Welcome Back Veterans!

It doesn't matter what baseball team you root for -- here is a great reason to watch Game 3 of the World Series tonight.

IAVA has teamed up with Major League Baseball Charities (MLB) and the prestigious Ad Council to launch a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign called "Welcome Back Veterans." The PSA, featuring voiceover by Oscar Award winner Tom Hanks, debuts tonight during Game 3 of the World Series.

The PSA announces a brand new website: WelcomeBackVeterans.org. The new website is an amazing resource for people who are looking to make a difference in the lives of our returning veterans. It features some of the best veterans' support organizations, along with a list of resources for the men and women making the transition back to civilian life.

In case you're not going to be able to watch the game tonight, you can watch the ad now at WelcomeBackVeterans.org.

"Welcome Back Veterans" is a great step towards connecting the American public with the troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. And we couldn't wish for a better time to launch the campaign than during the World Series.

So check out the ad now. And tell your friends - if they want to really support the troops, this is a great place to start.

Sincerely,

Paul

Paul Rieckhoff
Iraq Veteran
Executive Director
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

The Ad, But Visit Sight for Much More

Well, Well, Well, Could 'War Profiteering' become Unprofitable!

Army to review Iraq contracts for fraud

WASHINGTON - A team of specially trained investigators will hunker down in an Army office north of Detroit on Monday to begin poring over hundreds of Iraq war contracts in search for rigged awards.

For some reason I'd feel abit better about this if it wasn't the Army hitting the books, but than again, there are alot of Honest folks still serving.

But lets see where it takes them.

Based on what the team finds, the probe may expand and the number of Army military and civilian employees accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks could grow, U.S. officials told The Associated Press. Nearly two dozen have been charged so far.

Now if the Previous congress had been doing their jobs, how many more, than just Two Dozen 'War Profiteers' have been found out, and lives saved!

On Oct. 27th, Keep The Troops In Mind

"Never going home"

Some of the troops from the 101st division are on their third tour of Iraq.

Previous tours have lasted more than a year and this one will be more than 15 months.

The words "never going home" have been etched onto the ceiling of this vehicle.

Body Armor Company Execs Indicted

Now remember, these folks were just a couple of those small handfull that got No - Bid, No Questions asked, War Contracts for their 'War - Profiteering'! Aparently our Treasury Monies just weren't enough to satisfy their Greedy Little Needs!! And this while Troops Die and are Maimed!!


Two former body armor company execs indicted for insider trading, fraud


By FRANK ELTMAN
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) - Two former top executives of the leading supplier of body armor to the U.S. military were indicted today on charges of insider trading, fraud and tax evasion in a scheme that netted them nearly $200 million, federal prosecutors said.
David H. Brooks, 53, the former CEO of DHB Industries Inc., and Sandra Hatfield, 54, the former chief operating officer, were charged in a superseding indictment with manipulating DHB's financial records to increase earnings and profit margins, thereby inflating the price of DHB's stock.
"Corporate executives who line their own pockets at the expense of their shareholders flaunt the responsibilities they owe their companies and the investing public," U.S. Attorney Benton J. Campbell said in a statement.
The former DHB executives are accused of falsely inflating the value of the inventory of DHB's top product, the Interceptor vest, to help meet profit margin projections. The vest, designed to withstand rifle fire and shrapnel, was made for the Marine Corps and other branches of the military.
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When an employee identified only as "John Doe" confronted Hatfield in late 2004 with evidence that the inventory of vests was overvalued by up to $8 million, prosecutors say she told him the company "could not 'take a hit' of reducing the valuation to the correct amount."
Authorities allege the scheme propelled the company's stock from $2 a share in early 2003 to nearly $20 a share in late 2004. When the pair sold several million DHB shares at that time, Brooks made more than $185 million and Hatfield more than $5 million, according to the U.S. attorney's office.
Brooks and Hatfield also are accused of failing to report more than $10 million in bonus payments to themselves and other DHB employees to the IRS.
Brooks was expected to be arraigned later Thursday in U.S. District Court in Central Islip. An arraignment for Hatfield has not yet been scheduled. The names of their defense attorneys could not immediately be determined.
Brooks resigned from DHB in July 2006, about the same time the company relocated its headquarters from Westbury to Pompano Beach, Fla. Hatfield left the company in November 2005.
Hatfield was previously accused in a 2006 indictment of insider trading in the inflated vests scheme. She was released on $1 million bond in that case.
Brooks also is accused of using DHB funds to buy or lease luxury vehicles for himself and family members, and to pay for vacations, jewelry, cosmetic surgery, country club bills and family celebrations. He also used DHB funds for his private horse racing business, prosecutors said.
He also was charged with lying to DHB's independent auditors about the inventory inflation fraud and the submission of false reports to the SEC during its investigation of DHB's executive compensation.
If convicted, Brooks and Hatfield could face up to 70 years in prison
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If they were sent to fight, they are too few. If they were sent to die, they are too many!

