Memorials

Today, as many know or should know, is Veterans Day, or actually many who observe call it what it was intended to be called, Armistice Day.


On this day in a U.S. occupation of anothers country, that seems so long ago but isn't, and which I served '70-'71, the following happened:


November 11, 1972

The U.S. Army turned over its massive military base at Long Binh to the South Vietnamese army, symbolizing the end of direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. The last American forces, however, did not leave until 1975.

**********

April 29 - Corporal Charles McMahon, Jr., and Lance Corporal Darwin Judge, USMC, are the last US military personnel killed in Vietnam. They are struck during a rocket attack at the US Embassy in Saigon, during the final North Vietnamese attack on the government.

April 30 - At 7:53 a.m., 11 US Marines (the last of 865 Marines assigned to guard the US Embassy) carrying the American flag, are airlifted from the US Embassy rooftop helipad. Three hours later the Vietnam war finally ends when North Vietnamese tanks break into the Presidential Palace.

There will be much written and said about Armistice Day, than again there will probably be even more not said nor written by many who really don't observe, even as to their family members long gone, wether killed in conflicts or served in but passed away years later.


The purpose of this is to point to another observance, actually two, one a dedication 15 year anniversary of one memorial, The Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Another a dedication anniversary two days later some 27 years past of 'The Wall', the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, both in Washington DC, this countries capital.


On November 13, 1982 The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. Carved into black granite are the 58,260 names of those Americans who died in Vietnam. The designer, Maya Ying Lin of Athens, Ohio, a 21-year-old architecture student at Yale University, was the winner of the competition that drew 1,421 design entries: ". . . this memorial is for those who have died, and for us to remember them." Eventually, the Memorial included three elements, the Wall of names, the Three Servicemen Statue and Flagpole, and the Vietnam Women's Memorial.{ From: This Week In Peace History as will be some of the following links. }


Read more about the memorial:

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, USA, "The Wall" now has carved into it the names of the 58,260 American military personnel (eight were women) who were direct casualties of the war, including about 1300 who are still considered Missing In Action (MIA).

When The Wall was built, there were 57,159 names. A few names have been added each year: those where lost records of wartime death were found later or those names of men who died after the war from physical injuries as a result of the war. Each of the branches of the Department of Defense made and continues to make the determinations of eligibility.

The Women’s Memorial

Each Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the stories of the women cast in bronze come to life as veterans and other American patriots share their experiences “in their own voices.”

Through verse, prose and music, a tapestry of stories is woven by women who served in support of the Armed Forces: nurses, administrators, air traffic controllers, journalists, women who entertained troops as members of the USO and Red Cross, women who served in a variety of occupations around the world. Men who knew their sisters in war and have partnered with them to ensure healing and peace also share their stories in a compelling and educational way.

15th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Memorial, Veterans Day Nov 8-11, 2008, Various locations, Washington DC VWMF

Stunning photo gallery of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial including interactive panoramic images


And the young architect Maya Lin, who won the call for the design that is one of the most moving, emotionally, memorials ever constructed.


Charlie Rose interview with Maya Lin and filmmaker Freida Lee Mock, who made the Academy-Award-winning documentary, "Maya Lin - A Strong Clear Vision"


Charlie Rose 12/26/1995: Maya Lin & Freida Lee Mock



And what War and Occupation can do to many who survive:


MoJo: The Pentagon's PTSD Denial


How killing scars soldiers—and their loved ones.

In the spring of 2002, an Army major named Peter Kilner submitted an unusual essay to Military Review, a journal published by the Combined Arms Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Kilner argued that combat leaders have an obligation to justify the killing their soldiers do. "Soldiers who kill reflexively in combat will likely one day reconsider their actions reflectively," he wrote. "If they are unable to justify to themselves that they killed another human being, they will likely, and understandably, suffer enormous guilt" that could balloon into post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd). Top brass who ignored the issue, he concluded, were "treating their soldiers as commodities, not as persons."

After Two Iraq War Deployments


Army Major General Steps Forward, Breaks Culture of Silence on Mental Health

Blackledge got psychiatric counseling to deal with wartime trauma, and now he is defying the military's culture of silence on the subject of mental health problems and treatment.

"It's part of our profession ... nobody wants to admit that they've got a weakness in this area," Blackledge said of mental health problems among troops returning from America's two wars.

Facing The Wall: A Mission

Witness This Engaging Account About One Woman's Struggling in Taking Care of Her Vietnam War Veteran Husband Suffering From Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

FACING THE WALL: A MISSION symbolizes the everlasting pains of war as well as our search for peace. It pays special attention to PTSD and its effects on the whole family.

