A Journey Back, 40yrs. Later

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

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

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

Snip

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

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

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

Snip

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

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

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

Snip

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

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

Snip

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

Everyday Is Veterans Day

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

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

Snip

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

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

Snip

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

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

Continuing the Veterans Day Messages......

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 11.11.09, I caught a couple of important discussions in the continuing known by us veterans are the results of wars and occupations of choice, or any war and occupation, as to the veterans and military personal once they've been sent to serve in and then return home, most being discharged from their service obligation after serving the time they signed up for, all at that point or later becoming the veterans of their service.

This first one is just a news report I happened upon but hits on the issue many of us are long time advocates of and adds to the rest posted below it.

Veterans struggle with stress, PTSD

November 11, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Along with the common bond of serving the country, many veterans share the burden of dealing with post-war stress...>>>>>

On the NPR Diane Rehm show the following discussion took place in the first hour of her show:

Diane Rehm NPR Show: America's Wars Observed

Guest host: Susan Page

On the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan: A journalist and a photographer document, in unflinching detail, the complex, contradictory and often tragic experiences of U-S troops at war.
Guests

Tammy Duckworth, assistant secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs

David Finkel, author of "The Good Soldiers" (Farrar,Straus & Giroux) national enterprise editor, The Washington Post

Peter van Agtmael, photographer, "2nd Tour Hope I Don't Die"

Listen to the Show:

Windows Media Player

Real Audio Player

Publisher Comments:

It was the last-chance moment of the war. In January 2007, President George W. Bush announced a new strategy for Iraq. He called it the surge. Many listening tonight will ask why this effort will succeed when previous operations to secure Baghdad did not. Well, here are the differences, he told a skeptical nation. Among those listening were the young, optimistic army infantry soldiers of the 2-16, the battalion nicknamed the Rangers. About to head to a vicious area of Baghdad, they decided the difference would be them.

Fifteen months later, the soldiers returned home forever changed. Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporter David Finkel was with them in Bagdad, and almost every grueling step of the way.

What was the true story of the surge? And was it really a success? Those are the questions he grapples with in his remarkable report from the front lines. Combining the action of Mark Bowden's Black Hawk Down with the literary brio of Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried, The Good Soldiers is an unforgettable work of reportage. And in telling the story of these good soldiers, the heroes and the ruined, David Finkel has also produced an eternal tale--not just of the Iraq War, but of all wars, for all time.

Publisher Comments:

A collection of Peter van Agtmael's photography of America's Wars from January 2006 to December 2008

Then on last nights PBS News Hour this was part of their show, first part of a discussion with a veteran of our recent occupations then a discussion on Post Traumatic Stress in many military personal and veterans of all conflicts as to the stress of war:

PBS News Hour: For Some Veterans, the Battle Continues Against PTSD

After returning home from Iraq, Marine Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Workman struggled with the memories of war. As Betty Ann Bowser reports, soldiers like Workman are finding that often time, returning home can mean a new battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Snip

BETTY ANN BOWSER: Eventually, Workman was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

In his new book, "Shadow of the Sword: A Marine's Journey of War, Heroism, and Redemption" Workman chronicles that traumatic day in Fallujah and his five-year struggle with PTSD. After returning from Iraq, Workman was sent to Parris Island to be trained as a drill instructor, a much-respected job in the Marine Corps, but he found it made his PTSD worse.

SGT. JEREMIAH WORKMAN: It was pretty bad. I mean, mentally, it was just killing me inside...>>>>>Rest of Transcript Here with Audio Link

Part 1: Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Workman


Part 2: Counseling Soldiers with Traumatic Stress


Extended Comments with Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Workman

Publisher Comments:

Awarded the Navy Cross for gallantry under fire, Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Workman is one of the Marine Corps' best-known contemporary combat veterans. In this searing and inspiring memoir, he tells an unforgettable story of his service overseas-and of the emotional wars that continue to rage long after our fighting men come home.

Raised in a tiny blue-collar town in Ohio, Jeremiah Workman was a handsome and athletic high achiever. Having excelled on the sporting field, he believed that the Marine Corps would be the perfect way to harness his physical and professional drives.

In the Iraqi city of Fallujah in December 2004, Workman faced the challenge that would change his life. He and his platoon were searching for hidden caches of weapons and mopping up die-hard insurgent cells when they came upon a building in which a team of fanatical insurgents had their fellow Marines trapped. Leading repeated assaults on that building, Workman killed more than twenty of the enemy in a ferocious firefight that left three of his own men dead.

But Workman's most difficult fight lay ahead of him-in the battlefield of his mind. Burying his guilt about the deaths of his men, he returned stateside, where he was decorated for valor and then found himself assigned to the Marine base at Parris Island as a Kill Hat: a drill instructor with the least seniority and the most brutal responsibilities. He was instructed, only half in jest, to push his untested recruits to the brink of suicide. Haunted by the thought that he had failed his men overseas, Workman cracked, suffering a psychological breakdown in front of the men he was charged with leading and preparing for war.

In Shadow of the Sword, a memoir that brilliantly captures both wartime courage and its lifelong consequences, Workman candidly reveals the ordeal of post-traumatic stress disorder: the therapy and drug treatments that deadened his mind even as they eased his pain, the overwhelming stress that pushed his marriage to the brink, and the confrontations with anger and self-blame that he had internalized for years.

Having fought through the worst of his trials-and now the father of a young son-Workman has found not perfection or a panacea but a way to accommodate his traumas and to move forward toward hope, love, and reconciliation.

I recently was contacted by Michael Anthony, who last October returned home from a tour of duty from Iraq as an Operating Room Medic with the Army reserves. Upon returning home he began writing a memoir of his time in Iraq. A few months ago he signed a deal and his memoir is now in bookstores. The book is titled: "Mass Casualties: A Young Medic's True Story of Death, Deception, and Dishonor in Iraq"

Publisher Comments:
From the Introduction:

Look around, the drill sergeant said. In a few years, or even a few months, several of you will be dead. Some of you will be severely wounded or so badly mutilated that your own mother can't stand the sight of you. And for the real unlucky ones, you will come home so emotionally disfigured that you wish you had died over there.

It was Week 7 of Basic Training . . . 18 years old and I was preparing myself to die.

They say the Army makes a man out of you but for 18-year-old SPC Michael Anthony, that fabled rite of passage proved a very dark journey. After soliciting his parentsa approval to enlist at only 17, Anthony began his journey with an unshakeable faith in the military born of his family's long tradition of service. But when thrust into a medical unit of misfits as lost as he was, SPC Anthony not only witnessed the unspeakable horror of war but the undeniable misconduct of the military firsthand. Everything he ever believed in dissolved, forcing Anthony to rethink his loyalties, and ultimately risk his career and his freedom to challenge the military he had so firmly believed in.

This searing memoir chronicles the iconic experiences that changed one young soldier forever. A seasoned veteran before the age of twenty-one, he faced the truth about the war and himself in this shocking and unprecedented eyewitness account.

This is Michael Anthony's Website with more information about him as well as his book.