Is 'Funding' Really For Troops?

What Happened To Funding and Oversite For Military/Veteran Care In Previous Congresses?

A sign of declining US strategic power

More at The Real News
Aijaz Ahmad: Turkey threatens to invade Iraqi Kurdistan

2007-10-24

Based in New Delhi, Aijaz Ahmad is The Real News Network Senior News Analyst and Senior Editorial Consultant and political commentator for the Indian newsmagazine, Frontline. He has taught Political Science and written widely on South Asia and the Middle East.

I'll just bet All are 'chickenhawk' war supporters/profiteers!

Oklahoma lawmakers object to donated Qurans
Gifts returned to diversity panel; lawmaker says book condones killing

In a letter to colleagues, state Representative Rex Duncan says "most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology." At least 17 other legislators have notified the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council that they too will return the gift.

"most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology."

And 'WE' Are Doing What Again, Rex?

On Oct. 27th: END THIS WAR

Oct 27.org

Today, an amazing and powerful story is unfolding in this country. We've all known for some time that most people want the war and occupation in Iraq to end. For the first time, people from all walks of life will have an opportunity to be counted as part of a national, public protest without having to travel to Washington, DC, or New York City. People are responding, and looking forward to speaking with one voice to demand an end to this outrageous war.

Protests in 11 cities: Boston; Chicago; Jonesborough, Tenn.; Los Angeles; New Orleans; New York City; Orlando; Philadelphia; Salt Lake City; San Francisco; and Seattle.

GET INVOLVED TODAY. Your participation will help make this national day of action the massive outpouring for peace that it needs to be.


I will attend a demonstration on October 27th! SIGN UP

In North Carolina

Join organizations and activists from around the state and
country this SATURDAY.

PEACE RALLY & WALK OF REMEMBRANCE
for victims/survivors of war and torture (including
those 'rendered' to other countries for 'interrogation')

SATURDAY -- OCTOBER 27, 2007 at Smithfield, NC

SPEAKERS to include:
Iraq War Veteran Sgt. Jimmy Massey
Youth Leaders in the NCSTN coalition
psychologist Art Eccleston
ACLU-Georgia attorney and human rights activist Azadeh Shahshani
history professor and NCSTN activist Jerry Surh
scholars and activists from the Center for Theology and Social
Analysis in St. Louis and others ...

PERFORMANCE by Hip Hop Education the Rainbow ReSisters
... Kids' Activities ... Street Theatre

The rally is taking place in Smithfield, NC because Aero
Contractors, Ltd., a private federal contractor company linked
to extraordinary rendition flights, is located there. Anyone
who has seen the movie, 'Rendition' remembers the jet on the
Washington, DC tarmac that flew the suspect to Morocco
for 'interrogation'. Aero jets and Aero pilots have been
identified as flying planes/jets such as that one to black sites
in Europe and the Middle East with suspects.

For more info, including sponsors and endorsements, go to
NC Stop Torture

Please join us.

Fight the War Yourself or Just Shut Up

By Camillo "Mac" Bica

Who is Camillo "Mac" Bica, some of you may ask.

Well he's a Brother 'Nam Vet and much more.

