American Muslim Veterans

Muslim veterans in Charlotte condemn Fort Hood shooting

The vets said they hope not all Muslims would be blamed for the actions of one man. The suspected shooter who killed 13 people is Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist who is said to be a devout Muslim.

"I'm not a terrorist. I love America," said Salahuddin Hasan, a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Hasan and the other vets gathered at the Masjid Ash-Shaheed mosque on West Sugar Creek Road in Charlotte where Khalil Akbar is the Imam...>>>>>Rest Found Here

Commentary: Many Muslims have died in the service of America

Leonard Pitts' latest tackles ugly online comments about Muslims in the military.

I would add to the above commentary by Pitt, the meme's of another group this past decade, So Have Many Hispanics, Citizen and Non Citizen!!

Notice, and it's not hard to, that most of those who are condemning, and have been these past years, a whole group of people, in these times of a religious ideology and the regional countries they live in or are from, because of the acts of a few or in the Ft Hood Extreme Tragedy just one person, have never served this country in any form especially the Military and these aren't only the talking heads of our opinionated, called news? programs, 24hr cable news? channels but also the civilians living in an extremist ideology of hate, racism and fear! Young enough to be serving in these two occupations of choice and the old farts who went out of their way to dodge the draft and service while many of us were sent to our other years long occupation of choice, Vietnam!

Service means No ideology, political and Especially religion, always has and always will, and us older Vets have known and served with many who Honorably Serve then are dumped by a Nation after that service.

Just like a society the Military is no different in it's diversity and those that try and use diversity and condemn should and will be called out for their embedded hatreds and false flag waving!!

Serving The Country That Won't Allow Your Wife To Live In

Struggling Iraq vet may lose his anchor

His wife, brought here illegally at age 6, is about to be deported. 'She's my everything,' her husband says.

The nightmares still plague him. The terrifying mortar attacks. The loss of an Albanian soldier and ally, mutilated by shrapnel. The Iraqi children, bloodied and battered, lined up for medical care at the U.S. base at Mosul.

Two years after returning from his service in Iraq, U.S. Army Spc. Jack Barrios, 26, is fighting sleeplessness, sudden angry outbursts, aversion to emotional intimacy and other fallout from his post-traumatic stress disorder.

But as he undergoes counseling and swallows anti-depressants, the soldier is fighting an even bigger battle: to keep his family from collapsing as his wife, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, faces deportation...>>>Rest Found Here

Their story and the story of another Soldiers Wife and Son, this Soldier Died while serving his Country!!

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Secretary of the Army Says Military Ready to Lift Gay Ban

Release Date:
October 26, 2009

Press Contact:
Indra Lusero, Assistant Director, Palm Center, 303-902-9402, info@palmcenter.ucsb.edu

Release Body:

For a pdf version of this release, click here.

SANTA BARBARA, CA, October 26, 2009 - The Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, indicated this weekend that the Army is prepared to lift the ban on openly gay service if the Commander-in-Chief and the Congress decide to end the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, a prospect that has gathered steam in recent weeks. McHugh, formerly a Republican congressman from the conservative 23rd district of New York, is the highest official inside the Pentagon to express such support. He told the Army Times on Sunday that there was no reason to fear that major difficulties would result from lifting the ban, and that he would help implement the policy change when the time comes. “The Army has a big history of taking on similar issues,” he said, with “predictions of doom and gloom that did not play out.” He also suggested that repeal may come in phases, with early action involving, for example, allowing open gays to serve in some occupations and not others.

“What we’re seeing is a tipping point in the opinions of both military and civilian leaders on this issue,” said Dr. Nathaniel Frank, senior research fellow at the Palm Center. “The Army is the largest of the services and the most heavily involved in our wars abroad, and for Secretary McHugh to state clearly that it can handle repeal sends a strong signal to the other service secretaries that they can do the same.”

Dr. Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center, said Secretary McHugh’s comments were enormously significant. But he pointed out that there is no research to support the idea of letting gay soldiers serve in some units but not others. “The rationale for the ban applies equally across all job categories,” he said. “So if it’s okay to be an openly gay Arabic interpreter, it’s also okay to be openly gay in the infantry or on a submarine. Since conduct rules apply across the board, there’s just no basis for applying different standards to different specialties.”

Rest In Peace {UpDate}

Marine killed in Afghanistan served country in many ways

Marine Sgt. Bill Cahir was a public servant his whole life.

He served as a congressional staffer, as a journalist, as a political candidate and, finally, as a Marine reservist in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Snip

"There it was," Cahir wrote. "My last, best chance to serve."

Marine Sgt. Bill Cahir's Arlington funeral

Cahir served two tours of duty in Iraq, blending his military work with his journalism.

A year ago, Cahir bought a home in Pennsylvania and settled down to run for Congress, filing for the 5th Congressional District seat left open by the retirement of Rep. John Peterson.

Cahir was one of three Democrats in the race, and he faced criticism for living away from State College for so long. However, Cahir was quick to emphasize his roots, talking about the hospital where he was born, recalling his youth and greeting a former English teacher from the dais at a political forum.

On the stump, Cahir advocated a responsible exit from the war in Iraq and pushed for universal health coverage............Rest Here

Marine Sgt. Bill Cahir's first-person account of his training as a Marine

They spoke of his thoughtfulness and humor, of his integrity and sense of fairness.

But when Capt. Jason C. Brezler recalled his friend and colleague Bill Cahir, he honed in on Cahir's dedication to his comrades and country.

"On paper I was his commanding officer and team leader," Brezler said. "But his opinion mattered to me as much as any senior officer." ...........Read Rest Here

The Question 'Why?'

A Hero's Death in Afghanistan, and the Question 'Why?'