Veterans Day 2009

Below is just a small group of articles and reports coming in on this Veterans Day 2009. Some about Veterans Day, some about Veterans older and to the present, some about todays Veterans and Soldiers. Much will be said today, much seen, some will even think about, some.

While important it isn't so much about what will be said or done by our political leaders, it's really more about how the greater majority in this country who don't serve, don't want to really sacrifice, but are quick to use those who do, and their families, then quickly move away from their false meme's when it comes time to actually heed the calls for the funds to pay for the results of our occupations of choice. And as always by not heeding those calls for sacrifice it ends up causing more suffering by those who've suffered enough for country and much much more in the costs of the results of their service!

No Longer a Soldier, Shinseki Has a New Mission

But the visit also underscored Mr. Shinseki’s current mission: to modernize his problem-plagued agency, which was struggling to care for aging veterans even before the flood of young ones from Iraq and Afghanistan began.

For months, Mr. Shinseki has been crisscrossing the country as President Obama’s pinstriped evangelist for veterans’ care, raising concerns about a coming tide of post-traumatic stress cases, traumatic brain injuries and other physical and psychological scars of battle.

Having led soldiers in Vietnam as a young West Point graduate, until a mine tore off part of his right foot and nearly ended his Army career, he can speak about the “baggage” of war with deep feeling.

“All of us who went through combat, we were carrying a little bit of baggage from the experience, the stress,” he said in an interview before the Fort Hood shootings...>>>>

Honoring Our Service Members

A By-the-Numbers Look at Difficulties Facing America’s Veterans on Veterans Day 2009

This Veterans Day, we at the Center for American Progress once again honor the millions of brave men and women in the active and reserve components of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard who have made great sacrifices to protect our country and our freedoms—especially those who have given their lives. We also honor the families, friends, and loved ones who made their service possible...>>>>

Many Veterans Are Without A Health Insurance Plan

Doesn't the Veteran's Administration provide health insurance and medical to veterans? That is largely the case. However, many veterans uninjured in combat are--surprisingly--considered ineligible for VA insurance. The post-military income levels deemed too high to receive benefits are surprisingly low; a veteran with no dependents can only take advantage of the government's health insurance plan if he or she earns under $29,400 per year, while one with four dependents can earn around $41,300 before losing eligibility for VA benefits. Such incomes aren't quite poverty level, but are the domain of working-class Americans (including civilians) unable to afford private insurance if their employer doesn't offer it. Troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are also struggling with unemployment, and are a disproportionate percentage of the nation's homeless. Many are working low-paying jobs that push them just above Medicaid and VA eligibility. This makes it even harder for them to become insured...>>>>

Veterans Day, A look back and one forward

This year, we are struck by an additional sentiment, the solemn duty that falls to all citizens to make sure that the nation never sends its men and women in uniform into harm's way without sure and certain justification. We write this as two U.S. wars grind on in Asia, and the president weighs the advice of one of his highest commanders to escalate the war in one of those theaters, Afghanistan/Pakistan, by an additional 40,000 troops...>>>>

Reid: Coburn move 'illogical'

{this is an automated voice read of the short article written}

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) “illogical" for holding up a veterans care bill Tuesday, criticizing the Oklahoma Republican for supporting war funding while blocking health care funding for veterans...>>>>

In this report below the following is stated:

"I don't think we've really cracked the nut on how to really get at PTSD and TBI," said the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Danny Dudek. "This is the most complex job I have ever had. Being in a battalion where people are going through the most difficult thing they've ever had to deal with."

Well for some four decades Veterans, starting with us 'Nam Vets which opened up and brought forth our Korean and WWII brothers, and some really dedicated civilians who did hear us, have been yelling into the Winds of a Country that didn't want to Listen. That Country hires it's representatives who weren't forced to pay attention, and the Circle Comes Back Around adding this time not just serving but serving Multiple Times under the extreme stress of Conflict adding to lives stress!!

Army strain, recovery at Fort Lewis

Veterans Day traditionally has been set aside more to honor those who have served rather than those still serving. But eight-plus years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq have created a huge class of combat veterans who still wear the uniform, many of them with two or three or more deployments under their belts and perhaps more in their futures.

Ballard, for example, is determined to rejoin his unit in Afghanistan. He is a medic in a Stryker brigade and was injured on one of the unit's first missions after deploying to northern Afghanistan a few months ago.

"We ran over an [improvised explosive device]," Ballard said. "I remember the floor coming up very quickly, and it forced me straight down to the ground, and then there was that brief second in time where I was sort of floating as the vehicle dropped and I was still in the air."...>>>>



Vice President Biden speaks at a Fort Lewis memorial ceremony to honor seven Stryker brigade soldiers killed in Afghanistan. June 24, 2009

Sen. Jim Webb: Critical to keep promise to veterans

Each year on this day, Americans take a pause from school and the workplace to commemorate the service of our nation's veterans. With one of the largest populations of veterans and active-duty military service members, Virginia plays a vital role in our nation's defense.

As the son of an Air Force officer, the father of a Marine and a Marine combat veteran myself, I understand the value of having leaders in Congress who know firsthand what it's like to be deployed, to have close family members deployed and, ultimately, to join the ranks of my fellow veterans...>>>>

Veteran-led Peer Support Combats Suicide

Last month in Washington, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki made a staggering announcement: more veterans have committed suicide since 2001 than have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Coming within weeks of the release of the US Army's suicide prevention guidebook, the VA Secretary's statement underscores the commitment to teaching service members and veterans the methods for overcoming combat stress.

While for many the manual will be an important tool, veteran-to-veteran peer support is often the best way to stay mentally healthy during and after wartime service...>>>>

Iraq, Afghanistan veterans need more help at home

More resources may be needed to help care-givers cope with a rising caseload of damaged or suicidal veterans in need of counseling.

Floyd Meshad, Vietnam vet, was in a Ralphs supermarket in Westchester when his cellphone rang at 9 o'clock one evening not long ago.

It was Meshad's suicide hotline, and a soldier was being patched through.

Meshad, a psychiatric social worker, walked outside the store so he could concentrate while trying to talk the soldier out of killing himself. He gets lots of calls like this from all over the country, more now than ever, and he knew one thing:

This soldier, calling from Florida, was serious...>>>>

Impossible Dream - A Tribute to Native American Veterans



When I was discharged back in '71, after my four years of duty in the Navy, all shore bases, I didn't expect nor even look for this Country to welcome me nor give much back, been in for four and once joining the community of soldiers then veterans it's quickly seen and known what real support there is for those who serve once out. My last year of service was in country Vietnam which for us 'Nam Vets compounded the known of payback, what with the coming results of our countries use of Defoliants, Agent Orange plus, as it started not only affecting many of those who served in the area's where sprayed from our planes but the Vietnamese civilians as well. Then we finally started to understand what always has been as to extreme traumatic events and stress on the human mind, Post Traumatic Stress, and for many the life long nightmares of a war that never goes away, and for civilians replying their own traumatic life tragedies that have been done to them. And so much more.