Camillo "Mac" Bica, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. His focus is in Ethics, particularly as it applies to war and the warrior. As a veteran recovering from his experiences as a United States Marine Corps Officer during the Vietnam War, he founded, and coordinated for five years, the Veterans Self-Help Initiative, a therapeutic community of veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He is a long-time activist for peace and justice, a member of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War, and a founding member of the Long Island Chapter of Veterans for Peace. Articles by Dr. Bica have appeared in Cyrano's Journal, The Humanist Magazine, Znet, Truthout.org, Common Dreams, AntiWar.com, Monthly Review Zine, Foreign Policy in Focus, OpEdNews.com, and numerous philosophical journals.

Now here's a little taste of what 'Mac' has written, the rest of which You Can Find Here.

Recently, at a community forum on the war in Iraq, three individuals who termed themselves collectively as the "Patriots" made the argument that the war in Iraq was, and continues to be, necessary and important to fighting the war on terrorism, creating stability in the Middle East, and perhaps, even to prevent World War Three.

Ummmmm, World War III?

Didn't the wanna-be dictator use that term only a few days ago!

For purposes of argument, I will accept that such patriots - those who remain personally unaffected by the war in the sense that neither they nor members of their family serve in the military - sincerely believe in the justness and morality of their position.

'Mac' delves into these "Patriots" standing as to their beliefs as well as family members beliefs of Duty and Service.

'Mac' ends with the below true statement, it's the substance that leads up to that statement that should be read, although we already understand!

It is time that these "patriots" are recognized for the chickenhawks that they are and either back up their shallow words with actions or just shut up.

Plame-What Was Scrubbed by 60min-Iran

Former Covert Agent Speaks

Click To Play

When Valerie Plame Wilson's identity was leaked, the covert CIA agent became the center of a scandal that went all the way to the White House. Katie Couric previews her exclusive interview.

Blackwater: A test of Iraqi sovereignty

Sabah Al-Nasseri: Blackwater incident shows conflicts within ruling class in Iraq

Sabah Al-Nasseri is a professor of political science at York University in Toronto, Canada

The Real News

Veterans Village, Guerneville Calif.

New Veterans Program Helps Heal War Wounds

One In Seven Veterans Seeks Treatment
KGO By Pamela Tom
abc7news.com - San Francisco,CA


{Video can also be found at article site}

KENTFIELD, Calif. Oct. 19, 2007 (KGO) - One in seven soldiers returning from Iraq is seeking treatment for mental illness.

This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs said that more than 100,000 soldiers have requested help in the past 12-months.

But a group of parents and veterans supporters say they can no longer wait for the government to provide the help the soldiers need.

If it takes a village to raise a child, it may also take a village to heal U.S. veterans. Many veterans say when they come home from Iraq, the government isn't helping them transition back into civilian life.

'I got a little flag folded up in an oak case, a plaque, some paperwork. I needed guidance as to where to go when I started having problems,' said Iraq war veteran Steve Edwards.

Veteran Steve Edwards' problems are typical of post traumatic stress syndrome: PTSD. The war is embedded in his made.

On Friday, Edwards joined a small group of peace activists tonight to help dedicate the new veterans village in Guerneville, opening in January. For Nadia McCaffrey, the village is a labor of love. Iraqi soldiers shot and killed her son, Sgt. Patrick McCaffrey three years ago.

'They need a support system and they also need to know that people care,' said Gold Star Mom Nadia McCaffrey.

The privately donated site includes a four story building for up to 20 veterans.

'They can stay from two weeks to two months to six months,' said McCaffrey.

Through therapy and activities, veterans suffering from PTSD will learn how to cope, how to be well.

Two acres of land will also be put to good use: Farming.

'They're young, they're strong and they're physical and they might not have all gone to college and they're looking for the type of work that we do on farms,' said Veteran Coalition farmer Michael O' Gorman.

The Guerneville site is the first satellite post of the Veterans Village model. Up to now, volunteers around the country have been helping veterans in private homes. The long term goal is to raise $120 million dollars to build a national Veterans Village center 1,000 acres outside of Charlotte, North Carolina; A true welcome zone.