Bill Cahir joined the Marines after 9/11 to fight in Afghanistan, and he finally got there after two tours in Iraq. He was buried Monday at Arlington.

On Saturday, millions watched as Ted Kennedy made his final trip to Arlington National Cemetery. With rather less attention, Arlington's soil opened again Monday to accept the remains of one of Kennedy's former aides, 40-year-old Bill Cahir.

The deceased, an Alexandria resident, was unknown to most Americans, but he did no less for his country than his old boss -- and, gauged by the last full measure of devotion, he did even more. He went from his job working for Kennedy in the Senate to become, at various points, a Washington journalist and a failed congressional candidate. But it was the Sept. 11 attacks that inspired Cahir, at age 34, to get an age waiver from military recruiters in 2003 and enlist in the Marines...............

Rest In Peace with the rest of your, and those of us who preceded in our service to, brothers and sisters, the best of the best, who have fallen while in service to your country, right or wrong it's policies may be, the Noble Cause becomes the protection of those serving with you and they to you!

Maybe some day we will find this countries promised direction once more, that which we had pride once of what we said we were and in many ways showed that, maybe!

The above could be about any of the 5,149 who have fallen, and that continues, in these occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, and while the Country was burying Sgt. Cahir at Arlington two more U.S. and two British troops were killed in Afghanistan, from the many cities and small towns around this country, but it's just one of the recent Honors given to those who serve with pride and honor, their country and constitution.

The pride and honor from many, in this country, seems more towards tearing it and the constitution apart, especially that coming from the extreme groups, and present and previous public servants, given the microphones and press to loudly condemn anything and everything and not backtracking and apologizing when caught in their many lies, just bringing on more!

UpDate: Statement From Rene

Cahir's widow: "Bill was a hero to me"

The following statement was issued Monday by Bill Cahir's widow, Rene Browne:

"While this is a time of incredible loss and sadness for our family, we are deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of care and support we've received since the news of Bill's death.

"He was a loved and cherished husband, son, brother and excited father-to-be, as well as a friend and colleague who touched the lives of so many. From across the globe, the shared prayers, tributes and stories have meant so much and will keep Bill's memory alive for all of us.

"Bill was a hero to me, and to his family and friends, long before he gave his life for his country. He acted with the courage of his convictions in every facet of his life. Although I will forever miss him, I am blessed for the years that we spent together and for the stories that I will be able to share with our children of Bill's ideals, bravery, love and compassion.

"Bill would also be grateful to see that his story helped to raise awareness of the untold sacrifices of the men and women serving their country around the world today. It is their sense of duty and patriotism that inspired Bill to serve and will be the legacy of honor and commitment that he leaves to our children, and to the rest of us."

August 7th is Purple Heart Day

A Day to Honor America's Combat Wounded and Fallen Heroes

By Executive Order 9277, dated December 3, 1942, the decoration was extended to be applicable to all services and required that regulations of the Services be uniform in application as far as practicable. This executive order also authorized the award only for wounds received.

PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS

War I: 250,000¹
War II: 964,409
Korea: 136,936
Vietnam: 200,676
Persian Gulf: 590
Afghanistan: 3,495 *
Iraq: 34,808 *
Total Estimated: 1.7 M¹

NOTE¹: Estimates only. Battlefield awards and incomplete records; 1974 fire in St. Louis repository.

*Data as of 6/20/2009

And what will the 'rushlicans' do, why they'll bring out fresh 'purple heart bandages' and laugh and laugh and laugh........................................!!

Like this:



Showing they don't respect those that serve, even the ones amoung them that did, but this is what the Purple Heart and it's being Awarded Means:

Each year on August 7th, Americans should pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. The Purple Heart is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces that has been wounded or died as a result of a wound in battle.

This now includes those persons who died in captivity while a prisoner of war (POW). We now celebrate Purple Heart Day on the anniversary of its inception, August 7th. On this day it is our patriotic duty to remember and recognize those people willing to serve our country, no matter the price..............Rest Found Here

Veterans: Health Care

Obama: Health Care Reform Won't Impact Veterans Affairs, Tricare

"I want to make sure that message gets out to our veterans," the president said. "I think it's very important to get the message out: If you are in the VA system and are happy with your care, great. We have no intention of changing your eligibility."...............

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Congressman Filner Bill Allows Elderly Veterans to Use Earned Medicare for VA Health Care

“There are veterans who have earned VA health care benefits with their service to our country,” stated Chairman Filner. “They have also earned Medicare benefits by contributing to the Medicare program during their working years. Because VA cannot bill Medicare, elderly veterans are unable to use their Medicare benefits, even if they may prefer to receive care at a VA facility among their fellow veterans. So for those veterans, they basically forgo the hard-earned dollars that they contributed towards Medicare benefits during their working years. H.R. 3365 is an important bill that would allow elderly veterans to access both VA health care and their Medicare benefits.”

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Veterans Administration begins effort to help keep arrested veterans out of future trouble

Bracing for an influx of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Veterans Affairs has launched an ambitious effort to locate veterans who've had minor brushes with the law and offer them treatment to try to prevent repeat crimes.

The VA started its Veterans Justice Outreach Program early this year — before public attention intensified on a handful of Fort Carson, Colo.-based soldiers accused of murder, attempted murder or manslaughter after returning from a deployment where they faced intense combat. Most of the soldiers had been arrested for domestic violence, assault, illegal gun possession, and alcohol and drug charges before the slayings...........

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Cardiovascular Risk Factors With Mental Health Diagnoses in Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans

A total of 303,223 veterans were included in this analysis. The mean age of the study population was 31 years and 88% were men. PTSD was common among the cohort (24% prevalence). Among those with PTSD, comorbid mental health conditions were prevalent including depression (53%), anxiety disorder (29%), adjustment disorder (26%), and alcohol use disorder (22%)...........................

