Friday, May 26, 2017

Everyone Raising Awareness of Death by Default

A friend asked why I am always so pissed off when I hear the term "raising awareness" and here is the answer,

March to raise awareness of veteran suicide

Winchester Sun-7 hours ago
An average of 22 veterans die by suicide each day, according to a 2016 report from the Veterans Affairs Office of Suicide Prevention. 

Soldiers raising awareness about veteran suicide make it to the Soo

UpperMichigansSource.com-1 hour ago
(WLUC) - The two soldiers walking across the Upper Peninsula to raise awareness about veteran suicide, Staff Sergeant Michael Beattie and...

VA looks for ways to curb veteran suicide crisis

FOX 13 News, Tampa Bay-May 23, 2017
TAMPA (FOX 13) - The Department of Veterans Affairs says the suicide rate for veterans has surged in recent years, and VA Secretary David 

WNY Veteran to ride 422 miles in wheelchair for veteran suicide ...

wivb.com-May 22, 2017
Geartz struggled with thoughts of suicide. According to the VA, an average of 20 veterans die from suicide each day. “I previously attempted .

Second Annual DSM March to Raise Awareness for Veteran Suicide

whotv.com-May 22, 2017
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Twenty veterans nationwide commit suicide every day, according to a 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs study.

Soldiers raise awareness of veteran suicide

Daily Mining Gazette-May 24, 2017
MARQUETTE — Two soldiers from the Michigan National Guard — who are marching across Michigan's Upper Peninsula to raise awareness ...

New Albany gym and charity join forces to fight veteran suicide

WDRB-May 24, 2017
Ten percent of the gym's membership fees go to fund suicide prevention programs for veterans such as Joshua Leary, who suffered a brain ...

Navy veteran walking across country for veteran suicide and PTSD

WBIR-TV-May 21, 2017
CHATTANOOGA - (WRCB) A Navy veteran is walking across the country with his service dog to raise awareness about veteran suicide and ...

Midland boy spreads awareness on veteran suicide, motorcycle ...

NewsWest9.com-May 21, 2017
22 Kill push up videos have played a part in fighting against veteran suicide. By doing 22 push-ups and sharing it online, these videos spread .

Veterans leave on 92-mile hike to raise awareness for veteran suicide

Fox17-Apr 27, 2017
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - A handful of veterans stepped off on a 92-mile hike Thursday morning to raise awareness for veteran suicide.

Group of men running to save veterans' lives

KALB News (press release)-2 hours ago
(WDBJ) -- These men are running to raise awareness for veterans who ... We're trying to highlight 22 veteran suicides a day," Campbell said.

House resolution supports veterans organization

FOX43.com-May 23, 2017
Mission 22 creates large-scale public memorials, in an effort to raise awareness about, and prevent, veteran suicide

MJ gym helps local vets 'lift for their lives' to prevent suicide

Wilson Post-May 24, 2017
The day his wife officially left him, Davis almost committed suicide. A Veteran's hospital was just two blocks away. "I asked for the ER there," ...

Veterans March to Bring Awareness to PTSD, Suicide

Spectrum News-May 21, 2017
At the state capitol, people marched to bring awareness to veterans' issues like homelessness, PTSD and suicide. According to the VA, around ...


Those are just from this week and only a couple of pages into a Google search. 

With all these folks raising awareness, how is it that none of them seem to know how to change the outcome? 

If you've been passing along "awareness" links, bet you feel foolish now. After all, you just contributed to part of the problem getting the attention along with the group but not giving veterans anything worth living for. These veterans haven't been able to count on those using numbers as if they actually mattered.

STOP DEFAULTING ON THE DEBT!

In 1999 the number from the VA was 20 a day and the last report had it at 20 a day. Its time to raise hell and get them the help they need starting with the giving them reasons to fight and take back control of their lives!

Sean Doolittle Pitches For PTSD Veterans With Bad Discharges

Stand Up: A's pitcher Sean Doolittle's quest to properly help veterans with "bad paper"

Sports Illustrated
SEAN DOOLITTLE AND EIREANN DOLAN
May 25th, 2017
Most vets who’ve received less-than-honorable discharges, known as “bad paper”, are stripped of their legal status as a veteran and may be unable to access VA services like healthcare, disability benefits, education programs or housing assistance, regardless of their service record or deployment history.
Oakland A’s reliever Sean Doolittle and his fiancee, writer and broadcaster Eireann Dolan, have been involved with veteran’s issues for years. They’ve decided to share what they’ve learned about the challenges facing vets with “bad paper” in this op-ed.

In recent months there has been an ongoing conversation, especially in sports, about what it means to stand during “The Star Spangled Banner”. One argument is that it’s disrespectful to those who served not to stand—it’s about honoring our veterans who fought under that flag, who volunteered to defend our country and fight for our freedoms. If we’re going to have that conversation, then we also need to have a conversation about taking better care of our veterans. If we’re really going to honor them, the national anthem and “God Bless America” shouldn’t be the only times we stand up for them.