Growing Problem For Veterans: Domestic Violence

"The increasing number of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) raises the risk of domestic violence and its consequences on families and children in communities across the United States," says Monica Matthieu, Ph.D., an expert on veteran mental health and an assistant professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis.

David Connolly in "Voices in Wartime"

Boston poet and Vietnam veteran, David Connolly, reads his poetry and talks about the death of friends, combat trauma, nightmares and memories, and how the experience of war changes people forever.

Military, VA Confront Rising Suicide Rates Among Troops

November 10, 2008
MP3: The Army says that suicides among active duty personnel have doubled in recent years, and multiple deployments might contribute to that increase. NewsHour correspondent Betty Ann Bowser explores how the Army and Department of Veterans Affairs are responding to the rising suicide rate.

You Can Listen To Report in mp3 with the link.

Extended Interviews {Video} : Army psychiatrist Col. Elspeth Ritchie, veterans advocate Paul Sullivan and VA Secretary James Peake. {after each interview hit the 'next' arrow to continue to next interview}{The discussion with Paul Sullivan is a Must Watch as he lays out the Legacy that will Be Remembered as to the Administration and the Appointee's of}

Forum: Ask questions of Ritchie, Sullivan and VA representatives. {Check back on Friday, Nov. 14 for answers to your questions.}

The Army says that suicides among its active duty personnel have doubled in recent years, and multiple deployments may be contributing to the increase. A veterans' advocate, an Army psychiatrist and representatives of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs take your questions.

And from 'Nam brother BOHICA's Dialy KOS Post last year this snippet:

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, it became "All quiet on the western front." An armistice signed at six o’clock that morning took effect and brought a cease-fire to the "War to end all wars." Since that fateful hour, most nations, which fought in that conflict, observe Armistice Day. The United States in 1938 made it official with a proclamation that states in part: "...it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and...inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples."

And what the day really is:

Armistice Day:

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
...Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations...

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."

'World Peace', wonderful concept that has been totally destroyed as the Hatreds Level have been greatly increased these last 8yrs. with the destruction and occupations under a banner of 'Terrorism' as we waged it against those we condemned for doing same!


What will the Memorial for the 'War on Terrorism', conflicts and occupations being fought under that misnomer in Afghanistan and Iraq, look like and give back to those who fought in these theaters, and their families, and their memories, memories of multiple tours in one or both.


To the rest it will be just another memorial.

NPR - Talk of the Nation - Veterans Court, Buffalo NY

5-07-08, NPR's Talk of the Nation had a followup to a previous NPR Report on this, a Veterans Court setup in Buffalo NY. I previously did a post on the first report, and that report can also be found at todays Talk of the Nation site page, in the link below.

Vets in Legal Trouble Find Help in Buffalo Court

Talk of the Nation, May 7, 2008 · Earlier this year, Robert Russell, a judge in Buffalo New York, decided to address the increasing number of veterans he saw entering the criminal justice system. Russell established a special court that considers the experience of war before sentencing and helps former soldiers find treatment.

Guests:

Hank Parowski, project director for Buffalo City Court

Libby Lewis, NPR's national desk correspondent {who put together the first report}

Tom Berger, national chair of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Abuse for Vietnam Veterans of America

This link brings up the NPR Player to listen to report

And an Update to the Conditions found at the Fort Bragg Army barracks that returning Afganistan and Iraq Military personal were living in:

Army Secretary: barracks repairs to cost $248 million

Army Secretary Pete Geren said today that the military will commit $248 million to repair dilapidated barracks around the world.

UpDate Video - MSNBC

Veterans Court - Buffalo NY

Back in January Ilona Meagher, of PTSD Combat-Winning The War Within posted about a Justice Court being set up in Buffalo NY to help Veterans who get into legal trouble you can read her post Here

This Court came together with the help of the local Buffalo chapter membership of Vietnam Veterans of America:

Western New York Chapter 77 member Jack O’Connor has put together a program called Veterans Court in conjunction with the Buffalo Police Department, Buffalo City Court Judge Robert T. Russell, Jr., and the Buffalo VA Medical Center. The object of the Veterans Court program is to keep veterans who are arrested for low-level crimes out of jail. The program provides VA counselors to work with these veterans with the idea of getting them into appropriate treatment programs. If a veteran successfully completes the program, which Judge Russell monitors, charges may be dropped and the veteran will not have to serve jail time.

