USO Helps Troops With PTSD Symptoms
Daniel Novick-KFOX News Weekend Anchor/Reporter
Posted: 4:42 pm MDT August 20, 2010
EL PASO, Texas -- Soldiers and post traumatic stress disorder. It's a problem that has only gotten worse as troops have been at war for much of the last decade, and now some of those soldiers could be getting help from the USO.
The USO has a unique relationship with troops, as they see many of them everyday, but not for training, combat or other daily duties. Many soldiers and their families told KFOX they are an extended family for soldiers, providing an array of services.
USO officials said it's that unique relationship that has opened the door for USO staffers and volunteers to help troops deal with their PTSD.
read more here
http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/24706306/detail.html
Showing posts with label El Paso TX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label El Paso TX. Show all posts
Monday, August 23, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Homeless Man Rescues Fallen American Flag
Homeless Man Rescues Fallen American Flag
Daniel Novick-KFOX News Weekend Anchor/Reporter
Posted: 3:56 pm MDT July 4, 2010
Updated: 2:04 pm MDT July 5, 2010
EL PASO, Texas -- There is typically an American flag that flies high in front of METI Inc., a federal contractor in East El Paso. But instead, the flag is lying flat inside and the flag pole is on the ground outside after a storm last Sunday.
"The wind and the rain knocked over the flag pole, causing the flag pole to lie on the parking lot overlooking Boeing Drive," said Rebecca Orozco with METI Inc.
But it is the condition in which employees found Old Glory that shocked everyone, until they checked their surveillance video.
"After watching the surveillance videos we noticed that it was a good Samaritan who we suspect was a homeless man that came to the rescue of the flag around 1:40 in the morning," Orozco told KFOX.
In the surveillance video you can see the homeless man in driving rain and wind carefully folding up the American flag military style and then placing the flag pole off to the side.
"It was an amazing experience to see that, it was very heartwarming to see that a homeless man or a good Samaritan who was walking around that area at that time of the day in the rain will come to the rescue of the U.S. flag," said Orozco.
Orozco said she wouldn't expect that kind of act in a late night storm from anyone, especially someone who has so little to give.
"Knowing that so many people have turned their back on him, he never turned his back on this country," she said.
KFOX found the man who didn't turn his back on the flag. His name is Gustus Bozarth.
"It's a small respect, folding the flag like that," said Bozarth.
He lives in the back of a warehouse just feet from the flag he saved.
go here for more
Homeless Man Rescues Fallen American Flag
Daniel Novick-KFOX News Weekend Anchor/Reporter
Posted: 3:56 pm MDT July 4, 2010
Updated: 2:04 pm MDT July 5, 2010
EL PASO, Texas -- There is typically an American flag that flies high in front of METI Inc., a federal contractor in East El Paso. But instead, the flag is lying flat inside and the flag pole is on the ground outside after a storm last Sunday.
"The wind and the rain knocked over the flag pole, causing the flag pole to lie on the parking lot overlooking Boeing Drive," said Rebecca Orozco with METI Inc.
But it is the condition in which employees found Old Glory that shocked everyone, until they checked their surveillance video.
"After watching the surveillance videos we noticed that it was a good Samaritan who we suspect was a homeless man that came to the rescue of the flag around 1:40 in the morning," Orozco told KFOX.
In the surveillance video you can see the homeless man in driving rain and wind carefully folding up the American flag military style and then placing the flag pole off to the side.
"It was an amazing experience to see that, it was very heartwarming to see that a homeless man or a good Samaritan who was walking around that area at that time of the day in the rain will come to the rescue of the U.S. flag," said Orozco.
Orozco said she wouldn't expect that kind of act in a late night storm from anyone, especially someone who has so little to give.
"Knowing that so many people have turned their back on him, he never turned his back on this country," she said.
KFOX found the man who didn't turn his back on the flag. His name is Gustus Bozarth.
"It's a small respect, folding the flag like that," said Bozarth.
He lives in the back of a warehouse just feet from the flag he saved.
go here for more
Homeless Man Rescues Fallen American Flag
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Military leaders, first responders learn about PTSD
Combining these groups is one of the best things they could do because it's great to know they have plenty of company living with this misery. Feeling alone is a terrible thing but finding each other, well, strength comes from numbers.
Military leaders, first responders learn about PTSD
Posted: Sep 2, 2009 07:53 PM EDT
by ABC-7 Reporter/Anchor Celina Avila
EL PASO, Texas -- In an attempt to increase awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder, military leaders and first responders in our community were invited to a symposium at Sierra Providence Medical Center.
Firefighters on harnesses at the scene of a bad crash. An elderly couple murdered, allegedly in front of children. A deadly shooting of an high-schooler, allegedly by a Fort Bliss soldier in need of mental help.
Those are not only recent headlines but actual emergencies. "Everybody looks at you and expects you to be the strong one," said El Paso police officer Michael Baranyay.
A somber video detailed the reality of war was shown to various law enforcement agencies. The video shed light on post-traumatic stress disorder and how it can affect the tough men and women we look to protect us.
read more here
http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=11037494&nav=menu193_2
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Law keeps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder out of jail
Law keeps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder out of jail
By Chris Roberts / El Paso Times
Posted: 08/30/2009 12:00:00 AM MDT
EL PASO -- Combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who are accused of certain crimes may soon have a choice between a trial or mental-health treatment.
