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Veterans Industries, it is a :Work Shop: at the James A. Haley hospital that creates various items for sale.  They make coins and they do a lot of embroidery work, make banners, pen sets and much more.  All proceeds go to assisting Veterans in need, they operate as a non-profit.  

Check it out:  http://www.operationamericanpride.org/html/james_a__haley_veterans_indust.html

This has been verified through our contacts at the James A Haley VA Hospital as legitimate.

PCVC Postmaster.

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VA to Help Build Women Veterans Communities and Networks

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs opened registration on July 8 for a women Veterans forum that will address the quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women, and ways for VA to continue improving access to the care and benefits for women Veterans.

“The VA forum will bring advocates for women Veterans together to learn about VA services and to share valuable information with each other,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The forum will also give Veterans’ advocates the tools they need to help build women Veterans networks and communities throughout VA.”

Shinseki and VA department heads will attend the forum on July 28 at the Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Va.

Because of anticipated demand, available seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and confirmed registrants will be notified by email once registration is filled. Registration—through the Center for Women Veterans by e-mail at 00W@va.gov -- closes when either all seats are filled or no later than July 16. 

The Forum will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with morning presentations and an afternoon information marketplace in which participants are invited to move through the gallery and gather resources and materials provided by VA program offices, Veterans Service Organizations and advocacy organizations. There will also be an afternoon screening of the updated “Lioness” documentary film. 

VA’s women Veterans health conference held earlier in the month will help inform the Forum with the most up-to-date information available from VA’s health care system.

Presentations from the event will be made available online. Feedback about this event and announcements on future events will be available to Forum participants. For more information contact the Center for Women Veterans at (202) 461-6193 or by e-mail at 00W@va.gov. 

VA has undertaken major initiatives to transform the department to meet the unique health care needs of women Veterans and provide the best quality care at every VA medical center.  In addition, the agency is working to shorten the delays for claims processing, improve access to VA health services for minority and rural Veterans, end Veteran homelessness, and ease the transition back to civilian life. 

There are about 1.8 million women Veterans among the nation’s total of 23 million living Veterans. VA estimates women Veterans will comprise 10.5 percent of the Veteran population by 2020. 

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My name is Ashley Ammen and I am with the Veteran’s Affairs Network Office in Bay Pines

VISN 8 and the James A Haley Veterans Hospital will be co-hosting a faith-based outreach event on Saturday, July 31st from 11AM to 2PM at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 4311 W San Miguel Street in Tampa, Florida.   Though this event will be featured as a Health/Employment Expo we are also interested in including agencies that offer veteran services and would be interested in distributing materials or information during the event.  Set up will be at 10AM and tables, tablecloths and chairs will be provided.  If you are interested in having your agency participate, please send me an email directly.   

Please note that although the outreach is being hosted at the Episcopal Church, it is not limited to the Episcopal faith. 

The event will be promoted community-wide.  Once again, please let me know if you are interested or if you have any questions. 

We appreciate your participation and hope to see you on July 31st! 

Thank you, Ashley _________ 

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http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstoknow/annualpass.cfm#discountsforveterans

DISCOUNTS ON ANNUAL ENTRANCE PASSES FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Effective July 1, 2010 Florida’s state parks will provide discounts on or free Annual Entrance Passes to those who currently serve or have served in the United States military branches, veterans with service related disabilities and surviving spouses of members of the US military who have fallen in combat.

The discounted Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Pass is only available for purchase at any Florida State Park staffed ranger station. The free annual pass can only be obtained at a staffed ranger station. View list of staffed ranger stations.

Effective July 1, 2010 the Florida Park Service shall provide discounts on the purchase of Annual Entrance Passes to persons who present satisfactory written documentation which demonstrates their eligibility:

• 25% discount on Annual Entrance Passes for active duty and honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard or reserve units of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard who present proof of eligibility.

  Satisfactory written documentation to prove eligibility includes:

  • Current military identification card showing the bearer as active duty, reserve or retired member of a branch of the Department of Defense, or
  • Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
  • Most recent DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the named individual’s Character of Service as Honorable, or
  • Other current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as active duty, reserve, veteran or retired military.

• Free for Life Family Annual Entrance Passes for honorably discharged United States veterans who have service-connected disabilities.

  Satisfactory written documentation to prove eligibility includes:

  • Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
  • Most recent DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the named individual’s Character of Service as Honorable, or
  • Other current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as veteran, or retired military, and
  • Current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as having sustained a service-related disability.

• Free for Life Family Annual Entrance Passes for surviving spouses of deceased members of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard or reserve units of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard who have fallen in combat.

  Proof of spouse having fallen in combat and proof of spousal relationship are required.

  • Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
  • The final DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the date of death as the same date as the date of separation, and,
  • Marriage certificate or license, or death certificate showing the bearer as the spouse of the military member who has fallen in combat.

And for those who travel to our National Parks - http://store.usgs.gov/pass/access.html

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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

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Gates To Navy: Anchors Away

 Posted 05/07/2010 06:16 PM ET

Four Chinese submarines lead 56 destroyers, frigates, missile boats, subs and planes off the port of Qingdao in April 2009 after tensions flared with... View Enlarged Image

Military Advantage: Our defense secretary proposes doing what no other foreign adversary has done: sink the U.S. Navy. We don't need those billion-dollar destroyers, he says. Meanwhile, the Chinese navy rushes to fill the vacuum.

Once Britannia ruled the waves, later to be replaced by America and its Navy. From the Battle of Midway to President Reagan's 600-ship fleet that helped win the Cold War, naval supremacy has been critical to the protection and survival of our nation.

Which is why we find the recent remarks of Defense Secretary Robert Gates to the Navy League at the Sea-Air-Space expo so disturbing. He seems to think naval supremacy is a luxury we can't afford and that, like every other aspect of our military, an already shrunken U.S. Navy needs to downsize.

Click here to read more

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Military jury clears SEAL in Iraq abuse case

BAGHDAD — A U.S. military jury cleared a Navy SEAL on Thursday of failing to prevent the beating of an Iraqi prisoner suspected of masterminding a 2004 attack that killed four American security contractors.

The contractors’ burned bodies were dragged through the streets and two were hanged from a bridge over the Euphrates River in the former insurgent hotbed of Fallujah, in what became a major turning point in the Iraq war.

The trial of three SEALs has outraged many Americans who see it as coddling terrorists.

Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Julio Huertas, 28, of Blue Island, Ill., was found not guilty by a six-man jury of charges of dereliction of duty and attempting to influence the testimony of another service member.

The jury spent two hours deliberating the verdict.

Huertas is the first of three SEALs to face a court-martial for charges related to the abuse incident. All three SEALs could have received only a disciplinary reprimand, but they insisted on a military trial to clear their names and save their careers.

Click here to read more

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Center for Independant Living may have funds to help Disabled Veterans with Ramps,

Beverly of the Center for Independent Living, (863) 413-2722 may have funds that could be provided for disabled veteran ramps and provide employment services

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AMERICAN HEROES DAY
Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Florida Strawberry Festival will honor our American Heroes by offering FREE admission.  All active, reserve and retired military and military veterans along with Law Enforcement, First Responders (EMS & Fire Fighters) will be admitted free all day when they show a valid ID.  Did we ever tell you that you’re our heroes?  These people put their lives on hold and on the line everyday so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have here in America!  AT 3:30 p.m. Aaron Tippin (who is most recognized for his patriotic smash hit single “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” among others) will perform on the GTE FCU Soundstage.  There’s a hero if you look inside your heart!

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The Polk County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is in the process of developing a multimodal (roads, transit, sidewalks, bike paths, multi-use trails)  cost feasible long range transportation plan for the year 2035.

This 2035 Mobility Vision Plan will identify and address future transportation needs. Transportation plans will be developed for drivers, transit users, pedestrians and bicyclists, ensuring that the overall transportation system will operate safely and effectively into the future.

Please take a few minutes to fill out our 8 question survey to let us know how you feel about future investments in Polk County's transportation system.

http://www.2035mobilityvisionplan.org/index.cfm?pg=participate&step=survey_form

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National Anthem auditions will be held Saturday February, 6 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon for Spring Training and Lakeland Flying Tigers games. Each singer will be required to sing an acappella version of the National Anthem. There are limited dates still available. If there are any questions please contact Dan Lauer at his e-mail: dan.lauer@detroittigers.com.