Since than not much has been reported about this needed endevor to help Veterans who go astray of the law, in most cases in their attempts to reintegrate back into society, a society that most haven't experianced what these military personal have.

The Huge Majority of service men and women, even though reports have serviced, as the military trys to maintain it's quota's on enlistment, aren't criminals, never have been of criminal mind, and most likely never would have broken laws. But when one goes into Wars of Choice, and especially with extended multiple tours, many change as they are caught in a never land of trying to adjust and living with the memories of their experiances unsure of where to seek help or who to talk to. Their actions can than lead to breaking the laws of the land they once served Honorably, loosing their way after that service.

On the 29th, of April, the Veterans Court came into the light, long over due, but well along since the start to report on it's needed service.

NPR's Morning Edition did a report on one returned Iraq Veteran it's been helping, instead of locking up:

Nancy J. Parisi for NPR
Iraq veteran Gary Pettengill waits at the bus stop outside the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Buffalo. He is here most days, either to work or to go to drug rehab.

Court Aims to Help Vets with Legal Troubles

You Can Listen Now, brings up NPR Player.

Morning Edition, April 29, 2008 · As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan put renewed focus on the issue of veterans' mental health, a judge in Buffalo, N.Y., has created a special court to assist veterans who wind up in the criminal justice system.

Gary Pettengill wanted to make a career out of the military, but the Army made him take a medical discharge in 2006 after he injured his back in Iraq. At the time, Pettengill was 23 and married, with a third child on the way.

To cope with what he says were empty days and nightmares caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, Pettengill says he started smoking marijuana. Then he began selling it to pay his bills. In February, he was arrested during a drug sweep and accused of being in possession of two pounds of marijuana.

Read Rest Here

Nancy J. Parisi for NPR
The VA provides Pettengill with bus tokens to get to and from the medical center. That helps him stay on track with the Buffalo veterans court.

This RepugNut Has Got To Be Kidding!

A group of Marines ogling a pinup girl outside their bunkers in Khe Sanh, South Vietnam, in January 1968

Targetting Congressional Pages or Toe Tapping in public bathroom stalls is just fine and dandy, as well as giving male prostitutes seemingly unlimitted access to the White House Press Room and only rove knows where else, and the other numorous sex related adventures of mostly republican congressmen, bet the women have a few little secrets themselves.

But shockingly, once again, after being the Lead Cheerleaders, along with their equally sex confused talking heads, o'really are you listening, you to fatboy cyst, to the extremely failed policy of Wars/Occupations Of Choice we get this:

Stars, Bars and Skin
A congressman cracks down on soft porn at the PX.

Wonder what's hidden in his closet, and/or how many names did he use in describing All Of Us who Opposed their Need to Occupy another small country, destroying it and it's people, creating more Hatreds and Damaging our National Security for the years to come!

Republican Congressman Paul Broun, the representative from Georgia's 10th District, wants to stop the sale of Playboy and Penthouse at military bases around the world, invoking an argument that at the very least is scientifically questionable: that consuming even soft pornography makes men more prone to committing sex crimes.

This while they are lowering the standards for recruitment to supply the Military Industrial Complex the warm bodies needed in order to maintain their Occupations of Innocents, to kill and be killed, so they can claim their Strenght on National Security and how Mocho, with Family Values, they are!

According to data released Monday by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the U.S. Army and Marine Corps recruited significantly more ex-convicts last year than in 2006. The crimes included assault, sex crimes, manslaughter, and burglary.

I'm still wondering where are all those Supporters, Young RepugNuts, and Why? they haven't been rushing to their recruitment centers to sign on the line and take The Oath of Service to Country, I mean they've had plenty of time, we're into the sixth year in Iraq and Afganistan, with those who are serving, many because there no longer are comfortable paying jobs with any type of future, serving two, three, four, and now some five tours In Theaters!

You would think this congress critter would be more concern with this:

YouTube video raises concerns about Bragg barracks

Barracks for Charlie CO 2/508 82n Airborne

Or this:

Lawsuit: Veterans Affairs Has Failed To Prevent Suicides
Lawsuit Accuses Dept. Of Veterans Affairs Of Failing To Prevent An 'epidemic Of Suicide'

And how about their leading Candidate for leadership of Country and Party:

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS STRONGLY REJECT MCCAIN'S
WATERED-DOWN EDUCATION BILL
"Stop undermining America's heroes," say war veterans

Or the Many Other Overwelming reports, finally servicing, this year especially, of what these RepugNuts should have placed Front and Center as they Beat The Drums Of War/Occupation Louder and Louder, and Keep On Beating, placing themselves, along with their spin meisters, Above All in this Society a Society they're Hired to Represent!