Earlier this year, new Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) David Shulkin announced the VA would begin providing mental healthcare to “bad paper” veterans—or veterans with “less-than-honorable” discharges—who urgently need it, in an attempt to prevent veteran suicides. Then, on May 3, Shulkin testified before the House Appropriations Committee and promised to expand mental healthcare programs and caregiver support programs, even if the VA isn’t given additional government funding.
read more here

Marine Veteran With PTSD Gets Justice and No Jail Time

Marine vet takes plea deal in PTSD pot bust
KSWO News
By Rhiannon Poolaw, Digital Producer
Friday, May 26th 2017

LAWTON, OK (KSWO)- Kristoffer Lewandowski, the Marine veteran charged with possession of multiple marijuana plants in Comanche County, has accepted a plea deal. The plea agreement with the Comanche County District Attorney's office resolves all pending charges filed against Lewandowski.
According to Thomas Hurley, the retired Marine's Oklahoma-based attorney, in the plea deal, Lewandowski, who served ten years in the U.S. Marine Corps deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and the waters off of Somalia, will serve no jail time and plead guilty to a deferred felony charge for marijuana cultivation. If he does not violate the law during a five-year period of probation, no felony will be placed on his record.

"Tens of thousands of people around the country who have remained steadfast in supporting Kris throughout this ordeal have shown we can make progress even in states like Oklahoma that have not yet recognized the many medical benefits of cannabis." Michael Minardi, a medical cannabis attorney based in Tampa, Florida who is serving as part of Lewandowski's trial team commented, "the decision by Oklahoma to go from seeking years of prison time to no jail time at all and just a deferred felony is a huge victory for all of us in this country who are fighting for medical cannabis patients' rights."

In 2012, he was diagnosed with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following his service tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and, after a cocktail of 14 different pharmaceutical drugs proved ineffective for treating his PTSD, Lewandowski began using medical cannabis.
read more here

Veteran and Service Dog Not Welcomed to Shop

Veteran’s service dog turned away at Illinois store
WCMH NBC 4 Columbus
By NBC4 Staff
Published: May 26, 2017

ROCKFORD, IL (WCMH) — A military veteran was kicked out of an Illinois store all because of his service dog, and part of incident was caught on camera.
Wherever Cesar Ordonez goes, an angel is not far behind. Ordonez is an Iraq War veteran, and Angel is his service dog.

“He’s actually literally brought me back to life,” Ordonez told NBC affiliate WREX. “We don’t leave each other’s side much.”

So when Ordonez stopped for a snack and drink at a store in Rockford, Angel came with him. A store employee confronted him and told him not to bring the dog in the store any more.

Ordonez recorded part of the incident on his cell phone.

“Yeah don’t bring that dog in here no more,” the employee says in the video. “If you have to have the dog go somewhere else.”
read more here

Afghanistan Veteran Pleaded For His Life Before They Slashed His Throat

Police documents recount gruesome murder of an Afghanistan veteran at Fort Bliss
STARS AND STRIPES
By ALEX HORTON
Published: May 26, 2017

SAN ANTONIO -- An Afghanistan veteran was stabbed to death in El Paso, according to court filings that recount a botched drug theft and the gruesome killing of a 23-year-old allegedly carried out by suspects connected to nearby Fort Bliss.
Tyler Kaden Croke pleaded for his life before his throat was slashed by two suspects during the robbery at Croke’s apartment in El Paso on May 7, according to a recently released complaint affidavit filed by El Paso Police and filed in El Paso County Court.

Five people were arrested in connection with the incident and charged with murder, according to El Paso Police. That includes Brandon Olsen, 27, who is assigned to Fort Bliss, said Mike Brantley, a 1st Armored Division spokesman at Fort Bliss.

In a handout mugshot provided by the El Paso police, Olsen is wearing an Army uniform with his name and “U.S Army” stripped off his chest.
read more here

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Memorial Day Events to Remember and Honor Those Who Gave All

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” —Joseph Campbell

The term “hero” is thrown around more often than it actually should be, but you will know a real hero when you see one. They are people who do something for the greater good in an unselfish act.

There will be a special Memorial Day post this year so that we actually honor that fact!
(the video is from 2010, so the numbers of OEF and OIF fallen is higher now)


From Cathy Haynes

MEMORIAL DAY/weekend events:  Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings.
  • Armed Forces Day primarily honors those persons who are currently serving our country.
  • Veterans Day primarily honors those who have served in the past.
  • Memorial Day primarily honors those who died while in service to our country, those who have given their lives for the nation’s freedom and the freedom of others.
While it is always appropriate to thank someone in our military services, past and present, Memorial Day is a day for those no longer with us.  It was meant to be a more solemn day, rather than celebratory with parties and sales….  

Display in Oviedo - May 21 to 29 – Fallen Floridians’ Memorial Cross Tribute – Started by the children of a local fallen soldier and formerly located at the Lawton House,  Most Precious Blood Catholic Church is honored to display this Memorial of our Florida soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Jim Vanderbleek created the tribute to honor our Florida soldiers who died while serving Iraq and Afghanistan. Now this powerful memorial travels throughout the state of Florida.  Persons are invited to walk amongst the crosses daily from 9am to 8am.   113 Lockwood Blvd. Oviedo, 32765.  Ceremony on Monday at this site.  Info:  407-365-3231.  