Click here to view the Lakeland Flying Tigers Website

Right click and print

Right click and print

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Airman 1st Class Corey Hernandez pulled the trigger.  Nothing was supposed to happen, except the metallic click of the hammer striking the firing pin.Instead, the pistol fired.Senior Airman Michael Garcia fell to the floor of his apartment, just outside Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., a bullet in his head from his own gun fired by one of his best friends.  Police called what the airmen were doing “horseplay.”The men had been playing a game, one that tests faith and wills, one increasingly common in the military.  Two months ago, four Marines received time in the brig for their roles in the death of a Marine killed in Iraq while playing the game, called Trust.Until Dec. 10, when the 23-year-old Garcia died, the Air Force had not had any reported incidents of airmen playing Trust.  Today, Hernandez, 21, faces charges of manslaughter and use of a weapon to commit a felony. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 11 in Sarpy County Court, the local civilian jurisdiction.   If convicted of both charges, he could be sentenced to up to 70 years in prison, according to Nebraska sentencing guidelines.  The Air Force released details about the airmen’s job responsibilities — both belonged to units of the 55th Wing — but refused to speculate on Garcia’s death because it is still under investigation by the local civilian authorities.  It did not rule out the possibility that Hernandez could be charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice at some point as well. “The 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base and the Air Force as a whole suffered a great loss with the death of Senior Airman Garcia. We share in the sorrow felt by his loved ones and the loss of one of our own affects all of us,” read a statement released by Offutt officials.Drinks and a weaponGarcia and Hernandez met in April, when Hernandez arrived at Offutt right out of communications tech school.  Both belonged to units of the 55th Wing, the Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth. Hernandez is a voice network apprentice with the 55th Communications Squadron; Garcia was an intelligence analyst with the 55th Operations Support Squadron.They lived in the same apartment complex, Gateway Park, only two miles from base, and hung out together often, according to James Martin Davis, Hernandez’s civilian attorney.  On the night of the shooting, according to authorities, Garcia, Hernandez and two other airmen started out at a nearby bar, winding up at Garcia’s apartment about midnight.  Neither the police in Bellevue, Neb., — near Offutt — nor the Air Force would identify the other airmen.  At the apartment, Garcia brought out his Springfield .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun, according to what Davis said Hernandez told him.  There was not supposed to be a round in the chamber. That’s the way the game is played — buddies trust each other that the weapon is cleared and pulling the trigger will be harmless.Garcia “took the gun down, he put it in front of [Hernandez], and he says, ‘Trust me.  Now point it at me and shoot.’ And Corey did,” Davis saidHernandez and Garcia had played Trust with the gun before, Davis said, and they usually took turns as the shooter.  “They had done this a number of times,” he said.  “No one knows why there was a round in the chamber.” Garcia’s roommate, also an airman, dialed 911 shortly before 1 a.m. Dec. 11 to report the shooting.  When officers arrived a few minutes later, Hernandez, the roommate and another airman were waiting outside.  “They were obviously upset,” said Lt. Keith Bader, commander of the Bellevue Police Department’s special investigations unit.  Officers found Garcia dead in the apartment, then drove the three airmen to police headquarters for questioning. They arrested Hernandez. He stayed in the Sarpy County Jail until Dec. 15, when he posted $20,000 of a $200,000 bond.During questioning, according to Bader, the airmen did not say they were playing a game but did use the word “trust” in explaining what happened. Bader described the airmen’s actions as “horseplay” and “inappropriate handling of the handgun.”“Actually, this is the first I had heard of it,” Bader said of the Trust game. “They did state that the victim had pointed the gun at himself and at others and had pulled the trigger.” A Marine trick Troops have played the Trust game — in different forms — for years, a few times with fatal consequences.  In 1997, a Marine lance corporal died in Okinawa after other Marines accidentally dropped him from the third floor of his barracks.  In that version of the Trust game, the Marines took turns dangling each other out a window, holding only their ankles. Five Marines faced criminal charges; one was sentenced to 10 years in the brig.  A decade later, a Kentucky Army National Guardsman shot and killed his best friend, a fellow soldier, while playing Trust, which he said he learned while deployed to Iraq.  This year, two deaths, both caused by Marines, have been attributed to the game.The first was the one in Iraq that sent the four Marines to the brig. The second was the fatal shooting of a civilian by his Marine roommate in an off-base home near Camp Lejeune, N.C.   The Marine faces a charge of second-degree murder.  The game is touted as a way to build camaraderie and “maintain an edge,” according to the Marine investigation of the shooting in Iraq.  Perhaps because of Air Force culture, the high education level of airmen or the roles that the service has played in the war zones, airmen seem far less familiar with Trust than Marines seem to be. Enlisted airmen and an officer told Air Force Times that they either had never heard of Trust or had never heard of the game being played by their fellow airmen.  The officer, a judge advocate, said he remembers a case from his years as a defense counsel that involved airmen playing Russian roulette but has never heard of Trust being played in the Air Force.  ”Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, the 55th Wing commander, posted a commentary Dec. 15 on Offutt’s Web site encouraging his airmen to watch out for each other, help each other make good decisions and “simply [say] ‘no’ when somebody asks you to join in an action that you know could result in injury or damage.”

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Department of Veterans Affairs stories according to TBO.com

http://www2.highlandstoday.com/topic/k/department-of-veterans-affairs/

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WRITER'S CENTER SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN TO WOMEN VETERANS
The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Md., is calling for applications for the Ann Darr Scholarship for deserving writers who wish to take workshops offered by the Center. If you are female veteran or active-duty soldier, you can get a scholarship to cover the cost of tuition for one writing workshop. Additional scholarships are available for those applicants who re-apply and/or receive instructor recommendation. To apply, send a 1-2 page cover letter that discusses your armed service experience and your specific goals and aspirations. Applications should be postmarked by February 15, 2010, and e-mailed to charles.jensen@writer.org or sent to Charles Jensen, Director, The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815. Find out more at https://www.writer.org/news/news.asp?id=204

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View article...

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After Action Report—General Barry R McCaffrey USA (Ret)

click here to download Barry McCaffrey Report PDF

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Back from combat, women struggle for acceptance

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VA to Survey Veterans Households: 

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a national survey of Veterans, active duty service members, activated National Guard and reserve members, and family members and survivors to learn if they are aware of VA services. 

“By hearing directly from Veterans and their family members, we gain valuable information to help us serve them better.  We hope those who receive the survey will respond to it,” Secretary Shinseki said.  

In addition to assessing awareness levels, the National Survey of Veterans will collect important health care, benefits, employment, and demographic information that VA will use to inform policy decisions and improve benefits.  Recognizing a broader client base than just Veterans, this is the first time VA has included others, such as Veteran family members, in its survey population.  

VA is mailing out survey “screeners” to more than 130,000 households to identify potential survey participants.  The screener asks if anyone in the household is a member of one of the identified survey groups – Veterans, family members and survivors, active duty, Guard or Reserve members.  Eligible survey participants then may be requested to participate in a full-length survey. 

Participants will be able to select a preferred survey method: through U.S. mail, telephone or a password-protected Internet address.  VA expects approximately 10,000 Veterans to complete the full-length survey.  

This is the sixth VA National Survey of Veterans since 1978.  The information collected will help VA in its efforts to design and conduct outreach to Veterans.  In addition, it will provide a clearer picture of the Veteran population’s characteristics to help evaluate existing programs and policies and measure their impact.

The data collection is expected to be finished by the end of February and the final report released by December 2010.

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WARNING - 2010 Census and your personal Information - Identity Theft 

For years, Better Business Bureau has educated consumers about not giving out personal information over the telephone or to anyone who shows up at their front door.  With the U.S. Census process beginning, BBB advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.
 
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.  Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data. 

“Most people are rightfully cautious and won’t give out personal information to unsolicited phone callers or visitors, however the Census is an exception to the rule,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “Unfortunately, scammers know that the public is more willing to share personal data when taking part in the Census and they have an opportunity to ply their trade by posing as a government employee and soliciting sensitive financial information.”
 
The Census data will be used to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds every year, as well as determine a State’s number of Congressional representatives. Households are actually required by law to respond to the Census Bureau’s request for information.

During the U.S. Census, households will be contacted by mail, telephone or visited by a U.S. Census worker who will inquire about the number of people living in the house. Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers who are impersonating Census workers in order to gain access to sensitive financial information such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers. Law enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations and Social Security numbers.
 
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
 
• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.  However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

• Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.  While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

• Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home.  However, they will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the look out for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit http://www.bbb.org/us/article/bbb-alerts-consumers-about-us-census-workers-be-cooperative-but-cautious-10306

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U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center - Survey

Historical Programs

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View article...

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The 2^nd Battalion of the 116^th Field Artillery will depart Lakeland on Friday, 8 Jan 2010.

The Polk County Veterans Council is planning a departure event for them. 

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Veterans Honored for Service in War and Peace

By PEGGY KEHOE, Managing Editor

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Bugler volunteers for Miliary Funerals -

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/11/05/vif2.the.bugler.cnn

Echo Taps needs more volunteer Buglers

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Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants invite all active duty and veterans to pull up a chair for a delicious meal.

Eat Good on Veterans Day

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants invite all active duty and veterans to one of 164 participating restaurants nationwide to pull up a chair for a delicious meal and heartfelt thanks this Veterans Day. With gratitude for their service and sacrifice, active duty and veterans will eat free at participating locations on Veterans Day (November 11, 2008) during regular business hours.

Veterans and active duty with proof of United States military service will be able to go to one of the participating Applebee's and select one complimentary entrée from a selection of delicious favorites: a savory House Sirloin, hearty Riblet Basket, zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken®, a juicy Quesadilla Burger or fresh Oriental Chicken Salad. All the traditional - sides are included.

"It's an honor to host an event that helps the neighborhood come together and say thanks to our veterans and active servicemen and women," said Mike Archer, President, Applebee's Services, Inc..

Proof of military service includes:

 

* U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card
* U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card
* DD214
* LES
* Citation or Commendation
* Photograph in uniform
* Veterans Organization Card

 

For location information: http://www.applebees.com/.

Find participating Applebee's restaurants.

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If anyone has a TV (19”) they are no longer using, the James A Haley VA Hospital 3^rd Floor Oncology could use one for the waiting room, there’s only shows monocolor (blue).  If you would like to donate a TV please contact Will Clark 813-972-2000 x 6853.  Let me Postmaster@PolkVeteransCouncil.org know if I can deliver it to the VA, I'll go by and pick it up from you and get it to the 3rd floor Onocology. 

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Cross-Currents Muddle Mojave Cross Case

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Paint Your Heart Out Lakeland  http://paintyourheartoutlakeland.org/
 
Needs referrals of folks who fit this criteria:
 
PYHO Lakeland considers applications from homeowners throughout the city who meet these criteria:
 
(1) The homeowner must be 62 years of age or older OR must be disabled OR must qualify under the "very low income" or "low income" guidelines as set forth in the City of Lakeland, Florida, Housing Assistance Income Schedule.
(2) The homeowner must live in the home being nominated.
(3) The home must be in Lakeland, FL.
(4) The home must be a single story, single family dwelling.
(5) The home must be in such repair that PYHO Lakeland can actually paint the dwelling after only minor repairs are made.
(6) The home must actually need to be painted.

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Click on the flyer to view in larger format

Click on the flyer to view in larger format

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Golden Corral - Military Appreciation Monday

Military Appreciation Monday
Free "Thank You" Dinner
Monday, Nov. 9, 2009,
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Golden Corral's 9^th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 9, 2009, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide.

The free dinner meal is a special "thank you tribute" to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to join us for Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday dinner.