I came out unscathed, not wounded physically but having served in a occupation conflict with the knowledge not only had I changed but so had everyone else who served as well as those we occupied, the trauma of wars. While not having flash backs nor nightmares I did feel that we all are now wounded with post traumatic stress, most not having more then our memories every once in awhile but not so as to be debilitating nor effecting our daily lives.

I, like many many of my brothers and sisters, became an advocate for the care of those physically and mentally wounded in our Wars of Choice, advocates that for the most part weren't listened to. Until Now, and that has been brought about by once again a Nation accepting the failed policies of the few who controlled the leadership and easy to come to them lies and propaganda sending our soldiers into not one but two long running occupations, we're still in both!

Countdown to Veterans Day with Library of Congress

Shinseki Announces Veterans’ Stories Posted on VA’s Web Page

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will join with the Library of Congress to host a “Veterans History Countdown” on the VA Web site featuring the oral histories of Veterans from every state and U.S. territory.

“VA has partnered with the Library of Congress to honor our Veterans, preserve their histories and ensure that their service, sacrifice and heroism will never be forgotten,” said Secretary Shinseki. “We want to encourage Americans to record the oral histories of Veterans for future generations.”

Each day, beginning Nov.1, VA’s Web feature will introduce new personal histories, culminating on Veterans Day when a Veteran’s history from each state and U.S. territory will be available simply by clicking on the U.S. map in the display.

As Veterans Day approaches, the VA Web display will urge Americans to “Honor our Veterans. Record their Histories!” The display will link to the library’s Veterans History Project Web site which provides background about the program, a guide for volunteers to follow in recording and submitting Veterans’ oral histories and to access the project’s extensive digital archive...>>>Rest Here

A Vet's Message To The GOP on Veterans Day --

Shove It

Which is why I get so disgusted whenever I see all the faux military-loving Republicans turning up on Veterans Day with their flowery pronouncements of how much we Vets mean to them when they prove at every turn that they really don’t give a damn about the troops, Veterans or military families.

Of course, Exhibit A is Iraq and the Republican party's steadfast refusal to ever allow our troops to come permanently home to their families and their continued desire to keep them bogged down in a war for nothing. But I mention the G.I. Bill specifically because of the following samples of Republican hypocrisy we see every Veterans Day:

“On Veterans Day – and every day – we thank the men and women who have fought to keep us safe and free.” - Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)

"We must remember the great debt that we owe veterans and members of the armed services who fight to maintain our freedom around the world. Throughout history, our soldiers have risked their lives to defend our freedom, and we must not forget their sacrifices." - Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ)

“Veterans Day is our opportunity to honor America’s veterans who have courageously served our country. These brave men and women have fought to keep our nation free and secure, and we thank them and their families for their service and sacrifice on our behalf.” - Senator Bob Corker (R-TN)

"So this day, perhaps more than any other day, is a time to honor them. We owe them our respect and profound gratitude." - Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

What's the common denominator in this crew? They all were among 22 Republicans who voted against the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, authored by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) -- a highly-decorated Vietnam Veteran -- and passed with 75 votes on May 22nd of this year.

SNIP

Veterans Day on Tuesday.......

The Whole Countries Responsibility, Not Singular Groups!!!


While this was a Great Gesture, on the part of the Redskins Organization teaming up with other Advocacy Groups, this is much more than a one day need. We who serve don't serve for singular organizations We Serve The Country and an Oath and Contract is made for our service. It is the Responsibility, Every Day, for the Country Served to aid our Brothers and Sisters who have given much more than just their Service, Physically and Mentally, because of these Wars of Choice!!


Redskins take timeout for veterans, Host locker room health exams

The Washington Redskins opened up their home to area veterans Saturday, offering free health screenings to recognize their service protecting the country and to encourage them to protect their health.

Three days before Veterans Day, the Men's Health Network and 13 other organizations provided screenings and health education to male and female veterans in the players' locker room at FedEx Field in Landover.

From Service to Streets......


Issues aren't going away for veterans


Modern warfare adding to problems Department of Veterans Affairs faces

The strident language of Fox talk show host Bill O'Reilly contending there are no homeless veterans in America brought a smile of incredulity to Michael Charles.

When Charles, 52, was about to be discharged from the Danville VA hospital, a staffer there called Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois Veterans Home.

"There was an opening, and I came straight over here," Charles said.

"Every VA Center I've been to says that at one time in their lives, 50 percent of all veterans will be homeless."

At any one time, there are 10 homeless veterans in the facility on South Olive Street.

From desert to streets


Homeless veterans find life again through a city-run service that helps to employ those who kept us safe.


To Listen

The issue of homeless veterans has long been seen as an important one for Jacksonville, which because of geography and demographics, attracts a larger-than-average number of such people. By some estimates, as much as 40 percent of the city's chronically homeless - those who are continuously homeless for a year or more - may be veterans.

Looking at everyone in the city who has been homeless, the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition of Jacksonville has found that 26 percent of the homeless population has served in the military, slightly more than the 23 percent of the national homeless population.

Veterans are more likely to appear among the chronically homeless because they're better equipped to survive such a life, said Diane Gilbert, executive director of the coalition, but such self-sufficiency also can lead to problems.

"Part of the problem of dealing with homeless veterans," Gilbert said, "is that they have such strong survival skills, they're unwilling to ask for help."

Homeless female veterans find few options to get help


VA's shelters don't always take in women, so a housing program is being initiated

The reasons are varied why military veterans become homeless.

Repeated deployments make it difficult for them to keep their finances in order and for reservists to hold on to their civilian jobs. Fallout from military service — which can include post-traumatic stress disorder — can seriously damage family and other relationships. Those stresses can lead to withdrawal and depression, which can make it difficult to land a job. The lack of income makes it hard to pay rent or a mortgage.

Few Veterans Affairs centers offer residential mental health treatment specifically for women with post-traumatic stress disorder, said Amy Fairweather, director of the Iraq veterans program for Swords to Plowshares.

"The services are really behind the curve," she said.

Veterans affairs: Tighter records controls urged

For the record

Military veterans dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits offices need to guard against their records being lost or destroyed. Tips from veterans advocates:

**Keep a complete copy of your military medical records.

**Update VA files once a year and make copies.

**Never send the original paper work. Send copies.

**Call (800) 827-1000 to request an appointment to view your VA claims folder, also know as the C-file, at the regional office.

**Make sure all the records in the file are yours.

**Make sure all correspondence with the VA is in the C-file.

**Correct mistakes, then request a hard copy of your C-file.

“How long has this been going on, and how many veterans and their families have been deprived of benefits they have earned?” said Army veteran Mike {testvet6778} Bailey of Springdale.

Army General Probes - Suicides of Recruiters


Recent Suicides in Houston-Area Recruiting Unit

An Army-wide problem?
Houston battalion recruiters have said they regularly work 12 to 14 hours a day, six or seven days a week. Many have to deal with long commutes to rural stations far from a military base. They have said if they don't sign at least two new recruits a month, they're punished with even longer duty hours and threatened with losing rank or receiving bad evaluation reports.