FRIDAY MAY 26

Ocoee’s Memorial Day Ceremony –11am – Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, 34761 (west Orange County.)  The keynote speaker will be Army First Sergeant (ret.) Daniel Kalagian, an Ocoee resident.  He was on active duty in the 1980s and later started his 23 year career with the Bridgeport Connecticut Police Department as an officer and detective. During his military career, he served in Iraq and in Guantanamo Bay after Sept. 11, 2001. Kalagian now serves as the new commander of the West Orange VFW Post 4305 in Winter Garden.  He also leads a service platoon with The Mission Continues, a veteran-led non-profit that helps veterans transform their drive to serve from the military to the civic community. The Memorial Day ceremony will include a processional to the Ocoee Memorial Wall where a wreath will be set in place.  The Memorial Wall is inscribed with the names of Ocoee residents who gave their lives for freedom. Allyson Bellochi, a senior at Ocoee High School, will sing the National Anthem and Charisma Tran, “Miss Young Preteen Earth United States”, will sing patriotic songs. Ely Martinez, a junior at Ocoee High School, will play Taps to honor fallen soldiers.    In addition, there will be ceremonial flag presentations by the Ocoee Police and Fire Department Honor Guards.  After the ceremony, refreshments will be served.   For more information, please call 407-905-3100 or visit www. ocoee.org.  

SATURDAY MAY 27  

9/11 Memorial Beam Moving – Sat. May 27 - The Avenue Viera is pleased to announce that it will be the new home of the World Trade Center Beam that is currently located at NASA Kennedy Space Center Fire Station 1. This seven-foot long, one-ton steel beam was recovered from the rubble of the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001.  Starting at 9am, it will make its way from Kennedy Space Center through Brevard County to its final placement at The Avenue Viera, 2261 Town Center Ave., Ste. 113, Viera, 32940. 
One week later, June 3, the official dedication ceremony will be held at The Avenue Viera at 10am.  

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony - 10am - 11:30am -- Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 Highway 1 in Mims. Main Flag Pole.   Veterans will be honored for their service and sacrifice.   The keynote speaker will be Air Force Gen. Wayne Monteith, Commander of the 45th Space Wing and Director of Eastern Range at Patrick AFB and a guest speaker will be Colonel Danny McKnight. Since there is limited seating lawn chairs are welcome.   

Cypress Grove Park Memorial Day Salute - 9:45am to 12noon – 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, 32839 in South Orlando.  VFW Post 2093 Community Band will be performing a Prelude, patriotic guest speaker, POW/MIA Remembrance and folding of the Flag; Veterans pinning ceremony, Free and all persons welcome, especially veterans.  Bring your lawn chairs or blankets.  Info:  407-254-6770 or 407-855-5877.  

Celebration’s Memorial Day Flag Ceremony – 10am – at Founders Park, Campus St, Celebration, 34747 in Osceola County.   The flag ceremony will honor the men and women who have bravely and selflessly defended our country, and will celebrate and pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.  The Celebration Veterans’ Club, Boy and Girl Scout Troops and the Garden Club of Celebration are helping to host this ceremony. The Celebration Community Chorus will put on a special performance recognizing US military members.  Info:  407-566-1200.  

Statue unveiling – 5:30pm - The statue of Marine Lance CPL Antoine Smith will be unveiled at 5:30 at First Baptist Church Orlando, 3000 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando, 32805.  Antoine was a graduate of Dr. Phillips High School, and 22 yrs old when killed in 2004 during the battles of Fallujah in Iraq. He was the only child and son of Deborah Smith.  There will also be statue display and tributes on Sunday. Info:  407-218-2938.  


SUNDAY, MAY 28  

Statue unveiling and display – 8:30, 10 and 11 am - The statue of Marine Lance CPL Antoine Smith will be unveiled at First Baptist Church Orlando, 3000 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando, 32805.  Antoine was a graduate of Dr. Phillips High School, and 22 yrs old when killed in 2004 during the battles of Fallujah in Iraq. He was the only child and son of Deborah Smith.  Tributes at 8:30, 10 and 11 am.  Info:  407-218-2938.  

Taft Cemetery – 10:30 - American Legion Dorie Miller Memorial Post #331 will place flags on veteran’s graves beginning about 10:30 with a ceremony to follow.   501 Landstreet Rd., Orlando, 32824 in south Orlando.  Public invited.  Post phone: 407-294-3548.  

American Legion Post 112 Memorial Day Commemoration – 2pm – The Post members along with Sea Cadets, Fleet Reserve, and Boy Scouts assist with ceremony.  Special guest speaker Major Mike Ramsey, the Executive Officer from UCF’S Army ROTC dept.  Public invited. Post#112 at 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, 32792 (btwn Aloma Blvd and University Blvd.)  Info:  407-671-6404  

City of Rockledge Memorial Day Ceremony – 2 to 3pm - This 3nd annual event in Brevard County will feature patriotic music, Honor Guards from VFW Post 4534 (Rocket Post), Rockledge Police Department, and the laying of a ceremonial wreath. Boy Scouts will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, guest speakers include Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Port Commissioner and Navy Adm. Wayne Justice (ret.), and A.F. Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Boston Alexander, and Col. Danny McKnight, U.S. Army (ret.).  Larry L. Schultz Park at 2560 Fiske Blvd, on the corner of Fiske Blvd and Levitt Parkway in Rockledge.  Info:  www. cityofrockledge .org  321-221-7540.  