To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.2 million free meals and contributed over $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

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From the Army Times

The T.A.M.P.A. (Tampa Area Marine Parents Association) July 2009 news letter is now available.

click here to download file

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There is a group of private pilots willing to donate their time and aircraft for those military men and women in need of transportation to family members or family members in need of transportation to their wounded loved one. They will fly family members to their loved ones or vice versa.  I have included the link to the website, so go see what they offer and if you know of someone that could use this service feel free to contact them to left them know there is a way to meet with love ones even if they can not afford it.
Please help get the word out. We all know there are troops/families that need this kind of help.
http://www.veteransairlift.org/page/1/home.jsp
Veterans Airlift Command
5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 700
St. Louis Park, MN 55416

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From the Navy Times 

9/11 defendants no shows at Guantanamo hearing

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From the Air Force Times

View article...

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After a decade in prison, new struggles emerge

From the Marine Corps Times

For nearly 10 years, Staff Sgt. Brian Foster stared at the same concrete prison walls after being convicted on a bogus rape charge. It was three short steps to his toilet, he said, and 50 to the chow hall.

Foster, 35, travels much farther now, but he said he still doesn’t feel free.

With his conviction overturned, the military policeman is in the process of putting his life back together. Pinned as a staff sergeant June 26, he received $275,000 in back pay (minus about $90,000 in taxes) July 1, he said.

He recently re-enlisted, embracing the Corps that court-martialed him. He also got married May 27, to a woman he said he fell in love with before his incarceration.

He has been cleared by the Corps to retire with full benefits if he serves out his next contract.

Still, problems persist.

Released in February from the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and assigned to Mobilization Command in Kansas City, Mo., Foster said he has been told by officers overseeing his reinstatement that he will not receive tens of thousands of dollars in retroactive allowances he thought he’d receive, including commuted rations, Basic Allowance for Housing and family separation pay.

Additionally, Foster said he has been warned not to speak out publicly about his situation without permission, with several MobCom officers telling him it could be considered a challenge to authority and lead to court-martial. The handling of the ordeal by his command has angered him, even as he continues to put faith in the Corps as an institution.

“To me, they’re still treating me as a prisoner,” he said of MobCom officials. “I will feel that way until the day that they fully restore me with my rank, my pay, my privileges and my property that was taken from me.”

MobCom says that’s not the case. The unit’s leadership meets weekly specifically to work on Foster’s problems and has waded through a variety of issues that had little precedent, said MobCom spokesman Maj. Winston Jimenez. A variety of decisions, including whether Foster will receive retroactive allowances, are “still being worked out with higher headquarters,” MobCom officials said.

Foster hasn’t been warned not to speak with the media, but he has been ordered to use Marine public affairs when doing so ensure the release of a “full and accurate message,” Jimenez said.

“We understand he went through a lot,” Jimenez said. “We’re trying to do everything we can to assist him.”

Foster said his response is simple: How long will it take?

Seeking absolution

The past is ugly: Foster was sentenced in December 1999 to 17 years’ imprisonment after being convicted on two counts of aggravated assault, one count of rape and one count of making threats, all against his then-estranged wife.

But the conviction was flawed, the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals decided Feb. 17, more than nine years after Foster initially appealed the decision. The appeals court found that Foster was convicted following “a muddled, hearsay-based case” that included a variety of errors by the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney and, eventually, the appellate process.

“It is clear to this court that the prosecution attempted to bootstrap a rape conviction atop several instances of assaultive conduct,” the court wrote. “We are unable to conclude that the appellant is guilty of rape beyond a reasonable doubt. To the contrary, we hold that his conviction of rape was factually insufficient and was obtained as the result of other errors.”

With that as the background, Foster reported to MobCom on Feb. 20 with little more than the shirt on his back.

Several Marines have gone out of their way to help Foster find normalcy, even as the system slowly comes to decisions on Foster’s future. They’ve taken him out for steak, helped him sift through paperwork and served as a sounding board as he’s grown increasingly frustrated with the process to “make me whole,” he said.

“I’m not bashing all Marines here; I need to be clear with that,” he said. “I’m just disappointed with my unit and the way they’ve taken care of me.”

Still, the Corps has moved to help Foster in several ways.

On June 3 — more than three months after the conviction was overturned — he received his first paycheck in years with sergeant’s pay from the Defense Finance Accounting Service, he said, essentially doubling the $1,400 a month he was receiving. Busted to a private after his conviction, he had worn his sergeant’s stripes for months following his release while waiting for his E-5 paygrade to be reinstated.

The Corps also moved in June to promote him to staff sergeant retroactively to April 1, 2000, netting him a large pot of money. MobCom declined to say how much he will receive, but Foster said he received a one-time payout of about $275,000 before taxes from DFAS, which is consistent with a Marine Corps Times analysis of basic pay tables for the past 10 years. About $90,000 of the payout went to taxes, Foster said, but he could eventually recoup some of that from the IRS.

Marine officials also have discussed with Foster a three-year re-enlistment and a permanent change of station in August to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., where he would continue to serve as a military policeman. If he completes the tour, he’d be eligible to retire as a staff sergeant in October 2012, as the Corps’ rules dictate that any Marine who is denied re-enlistment after 18 years of service will be granted “enlisted sanctuary” and be allowed to remain on active duty until they qualify for retirement, MobCom officials said.

The Corps’ plans for Foster were reinforced by Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, the Corps’ top enlisted Marine, who visited Mobilization Command headquarters May 19 and met with Foster.

“He just said he wanted to meet me and shake my hand,” Foster said. “I shook his hand, and he said, ‘I guarantee you that everything will be taken care of for you. You don’t have to worry.’ It was a pretty inspiring moment.”

MobCom officials confirmed the meeting took place. Kent was not available for comment.

The road ahead

Even with his status as a staff noncommissioned officer now guaranteed, Foster has other issues to sort out.

He is still waiting to receive numerous uniform items that were promised to him in a new seabag, he said. In fact, with a PCS planned in a few weeks, he’s worried that he won’t be able to report to Security Battalion at Quantico in his Alpha uniform, as tradition dictates.

“It’s frustrating,” Foster said. “You’re telling me that recruits are coming to the depot and they’re not getting their Alpha blouse, or their Charlie pants?”

There are also career issues to deal with. Foster likely would have been eligible for promotion to gunnery sergeant in 2005, said Maj. Shawn Haney, a spokeswoman for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Foster said his MobCom first sergeant also told him that he would have been eligible for selection to first sergeant this year, but the Corps isn’t authorized to promote him — even through a remedial board — because he has no track record as a staff NCO, Haney said.

To reach gunny, Foster will need to petition the Board for Correction of Naval Records, which was created to “provide a method for correction of errors or removal of injustices” from the service records of current and former Marines and sailors, according to BCNR’s Web site. It is considered the highest level of administrative review within the Navy Department, with a three-member panel drawn from a pool of about 50 civil servants reviewing cases.

Each case takes an average of six months, Navy officials said. By law, service members are not allowed to sit on the board.

The need to go through the board frustrates Foster, who said he can see himself serving well beyond 20 years if things are squared away.

“I was hoping that when I checked out of [MobCom], I’d be able to just go back to being a Marine,” he said. “I am just perplexed why the Marine Corps can’t do this when I have been able to accomplish so much on my own.”

Foster also wants all the allowances, such as BAH, that he didn’t receive while imprisoned, but fears that the Corps will say that because he was housed and fed by the military while imprisoned, he doesn’t rate them.

For their part, MobCom officials said the uniforms stand as a good example of the unit trying to do right by Foster. Even with a possibility in March that Foster could have faced a retrial or a punitive discharge because of the original assault charges — they were later dropped — MobCom moved within days of him arriving to file a request for a new seabag, Jimenez said.

To date, Foster has signed for all but nine items, which remain on back order.

“Obviously, when he reports to Quantico, he’ll need to do so in Alphas,” Jimenez said. “We’ll need to focus on that in coming weeks in order to make sure that he can do so.”

The silver lining

Foster has had no easier time playing catch-up in his personal life — but it has been rewarding.

On May 27, he married his wife, Briana, whom he first met in 1999 through an introduction by his first sergeant at Camp Pendleton, Calif. At the time, Foster was going through the messy divorce with his ex-wife that eventually included the criminal charges.

The relationship started innocently, Foster said. Both of them were new to Southern California and alone much of the time. Eventually, it blossomed, and they began discussing getting married, believing the flimsy evidence offered in his court-martial wouldn’t be enough to land him in prison.

“When I was convicted, she was just as devastated as I was,” he said. “She said she would stay with me until the end.”

Briana flew to Kansas City to meet Foster two weeks after his release, and in May, he flew to her home in San Francisco, helping her to pack up her possessions. They drove to Reno, Nev., got married, then moved on to visit his brothers — both former Marines — in Cheyenne, Wyo., and Denver, before settling in a new apartment near Kansas City.

Briana Foster said staying together during his confinement wasn’t easy. The two sent thousands of letters to each other, and Briana occasionally would fly from California with her daughter, Haley, 16, to see Foster at Leavenworth.

“It was really hard for me to understand that, even though I was living in the best country, this could happen to one of its best men,” she said. “He’s definitely worth waiting 10 years for.”

The couple is planning to move together with Haley once Foster is reassigned to Quantico. He chose to PCS to Virginia in part because he thought moving to Japan would be too difficult on his family, which also includes two sons, Jacob and Nicholas, who are now in their teens.

Foster hasn’t yet been in contact with his sons, and expects that they will continue to live with his ex-wife in another state, he said. With some money finally in hand, however, he plans to pursue visitation rights and hopes they’ll fly to Virginia and take trips with him to see Washington, New York and other East Coast attractions.

“It seemed to be a central location, and it’s exciting,” Foster said. “My sons could come out to visit me and we could see the heart of our country, you know?”

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Next Iraq, Afghanistan rotations announced

From the Army Times

The Defense Department announced Tuesday the next major units tapped to deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq beginning this fall.

