Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Military Extras in Movies Not Paid?

Ok, so we have military families on food stamps but if the servicemember is acting in a movie, they don't get paid for it? Huh? Do they at least get coffee and donuts?
Getting paid for camo cameos
S.1669, Military Equitable Reimbursement Act.
Last action: November 2013 sent to Senate committee.

The Transformers movie franchise has grossed hundreds of billions of dollars. The U.S. military could have seen some of that money. The Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines each all supported the movies —– treating it as a public relations bonanza —– by offering up hundreds of servicemember extras, equipment including F-22 jets and Predator drones, and access to facilities such as Edwards Air Force Base in California and the Army’s White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. So, who pays and who gets paid for the screen cameos?

The military can be reimbursed for the movie productions but current laws make it uncertain whether it can keep the money for use of installations like White Sands.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., proposed closing the loophole and getting the services paid. "Clarifying the reimbursement policy for the film industry allows movie productions to realistically portray the skill, heroism, capability and challenges of our Armed Forces and their families while ensuring local installations are directly reimbursed for use of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment," Heinrich said in a written statement.

Amid sound and fury, some military bills likely to go nowhere
Stars and Stripes
By Travis J. Tritten
Published: November 30, 2014

WASHINGTON — The current Congress, entering its final weeks, is on course to be one of the least productive in history.

The passage of new laws hit record lows during the 113th Congress, which spans the last two years. It was not for a lack of trying; about 1,600 bills related to the military were introduced, while only 48 were signed into law, according to a government database that tracks legislation.

A variety of military issues languished — suicide screenings, illegal immigrants in officer schools and toxic exposure. Some were sent to committees, where they quietly died. Others remained in play as lawmakers prepared for a harried last few weeks of legislating following the Thanksgiving break.

Historically, only about 5 percent of bills pass into law, which has meant 300 to 600 new laws per Congress, said Josh Huder, a senior fellow with the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University in Washington.

But partisan wrangling and filibusters have dramatically reduced the number that ever make it to a vote, let alone become law. Only about 185 laws have been passed by this Congress, Huder said.
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Ashton Carter, the former second-in-command may replace Hagel

Meet Chuck Hagel's expected replacement as Defense Secretary
CNN
By Jamie Crawford and Barbara Starr
December 2, 2014
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW: Sources said Tuesday that DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson is no longer considered
The White House has struggled to find a successor for Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary
The new frontrunner is Ashton Carter, a former Pentagon official with years of DOD
experience

Washington (CNN) -- Ashton Carter, the former second-in-command at the Pentagon, appears to be the top choice to replace outgoing Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Barring any last minute complications, Ash Carter will be President Barack Obama's choice as the new Secretary of Defense, several U.S. administration officials told CNN.

An administration official had said that Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, a former General Counsel at the Pentagon, was also still on the list of possibilities, but on Tuesday morning, sources said Johnson was no longer being considered. The prospect of an additional confirmation hearing for Johnson's replacement if he were to move to the Pentagon as the Senate switches to Republican control would have been problematic for the White House.
Carter, who served as Deputy Defense Secretary under both Leon Panetta and Hagel, would bring a wide range of experience to a department confronting multiple crises in the Middle East and preparing to enter a new phase in Afghanistan as the NATO combat mission ends.

Carter's ability to hit the ground running from his past experience at the Pentagon, in addition to the respect many senior military leaders have for him are seen as major benefits to winning confirmation should Obama nominate him.
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Marine Afghanistan Veteran died from drug toxicity from one of his prescriptions

Marine sniper Rob Richards died from drug toxicity: autopsy
Marine Corps Times
By Hope Hodge Seck
Staff writer
December 1, 2014
Robert Richards, who was found dead in his home in Jacksonville, N.C., on Aug. 13
(Photo: Mike Morones/Staff)


The sudden death of a Marine Corps combat veteran after his controversial exit from the military was a result of drug toxicity from one of his prescriptions, according to a newly published autopsy report.

Rob Richards, 28, was found dead in his Jacksonville, North Carolina, home Aug. 13, a year and five days after he was medically retired from the service as a corporal. Richards, a combat-wounded veteran with multiple deployments, had been among a group of Marine scout snipers whose actions came under intense scrutiny after a video surfaced in 2012 depicting them urinating on an enemy corpse in Afghanistan.

