Silent Partners: DADT

In Their Boots - 2nd Season recent episode, 7.04.09.

Silent Partners: Episode 4


“Silent Partners” is a look at the hidden effects of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law through the eyes of 3 partners of deployed service members.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN VOTEVETS PETITION ON DON'T ASK DON'T TELL

In Their Boots: Vets For Hire, Episode 3

After serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, three veterans discover the value of their service as they search for employment in the midst of a troubled economy.



In Their Boots Website for the two previous of this year and links to last years online productions, as well as the other important site links.

One of those being Their Resources Page for Military/Veterans and Their Families.

Former Interrogator Rebukes Cheney for Torture Speech

Dick Cheney says that torturing detainees has saved American lives. That claim is patently false. Cheney's torture policy was directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of American servicemen and women.

Matthew Alexander was the senior military interrogator for the task force that tracked down Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq and, at the time, a higher priority target than Osama bin Laden. Mr. Alexander has personally conducted hundreds of interrogations and supervised over a thousand of them.

"Torture does not save lives. Torture costs us lives," Mr. Alexander said in an exclusive interview at Brave New Studios. "And the reason why is that our enemies use it, number one, as a recruiting tool...These same foreign fighters who came to Iraq to fight because of torture and abuse....literally cost us hundreds if not thousands of American lives."

In Their Boots: Episode Two 2009; Fractured Minds

Four soldiers navigate the difficult path to recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI), the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Season 2, Episode 2: In Their Boots: Fractured Minds



Related Organizations

Disabled American Veterans

TIRR Foundation / Project Victory

Wounded Warrior Project

HomePage, In Their Boots: Watch the first and second episodes of this years series, second is the one above. And watch the episodes from last year at the site, as well as all the referring links for veterans, military, military families and civilians.

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots: Holiday Special

Topic: Care Packages for the Troops; Jacob's Light

Originally aired on December 17th, 2008

Dorine Kenney lost her only child Jacob to the Iraq war. Eleven days after Jacob's death, on his 29th birthday, Dorine sent a care package to one of her son's friends still serving in Iraq. This single act spawned The Jacob's Light Foundation, an organization to honor her son and care for those still fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.



Topic: Care Packages for the Troops
Jacob's Light

Dorine Kenney
Founder
Jacob's Light Foundation
Operation Homefront, Inc.


Dorine Kenney
Dorine Kenney gave birth to Jacob Fletcher on November 25th, 1974. As the years past and he grew older their bond only grew stronger. Dorine was supportive of her son when he was deployed to Iraq, and once he had settled in she sent him care packages once a week. When Jacob asked her to send a package to his buddy she did not hesitate. Tragically, Jacob was killed on November 13, 2003 by an IED. On Jacob's birthday, November 25th, 2003, Dorine sent another care package to Jacob's buddy in Iraq. She believed it was the best way she could honor her son. That day Jacob's Light Foundation was born, and 5 years later Dorine and her amazing set of volunteers have sent over 200,000 pounds of supplies to those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cpl. Jacob Fletcher
Jacob Fletcher was born on Novemer 25, 1974 and was raised by his mother Dorine in New York. He had always had a love for the military, but after September 11th he decided he had to join the Army and serve his country. Jacob was with the 173rd Airborne Brigade when he jumped into Iraq on March 26, 2003. While in Iraq he wrote his mother often. In one letter he requested she send one of her care packages that he had grown to love to his friend that had no family. This request was just one example of how he was always looking out for those around him. Tragically, on November 13th, 2003, Jacob was killed by an IED on Highway 1 in Samarra. Jacob left his mother and his community with a profound sense of loss but he also left them with his light. It was his light of sharing that inspired his mother to form Jacob's Light Foundation and send care packages and gifts to those fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in the hopes that no one serving will ever feel alone.

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Episode 23

Topic: Military Suicide Featuring: The War Within: Chapter 1

Originally Aired on December 3rd, 2008 and Will Continue on December 10th, 2008

The War Within
A Marine Reservist seeks help from the Veterans Administration to heal his invisible wounds. But like too many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, his condition worsens, his medical needs go un-met, and he ultimately takes his own life. For the past four years, his family has been advocating to prevent other veterans from experiencing a similar fate.




