Officers from 'Alaska State Troopers' killed
CNN
By Michael Pearson and Ed Payne
May 2, 2014
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW: Both Alaska troopers killed Thursday had appeared on National Geographic show
Sgt. Patrick Johnson and Trooper Gabriel Rich died in Tanana
Details of what happened remain unclear
Tanana is an isolated village of 254 in Alaska's vast interior
(CNN) -- Two Alaska state troopers have died in a confrontation on the dirt streets of an isolated Alaska village.
A spokeswoman for the police agency identified the slain men as Sgt. Patrick Johnson and Trooper Gabriel Rich.
They died Thursday in Tanana, a remote village in Alaska's interior, 130 miles west of Fairbanks and 281 miles north of Anchorage.
Both had appeared on the National Geographic Channel program "Alaska State Troopers," the channel said Friday.
They worked out of the agency's Fairbanks rural service unit, according to the police agency.
Except to say that one person has been detained in the incident, officials have released few details about what happened.
CNN affiliate KTVF reported that the officers had headed to the village to follow up on a report from the previous night of someone brandishing a gun.
The Alaska Dispatch website reported that the troopers were shot after an unarmed village public safety officer called for backup after an altercation involving the botched sale of a $150 couch.
The news site said two people had been arrested, one after a lengthy standoff with heavily armed police.
read more here
Friday, May 2, 2014
Vietnam Veteran determined to share 'good news' about VA
WOUNDED TIMES
Kathie Costos
May 2, 2014
Are there problems veterans should never have to face? Absolutely! If everything remains secret, then nothing gets fixed. News reporters doing their jobs and bringing the problems to the public makes things happen because the American public does care. They just need to be notified to take action.
There is another side to their stories that hardly ever get mentioned.
This was on AZ Central news. Vet determined to share 'good news' about VA hospital and EJ Montini should be congratulated for writing it.
The VA has almost 4 million veterans receiving compensation. We read about veterans in the news all the time and most of the reports are bad ones yet there are 21,973,000 veterans in this country.
Much like reporters printed headlines with Vietnam veterans in trouble with the law, the fact is, most of them were not. Veterans behaving properly were just not "news worthy" enough to report on. OEF and OIF veterans are facing the same issues. Their stories are told when there is trouble but hardly ever when something is right about them.
On VA claims the press loves to attack "current" problems but never seem to be able to take a look back at what happened before. President Clinton left over 400,000 in the backlog for President Bush and he left over 800,000 when President Obama took office. If nothing gets fixed, then Lord only knows how many will be left for the next president.
It is refreshing to read about a veteran talking about the good since that is what most veterans experience. There are problems that need to be fixed but lets stop pretending that any of this is new. If we don't face the past, then we will never, ever live up to taking care of our veterans for once and for ALL!
Kathie Costos
May 2, 2014
Are there problems veterans should never have to face? Absolutely! If everything remains secret, then nothing gets fixed. News reporters doing their jobs and bringing the problems to the public makes things happen because the American public does care. They just need to be notified to take action.
There is another side to their stories that hardly ever get mentioned.
This was on AZ Central news. Vet determined to share 'good news' about VA hospital and EJ Montini should be congratulated for writing it.
All of this has greatly troubled the local vet, named Terry.
Not only because it pointed to potential problems at the VA but because he believes news like this causes veterans who need help to avoid getting it.
He knows.
He was one of those veterans.
He wrote in part:
"Myself, like many veterans, Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan did not seek treatment at the VA for a number of reasons: red tape, bureaucracy, distrust, thinking you're strong enough to overcome any problems you may be having.
"Your (newspaper's) reporting has magnified this distrust and negative feelings toward the VA.
"Do you know what happens to soldiers, Marines and sailors when there is no place to turn? Check out the suicide statistics.
"Now my story: I was a serious alcohol and drug abuser for 36 years. I finally overdosed on alcohol and was hospitalized in intensive care for seven days. While I was in the hospital my younger sisters went down to the VA and got me enrolled in their 'Intensive Outpatient Co-occurring Treatment Program.' Co-occurring was my substance abuse, PTSD and depression… After completing the 12-week program I continued my recovery by attending aftercare one- to two-times weekly for approximately a year and a half. I have been clean and sober for over eight years I have a good job, good dog, good home and I can play golf, go fishing, camping and vacation anytime I want. That's what the VA did for me and thousands of veterans just like me."