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Democrats blast Army's handling of toxic exposures in Iraq

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., called the Army's response to soldiers exposed to a highly toxic carcinogen in Iraq "inadequate" and said the Democratic Policy Committee will request a report from the Pentagon's inspector general on the matter.

Five soldiers who served at an Iraqi water injection facility in 2003 testified before the committee on Monday, outlining symptoms believed to be the result of exposure to sodium dichromate spread across the facility.................

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VETERANS-FOR-CHANGE NETWORKS FOR CHANGE IN THE ANTIQUATED VA PROCESSING SYSTEMS

Veterans-For-Change, a non-profit vocal group for Veterans rights, benefits, and treatment, networks together to share the following problems/issues that must be addressed............

In Their Boots: SECOND BATTLE (Subtitulos en espanol)

In Their Boots next episode premiering later this month, the full trailer.

Trailer

"Second Battle"
Jack Barrios fought with the United States Army in Iraq; but when he came back from the war to be with his family in Los Angeles, he found out that he had a new battle to fight: to stop his wife, Frances, from being deported. Hota Ferschkes husband served honorably in the Marines and gave his life in his service to our country. But like Frances, Hota faces deportation, even though shes raising her late husbands child. Second Battle is the tragic story of two families who's husbands served honorably, but whose service has no impact on our nations inflexible immigration laws.

Quiet the Riff and Come Together!!

Old, new vets clash over IAVA chief comment

With five words, the executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America opened a rift among veterans groups that could derail efforts to improve mental health care and other benefits........

The phrase “Unlike during the Vietnam War” is being taken as a jab at the professionalism of Vietnam veterans. Joe Morgan, a Vietnam veteran and president of Veterans of Modern Warfare, said Rieckhoff’s statement has “stirred a fierce and justifiable outrage by all veterans, not just the Vietnam veterans he maligned.”

The head of the nation’s largest organization for combat veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, also criticized the statement, saying Rieckhoff “doesn’t need to be reminded that every entitlement, every service and every program Iraq and Afghanistan warriors enjoy — many of whom are VFW members — is because previous generations of, as he regrettably put it, ‘nonprofessionals’ demanded and fought to be properly recognized and respected for their service to our country,” said Glen Gardner Jr., VFW commander. “He owes a sincere apology to our brethren.........”

“A broken promise for one veteran is broken promise for all veterans,” he said.........

For those of us 'Nam Vets who noticed, what little money and support the country was willing to pony up back than started the shift to us from the Korean Vets, over the years as costs started rising countries willingness didn't. Many of us that started into advocacy and activism to fight for what the country owed did so for All Veterans, those Fights Continue, Proactive not Reactive. But what has been won, and shouldn't even needed to be fought for, has benefited All Veterans Since, and the battles being fought for for this new generation, still in or now vets, are being fiercely fought for by us older brothers and sister Vets!!

We serve a Country and it's Constitution, we take an Oath of service to, All of us, that most don't. Those that don't haven't a clue, and it's extremely hard to explain to closed ears, the results of these Wars of Choice or any War. They, and we, hire mostly representatives who share their lack of knowledge, and have way to many who try and use 'Strong National Defense' as their political catch phrase! Very few than want to pony up the costs of those results of as they stick on their flag pins and use empty words and other symbols to one up on their patriotism!

So please, younger brothers and sisters, remember that and choose your words clearly for this unique community of soldiers and sailors you joined, a very small percentage of the whole country! We get enough 'nixonian verbal spitting', from the 'rambo chickenhawks' and even some veterans still in denial about 'Nam it's political and economic purpose to the few, and what went on during!!

Oh and by the way, Paul's words weren't any different then those used many times over these 30plus years as this country stuck itself in denial and kept trying to denie the reality of 'Nam! And our recent history is the cost of that denial!!

Coming Home: The 'Stars and Stripes' Series

Series Overview with Links to the Series Reports Over several months in 2008, Stars and Stripes reporters and photographers traveled to Iraq, Kuwait and Fort Drum, N.Y., chronicling the lives of the “Triple Deuce” — the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division — both soldiers and their families.

As with most deployed units, there was triumph and tragedy. The unit presided over a calming of their area in northern Iraq, but it endured a horrific truck bomb attack that took the life of one of their own and badly wounded others.

Soldiers in the field pressed on.

When they came home, life was not the same. Children had grown and changed. To their babies, they were strangers. Wives had learned to manage with-out them, even while they yearned for their return.

Today and for the next four days, Stripes will tell the story of men sent to war and the people who supported them from thousands of miles away — the longing, the sorrow, the joy of reuniting and the apprehension at what lay ahead.

Stripes’ Nancy Montgomery will continue to follow the men of Triple Deuce and their families as they adjust to a life informed by war.

Day 1: Series overview

The men of Triple Deuce: ‘Closer than brothers’ in the Army family

Day 2: A truck bomb shatters the calm and bonds the brothers anew:

A moment that changed everything

Master sergeant, wife adjust to new roles and the effects of the bombing

Day 3: Three couples describe how they kept their unions strong during the Triple Deuce’s 14 months in Iraq and after the unit came home:

The Bartells

The Holmeses

The Lees

Day 4: The heartache and hope of life after war:

A family broken by war

For the first time, they're one big family

Day 5: The lawyer turns protester, and the medic becomes a dad:

"The smartest guy in Company B"

When home is as scary as war

Series conclusion

This is, and always has been, a Non Issue

Those who Serve the Country Serve the Whole Country and Thus Should Be Given the 'Honor' and 'Respect' Due Them when Returned to this soil after Dying during that Service!!