Joyce Lucey
Jeffrey's Mother

Kevin Lucey
Jeffrey's Father

Dr. Judith Broder
Director
The Soldiers Project


Jeff Lucey
Jeffrey Lucey joined the US Marine Corps Reserves in December 1999 while attending Holyoke Community College. He was 18 years old. Three years later he was driving a convoy through the desert during the initial invasion of Iraq. While he returned home physically unscathed, Jeff was mortally wounded, suffering from PTSD/combat operational stress. "Jeffrey slept little, ate little, was restless, hyper-vigilant, confused, angry, and frustrated," say his parents, Kevin and Joyce Lucey. "[He was] isolated in his mind, wracked with guilt, sadness, depression, rage; he was panicked, desperate, hopeless, overwhelmed, and full of rage, wanting to talk and yet at the same time wanting to be silent." Jeffrey went to the VA twice for help, but didn't get the care he needed. On June 22, 2004, 23-year-old Jeffrey Lucey decided he could no longer live with himself and took his own life. While his struggle has ended, his family's is far from over.

Kevin and Joyce Lucey
Kevin, a therapist in Connecticut, and Joyce, a retired nurse, are the parents of three. Jeffrey was their only son. Ever since Jeff lost the battle with his PTSD, Kevin and Joyce have been advocating for the establishment of a realistic and efficient healthcare system, especially for veterans dealing with invisible wounds, like post-traumatic stress disorder. Part of that advocacy involves a lawsuit they've filed against the Veterans Administration for medical malpractice and wrongful death.


Related Organizations:

The Soldiers Project

SPAN - Suicide Prevention Action Network

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 21

Topic: Military Sexual Trauma Angie's Story

Originally aired on November 19th, 2008

Angela Peacock
Army Veteran

Smita Satiani
Sexual Assault Counselor
Certified (State of CA)

Related Organizations:
RAINN - Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

TS Nelson Publications

US Vets




Sgt. Angela Peacock
Army Sergeant Angela Peacock joined the military in February 1998. She wanted to travel, serve her country and gain some life experience. In 2001, while deployed in South Korea, Angie was raped by a fellow soldier. She was encouraged by her command not to tell, so she held it in, and in 2003 she took it to Iraq with her. She led her unit courageously, but silently struggled until she couldn't stay quiet any longer. Out of Iraq and back at home, Angie decides to take control of her PTSD - a result of both her military sexual trauma and combat stress - and take her life back.

In Their Boots: Veterans Day 11-11-08 Special

Veteran's Day Special Chapter 1



Veteran's Day Special Chapter 2



Veteran's Day Special Chapter 3



Related Organizations:
**Boots to Books
**Disabled American Veterans
**The Independence Fund
**Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
**National Military Family Association
**National Veteran's Foundation
**National Veterans Legal Services Program
**Paralyzed Veterans of America
**Remembering the Brave
**The Retired Enlisted Association
**Road 2 Recovery
**Soldiers' Angels
**TIDES Center / California Department of Veterans Affairs
**Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation
The Above And More

With New Episodes Every Week At 7PM EST On Wednesdays, Visit The 'In Their Boots' Site

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 19

Topic: Employment After Service Beyond Basic Training Chapter 2

Kevin Randolph
Army Specialist (RET)

David Leonard
Liberty Project Coordinator, The Salvation Army

After being medically retired from the Army, Iraq veteran Kevin Randolph and his family are without options. They move to a transitional housing facility, and Kevin must enter one of the worst job markets in recent history to support his wife and their new baby.

Originally aired on November 5th, 2008



Kevin Randolph
Army Specialist (Ret.) Kevin Randolph joined the service straight out of high school. In 2003, he started in the Air Force and in 2005 switched to Army. He deployed to Iraq out of Fort Drum, New York in 2006. Six months into his deployment Kevin was hit with an IED, which broke his fibulae, tore his meniscus and did a lot of irreparable damage to his knee and leg. Since returning stateside, the 23-year-old vet received a disability discharge and was forced to move his family off of base, and move back into the civilian world with no job and only $1,000 per month from the Army. Like many vets, Kevin has struggled with reintegrating. Now, he and his wife Elise and their new baby Zeppelin live in a transitional housing facility in San Antonio, while Kevin awaits his VA benefits and looks for employment in an unraveling job market.

Elise Randolph
Elise met Kevin shortly after he returned from Iraq, and it wasn't long before they were married and had baby Zeppelin on the way. Without any other options, the young family moved into Operation Homefront Village in San Antonio, where they currently reside. There, Elise is able to get financial help with buying diapers and other baby needs, while Kevin tries to find a job. Now the stakes are higher. Elise recently found out she's pregnant again, which means she'll have two babies to care for with an unclear financial future. Once Kevin gets his VA benefits, they have to leave Operation Homefront, whether Kevin has a job or not.