"I want to make sure this is not an Army-wide problem," Cornyn said. "If it is, then that's an even more serious issue than what's going on in this one battalion."

Widow pleads for recruiting overhaul


Iraq vet asks Army to evaluate high-stress duty

Two weeks ago today, Sgt. First Class Patrick Henderson walked into a shed behind his house, locked the door and hanged himself from a rafter.

The 35-year-old soldier was the fifth Houston-based Army recruiter to commit suicide in seven years.

VA officials investigate....


mishandled documents at benefits offices in S.C.

Veterans Affairs officials are investigating why 95 records were erroneously dumped in a shredder bin at the VA office in Columbia.

An unidentified employee at the Columbia office is under investigation for mishandling the documents, which include new benefits claims and other personal files, VA officials said.

"I can't discuss in detail what action may be taken against an employee in this instance until the investigation is complete," VA press secretary Alison Aikele said Wednesday.

In South Carolina, the possible destruction of benefit claims could affect some of the state's 413,000 veterans. The shredding probe involves the VA's benefits offices, not the hospitals.

~~~~~~~~~~

The shredding issue was first reported by VA Watchdog, a Web site run by Army veteran Larry Scott, of Vancouver, Wash.

All residents should care about veterans past and present

I particularly want to pay tribute to all our Reserves and National Guard. Before Iraq and Afghanistan became battle zones, these so-called "weekend warriors" joined to gain another paycheck — not that they weren't patriotic. After completing their basic training and boot camps, they were in uniform one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Whoever thought they would be thrust into combat situations? We have to look at them in a different light now; they've turned into heroes, fighting for our freedom, many being wounded and some paying the ultimate sacrifice.

"The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten"
-Calvin Coolidge

Veterans Day - Tuesday 11-11-08

We all know we have a change coming, and it would be great if it happened yesterday, but it will be happening soon enough. That change is in a New President and His Administration who ran on "Change" and bringing along with him a change in the Peoples Representation in both houses of Congress.


The new President, Barack Obama, was not brought into this job of the Countries President by a political parties leaders but by The People who rallied behind him, from the primaries to the Nov 8th National Election Day, and those people, Us, have to continue in what happens, for just one person and the administration nor the peoples representatives can bring about the "Change" that is so desperately needed now after these detructive years on so many fronts by themselves, we must stay engaged!


The focus, as it should be right now, will be first on the collapsing economy, collapsing because of a failed economic ideology and allowing some to do as they pleased in the economic circles of Wall Street, the Banks, and the Investment Firms etc..


But we also still have Tens Of Thousands of Military Troops engaged in War and Occupation in two Countries and their Tens Of Thousands of Family Members here at home, the Only Ones Sacrificing for this Country, Serving and those Waiting for their return!


I will add more on this at the bottom, with this lead in:


Nov 6 2008; WASHINGTON (American Forces Press Service) – Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has issued a Veterans Day message to those who now serve or have served in the armed forces.


Here is the text of the chairman’s message:

“When Armistice was declared on November 11, 1918, effectively ending World War I, over sixty-five million individuals had been mobilized for the “Great War” that resulted in almost nine million deaths and over twenty-one million wounded. In just a year and a half of operations, 126,000 Americans lost their lives on the muddy landscapes of Europe and in the icy depths of the North Atlantic. Such loss of life and limb is hard to fathom today.

“History has debunked the notion of a ‘War to End All Wars.’ And history has also proven that peace does not preserve itself. It requires millions of dedicated men and women – like you and your families – all working in unison toward what one memorial hails as ‘high idealism, courageous sacrifice, and gallant achievement.’

“Today, a new generation of veterans carries this torch. Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom have forged the most combat-hardened force in our nation’s history. Yet, no war is without its casualties. Whether seen – or unseen – the wounds of war last a lifetime, and so should our care.

“Our wounded veterans and their families deserve only the best medical care our nation can provide – care on par with the service and sacrifice these patriots have rendered. From the battlefield to regional hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to reintegration programs, our wounded, ill, and injured Service members and their families merit a continuum of care that lasts a lifetime.

“To all our veterans – past and present – and your families, the Joint Chiefs and I salute you and thank you for your service and your sacrifice. As we remember those who have gone before us, may we honor their service through ours.


M.G. MULLEN
Admiral, U.S. Navy

There will be Veterans Day activities all over the country, from the small towns to the large cities, below are just some of the activities In Honor that Veterans For Peace along with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and of course Military Families will be a part of, many sponsored activities of Veterans For Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War.


VETERANS FOR PEACE SPONSORED EVENTS:


The following cities have Veterans Day events:


~~~~~~~~~~

Boston, MA

NAME OF EVENT: March to hear messages of peace and against suppression of our speech

LOCATION OF EVENT: Boston Common Beacon and Charles St. Boston

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: We are excluded from marching with signs and cadences and will march behind the street sweepers with supporters behind us. At City Hall Plaza we will have a large presence and protest the City and American Legion suppressing messages of peace from veterans.

TIME: 12 PM

DATE: 11/11/08

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 9 Smedley Butler Brigade

WEBSITE: Smedley Butler Brigade


~~~~~~~~~~

Chicago, IL

NAME OF EVENT: VFP/VVAW Combined Chicago Veterans' Day Ceremony

LOCATION OF EVENT: Chicago Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, North-West corner of Wacker & Wabash, Lower Level alongside Chicago River

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Ceremony begins with Folk Songs by Anna Stange, followed by speakers from IVAW, VFP and VVAW. At the end of the Ceremony, participants drop flowers into the Chicago River to remember the casualties of America's past wars. There may be a party/fundraiser for IVAW following the Ceremony, pending the availability of the National Vietnam Veterans' Art Museum, 1801 S. Indiana, Chicago, IL.

TIME: 11:00 A.M. Sharp tp 12:00 Noon

DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2008

CONTACT INFORMATION: Ken Neilsen, info@chicagovfp.org; Mike Woloshin, mike71atkron86vfp26@hotmail.com, Bob Gronko, bobgronko@yahoo.com

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Cpl. Joseph E. Powers-Chicago Area Chapter 26

WEBSITE: Chicago VFP


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Albany, NY

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Central Ave. & Ontario St., Albany, NY

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Annual City of Albany Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the Tri-County Council of Viet Nam Era Veterans. Our Chapter has been an official contingent in the parade for about 10 years.

TIME: 11:00 AM

DATE: November 11, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Tom Paine Chapter, #10


~~~~~~~~~~

Lebanon, TN

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Lebanon TN

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Parade in Lebanon TN 25 miles east of Nashville

TIME: 11:00

DATE: 11/11

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 89 Middle TN


~~~~~~~~~~

Milwaukee, WI

NAME OF EVENT: Armistice Day Remembrance

LOCATION OF EVENT: Milwaukee City Hall

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Our event will take place on the Veterans Day Parade route for more visibility. Speakers and a ceremonial bell ringing and then we'll hand out informational packets to parade spectators. We will be joined by members of Peace Action Wisconsin and IVAW

TIME: 10AM-11AM

DATE: November 8, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 102

WEBSITE: Milwaukee VFP


~~~~~~~~~~

Portland, ME

NAME OF EVENT: Portland Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Portland, Maine

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Standard parade - We have been the only "voice" for peace in the Portland parade for several years and have petitioned for a voice on the dais. No deal, so far.