I mean with all these Family Values that bring on a his False sense of Morality of Soft Porn that may Corrupt these Young Minds of our Military Personal, like these war mongers and profitteers could care, especially in Theaters of Their Wars/Occupations!

VA's Katz Should Leave Now, and Anyone Else Involved In Shirking Duty!!

I don't need to add anything to the below, one: I'm not there, two: what's below says it all, three: this Country put it's Military Through All This Before to my Brother 'Nam Vets and followed up with Every Deployment Since!

How many know what's happening with the Gulf War I Vets!

Murray: VA's Katz Should Leave
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., says she wants "honesty, openness, and directness" from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and says Dr. Ira Katz, the VA's top official for mental health, should step aside.

Harkin: 'Cover-Up' At VA
Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, responds to emails exposed by CBS News that show the Dept. of Veterans Affairs withheld information about suicide risk among veterans. "Some heads oughta roll," says Harkin.

A little backround as the Trial started on monday.

Lawsuit: Veterans Affairs Has Failed To Prevent Suicides
Lawsuit Accuses Dept. Of Veterans Affairs Of Failing To Prevent An 'epidemic Of Suicide'

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs isn't doing enough to prevent suicide and provide adequate medical care for Americans who have served in the armed forces, a class-action lawsuit that goes to trial this week charges.

The lawsuit, filed in July by two nonprofit groups representing military veterans, accuses the agency of inadequately addressing a "rising tide" of mental health problems, especially post-traumatic stress disorder.

"CBS News RAW": Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., questions Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon Mansfield about allegations that the VA tried to cover up the true risk of suicide among veterans.

After a Senate hearing, CBS News' Armen Keteyian asks Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon Mansfield if Dr. Ira Katz, the department's top mental health official, will remain at the VA.

CountDown - KO

VA official accused of covering up suicide rates
Dems call for mental health chief to quit after e-mails contradict reports

Class-action suit against Veterans Affairs opens

SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may paint a rosy picture of improving healthcare for veterans, but the agency has systematically denied benefits to sick veterans and delayed claims so long that many of them commit suicide, a lawyer for two advocacy groups argued in federal court Monday.

"The court faces an agency that is in denial and a healthcare system and an adjudication system that are broken down and in crisis," said Gordon P. Erspamer, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, in an opening statement in the class-action suit against the VA.

Attorney leading suit a veteran in battling VA

Gordon Erspamer, the attorney who brought the lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs that went to trial this week in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, is a big, unresponsive government agency's worst nightmare.

He's a rainmaker attorney for a major firm in the city who has set aside time to take legal action that doesn't earn a penny. And besides that, he's got a compelling and personal back story and a chip on his shoulder to prove it.

Minn. veterans tell House Speaker Pelosi that too many vets fall through cracks in the system
Congressman Tm Walz and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi listened to questions and concerns brought up during a round-table discussion with Minnesota veterans at the Minneapolis Veterans' Hospital.

MINNEAPOLIS - Too many Iraq War veterans are slipping through the cracks and aren't getting the benefits they've earned, veterans told U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday.

Care and clarity at the VA

War affects different people in different ways. We know more about that because of advances in various sciences, technology and computing power. There's still a lot left to learn. But this is certain: The price of war isn't limited to the cost of bullets.

That's why it's so important to have a strong, efficient, accountable federal agency to disburse care to those among us whom our nation sent off to fight. For the first time in its modern incarnation, the Department of Veterans Affairs is led by a general who is also a doctor, James B. Peake.

Let a few of the Families speak as well:

Veterans Families Speak Out
"Only On The Web": Chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian speaks to the families of five soldiers who, allegedly suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, took their own lives.

What's happening is just 'The Tip Of The Iceburg', as they say!

You had better prepare yourselves Country, you Wanted It, and You Allow It To Continue, the Human Costs have already started mounting!

And keep in mind the little Country We Destroyed and the Deaths and Maimings 'In Your Name'!!!

Nearly 1 In 5 Vets Reports Mental Problems

Notebook: PTSD
A new study found that 1 in 5 U.S. troops suffer from depression or post traumatic stress disorder from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Randall Pinkston comments. |

PTSD Ignored By Military Brass
Soldiers diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder can cost the U.S. military millions each. So top brass are finding other ways to deal with the illness. Kimberly Dozier reports.