There are some groups of people who welcome home the returning soldiers in airports and other transportation points.

We organize rallies for the families and communities on the return of locally based Units of the Reserves, National Guard, and on Army and Marine bases.

We have returning men and women soldiers surprising their young children, and school classmates, and we readily show these surprise homecomings while we watch them with the same tears of joy as the kids.

Some will give a "Welcome Home" and a Handshake when meeting soldiers wherever.

Yet we seem to think that there is supposed to be some sort of Debate about 'Honoring with Due Respect' those who return to this country in Flag Drapped Coffins when they are killed Serving The Whole Country, as their Coffins are brought in Quietly and In The Dark of our Media and Citizens. Than the Country, far in the future, Debates wether Memorials should be built and what they should look like.

We should Honor our Fallen as to their Total Sacrifice of their Service, however right or wrong the policies causing their deaths!

Coffins’ Arrival From War Becomes an Issue Again

Those two aspects of the review may well yield opposing perspectives. Britain and Canada, two important allies in the war in Afghanistan, allow far more news media access to the repatriation process — the return of a fallen soldier to his or her country — than does the United States.

The new review has revived an old debate. Supporters of the ban say it protects families’ privacy and keeps the deaths from becoming politicized; critics say the government is trying to sanitize the wars and reduce public awareness of their human cost.

As Of February 22nd, 2009, There Are 91 Pages w/5 'Silent Honor Rolls' Each, Number Of KIA's Varies With Each 'Silent Honor Roll';
Many now have numbers in the teens and twenties
In Honor - In Memory


This Is Not nor Should Be Debatable, it Should Be Policy!!

A Former POW Speaks......

A Former POW's Open Letter to Congress

Here is the Oath of Office I took on July 1, 1957:

I, Phillip Neal Butler, having been appointed a Midshipman in the United States Navy, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God.

Upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1961, I repeated this oath to be commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy. I served 20 years as an active duty commissioned officer. During that time I became a Naval Aviator, flew combat in Vietnam, was downed over North Vietnam on April 20, 1965 and became a prisoner of war. I was repatriated on February 12, 1973, having served 2,855 days and nights as a POW – just short of 8 years. The Vietnamese were not signatory to any international treaties on treatment of prisoners. They pronounced us "criminals" and freely used torture, harassment, malnutrition, isolation, lack of medical care and other degradations during our captivity. I was tortured dozens of times during my captivity. But I often thought of our Constitution and the higher purpose we served – a purpose that helped me resist beyond what I thought I’d ever be capable of. Ironically, we POWs often reminded each other that our country would never stoop to torture and the low level of treatment we were experiencing at the hands of our captors.

SNIP

So what in the world has happened during the past 8 years of the Bush administration? The only defensible answer is that he and his subordinates have trampled our precious Constitution and the Rule of Law into the ground while our elected members of Congress have stood idly and complicitly by. Our highest elected officials have utterly failed with their greatest responsibility.

During these years we have seen gross attempts to institutionalize torture. Our Constitution, Article VI, (2) commonly known as the "Supremacy" clause clearly states that treaties made shall become "the supreme law of the land," thus elevating them to the level of Constitutional law.

SNIP

I suggest a visit to read the rest.

You might also take a look at the comments, most at military.com come from little 'chickenhawks' playing online soldiers!!

GOP Campaign Themes

These people have No Self Worth, I'm talking about those that just hang to this imaginary, once proud, Republican Tag. Even still calling themselves Conservative!


They allow themselves to be led around like the robots they've become, and frankly some on the Democratic side are just as willing, but the fall into line and march in lockstep Falls Souly on the GOP!


They've been Silent and Accepting of the Lies that led our Troops into Occupations and All that has come about because of that, the torturing, the no-bid contracts, the corruption, the deaths and maiming' s................................................, and oh so much more!


They've been Silent and Accepting as our Freedoms have been slowly stripped away, and Accepting of Rule by Executive Branch Alone ignoring the fact they have hired others to Represent Them!


They also find it Very Easy to Condemn those that give Service to Their Lives and Freedoms!


Last election cycle they Laughed at and Mocked the Military Service of one of the Presidential Candidates who Served This Country In Vietnam, just as I Did, and being in the same service branch, the U.S. Navy, they Spit on my Service, All my brother and sister Naval personal who served In-Country, and All the other Service Personal, but most of All, All Those Who Have Served This Country and Received It's Highest Honor For That Service, The Purple Heart!!!






I was waiting to see how they would Slam their Fellow Americans this year. Well they started early, peppering their talking points with the words needed, leading up to their Convention, and Let Both Barrels Go, Loud and Clear!!


They went after Anyone who 'Volunteers', everyone who run those Volunteer Organizations, to Help Others, you know that Christian and Human Ideology They Claim seemingly as their own as they Slam those who are following the same teachings but not Their Views!


I'm to Royally Pissed, as a Veteran, an Activist, and an Advocate to really go deep into All they've 'Spit' on, others have already started these Long Lists, you can read one Here as well as Here and Here.


There will be Plenty more I'm sure, especially as the Advocate, Volunteer, Community realizes what they've been subject to.


And Yes It's Spitting On That Which You Do as An American As Well As All Others Who Share This Planet With Them!!!!!!!


By the way, did Anyone hear anything mentioned on what these candidates and this so called political party are going to do for this Country, Our World Standing {not creating more hatreds and enemies} and Leadership, Our Constitution, Our Democracy, Our Freedoms, and will we tonight??

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

"Free Education For The Military"

How does that subject title grab everyone?

Think about it, service to Country an Guaranteed an Education, Free of Charge, and possibly more.

Now don't Peak!