DATE: November 11

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 001


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Albany, OR

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans' Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Albany, Oregon

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Veterans for Peace, Chapter 132 will march in the annual Veterans' Day Parade in Albany, Oregon. We will be joined by supporters of VFP, and plan to distribute the VFP "Cost of War" cards along the route.

TIME: Parade starts at 11:00, form up by 10:00 am.

DATE: Tuesday, November 11th, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 132

WEBSITE: VFP Corvallis


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Manchester, NH

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Manchester, NH

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: NH VFP will march in the annual Veterans Day Parade where we will carry two banners - our plain black & white VFP logo and a larger black & white banner that states: "NH Veterans for Peace" and below that "Peace Is the Way."

The parade organizing group led by several American Legion posts has finally allowed us to have a speaker at the post-parade ceremonies in Veterans Park. His name is Will Hopkins, a NH Guardsman who served in Iraq for a year. He is a member of both VFP and IVAW.

TIME: Nov. 11/08 - Parade begins at 10:30 am.

DATE: November 11, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: AJ Muste Chapter - #062


~~~~~~~~~~

New York City, NY

NAME OF EVENT: New York City Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: New York City

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: We will be marching again in the anual Veterans Day Parade in New York City along with our friends from VFP Chapters 34 & 60, along with members from VVAW, MFSO and IVAW.

DATE: 11-11-08

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: VFP Chapter 24


~~~~~~~~~~

Long Island, NY

NAME OF EVENT: Healing Service for Returning Veterans

LOCATION OF EVENT: Old South Haven Presbyterian Church, Long Island, NY

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: A non-sectarian healing service for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans in anticipation of Chapter 138's Peer Support Program.

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 138


~~~~~~~~~~

Los Angeles, CA

NAME OF EVENT: Ron Kovic Speaks at Arlington West Santa Monica

LOCATION OF EVENT: North side of Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica CA

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Starting at AW SM there will be a procession of coffins up to the Santa Monica Veteran's Memorial at the Palisades Park where Ron Kovic and others will speak. Procession will then return to AW SM.

TIME: 10:00 AM

DATE: 11-11-08

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 007 Los Angeles

WEBSITE: Arlington West Santa Monica CA


~~~~~~~~~~

Port Angeles, WA

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Celebration

LOCATION OF EVENT: U.S. Coastguard Station, Ediz Hook, Port Angeles Washington

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: VFP 139 will join with other veterans organizations and active Coast Guard to celebrate Veterans Day with music speeches and, in our case, antiwar statements.

TIME: 11:00 am

DATE: 11-11-08 Veterans Day

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: North Olympic Peninsula, Chapter 139

WEBSITE: NOP VFP

* There will also be showing on Public TV, Four veteran members will discuss their military experience and their evolution from soldiers to peace activists in VFP. Two female vets from the Iraq War and two Viet Nam War male vets will relate their activities to their collection of photos that will be shown as they talk.


~~~~~~~~~~

Hyannis, MA

NAME OF EVENT: Barnstable Soldiers Memorial Association - Veterans Day Parade and Program

LOCATION OF EVENT: Town Hall Parking Lot and Town Green, Hyannis, MA

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Community Parade, Speeches and Wreath-Laying at
several memorials locationed in Hyannis

TIME: 9:30AM Form-Up, 10:00AM Start

DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Cosponsored by VFP Cape Cod Chapter 041and other veterans groups


~~~~~~~~~~

San Francisco, CA

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: The parade starts at 2nd & Market Streets at 11:00am Sunday, Nov 9, marches past civic center and the War Memorial Building where the Review Stand is located.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Veterans For Peace will once again participate in the Veterans Day Parade. We will march with our Agent Orange Banner: "Vietnam Veterans and Vietnamese People are Still Dying from Agent Orange. We will wear our AO colors, a VFP t-shirt that is orange with the same message on the back. We will also carry photo boards of Vietnamese people suffering from effetts of Agent Orange. We will be joined by many of the Vietnamese community here. This comes after our support of the Agent Orange Tour that is happening this week all over the SF Bay Area. We usually win a first or second place award in the San Francisco Parades.

TIME: 11am

DATE: November 9, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: San Francisco, Chapter 69


~~~~~~~~~~

Phoenix, AZ

NAME OF EVENT: VA Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Phoenix, AZ

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Parade has many entrants but only one peace organization. This is the Phoenix Chapter of VFP. We will march behind a flag draped coffin surrounded by boots representing the service people who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We are on probation this year. They are trying to find ways to get us out of the parade.

TIME: 11 AM

DATE: October 11

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: VFP Chapter 75

WEBSITE: Veterans For Peace Phoenix


~~~~~~~~~~

San Diego, CA

NAME OF EVENT: San Diego Veterans Day events

LOCATION OF EVENT: Various, see details below.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: At 8 AM, the chapter will be setting up our now portable Arlington West Memorial (500 crosses and other religious symbols) at the grassy area in front of the USS Midway, now docked in downtown San Diego as a military museum. We will there all day and into the night reading the names of the fallen, with VFP, IVAW, VVAW, and MFSO banners, US and service flags, a tent, tabling and educational exhibits, and some small items for sale.

At 11 AM, the majority of SDVFP members will march in the annual San Diego Veterans Day parade along Pacific Highway. The theme this year is "Honor Korean War Veterans" and we will have a convertible with SDVFP banners for our honored Korean War veteran members (4-5) to ride in. We have been embraced and cheered by the parade spectators in previous parades, and we expect this year to be no different.

After the parade, at about 2 PM, we will proceed back to our Arlington West Memorial at the USS Midway for our monthly business meeting, which would have normally been on election day. We plan on conducting an outdoor business meeting surrounded by the crosses, banners and flags. At dark, there will be a candlelight vigil, and the Arlington West Memorial will be packed up for its next venue.