The Military's Showdown Over PTSD
Battle Between The Old School And New School Methods For Handling Troops' Mental Health

Inerview with Medic in above Video:


Eye To Eye: PTSD
"Only On The Web": Kimberly Dozier speaks with PFC Jonathan Norrell, a U.S. army medic who, despite being diagnosed with PTSD, was denied a medical discharge.

Veterans Families Speak Out
"Only On The Web": Chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian speaks to the families of five soldiers who, allegedly suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, took their own lives.

The Site Pages With The Worded Reports plus The Video's

CBS News
FYI: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Nearly 1 In 5 Vets Reports Mental Problems
Study: 300,000 U.S. Troops Suffering From Depression, PTSD; 320,000 Have Brain Injuries

The Military's Showdown Over PTSD
Battle Between The Old School And New School Methods For Handling Troops' Mental Health

The Military's Showdown Over PTSD
Battle Between The Old School And New School Methods For Handling Troops' Mental Health

ABC News
Study Says 300,000 U.S. Troops Suffer Mental Problems
Researchers Point to Need for Additional Mental Health Resources for Returning Soldiers
Roadside IEDs Take Toll on U.S. GIs ABC Video Report
Nearly one in five U.S. soldiers suffers from PTS disorder or major depression.
04/17/2008

What This Country Has Brought On Itself!

An Update to my post from last night, I also expect a Video report following a local TV Stations nightly news from the area, with the family press conferance.

Body identified as former Marine Hall
(Last updated: March 12, 2008 11:14 AM)

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has notified Eric Hall’s family this morning that the remains found in a culvert Sunday was the former Marine.

A detective from the agency notified the family at 10 a.m. and relayed the cause of death has not been determined.

Becky Hall, Eric’s mother, plans a press conference at noon.

The family scheduled a military memorial service at noon Thursday at the Faith Lutheran Church, 4005 Palm Drive, Punta Gorda.

I certainly hope this Country is out of it's collective Denial, about Vietnam, and it's Apathy as to this World we live in, much of it created by our past policies and now the present, for the Future is Here!

What is happening now, as to these Conflicts Of Choice, the Choice to invade Iraq, based on Lies and cherrypicked intelligence, and to walk away from Afganistan, once again, not fullfilling our promises, once again, not only as to bin Laden but putting the resources necessary to help this country that has long suffered the ravages of invasion and occupation, which after helping the Afgan's, bin Laden included, in the Soviet Invasion we up and walked away from the promises made than!

No one knows what may be coming from the rise of Hatreds we have created, the tens of thousands of Iraqi's killed and maimed, the country destroyed, the torturing of others {and don't tell me we've only done it three times, That's BullShit!}, the Millions Displaced........................................................................................!!

But we also better be prepared, and Pay the Cost of, as well as have an Understanding, of what we have created in some who we've sent into another 'Hell On Earth', for all of them they have been changed for life, for some they will live the present over and over!

The following is no excuse but it is one of many tragic incidents that have already occurred with more to follow. How do I know, and I'm not the only one, because we've been living with the results of another conflict from not long ago and some of us know the reasons why, we're a part of the 'Focus Groups', little georgie!

Mom of Auburn Slaying Suspect Apologizes
The mother of the man charged with killing an Auburn University student said her son was an Iraq war veteran who was changed after his service, and offered an apology to the freshman's family.

Catherine Williams, the mother of suspect Courtney Lockhart, made the apology to Lauren Burk's family in an interview with Columbus, Ga., television station WTVM.

Over at Police One we find part one, of a three part report Titled: Exclusive: Cops back from the war: What problems do they pose? By Chuck Remsberg, Senior PoliceOne Contributor

Thousands of American law enforcement officers have been called to military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, and authorities are increasingly focusing attention on how well some of those can reintegrate into domestic policing once they return home.

He adds a few instances of recent report:

• In Texas, an officer recently back from reservist deployment to Iraq, opened fire on a suspect who was running through a crowded shopping center. The rounds narrowly missed the officer’s partner and one lodged in a van occupied by two children. “Everyone believes he should not have fired,” the officer’s attorney told USA Today. “His assessment of the threat level was wrong. He was assessing as if he was back in the military, not [as] a police officer.”

• In Georgia, an officer who’d served in Iraq with the National Guard was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter. He was part of a misdirected drug raid in which an elderly woman was killed. His lawyer says he was undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition afflicting a significant percentage of returning vets.

• In Nevada, a trooper who’d been in Iraq as an Army Guardsman, pleaded guilty to felony reckless driving and was sentenced to 2 to 12 years. According to the New York Times, he was driving 118 mph when he slammed into another car, killing four people and critically injuring another.