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 18

Topic: Employment After Service Beyond Basic Training Chapter 1

Originally aired on October 29th, 2008

Beyond Basic Training
After being medically retired from the Army, Iraq veteran Kevin Randolph and his family are without options. They move to a transitional housing facility, and Kevin must enter one of the worst job markets in recent history to support his wife and their new baby.

Elise Randolph
Army Wife

Gracie Broll
Director
Operation Homefront Village




Kevin Randolph
Army Specialist (Ret.) Kevin Randolph joined the service straight out of high school. In 2003, he started in the Air Force and in 2005 switched to Army. He deployed to Iraq out of Fort Drum, New York in 2006. Six months into his deployment Kevin was hit with an IED, which broke his fibulae, tore his meniscus and did a lot of irreparable damage to his knee and leg. Since returning stateside, the 23-year-old vet received a disability discharge and was forced to move his family off of base, and move back into the civilian world with no job and only $1,000 per month from the Army. Like many vets, Kevin has struggled with reintegrating. Now, he and his wife Elise and their new baby Zeppelin live in a transitional housing facility in San Antonio, while Kevin awaits his VA benefits and looks for employment in an unraveling job market.

Elise Randolph
Elise met Kevin shortly after he returned from Iraq, and it wasn't long before they were married and had baby Zeppelin on the way. Without any other options, the young family moved into Operation Homefront Village in San Antonio, where they currently reside. There, Elise is able to get financial help with buying diapers and other baby needs, while Kevin tries to find a job. Now the stakes are higher. Elise recently found out she's pregnant again, which means she'll have two babies to care for with an unclear financial future. Once Kevin gets his VA benefits, they have to leave Operation Homefront, whether Kevin has a job or not.

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 17

Topic: Traumatic Brain Injury When He Came Home Chapter 2

Originally aired on October 22nd, 2008

Sgt. Richard Massimino
Marine Veteran

Dr. April Groff
Neuropsychologist
Palo Alto VA

Mai-Ling Garcia
Senior Policy Associate Swords to Plowshares



Natasha Massimino
Natasha is the wife of Marine Sgt. Richard Massimino and the mother of three kids - Anastasia, Isabella and Devlin. The 30-year-old California native stood strongly by her husband when he was deployed first to Kuwait, and then twice to Iraq. But ever since he came back suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Natasha's life, and their marriage, have been flipped upside down. Now, not only is she a wife and a mother, but she's also a caretaker. While she always wanted to be lifelong Marine wife, now, with an average of four hours of sleep a night, all she wants is a nap. Despite the daily struggles, she's determined to help her husband work through his issues and to get the old Richard back.

Sgt. Richard Massimino
Sgt. Richard Massimino joined the Marines in 1997 and served with the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group out of Camp Pendleton. He loved the service and always wanted to dedicate his life to it. "Richard wanted to be a crusty old Marine," says his wife Natasha. "He wanted to be there until they said you have to get out, you're too old." The 30-year-old Marine served 11 years and did a tour in Kuwait and two tours in Iraq before he was medically retired in 2008. Richard returned home from Iraq damaged - his back was a mess, he had acute asthma from his days in the desert, and he suffered from severe PTSD and TBI. He had changed dramatically, and to his wife and children he was a different person.

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 16

Topic: Traumatic Brain Injury, When He Came Home Chapter 1

A marriage is put in crisis when a Marine returns home from Iraq with Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Natasha Massimino
Marine Wife

Dr. Judith Broder
Director
The Soldiers Project

Aired: October 15th, 2008



Natasha Massimino
Natasha is the wife of Marine Sgt. Richard Massimino and the mother of three kids - Anastasia, Isabella and Devlin. The 30-year-old California native stood strongly by her husband when he was deployed first to Kuwait, and then twice to Iraq. But ever since he came back suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Natasha's life, and their marriage, have been flipped upside down. Now, not only is she a wife and a mother, but she's also a caretaker. While she always wanted to be lifelong Marine wife, now, with an average of four hours of sleep a night, all she wants is a nap. Despite the daily struggles, she's determined to help her husband work through his issues and to get the old Richard back.

Sgt. Richard Massimino
Sgt. Richard Massimino joined the Marines in 1997 and served with the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group out of Camp Pendleton. He loved the service and always wanted to dedicate his life to it. "Richard wanted to be a crusty old Marine," says his wife Natasha. "He wanted to be there until they said you have to get out, you're too old." The 30-year-old Marine served 11 years and did a tour in Kuwait and two tours in Iraq before he was medically retired in 2008. Richard returned home from Iraq damaged - his back was a mess, he had acute asthma from his days in the desert, and he suffered from severe PTSD and TBI. He had changed dramatically, and to his wife and children he was a different person.

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 15

Topic: Volunteerism A Good Cause Chapter 2

Originally aired on October 8th, 2008

Grace Park
Student Volunteer
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services

Paul Park
Student Volunteer
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services

Jon Karanopoulos
Liaison
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services




Courtney Lavelleye
One of her greatest friends describes her best: "Courtney is the energetic, all-American girl." The 18-year-old high school senior from Potomac, Maryland, is more or less the ringleader of a three-person crew - Courtney, Ellie, Grace. While many of their classmates have been sleeping in on the weekends, Courtney and her two best friends have spent the past two years volunteering every Saturday at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Inspired by the work she has done at the hospital, Courtney's goal is to pursue a career as civilian nurse for a military treatment facility, like Walter Reed.

Grace Park
Grace, also 18 years old, is the valedictorian at Bullis High School. As Ellie says, "She's good at everything - she's all around amazing." She does have two rooms with two closets to fit all her clothes, but Grace is the first to admit she lives in a sheltered upper-class suburb, or as she calls it, "the Potomac Bubble." It's something she discovered while volunteering with Courtney and Ellie at Walter Reed. The experience for her was eye opening and, like the other girls, life changing. The lucky one of the group, she'll be attending nearby Georgetown University this fall, and will still be able to pop in for visits at Walter Reed.

Eleanor Gass
Originally from England, 18-year-old Ellie Gass is also a senior at Bullis High School in Potomac, Maryland. Out of the three girls, she's the self-described 'athlete' of the group, which became a bonding point for her and many of the patients at Walter Reed. Like Courtney, Ellie has been so deeply impacted by what she's seen and experienced at Walter Reed, that she's now hoping to pursue a future career in physical therapy.

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 14

Topic: Volunteerism: A Good Cause Chapter 1

A Good Cause
Three unlikely high school volunteers are changed forever through their experiences volunteering at Walter Reed.

Originally aired on October 1st, 2008

Barbara Lau
Executive Director
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services

Courtney LaVelleye
Student Volunteer
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services

Ellie Gass
Student Volunteer
CAUSE - Comfort for America's Uniformed Services




Courtney Lavelleye
One of her greatest friends describes her best: "Courtney is the energetic, all-American girl." The 18-year-old high school senior from Potomac, Maryland, is more or less the ringleader of a three-person crew - Courtney, Ellie, Grace. While many of their classmates have been sleeping in on the weekends, Courtney and her two best friends have spent the past two years volunteering every Saturday at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Inspired by the work she has done at the hospital, Courtney's goal is to pursue a career as civilian nurse for a military treatment facility, like Walter Reed.

Grace Park
Grace, also 18 years old, is the valedictorian at Bullis High School. As Ellie says, "She's good at everything - she's all around amazing." She does have two rooms with two closets to fit all her clothes, but Grace is the first to admit she lives in a sheltered upper-class suburb, or as she calls it, "the Potomac Bubble." It's something she discovered while volunteering with Courtney and Ellie at Walter Reed. The experience for her was eye opening and, like the other girls, life changing. The lucky one of the group, she'll be attending nearby Georgetown University this fall, and will still be able to pop in for visits at Walter Reed.

Eleanor Gass
Originally from England, 18-year-old Ellie Gass is also a senior at Bullis High School in Potomac, Maryland. Out of the three girls, she's the self-described 'athlete' of the group, which became a bonding point for her and many of the patients at Walter Reed. Like Courtney, Ellie has been so deeply impacted by what she's seen and experienced at Walter Reed, that she's now hoping to pursue a future career in physical therapy.

Debate: Foreign Policy & Security {Or No Debate} Video's

Everyone knows that the first Presidential Debate is supposed to take place tonight, but once again we have a member of the GOP trying to put the skids on Democracy, read the 2000 election and the supreme's, by refusing to show because, admitted himself he understands little about economics, he's going to save Wall Street Bankers and the Country from Collapse. Now he's coming to the rescue some 10 or so days after all the bad economic news started survicing, but for Our Savior "Better late than never, Not!".


My guess is that if there is a Debate tonight it won't be on the main subject lines it was to cover: Foreign Policy and National Security. It will be covering the economy or at least much of it will be because of the News that has sucked the air out of everything else.


But wether it covers the intended subject matter, tonight or in another, or not, just in case there are extremely important things to be brought to the Debate about our now lack of a Foreign Policy especially as to our National Security.


The debate will, or will not, take place at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, known colloquially as Ole Miss. NPR has a very good writeup as a leadin: Site Of Presidential Debate Has Come Far From Past for this historic event in more ways than one.


We are a Nation and People that seem to like to use 'God' an awful lot, we say we are a Tolerant Nation, and a Peaceful Nation, we Condemn others for not being so and for practicing Inhumane Treatment of others.


But instead of following what we preach we have many, some elected and large portions of the population, that think we can go and Destroy and Occupy other Countries and somehow be Secure in the fact that we've Killed and Maimed others, instead of leading by example and word and making friends of others we Enhance the Hatreds and Create Enemies than call ourselves Secure. Through our actions even those that allie with us have Little Respect for us, not just our government but Us.


Lets look at the why our National Security is now in jeapordy for possibly decades to come and why the World has lost any remnants of Respect they once gave us:


Introducing Iraqi Refugee Stories:


Voices Missing From Media Describe Life in Exile


Watch "Hiba's Story," one in a powerful new series of video accounts by Iraqis who have had to flee their home.

Beyond the violence and instability of Iraq is the largely untold story of Iraqi displacement and exile and its enormous human consequences. A new website, Iraqi Refugee Stories, is now giving voice to the growing crisis and providing concerned individuals viable avenues to take action.

"The silent story of Iraq has been that of the millions who've been displaced within their country or who have fled to neighboring countries and are now living in limbo. In countries like Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, Iraqi refugees can't work legally and are often hiding at home for fear of deportation because they're unable to renew their visas," said Jennifer Utz, a video journalist, founder and creator of Iraqi Refugee Stories. "The media coverage of the issue has largely focused on the plight of military interpreters, while countless other vulnerable individuals have virtually gone unnoticed, such as single mothers, members of minority religions, the elderly and those in need of serious medical assistance."

In this video clip, a young woman named Hiba, whose family fled Iraq in 2003 only to be denied entrance to Jordan, describes the four years they spent living in a tent in Ruwayshed, a refugee camp on the border, saying that she often thinks about her classmates and wonders whether they lived or died.

To learn more, visit Iraqi Refugee Stories.

Or how about one of the main reasons the violence has dropped, even though Iraqi's and Soldiers are still being killed and maimed:


After Siege, Wall Sadr City’s New Oppression - 09.22.2008

Iraq, Baghdad/Sadr City – After the failure of many security plans proposed by the Iraqi government and US military strategists, a recent plan, hand-in-hand with the so-called “Surge,” was designed. It was a desperate attempt by the US and Iraqi military forces to control the Sunni-Shia militia. At the suggestion of military leaders, the Iraqi and US governments decided to build walls to separate neighborhoods and to control militias and insurgents from entering or exiting any neighborhood without passing a checkpoint. The first wall was built in Adhamiya, in April 2007. Despite protests and opposition, United States military and Iraqi National Guard forces began to erect a wall surrounding the neighborhood of Adhamiya. The people living in the neighborhood engaged in several demonstrations against building the wall, and even Prime Minister Maliki, a Shi’a critical of the neighborhood, publicly protested the plan. Despite his intervention and public discontent, the wall was built and finished by late April 2007.

These walls tend to be approximately 3 meters in height and made from concrete. In some areas the top of the wall is covered with concertina wire to prevent intruders from climbing over the wall. There are patrols set to guard the wall and they are present around the wall daily, and at all hours, to protract the wall from being attacked or bombed by insurgents.

Another wall built at end of April 2007, but this time in Ameriya, this wall is approximately 10 kilometers in length and again 3 meters high. In September 2007 yet another wall was built in the Saidiya neighborhood. The wall surrounding that district was 23 kilometers, and by the end of 2007 there were over 50 different walls built around different neighborhoods across Baghdad.

In May 2008 a wall was built in Sadr City after battles between the US military and the Mahdi Army. There are approximately two million citizens living inside the area now known as Sadr City, probably the largest single group impacted by one of Baghdad’s walls. Previously they could come and go via nine major entrances. Many shops were force to close because of the wall, the shop owners found they could not complete there work anymore due to the wall sitting just in front of their shops.

Or how about Getting to School in Iraq





Would you want to live like this, Would you want your children to live like this, Would you want to live in a Destroyed and Occupied Country, Would you develop growing Hatred for being forced to live like this in your destroyed country, Would you search for retribution for the loved ones, friends, and killed and maimed, and your country destroyed, in an occupation by an outside military force, What Would You Do??


And what happens in Wars of Occupation and Wars of Choice, the Soldiers know:


Winter Soldier: OIF and OEF Soldiers the Book


Back in March of this year History repeated itself. A history many of us Vietnam Veterans felt would never be repeated for we swore we wouldn't allow the country we served to ever allow itself to be led into another debacle of human destruction, a War Of Choice, an Occupation Of Innocent Others!! The country, back than, even seemed to grasp the huge mistake we had made in the policies set forth by those we elect to lead, they themselves said "We will learn from the mistakes made!", we didn't, and others don't neither!


Book Exposes Iraq Occupation Through US Soldiers' Eyes

Aside from the Iraqi people, nobody knows what the U.S. military is doing in Iraq better than the soldiers themselves. A new book gives readers vivid and detailed accounts of the devastation the U.S. occupation has brought to Iraq, in the soldiers' own words.

Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan: Eyewitness Accounts of the Occupations, published by Haymarket Books Tuesday, is a gut-wrenching, historic chronicle of what the U.S. military has done to Iraq, as well as its own soldiers.

Authored by Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and journalist Aaron Glantz, the book is a reader for hearings that took place in Silver Spring, Maryland between Mar. 13-16, 2008 at the National Labour College.

"I remember one woman walking by," said Jason Washburn, a corporal in the U.S. Marines who served three tours in Iraq. "She was carrying a huge bag, and she looked like she was heading toward us, so we lit her up with the Mark 19, which is an automatic grenade launcher, and when the dust settled, we realized that the bag was full of groceries. She had been trying to bring us food and we blew her to pieces."

Glantz admits that it would be difficult for the average U.S. citizen to read the book, and believes it is important to keep in mind while doing so what it took for the veterans to give this historic testimony.

"They could have been heroes, but what they are doing here is even more heroic -- which is telling the truth," Glantz told IPS. "They didn't have to come forward. They chose to come forward."

Few are Sacrificing yet there are still many, who aren't, that support our aggressive actions towards others and seem to relish in making the tens of thousands of enemies that will only take a few to destroy any feeling of a strong national security, for the country or the citizens wherever they travel.


The Brave New Foundation, for the past thirteen weeks, have had a series of very important online inner active Video Shows called "In Their Boots".


The last three weeks have covered a group who have Sacrificed Everything, their Spouses, but are coming together to move on with their lives and give meaning to the loss of their loved ones.


You can watch the video's here, they are about a half hour each, or at the site, where you can catch the previous important episodes and sign up to be notified prior to the wednesday evening coming episodes, But These Three Are Extremely Important, Especially For Those Not Sacrificing Anything!!


Topic: The American Widow Project We Regret to Inform You Chapter 1
Originally aired on September 10th, 2008


Led by Taryn Davis, a group of young military widows band together in a new peer support network called the American Widow Project.


Taryn Davis
War Widow


James Sheeler
Author
Final Salute Site: A Story of Unfinished Lives
Jim's Book: Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives

Taryn Davis
Last year, 22-year-old Taryn Davis' world crumbled. On May 21, 2007, Taryn was told her husband, Army Cpl. Michael W. Davis, had died from wounds sustained from an IED explosion in Iraq. She was crushed. Unable to find the peer support she needed from other recently widowed military spouses, Taryn founded the American Widow Project four months later to help her cope with the loss of the love of her life. Using the power of the internet, Taryn has been able to reach out to over 100 young military widows (the majority of which are under 30), offering them peer support and help with whatever they might need.

Nicole Hart
Nicole Hart, found her soul mate when she was 16-years-old and married him three years later. Then, this past winter she lost him. On January 8, 2008, Army Sgt. David J. Hart was killed while trying to help one of his wounded men. Nicole, now a 23-year-old widow, didn't know life could go on without David, and sometimes she still doesn't understand how the earth continues to rotate. But, with the peer support from her new friends at the American Widow Project, she's realizing that if she gets into her wedding dress on her anniversary and flips through wedding photos, she's not weird, and she's not alone.

Windy Link
Windy's husband Sgt. Joey Link died while serving in Quatar as Air Support for the war in Iraq. Not only did he leave behind his wife Windy, but he also left behind two sons, and their baby daughter, Rylee. This summer, Windy left Rylee for the first time to travel to Austin, Texas to hang out with, and lean on, her new friends with the American Widow Project.

Topic: The American Widow Project ***** We Regret to Inform You Chapter 2


Originally aired on September 17th, 2008


Nicole Hart

Ami Neiberger-Miller
Communications & Public Affairs Officer
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)






Topic: The American Widow Project**** We Regret to Inform You Chapter 3


The Women of the American Widow Project


Originally aired on September 24th, 2008





We Regret to Inform You Chapter 3


The Women of the American Widow Project


And a short clip of these young widows moving on together.


American Widow Project--A Light-Hearted Video Clip‏


In Their Boots: We Regret To Inform You - Surfing



Visit their site and show your support to these Military Widows and their families

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 13

Topic: The American Widow Project**** We Regret to Inform You Chapter 3

The Women of the American Widow Project

Originally aired on September 24th, 2008



We Regret to Inform You Chapter 3

The Women of the American Widow Project

Taryn Davis
Last year, 22-year-old Taryn Davis' world crumbled. On May 21, 2007, Taryn was told her husband, Army Cpl. Michael W. Davis, had died from wounds sustained from an IED explosion in Iraq. She was crushed. Unable to find the peer support she needed from other recently widowed military spouses, Taryn founded the American Widow Project four months later to help her cope with the loss of the love of her life. Using the power of the internet, Taryn has been able to reach out to over 100 young military widows (the majority of which are under 30), offering them peer support and help with whatever they might need.

Nicole Hart
Nicole Hart, found her soul mate when she was 16-years-old and married him three years later. Then, this past winter she lost him. On January 8, 2008, Army Sgt. David J. Hart was killed while trying to help one of his wounded men. Nicole, now a 23-year-old widow, didn't know life could go on without David, and sometimes she still doesn't understand how the earth continues to rotate. But, with the peer support from her new friends at the American Widow Project, she's realizing that if she gets into her wedding dress on her anniversary and flips through wedding photos, she's not weird, and she's not alone.

Windy Link
Windy's husband Sgt. Joey Link died while serving in Quatar as Air Support for the war in Iraq. Not only did he leave behind his wife Windy, but he also left behind two sons, and their baby daughter, Rylee. This summer, Windy left Rylee for the first time to travel to Austin, Texas to hang out with, and lean on, her new friends with the American Widow Project.

American Widow Project--A Light-Hearted Video Clip‏

In Their Boots: We Regret To Inform You - Surfing


Visit their site and show your support to these Military Widows and their families

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 12

Topic: The American Widow Project ***** We Regret to Inform You Chapter 2

Originally aired on September 17th, 2008

Nicole Hart

Ami Neiberger-Miller
Communications & Public Affairs Officer
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)




Taryn Davis
Last year, 22-year-old Taryn Davis' world crumbled. On May 21, 2007, Taryn was told her husband, Army Cpl. Michael W. Davis, had died from wounds sustained from an IED explosion in Iraq. She was crushed. Unable to find the peer support she needed from other recently widowed military spouses, Taryn founded the American Widow Project four months later to help her cope with the loss of the love of her life. Using the power of the internet, Taryn has been able to reach out to over 100 young military widows (the majority of which are under 30), offering them peer support and help with whatever they might need.

Nicole Hart
Nicole Hart, found her soul mate when she was 16-years-old and married him three years later. Then, this past winter she lost him. On January 8, 2008, Army Sgt. David J. Hart was killed while trying to help one of his wounded men. Nicole, now a 23-year-old widow, didn't know life could go on without David, and sometimes she still doesn't understand how the earth continues to rotate. But, with the peer support from her new friends at the American Widow Project, she's realizing that if she gets into her wedding dress on her anniversary and flips through wedding photos, she's not weird, and she's not alone.

Windy Link
Windy's husband Sgt. Joey Link died while serving in Quatar as Air Support for the war in Iraq. Not only did he leave behind his wife Windy, but he also left behind two sons, and their baby daughter, Rylee. This summer, Windy left Rylee for the first time to travel to Austin, Texas to hang out with, and lean on, her new friends with the American Widow Project.

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Webcast 11

While being so involved in the political process and the coming election Everyone needs to take the Timeout to Reflect on what Presently is much more important, Real Sacrifice!!

Look past the political Spin and into the Souls of the Candidates, National, Presidential and Congressional, ask Who Really Understands what this Country has Created these last few years and what that will bring to the future! Do we Really want to enhance the hatreds more and add to the enemies of this Countries Policies and Us for what we have done to them!

Topic: The American Widow Project We Regret to Inform You Chapter 1
Originally aired on September 10th, 2008

Led by Taryn Davis, a group of young military widows band together in a new peer support network called the American Widow Project.