TIME: 8 AM, the chapter will be setting up our now portable Arlington West Memorial, 11 AM, the majority of SDVFP members will march in the annual San Diego Veterans Day parade along Pacific Highway, 2 PM, we will proceed back to our Arlington West Memorial at the USS Midway for our monthly business meeting

DATE: 11/11/08

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter #91 - Hugh Thompson Memorial

WEBSITE: San Diego VFP


~~~~~~~~~~

Minneapolis, MN

NAME OF EVENT: Armistice Day Bell Ringing

LOCATION OF EVENT: First Shot Cannon Memorial on State Capital Grounds St. Paul, Mn

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: We will ring bells eleven times and read the names of Minnesota combat dead in Iraq and Afganistan commemorating Armistice Day.

TIME: 11:00 a.m.

DATE: 11/11/2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: chapter 27


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Greenfield, MA

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Greenfield, MA

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Along with IVAW we will start at Greenfield Middle School (195 Federal St. We call on all who can march with us. This may be the towns last parade.

TIME: 9:30am

DATE: 11/11/2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 95


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Long Beach, CA

NAME OF EVENT: Long Beach Ca. Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Long Beach, Ca.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: VFP Members will be marching with IVAW, MFSO and other local Peace groups. Last year our groups were denied entrance and the incident got national adverse publicity and as a result this year we are in and invite family and friends to join us. Call or email for details.

TIME: 10:00AM

DATE: Sat. November 8 - 11/08/08

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: LA-Long Beach Harbor Area Chapter # 067


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Juneau, AK

NAME OF EVENT: Special Film Presentation

LOCATION OF EVENT: Silverbow Inn - Juneau, AK

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The Juneau, Alaska VFP Chapter is sponsoring a special public showing of the recent film "Soldiers of Conscience." The film will be preceded by a short message from Chapter President Phil Smith. In a related activity, on the evening before Veterans Day, Phil will host the film's co-producer on the Chapter's monthly radio show ("PeaceTalk") produced on KTOO-FM, the local public radio station (104.3 FM). The program is web-cast ( KTOO-FM ) for those interested.

TIME: 7:30:00 PM

DATE: 11/11/2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 100

WEBSITE: VFP Juneau


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Madison, WI

NAME OF EVENT: 3rd Memorial Mile - Chapter 25

LOCATION OF EVENT: Madison, WI.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Chapter 25 will install its 3rd Memorial Mile in Madison on November 8, running to November 15th. Location: Forest Hill Cemetery, Speedway Road, Madison. Installation starts at 9am on Nov. 8th. 4,800 tombstones. Special one-hour memorial program on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2pm.

TIME: 24 hours a day

DATE: Nov 8-15

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 25 (Clarence Kailin Chapter)

WEBSITE: Madison VFP


~~~~~~~~~~

Palm Springs, CA

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Palm Springs CA

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: VFP marches with a banner tha says: "Support the Troops. Bring Them Home"

TIME: 2:30 PM start up

DATE: Tuesday November 11

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Jon Castro Chapter 19

WEBSITE: VFP Chapter 19


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Auburn, WA

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Auburn, Wa.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Parade w/ chapter 92 and other Western WA chapters

TIME: 11AM

DATE: Nov. 8, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: City of Auburn, WA. / contingent of Greater Seattle, Chapter 92

WEBSITE: VFP Chapter 92


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Pittsburgh, PA

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans Day Parade

LOCATION OF EVENT: Allegheny County/Pittsburgh Pa.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The ususal shassay done main street featuring Veterans organizations from throughout Western Pa. Bands, Banners, etc.

TIME: nine until post parade festivites are done.

DATE: Nov. 11th 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 047 Southwestern Pa.


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Miami, FL

NAME OF EVENT: Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: For the fourth consecutive year, the South Florida Veterans For Peace Chapter will march in the Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade alongside the American Legion Post 85, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3559 and the Miami Special Forces Veterans Group.

The parade kickoff is from 17th Street and Washington Avenue. We will march to the cenopath at the old City Hall on 11th and Washington.

TIME: 9:00am

DATE: Tuesday 11 November 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Alexander S. Arredondo Chapter, South Florida


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Evansville, IN

NAME OF EVENT: Remembering Iraq War Dead

LOCATION OF EVENT: Four Freedoms Monument

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: The VFP Chapter 104, Evansville, IN will assemble at the Four Freedoms Monument to read the names of Service Men and Women killed in Iraq.

TIME: 11:00 AM Central Standard Time

DATE: November 11, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: Chapter 104, Evansville, IN

WEBSITE: VFP Evansville


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Ann Arbor, MI

NAME OF EVENT: Arlington Michigan Display

LOCATION OF EVENT: Veterans Park, Corner of Jackson and Maple, Ann Arbor, MI

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Display of one cross for every Michigan soldier killed in Iraq. Veterans Day peace reading at 11am.

TIME: 9am to 6pm

DATE: November 11, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: 93

WEBSITE: VFP Chapter 93


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Rochester, NY

NAME OF EVENT: Veterans' Day Peace Observance and Ceremony

LOCATION OF EVENT: Washington Square Park, Rochester, NY and First Universalist Church

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: At the park, there will be a reading of names and sharing stories of war dead.
The program will then move into the church, where the ceremony will continue with reflections by local veterans. There will be tabling by VFP and IVAW and a buffet served by "Food Not Bombs."