Still not Peaking!

You're not one those who read from the bottom up are you?

OK here's the deal:

Armed forces 'get free education'

Service personnel are to be given university education free of charge after they end their duty with the armed forces, it has been reported.

According to the News of the World, personnel who complete six years service in the Army, Royal Navy or RAF will qualify for the scheme.

The government will pay tuition fees to study for GCSEs, A-levels, university degrees or other qualifications.

The measure is thought to be in Thursday's Armed Forces Command Paper.

This document will deal with a whole range of welfare issues affecting soldiers, sailors and airmen.

Got that last line, Will deal with a Whole Range of Welfare Issues Affecting Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen!

And there's abit more in the short pre-report.

God Bless Great Britain!!
(He/She gave up on America a long time ago!)

My 'Brothers' Want Their Proud Name Back!!

When you hear the term "Swiftboat" what comes into your mind?

I already know your answer, but it isn't the meaning for those who served on nor any Navy Personal who served In-Country Vietnam.

Not to far back a small group of misguided Navy personal, who served aboard 'Swiftboats' in 'Nam, took that once proud name and used it for their political purposes and gains, with some others joining them, who not only never served on swiftboats, and the extremely dangerous missions they were sent into, but some never served at all, in the Military nor In War/Occupations!

They not only Disgraced their own service but the service of all who served on Swiftboats as well as All of us Navy personal who served In-Country as well as the Blue - Water Navy serving off the shores of 'Nam. They 'Verbally Spit' on themselves and their brothers, All their Navy brothers and sisters!

Recently some who served on but did not partake in the slanderous actions have been back in the news, They want their Proud Name and Proud Service to Country back, especially for the brothers who were Lost!

John Kerry, hands on hips, and Roy F. Hoffmann, kneeling, in Vietnam. Mr. Hoffman helped start the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, which criticized Mr. Kerry in his 2004 presidential bid.

One of the recent news reports to service was this one:

Vets Say Billionaire is Going Back on His Word.

Some Vietnam veterans are claiming that Texan businessman T. Boone Pickens is going back on his word to pay $1 million to anyone who can find inaccuracies in claims made by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth during the 2004 presidential election. Agreeing with the veterans, oddsmaker Ben Eckstein says that failing to deliver on a bet is "sacrilegious." "In the world of betting and gambling, your word is your bond," said Eckstein, president of America's Line, a sports and entertainment oddsmaking business. "Whether it's a $7 bet or a $500,000 bet, once it's made and once you shake on it, it should be done."

Which carried this:

"We have 11 different falsehoods that the [Swift Boat Veterans for Truth] came out with in 2004. We have documents, videos, editorials and depositions not just by my boat crew but other eyewitnesses who were involved in the operations."

Sanudsky added that while his group has come up with "everything Pickens asked Kerry for in November," it has all been for nothing.

Brother Navy 'Nam Vet Sanudsky added this,

"We're disappointed because he's ducking out," Sanudsky said. "He's dodging the bullet because we've got the ammunition."

In writing about the above report I placed this in my posts and e's:

Less was known about the Navy's role in that Guerilla/Insurgent Occupation. One says 'Navy' one thinks Sailors on Naval Ships or stationed on shore bases, which by the way was how I spent my whole four years, on shoreduty. Only ships I went on were 'Cuban' cargo vessals riding them through the Panama Canal guarding against them ramming the locks or causing other damage, which was a long running part of the duty down there and was Assinine to say the least, we finally got that practice stopped.

I wasn't a part of the 'Brownwater Navy' in 'Nam, Swifts, PBR's, Zippo's, PACV etc., nor was I a part of the SEAL's, which is probably the only part of the Navy in 'Nam some may have known about, still not knowing what they actually did. I did work with some in the 'Brownwater', mostly friends from previous duty bases who were there at the same time, and because of what I did some work with the SEAL's, I was a GunnersMate small arms.

Untill Apocalypse Now, the movie, I doubt the knowledge of Navy duty In-Country was a reality to most. My brother Sailors were involved in a whole slew of differing parts of that Occupation.

Do a search of 'Swiftboat', 'PBR', 'Brownwater Navy', 'COMNAVFORV', you'll find numorous sites to learn more about the Naval role in Vietnam.

A few days later this followed:

More on T. Boone - swiftie funder

T. Boone Pickens Says No Deal on Swift Boat Bounty

T. Boone Pickens is not giving up his million dollars

And today there's another report out that should be hitting Every Major/Minor Newspaper and MSM Outlet, Especially the Talking Heads who backed the Slander, Speaking Apology and putting Present Meaning To Rest!

Give My Brothers Their Proud Service Back!

More "Swiftboat Sailors" are coming out in demanding their Integrity and Service to Country Back.

“I was proud of what I did, and all the guys I was with,” Mr. Miller said. “Now somebody says ‘Swift boat’ and it’s a whole different meaning. They don’t associate it with the guys we lost. That’s a shame.”

“You would not hear the word ‘Swift boat’ and think of people that served their country and fought in Vietnam,” said Jim Newell, who spent a year as an officer in charge on one of the small Navy vessels in An Thoi and Qui Nhon. “You think about someone who was involved in a political attack on a member of a different party.

“It is time to ban a word that is at once offensive, demeaning and obscene both to and for anyone serving in the naval profession. That word is ‘Swiftboating.’ ”
This month, a group of veterans who served with Mr. Kerry took up the challenge by Boone Pickens, the billionaire Texas oilman who helped finance the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth in 2004, that he would give $1 million to anyone who could disprove anything in the group’s campaign against Mr. Kerry.

