 2013 - Navigating the road to benefits, health care and other services offered by VA and the federal government can be difficult, frustrating and often confusing. Add that to the fact that each Veteran is different can increase the difficulty of trying to figure out what a person qualifies for or is eligible to receive.
Fortunately, VA has a product that covers it all in one easy-to-read reference – the 2013 Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents and Survivors handbook. The 206-page book is inclusive to all Veterans and their family members despite their type of service or the era in which they served. From the Mexican Border War period beginning May 9, 1916 through today, the book offers information on education assistance, disability compensation, pension, home loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, life insurance, burial assistance as well as complete listing of VA facilities, addresses, phone numbers and important websites.
Need help adapting a car due to a service-connected disability? You can find that information on page 37. Having problems securing a loan to buy a home? Chapter 6, beginning on page 59, is dedicated to the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program. Read it, know it, and share it with your realtor.
For those still serving and not yet a Veteran, now is the time to read the book and prepare for your transition to civilian life. While Chapter 11 focuses on leaving active duty, numerous other portions of the book dive deeper into the specifics – very helpful things to know before your ETS date. A little time spent reading now could save a lot of frustration later. read more>>>

The 2013 version of the Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents and Survivors

From the DoL Newsletter August 15 2013

Through training workshops in Missouri and Michigan, the Women's Bureau offered guidance on its Trauma-Informed Care Guide for those who provide services to women veterans. Interactive training with local service providers in Lansing, Mich., on Aug. 7 and at offices of the United Way in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 13 provided organizations an opportunity to assess how their agencies rate in their readiness to serve women veterans. Bureau staff then led exercises to help participants identify organizational strengths, weakness and next steps to enhance services. Each organization developed a plan to improve staff training and services for women veterans. A Stand Down for Women Veterans will take place on Sept. 16 in Lansing.

• Read the Trauma Guide

Returning veterans focus of new series by investigative program, News 21

22 August 2013 - The Center for Public Integrity is pleased to be partnering once again with News 21, the annual student journalist investigative reporting project that launches this year’s effort on Sunday.
After previously focusing on transportation safety, voter suppression and food safety, about two dozen top students from 12 universities are investigating a variety of issues facing returning veterans, the nearly 2 million young men and women who have served the country in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last decade of war since 9/11.
The “struggles and blinding bureaucracy confronting returning veterans” that News 21 portrays in detail have been researched and reported during the past eight months. read more>>>

RM: "We got a huge round of tax cuts in this country a few weeks before9/11. Once 9/11 happened and we invaded Afghanistan, we kept the tax cuts anyway. How did we think we were going to pay for that war? Did we think it was free? Then, when we started a second simultaneous war in another country, we gave ourselves a second huge round of tax cuts. After that second war started. The wars, I guess, we thought would be free, don`t worry about it, civilians. Go about your business." 23 May 2013

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

27 August 2013 - Jerral Hancock wakes up every night in Lancaster, Calif., around 1 a.m., dreaming he is trapped in a burning tank. He opens his eyes, but he can’t move, he can’t get out of bed and he can’t get a drink of water.
Hancock, 27, joined the Army in 2004 and went to Iraq, where he drove a tank. On Memorial Day 2007 — one month after the birth of his second child — Hancock drove over an IED. He lost his left arm and the use of both legs, and now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Department of Veterans Affairs pays him $10,000 every month for his disability, his caretakers, health care, medications and equipment for his new life.
No government agency has calculated fully the lifetime cost of health care for post-9/11 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with life-lasting wounds. read more>>>

DoD Office of Warrior Care Policy Newsletter Released

The Department of Defense's Office of Warrior Care Policy (WCP) has just released the summer edition of their quarterly newsletter, The Continuum, available for download here. It is designed to be a reference and a resource for all those who support our recovering Service members who are progressing through the continuum of care, from recovery and rehabilitation to return to duty or reintegration into a civilian lifestyle.
Each edition of The Continuum is focused on providing advice and resources for addressing the physical, mental and emotional challenges our recovering Service Members and their families might face as they rebuild their lives together.
This quarter's edition includes information about WCP programs and successes, such as the Military Adaptive Sports Program (MASP) and Operation Warfighter (OWF) as well as practical tips and training for anyone in the wounded warrior community, such as best practices for non-medical care coordinators and how to avoid compassion fatigue as a caregiver.
We at the NRD highly encourage our subscribers to download the newsletter and share it with any recovering Service Member, Family Member or caregiver who needs support.