National ‎Memorial Day Concert - 8pm Live on your local PBS TV station (WUCF, or other local PBS.) This live concert is from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC.  Joe Mantegna and Laurence Fishburne, both acclaimed actors dedicated to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service, will host this star-studded lineup on stage for one of PBS' highest-rated programs. Gary Sinise will present a 75th anniversary salute to the Doolittle Raiders, the daring aviators who changed the course of World War II in the Pacific.  It will feature a tribute to the last surviving Doolittle Raider, Colonel Richard Cole. (This 101 yr old living history treasure is a frequent guest at our Florida Titusville Warbirds Airshow.)  A multi-award-winning television event, it has become an American tradition, honoring the military service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Check your local channel guide.  See WUCF website for more information, stories, and ways to become locally involved. The Concert will be taped and aired again at 9:30pm.  


MEMORIAL DAY -  MON.  MAY 29 – alphabetical by county  

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 pm local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.  

BREVARD COUNTY  

Honoring America’s Fallen Heroes - 9am - 10:30am – Ceremony at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and Park, 400 South Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, 32952.  Guest speaker Air Force BG Wayne Monteith of the 45th Space Wing.  WW2 Merchant Marines will be highlighted and presented with special pins.  Capt. Ed Lanni (ret.) who has 40+ years of sea service, including the WW2 MM will be attending. Merritt Island H.S. JROTC is the Color Guard; Sea Cadets and scouts will be assisting.  321-453-1776.  

Memorial Day Parade in Downtown Melbourne – 10am - Hosted by the American Legion Post 81, this annual event to honor and remember America’s Veterans on corner of E. New Haven Avenue and Helen Street.  Wreath laying at Melbourne Cemetery.  

Titusville: The city’s annual Memorial Day observance will take place at 10 a.m. May 29 at Veterans Memorial Park, 2 Broad St. The event is sponsored by American Legion Post 1 and supported by Titusville’s Flag and Memorial Committee. Many civic and fraternal organizations will participate with color guard and honor guard units, as well as the laying of memorial wreaths. (Courtesy of Viera Voice)  

Melbourne Memorial Day – 11am - Ceremony with the Massing of the Colors, guest speaker Chris Nielsen, music by the Melbourne Municipal Band, and other patriotic actions.  Liberty Bell Memorial Museum, 1601 Oak St., Melbourne.  Presented by Honor America.  Free.  Info:  321-727-1776.  

Veterans Sail For Free On Memorial Day - Victory Casino Cruises honors and remembers the men and women who died while serving in our country's armed forces. All Veterans sail for free with us on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 as we thank them for their service to our country. AM & PM cruise, 11am - 12am.  180 Christopher Columbus Drive.  Contact them for add’l info.  

Titusville: The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4228 will recognize military members who died in combat. The event will include a speaker, entertainment and food. It will take place at 2 p.m. May 29 on the VFW grounds at 4411 Capron Road in Titusville.  (Courtesy of Viera Voice)  

12th Annual City of Cocoa Memorial Day Parade and Tribute - Commemorating all the men and woman who bravely gave their lives for our country.   5:45pm – 7:30pm at Cocoa's Riverfront Park.  A tribute parade will begin with Grand Marshall, Albert Zimmerman beginning at 5:45 pm-6:15 pm. The parade Route is through Cocoa Village along Delannoy Ave., Harrison St., Brevard Ave. & Maryland Ave. A Static Display for viewing from 6:15 pm-7:30 pm. A Formal Stage Presentation will begin promptly at - 6:30 pm in Riverfront Park under the band shell. Opening Remarks by Mayor Henry U. Parrish, III; Guest Speaker is Army LCol   Scott N. Beach, (ret.).  Info:  Leisure Services  321- 635-7702.  


LAKE COUNTY  

Clermont Memorial Day Observance – 11am - Waterfront Pavilion on Lake Minneola, 330 Third Street. VFW Post #5277, Tomoka Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and I.W. Hatcher,Jr. Detachment 1120 of Marine Corp League. Also participating will be the South Lake High School JROTC ; Mr. Jim Hanks; Knights of Columbus and South Lake scouts. There will be a container for small toiletry items for Operation Shoebox that sends military care packages to the troops. Also, bring any old flags that need to be retired/disposed of properly. Info:  Susan DeHart 352-242-2394 or Andy Smith 352-874-3064.   

Memorial Day Ceremony – 4pm - Join AMVETS Post 2006 and others as they honor our military men and women who gave their all.   Honor Guard, Bagpipes, local city and county officials, dignitaries, and more.  Snack is offered (limited supply) and specialty beverages are available.  * Everyone is welcome. * Meet at AMVETS Post 2006 at 500 N Canal St, Leesburg, 34748   Info:  amvets2006 .com


ORANGE COUNTY  

Winter Garden Memorial Day – 8:30am – 25th anniversary of Ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden, 34787.   Army Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz (ret.) is the featured speaker. A Roll Call of Veterans and a placement of wreaths will be presented with patriotic songs performed as we invoke pride, honor and respect for our veterans. Refreshments will be served. Info:  Theo Graham at 407-656-2021.  

Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park – 9am - The Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation (CFVMPF) will be hosting at the Memorial adjacent to the VA Medical Center at Lake Nona.  The Guest Speaker is U.S. Congressman Darren Soto, FL-9th District.  We will also have remarks from Ms. Kathleen L. Cole, Acting Director, Orlando VA Medical Center.  Following the ceremony a briefing will be given by Ms. Teresa Turner, the new Orlando Fisher House Director on the Fisher House at the VA Medical Center at Lake Nona. The Memorial Wall panels feature the names of fallen warriors from the six county area (Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia) who served in WWI to the present day conflicts.   

Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando – 9 to 9:30am– Traditional ceremony at the Veterans Section of the cemetery, 1603 Greenwood St., Orlando, 32801, downtown Orlando.  Hosted by City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, with OPD Honor Guard.  Special guest speaker is Army Capt. Raymond Beard.  Public is invited.  Contact Information: 407-246-2616. (Time allowed to get to Or. Co. Courthouse ceremony)  

Orange County Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony – 10am –11am Orange County Courthouse, south side, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801.   Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council will express eternal gratitude.  Also attending Orlando City Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council.  Keynote speaker will be local Brigadier General Helen G. Pratt, Commanding General 4th Marine Logistics Group, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.  U.S. Army Orlando Recruiting Company Color Guard, singers, high school brass quintet and JROTC, and more.  We will remember and honor members of the armed forces from Orange County who ultimately sacrificed their lives while serving our country.   Info:  407-836-7370.  

Woodlawn Memorial Park Ceremony - 10am - 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, 34734 (southwest Orange County.)  Veteran organizations, Scouts, rifle volley, Taps, the tolling of the replica Liberty Bell in memory of the dead of all wars, and a possible fly-over.  Guest speakers are Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and Lt Col. Robert Carter of the US Army Institute of Surgical Research.  Info: 407-293-1361.  

Glen Haven Memorial Park - 11am to 1pm - 2300 Temple Dr., Winter Park, 32789.  Emceed by WFLA's Bud Hedinger.  Commemorating the Fall of Saigon with Guest Speaker, Colonel Gerald Berry, USMC (ret.) who flew Ambassador Graham Martin out of Saigon in 1975. Patriotic musical salute provided by VFW 2093 Community Band and vocalist, Charles Haugabrooks. Reflections of War presented by Florida Reenactment Society and Winter Springs High School Army JROTC.  WW2 veterans who will attend include Lt. John Holmes – 8th Air Force, England, who was a B-24 Liberator bombardier with 31 missions over Europe.  All men and women who served during the Vietnam era will be presented a commemorative pin by the American-Vietnamese ladies of the Vietnam Unforgettable Memories Foundation. Info:  407.647.1100  


OSCEOLA COUNTY  

Osceola Memory Gardens – 8:30-9:30am - Ceremony by the Osceola County Veterans Council and and the Civil Air Patrol Cadets Squadron FL-463.  Public invited.  1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee, 34744.  The group generally proceeds to St. Cloud for the ceremony at Mount Peace Cemetery.  Info: Vanessa at 407-892-2155   Vanessa.Roman@ OsceolaMemGds .com  

Mount Peace Cemetery – 10am-12 noon, 755 E. 10th St., St. Cloud, 34769.  City of St. Cloud is a co-sponsor of the annual American Legion Post 80 and VFW Post 3227 Memorial Day Service. Guest speakers are St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell, Florida Dept. of American Legion Vice Cmdr Steve Shuga, and Christine Falkowski, a veteran and American Legion Riders Director.  Also with AMVETs Post#33, first responders and scouts.  Everyone is invited to remember and honor those who gave their all in the service of their country.  Hot dogs at the VFW Post after ceremony.  407-892-8808.    


SEMINOLE COUNTY  

Significance of Poppies – 9am - Oviedo Veterans Tribute - Center Lake Park.   A local Gold Star Daughter is completing a Girl Scout Gold Award Project. Come get one of the 800 handmade poppies at the Park's Memorial Day Ceremony.  In addition, a flyer made by her, will explain certain "symbols of sacrifice," like the meaning of poppies, Gold Star Flag and Gold Star Pin. It will also mention her "Patriotic Girl Scout" Pinterest Page and a You Tube Video link- showing the steps of "how to make poppies." All are invited to attend.  

Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony - 10am - 12noon - For spectators and family, the fun starts at 9 AM with music, stilt walkers and lots of fun!  The Parade – abt 60+ units- starts at 10 AM on 1st Street, at Sanford Avenue to Park Avenue, then it will turn north on Park Avenue arriving at Veterans Memorial Park, 110 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, 32771.  A Remembrance Ceremony starts at 11am.  Dignitaries and officials will provide a tribute.  There will be patriotic music and a dueling three-volley salute between the Sanford Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.  There will also be a helicopter fly-over.  Many of the county and Central Florida area veteran service groups will be participating with Color Guards and military vehicles to give ‘Thanks’ to those who have served, continue to serve and to mourn with the family members.  Hosted by City of Sanford and Seminole County Area Veterans Advisory Council (SCAVAC). Info:   Jennifer at 407.688.5120,www. sanfordfl .gov  

Fallen Floridians’ Memorial Cross Tribute – 11am – Ceremony – Started by the children of a local fallen soldier and formerly located at the Lawton House, Most Precious Blood Catholic Church is honored to display this Memorial of our Florida soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Jim Vanderbleek created the tribute to honor our Florida soldiers who died while serving Iraq and Afghanistan. Now this powerful memorial travels throughout the state of Florida.  Persons are invited to walk amongst the crosses daily from 9am to 8am.   113 Lockwood Blvd. Oviedo, 32765.  Info:  407-365-3231.    