Richards disliked the publicity associated with the urination scandal and worked hard to put the incident behind him, but his autopsy report and other medical documents released to Marine Corps Times reveal the scars of combat and the psychological toll his experiences had taken.
Though the injuries qualified Richards for 100 percent medical disability, and the experience left him with depression and post-traumatic stress — he spent a month in a psychiatric facility after discharging a pistol in a Florida hotel room in a frightening moment of disorientation — he volunteered to return to Afghanistan in 2011 with another scout sniper unit attached to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines. Twelve months after he was wounded, Richards quit his medications cold turkey and deployed for the last time.
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Gunnery Sgt Back From Afghanistan Thought No One Was There For Him

Until he saw he was wrong.
"Gunnery Sgt. Chris Taylor recently returned from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan, and didn't expect to see any family members at his homecoming."
Wife welcomes Marine home with surprise visit upon his return from Afghanistan
NBC TODAY
Eun Kyung Kim
December 1, 2014
Sgt. Chris Taylor was surprised when he returned home
(Photo: YouTube)
A surprise reunion following a year-long separation from loved ones can overwhelm even the most disciplined, battle-hardened Marine with emotion.

Gunnery Sgt. Chris Taylor recently returned from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan, and didn't expect to see any family members at his homecoming.

"Because he is stationed in California and our kids and I live in Maryland, he didn't think that anyone would be there when he returned. But I showed him!" wrote his wife, Sara Taylor, in the caption of a YouTube video she posted last month of their emotional reunion.
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Veteran's PTSD Cross-country Horseback Trip Change His Own Life Too

Vet Crosses Country on Horseback for PTSD Awareness
NBC San Diego
By Liberty Zabala
December 1, 2014

A Marine Corps veteran has come home to Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California, after traveling across the country entirely on horseback.

Matt Littrell is riding to raise awareness for veterans dealing with mental, emotional and physical pain. Bronze Stars, Navy Cross Awarded for Bravery in Afghanistan.

After two combat tours in Iraq, coming home was one of the darkest parts of Littrell’s journey — until he got on his horse to ride 2,600 miles to fight for his brothers in arms going through the same thing.

“One step at a time. One mile at a time. It’s a journey you’ll take and you’ll find it,” Littrell said.
As this part of his journey ends, a new one begins.

“We actually got engaged on the trail, and we do plan to get married when we get home,” said Littrell’s fiancé Kristen Fuhrmann. “I fell in love with the honesty and the person.”

Every mile along the way, he’ll keep fighting.

“I told these guys we’d ride for them and we will and we did,” Littrell said.

So far, he has raised $82,000 for the Semper Fi Fund.
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A Marine Corps veteran has come to Camp Pendleton after traveling across the country on horseback to raise awareness for veterans dealing with physical and emotional pain. NBC 7's Liberty Zabala reports on Nov. 30, 2014. (Published Monday, Dec 1, 2014)

Monday, December 1, 2014

Vietnam Veterans of America PTSD Suicide Town Hall

Town Hall to address veteran PTSD, suicide
KNOX News
News Sentinel staff
Dec 1, 2014

They fought overseas on behalf of their country.

Now, back home, there’s another battle to take on: suicide and PTSD.

On Tuesday, the Tennessee State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America will sponsor a “PTSD and Suicide Prevention Town Hall Meeting” for all veterans, active-duty military members and their families.

From 6-9 p.m. at Washington Pike United Methodist Church, representatives from various agencies will summarize the history of PTSD and its causes; talk about symptoms and treatment options; share resources for those with PTSD, including VA benefits; and answer questions.

Actress/model Jennifer O’Neill will speak about the Hillenglade Horses Healing Heroes programs, and veterans who have PTSD but “fought and are winning their battles” will offer testimonials, said Barry Rice, president of the council.

Rice said statistics show 22 veterans a day — 8,030 year — complete suicide, which doesn’t take into account the number who attempt it. More than 70 percent, he said, were 50 or older. But the number of male veterans younger than 30 who commit suicide has jumped 44 percent, he said.
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Guide to U.S. Military Casualty Statistics OEF and OIF Plus PTSD

Document: Guide to U.S. Military Casualty Statistics
Published: December 1, 2014
(Linked from USNI News)

So much for the DOD saying that most of the soldiers with PTSD had not been deployed. Look at these numbers.

2000-2014 None Deployed 36,321 while deployed was 128,496.

Take a good long look at the rest of the numbers.

Then remember that less than half of the troops/veterans with PTSD seek help.  Now you have a better idea of what the numbers really are for those we sent.

Vietnam Veteran Chuck Hagel Did Right Thing for PTSD Veterans

Vietnam-era soldiers eligible for discharge upgrades
Army Times
By Jim Tice
Staff writer
December 1, 2014
The secretary of the Army has ordered liberal consideration be given to Vietnam-era soldiers who received downgraded discharges even though they may have been suffering from post-traumatic stress.
(Photo: Sgt. 1st Class James K.F. Dung/Army)

Vietnam-era soldiers who faced punitive discharges because they suffered from post-traumatic stress are to be given liberal consideration to requests for discharge upgrades.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh issued this directive to the Army Review Boards Agency, the service's highest level of administrative review for personnel actions.

McHugh's Nov. 3 directive was prompted by an earlier order from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel which acknowledged that thousands of soldiers may have been kicked out of service because of behavior problems related to post-traumatic stress.

Upgraded discharges for soldiers who received a less than honorable discharge could lead to the award of previously denied benefits, such as disability pay, separation pay and GI Bill eligibility.

The ARBA is comprised of several boards for considering the claims of soldiers and former soldiers who appeal the filing of unfavorable information in their personnel records.

PTSD was not recognized as a potential behavior altering medical condition until 1980, which means that disability claims and discharge upgrades based on claims of the condition routinely were denied by government agencies, to include the Army review boards.

Hagel's September instruction to the services followed by several months a federal court class action suit filed by a group veterans and the Vietnam Veterans of America that claims the military systematically denied discharge upgrade applications based on claims of PTSD.

The suit estimated that about one-third of the 250,000 other-than-honorable discharges issued to Vietnam era veterans may have been PTSD-related.
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Iraq Veteran Heading to Congress Goes to VA

It really seems like this is the guy we've been waiting for. Two tours of Iraq and speaks his own mind about the lack of support politicians gave the troops and then, wow, he actually goes to the VA for medical care. He knows what it is like!
D.C. rookie Seth Moulton takes a veteran’s approach
Sets up role in Congress
Boston Globe
By Cat Zakrzewski
GLOBE CORRESPONDENT
DECEMBER 01, 2014
DREW ANGERER FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
Representative-elect Seth Moulton took a run on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — Seth Moulton wants to ensure that Congress has a vigorous debate over authorizing troops in Iraq and Syria. He is looking for a full team of staffers and vowing to help fix the bureaucratic morass at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

But first, the Democrat has to find his office.

Moulton, sitting unnoticed in gym shorts and sneakers at a French cafe near the Capitol one recent day, reflected on the whirlwind of activity since he won election in November — from selecting office space to his efforts to land a spot on one of the House’s more coveted committees, on Armed Services.

One of the first things he hopes to do, Moulton said, is add pressure on the Republican-led Congress to vote before any combat troops are sent to Iraq.

“I saw some of the consequences of failed leadership in Washington,” said Moulton, a former Marine who served four tours in Iraq. “I think the politicians didn’t know what they were doing when they got us into Iraq, and then they didn’t have our backs when we were there.”
Moulton, 36, said he hopes to play a role in reforming VA health care, which came under fire earlier this year due to a backlog in disability claims.

He currently receives his medical care through the VA, and he said he plans to continue to do so even after he is sworn in to the 114th Congress. Even though he trusts his own primary care physician, he said the bureaucracy was flawed.

“I know what it’s like to wait in line two hours just to have your blood drawn,” he said. “People who should have been fired a long time ago are still on the job.”
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Leo Parent still fighting for veterans, even on vacation

Leo Parent still fighting for veterans
The Recorder
By DIANE BRONCACCIO
Recorder Staff
Monday, December 1, 2014

SHELBURNE FALLS — Ask Leo Parent Jr. when he plans to retire, and he’ll tell you he retired two years ago.

But sitting in the Shelburne town offices, as he has done for years, on an early Tuesday morning, he doesn’t seem to have stopped doing for veterans and widows what he’s been doing for the last 30 years.

Since 1984, Parent, a Vietnam War-era Army veteran, has been helping military veterans in 24 towns by counseling them, steering them through the maze of paperwork required to sign up for Veterans Affairs benefits and sometimes even driving a very distressed veteran to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leeds.

When asked how many veterans he’s helped, Parent shrugs. “I was trying to think about that,” he said. “Just say hundreds. It may be thousands.”

They include veterans from every war since World War I. One of those World War I veterans, Homer Gamelin of Turners Falls, called Parent in 1984, to see if he was interested in taking over as the region’s veterans agent, when the agent at that time was retiring.

“There was never a day that I didn’t want to go to work,” he says. “I love helping people.”
Parent has sometimes met with a distraught veteran and his wife on an emergency basis, arranged for the veteran to see a VA doctor, and even driven him there, if need be. Parent said his wife of 37 years, Susan, has been very understanding of the middle-of-the-night and emergency weekend calls.

“She never complains about the house phone calls,” he said. Parent said he could never have done what he has done without her support.

Leo Parent’s father, a World War II veteran, died several years ago, but Parent keeps the “Jr.” in his name to honor his father.

Besides his direct work with veterans, Parent is proud of his role in bringing dramatic tributes to veterans from area towns. The best known is perhaps the profusion of American flags on the slope in front of the Carnegie Library a few years ago — one flag for every American veteran killed or wounded in Iraq.

For the past 15 years, Parent and his wife have been vacationing in Yauco, Puerto Rico. While there, Parent files VA forms for veterans living in that U.S. territory. “There’s no VA guys over there,” he said. “I love doing that.”
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