Now Billionaire T. Boone never served on a Swiftboat nor did he serve in Vietnam, but felt it was his Political Duty to fund this slanderous attack on someone who served Honorably and not only on Swiftboats but prior to that on a Support Ship for the same Swiftboats off the shores of Vietnam, doing Two tours, untill wounded in the second.

On Swiftboats.net, Larry Wasikowski tends to a crew list, a history of the boats and even archives of newsletters that various crews sent home to their families from 1966 to 1969. Mr. Wasikowski and the sailors’ association grant the designation of “Swiftie” meticulously, requiring extensive official documentation from anyone who claims the title.
By the association’s count, about 3,600 men served aboard Swift boats in Vietnam, 600 officers and 3,000 enlisted.

Some 200, a questionable count, took part in using the proud name "Swiftboat" in a Political Slander Campaign against one of their own. They did so simply because a small handfull can't stand John Kerry and his Politics, that small handfull can't even stand John McCain and some are now going after him as well!!

Regardless of what they thought of Mr. Kerry, many Swift boat veterans objected to the attacks.
“It was unconscionable,” said Stan Collier, who served as an officer in charge on a boat based in Qui Nhon. “I thought those boys struck a new low.”
Mr. Collier considers himself a conservative and did not agree with Mr. Kerry’s politics, but he voted for him to protest the Swift boat campaign. “We’ve all been attributed to the sleaziness that those guys assigned to Kerry,” he said. “I think we’ve all been demeaned.”
As Mr. Miller said, “People don’t know about us; they know about those few TV advertisements.”

“It’s taken on a life of its own,” Mr. Wasikowski said. “The problem is, it’s on the wrong side. We would like to be remembered as the one operation in Vietnam that succeeded, totally.”

And there is another group of Very Proud Military Service Members that would like their Honor Back, this covers All Conflicts, All Service Branches, and isn't making the News. It happened in the same year as the above. Yet after it occurred extremely little has been mentioned since, and especially as we have Two Theaters of Military Operations and Occupations still ongoing. Many died for this Honor, many were Maimed for this Honor, from the start of it's existance right up to Today and will continue into the forseable future.

Remember this:

This happened at that years Political Convention. A certain Political Party, who claim they are the Party of a Strong National Defense and Supporters of America's Military Personal found it not only Amusing but Extremely Funny to Pass Out and Wear their Purple Heart Bandaids, many with their Lapel American Flag Pins as well, why the Joke even carried to their talking heads, political spinmeisters, and their legions of Supporters, most who have Never Served In The Military nor do much in our times of Wars Of Choice and Occupations, except to scream they want More. More of making More Hatreds and Enemies of our Country and Us Americans! More of allowing the War Profitteers to rob from our Treasury! More of the Huge Defense Budgets with No Questions Asked about where the moneys going, More of sending the few into Multiple Tours and Stoploss! More of Not Taking Care of those sent when They Return! As long as most of them don't have to Sacrifice and can continue to call themselves a Party of Moral Americans!

I never heard an APOLOGY to the few who Serve and are Awarded Purple Hearts, America's Highest Honor, for Dying and being Maimed in America's Wars, Wars mostly of Choice not Need!

Shame On You T Boone, Shame

Your word has turned to slime, hope the business world is paying attention, though you'll always find
snakes like you to deal with and make some bucks, and I'm sure many already have learned about you
through your years of building your billions.

What's this all about? Well,

Vets Say Billionaire is Going Back on His Word.

Some Vietnam veterans are claiming that Texan businessman T. Boone Pickens is going back on his word to pay $1 million to anyone who can find inaccuracies in claims made by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth during the 2004 presidential election. Agreeing with the veterans, oddsmaker Ben Eckstein says that failing to deliver on a bet is "sacrilegious." "In the world of betting and gambling, your word is your bond," said Eckstein, president of America's Line, a sports and entertainment oddsmaking business. "Whether it's a $7 bet or a $500,000 bet, once it's made and once you shake on it, it should be done."

You see, and many already know, Pickens made his $1million wager to anyone who could bring forth falsities to disprove the 'swifties' claim, of which T. Boone had bankrolled, at a dinner for the American Spectator magazine in '07.

Kerry took him up on it, and I doubt to collect on the bet but to set the recod straight,

offering to meet Pickens and provide him with information that Kerry said would debunk the allegations.

Pickens in turn refused to meet with Kerry, wonder why, after all he made the bet calling Kerry out.

Now Pickens equally slimmy spokesperson Jay Rosser is trying to spin the meaning of the bet.

"Boone can't be accountable for everything the [Swift Boat Veterans for Truth] say," Rosser said. "[He can only be responsible] for the ads that he helped fund."

And adds,

"Nobody has stepped forward with any factual mistakes in those ads," Rosser added.

Really? Kerry makes an offer to meet with Pickens, face to face, and my brother 'Nam Navy Vets, who were stationed with Kerry as well as some being on the Swiftboat Kerry commanded taking part in the daily operations they were sent out on, in other words being the eye witnesses to anything and everything their boat, as well as the other boats with them, experianced.

"We have 11 different falsehoods that the [Swift Boat Veterans for Truth] came out with in 2004. We have documents, videos, editorials and depositions not just by my boat crew but other eyewitnesses who were involved in the operations."

Sanudsky added that while his group has come up with "everything Pickens asked Kerry for in November," it has all been for nothing.

Brother Navy 'Nam Vet Sanudsky added this,

"We're disappointed because he's ducking out," Sanudsky said. "He's dodging the bullet because we've got the ammunition."

And this,

"Where we come from, your word is your bond," Sanudsky said. "Mr. Pickens hasn't heard the last from us.
"We won't rest until he admits the truth that he bankrolled a big lie."