SUMTER COUNTY  

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell – 11am - 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, 33513.  Traditional and touching ceremony.  Guest speaker is US Congressman Daniel Webster, FL-11th District.  Steve Jerve of WFLA News Channel 8 (Tampa) will be the Master of Ceremonies. There will be patriotic music prior to and during the ceremony. Patriotic songs during the ceremony will be performed by Linda Burnette and The Villages High School Choir. lsaac Bobonis will play taps.  There will be a rifle salute and a presenting the nation's flag and flags from various military organizations. Ye Mystic Air Krewe will provide a flyover. Organizations with colors are invited to participate in the massing of colors at the beginning of the program and should plan to arrive by 9:30 am.  The Avenue of Flags consists of approximately 400 flags.  Persons attending need to arrive early and enjoy the patriotic and inspirational musical prelude which will begin shortly before the ceremony. Seating is limited, arrive early, wear comfortable clothing and bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit upon.  Info:  352-793-7740 or 1074.
(Please keep in mind that construction on interstate l-75 could cause delays in entering the cemetery  grounds.)    


VOLUSIA COUNTY  

Memorial Day Remembrance – 10am - at 550 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, 32174.  Colonel Frank Farmer, USAF will be the guest speaker; Vietnam Veterans of America Daytona Beach Chapter 1048 along with the Volusia Memorial Funeral Home and Park, wreath laying ceremony, Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins, music, Taps, all veterans honored, complimentary hot dogs, and much more.  Open to the public - families invited. All Veteran Service Organizations are encouraged to attend and present a wreath.  Info:  Rod Phillips  cobra101st@ gmail .com , 386.690.9553 or  www. vva1048 .com    

Deltona Memorial Day service - 10am – Guest speaker USMC MSgt Paul Treusch (ret.) with a commemorative Air Force fly-over, memorial wreaths, presentation of colors by area veterans and affiliated community organizations.  Sponsored by Veterans Community Education Partnership and Deltona Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery.  Deltona Mem. Gardens, 1295 Saxon Blvd., Orange City.  Free.  Info:  386-775-4260.   

Port Orange Memorial Ceremony - 10am –– The City of Port Orange holds the ceremony at the City Center Veterans Park across the lake from Port Orange City Hall, 1000 City Center Circle.  VFW Post 3282 hosts with colors, speeches and the 21 gun salute.  Free.  Info:  386-506-5851.    

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED – There is a project to collect photographs of all the persons whose names are engraved on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC.  There are currently 24 heroes from Central Florida area who have no photographs.  Help us locate one/some so that picture can accompany a name in the future Wall of Faces in the Vietnam Wall museum.  They are:
  • Eugene Brown of Apopka; Gerald K. Brown of Maitland; Cary Craddock of Orlando; Joe A. Crutcher of Winter Park; William J. Deuerling of New Smyrna Beach; Michael G. Dinkins of Titusville; Randolph Eubanks of Cocoa; Tennis C. Ferrell of Orlando; Charlie Fields of Winter Garden; Robert L. Harter of Palm Bay; Sam Holmes Jr. of Sanford; Elijah Ingram of Cocoa; Eugene H. McKay III of Orlando; Charles Miller of Daytona; Daniel R. Partin of Christmas; Nathan E. Peacock Jr of Winter Garden; Paul M. Roberts of Melbourne Beach; Robert E. Thornton of Brevard; Malcolm R. True Jr of Cocoa; David Welch of Oakland; Maurice T. Williams of Ocala; Robert C. Williams of Orlando; Joseph Woodard of Winter Park; and Roger L. Young of Cocoa.

Help us locate their families and friends!

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Every effort has been made to include and provide correct information.  Sincere apologies for errors or omissions. There may be some events that I am not aware of. Please check your various resources. 
But most of all, attend and participate.  Include our next generation so that the understanding of the importance of the day is not forgotten. 

Freedom is not free.  

Compiled by Cathy Haynes – with a little help from my friends
chaynes11629@ yahoo .com
Member/supporter/volunteer of numerous veterans and military organizations in Central Florida
407-239-8468  

Psychic Didn't See Arrest Coming After Ripping Off Veterans With PTSD?

Florida psychic accused of taking thousands from war veteran suffering from PTSD
BY KFOR-TV and K. QUERRY
POSTED 1:40 PM, MAY 25, 2017

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. – Florida police say a woman who claimed to be psychic targeted a disabled veteran who was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.
Investigators say Gina Wilson obtained thousands of dollars from clients, including a 33-year-old Iraq war veteran.

Detectives say Wilson promised the man that she could stop his PTSD. In fact, she convinced him to stop taking his medication, saying his doctors and his family members were part of the problem.