The VA has almost 4 million veterans receiving compensation. We read about veterans in the news all the time and most of the reports are bad ones yet there are 21,973,000 veterans in this country.
7.3 Million Vietnam Veterans
Much like reporters printed headlines with Vietnam veterans in trouble with the law, the fact is, most of them were not. Veterans behaving properly were just not "news worthy" enough to report on. OEF and OIF veterans are facing the same issues. Their stories are told when there is trouble but hardly ever when something is right about them.
On VA claims the press loves to attack "current" problems but never seem to be able to take a look back at what happened before. President Clinton left over 400,000 in the backlog for President Bush and he left over 800,000 when President Obama took office. If nothing gets fixed, then Lord only knows how many will be left for the next president.
It is refreshing to read about a veteran talking about the good since that is what most veterans experience. There are problems that need to be fixed but lets stop pretending that any of this is new. If we don't face the past, then we will never, ever live up to taking care of our veterans for once and for ALL!
Budweiser “Welcome Home Our Heroes” Honors Vietnam Veterans
Budweiser Clydesdales perform for veterans in Orange
New Haven Register
By Keldy Ortiz
POSTED: 05/01/14
ORANGE
Scott Savary and Dennis Salzer soaked up sun, alcohol and, yes, the sights and sounds of horses Thursday afternoon as the Budweiser Clydesdales trotted out to help pay tribute to them and fellow veterans.
The two Vietnam veterans were among 20 honored as part of a “Welcome Home Our Heroes” campaign at Dichello Distributors.
The Budweiser Clydesdale horses’ ast appearance in Greater New Haven was eight years ago.
Savary and Salzer, both of Shelton, served in the Navy reserve together and look forward to spending time with one another. Savary initially invited a family member to attend, but that person had other obligations. So, instead of going alone, Savary invited eight of his friends.
“It was a privledge to come here,” said Savary, who served for 22 years.
Geoffrey Acampora, director of marketing for Dichello, which put on the event, said honoring veterans is something which needs to be done. With the help of Budweiser, Acampora said, donations are made to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which helps veterans and their families.
read more here
This is the video I filmed of the parade in Winter Park for Lt. Charles Nadd with the Budweiser Clydesdales. The parade was used in a wonderful Super Bowl Commercial.
New Haven Register
By Keldy Ortiz
POSTED: 05/01/14
ORANGE
Scott Savary and Dennis Salzer soaked up sun, alcohol and, yes, the sights and sounds of horses Thursday afternoon as the Budweiser Clydesdales trotted out to help pay tribute to them and fellow veterans.
The two Vietnam veterans were among 20 honored as part of a “Welcome Home Our Heroes” campaign at Dichello Distributors.
The Budweiser Clydesdale horses’ ast appearance in Greater New Haven was eight years ago.
Savary and Salzer, both of Shelton, served in the Navy reserve together and look forward to spending time with one another. Savary initially invited a family member to attend, but that person had other obligations. So, instead of going alone, Savary invited eight of his friends.
“It was a privledge to come here,” said Savary, who served for 22 years.
Geoffrey Acampora, director of marketing for Dichello, which put on the event, said honoring veterans is something which needs to be done. With the help of Budweiser, Acampora said, donations are made to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which helps veterans and their families.
read more here
This is the video I filmed of the parade in Winter Park for Lt. Charles Nadd with the Budweiser Clydesdales. The parade was used in a wonderful Super Bowl Commercial.
Army Lt. Joshua Pitcher on duty on new limb in Afghanistan
Soldier who lost leg in Afghanistan vowed ‘I will return.’ This is what it took to get back.
Washington Post
Tim Craig
May 1, 2014
CAMP SPANN, Afghanistan — When U.S. Army Lt. Joshua Pitcher woke up in a military hospital in Kandahar province, he immediately looked toward his feet.
The last thing he remembered was a doctor promising he would try to save the soldier’s left leg, which had been shredded by a roadside bomb. Now Pitcher stole a look downward at the sheet covering his lower body. There was one mound instead of two. He swore.
“And then I just spiraled down into complete depression,” Pitcher recalled.
Two years later, the 25-year-old is serving in Afghanistan again, but this time with a prosthetic leg — going on missions with an M-4 assault rifle and 50 pounds of body armor and gear strapped to his body.
A total of 1,564 soldiers or Marines have lost at least one leg, arm or hand in Iraq or Afghanistan, according to the Pentagon. Pitcher is one of a tiny minority — just 57 — who have returned to war zones.
In the past, the idea of an amputee returning to combat was virtually unthinkable, even though the occasional soldier remained on active duty after losing part of an arm or a leg. Now, thanks to advances in medical care and sturdier prosthetics, more service members can at least try.
But Pitcher’s story shows how daunting the road back can be.
read more here
Washington Post
Tim Craig
May 1, 2014
Amputees are allowed to return to active duty if they can prove they can still do the job and won’t be a danger to themselves or others. In 2005, David M. Rozelle, then an Army captain, became the first military amputee to go back to combat when he redeployed to Iraq.
CAMP SPANN, Afghanistan — When U.S. Army Lt. Joshua Pitcher woke up in a military hospital in Kandahar province, he immediately looked toward his feet.
The last thing he remembered was a doctor promising he would try to save the soldier’s left leg, which had been shredded by a roadside bomb. Now Pitcher stole a look downward at the sheet covering his lower body. There was one mound instead of two. He swore.
“And then I just spiraled down into complete depression,” Pitcher recalled.
Two years later, the 25-year-old is serving in Afghanistan again, but this time with a prosthetic leg — going on missions with an M-4 assault rifle and 50 pounds of body armor and gear strapped to his body.
A total of 1,564 soldiers or Marines have lost at least one leg, arm or hand in Iraq or Afghanistan, according to the Pentagon. Pitcher is one of a tiny minority — just 57 — who have returned to war zones.
In the past, the idea of an amputee returning to combat was virtually unthinkable, even though the occasional soldier remained on active duty after losing part of an arm or a leg. Now, thanks to advances in medical care and sturdier prosthetics, more service members can at least try.
But Pitcher’s story shows how daunting the road back can be.
read more here
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Veteran's Charity Sued for Harming Goodwill
Mass AG Sues Veteran Charity for Harming the Goodwill Due to Charities
Boston Business Journal
WRITTEN BY RUTH MCCAMBRIDGE
April 28, 2014
NPQ has written a good deal about charity scams that claim veterans or first responders as their beneficiaries. When any of these are exposed, as they must be, there’s an impact on confidence in nonprofits and the willingness to give. This is acknowledged in a suit filed against one such group soliciting in Massachusetts.
The Defendants’ activities…have harmed and continue to harm the goodwill of public charities and charitable giving in general.
The Defendants’ activities…have harmed and continue to harm the public interest in the good faith conduct of charitable solicitations, in the due application of funds given to public charities, and in the full compliance with statutory requirements.
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office filed suit last Wednesday in Suffolk Superior Court against the Rhode Island–based Veterans Community Foundation Inc., its CEO Kimberly S. Silva, and New England branch managers Matthew J. Desautel and Americo Renzi.
read more here
Boston Business Journal
WRITTEN BY RUTH MCCAMBRIDGE
April 28, 2014
NPQ has written a good deal about charity scams that claim veterans or first responders as their beneficiaries. When any of these are exposed, as they must be, there’s an impact on confidence in nonprofits and the willingness to give. This is acknowledged in a suit filed against one such group soliciting in Massachusetts.
The Defendants’ activities…have harmed and continue to harm the goodwill of public charities and charitable giving in general.
The Defendants’ activities…have harmed and continue to harm the public interest in the good faith conduct of charitable solicitations, in the due application of funds given to public charities, and in the full compliance with statutory requirements.
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office filed suit last Wednesday in Suffolk Superior Court against the Rhode Island–based Veterans Community Foundation Inc., its CEO Kimberly S. Silva, and New England branch managers Matthew J. Desautel and Americo Renzi.
read more here
WWII Navy Veteran Took Final Flight
Veteran dies after returning from honor flight
The Billings Gazette via AP
By Cindy Uken
May 1, 2014
For a weary, emotional and grateful Donald Buska, it was mission accomplished.
The 86-year-old U.S. Navy veteran fulfilled his longtime dream of traveling to Washington, D.C., on Sunday and Monday to visit the National World War II Memorial.
The once-in-a-lifetime trip with Big Sky Honor Flight of Montana afforded him opportunities he had only imagined.
And, it was an honor that came just in time.
On Tuesday, Buska, who had been in hospice care since Feb. 12, passed away.
“He had the time of his life,” said Buska’s son, Jeff, who traveled with him to Washington, D.C.
“What a way to go. He went out on a high note,” Jeff said.
read more here
The Billings Gazette via AP
By Cindy Uken
May 1, 2014
For a weary, emotional and grateful Donald Buska, it was mission accomplished.
The 86-year-old U.S. Navy veteran fulfilled his longtime dream of traveling to Washington, D.C., on Sunday and Monday to visit the National World War II Memorial.
The once-in-a-lifetime trip with Big Sky Honor Flight of Montana afforded him opportunities he had only imagined.
And, it was an honor that came just in time.
On Tuesday, Buska, who had been in hospice care since Feb. 12, passed away.
“He had the time of his life,” said Buska’s son, Jeff, who traveled with him to Washington, D.C.
“What a way to go. He went out on a high note,” Jeff said.
read more here
Bones of Iraq veteran found in field
UPDATE
Parents want answers after Iraqi war vet's body found in northshore field
In 2004, Gordon served nine-months in Iraq and was awarded a bronze-star. His parents say he struggled with post-traumatic stress.
Parents want answers after Iraqi war vet's body found in northshore field
In 2004, Gordon served nine-months in Iraq and was awarded a bronze-star. His parents say he struggled with post-traumatic stress.
Investigators positively identify remains found in field
WABF News 9
Posted by Joshua Auzenne
Posted: Apr 30, 2014
HAMMOND, LA (WAFB)
Authorities said human remains found in a field have been identified as those of a war veteran who disappeared on New Year's Eve.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reported the LSU Faces Lab positively identified the remains as Jonathon Gordan, 31, of Loranger. The bones were found by a man plowing the field behind his home on Brickyard Road in Hammond on April 22.
Sheriff Daniel Edwards said Gordan was last seen alive in the Hammond area on December 31, 2013. He added Gordan's vehicle was found abandoned near Strader Road in Ponchatoula in February.
read more here
Drugging Troops:Current increase in suicides is not a coincidence
You know how Wounded Times has been screaming for change along with people being held accountable for military suicides. You know how I used news reports to track down the under-reported truth about what has been going on. Billions spent on Comprehensive Soldier Fitness but Congress kept paying for it no matter what this did to the troops.
No matter what was happening to them, no one had to pay the price but them and their families.
Well, it looks like THE WARRIOR SAW SUICIDES AFTER WAR was only part of the problem.
From the 50's to the 70's experiments have been used on the troops. "Even though they knew the dangers" about LSD, but the UK and the US used it and as for the Soviets, "God knows what" and they have been doing experiments ever since.
No matter what was happening to them, no one had to pay the price but them and their families.
Well, it looks like THE WARRIOR SAW SUICIDES AFTER WAR was only part of the problem.
THE HIDDEN ENEMY
INSIDE PSYCHIATRY'S COVERT AGENDA
“We have never drugged our troops to this extent and the current increase in suicides is not a coincidence.
“Why hasn’t psychiatry in the military been relieved of command of Mental Health Services?
“In any other command position in the military, there would have been a change in leadership.”
– Lt. Col. Bart Billings, Clinical Psychologist U.S. Army Reserve, Ret.
Today, with militaries of the world awash in psychiatry and psychiatric drugs, 23 soldiers and veterans are committing suicide every day. Psychiatrists say we need more psychiatry.
But should we trust them?
Or is psychiatry the hidden enemy?
Featuring interviews with over 80 soldiers and experts, this penetrating documentary shatters the façade to reveal the real culprits who are destroying our world’s militaries from within.
The most dangerous enemy is the one you never suspect…
Go here for more
From the 50's to the 70's experiments have been used on the troops. "Even though they knew the dangers" about LSD, but the UK and the US used it and as for the Soviets, "God knows what" and they have been doing experiments ever since.
Iraq Veteran Killed in Motorcycle Crash Expecting 4th Child
Army Veteran Killed in Motorcycle Crash
27-year-old Robert Zachary Firlan killed in Tuesday evening collision
KTUU Alaska
Austin Baird, Political, Rural Reporter
Apr 30, 2014
ANCHORAGE
Robert Zachary Firlan survived traumatic brain injuries he suffered during a tour in Iraq, where he was a forward observer for the Army. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service.
But on a sunny, warm evening, a block from the downtown Anchorage park strip, Firlan died from injuries he suffered when a motorcycle he was driving collided with a van.
A minute after 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Anchorage Police Department received reports of a collision at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and C Street.
The 27-year-old died in a hospital. The driver of the van is not charged with any crimes and is expected to survive. APD spokesperson Jennifer Castro said Wednesday an investigation into what went wrong is ongoing.
Firlan leaves behind a wife, three boys, and another son is on the way.
read more here
27-year-old Robert Zachary Firlan killed in Tuesday evening collision
KTUU Alaska
Austin Baird, Political, Rural Reporter
Apr 30, 2014
Robert Zachary Firlan survived traumatic brain injuries he suffered during a tour in Iraq, where he was a forward observer for the Army. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service.
But on a sunny, warm evening, a block from the downtown Anchorage park strip, Firlan died from injuries he suffered when a motorcycle he was driving collided with a van.
A minute after 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Anchorage Police Department received reports of a collision at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and C Street.
The 27-year-old died in a hospital. The driver of the van is not charged with any crimes and is expected to survive. APD spokesperson Jennifer Castro said Wednesday an investigation into what went wrong is ongoing.
Firlan leaves behind a wife, three boys, and another son is on the way.
read more here
Fort Hood Colonel Facebook post: Time to move on from shooting?
Move on? Why because brass did?
Sure, move on so that no one has to be held accountable for allowing this "man" to be promoted instead of booted out before it happened. So that no one has to compensate the soldiers and families for what this "man" did to them.
So that no one will start asking questions about how many others this "man" betrayed when he was supposed to be taking care of their mental health issues.
Move on? Maybe if the families got justice that would be possible but since they are stuck where they are, Americans should never just allow the Army to move on!
Army Commander Suggests Americans ‘Move On’ From 2009 Fort Hood Shooting
Commander apologizes for “private comments in a public place”
NBC
By Scott Friedman
Wednesday, Apr 30, 2014
That decision has prevented some of the victims from receiving thousands of dollars in medical and retirement benefits.
Munley and others want the Pentagon to reclassify the attack.
“It’s about getting the benefits that they deserve so that they can live the rest of their lives and be OK,” said Munley.
A top United States Army Colonel has angered some of the victims of the 2009 Fort Hood attack after he turned to social media criticizing an NBC 5 Investigates’ Freedom of Information Act request asking for documents related to the shooting.
In February, Col. Nathan Banks wrote on his personal Facebook page: “Let’s move on America, I did.”
Kim Munley is the former Fort Hood police officer who helped end the attack by firing at the gunman, Nidal Hasan.
In a recent interview with NBC 5 Investigates Munley said, “I think it’s insulting for anyone who represents or wears that uniform to ask anyone to forget about Nov. 5, 2009.”
Munly expressed that she and other victims have had a hard time moving on and she is disheartened by Banks’ comments.
The 2009 gunbattle with Hasan also left Munley wounded outside the building where 13 soldiers died and nearly three dozen others were injured.
Among the survivors was Staff Sgt. Shawn Manning, who was shot six times in the 2009 massacre and is still recovering.
“If the Army was interested in allowing us to "move on" they should think about finally declaring the shooting a terrorist attack and recognizing the ultimate sacrifice that so many made for their country that day," Manning said.
read more here
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