TIME: 3:00pm

DATE: Nov. 9, 2008

SPONSORED BY VFP CHAPTER: many peace groups in Rochester, including VFP, Chapter 23


~~~~~~~~~~


Join in or Observe those Veterans Day Activities near you. But let it be know that these two conflicts are right along side of the economic disaster or directly below as to Importance.


Send the message, if you haven't been already, starting this coming Tuesday, Veterans Day, that these Conflicts Must End!


That we, as a Country, must once again Lead by Diplomacy, Tough but Engaged, not throwing our morality away, as we have been, destroying others!


We must Engage the Regions Leaderships and the Regions Religious Leaderships of Iraq and Afghanistan to bring an end to both occupations, especially Iraq which never should have occurred!


But also Afghanistan, we've killed and maimed to many innocent Afghans, we've destroyed and not re-built enough of their already destroyed country, we are creating hatreds not friends and now that we've allowed it to spill over into Pakistan we are continuing in failed policies that are adding even more to the hatreds and numbers of enemies of us and the west!


We must join together with the World Community and place Terrorism where it belonged all along as a Criminal Act against Innocent People all over and not against the Governments these Terrorists are targeting!


Use the forces of Intelligence of as many countries that are willing to seek out and bring the criminal terrorist element to Justice, when need be combined military forces could be used, this is what should have happened long ago but especially after 9/11 when the whole world was more than willing to help, now most have their backs turned on us as we've lost so much of what we had built as a world leader!!

Returning Reservists - Jobs - 60min. Sunday

Reservists Face Rocky Return In Job Market

60 Minutes Report Also Examines Costs Borne By Employers Of Deployed Citizen Soldiers

Lesley Stahl could only talk to some of the thousands of reservists and guardsmen who have returned from active duty to find problems with their employers over their jobs.

The rest can call the assistant secretary of defense directly to complain after he broadcasts his phone number during her 60 Minutes report this Sunday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

AND

To ALL Veterans in the DC Area - Veterans Day

Washington Redskins Open FedExField Locker Room to ALL Military Veterans for Free Health Screenings

The event will take place on Saturday, November 8th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Veteran's organizations that are partnering on this event include:
American Legion - AMVETS - Blinded Veterans of America (BVA) - Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Iraq & Afghanistan Veteran's Association (IAVA) - Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) - National Association for Black Veterans (NABVets) - Paralyzed Veterans of America (PAV) - The Military Order of the Purple Heart - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Veterans of Modern Warfare (VMW) - VETS Group - Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).

Guess Who Said, "America Has Failed Our Veterans"

Why none other than, Colonel David Hunt, U.S. Army (Ret.), a FOX News military analyst!



He also says this in the commentary:

"For my disconnected, disinterested

uncaring friends, it's not about the damn money, We have the

damn money, it's us, we suck, we do not care...We are all

collectively allowing out government to perpetuate this

crime, the crime of not taking care of soldiers."

I found this over at VA Watchdog and decided to make an extremely rare visit to the FOX News? site where it originated.

The Colonel starts out with this little gem:

We — that’s you and me — just had a Veterans Day. You might have missed it? Did you notice that we had fewer parades and TV and radio shows talked a little less about the holiday. Just last year, we were all over our men and women in uniform and retired — we all said no matter what we think of the war in Iraq or Afghanistan, we were going to honor thos who served … remember that?

And than continues with a scathing attack.

We find this ending one paragraph:

I can say with a sadness that cuts very deep that we are now seeing returning veterans from this current war living on the streets of Boston and L.A. That ought to be enough to unseat a government.

It's not a long read, so I suggest you visit either link above and read the whole thing yourself.

Than ask yourself, as I did, Where The Hell Were You Colonel as Veterans, like myself, from 'Nam, Korea, WWII, and everything in between all of those were telling everyone Exactly what was going to happen to the returning Military Personel and Veterans of these latest Debacles of Wars of Choice!!

ACTION - New 'Winter Soldiers', Stop the War, Help VFP Chapter 009

Back in our day, from January 31-February 2, 1971, an Extremely Important Event took place by a number of Extremely Brave Vietnam Vets, that challenged the morality and conduct of the war by showing the direct relationship between military policies and war crimes in Vietnam!

This event was organized by Vietnam Veterans Against The War and was called the Winter Soldier Investigation

Well History, being repeated daily for the last 6yrs. in the Debacle of Iraq and here at home, will Repeat for 'The Winter Soldiers'!

IVAW Kicks Off Winter Soldier Campaign

Members of Iraq Veterans Against the War are re-igniting a popular Vietnam War Investitagion called the Winter Soldier Campaign. In 1971, members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War gathered in Detroit, Michigan to share their horrors of Vietnam.

The courage of those 125+ veterans speaking out has sparked today's veterans to do the same,. March 13 - 15, 2008, members of Iraq Veterans Against the War will be gathering in Washington D.C, along with Iraqi and Afghan survivors, to share their stories about the atrocities happening in today's wars.

If you are a Veteran and have been deployed to Iraq of Afghanistan, you can participate in the Winter Soldier Campaign of 2008.

Others can support IVAW's actions by signing the statement of support.

Show your Support for IVAW's action, also challenging the morality and conduct of their present day War, be you a Veteran or never served, by signing their Statement of Support!

If you are a Veteran of the Iraq or Afganistan Theaters, and you would like to participate in the IVAW 'Winter Soldier Campaign of 2008, use the link above to tell your story and your wishes!


And:

Ending the war begins with YOU!



HELP END THIS WAR - BOYCOTT YOUR WAR TAX

Over $1.6 trillion has been spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan . Wonder where all that money comes from? YOU!

Every person who pays federal taxes in the United States contributes to the war machine. This year, the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee is reaching out to average citizens to encourage them to join ranks of war tax resisters.

War tax resistance is not new. The first signs of tax resistance dates back to 1637. It wasn't until the Vietnam War that this form of resistance grew and over the last four years it has gained in popularity as a way for people to take direct action to end the war.

Veterans For Peace has joined the effort to encourage people to take action. Individuals can start with small amounts such as $10, $50, $100 or a percentage amount (7% of would cover the amount spent this year on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan ). War tax resistance doesn't mean you don't pay your federal taxes, it simply means that the money is redirected into campaigns or projects that you feel government services should be focusing on.

This year's campaigns include Direct Aid Initiative which provides health care initiatives to Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan and to the Common Ground Collective Health Clinic that provided immediate care to the people of New Orleans following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The War Tax Resistance website breaks down steps you need to take if you are interested in war tax resistance, downloadable tools, and more information about the organizations it is supporting.

Read More

Do I blame these two,

For not being able to stop the funding of this extremely damaging debacle, not completely.

But I do wonder Why they, and many others, are not putting those who place an R after their names into complete Shame, letting them carry on the Obstructionist policies after loosing their Majority. That Majority rule gave everything wanted to this administration when they held the reigns. Now we've been finding out exactly what they weren't doing, Investigating the Care givin to the returning maimed Military Personal, Investigating the actions our paid Mercenaries, who by those actions were putting our Military Troops into further danger and endangering our National Security, paid with No Bid contracts in our own Blood Money. And the list is just plain to long to list it all on what they weren't doing!


And speaking of those 'R's', when they try to explain just how ducky everything is now over in the Wars, especially Iraq, have them visit this report Iraqi Ethnic Tensions Stoke Insurgency in Mosul, from todays NPR Morning Edition. Let them listen and read what those Actually In Iraq are experiancing!


Now a request from our brother and sister VFP Members:

Please SUPPORT THE VETERANS DAY 18

Members of Eastern MA , Smedley Butler Chapter were given strict rules for participating in the Boston Veterans Day Parade. Being forced to march after the end of the parade, and being limited to no speaking or signage, members of chapter 009 took matters into their own hands. While they did march after the end of the parade, they marched with their US Flags upside down. When the parade ended and people were getting ready to speak on stage, 18 members of VFP stood with their mouths gagged, in full VFP gear and signs that read, "American Legion SILENCES messages of peace from veterans." They were arrested and arraigned on charges of disturbing a public assembly.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Supporters are encouraged to write, call, fax, and email the Mayor of Boston, Tom Menino.

