Iraq Veteran Claims Fairfax County Police Heavy Handed Tactics Need To Change

An Iraq war veteran is accusing Fairfax County Police of using heavy handed tactics
ABC 7 News
Roz Plater
July 25, 2015

"They will say this is according to the book, but they will not look to see if the book itself is wrong." Alex Horton

FAIRFAX, V.a. (WJLA ) - Alex Horton says it started Sunday morning June 14th. He was sound asleep in a model unit of his Alexandria apartment building while his unit was being repaired.

A neighbor thought he was a squatter and called police.

Horton says he woke to find three Fairfax County Police officers with their guns drawn.

"They came in and swept from either side with their guns drawn," Horton said. "Then one leapt on the bed and handcuffed me; my face was down."

Horton continued saying, "My risk of violent death went up a hundred percent that morning and I was doing nothing wrong."

He wrote about his experience on social media and in an Op-Ed for the Washington Post.

Then in a surprising move Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler issued a statement on Twitter saying in part:

"I can assure you no SWAT response was utilized in the response to this call for service. However, the Fairfax County Police Department takes seriously the writer’s remarks and as such, an inquiry by the Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau is being conducted at my direction."

The Chief also seemed to take issue with Horton calling it a "raid". But the Iraq Veteran sees it differently.
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Decorated Iraq Veteran Gets New Home in Colorado

Decorated veteran and family gifted with new home
FOX 13 News
BY WEB STAFF
JULY 25, 2015

STAPLETON, Colo. — An American hero and his family were honored today with the keys to a brand new custom-built home.

“It’s kind of like seeing your first born son or your wife on your wedding day.”

U.S. Army Sgt. Marco Dominguez is decorated with two purple hearts and several other achievement medals. “I wouldn’t say that I’m more deserving,” Marco said. “I would say that I accept it for all the other people that didn’t get it that are deserving.”

During his second deployment to Iraq, he sustained blast and burn injuries in an explosive attack and currently suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

“There’s a lot of people that say they support the troops, but to do more than that – to take us in like that, it’s amazing.”

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Vietnam Veteran Arrested at Recruiting Office

Vietnam Veteran arrested for showing weapon at recruitment office
My FOX Atlanta
By George Franco, FOX 5 Reporter
Posted: Jul 24, 2015

CONYERS, Ga. - Police said 72-year-old Vietnam Veteran Harry Tracey was arrested after they said recruiters allowed him entry into a Conyers army recruiting office Thursday morning.

The police report said Tracey showed a weapon under his waistband and asked a recruiter if "he felt safe, if he was armed and if he could protect himself against an attack like the one that happened in Chattanooga."

No one was at the recruitment office when FOX 5’s George Franco paid a visit, but retired Army Major Thomas Brown said recruiters have a specific purpose.

"Their main reason is to recruit soldiers, airmen or whatever. They're not in a defensive mode. When somebody challenges that, they got to pay the consequences," said Brown

Police said Tracey was arrested outside the Dollar Tree store nearby after he left the recruitment office unhappy with the soldier’s response.

The police report states Tracey admitted bringing his handgun to "keep the guys on their toes" and "keep them aware of their surroundings.” He was jailed on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon into a government building.
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VIetnam Veteran Puts Texas Veterans Back in Boots

Vietnam Vet Helps Wounded Warriors
Texoma's Homepage
By Stephanie Garland
Published 07/24 2015

Bowman, who is a double amputee, will soon be able to wear a pair for the first time in 21 years. Thanks to getting just the right measurements, Bowman will soon have a pair he can slip right on.

Wounded Warriors are motivating Texomans at the Wichita Falls leadership breakfast Friday morning by sharing their stories of great sacrifice.

Many Wounded Warriors can no longer wear some shoes, due to their injuries. But, there is one local bootmaker who is changing that and making a difference in these heroes' lives.

Vietnam Veteran, Tom Cartlidge, is working on one the most fulfilling jobs of his life.

"Now, keep this foot right where it is while I do all this stuff," said Cartlidge.

A custom bootmaker, he is sharing his craft with those who have stepped on the soil of foreign lands while serving our country.

"That tickles," stated Medal of Honor Recipient, Leroy Petry.

"That's the neat thing about a custom fit, you get fit for each foot," Cartlidge said.

Cartlidge is making custom boots for several Wounded Warriors.

"I love Texas, I love Cowboys, I love boots. I have two boots at home, but this probably feels like its ... well, it's custom fitted to me, so it'll fit like a glove," Petry said.
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Homeless Veterans Buried With Honor

Homeless veterans buried with honors 
Ocala Star Banner
Andy Fillmore
July 24, 2015

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Star-Banner Members of the U.S. Military Veterans Motorcycle Club and the Patriot Guard Riders of Florida lead the casket of Raymond J. Nowicki to a burial ceremony during the Homeless Veterans Burial Program at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on South Pine Avenue south of Ocala, Fla. on Friday, July 24, 2015. Two burial ceremonies were held by Veterans Services for Marion County for two homeless veterans, Raymond J. Nowicki, 82, who served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 and Ross Clyde Walls, 63, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1993. Both veterans will be buried in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell....

OCALA - Two honorably discharged veterans, both homeless and indigent, were honored with military honors Friday at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens prior to their burial at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Individual ceremonies were held for Raymond Nowicki, 82, a U.S. Army veteran who died June 1, and U.S. Navy veteran Ross Walls, 63, who died on May 21. The deaths were not connected. This is the eighth year local partners have conducted such ceremonies. This was the first time the group conducted two on the same day.

Nowicki served in the Army from Aug. 3, 1953, through Aug. 3, 1955.

Walls was in the Navy 22 years, from Dec. 15, 1970, to Jan. 31, 1993. read more here