“She made some promises to him that she could bring him out of what she called the darkness that she said he was in,” said Sgt. Scott Gross, with the Pinellas County Police Department.

Investigators say Wilson got away with thousands in cash.

“She exploited them, no doubt, out of close to $150,000,” said Sgt. Gross.
read more here

Now if they can do the same with all of these fraud charities...that would be nice! (and no you don't have to be a psychic to know what I was thinking in between the dots!

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

POTUS Budget Builds Defense Contractors, Whacks Troops and Veterans?

Are these reports what you expected out of POTUS?

Proposed Food Stamp Cuts Would Hit Military FamiliesThe report found that about 23,000 active duty service members received food stamps in 2013, according to U.S. Census data. In addition, information from the Department of Defense Education Activity showed that in September 2015, 24 percent of 23,000 children in U.S. DoDEA schools were eligible for free meals, while 21 percent were eligible for reduced-price meals.

Budget Calls for Cuts to VA Programs as Tradeoff for Extending Choice

Listed as one of the offsets for the extra cost is a new restriction on compensation for veterans through the VA's "individual unemployability" program.
Currently, veterans eligible for the program have a 60 to 100 percent disability rating through the VA and are unable to secure a job because of their service-connected disability. The program allows them to get paid at the highest compensation rate. For 2017, the monthly rate for a 100 percent disabled veteran living alone is $2,915 per month.
And while that happened...

"Shulkin said at a congressional hearing earlier this month that he would not be seeking a budget increase for the VA in future years, but needed one in fiscal 2018 for modernization efforts." 
No shocker there! Why would he ever want to increase the budget after they kill off the VA? POTUS is increasing money to send veterans away from the VA instead of honoring the fact that Veterans paid for their healthcare with their service...but then again, when it was his time to go, he decided to sit it out.

And then we have this, as if suddenly they will really do anything meaningful. It seems that either the reporter did a massive misquote, didn't know how to read or, the Secretary of the VA did but while quoting the "number" of veterans committing suicide there was this blunder
The Department of Veterans Affairs says the suicide rate for veterans has surged in recent years, and VA Secretary David Shulkin is looking for ways to stop it.
According to VA research, veterans have been taking their own lives at a rate of around 20 per day. He statistics show most are younger than 50.
Wrong, wrong and hell ya, wrong! 
VA Releases Report on Nation’s Largest Analysis of Veteran Suicide More than 55 Million Veterans’ Records Reviewed From 1979 to 2014 From Every State in the Nation

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today released its findings from the nation’s most comprehensive analysis of Veteran suicide rates in the United States in which VA examined more than 55 million Veterans’ records from 1979 to 2014 from every state in the nation. The effort advances VA’s knowledge from the previous report in 2012, which was primarily limited to information on Veterans who used VHA health services or from mortality records obtained directly from 20 states and approximately 3 million records..

Compared to the data from the 2012 report, which estimated the number of Veteran deaths by suicide to be 22 per day, the current analysis indicates that in 2014, an average of 20 Veterans a day died from suicide. A link to the report may be found here.

THE REPORT CONCLUDES: Approximately 65 percent of all Veterans who died from suicide in 2014 were 50 years of age or older.

Veterans accounted for 18 percent of all deaths from suicide among U.S. adults. This is a decrease from 22 percent in 2010. Since 2001, U.S. adult civilian suicides increased 23 percent, while Veteran suicides increased 32 percent in the same time period.

After controlling for age and gender, this makes the risk of suicide 21 percent greater for Veterans. Since 2001, the rate of suicide among U.S. Veterans who use VA services increased by 8.8 percent, while the rate of suicide among Veterans who do not use VA services increased by 38.6 percent.

In the same time period, the rate of suicide among male Veterans who use VA services increased 11 percent, while the rate of suicide increased 35 percent among male Veterans who do not use VA services.

In the same time period, the rate of suicide among female Veterans who use VA services increased 4.6 percent while the rate of suicide increased 98 percent among female Veterans who do not use VA services.
 

Elderly Veteran With PTSD Shot and Killed

Neighbor: South Knox County man killed by deputies suffered from PTSD
USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee
Hayes Hickman
May 24, 2017

A South Knox County man shot and killed in an armed confrontation with sheriff's deputies Tuesday night has been identified by his neighbor as an elderly veteran who was known to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.

Albert Gagnier, 74, fired several shots from his house and while standing in the street, then fired at deputies as they responded to the scene in the Woodhaven subdivision, according to his neighbor Amanda Moore.

It was common knowledge among the neighborhood that Gagnier suffered from mental illness, she said. She did not know the details of his military service.

"Everybody just knows Mr. Al loses his mind sometimes, but he's never done anything like this," Moore told the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee on Wednesday. "He usually just yells at kids in the neighborhood."
read more here

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

How much do you really care about veterans committing suicide?

Can You Prove You Really Care?
Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
May 23, 2017

How much do you really care about veterans committing suicide if all you do is pass on links to stunts and bypass what actually works? Do you have a clue you are actually part of the problem?

The first time I read anything on PTSD, it was almost 35 years ago. I didn't just start thinking I should be the one to do something about it. After all, the only veteran I was concerned about was the one I fell in love with. It was entered into selfishly, as if my life depended on what I could learn about it.

I didn't write about it until after two years of research and that was back in 1984. The steps I took is what is missing in all of this easy bullshitter claims of raising awareness and frankly, Social Media is to blame for being deaf, dumb and blind, yet somehow got the impression no one was doing anything before they came along.

All these years later, it is oh so clear that if it isn't on Facebook or any other social media site, it must not exist. With every resource in the palms of their hands, hardly none actually know how to use what they have. We had to actually go to the library. But then again, the effort was worth it because we cared enough to do it.

There are some involved with groups publicizing veterans committing suicide, yet for whatever reason, did not get the help they needed to fight one more day.
Man who fought suicide among veterans loses fight with PTSD
By KSLA Staff
Friday, May 12th 2017

Patriot Motorcycle Groups led the funeral procession of Sgt. Benjamin Michael Adams through three states to lay the Army veteran to rest in Caddo Parish.

The graduate of Southwood High School in Shreveport was injured in 2005 while serving in Iraq.

After his release from the military, he suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Adams then became an advocate for 22Kill.

But last week he lost his battle with PTSD.
read more here
So much for a decade of raising awareness of something veterans already know how to do...die, but not tell them how they can heal or the simple fact why they deserve to give themselves a fighting chance.

Sorry but as you know, I ran out of patience a long time ago for all this crap. Most of us falls at the keystrokes of social media users doing nothing more than using these veterans for their own self-gratification. Do they really think they accomplished anything for our veterans? Evidence is in and they haven't. 

Then we have Congress writing Bill after Bill and using our tax dollars to fund stuff that doesn't work, or in too many cases, actually makes it worse. Who do Congressional hacks blame? Themselves? No, they blame the VA even though they have jurisdiction over the VA.

And then there are those who do seek help, but expect it to be ready for them when they want it to be. In a prefect world, we would value veterans enough to make sure the VA was ready for all of them, or at least, a substitute place for them to turn to.
'It shouldn't be this hard to get help': Army vet sought mental health care before murder-suicide
AL.com
BY ASHLEY REMKUS
May 22, 2017
"They said they would send him some paperwork to fill out," Johnson said. "They said if he was feeling suicidal he should go to the emergency room. At that moment, he wasn't feeling suicidal. He just knew he was struggling with PTSD and depression."
Just days before Joshua Stiles fatally shot his wife and took his own life, the 30-year-old Army veteran from Alabama sought mental health treatment, only to be turned away.

"It shouldn't be this hard to get help," said Stiles' sister Jennifer Johnson. "He was trying to get help to be a better person, a better husband, a better man, a better father."

Stiles had been suffering with PTSD, depression and anxiety for years before he shot his 22-year-old wife, Brittney Stiles, in front of her sister and their 2-year-old daughter, Mary Jane, in Russellville. Josh Stiles fled the scene and killed himself after a police chase this past Tuesday, according to authorities.

Johnson said her brother contacted a mental health treatment facility in Russellville several days before the murder-suicide but was told he would have to make an appointment.
read more here
Affidavit details armed standoff with police, allegations of gunshots, threats, animal abuse
Lawrence Journal
By Conrad Swanson
May 21, 2017
Lawrence police officers were familiar with Kewley, according to a recently released arrest affidavit. They were aware that he is a veteran who reportedly served time in special forces and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, night terrors and blackouts.
When Michael Kewley surrendered himself to officers, police say they found several loose rounds of .45-caliber ammunition in his pocket.
Across the street, Kewley's neighbor found another bullet on his kitchen floor and several bullet holes in his home. read more here
But it isn't just veterans...
Suicide: Cops’ silent hazard brought home
FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD
May 22, 2017
“There’s a lot of people, myself included, wondering what we could have done for him,” said Zaro, the Lakewood chief, “but I don’t have that answer.”
The badge may be small, but the weight is heavy.

When in the span of three weeks, two local law enforcement officers take their own lives, it gets our attention. We also hope it sparks conversation about how psychological strain places our men and women in uniform at risk of damage that no bullet-proof vest can guard against.

Lakewood police Officer Arron Grant committed suicide last month. According to Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro, Grant never hid the fact that he sought and received treatment for mental health issues.
read more here

Increasing suicide rates among first responders spark concernTribLiveWES VENTEICHER
But not even his parents saw how deeply his work affected him until he took his life seven years later.
"My son was a classic case of 'I'm never going to tell anybody; if I tell them, they'll think I'm weak,'" said Redner's mother, Jacqui Redner, 48, of Levittown, outside Philadelphia.
Like many first responders dedicated to saving lives, Redner, who was 27, never talked about his struggles, she said.
Her son, who went by "Georgie," threw himself in front of an Amtrak Acela train the morning of Aug. 1, 2015, at a station near the family's home.
Suicides among first responders, often driven by emotional strain in a culture that long has discouraged showing weakness, are too common, according to organizations that track the deaths. read more here 
If you aren't sufficiently pissed off yet, then you haven't been paying attention. The most overlooked thing in all of this is, all of them decided the lives of others mattered so much, they were willing to die to do their jobs...but didn't know how to fight for themselves when it was their lives on the line. Top that off with the ones they worked with, were also risking their lives on their own jobs.