DoD Office of Warrior Care Policy Newsletter Released

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

29 August 2013 - Over four years, as increasing numbers of veterans returned home from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a charity called Disabled Veterans Services of Pompano Beach, Fla., reported raising more than $8 million in cash and collecting nearly $4 million in donated goods that it claimed would help disabled and homeless veterans.
But barely a nickel of each dollar the charity raised in cash went directly to help veterans, a News21 analysis shows.
In the years that the country has been at war, Americans have given over $12 billion to veterans’ and military charities. Donations grew nationwide from more than $615 million in 2001 to more than $1.6 billion in 2011 alone.
Federal and state laws demand financial reporting from all charities, but they require little in the way of reporting the results of services the charities claim to provide, the News21 investigation shows. Though many charities offered needed help, others spent much of their money – sometimes most of it – on the organization’s overhead expenses, rather than services promised to veterans. read more>>>

Desert Storm Gulf War Service

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Are you struggling with relationships, finances, finding a job, confusion about your future, dealing with loneliness, or adjusting to the challenges of civilian life?

A new web program, called Moving Forward, can help you start making steps toward positive change. Learn More...

"If military action is worth our troops' blood, it should be worth our treasure, too; not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedure; with their problems, not ours." General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet?

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In the 1960s, it often seemed that the Vietnam war would never end — and for government accountants, it hasn’t. They issue checks for $22 billion each year (nearly triple the annual cost of the Transportation Safety Administration) and have already paid $270 billion to vets and their families. And the Middle Eastern wars of the past two decades may prove to be the most costly of all.
Compensation to those veterans and their family members already costs $12 billion a year. Not only are they filing disability claims at what the AP calls “historic rates” — nearly half of the soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are asking for compensation — but the Veterans Administration has steadily expanded its definition of war-related ailments. Vietnam vets with diabetes and heart disease, for instance, can collect extra payments.

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And, of course, the real bottom line is the dollars are only a marker for the incalculable physical and emotional costs of war: The boys (and, these days, girls) who don’t come home. The kids who grow up missing a parent, the parents who outlive their children. The scarred limbs and broken hearts. How do you write a check for those? Both our major parties seemed increasingly inclined to play cop in the endless, byzantine Mideast power struggles. They ought to take a look at the books first. read more>>>

August 23, 2013 - ARMY RELEASES JULY 2013 SUICIDE INFORMATION

08/30/2013 - September is recognized as national Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Defense Suicide Prevention Office has published a guide to help military family members better understand how they can assist their Service member in need. Called, "Supporting Military Families in Crisis," the guide provides family members with information on suicide warning signs and risk factors, actions to take when a family member is in crisis, and available resources to promote a healthy lifestyle and build a resilient family. visit site for much more information and help>>>

Supporting Military Families in Crisis

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide
This programme draws on the principles of human security to develop and enhance the technical and institutional capacity, identify and consolidate the legal requirements, and build the political will to record details of every single victim of armed conflict worldwide. The programme incorporates research into emerging good practice and existing legal frameworks, the development and promotion of clearer legal and more effective regulatory instruments, and the creation and support of advocacy networks. visit site for updated reports

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S. THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Mid Year - Afghanistan Annual Report 2012: Protections Of Civilians in Armed Conflict {67page pdf}

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Every Casualty Campaign

Governments must ensure that all lives lost to armed violence, anywhere in the world, are properly recorded.
This simple demand is the basis of a new civil society campaign calling for the recognition of every casualty of armed violence. More...

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Bruce Dunning, CBS News correspondent who reported "the last flight from Da Nang," dies at 73

August 26, 2013 - Bruce Dunning, the CBS News correspondent whose 1975 television report on the last flight from Da Nang vividly captured the frantic end of the Vietnam War, died Monday in New York at the age of 73.
The retired CBS newsman died at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan from injuries suffered in a fall. He lived in Union, City, N.J., where he had resided since his retirement from CBS in 2005.
As a young correspondent reporting on the Vietnam War, Dunning developed an affinity for the region and spent most of his 35-year career at CBS News in the Far East, where he rose to become Asia bureau chief in 1989 based in Tokyo. In that position, he supervised all of the news division's operations in Asia until he retired. During that time, he served as president of the Tokyo Foreign Correspondents Club. read more>>>

Marine Missing from Korean War Identified
August 09, 2013 - The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a service member, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Marine Corps Pfc. Jonathan R. Posey Jr., 20, of Dallas, will be buried Aug. 12 in Arlington National Cemetery. In December 1950, Posey, assigned to L Battery, 4th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, was serving provisionally as an infantryman with the 7th Marine Regiment at Yudam-ni in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir. On Dec. 2, 1950, Posey was killed in action while the 5th and 7th Marine Regiments were withdrawing to Hagaru-ri. read more>>>

Korean War Veteran Remains Returned

09.6.2013 - The remains of a Korean War veteran were returned home to Lynchburg, Virginia and buried more than 60 years after his death.

Done "In Our Names"!

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to January 2013 - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries