Fort Hood Probe: "Troubling Questions"

Daniel Zwerdling, of National Public Radio, once again with his outstanding investigative journalism is getting information, some damning again, that are clearing up the many questions raised especially after the round of first initial reports and seeming changing stories of those being asked the questions in those many reports.

He joins this short discussion at the PBS News Hour on some of what he's found.

Gates: Fort Hood Probe Raises 'Troubling Questions' on Warning Signs

As a Senate Committee began the first hearing into the shooting attack at Fort Hood, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced the launch of a Pentagon review of the circumstances around the shootings. Judy Woodruff speaks with two reporters for an update.

JIM LEHRER: Next tonight: the Fort Hood story.

Defense Secretary Gates today announced the Pentagon would launch several investigations into the killing of 13 soldiers and civilians two weeks ago. An Army psychiatrist has been charged in the murders.

ROBERT GATES, U.S. Secretary of Defense: The shootings at Fort Hood raise a number of troubling questions that demand complete but prompt answers.

We do not enter this process with any preconceived notions. However, it is prudent to determine immediately whether there are internal weaknesses or procedural shortcomings in the department that could make us vulnerable in the future.

JIM LEHRER: Gates said the investigations could last six months. And he cautioned Pentagon officials not to talk publicly about the case against Major Nidal Hasan.

Judy Woodruff has more on the story....Rest of Transcript Here

Video of this Report


Added to an Indepth, Hopefully, Military Investigation we have a Senator who hopefully isn't jumping on a Very Tragic Incident for political points and camera time by launching the first investigation into the Fort Hood tragedy. For many this congressional investigative hearing is not only coming to early but may cause problems with the Pentagon Investigation, lets hope the committee, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, that Lieberman is chairman of doesn't cause one, let alone many, problems with the Pentagon and Justice investigations, Lets Hope!

I Would Hope, but I don't expect even a mention from the Senate Hearings, but do from the Pentagon Inquiries that much more be investigated, especially as to what went on during the previous administration and in the military because of the nature of the last decade, the two occupations engaged in and with the hateful rhetoric towards a whole group of people, around the world, who believe in a certain religious ideology and are being condemned because of the actions of a few.

This is a cute of a previous post I placed:

People are leaving out one extremely important issue while going after, once again, one ideology, and a whole group of people, most don't even care to understand. That issue is the christian? fundamentalism being preached to many in our military and has been especially since both Afghanistan and Iraq began.

The fear and rhetoric of were already against the Muslim religion, remember who they were directly looking for after the Oklahoma city bombing. If memory serves they even arrested a couple of middle eastern looking men before catching the one who masterminded that bombing, one Timothy McVeigh, all American boy and veteran of Gulf War I. McVeigh being radicalized after the David Koresh Waco tragedy of his religious? followers and the FBI.

The so called cold war ended, the hawks need an enemy of fear, the christian? right had growing power, they were pushing the military evangelism deeper as they pushed the United States as a christian? nation.

And only touches what many had been finding out about and some reporting on.

Gates names West, Clark to lead Fort Hood review

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is putting former Army Secretary Togo West and former Navy chief Vernon Clark in charge of a broad Pentagon review of the circumstances surrounding the Fort Hood shootings.

Gates says the 45-day review will look into gaps in how the military identifies service members who might be a threat to others. It also will look at personnel and medical programs, and at how well U.S. bases are able to respond to mass casualty incidents.

West was Army secretary in the mid-1990s and later became secretary of veterans affairs. Clark was the chief of naval operations from 2000 to 2005....>>>>>

Camp Lejeune whistle-blower fired

A psychiatrist who tried to prevent Fort Hood-style violence among Marines about to "lose it" instead loses his job

Last April, two Marines at Camp Lejeune predicted to a psychiatrist that some Marine back from war was going to "lose it." Concerned, the psychiatrist asked what that meant. One of the Marines responded, "One of these guys is liable to come back with a loaded weapon and open fire."...>>>>>

Missing Link?

Frank Rich has another of the many articles, editorials and so called expert opinions voiced widely on our cable media outlets, since the extreme tragedy that occurred at Fort Hood. And once again Rich gets it, but he like the rest are leaving out, in some cases purposely, a major issue feeding the meme of possible cause.

The Missing Link From Killeen to Kabul

If something has been learned from the massacre at Fort Hood, it’s that our hawks are utterly confused about who it is we’re fighting in Afghanistan.

This is not only about Afghanistan but also Iraq and much more.

The dead at Fort Hood had not even been laid to rest when their massacre became yet another political battle cry for the self-proclaimed patriots of the American right...>>>>Read the rest here

Not to minimize what this Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan seemingly {he has yet to be convicted} carried out against his fellow soldiers but there's way to many questions arising as reports keep coming out and some apparently saying the opposite of what they first said or observed from by knowing Hasan or about him.

People are leaving out one extremely important issue while going after, once again, one ideology, and a whole group of people, most don't even care to understand. That issue is the christian? fundamentalism being preached to many in our military and has been especially since both Afghanistan and Iraq began.

The fear and rhetoric of were already against the Muslim religion, remember who they were directly looking for after the Oklahoma city bombing. If memory serves they even arrested a couple of middle eastern looking men before catching the one who masterminded that bombing, one Timothy McVeigh, all American boy and veteran of Gulf War I. McVeigh being radicalized after the David Koresh Waco tragedy of his religious? followers and the FBI.

The so called cold war ended, the hawks need an enemy of fear, the christian? right had growing power, they were pushing the military evangelism deeper as they pushed the United States as a christian? nation.

This Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is looking more and more as a perfect tool of some to further the fears towards a whole religious ideology, not because of religion but because an enemy is needed to keep the wheels of fear and control greased.

Here was someone who's religious faith seemed to be growing, just like the christian? fundamentalist preach to their flocks. he was in the military as a professional mental health counselor sent to serve at one of the first medical facilities returning soldiers, physically and mentally, are sent to when they come back from these two long running occupations. Even with those around him apparently seeing his changing attitude in what he was saying and the way he was acting, no flags were going up, he was even promoted and then sent, apparently with his own orders to serve in Afghanistan, to the largest Army base with the highest suicide rates on bases in this country to counsel the soldiers returning after multiple tours as he did at Walter Reed for six years. Listening to the stories of these soldiers and why they needed counseling, what they had done or witnessed and how they felt about the Afghan and Iraqi people, people who were mostly muslim like himself. While using his computer, which is widely reported he did in making contact with others, he probably came across, not hard to do, the vile, fear and hate ridden posted statements not against just a few but condemning a whole group of people, millions in numbers, who follow a religious ideology or are from a region we now occupy two countries of while condemning other countries and their people, or just turn on a television.

Was his a lone act of someone who finally broke?, while being ignored!, was he being ignored?!

He makes the perfect scape goat to the beating of the drums of fear and our destruction of others, and keeps the Military Industrial Complex wheels well greased as the enemy of the now becomes the enemies for the next decades as we've created tens of thousands with hatreds towards not only our policies but us, Mission Accomplished!!

Added: Christian?? Leaders

Robertson's remarks put McDonnell in a bind

Muslims seek repudiation Gov.-elect received donations from religious broadcaster

Snip

Virginia Muslims are calling on McDonnell (R) to disavow comments made by the Virginia Beach religious broadcaster last week in response to the shootings at Fort Hood, Tex., in which Robertson asserted that Islam is "not a religion" but a "violent political system" and that those who practice it should be treated like members of a communist or fascist party.

Robertson has made similar assertions about Islam before, but the recent comments came only a couple of weeks after he made a late $25,000 donation to McDonnell's campaign and just days after he attended McDonnell's election night party. He told a reporter there that he would be visiting McDonnell in his hotel suite while awaiting election results...>>>>

Someone should explain how Robertson's many statements, as well as others and not only so called religious leaders, are any different than those made by the ones we readily label as fanatics, fundamentalist and terrorist leaders!!!!!

A Journey Back, 40yrs. Later

Troubled vet journeys back to Vietnam -- this time to offer helping hand

Kevin Roberts, now 64, will build houses for poor families along the Mekong River

He is a former Marine who has lived with battleground nightmares for 40 years and now plans a return to the land that haunts him.

Snip

As for a sense of closure: "I hate that word," he says without hesitation, thinking both about the war and his 13-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who died in 1995 from a congenital heart problem.

"I was there and did what I did; that's not going to change," he says. "My daughter died and is not coming back. Things like this don't close."

So why, after years of heroin addiction, alcoholism and untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, has Roberts decided to do something good in the land he remembers as bad? And how will it affect him?

Snip

Next week, he'll pick up a hammer and saw for the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2009, an annual weeklong affordable housing project led by the former president. Roberts will join a team of about 20 volunteers who will construct houses in Ke Sat village, just outside Hanoi, November 15-21.

His daughter Mary organized raffles at the Starbucks where she works to raise money to defray his costs. "He really wanted to go," she says, "and I am so proud of him."

The tough part for Roberts will begin after the back-breaking work is over. He plans to hop on a motorcycle and fly like the wind south to Da Nang, where he learned the meaning of fear.

Snip

But nights were another thing. The war was full throttle after the sun went down. Small-arms fire rattled the valley below and artillery rounds tore through the air overhead. Roberts learned to await the thud of the impact somewhere in the near distance.

"We expected the enemy to attack every night, and we spent entire nights listening to the darkness."

Snip

Roberts is on his way back to the land where he was sent on a mission of destruction more than 40 years ago. This time, his task is quite the opposite, though the journey may be no easier...>>>>

Everyday Is Veterans Day

More than just a holiday now, Veterans Day has become every day

With two wars and the recent attack at Fort Hood, there’s more public concern about the treatment of vets. The Obama administration and Congress are doing something about that.

Snip

One troubling sign here: Iraq and Afghanistan vets are likely to become homeless sooner after they’re back in the US than veterans of previous wars did. The state of the economy no doubt is a factor, but so are the multiple combat deployments many are required to make — an important difference with Vietnam where draftees did their one tour and came home for good.

It’s no coincidence that the suicide rate among solders today is 11 percent higher than it was in Vietnam.

Snip

Obama recently went to Dover Air Force Base to witness the return of GI’s who’d been killed in Afghanistan. As there has been with former presidents, there was talk about whether — as a civilian, even though he is commander in chief — he should have saluted the caskets.

But one Marine Corps gunnery sergeant and Iraq war vet I know says he’s OK with that, pronouncing Obama’s salute “impeccable.” That may not mean much to most civilians, but it counts with those in uniform … whether or not it’s Veterans Day...>>>>

Baptized by Fire: Killer Blue {into the 7th yr.}

We've now entered the seventh year in Iraq and still way over one hundred thousand military troops occupy, a country that never should have been invaded, while we are led to believe that most of the country is quite, as Iraqi's and Soldiers still die and are maimed!



The destruction and death has slowed down, but the reasons are the same as can be found anywhere there's an occupation and guerrilla insurgency, the insurgents have laid down their arms, for now!

Lets look back with the help of a few site links.

Back from Iraq, men of Killer Blue look ahead
The struggle to be average Americans again plays out in different ways

Where are they now?

Invasion Iraq: Six Years Later

Video: Do you remember?

"Shock and awe." "The deck of cards." "Embeds." As the Iraq invasion unfurled, these and other previously unfamiliar words were on everyone’s tongues. Take a look back.

{There are a number of links to video highlights from the opening days of the Iraq War in the link directly above}

Much has been finally coming to the surface, these last couple of years, that was seemingly ignored as two theaters raged by those who enacted them and the country that cheered them on!

Here's one issue we'll be hearing much more about unless they put a stop to it now, in our professional military!!

Sex Abuse And Female Soldiers

March 17, 2009 - Sexual Assault Permeates U.S. Armed Forces
CBS Evening News: Shocking Report On Frequent Attacks, Low Rate Of Investigation, Prosecution

Katie Couric investigates an alarming trend in the U.S. military, as more and more female soldiers have come forward with tales of sexual abuse at the hands of male soldiers and superior officers.

March 18, 2009 - Does Policy Endanger Female Soldiers?
Female Troops Face Threat Of Sexual Abuse By Comrades As "Moral Waivers" Increase

CBS News Exclusive: Katie Couric reports on the growing number of female soldiers who claim to have been sexually abused, as records indicate that convicted rapists have been permitted to enlist.

And as we look forward lets bring the troops home, take care of them when they get here and really upgrade our veterans hospitals and clinics. And this time Sacrifice, ourselves, as they and their Families Sacrificed for us, and give All that is Promised and Due!!

Us Vietnam Vets will Make Sure this generation isn't treated as our brothers and sisters were, and we once again watched as Gulf War I veterans were, that's a Promise!!

This new generation has embraced the technology, what wasn't before, to advance their cause, battles they shouldn't have to be fighting, and we're right there with them!!

The Country better not fail once more, and learn the lessons this time, the real lessons!!

The Extremely Important Presidential Candidate Forum That Wasn't

We have two theaters of occupations of others in destroyed countries, destroyed by us, one in continuing destruction from others before to us now and our broken promises of helping to rebuild as that theater grows more dangerous, the other totally destroyed on the trumped up lies of a twisted ideology of a few, tens of thousands dead and maimed, millions living as refugee's, billions of dollars wasted, stolen, lost in the machine of war profitteering, soldiers serving mutiple tours in both, families of same scraficing as a nation that is not moves along, most not caring what is happening In Their Names.

We call this "The War On Terror" and in the seven years these conflict theaters have been raging all we've created are the hatreds that will feed the ranks of the criminal terrorists leading to damaged National Securities around the globe and more theaters of death, destruction and occupations.

The sub title of this 'War On Terrorism' has been sold to all as a clash of twisted religious ideologies, a 'Religious War', on all sides. Those war hawks supporting and pushing these ideologies, few of them fighting, define everything about these clashes with political and religious labels, those opposed are left to define in same manner.

Tonight, as we approach the 2008 elections, we will have the first face to face forum of the Presidential Candidates, and where will that forum take place, in of all places a mega church presided over, and moderated by a best-selling pastor, Rick Warren.

This in a Country that labels itself as a Christian Nation, comfortably attempting to push all other religious ideologies of it's citizens out of site and mind. A nation where those that individually preach their christian faiths in the teachings of rarely follow those teachings, picking and choosing the teachings each feels comfortable with in their lives while living with intolerance of others and placing political ideologies front and center as the religion they follow.

There was a Presidential Candidate Forum of much more meaning that was to be and should have been the first. It would have brought forth what this Nation and it's Presidential Candidates should be focussed on for in what direction this nation is heading, what are it's moral standards, how it should lead by the examples it says it has but continuingly fails to follow, how it takes care of those who serve it's National Defense and the families of those who serve and much more, but it didn't happen.

Let me introduce the young lady that was spear heading this attempted Presidential Forum:


"Military Spouses Working to Improve Lives of Soldiers"


Carissa is, Carissa Picard, A Blue Star Wife and President/Founder of Military Spouses for Change at P.O. Box 216, Copperas Cove, TX 76522

And these are just some of the Advocacy Groups working with her:

The Town Hall Consortium is made up of:

American Veterans

Brain Injury Association of America

Disabled Veterans of America

Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States

Fleet Reserve Association

Military Officers Association of America

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Military Spouse Corporate Career Network

National Spinal Cord INjury Association

The Sanctuary International

Veterans for Common Sense

Veterans United for Truth

Vietnam Veterans of America

Veterans Village

WELLsville Veterans Project


Carissa tried, along with others, to also get a Candidate Forum for the primary runs of both political parties and all the candidates, that to didn't happen.

This is an article from back than:

War uneasiness could loosen GOP's hold on military votes

This is a Video report from back than:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead.

The one that should have been was the 2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall to take place on Monday August 11, 2008, 9:00 pm (EST) at the Bell County Expo Center, Belton, Texas and carried live on the CBS Television Network.

Neither of these important forums failed because of a lack of extremely hard work or poor planning, they did so because the Presidential Candidates, in the primary runs, and now approaching the elections didn't want them, nor did the greater majority of this countries voter population. The latter was proven out by posting about these on the political interactive web forums and the replys given and not given.

Breaking the cycle of war making: our country will not find peace until we take responsibility for our wars. from Heal the Warrior, Heal the Country

The forum that was to be this past monday was accepted by one presidential candidates camp, in word only, the other said that previous committments interfeared, with the Town Hall Consortium saying they would work with both to find a suitable date.

As the date was closing in the Consortium suspended the forum. The candidate camp that had accepted, instead of using that suspension as a political point, instead ignored and came out with a series of other attack ads and no mention in the stump speaches, the other camp also hasn't mentioned the forum, meanwhile our soldiers and their families still carry the countries burden of sacrifice. The voting population seems also to have brushed it aside as it wasn't, to them, important enough to stand behind and fight for!

While everyone hangs on to every word of tonights religious? Presidential Candidate Forum, listening to every word and many waiting to write about how each candidate faired, the Occupations go on, the destruction continues, the body counts go up, the billions are spent, the hatreds are increased, and this country continues it's downward spiral away from it's stated beliefs!

This is a pretty good description of what is to come tonight, as shown on MSNBC Countdown last night:



And this is a tiny window on how lives have been changed:

A Thank You to Those Who Care for Our Nation's Wounded




"Military Spouses for Change" is working to improve the lives of soldiers and their families. They want to convince government to improve health care, treatment for PTSD and other issues that soldiers face when they return home.

That 'Government' is You!!

"We want this dialogue, we want this conversation to occur, we want the American public to be watching it as it happens," Military Spouses for Change President Carissa Picard said.

Again I'll say, neither Presidential Candidate Camp wanted this forum, but more Importantly neither did the American Voters, either party!

Fort Hood Town Hall Presidential Forum

The country's wartime status has riddled this Presidential election year with added questions.

That's why several non-profit military groups have come together to try to hold a Presidential town hall meeting at Fort Hood.

Sen. Barack Obama is the missing ingredient for a town hall meeting at Fort Hood.

This is a nobrainer for the Obama Campaign, especially as to recent remarks by Senator McCain, and he isn't as great as he and others think as to Town Halls or other formats. The Obama camp have many like Wesley Clark and other knowledgable Veterans of our Military who have more than just his back, as well as the many running on the same ticket for federal offices.

Senator Obama can hold more than his own, and this Country needs this Forum to take Place, more than the ones linked below and any others!

The other day I posted up this on a few sites and sent it out. On two of the sites the post was attacked by a few simple minded bots. I'm using the KOS post as one person replying there really got under not only mine but others skin, no matter what was posted to the many replys used following almost the same line. I would have just blown this person off, as I used above as a political party bot or even troll, except for finding another slam reply in another post about a small, they say their large, purely partison political group of Veterans of the current occupations, refering back to the Consortium trying to get an Up or Down from the Obama Camp. The person replying accused this Consortium of this being a purely political Setup and Poorly Planned refering to how it had setup a couple of political meetings recently sucfcessfully, only in it's mind I'll bet. It showed me how lacking not not only in understanding how to organize but how little there was of Common Sense and Critical Thought within as well as being totally lazy and not following the links before replying.

I'm posting this recent one to further a call for those interested, Especially the Great Majority who have not nor will be Sacrificing Anything, to Help make this Extremely Important Town Hall Forum take place to please get involved! The rest can just move on and continue chatting.

Those interested follow the links etc below. Thank You from a 'Nam Vet!


The Town Hall Consortium is made up of:

American Veterans

Brain Injury Association of America

Disabled Veterans of America

Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States

Fleet Reserve Association

Military Officers Association of America

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Military Spouse Corporate Career Network

National Spinal Cord INjury Association

The Sanctuary International

Veterans for Common Sense

Veterans United for Truth

Vietnam Veterans of America

Veterans Village

WELLsville Veterans Project

"We want this dialogue, we want this conversation to occur, we want the American public to be watching it as it happens," Military Spouses for Change President Carissa Picard said.

John McCain has agreed to come, and CBS is on board to air it live. And, the Bell County Expo Center has been reserved.

Both of these Candidates owe answers to candid questions from more than these groups and this country, at a time we are still in two very dangerous theaters of occupation. They owe those who have died for their service, under the orders of this present administration, the 4122 in Iraq and 556 in Afganistan as of 7-18-08 as well as those tens of thousands injured and maimed physically and mentally. They owe their answers to the tens of thousands of family members of those serving mutiple tours and stop lossed, the very small percentage of this countries citizens actually sacrificing as the country goes about unraveled and seemingly uncaring.

Both candidates are also considering two other proposed joint appearances: one at the LBJ Library at the University of Texas and another at the Reagan Library in California.

If the Fort Hood event happens, it is tentatively scheduled for 8 p.m., Monday, August 11, at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton.

This is not a new idea nor one done on the quick. Military Spouses for Change, along with others, were trying to get those running for the Presidential Office, from both parties, long before it was down to two Candidates, with very puzzeling results, puzzeling results for myself, a 'Nam Veteran, and many others, those serving in OIF and OEF, the families of, those returned with mental and physical injuries, and more, some of the many candidates OK'd the forum others didn't and it never went on because of a Disinterested Country!

This is an article from back than:

War uneasiness could loosen GOP's hold on military votes

Look anywhere in Killeen, home to the sprawling Fort Hood army base, and there are patriotic signs like the giant banner that greets shoppers entering the local Wal-Mart: "Fort Hood Texas, Home of America's Hammer!"

But beneath the bravado and bluster you find a more volatile mix of emotions – frustration, anxiety and anger – among military families after five years of war in Iraq.

We all know of the extremely poor planning, and lies, that went in to both these theaters of occupation by the administration and the congress that was in office at the time and what little that congress did in their jobs of oversite and investigation as well as funding for the care of the returning Veterans and much more, and under which political ideology that power existed. Leading to investigation, oversite, and much condemnations of what little was done, keeping the present congress more than busy trying to correct the failed policies, failed policies across the board!

This is a Video report from back than:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead.

Military Spouses for Change are trying to lure Democratic and Republican candidates to address the largest military community in the country face-to-face. "These candidates are asking to be the next commander in chief. I feel like our families and service members, if nothing else, deserve an audience," organizer Carissa Picard said.

Soldiers' wives trying to lure presidential candidates to Fort Hood

Spouse group: Action needed for wounded vets

Let a few Veterans speak to the Senator and Country:

WE NEED OBAMA TO COMMIT TO EVENT AT MILITARY BASE

DEAR SENATOR,
MY NAME IS ASHLEY MILLER AND I AM A VETERAN OF THE IRAQ WAR. I LEFT THE U.S. ARMY IN 2006, AND I AM A SUPPORTER OF THE BARACK OBAMA CAMPAIGN. I FEEL THAT YOU ARE A GREAT CANDIDATE, FOR MANY REASONS. I BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE A NEW VOICE THAT WE AS AMERICANS NEED IN ORDER TO HELP OUR COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE IN THE YEARS TO COME. I FULLY SUPPORT YOU, SENATOR OBAMA, AND I WANT YOU TO WIN. HOWEVER, AFTER READING THE PRESS RELEASES ON THE EVENT THAT IS SET TO TAKE PLACE ON AUGUST 11TH, AT THE TOWN HALL IN BELTON, TX, I AM DISAPPOINTED TO HEAR THAT YOU HAVE NOT YET COMMITTED TO COMING TO THIS EVENT. THE EVENT WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO SEAT 6,000 SOLDIERS, SPOUSES AND VETERANS CURRENTLY ONLY HAS A COMMITMENT FROM SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR SENATOR OBAMA TO ATTEND. IT IS TO MY UNDERSTANDING THAT BOTH PARTIES, MCCAIN AND OBAMA HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO REALIZE THAT BY NOT ATTENDING THE EVENT HERE AT FORT HOOD YOU ARE RISKING VOTES OF 44 MILLION PEOPLE. ALL OF WHICH ARE SOLDIERS AND VETERANS AS WELL AS THEIR SPOUSES. ALTHOUGH I AM AN OBAMA SUPPORTER, I CAN'T STRESS TO YOU ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR BOTH PARTIES TO ATTEND, SO THAT THE ISSUES OUR MILITARY HAS BEEN FACING CAN BE DISCUSSED. WE AS OBAMA SUPPORTERS NEED YOU TO BE HERE AS A VOICE FOR OUR SOLDIERS AND VETERANS. WE NEED THAT COMMITMENT, AND I THINK IT IS OWED TO ALL OF OUR SOLDIERS AND OUR FAMILIES FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT TO COMMIT TO DISCUSSING THESE ISSUES AND MAKING LIVES BETTER FOR THE MILITARY. WE NEED BOTH CANDIDATES TO HEAR OUR SOLDIERS, THEIR SPOUSES AND OUR VETERANS. AS WE ARE THE LARGEST PART OF AN ELECTION PROCESS.

PLEASE GO TO THIS LINK... THERE IS A PETITION THAT WE ARE TRYING TO GET TOGETHER TO SEND TO SENATOR OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN... THIS PETITION IS FOR EVERYONE WHO AGREES THAT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR SENATOR OBAMA TO COMMIT TO SPEAKING WITH THE SOLDIERS HERE IN THE FT. HOOD AREA. IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO BOTH PARTIES, AS THEY WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH MEMBERS BOTH OLD AND NEW OF THE MILITARY TO DISCUSS ISSUES, AND TO HELP FIND A WAY TO PROVIDE BETTER BENEFITS AND LIFE FOR OUR HEROES. IF SENATOR OBAMA DOESN'T COMMIT TO COMING TO THIS EVENT IN AUGUST, NEITHER CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK AT THIS CONVENTION. THUS, RESULTING IN OUR SOLDIERS NOT BEING ABLE TO SPEAK WITH OUR FUTURE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ON THE ISSUES THEY ARE FACING. IF ANYONE BELIEVES THAT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR BOTH PARTIES TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, AND FOR SENATOR OBAMA TO COMMIT TO THIS EVENT SO OUR MILITARY CAN SPEAK ON THE CURRENT ISSUES THEIR FAMILIES AND THEMSELVES FACE, PLEASE SIGN AT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/senatorobama/index.html
REGARDS,

ASHLEY N. MILLER
OIF VETERAN
KILLEEN, TX 76549

And this:

Open Letter To Barack Obama: Veterans Want To Hear From You

On August 11 of this year the 2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall Consortium is planning to host a non-partisan town hall event and while John McCain has agreed to participate in this televised event, you have not committed to participate.
BigFella :: Open Letter To Barack Obama: Veterans Want To Hear From You
As a committed Barack Obama supporter, and a Viet Nam era veteran, I implore you and your campaign staff and advisers to reconsider your decision to decline to participate in the non-partisan, town hall forum, to be presented by the 2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall Consortium on August 11. I don't know the reasons why you are declining to participate in this event, but I can assure you, that despite the fact that this event would occur in a military community with a majority in-house military audience, politically speaking, the audience will encompass a broad spectrum of political ideologies, however, my understanding is that the primary "mission" of the town hall forum is not political debate, but discussion that would lead to greater awareness of the health and welfare issues facing those who serve in our military forces, and an opportunity for each candidate to outline his strategic plans in this regard.

I know that you, Senator Obama were a sponsor of S.1817 and are concerned about the care and support our country is providing to those who have volunteered to serve our nation, and by participating in this forum you can further demonstrate your commitment to be a future commander-in-chief that will exercise compassion and good judgment in your management of our military forces, and your support of those who have served in the past.

From your speech on July 15, it is apparent that if you are elected president, you will move to end the folly of our engagement in Iraq, but will also reinforce our military presence in Afghanistan, for obvious, and logical reasons. It is only logical then, that Senator Obama, in the short time leading up to the national elections and the sitting of a new administration in 2009, you would be open and amendable to hearing directly from those Americans who will be serving at under your command, on critical, dangerous missions.

If your staff has lost your invitation to this important discussion, you can make contact here for the details: Military Spouses for Change

And this also:

An Open Letter to Senator Barack Obama

Dear Senator Obama,

My name is Ronn Cantu and I'm a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. I'm assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division and stationed at Fort Hood, TX.

I would like to begin this letter by thanking you for your recent vote in favor of updating the GI Bill. Education benefits such as this will ensure that today's members of the Armed Forces become tomorrow's professional and productive members of society.

I would also like to thank you for voting to increase the funding for health-care-related issues, and for ensuring that said funding takes into account the veteran population and current level of inflation. Despite these bills being rejected, it's good to see some of our elected officials fighting to get our nation's wounded the care that they deserve.

I read an article in the July 12 edition of the New York Times titled "Obama Won't Commit to Event at Military Base." The article confused me, because in a recent Army Times article titled "If Obama Wins," you were quoted as saying "Precisely because I have not served in uniform, I am somebody who strongly believes I have to earn the trust of men and women in uniform."

The NY Times article mentioned, and it bears repeating, that Fort Hood is the largest active-duty military installation in the country. Our post is so large and our commitment to Iraq so great that the Killeen Daily Herald published an article on July 13, 2008 about our sister division titled "4th ID Association Looking to Expand Soldier Memorial."

Since speaking out against the war, I've had to take great precautions to ensure that I'm never perceived to be speaking on behalf of the United States Army nor the Armed Services as a whole, so I hope this letter isn't perceived as such. But I have to say that I think it would be a huge step toward earning the trust of men and women in uniform if you and your campaign work with Carissa Picard and the Presidential Town Hall Consortium, and commit to appearing at this meeting the way Senator McCain has.

In this particular election season, and with the Global War on Terror arguably the most polarizing issue facing our country, it would mean a lot to the veterans of our country if you give us the respect that we deserve and fought dearly to earn.

Thank you for your time.

Ronn Cantu
Iraq Veterans Against The War - IVAW

The first two letters above are linked back to VetVoice Posts, visit them and read some of the comments, for there's more from Spouses and Veterans of these current occupations!

Contact the Obama Campaign, This Is extremely Important, not only for those holding the forum but for this Country and it's direction after such an Incompitent Administration and Previous Congress that led us into a growth of Perpetual Criminal Terrorism that will haunt us and the world for years forward!

Washington:
Phone: (202) 224-2854
Fax: (202) 228-4260

Chicago:
Phone: (312) 886-3506
Fax: (312) 886-3514

Or use any contact information you might have.

From A Member of the Consortium

The Brain Injury Association of America

Alert
Urge Presidential Candidates to Participate In the 2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall!
Town Hall Would Facilitate Discussion of Issues Facing America’s Military and Veteran Community, Including Traumatic Brain Injury

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) recently joined a consortium of non-profit organizations dedicated to serving active military, veterans, their families and their survivors, in inviting the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates to Fort Hood, Texas, for an in-depth discussion of the increasingly complex issues facing America's military and veteran community. The CBS television network has agreed to produce and broadcast the very important Town Hall meeting in prime time on Monday, August 11, 2008.

As of July 17, 2008, the Republican presidential candidate, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has agreed to participate in the Town Hall, but the Democratic presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) has not agreed to attend the event.

BIAA is a non-partisan organization dedicated to improving the lives of all individuals with brain injuries and their families. During this presidential campaign, BIAA strongly advocates for an open, transparent discussion of public policy issues related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) among both returning service members and civilians. BIAA believes the 2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall represents a tremendous opportunity to facilitate this discussion in regards to returning service members.

Fort Hood is the largest U.S. military installation in the world. As a result, it has deployed, and continues to deploy, the most soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of our continuing global war on terror. Consequently, BIAA cannot imagine a more appropriate audience—or a more compelling location—for such a discussion concerning the health care needs of returning service members, including TBI.

To send a message urging Sen. Obama to participate in 2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall, please use the form below - with personal edits to the message if you wish - to make your voice heard.


Take Action

McCain Uses POW Status as Sword & Shield

Press Release: Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall‏

MEDIA ADVISORY



Military and Veteran Advocates Invite Senators McCain and Obama to Fort Hood Texas

Presidential Town Hall to Focus on Military and Veterans

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Carissa Picard, Managing Director, 2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall Consortium, 254.554.1513, e-mail to Hood Townhall.

2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall

Monday August 11, 2008, 9:00 pm (EST)

Bell County Expo Center

301 West Loop 121

Belton, Texas 76513

Hosted by the 2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall Consortium

To be carried live on the CBS Television Network.

A diverse group of non-profit organizations dedicated to serving active military, veterans, their families and their survivors has come together to invite the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates to Fort Hood, Texas, for an in-depth discussion of the increasingly complex issues facing America's military and veteran community. The CBS television network has agreed to produce and broadcast the town hall meeting in prime time that evening.

Fort Hood is the largest U.S. military installation in the world and deploys the most soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of our continuing Global War on Terror. Consequently, the Consortium cannot imagine a more appropriate audience—or a more compelling location—for this event.

This Consortium represents organizations that provide services and support to our service members, veterans, wounded warriors, and their families. "We believe if there is one more debate or town hall before the general election, it should be before an audience comprised of the men and women whose service and sacrifice ensure that these events continue through their defense of our country and of our Constitution," said Carissa Picard, lead organizer and military spouse.

"This forum is NOT about being for the war in Iraq or against the war in Iraq. This is about the fact that there is a war in Iraq, as well as Afghanistan, and there are consequences to that war—consequences for our service members, for their families, for our country. These candidates are asking to be elected the next Commander-in-Chief and we believe that our audience, as well as the American public, will be extremely interested in knowing what they have to say about these issues."

In November 2004, the President was elected by a majority of 126 million votes. Today, approximately 27 million American adults are veterans. If we assume half are married, then there are approximately 40 million voters intimately aware of the issues affecting veterans and their families. Meanwhile, there are approximately 2.6 million Americans currently serving in our Armed Forces, either full or part-time. If you include their spouses, then we will have an additional 4 million voters sensitive to the needs of our veterans, wounded warriors, and military families.

In all, the veteran and military communities total approximately 44 million Americans—almost a quarter of the overall voting population and more than one- third of the total voting participation in 2004.

"The sacrifices these families endure are not abstract; they are borne out in illness, injury, post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, economic hardship, the daily agony of separation from family and friends; and finally, the ultimate sacrifice of our Gold Star families. Furthermore, those citizens who are not themselves members of the military and veteran community are eager to see that those who shoulder the enormous strain of wartime service are afforded the meaningful thanks of a grateful nation." adds Amy Fairweather, director of the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, a group of organizations dedicated to improving services for military, veterans, families and survivors, many of whom have joined to invite the candidates to this historic forum.

The Consortium includes a diverse group of veteran and military service organizations including Disabled Veterans of America, the Brain Injury Association of America, and Sentinels of Freedom. These groups are working in partnership with the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs, state and local governments, and faith and community based organizations to deliver services and support to our military, veterans and families.

Picard adds that, "We sincerely hope the candidates will accept our invitation. We hope this event will remind American voters in November that his or her choice will have a significant impact on the lives and well-being of millions of service members, veterans, wounded warriors, and military families—including children."

Consortium Members

American Veterans (AMVETS)

Jim King, Executive Director

Brain Injury Association of America

Laura A. Schiebelhut, Director of Government Affairs

Disabled Veterans of America (DAV)

David W. Gorman, Executive Director

Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States

MSG (Ret.) Michael P. Cline

Executive Director

Fleet Reserve Association

Joseph L. Barnes, CAE, ABC

National Executive Director

Military Officers Assn. of America

VADM Norb Ryan, Jr. (USN-Ret.), President

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Hershel Gober, National Legislative Director

Military Spouse Corporate Career Network

Deborah Kloeppel, CEO

National Spinal Cord Injury Assn (NSCIA)

Marcie Roth, President/CEO

The Sanctuary International

Jon Norsworthy, Director

Veterans for Common Sense

Paul Sullivan, Executive Director

Veterans United for Truth

Bob Handy, HMC USN Ret, Chair

Vietnam Veterans of America

Texas State Council

Luther "Buster" Newberry, President

Veterans Village

Nadia McCaffrey, President/Founder

WELLsville Veterans Project

Kristin Van Huysen, President/Founder

Members of the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

Air Compassion for Veterans

Richard Love, Chairman

American Pain Foundation

Tamara Sloan Anderson, Program Development Director

Armed Services YMCA

S. Frank Gallo, National Executive Director

Brave New Foundation

Jim Miller, Executive Director

CA National Guard

Jon Wilson, Financial Assistance Programs Manager

Cause

Barbara Lau, Executive Director

Coming Home Project

Dr. Joe Bobrow, Executive Director

Dallas Foundation

Laura Smith, Director, Community Philanthropy

Homes for Our Troops

John Gonsalves, President

Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

Karen Guenther, Executive Director

New Directions

Toni Reinis, Executive Director

One Freedom

Elizabeth Hawkins, Executive Director

Pathway Home

Fred Gusman, Executive Director

Project: Return 2 Work

Rob Brazell, President

Salvation Army Liberty Program

David K. Leonard, Coordinator

Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation

Mike Conklin, President

Swords to Plowshare

Michael Blecker, Executive Director

TAPS

Bonnie Carroll, Founder

TIRR Foundation Project Victory

Cynthia Atkins, Executive Director

Vets 4 Vets

Jim Driscoll, Coordinator

Babette Maxwell, co-founder and Executive Editor of Military Spouse Magazine, is graciously donating her time and talent as the Town Hall's Military Family advisor

---------

Carissa Picard, Esq.
2008 Fort Hood Presidential Town Hall Consortium
Managing Director
254.554.1513
254.213.1101
Hood Townhall