Now many back than couldn't understand why Kerry didn't strongly fight the charges being made by the 'swifties', especially the small number involved in that group and some not even being Swiftboat Sailors, who for purely political purposes were trying to bring some sort of 'Noble Cause' to that quagmire built on lies.

To me, a brother Navy In-Country 'Nam Vet '70-'71, I understood Kerry and knew where the swifties were coming from, as they, for political purposes, were slandering not only Kerry but their own 'Nam service as well as all who served In-Country, especially us Navy personal. Some of those clowns have been doing the same, and making money off their slanders since 'Nam as they roped in the simple minded who bought their crap.

Lets bring it closer to the present. Most, in this country, hadn't a clue what we were doing in 'Nam just like they haven't a clue what the Military Personal are doing in the Theaters of Afganistan and Iraq today, though back than the media, as small as it was, were at least reporting on some of what was going on with actual footage of firefights, firebases in the jungles, bombings in the cities.............................. etc..

Less was known about the Navy's role in that Guerilla/Insurgent Occupation. One says 'Navy' one thinks Sailors on Naval Ships or stationed on shore bases, which by the way was how I spent my whole four years, on shoreduty. Only ships I went on were 'Cuban' cargo vessals riding them through the Panama Canal guarding against them ramming the locks or causing other damage, which was a long running part of the duty down there and was Assinine to say the least, we finally got that practice stopped.

I wasn't a part of the 'Brownwater Navy' in 'Nam, Swifts, PBR's, Zippo's, PACV etc., nor was I a part of the SEAL's, which is probably the only part of the Navy in 'Nam some may have known about, still not knowing what they actually did. I did work with some in the 'Brownwater', mostly friends from previous duty bases who were there at the same time, and because of what I did some work with the SEAL's, I was a GunnersMate small arms.

Untill Apocalypse Now, the movie, I doubt the knowledge of Navy duty In-Country was a reality to most. My brother Sailors were involved in a whole slew of differing parts of that Occupation.

When all this was happening, as to the swifty attacks, it was frankly mistifying that many bought into the lies being spread, just simple common sense should have quickly dispeled them, especially as the main characters for this group, the leaders, had been doing same for years with no actual proof of their charges and they didn't have anything than, still don't.

Moral of this story: If you going to do a 527 political action group, or other obscure fringe group, you had better have all your 'i's' dotted and your 't's' crossed if paying for advertising, or saying things, to be seen, or heard, by the masses when bringing on charges, actual proof of, against someone running for office. You'll grab the minds, or lack there of, of the fools with the slander you'll put forth, but when confronted with the actual proof to slam down your slander you had better retract your charges, and most certainly, wether a billionaire or not, don't place a bet on the slander, a gambler, like me sometimes, is gonna go with the sure thing and we want our payday.

A little note to those who force their beliefs? on others:

Have those who follow their religious ideologies, all you 'christian's?' especially, forgotten that lying is a 'sin', or have you all just thrown that bit of the bible teachings out with the rest you don't care to follow, like tolerance of others?

More on T. Boone - swiftie funder

T. Boone Pickens Says No Deal on Swift Boat Bounty

T. Boone Pickens is not giving up his million dollars

Women Of The Military

As previously posted here, I'm working on a documentary about women in the military. This is a trailer for what we've got so far. Please feel free to post it or link to it on your blog or website. Also if you'd like to be a part of this, please contact me. We're looking for females from all branches with different opinions. . .and you don't necessarily need to be a veteran. We plan to shoot more in August--likely in the New York and Washington, D.C . areas, and possibly in California. (If you're not from these areas but are interested, please email me. Maybe we can work something out.)

So say hello America, to the women next door!

From GIKate over at Vet Voice

Yesterday was the 64th Anniversary

And what Anniversary would that be, you ask, Well:

Of President Franklin Roosevelt's signing of the GI Bill, which enabled millions of veterans to go to college, and is credited for sparking the post-war economic boom.

And fuel the growth of this Nation it did, I grew up in that time frame, not only of many getting the opportunity to further their education in our Universities and Colleges but the birth of Trade Schools teaching a wide veriaty of Professional Industrial Trades, many now no longer done in this country or are rapidly on the wane.

And as one progressed, either in the trades or in the corporate world, from the degrees of higher education, the rewards of long term employment and raises were common,as the economy expanded and new companies were developed by those who worked in them and went out on their own, some of the growth had to be fought for, but the education gave those fighting the tools they needed.

Most of the advancements in Industry, and other parts of the economy, came from the worker.

One thing hasn't changed, and that's the fight, of the worker, who seems to have lost that fire, but especially for those that serve the country and should already be getting back what a society owes for that service, after all we call it the Professional Military and those who serve but decide not to make it their careerer deserve more than just a chance to expand themselves in other professions, it should already be a given of what is owed.

Fighting for Those Who Fight Our Wars

There was no GI Bill for veterans of World War I. And when 17,000 jobless veterans descended on Washington, demanding help, Army troops moved in to disperse them. Several veterans were killed, and hundreds wounded.
Americans were stunned, and when World War II came, they were determined to take better care of those who had served their country in wartime.

ABC News Video Report

This country was once the envy of the World with it's expanding educational oppurtunities, it's quality workforce, it's quality products and developement of the new, it's ever growing journies into expanded technologies and developement of same, it's dedicated workforce making companies an expanded family...................................

Things haven't always been rosy, but we were a Nation pretty much Together, seems not to be the case anymore!

And the G.I. Bill was a big part of the engine that drove our developement and expansion into being the Envy of others!

They flooded college campuses, changing America in the process, producing better educated citizens, and playing a big part in post-war prosperity.

Veterans of our conflicts after WWII used their benefits but those benefits have never kept up with the growth in costs of higher education, especially as that higher education seems to have become more of a business model of waste and profit.