Phone: 617.635.4500
Fax: 617.635.2851
Email: mayor@cityofboston.gov
Write: Mayor Thomas Menino
Mayor's Office
1 City Hall Plaza
Boston, MA 02201

Veterans for Peace March Against War


Respecting Us Veterans on Veterans Day?


VFP member's blog on Democratic Underground

You got your Marchin Orders, Do Something, Civilians!!

'Don't rain on our parade'

Well once again it's 'Veterans Day', I'll borrow a description of another holiday that really has lost it's meaning, Bah - Humbug!!

Lets take a look at how a Country "Supports it's Veterans", a Country of citizens whose greater majority never serve in it's Military, a majority who never do much of anything of service to Country, a majority who don't even bother to Vote, and a majority who readily bitch about paying their contribution to it's Society, not about how that money is spent just that they have to Contribute.

Huge Defense Budgets means a Strong National Defense! At least one political party takes that Mocho stance.

Do the citizens question where those Huge Budgets actually go, Nope, they believe what they're told and most certainly don't want to hear where it's not going, where it's actually needed, that would mean they'd have to contribute more because they're not worried about the corruption engrained in the systems already.

They readily cheer on their War's, like they're Sporting Events, believing all the false reasons given in waging them.

I have yet to hear, from any we hire into our Societies leadership, say that the Tens of Thousands of us, out of some 300miliion plus population, belonging to the "Focus Groups", had it All Right and that they had it All Wrong about the present Debacles!

But it's "Veterans Day", Non - Political{?}, lets go to a Parade and "Support Our Troops and Veterans", than we can put them, once again till next year, out of site and out of mind!

The subject title comes from this Article of which has this sub-title:

HOLIDAY: Most in attendance support panel's decision to bar anti-war groups.

This isn't an isolated event, this happened in small towns to large cities across this country, and does so every year. Why?, because the excuse given in all these cases is we can't have a Parade, for Military Troops and Military Veterans, who are making a Political{?} Statement!

Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War and Military Families Speak Out said their First Amendment rights were violated when the parade committee, a nonprofit organization, rejected their application.

Organizers have said the groups were trying to push a political agenda at an event that's supposed to be free from politics.

Although they weren't allowed to march this year, Jason Lemieux, a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War, said members came anyway to support the veterans.

"We came out today in the spirit of Veterans Day," said Lemieux, a Marine who served three tours in Iraq.

Jason Lemieux Testifies at the Long Beach City Council


What Political{?} statement would be made from the 'Iraq Veterans Against the War', why they might just be wearing their tee-shirts stating who they are and maybe a banner will be carried, some of their members having served Multiple Tours probably in both present Theaters! 'Veterans for Peace', members of conflicts from WWII till the Present, might just be doing same, tee's and caps, maybe a VFP flag or two and possibly also a banner. The same for 'Military Families Speak Out', who's Sons and Daughters this Country sends into battles, some having lost a Son or Daughter to the canage of War based on Lies.

But lets see the reasons given by the organizing committees on why the ban of Veterans and Military Family Members:

Fred Dunn, an 84-year-old World War II vet who was born and raised in Long Beach, said the anti-war groups should march in their own parade.

"This is to honor the veterans who have served," he said. "It's not a political deal."

Political Statement?

"Don't rain on our parade," said Shirley Oglesby, whose husband Jack served in Vietnam. "We don't want war either. But here is not the time nor place."

Political Statement?

"I wonder what the men who died would think if they allowed protestors to march," Jack Oglesby said.

Political Statement?

{Ahhhhh Jack, most would probably rather be Alive!}

"I'm against the war in Iraq too," said Sasha Kilauren, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. "But these groups shouldn't be allowed to march in this type of parade. It's inappropriate."

Political Statement?

{Lets see, 'This Type of Parade', a Parade for Veterans of Conflicts and Military Families would be "Inappropriate", gotcha Sasha, thanks for your input!}

Vet George Kerr, 65, said seeing the anti-war groups on Saturday was reminiscent of the atmosphere in 1967 when he returned home from Vietnam.

"I was kicked and spit on," he said. "But it's OK. That's what we went to war for. So people could have their rights."

Very Political Statement?

{Right George, I've yet to meet a fellow 'Nam Vet who can Prove they were physically Spit On, oh and adding 'Kicked' also a New twist to the false fables, but figuratively it's Alright for you to 'Spit On' fellow Veterans and Military Families!}

Now there was also a previous article about the coming parade where a few thoughts were expressed:

“They do not fit the spirit of the parade,” she said. “The spirit being one of gratitude for what the veterans have done. We do not want groups of a political nature, advocating the troops’ withdrawal from Iraq.”

Talk About A Political Statement!

Thuente said Veterans for Homeless Veteranswas allowed to march last year because parade coordinators did not fully check the group’s application. “Perhaps if we had checked out their agenda, they would not have been allowed,” she said. “We didn’t realize they had marched until after the parade.”

Gee Now That's A Political Statement, Ya Think!

“These veterans groups certainly have First Amendment rights,” Shannon said. “But the parade committee also has the First Amendment right to exclude whoever they wish if (the entry) does not keep within the theme.”

Hmmmm, Theme? Veterans and Military Families don't fit the 'Theme' of a Veterans Day Parade? Political Statement!

The city provides the staffing, flags, banners, utilities and police protection, Shannon said, but does not play any role in the approval of parade participants.

“The fact that the city does provide staff is a disconnect,” Shannon said.

As Thomas, over at The Military Project/GI Special puts it, "No shit. That’s public tax money being used to keep Veterans they don’t like out of march.

“They voted unanimously to exclude a group, believing it had a political agenda,” said Lerch, whose 9th District includes the parade route. “And I agree with the board’s actions. For 11 years, this has been a parade to honor and support this nation.”

Wow another Political Statement and from a Pol!

Once again, this isn't an isolated incident, it happens across this country, small to large villages, towns, cities!

What happens to a huge number of Veterans who serve this Country, how about this:

Homeless Veterans


Homelessness High Among Veterans
{There's a verbal report, in broadband and dialup, at above link}

Homeless vets can, should be helped

US Veterans Among Homeless Despite Government Initiatives

Seattle mayor calls homeless veterans "a national disgrace"

Or how about the Care for Veterans:

Soldier Brain Injuries Challenge Doctors


What's The Cost? Suicide - PTSD


Mental BattleField


Yesterday I put up a post on my site, and a few other boards, titled 'PTSD - Katrina, Combat Theater Vets, Psychologist Who Developed It Herself'. This covered two NPR interviews with further information of both. At the bottom I had the following links:

Here are just a few of the recent reports, articles, and studies on PTSD as well as Traumatic Brain Injuries:

Veterans For America Releases Major Report: Trends In Treatment Of America’s Wounded Warriors.

by jamesboyce on Nov 7, 2007

Today, we are proud to release a ground-breaking report on the challenges facing our wounded warriors who are suffering from the “signature wounds” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological trauma.

Having visited every single demobilization site in the United States and overseas, Veterans For America investigators found that care for these injuries is significantly lacking and that the decisions made by the military will negatively impact our veterans for the rest of their lives.

DNC: Bush Talks About Veterans Funding in Texas While Threatening to Veto it in DC

War Veterans Receive Poor Treatment for Combat-Induced Mental Illness, Says VFA Study

Tom Harkin: Rising Number Of Homeless Veterans A Disgrace To Our Nation

Stars and Stripes - PTSD and TBI awareness programs launched

Mental health services for returning vets in short supply

Help for soldiers outside Ft. Carson, with Video

One US soldier's father calls it the silent injury. Now Britain's forces centre is braced for an influx of cases

Outpatients move into new digs at Landstuhl

Demand Action For Our Veterans

There are many many more of these trickling out. But who is really paying attention to them, in a Society that seems to be, once again, Apathedic about a Combat Theater, two actually, that sent our Military in to destroy and be destroyed.

This Society gives more credance to it's stars and starlets than it does to those who serve in it's Military, which makes up an extremely small percentage of the whole!

As this Veteran says "Happy Veterans Day, NOT!"

So enjoy the Parades, banning many Veterans from participating! Enjoy the day off tomorrow, especially if you work a government job, most not being Veterans!

For we always have Next Year to once again "Honor Our Troops and Veterans"
as their numbers of Homeless and Maimed Grow!

If they were sent to fight, they are too few. If they were sent to die, they are too many!

Is 'Funding' Really For Troops?

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