Adding the obvious, at least for some:

No one claims that all—or even a majority—of post-deployment veterans are menaces to society once they pin a badge back on and resume patrol duties. But by the same token, says Dr. Stephen Curran, a Maryland psychologist who counsels officers, “You can’t just put people back in [law enforcement] jobs, give them their guns and expect that things are going to be fine. Getting back into the flow of things is a challenge.”

A Symposium was put together where more than 200 police and mental health professionals representing 73 federal, state, county and city agencies in seven states attended.

Drawing on the panel’s presentations, Part 1 of this exclusive series examines the roots of post-deployment adjustment problems. Part 2 will explore the challenges these present to officers, their families and their departments when they come home. In part 3, we’ll look at measures knowledgeable observers believe are necessary to assure a successful transition back to the streets.

The subtitles of this report are WAR ZONE REALITIES. and CASUALTIES OF THE MIND.

You should go over and read the report, it isn't that long and touches on a number of points you should start understanding better, not only as those who serve in Law Enforcement but as to many of the Returning Veterans, serving Multiple Tours thus Mutiple Years in Combat Theaters!

I, or anyone, could add so many reports of Tragic incidents that have occurred, in these last Five Years, past to recent, and I'm afraid for Many Years To Come!

Some may have already seen this report from our State Department China's human rights rating upgraded by U.S. State Dept.
It takes the country off the list of worst human rights offenders but still notes serious concerns.

Once upon a time others paid attention to these reports, even those who knew we weren't as perfect as we believe we are.

Want to know what the rest of the World, most of which were Solidly Behind Us after 9/11, and felt our pain, many already having lived through their own tragedies of Criminal Terrorism or a better phrase long running Guerilla War on a Global Stage for many years, they will Laugh, not a Funny Laugh, but a Laugh of Sad Knowledge of our now Very Public Hypocrisy, not only as to 'Human Rights' but Total Disregard of the Human Life of Others as long as We Get What We Want and Need in our Arrogance and Materialistic Lives!!

Ever wonder the Why of No American POW's in either raging conflict, hint: They Knew What We Were Doing Long Before We Got The News!

What we practice opens wide what others can and will do, with impunity, to our Soldiers and Civilians wherever they may be!

We can No Longer Condemn others, nor seek sympathy from allies or the marginal, we have joined the ranks of the once Condemned!

Better start the realization Now, your children, your granchildren, and if you live long enough, your great granchildren will want answers as to the World We Have Left Them!!

One Reality will be able to start for you Tomorrow, visit Iraq Veterans Against The War - Winter Soldier to find out where you can View or Listen to the Testimony of Iraq and Afganistan Veterans

Untill than you may want to listen to this:

For Former Combatants, A Plan for Peace

Fresh Air from WHYY, March 10, 2008 · Bassam Aramin and Zohar Shapira, the co-founders of Combatants for Peace, talk about their mission to end the cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine by bringing together individuals who previously fought against each other.

A former member of the Palestinian Fatah movement, Aramin began a seven-year sentence in an Israeli prison at age 17. He now works as a clerk at the Palestinian National Archives.

Shapira served as combatant and commander in an elite unit of the Israeli army for 15 years. He now is a teacher in a Waldorf school in Israel.

Currently around 450 Palestinians and Israelis are members of the group.

You can Listen with this Link

In the above one of the Combatants For Peace talks about his 10yr old Daughters Death.

You can listen to a previous 31/2 min. NPR report, from January 22, 2007, on that tragedy with this link.

Both bring up the NRP Player.

A few, I'm sure, will understand why I've added these to the above, a Few!!

Combatants For Peace

I did two Posts on this group of Israelli and Palestinian Ex-Combatants shortly after they were formed and a Veterans For Peace member was invited to Israel to meet with them.

You can read those posts Here and Here

The YouTube Video's don't play no more in these posts, but you can find same at their site, link in the posts.

Veteran's Suicides

Ilona Meagher of PTSD Combat: Winning the War Within, has this Free Downloadable Suicide Prevention Book over at her site. Links to the Free Download can be found there along with a cut from the book, as well as this Video:

Threatening & SwiftBoating a 12yr. Old & Family

Many already have written about the extremely sickening attacks on a 12yr. old young man, Graeme Frost, and his family.

You can find a reading of others thoughts Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, and Here. And if you just search his name you'll come up with 41 other hits under Diary's.