There's a New G.I. Bill a Comin!

For months, Pentagon officials argued that if benefits were too generous, troops would have little incentive to re-enlist. President Bush and Sen. John McCain agreed, and a new GI Bill became a major campaign issue.

Those opposed use the above false argument, many who are where they are because of their use of the G.I. Bill, which for those who have served recognize it for what it really is.

The Military, as a profession, has always been a comfortable fit for some, while others still looked outside it's boundries and looked at it as a way to give service to country than move on as a civilian after.

The comfortable factor is gravely strained when the Military is used for Wars and Occupations of Choice, of a few, and not as a deterant for Strong National Security.

Instead of creating goodwill, as a country, the use of strong arm tactics, especially by Military Actions, in these conflicts of choice give rise to more hatreds and enemies thus endangering the National Security for Decades.

Those using the Military for personal gains, Wealth, Power, Political, fight the attempts to really Support those that serve.

But they have lost their battle against those they've used, a battle that never should have been waged by a country who's citizens don't serve!

Both McCain and Bush say they support the new bill, which will provide $50 billion over the next 10 years for veterans like Bailey and for those still serving in uniform.

CBS News also covered this yesterday on 'Sunday Morning' with a great video report that they don't have up on their site, but the report is there.

PL 346 was the Congressional designation of a landmark bill signed into law 64 years ago today - legislation designed to smooth the transition to civilian life for millions of World War II servicemen. In the process it changed America for ALL of us. Congress is very close to approving expanded benefits for service men and women of today's Iraq War era. Our Cover Story is reported now by Thalia Assuras

Now lets Bring Them Home from these Occupations Of Choice and Take Care Of The Wounded, Physically and Especially Mentally As Well, that fight hasn't been won yet!

Why is Peace Not Patriotic?

That's the question asked by The Real News Network

Back on Thursday, May 15, 2008 I asked a question as well: PEACE Is A Political Statement?.

Both of these are asked as to the Why? a Veterans Organization was banned from marching in Memorial Day Parades. Mine covered two chapters of Veterans For Peace

Chapter 139 (North Olympic Peninsula) and Chapter 016 (Washington D.C.) have both been banned from parades! In both cases, being too political was the reason cited for the ban.

The Real News Network covers the Parade in Washington D.C., the Capital of this Country, The Country And Citizens We Veterans Served For!

The Washington, DC chapter of Veterans for Peace is barred from DC's Memorial Day Parade

Thousands of people gathered in downtown DC for the annual Memorial Day parade. American flags lined the street and viewers showed their support of US troops and their patriotism. Instead of a flag, Michael Marceau held a banner, which called for peace and stated that his veterans' organization had been "kicked out of the parade." The Real News Network spoke with Michael and parade attendees to understand where Americans believe peace belongs in this day of patriotism.

There is a transcript at the Real News Network link above { their video can be found there as well }, but here are a few statements from that transcript:

Transcript
National Memorial Day Parade
Washington, DC
May 26, 2008

TEXT ON SCREEN: The Washington chapter of Veterans For Peace tried to take part in this year's National Memorial Day parade. The coordinators of the parade refused their application.
PALEVSKY: There was a veterans’ organization called Veterans for Peace, which states that it is for bringing the troops home from Iraq, that was kept out of this parade.

JEROME, PARADE ATTENDEE: Well, I guess whoever organized the parade has some kind of a right to keep people out that they don't want in, but I also think that those people have a right to march, I think. I mean, a war is supposed to bring a country together, not divide it.

PALEVSKY: What was your intention of joining the parade?

MARCEAU: Well, we just wanted to give—we have two World War II veterans who are still active in chapter activities whenever they can be, plus the widow of the man, Delwyn Anderson, for whom our chapter was named. We had planned to put them in convertibles and just go down the street carrying our Veterans for Peace flag here and several American flags, and that was about the extent of it. All we wanted to do was be visible and be acknowledged as someone who has stepped up to serve their country when their country asked them to.

Now when did this Nation, who puts out Human Rights Violations Lists Yearly, calls for Peace amoung Nations, Condemns those that Wage Wars or Criminal Terrorism, Believes itself a Christian Nation of Peace, Excepts those who are Persecuted in their own Countries for Speaking Out about their own governments Unpeaceful Actions and Human Rights Violations..................................................,you could write a book on what we say we are and what we think we are, Start Believing That PEACE Is Not Only Political But Unpatriotic???

And why are We, the citizens of this country, excepting this Double Speak of the few who use their Political Ideologies to push their Fear and thirst for Wealth and Power!

Many of us who belong to Veterans For Peace served in a theater of War and Occupation, Vietnam, that was Sold to the Nation, and us, as to Stop The Expansion of a Political Ideology, Communism, that this Country Condemns as being one that wants to wage War to Control others and spread their Ideology, 58,000 of our Brothers and Sisters names are etched into the marble of a monument, in that Capital city, it's called "The Wall"!

There's a new monument, in that same National Capital city, finally after all these years, dedicated to those who fought and died in the Righteous War against another Ideology, Nazism, in Europe, and the Waring threat waged by the Japanesse, in the Pacific!

There's also another monument dedicated to those who died and served in the War of agression by the North Koreans and their supporters the Communist Chinesse!

There are Veterans of those Conflicts as well as our other adventures in War, and in 'Peace' time who are members of Veterans For Peace with chapters spread around the country!

Peace is Democracy, Peace is Patriotism, Peace is Freedom, Peace is Leadership, Peace is Religion, Peace is Tolerance, Peace is Righteous, Peace is Personal, Peace is that which we should be leaving to the generations coming, World Peace Was this Nations Main Goal, NO MORE!