The announcements affect 37,500 soldiers — 30,000 to Iraq and 7,500 to Afghanistan. However, these upcoming rotations are part of regular deployments and will not change the overall number of troops in each theater, according to DoD.

To Afghanistan

About 3,800 soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, from Fort Campbell, Ky., will deploy to Afghanistan in late fall. The brigade returned from its last deployment, to Iraq, in November 2008.

About 3,700 soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, of Vicenza, Italy, will deploy in the winter. The unit has completed two tours in Afghanistan, the most recent ending in August 2008.

Both brigades will conduct full spectrum operations in Afghanistan.

To Iraq

About 30,000 troops — in three division headquarters and eight BCTs — will deploy to Iraq beginning in the fall. Units will continue deploying into early 2010, according to the DoD.

The headquarters units deploying are from the 3rd Infantry Division, of Fort Stewart, Ga.; 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; and 1st Armored Division, Wiesbaden, Germany.

These division headquarters will provide command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to support security operations in Iraq.

The following three brigade combat teams will replace units already on the ground and they will be tasked with conducting full spectrum operations:

• 1st BCT, 1st Armored Division, of Fort Bliss, Texas. The brigade returned from its last Iraq tour in February 2007.

• 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division, of Fort Drum, N.Y. The unit returned from its last Iraq deployment in November 2008.

• 2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, which completed its last Iraq tour in November 2007.

These four BCTs will serve in an advisory and assistance role, and their mission will be to train and mentor Iraqi Security Forces, conduct coordinated counter-terrorism missions and protect ongoing civilian and military efforts in Iraq, according to the DoD announcement.

• 3rd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division, of Fort Benning, Ga., which returned from Iraq in June 2008.

• 2nd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division, of Fort Stewart, which came home from Iraq in July 2008.

• 1st BCT, 3rd Infantry Division, of Fort Stewart, which completed its last Iraq tour in April 2008.

• 3rd BCT, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. This unit came home from Iraq in February 2009.

In addition, the 53rd BCT from the Florida Army National Guard also will deploy. Its mission will be to conduct security force missions, including base defense and route security. The 53rd originally had been tapped to deploy to Afghanistan, but was re-missioned to serve in Kuwait and Iraq.

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Privacy deemed lacking at some VA hospitals

From the Air Force Times

WASHINGTON — Veterans Affairs Department hospitals and clinics aren't always making sure women veterans have privacy when they bathe and receive exams, government auditors said Tuesday.

As thousands of women veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan and enter the VA's health system, the Government Accountability Office reported that no VA hospital or outpatient clinic under review is complying fully with federal privacy requirements.

GAO investigators found that many VA facilities had gynecological tables that faced the door — including one door that opened to a waiting room. It also found instances where women had to walk through a waiting area to use the restroom, instead of it being next to an exam room as required by VA policy.

At four hospitals investigators visited, women were not guaranteed access to a private bathing facility. In two of those cases, there wasn't a lock on the door.

Female veterans told the Senate Veterans' Affairs committee that VA workers need to be better educated about combat situations that women face in the two ongoing wars. Beyond privacy concerns, there are other issues as well, they said, such as a lack of child care at VA hospitals and difficulty in finding diaper-changing tables.

"Many VA facilities are not prepared to accommodate the presence of children," said Kayla Williams, an Iraq veteran and author. "Several friends have described having to change babies' diapers on the floors of VA hospitals."

A majority of the women veterans who have turned up at VA facilities are between the ages of 20 and 29, and on average are much younger than the average male veteran, the GAO survey found. Nearly 20 percent have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and many experienced sexual trauma while serving. Yet, a smaller percentage of eligible women than men use VA care.

Randall Williamson, director of health care issues at GAO, said while top VA officials are committed to improvements in women's care, hospitals and clinics weren't always taking simple steps to make women more comfortable — such as moving the direction of exam tables.

"Part of it comes down to commitment at the local level," Williamson said. The GAO is the investigative arm of Congress.

Patricia Hayes, chief consultant of the veterans strategic health care group at the VA, said the VA recognizes the care given to women isn't as good as what's offered to men, but it's made changes and will continue to do so.

She said space constraints and the layout of buildings pose challenges, but the VA is putting together long-term plans for construction improvements. Changes under way "will build the system that will provide care equal to the health care needs of all America's veterans, regardless of gender," Hayes said.

In 2008, the VA provided health care to more than 281,000 women veterans, a 12 percent increase from 2006. Over the next two decades, the number of female veterans is expected to increase by 17 percent.

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Bills to Improve VA Health Care, Insurance Programs Today, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittees on Health and Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs approved a number of bills to improve Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and life insurance programs.

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Florida Voters to decide on Military Tax break: 

TALLAHASSEE - Military personnel from Florida serving overseas would get a property tax break on their primary homes if voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment.

The measure (HJR 833) will be on the 2010 ballot after getting final legislative approval today. The vote was unanimous in both the House and Senate.

The tax cuts would be based on how many days soldiers served overseas in the previous year. An estimated 25,000 Floridians are now deployed abroad.

The measure would cover Coast Guard, National Guard and reserve as well as active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

The amendment requires 60 percent voter approval to pass.

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FOR ANYONE ACTIVE DUTY DURING OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM OR OPERATION
ENDURING FREEDOM!  

Question:  What's better than a FREE day of fun?

Answer:  A FREE day of fun with food and transportation provided!

The Quantum Leap Farm and the Tampa Bay Ray's families are hosting a
FREE FAMILY FUN DAY at the equestrian farm in Odessa on June 27th.
They are also providing transportation to/from our MacDill Family
Resource Center in Brandon as well as to/from the Airman and Family
Readiness Center on MacDill!

Horseback Rides
Carriage Rides
Water Slide
Animal Petting Area
Lunch

Fun for the whole family!  A few of us went out there this week and had
a great time!   We even finger-painted on a horse!  "Idaho" (the horse)
was very patient as we all put our handprints, shapes and names on her
sides, even a big red heart on her rear!

A bus will be provided on the 27th, or your family can drive up
themselves.  We ask that you call to sign up so our hosts will know how many to
expect to visit.

 Please call to sign up by calling 655-9281 or 828-0145.
Bus will leave each location (MFRC and A&FRC) @ 0900 and 1300

For more information on Quantum Leap Farm, check out their website
www.quantumleapfarm.org 

Gayle Cook
Manager
MacDill Family Resource Center
813-655-9281
www.macdillfrc.com

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Laptops For Flat Tops

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Innocent Marine freed after 9 years in prison

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — After more than nine years locked up in prison, fighting to overturn his 1999 rape conviction, Sgt. Brian W. Foster finally won his freedom in February.

But the battle to restore his military rank, pay, career and life is just beginning.

A decade ago, while serving as a military police officer at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Foster told his company commander that he would refuse nonjudicial punishment over allegations made by his estranged wife accusing him of raping her in 1995 and assaulting her from 1994 to 1998. Her rape claim surfaced amid a bitter divorce and custody fight over their two young sons.

Foster, now 35, figured he’d be acquitted at court-martial, where he was charged with rape, aggravated assault and making threats. What Foster didn’t know was that about 90 percent of all general courts-martial end in convictions, either from the jury or through plea agreements, according to annual reports from the Navy’s Judge Advocate General.

He also didn’t count on a shoddy defense and prosecution, which convinced a jury to sentence him to 17 years in prison, bust him to private and cap it all with a dishonorable discharge.

Clearing his name would not be easy.

Read More Click here

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Crist signs Fla. Vietnam vet diploma bill

The Associated Press

Unit.

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VA Welcoming Vets Home with New Web Site, Blog

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First, it was trying to have those injured in battle pay for their own care.

Second, massive cuts to the military budgets as Iran and North Korea not to mention China and Russia are building up their military budgets.

Third, Obama apologizes for what the US (including vets) have contributed to the world.

Fourth, Military Vets are now categorized as Right Wing Extremists—no mention of Bill Ayers, ACORN, Black Panthers, attacks on liberal college campuses, or others who have actually been involved in terrorism.

We know where this administration stands on national security.

Napolitano should resign.

Gary

Addition:  The DHS Secretary wouldn't have to applogize if she would have had more respect for our troops in the First Place.

Gus - PCVC Postmaster

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized to veterans in a FOX News interview after a DHS report labeled returning troops at risk for embracing right-wing extremism.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized to veterans after a report issued by her department said troops returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were at risk for being recruited by right-wing extremists.

"To the extent veterans read it as an accusation ... an apology is owed," she said during an on-air interview on FOX News Thursday, a day after veterans' groups and members of Congress blasted her for the report, which they said libeled members of the armed forces.

"This was an assessment, not an accusation," Napolitano continued. "It was limited to extremists those who seek to commit violence within the United States. And all this was meant to do was to give law enforcement what we call 'situational awareness.'"

"The last thing I want to do is offend or castigate all veterans. To the contrary, let's meet and clear the air," she said.

A footnote in the report, "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment," said that while there is no specific information that domestic right-wing terrorists are planning acts of violence, such acts could come from unnamed "rightwing extremists" concerned about illegal immigration, abortion, increasing federal power and restrictions on firearms -- and singled out returning war veterans as susceptible to recruitment.

"If there's one part of this report that I would rewrite ... it would be that footnote," Napolitano said.

American Legion National Commander David Rehbein, who blasted the report earlier this week as incomplete and politically-biased, said he was pleased with Napolitano's apology.

"I am glad that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has apologized for the language used in the report about 'Rightwing Extremism,'" Rehbein said in a statement obtained by FOXNews.com. "I look forward to meeting with her next Friday, putting this behind us and discussing critical issues involving Homeland Security and The American Legion."

At least one veterans group, however, wasn't moved by Napolitano's mea culpa.

"It wasn't an apology in my view," said Pete Hegseth, chairman of Vets for Freedom. "It was one of those non-apology apologies. She was sorry that veterans were offended. She should either apologize for the content of the report as it stands or they should rewrite the report and reissue it."

Hegseth, an Army veteran who served in Iraq, said the report represents a "gross misunderstanding and oversimplification" of the country's service members. He did not call for Napolitano's ouster, but said he would accept her resignation.

"If she volunteered to step down, that'd be very honorable of her," Hegseth said. "It would be a recognition of what she did."

Napolitano defended the report Wednesday, saying it is part of an ongoing series of assessments to provide information to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies on "violent radicalization" in the United States.

"Let me be clear: we monitor the risks of violent extremism taking root here in the United States," Napolitano said in a statement. "We don't have the luxury of focusing our efforts on one group; we must protect the country from terrorism whether foreign or homegrown, and regardless of the ideology that motivates its violence."

But the unclassified report, which was produced by DHS' Office of Intelligence and Analysis also cited the case of Timothy McVeigh, a decorated Gulf War veteran who was executed in 2001 after being convicted of killing 168 people during the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995.

"The willingness of a small percentage of military personnel to join extremist groups during the 1990s because they were disgruntled, disillusioned or suffering from the psychological effects of war is being replicated today," the report reads.

Rehbein criticized the report in a letter sent to Napolitano on Monday.

"The American Legion is well aware and horrified at the pain inflicted during the Oklahoma City bombing, but Timothy McVeigh was only one of more than 42 million veterans who have worn this nation's uniform during wartime," Rehbein wrote. "To continue to use McVeigh as an example of the stereotypical 'disgruntled military veteran' is unfair as using Osama bin Laden as the sole example of Islam."

Hegseth said he found it "amazing they would single out veterans as a threat to this country. It underscores a pervasive belief that some are trying to spread that veterans are victims and we're coming home as damaged goods that need to be coddled instead of celebrated."

Napolitano acknowledged Rehbein's letter on Wednesday and said she plans to meet with him sometime next week. But she told FOX News that the report's reference to the Oklahoma City bombing "rang true" to her.

"Unfortunately [McVeigh] was a vet, that's where he got his training and so when I was told about the report, it rang true with me, this has happened in the past," Napolitano told FOX News. "That is a far cry, however, from saying veterans somehow are at risk."

Hegseth said he was also troubled by the report's assertion that returning veterans who face "significant challenges reintegrating into their communities" could be easy targets for extremist groups seeking new members.

"If anything, veterans have an allegiance to this country greater than the average citizen," he said. "Veterans have learned where their allegiances lie and are less prone to extremism. Something's wrong with the editing process or [DHS officials] just don't understand veterans. The report demonstrates a true lack of understanding of who veterans are."

House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, also criticized the report, saying its portrayal of veterans was "offensive and unacceptable."

The report follows a similar DHS assessment released in January that detailed left-wing threats, focusing on cyberattacks and radical "eco-terrorist" groups like Earth Liberation Front, accused of firebombing construction sites, logging companies, car dealerships and food science labs. The report noted that left-wing extremists prefer economic damage to get their message across.

"Their leftwing assessment identifies actual terrorist organizations, like the Earth Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Front," House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said in a statement issued Wednesday. "The rightwing report uses broad generalizations about veterans, pro-life groups, federalists and supporters of gun rights. That's like saying if you love puppies, you might be susceptible to recruitment by the Animal Liberation Front. It is ridiculous and deeply offensive to millions of Americans."

FOXNews.com's Joshua Rhett Miller contributed to this report.

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Camp Lejeune Historic Water Update

Update on Research Initiatives 

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http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/wae/press_releases/2009/Docs/040609_Sebero_Plea.pdf

“LOCAL MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO LARGEST SINGLE DISABILITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS FRAUD IN VA HISTORY”  

Spokane – James A. McDevitt, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that James M. Sebero, age 59, a resident of Idaho entered guilty pleas to two crimes related to illegally receiving disability compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, James M. Sebero entered a guilty plea to one count of wire fraud (contained in a District of Idaho Indictment) which was related to the payment of a monthly VA disability compensation benefit and one count of making a false statement (contained in the Eastern District of Washington Indictment) based upon a claim to a VA physician that he continued to be paraplegic. Sentencing is set for July 10, 2009. The investigation of James M. Sebero disclosed that he was an enlisted member of the United States Air Force between 1969 and 1975. In 1975, Sebero reported to Air Force personnel that he had been injured while unloading a snowmobile. Sebero was treated by military medical personnel. Ultimately, Sebero claimed he had lost all use of his legs and was paraplegic. The VA was advised by the Air Force of its findings and began making disability compensation payments to Sebero based upon 100% disability from the paraplegia and other injuries in 1976.  

Almost immediately after receiving his medical retirement from the Air Force and VA disability compensation benefits, Sebero established and operated a business known as Custom Excavation. According to Washington state records James M. Sebero operated that business between 1980 and 1992. From 1992 to the present, James M. Sebero owned and operated an aircraft maintenance facility called Custom Aviation and obtained a pilot’s license without any restrictions based on any disability. FAA records indicate that on each application for various airman’s certificates, Sebero denied any sort of medical problems or disability. He was also a commissioned law enforcement officer with Bonner County, Idaho. Sebero was required to meet certain medical and physical requirements in connection with his position. Bonner County records indicate he was able to pass all those requirements, showed no evidence of disability and was assigned several tasks during his employment which could not have been accomplished by a person who was paraplegic. On September 26, 2007, James M. Sebero entered the VA hospital in a wheel chair and was examined by a VA physician. During the course of the examination, the physician asked James M. Sebero if he continued to suffer from paraplegia. James M. Sebero confirmed that he was paraplegic and that he had been unable to walk since his discharge from the Air Force. On the following day, September 27, 2007, James M. Sebero appeared before Magistrate Judge Cynthia Imbrogno to answer to charges concerning an unrelated false statement. James M. Sebero was observed by agents and others as he walked into the Thomas S. Foley Courthouse in Spokane, stood without assistance as he made his appearance before the Judge, walked the stairs to the U.S. Marshal’s office for booking after his court appearance and then walked as he departed the Courthouse following his appearance. James A. McDevitt, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said, “The successful resolution of this case is due to the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s office from the District of Idaho and the very thorough and persistent efforts of the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs. By his actions, Mr. Sebero disgraced the system that compensates all those veterans who are truly disabled and who are fairly compensated for their injuries sustained in service to their country.” Douglas J. Carver, Special Agent in Charge for the Western Field Office, said, “This has been collaborate effort between the VA OIG and the United States Attorney’s offices to investigate substantive fraud and prosecute those individuals diverting precious benefits from deserving veterans. I am pleased that this matter was successfully resolved.” A conviction for wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of court supervision after release and restitution. A conviction for making a false statement carries a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of court supervision after release and restitution. In the plea agreement, Sebero agrees to the forfeiture of substantial assets and payment of $950,000 in restitution. The investigation was conducted by the Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs. This case is being prosecuted by both the United States Attorney’s offices in the District of Idaho and the Eastern District of Washington.

 The VA, Office of Inspector General, has established a hotline for anyone to anonymously report fraud, waste, and abuse at 1-800-488-8244 or vaoighotline@va.gov 

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 VA patient tests HIV-positive after clinic mistake

Apr 7, 3:59 AM (ET)

By BILL POOVEY

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - The Veterans Affairs Department is investigating whether there's a link between a patient's positive HIV test and unsterilized equipment that may have exposed thousands of veterans to infectious diseases.

The positive test was the first reported since the department warned veterans treated at three clinics that they might be at risk.

The VA previously reported that hepatitis was found in 16 patients, but the agency cautioned there was no way to prove that the patients contracted the illnesses because of treatment at their facilities.

In an e-mail late Friday, the agency said it was investigating "the possibility of such a relationship."

The VA earlier this year warned more than 10,000 veterans to get blood tests because they could have been exposed to contamination while getting colonoscopies in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Miami.

The endoscopic equipment in question was also used at an ear, nose and throat facility in Augusta, Ga. All three sites failed to properly sterilize the equipment between treatments.

The VA has said it does not yet know if veterans who were treated with the same kind of equipment at its other 150 hospitals may have been exposed to the same mistake before the department had a nationwide safety training campaign. An agency spokeswoman has said the VA is certain the mistake with the equipment was corrected nationwide by March 14.

The problems dated back for more than five years at the Murfreesboro and Miami hospitals.

So far, less than a third - 3,174 - have been notified of their test results. The agency also is trying to locate patients whose warning letters were returned.

The statement Friday did not say where the patient who tested positive for HIV was treated, and the agency did not return telephone and e-mail messages Monday.

In all, at least five veterans have tested positive for hepatitis B and 11 for hepatitis C, which is potentially life-threatening.

No infections have been reported from Miami.

All three sites used endoscopic equipment made by Olympus American Inc., which said in a statement it is helping the VA address problems with "inadvertently neglecting to appropriately reprocess a specific auxiliary water tube."

The problem put patients at risk of being exposed to other patients' body fluids.

Megan Longenderfer, an Olympus spokeswoman, said the company sent notices to 5,800 "customer accounts," but a facility could have more than one endoscope.

A lawyer with more than a dozen clients who had colonoscopies at the VA hospital in Murfreesboro said some have tested positive for hepatitis but none for HIV.

Attorney Mike Sheppard said in an e-mail Monday that one client had espoghageal cancer and died from "massive infection" soon after getting a colonoscopy. He said medical records are being reviewed for any connection between the infection and exposure.

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Click here to view the April 2009 edition of The Advisor - Iraq

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http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/docs/ltr-to-vets.pdf

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There are sme very good articles in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VAnguard Magazine, January/February 2009 edition.

Some of the subjects covered,

Stomping out unnecessary collection and use of SSNs;

Design the 2009 National Veterans Day Poster;

Wreaths across America's rapid growth;

Theraputic Court for Veterans;

VA to begin offering health care to previously Ineligible Veterans;

and many more intersting articles on what is going on inside the VA.

Click here for VAnguard VA Magazine Jan - Feb 2009 Issue

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Fiscal Crisis Threatens GI Bill Program

The worldwide financial crisis has hit private colleges hard enough that relatively few are likely to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s “Yellow Ribbon” initiative when it begins this fall, says Keith M. Wilson, director of education service for the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, private colleges and universities can enter into agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to waive up to half of tuition and fees charged above the most costly state-run school. The VA, in turn, will match the waived amount, thereby enhancing school reimbursements and the value of the new GI Bill.

Wilson said he hopes he is wrong about near term prospects for the Yellow Ribbon feature which is intended to allow academically qualified veterans to attend some of the most prestigious schools in the country.

“Most schools aren’t going to want to do a Yellow Ribbon program… because their finances have been hit too hard in the last couple of months,” Wilson said in phone interview on draft GI Bill regulations.

That, he added, is his personal opinion from informal talks with some private school officials and not official responses returned to VA.

Get answers to the frequently asked questions about the New GI Bill.

Sen. John Warner (R-Va.), who retired this month, insisted last year that the Yellow Ribbon be part of the new GI Bill as a condition for winning his support. Warner said he wanted to be sure that qualified veterans could afford to attend the best schools just as veterans did following World War II.

VA officials in December mailed letters explaining the Yellow Ribbon program to private colleges and universities. VA is following up this month with another letter, this one asking schools if they will participate, what percentage of tuition and fees they might waive, and for how many veterans.

To date, Wilson said, he hasn’t detected much enthusiasm for offering Yellow Ribbon discounts.

“Schools are really struggling right now, especially the high-end schools,” he said. “Their endowments have just been crucified. That’s [the] gut feeling I get from talking with these folks. They are just not in a position to be able to contribute.”

Wilson suggested that some costly private schools “may do something token” so as not to seem “anti-veteran.” But “not what we would have expected had we asked the question six months ago,” he said, before stock markets and student loan markets “went south.”

Many schools, he said, still are weighing the Yellow Ribbon option but there have been few positive signals.

“I really haven’t had a real strong, iron clad, by-God-we’re-going-to-do-this from any school,” Wilson said.

The new GI Bill will pay tuition and fees at any college, up to the cost of attending the most expensive state-run school. Students also will get a monthly living allowance, set to equal basic allowance for housing locally for pay grade E-5, plus up to $1000 a year for books and school supplies.

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Click here to view DVA Funding Highlights in PDF

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Click here to Welcome Home flyer in PDF

Click on flyer to view in actual size

Click on flyer to view in actual size.

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Since 1978, I've been gathering various military artifacts, forming a collection I named the Museum of War and Military History (http://www.armedforceshistory.org/).  My goal from the outset has been to obtain items directly from the service members in order to preserve not only the artifacts, but more importantly, the individual's story as well.  I believe as veterans we all made contributions to our common defense and every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine deserves to have their story remembered.  As we lose thousands of veterans everyday, especially the World War Two generation, I'm concerned that we are also losing too many of these stories when they should be preserved for future generations.  Anyone who is interested in contributing or learning more is welcome to contact me. 

Thank you very much for your assistance.

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Suicide Prevention Hot Line Saves Lives:

Help is only a phone call away for military veterans considering suicide. Nearly 100,000 veterans, family members or friends of veterans reached out for help by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK since the hotline was launched July 2007. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is staffed by trained mental health professionals prepared to deal with an immediate crisis. Also, suicide prevention coordinators are on hand at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility and outpatient clinic. Troubled veterans, whether they call the suicide prevention hotline or walk in, receive follow-up care almost immediately. For more information, visit VA's Suicide Prevention webpage.

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Click here to view Universal Military Salute in PDF

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When you look at a firefighting operation, particularly in wildland firefighting, you see echoes of military operations. This similarity in philosophies goes more than skin deep. Fire department recruiters will tell you that there are several qualities they look for in new recruits that military veterans have such as, respect for the chain of command; teamwork; integrity; and maturity. Let’s take a closer look at how two seemingly different worlds parallel each other.

Chain Of Command
As in military operations, firefighting requires a distinct command structure and it’s imperative that firemen work within that chain of command. Even in their earliest training experiences, firefighters are conditioned to follow the chain. For students taking fire science classes, instructors emphasize that trainees have a captain that they communicate through. In fact, an instructor will refuse to speak directly with a student and direct them to channel their questions through their captain. In fire agencies, this same way of doing things is cultivated and encouraged for both new and old members.

Teamwork
Every firefighter works as the member of a team, just like the military. The military adheres to an all-arms approach to warfare, combining artillery, armor, infantry, and air power into an integrated fighting force, just like firefighters who combine people with distinct duties into a force that can tame a fire.

Captains guide the team of firefighters through the operation, and determine the best approach to fight a fire and lead the attack. Engineers drive the apparatus (fire trucks, etc.) and man the pump controls at a fire. A tillerman on large apparatus guides the rear of the rig around corners. Individual firefighters are given tasks to enable the team to achieve its objective, in this case saving lives and property.

In wildland firefighting, there are specialized duties, such as smokejumpers, the folks who parachute into areas adjacent to wildfires, helitack crews, who are the air-mobile troops that helicopter into a fire area, and of course the air-tanker crews, who pilot their firefighting aircraft into the heart of a fire. Everyone knows their job and works to integrate their efforts into a team approach.

Integrity
How many times has a battle depended on the actions of a single Soldier, Sailor or Airman to do his or her job? The same is true in firefighting. Personal accountability for doing their part to the best of their ability is a hallmark of successful firefighters and is the key to the successful resolution of an emergency, no matter how large or small.

Maturity
This is an aspect of military life that many people may have never considered, but is of great importance to recruiters in the fire service. When servicemembers are given responsibility for millions of dollars worth of equipment, or have been asked to lead troops into combat situations, or given jurisdiction over a team to accomplish a task, the maturity of the individual grows accordingly.

The Payoff
What are the rewards to a fire service career? As with a military career, the fire service is a public service-oriented job. The public is served by being protected from auto accidents and medical emergencies (80 percent of city firefighter calls), as well as both structure and wildland fires. As a result, lots of towns and cities show their appreciation to firefighters with such things as tax breaks, parades, and general goodwill towards their fire warriors.

And a typical firefighter works only 10 or 12 days a month (24 hours per day, which includes bunking at the fire station overnight), which frees up lots of time for side jobs or projects around the house.

And when it comes to pay, even rookie firefighters can pull in mid-five-figure salaries, as well as earn substantial overtime pay by working extra shifts when they’re in the mood. Those who decide to move into command positions can earn even more, typically six-figure incomes.

Firefighters get to retire at a younger age than workers in the corporate world, 55 being typical, opening up all sorts of possibilities for travel and time with family (or possibly starting a third career for some).

If this sounds like a career to look into, contact your local fire agencies (federal, state, county and municipal) to see what they have to offer. As one academy instructor said, in hard times it may just turn out to be your ticket to a better, more fulfilling career.

Looking for a career in the fire service? Check Military.com's Veteran Job Board to search careers in firefighting or law enforcement.

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Valentines for Veterans Concert

The National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans ‘Valentines for Veterans’ Concert will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 at 6 p.m. at the Ford Amphitheater, 4802 US Highway 301.

Open to the public and held during the Florida State Fair, the free concert will feature The Spinners and 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee, Little Anthony and The Imperials.

The event is sponsored by Help Hospitalized Veterans, Seminole Hard Rock Casino and the Florida State Fair Authority. There will be complimentary admission to the Florida State Fair after 4 p.m. that day.

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'Our last living link' to WWI

Veteran Frank Buckles, a West Virginian who turns 108 today, "never thought I'd be the last."

By Tom Infield

Inquirer Staff Writer

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Army: Soldier Suicides at Highest Level in Decades

Officials make plea for mental health professionals to help reverse trend.

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2009 Veterans Day Poster Contest to be announced soon

Below is a copy of an e-mail I received pertaining to the 2009 Veterans Day Poster Contest

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VA Launches Partnership for NGO Outreach

Peake: VA Tapping the Power of Communities

WASHINGTON (Jan. 7, 2009) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has

announced a new partnership to help non-government organizations (NGOs)

plan, improve and carry out their own programs on behalf of veterans,

their families and their survivors.

"VA has a track record of success in working with non-profit groups and

businesses that have their own programs for veterans, but we can do

more" said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "By tapping

into the power and resources of NGOs, we can ensure more veterans,

families and survivors receive not only VA services, but also other

assistance in their own communities."

Under the new NGO Gateway Initiative, launched today with the Veterans

Coalition Inc., a non-profit organization formed more than two years ago

by several major national veterans groups, the Veterans Coalition is

available to assist NGOs in identifying the unmet needs of veterans,

families and survivors, working with VA to help minimize duplication of

effort and confusion among NGOs with programs for veterans.  In

addition, the program will encourage continuous feedback from NGOs on

issues such as physical and mental health, employment, and satisfaction

with government services and benefits affecting veterans.

"The Veterans Coalition is dedicated to marshalling energy and resources

from all communities to better serve service members, veterans and their

families", said Harry Walters, chairman of the Veterans Coalition and

former administrator of the Veterans Administration. "Together we can do

a better job than any of us can do alone."

VA will provide a senior-level, career federal employee to serve as an

ombudsman to assist NGOs with their programs to serve veterans.  To

ensure a cooperative relationship, VA's deputy secretary will serve as a

non-voting advisory liaison to the group's board of directors.

VA has a long tradition of working with national veterans service

organizations on programs benefitting all veterans.  VA also has had

close relationships with private-sector groups, churches, charities and

other non-profit organizations that provide housing for homeless

veterans.  This new gateway initiative is one more way to extend

services to our veterans.

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Women in Uniform: 

I am currently looking for donations for a little project I am calling “Pedicures for our Troops”.  Often the women in the military get put into the same category as men (as they teach in Basic that everyone is the same- your all wearing the same uniform) But I wanted to let some of the women in Iraq know that we still think of them and their needs as well as the men.  I am looking for a few of the spa foot baths (electric) that I can send along with the items for the soldiers to have a “girls day out”. The cost is anywhere from $20-30 dollars and you can purchase them at any CVS, Walmart, Walgreens etc.  Ideally I would like to ship a large box over there with everything they need for a “pedicure” day with their friends, (Magazines, Hot Tea Bags, Comfy new socks, Assorted Nail polish, Foot Cleaning Kits, Foot Creams, Lotions, etc….)

I already have a good size box going…and need your help with just a little bit more.

Anything is MUCH appreciated! (and trust me…the women will love it! )

Melissa Sanchez

Msanchez1125@hotmail.com

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Disney's Armed Forces Salute 2009 - Complimentary 5-Day tickets
Jan 05, 2009

Beginning Sunday, January 4, 2009

Active and Retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, may obtain one complimentary 5-Day Disney's Armed Forces Salute Ticket (Base Ticket with the Park Hopper option and Water Park Fun & More Option - No Expiration option is not available). They may also purchase 5-Day Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion Tickets for up to five (5) family members and/or friends for $99 plus tax (Park Hopper Option and Water Park Fun & More Options may be purchased for an additional $25 + tax for each option - No Expiration option is not available). These tickets are valid through December 23, 2009.

Military Personnel must present valid United States Military identification (active or retired). Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists must present active duty orders in addition to valid Military ID. Sales locations should refer to the Military ID Reference Sheet for verification.

In order to be eligible for this program, the military member must have been active for any length of time between January 1, 2008 and the end of this offer (December 23, 2009)

For Resort info click here

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THE POWER OF WATER

Group Teaches Wounded Veterans to Scuba Dive at No Cost

By Gary White
The Ledger

Published: Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, January 2, 2009 at 1:19 a.m.

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Some Veterans to see another travel reimbursement increase 

WASHINGTON – Service-disabled and low-income veterans who are reimbursed for travel expenses while receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities will see an increase in their payments beginning January 9.  

A recently passed law allows VA to cut the amount it must withhold from their mileage reimbursement.  The deductible amount will be $3 for each one-way trip and $6 for each round trip -- with a cap per calendar-month of $18, or six one-way trips or three round trips, whichever comes first.  The previous deductible was $7.77 for a one-way trip, and $15.54 for a round trip, with a calendar-month cap of $46.62.

“I’m pleased that we can help veterans living far from VA facilities to access the medical and counseling help they deserve, especially in the current economic climate,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.  “Together with the increased mileage rate approved last month, we can further reduce the financial hardship some veterans undergo to use our superior health care.”

In November, Peake announced VA’s second increase in the mileage reimbursement rate during 2008, from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents a mile.  

Service-disabled and low-income veterans are eligible to be reimbursed by VA for the travel costs of receiving health care or counseling at VA facilities.  Veterans traveling for Compensation and Pension examinations also qualify for mileage reimbursement.  VA can waive deductibles if they cause financial hardship.

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Man arrested for allegedly falsifying military records to obtain benefits, tax breaks

by South Jersey News Online

Wednesday November 26, 2008, 5:08 PM

CAMDEN -- City authorities announced Wednesday that a 63-year-old Laurel Springs resident who was a Military and Veterans Affairs official was arrested for falsifying his veteran and government records in order to receive $40,000 in tax exemption and $34,000 benefits from Veteran Affairs.

William Devereaux, of the 700 block of Sycamore Court, was charged with falsifying or tampering with records and theft by failure to make required disposition.

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Military.com's Museums and Memorial Guide, find one near you

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Camp Lejeune Water Study 

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS -- Former residents and employees of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., can now register at the official Marine Corps water study website for notification and information purposes regarding past drinking water contamination.

The web registration is a tool intended to assist the Marine Corps in obtaining current addresses of Marines, dependents and civilians that lived or worked at Camp Lejeune prior to 1987. Once registered, at the official site https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/clsurvey/ , the Marine Corps will be able to send individuals updates regarding the study by letter mail or e-mail.

While the Marine Corps has obtained some personnel records of former residents and workers, many records are incomplete. We need all interested parties to register to ensure that our notification effort is as complete as possible.

Taking care of Marines, sailors, and their families is a top priority for the Marine Corps. The Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Marines Corps are committed to reaching all former residents that may have been exposed to unregulated chemicals in the base drinking water between
1957 and 1987.

The Marine Corps fully supports the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry's ongoing health study to determine whether exposure to these chemicals can be linked to any increased health risks. At the completion of the study in mid-2008, the Marine Corps will announce the results in conjunction with ATSDR.

We encourage former base residents to register on-line or contact the Camp Lejeune Water Study Call Center for assistance or additional information.
The Call Center staff can be reached at 877-261-9782, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., or by email at clwater@usmc.mil.

For more information regarding the health study, contact the ATSDR information line at 888-422-8737.

Click here to open November 2008 Advisor PDF

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Group Buries 'Forgotten' Veterans

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The City of Auburndale and the Auburndale JROTC will have a Veterans Memorial Dedication on

Tuesday, November 11, 2008 @ 1100 hours

Special Guest Speaker:  U.S. Senator Mel Martinez

Location:  111 East Park St.  Aurbundale Downtown City Park

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Florida State Parks Celebrate Veterans Day with Free Entrance

In honor of our nation’s veterans and active military personnel, entry will be free to all state parks for day-use on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11.

Pick your favorite outdoor activity – hiking, bicycling, bird watching or looking for shells on the beach – and enjoy a day at the park.

Florida’s state park service supports military families and honors the sacrifices of members of the armed forces.

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The walk in flu clinic was actually last week.  If veterans who do not have an appt. want the shot, they can still come but will have to wait until all veterans with scheduled appts. are checked in (per our nurse manager).  Any vets that have scheduled appts. can request it at that time.

Flu shots can be obtained at the Lakeland CBOC

3240 S. Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-701-2470

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Public can give AAFES gift cards

10/7/2008 - DALLAS (AFNS) -- By simply logging on to a Web site or calling a toll-free number, any American can now give Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift cards to military families worldwide.

"We're not even charging to ship these cards," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm, AAFES' senior enlisted adviser. "Whether the AAFES gift card is sent down the street or overseas, shipping is free.

AAFES gift cards can be redeemed at base and post exchanges worldwide by active-duty troops and their families, as well as military retirees.

"With the economy the way it is, now is not the time to haphazardly guess what someone needs to brighten their day or pay extra money for shipping," said Chief Helm. "AAFES gift cards not only eliminate all shipping costs, but also put the power of choice in the hands of the spouse waiting for the return of a loved one, retiree trying to make the best of a turbulent economy, or servicemember far from home.

"All that needs to be sent is a lightweight plastic card that can be redeemed for a movie, phone call home or even gasoline for a much deserved weekend getaway," Chief Helm said.

Besides exchange gift cards, any American also can send a gift certificate that can be redeemed through the exchange's mail order catalogs or Web site.

"The gift certificates are perfect for Reserve and Guard families that may not live close to a brick and mortar exchange," said Chief Helm.

AAFES gift cards and gift certificates, up to $500, can be sent by any American who calls (877) 770-4438 or logs on to www.aafes.com. Online visitors can click on the "Gift Cards/Certificates for our Troops" link under AAFES Community Connection on the home page.

Gift certificates are sent to individual servicemembers (designated by the purchaser) or distributed to "any servicemember" through the Air Force Aid Society, American Red Cross, Fisher House Foundation Inc., Navy-Marine Corps Relief, USO or Soldiers Family Assistance Center. (Courtesy of AAFES News Service)

New pictures of the Lakeland CBOC

10-08-08

New pictures of the Lakeland CBOC

10-08-08

New pictures of the Lakeland CBOC

10-08-08

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click here to download PDF file

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The Florida Military Collectors Show is coming to Fantasy of Flight, Polk City on Saturday August 23, 2008.

For more information click on the links provided below.

Central Florida WWII Museum

Florida Military Collectors Show Flyer

Click here to open 2007 Stimulus PDF

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School districts around the country are desperate for the maturity an experience troops have gained through military service, says Robert Henry, who coordinates the Troops to Teachers Program for Maryland and the District of Columbia. Since 1994, the program  placed more than 11,000 former troops into public schools nationwide. To qualify for the program, candidates need a bachelor's degree and teacher certification that the Troops to Teachers program can help finance. For more information, visit the Troops-to-Teachers Program website.

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Tommy Cassel, Marketing Director for the Polk Visitor Information Center, Outpost 27, is requesting assistance from any of Polk County's 12,000 plus Veterans.  If you have any military artifacts you would like to display at the Outpost 27 to honor your brothers and sisters who also served, please contact Tommy Cassel at 863.420.2586 or E-Mail tommy@visitcentralflorida.org 

This would be a great opportunity to educate the public on what you did while you served your country.
  

Click on picture for Map to Clinic

Click on picture for Map to Clinic

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Below is a link to a Power Point Presentation,
The Evolution of Europe during WWII.

Very interesting.

If you don't have MS Power Point Click on the MS Office Logo to download a View Only Copy (Free)

click here to view WWII Europe Maps

Click MS Logo for a free download of

MS Power Point Viewer

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This is an excerpt from page 35 of the July issue of the American Legion magazine.   www.legion.org

VETERANS, TROOPS CAN ALWAYS SALUTE

A change to Section 9 of the U.S. Flag Code written into the Defense Authorization Act this year now gives veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces the authority to render a salute to the flag, whether or not they are in uniform or wearing identifying veteran apparel such as an American Legion cap.

All others present remove any headwear, face the flag and place their right hand over their heart.

Headwear should be held to the left shoulder, leaving the right hand over the heart. 

These acts are to be conducted anytime there is a hoisting or lowering of the U.S. flag, whenever it passes.  Citizens of foreign countries should stand at attention.

Also, this from page 34:

U.S. FLAG CODE is federal law, providing rules for proper display, treatment and respect for Old Glory.  No committee of Congress has sole authority over the flag.  No government agency controls its place in society.  There are no flag police.  The U.S. Flag Code essentially belongs to the people, and its enforcement is most often conducted through education.  The code has been modified many times over the years, including 2008, when military personnel and veterans were given authority to salute the flag even when not in uniform.