Many may have caught 'Count Down', last night, and the interview with the parents of Graeme and his little sister.

Here are the aftermath pics of the accident that nearly cost Graeme and Gemma Frost their lives. These are personal photos from their parents, shared with Countdown for use in a segment tonight. The children are still suffering today, and if there's any doubt they and their family could use a little help from Uncle Sam, it should disappear after you see these.
THE GRAEME FROST ACCIDENT PICTURES

I hope you took a long hard look at the pictures of the accident that changed these kids, and their family, Lives!

Here is that interview, if some had missed it. Or to once again see these hard working, non-wealthy, Regular Caring Parents, speak in their own words of a world turned upside down because some, with Total Ignorance and Pure Hate, instead of hearts and understanding, stuck the virtual knives in their backs and kept twisting them!

Threatening & SwiftBoating a 12yr. Old & Family


I'm way beyond Disgusted with not only this but everything else that this country, and it's people and politics, have become, in these last short, quick years!

Need I Say More!

Support The 'Woodruff Fund'

Bob and Lee Woodruff know how to draw a crowd.

They will be hosting the "Stand up for Heroes" gala on Nov 7th, those showing up include Journalists, Generals, Politicians & Comedians Coming Together To Support The Woodruff Fund, a partnership between the New York Comedy Festival and the Bob Woodruff Family Fund

Conan O'Brien hosts the event which is being chaired by Peter and Megan Chernin of News Corp., Bob Iger and Willow Bay of Disney, Les Moonves and Julie Chen of CBS, Dick and Laura Parsons of Time Warner and Jeff and Caryn Zucker of NBCU.

This event is billed as "an evening of laughter, tributes and gratitude dedicated to our nation's injured service members."

Those attending and making up the honorary committee are Generals Barry McCaffrey and John Abizaid; Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver; Senators Bob Dole, Elizabeth Dole, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Tim Johnson, John McCain, John Warner and Jim Webb; and presidential candidates John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth and Mitt Romney.

The benefit committee includes journalists Christiane Amanpour, Wolf Blitzer, Tom Brokaw, Steve Capus, Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Kimberly Dozier, Charlie Gibson, Kayce Jennings, Jon Klein, Sean McManus, Martha Raddatz, Tim Russert, Diane Sawyer, Lynn Sherr, Claire Shipman, Greta Van Susteren, Barbara Walters, Jim Walton, David Westin, and Brian & Jane Williams.

"We are a very lucky family with Bob's recovery and we are well aware that not every family has the outcome we have had," said Bob and Lee Woodruff. "We were determined to use our journey to draw attention to the number of traumatic brain injuries from this war and to ensure that all service members returning from the war continue to receive the best care and attention in rehab and beyond."

Those joining Conan O'Brien in hosting and perfoming will be Lewis Black, Bruce Springsteen, Robin Williams and Other Special Guests.

It takes place on November 7, 2007 at the New York City Town Hall

Proceeds from the evening going to the Bob Woodruff Family Fund

It will start at 8:00PM on wednesday November 7th.

The Honorary Committee for this unprecedented event to support our injured service members is led by President and Mrs. George W. Bush, President George H.W. Bush and President William J. Clinton.

Also joining the Honorary Committee are Senator Bob Dole, Senator Elizabeth Dole, General John Abizaid, Senator Joseph Biden, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Congressman Bill and Beverly Young, Senator Tim Johnson, General Barry McCaffrey, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Senator Carl Levin, Vice Admiral Donald Arthur, Senator John Warner, Senator John and Elizabeth Edwards, Admiral Edmund Giambastiani, Senator Chuck Hagel, Senator Jim Webb, Senator John McCain, Congressman Steve Buyer, General Michael Hagee, Governor Mitt Romney, Judge William Sessions, Congressman Robert Filner, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Senator Robert Byrd, Congressman Walter Jones, Congressman Jerry Lewis, Senator Pat Roberts, Lieutenant General Gregory Newbold, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Congressman Ike Skelton and others.

The growing Benefit Committee list includes Christiane Amanpour, Jeff Bewkes, Wolf Blitzer, Tom Brokaw, Tina Brown, Steve Capus, Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Kimberly Dozier, James Gandolfini, Charlie Gibson, Kayce Jennings, Jon Klein, Cindi Leive, Sean McManus, Janice Min, Robbie Myers, Martha Nelson, Mike Nichols, Dan Peres, Martha Raddatz, Kelly Ripa, Tim Russert, Diane Sawyer, Lynn Sherr, Claire Shipman, Leonard and Allison Stern, Greta Van Susteren, Barbara Walters, Jim Walton, Harvey Weinstein, David Westin, Brian and Jane Williams and Fareed Zakaria to name a few. In addition, GFI Group Inc. is a prime sponsor of the event.