Taryn Davis
War Widow

James Sheeler
Author
Final Salute Site: A Story of Unfinished Lives
Jim's Book: Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives




Taryn Davis
Last year, 22-year-old Taryn Davis' world crumbled. On May 21, 2007, Taryn was told her husband, Army Cpl. Michael W. Davis, had died from wounds sustained from an IED explosion in Iraq. She was crushed. Unable to find the peer support she needed from other recently widowed military spouses, Taryn founded the American Widow Project four months later to help her cope with the loss of the love of her life. Using the power of the internet, Taryn has been able to reach out to over 100 young military widows (the majority of which are under 30), offering them peer support and help with whatever they might need.

Nicole Hart
Nicole Hart, found her soul mate when she was 16-years-old and married him three years later. Then, this past winter she lost him. On January 8, 2008, Army Sgt. David J. Hart was killed while trying to help one of his wounded men. Nicole, now a 23-year-old widow, didn't know life could go on without David, and sometimes she still doesn't understand how the earth continues to rotate. But, with the peer support from her new friends at the American Widow Project, she's realizing that if she gets into her wedding dress on her anniversary and flips through wedding photos, she's not weird, and she's not alone.

Windy Link
Windy's husband Sgt. Joey Link died while serving in Quatar as Air Support for the war in Iraq. Not only did he leave behind his wife Windy, but he also left behind two sons, and their baby daughter, Rylee. This summer, Windy left Rylee for the first time to travel to Austin, Texas to hang out with, and lean on, her new friends with the American Widow Project.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stop Loss - Draft

This Is.........The Army Wants You...Again! (Yes, Really.).....A Must Read!!!

Three years out of the army, diagnosed with PTSD, I recently got a nice letter from the pentagon saying they'd like me back in Iraq, pronto. They didn't even mind that I was a little sick. And I'm not the only one.

Brandon has a short post over at VetVoice about this.

And It Is A Must Read!!

Brave New Foundation: In Their Boots Episode 10

War Scar
Ever since Jerry Cortinas was seriously injured in the line of duty, his wife Celina has helped him slowly readjust to civilian life.
Originally aired on September 3rd, 2008



Topic: Transition to Civilian Life After Medical Discharge - War Scar - Chapter 2

Jerry Cortinas
Army Veteran

Celina Cortinas
Army Wife

Brenda Kecskes
Assistant National Service Director
Disabled American Veterans

Jerry Cortinas
Jerry Cortinas served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces from 1997 to 2004. The focused and challenging work of a Green Beret was what he knew and what he loved. While operating a rocket propelled grenade in Afghanistan in December 2002, the device malfunctioned and exploded, taking his left forearm and hand. Jerry could no longer do his job. He felt like an outsider in his own hometown. And every day, as a husband and father of two girls, he was reminded of his limitations. Until, that is, he got on a snowboard.

Celina Cortinas
Celina Cortinas, Army wife and mother of two, was baking Christmas cookies in her Brownsville, Texas home when she got the call. The colonel on the other line gave her the news. Her husband of 12 years, Jerry, had been injured in Afghanistan. As a wife of an Army Special Forces soldier, she always knew it could happen, but wasn't prepared for how much her life would change when her husband returned home with his right hand and forearm amputated. She would now face the challenge of helping her husband adapt to civilian life and supporting him as he returned to his role as husband and father.

Brave New Foundation: War Scar Chapter 1

Topic: Loss of Limb/Post-Traumatic Stress War Scar Chapter 1

Jerry Cortinas
Army Veteran

Lonnie C. Moore
Program Analyst
U.S. Army Warrior Transition Office



Jerry Cortinas
Jerry Cortinas served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces from 1997 to 2004. The focused and challenging work of a Green Beret was what he knew and what he loved. While operating a rocket propelled grenade in Afghanistan in December 2002, the device malfunctioned and exploded, taking his left forearm and hand. Jerry could no longer do his job. He felt like an outsider in his own hometown. And every day, as a husband and father of two girls, he was reminded of his limitations. Until, that is, he got on a snowboard.

Celina Cortinas
Celina Cortinas, Army wife and mother of two, was baking Christmas cookies in her Brownsville, Texas home when she got the call. The colonel on the other line gave her the news. Her husband of 12 years, Jerry, had been injured in Afghanistan. As a wife of an Army Special Forces soldier, she always knew it could happen, but wasn't prepared for how much her life would change when her husband returned home with his right hand and forearm amputated. She would now face the challenge of helping her husband adapt to civilian life and supporting him as he returned to his role as husband and father.