The question has arisen, is it now proper for a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces to render a salute during the Pledge of Allegiance?  I believe that the correct response to that question lies in the text of the Pledge itself.  Does the Pledge not say, "I pledge allegiance to the FLAG of the United States..."?  That, to me, means that we are pledging to Old Glory, that sacred symbol that represents all of the best qualities that our nation stands for and has always stood for.  It doesn't imply that we are offering our pledge to Mt. Rushmore -- for instance -- no matter how revered that national treasure may be.  It is, in its own words, a pledge to the FLAG!

Therefore, it is the conclusion of many that the intent of the revision must be that Veterans are given the authority to salute during the Pledge of Allegiance, just as they are during "the hoisting or lowering or the U.S. Flag, whenever it passes."

Whether or not Veterans, not "in uniform or wearing identifying veteran apparel..." are authorized to render a salute during -- for example -- the playing of TAPS is, I believe, subject to interpretation.  Bottom line is this, who among us would ever deny a Veteran the lifelong right to salute? 

I feel that the test should be fairly simple:  Is the Veteran, by rendering a salute, displaying proper respect during an appropriate occasion?  Afterall, isn't that the very definition of a salute -- as display of respect?  As for myself, I will proudly and tearfully salute during the blowing of TAPS -- regardless of my attire -- and will continue to question any man's authority to deny me that right.  If you agree, congratulations; you earned it!

Freedom isn't free...

The entire text of the U.S. Flag Code is available online.

www.legion.org/national/americanflag/flagcode 

The entire text of the U.S. Flag Code is available online.

www.legion.org/national/americanflag/flagcode 

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Attention Pearl Harbor Survivors

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Below is a handy list of phone numbers.

Military Points of Contacts

Military POCs (Word 97-2003 Doc)

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2008 Military Handbooks Now Available

ARLINGTON, VA  June 16, 2008  Military Handbooks has announced the release of its latest 2008 FREE handbooks for military personnel.

The response to these handbooks has been great.

These handbooks, written specifically for military service members, include a variety of information about pay, benefits, education and transitioning from the military. To receive your own copies of these handbooks, simply go to our Web site - www.militaryhandbooks.com. Don't forget to tell all of your military colleagues about these free handbooks too!

2008 Military Handbooks  Now Available

- 2008 BASE INSTALLATION DIRECTORY (NEW!)

- 2008 U.S. MILITARY RETIRED HANDBOOK

- 2008 GETTING UNCLE SAM TO PAY FOR YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE

- 2008 BENEFITS FOR VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS HANDBOOK

- 2008 MILITARY CHILDREN'S SCHOLARSHIP HANDBOOK

- 2008 U.S. MILITARY HANDBOOK

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OPERATION THUNDERSTRIKE (Update)

The City of Berkeley has been a Veteran's "No Spend Zone". This has been quite effective. The Vendors

have started to show change of attitude and have shown support for the Troops.

We need to use this to our advantage, and show the rest of Berkeley, the benefiets of this advantage.

So here is the plan... We "WILL" spend money in the City of Berkeley this time! Every establishment

that has BOTH, An American Flag and a We Support the Troops sign, is on our spend list....

We will show the rest of Berkeley of the power of supporting our troops!

Don't forget, Operation Thunderstrike is this coming Saturday!!!

For more info Click HERE

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The Second Annual GI Film Festival, which will be held May 14-18, 2008 at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC, recently announced that award-winning actors Gary Sinise, Robert Duvall, Jon Voight, and James Franco are scheduled to lead the 2008 festival line-up. Overall, the five-day film festival will present both classic and world premier films honoring the nation's men and women in uniform, in addition to panel discussions, musical performances, cocktail parties, Hollywood meet and greets, and more. This is a can't-miss event for anyone who wants to watch great military films, connect with Hollywood stars, and support the military.  For the full GI Film Festival agenda, and to catch a sneak preview of the festival's films, visit www.gifilmfestival.com. Tickets start at $5.

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Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF)

The Boat of Heroes: A Fund Raiser for The Wounded Warrior Project

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Army Seeks WWII, Korea, and Vietnam DNA Samples

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GWOT Purple Heart Veterans: Win a Free Trip to Daytona

If you received a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Iraq or Afghanistan, you could be one of eight veterans to win VFW’s trip to the Daytona International Speedway Pepsi 400 on July 5, 2008. Airfare, luxurious hotel accommodations and a ticket to the race for each winner are included.

Don’t miss this chance. Only one completed entry per veteran will be accepted, and must be received prior to the drawing on April 15, 2008. Winners will be notified by mail or e-mail in April. To fully qualify for the trip, winners must send a copy of their Purple Heart documentation to VFW National Headquarters by May 15,2008. Note: Previous Kahle Fund trip-winners are ineligible.

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Operation Iraqi Freedom's only MIA now located:

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U.S. Army Sgt. wins $1 million and is still dedicated to completing his mission in Iraq.

Read more from ABC News

Now that's commitement, that's dedication.

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Five Years of VA Health Care for Combat Veterans

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News Channel 5 KSDK in St. Louis, MO. has a broadcast about lost Veterans - Their remains after cremation have been sitting on shelves and the Veterans have yet to be laid to rest and honored.  To view the video click on the station call letters above.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2008

VA Awards Contract for Disability Benefits Studies

Virginia Company Awarded Contract

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a

$3.2 million contract to Economic Systems Inc. of Falls Church, Va., to develop information relating to possible changes in the composition of disability payments to disabled veterans.

“This contract is further evidence of VA’s commitment to review the full range of benefits and programs to ensure today’s disabled veterans receive the help they have earned,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

The contact is based upon recommendations of the Dole-Shalala Commission, which issued its final report in July 2007, and the October 2007 final report of the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission.

The contractor will provide its findings in August.  Economic Systems Inc. will address three basic research questions in two studies.  One study will examine the nature and feasibility of making “long-term transition payments” to service members separated from the military due to disability while those veterans undergo rehabilitation.

A second study will provide information on the appropriate levels of compensation necessary to compensate for any loss in earnings capacity caused by service-incurred or service-aggravated conditions.  It will also provide information on potential “quality of life” payments called for by both studies.

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THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

 The youngest Vietnam KIA is believed to be Dan Bullock at 15 years old.

The oldest Vietnam KIA is believed to be Dwaine McGriff at 63 years old.

At least 5 men killed in Vietnam were 16 years old.

At least 12 men killed in Vietnam were 17 years old.

There are 120 persons who listed foreign countries as their home of record.

At least 25,000 of those killed were 20 years old or younger.

More than 17,000 of those killed were married.

Veterans killed on their first day in Vietnam 997 (unconfirmed) Veterans killed on their last day in Vietnam 1,448 (unconfirmed) Number of Chaplains on the Wall -- 7 (2 Medal Of Honor) Number of Women on the Wall -- 8(7 Army, 1 USAF - 7,484 served)

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VFW WANTS DOLE/SHALALA RECOMMENDATION BLOCKED

Creating separate system is an injustice to all disabled veterans

WASHINGTON (Feb. 7, 2008) – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is urging the leadership of four key congressional committees to block attempts to create a separate disability system that would have the Department of Veterans Affairs compensate veterans with similar wounds differently based on their age.

"There is no difference between a 22-year-old shot in the leg on Iwo Jima 63 years ago this month and a 22-year-old shot in the leg in Iraq yesterday," said VFW National Commander George Lisicki, a Vietnam veteran from Carteret, N.J.  "To compensate them differently based solely on age, and using the rational that this new generation is more deserving than older veterans, is an injustice, and violates every fundamental rule of fairness that Americans hold dear."

The recommendation in contention was made by the President's Commission on Care for America's Wounded Warriors, which was co-chaired by retired Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala.  The Dole/Shalala Commission was chartered in March 2007 as the administration's response to the outpatient housing debacle at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  Four months later, the commission published a 149-page report with six broad recommendations. 

The VFW wants more attention paid to the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission that Congress chartered in 2004 to study the benefits that compensate and assist veterans and their survivors for disabilities and deaths attributable to military service.  After thousands of interviews and almost three years of research – including major studies by the Institute of Medicine and the Center for Naval Analysis – it published a 562-page report in October 2007 that included 113 detailed recommendations. 

"The Dole/Shalala Commission's mandate was not to make broad generalizations and sweeping recommendations that would throw out a disability compensation system that has served millions of veterans extremely well over the years," said Lisicki.  "Dole/Shalala was good, but it wasn't that good, and it certainly wasn't thorough enough to be touted as the 'cure-all' for all the VA's problems."

The VFW national commander is very concerned that a major change in the way the VA conducts business may be forced upon America's veterans without any opposition.  

"The VFW is 100 percent against compensating veterans with the same injuries differently because of their age," said Lisicki, who voiced the VFW's opposition yesterday in a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services and Veterans Affairs.  

VFW Washington Office Executive Director Bob Wallace is now tasked to ensure the VFW's position is conveyed to and understood by the administration and Congress.

"How our nation properly cares for, and then fairly compensates our disabled veterans or their surviving family members are the only issues on the table, and that's why we are calling on Congress to thoroughly evaluate the recommendations made by both commissions" said Wallace, also a Vietnam veteran. 

"Everyone wants to do what's best for our troops and for our veterans – to include all the members of both commissions – but what we absolutely must not do is create conditions that could cause the VA to fail in its primary mission," he said.  "The VA is a national resource for disabled veterans.  As an institution, it must survive, not just for the next 10 years, but for the next 100 years."

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The 2.3 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries is a nonprofit veterans' service organization that was founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936.  The VFW is the nation's oldest major veterans' organization, and the largest organization of war veterans in the country.  The VFW is dedicated to "Honoring the dead by helping the living."  For more information or to join, visit the organization's Web site at www.vfw.org.

Contact:

Joe Davis

Director of Public Affairs

VFW Washington Office

202-608-8357

www.vfw.org

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January 16, 2008

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