"We are a very lucky family with Bob's recovery and we are well aware that not every family has the outcome we have had," said Bob and Lee Woodruff. "We were determined to use our journey to draw attention to the number of traumatic brain injuries from this war and to ensure that all service members returning from the war continue to receive the best care and attention in rehab and beyond."

The Bob Woodruff Family Fund assists service members injured while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Special emphasis is placed on the "hidden signature injuries" of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan traumatic brain injury (TBI) and combat stress injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Fund works with private industry and government to develop public awareness and excellence in research, education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support and resources for the injured and their families as they reintegrate to duty or civilian life. For more information, please visit the Bob Woodruff Family Fund

For ticket information on the "Stand Up for Heroes: A Benefit for the Bob Woodruff Family Fund" event, please email Benefit or visit the site.

This event is produced by Caroline Hirsch, Lee Woodruff, Jeff Ross, Andrew Fox and Louis Faranda.

The Fourth Annual NYCF's roster also includes celebrated comics Rosie O'Donnell performing at Avery Fisher Hall on November 6; Sarah Silverman at Carnegie Hall on November 7; "Comedy Cares for the Homeless" with Joy Behar and Kathleen Madigan at Carolines on Broadway on November 7; Andy Borowitz "Countdown to '08" with Mo Rocca and Arianna Huffington at the 92nd Street Y on November 7; Denis Leary at the Beacon Theatre on November 8; Louis CK at Town Hall on November 8; The writers of the Late Show with David Letterman at the Paley Center for Media on November 9; Artie Lange at Town Hall on November 9; Damon Wayans at the Beacon Theatre on November 9; "Scrubs: The Farewell Tour" at the Paley Center for Media on November 10; Bill Maher at the Beacon Theatre on November 10; DL Hughley at Town Hall on November 10; ASSSSCAT with Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh at Irving Plaza at 9 pm; and "Family Guy's" Seth MacFarlane at Avery Fisher Hall on November 11.

The NYCF sponsors include Jeep, American Express, exclusive broadcast partners WNYW/Fox 5 and WWOR/My9 New York, internet media sponsor MySpace.com, The New York Post and Time Out New York. The 2007 NYCF is produced by Carolines on Broadway and The Alliance Agency.

This ought to be an interesting, and well needed, fun event. It makes me wonder if there will be some well needed Public Sparks flying. Just looking at the cast of characters performing and the cast of characters sitting on the committee's one wonders if this somehow can bring about a togetherness that is greatly needed in this country. Will the closeness of the deverse ideologies bring about Common Sense and Real Conversation about the Realities we now live in? Will minds be changed? Will Real Support, and not just empty words, be spoken and understood? Will Real Representation come back to the People? Will life go on as it is now, after this event?

As a Veteran I know there probably will be many questions in the Veteran's Community, for I had them popping in my head as I read about this event.

Why is there such a need for this event, or any like it, being held to Support our Wounded and looking for funds to Support them and their families?

What if Bob Woodruff, or someone as prominant and having such damaging wounds, hadn't been so unlucky In-Theater, would others just take up this cause?

Why is there an extreme need for these types of events, most of those performing, hosting, and chairing this event are benefiting nicely from the huge taxcuts they received?

Where is the Sacrifice of the rest of the country, is just pulling out their wallets and giving a couple of bucks, than saying they "Support The Troops" enough?

Why is it this Country Cheers on Wars, like some sort of sporting event, which are Unnecessary, Tragic, and in most cases Illegal Conflicts {built on lies and supported on same}, than refuse to Honor the Contracts and Oaths of those they send into these Hells on Earth, which totally destroy the peoples lives, countries, cultures of those we wage them on?

There are, and have been, many more questions rolling through my little mind, as there are for most. Many of them are questions that shouldn't even exist, the answers should have been a part of this countries makeup and ideology if we really are a leading Nation of Example!

I Strongly Commend Bob and Lee Woodruff, for they Truely Recognize the Important Need, but that Need should not even exsist, and yet it does, and has, for Most Who Honorably Serve This Nation, Right or Wrong!!!!

So untill this Nation "Really Does Support" I ask you Support Bob and Lee and all the others that Really Recognize That Need, and Support what this country Really should be, not what we like to think and say it is, in our Arrogance and Apathy towards others!!!!