El Paso judges last week took the first step in creating a Veterans Mental Health Treatment Court. They authorized the program for Judge Ricardo Herrera's county criminal court.
"I just think we need to get ahead of the curve a little bit and get this in place," said Herrera, who proposed the idea to the Council of Judges.
He said the court would make sense for El Paso because of Fort Bliss and its explosive growth. The post has about 20,000 active-duty soldiers and is expected to grow to 34,000 by 2013.
The court would be geared to active-duty soldiers or veterans who served in combat zones or other hazardous assignments and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, said Cesar Prieto, who works in Herrera's court.
He said the court for veterans would include felonies and misdemeanors, but not the most serious crimes, such as murder and rape. Prosecutors would have to approve a defendant's participation in the program.
read more here
http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_13232775?source=most_emailed
By Chris Roberts / El Paso Times
Posted: 08/30/2009 12:00:00 AM MDT
EL PASO -- Combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who are accused of certain crimes may soon have a choice between a trial or mental-health treatment.
El Paso judges last week took the first step in creating a Veterans Mental Health Treatment Court. They authorized the program for Judge Ricardo Herrera's county criminal court.
"I just think we need to get ahead of the curve a little bit and get this in place," said Herrera, who proposed the idea to the Council of Judges.
He said the court would make sense for El Paso because of Fort Bliss and its explosive growth. The post has about 20,000 active-duty soldiers and is expected to grow to 34,000 by 2013.
The court would be geared to active-duty soldiers or veterans who served in combat zones or other hazardous assignments and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, said Cesar Prieto, who works in Herrera's court.
He said the court for veterans would include felonies and misdemeanors, but not the most serious crimes, such as murder and rape. Prosecutors would have to approve a defendant's participation in the program.
read more here
http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_13232775?source=most_emailed
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
$800 million approved for Fort Bliss growth
$800 million approved for Fort Bliss growth
FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE KDBC 4 NEWSROOM:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Early this morning, the U.S. House Armed Services Committee passed the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2647), which authorizes $779.4 million to support Fort Bliss growth. Congressman Silvestre Reyes, a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, worked to secure funding for El Paso as the bill moved through the Committee and voted in favor of the bill. The bill is scheduled for debate by the full House of Representatives next week.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sets policies and funding levels for U.S. national defense programs for the upcoming year. The legislation authorizes $550.4 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) and for national security programs under the Department of Energy (DoE).
"This year's Defense Authorization Bill includes substantial investments for Fort Bliss that will further the installation's status as one of America's finest national defense assets," Congressman Reyes said. "Most importantly, this legislation includes funding that will allow Fort Bliss to break ground for the first phase of the new state-of-art William Beaumont Hospital that will serve thousands of troops, veterans, and dependents in the El Paso community."
"The Armed Services Committee underscored its commitment to the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families with the passage of this critical legislation," Reyes added.
"Under this bill, our troops will receive a 3.9 percent pay raise and it also enhances mental health screening and medical care to more effectively detect and treat cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)."
US Mission in Pakistan?
FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE KDBC 4 NEWSROOM:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Early this morning, the U.S. House Armed Services Committee passed the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2647), which authorizes $779.4 million to support Fort Bliss growth. Congressman Silvestre Reyes, a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, worked to secure funding for El Paso as the bill moved through the Committee and voted in favor of the bill. The bill is scheduled for debate by the full House of Representatives next week.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sets policies and funding levels for U.S. national defense programs for the upcoming year. The legislation authorizes $550.4 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) and for national security programs under the Department of Energy (DoE).
"This year's Defense Authorization Bill includes substantial investments for Fort Bliss that will further the installation's status as one of America's finest national defense assets," Congressman Reyes said. "Most importantly, this legislation includes funding that will allow Fort Bliss to break ground for the first phase of the new state-of-art William Beaumont Hospital that will serve thousands of troops, veterans, and dependents in the El Paso community."
"The Armed Services Committee underscored its commitment to the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families with the passage of this critical legislation," Reyes added.
"Under this bill, our troops will receive a 3.9 percent pay raise and it also enhances mental health screening and medical care to more effectively detect and treat cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)."
$176 MILLION FOR A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART WILLIAM BEAUMONT - PHASE I
The legislation provides $176 million for the first phase of the new William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC). The National Defense Authorization Act includes language authorizing $966 million for the construction of a new WBAMC complex. The inclusion of the full authorization for this facility in the NDAA sends a strong message of support to the Army and the Department of Defense for the new medical facility at Fort Bliss.
$32 MILLION FOR NEW FORT BLISS HELICOPTERS FOR COUNTERNARCOTICS PILOT TRAINING
The bill also includes $32 million to procure four helicopters for use in pilot training for counternarcotics operations at Fort Bliss. The aircraft replace helicopters which were deployed to support the US mission in Pakistan.go here for more
http://www.kdbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10549915&nav=menu608_2
US Mission in Pakistan?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Texas Bills Target Soldiers' Mental Woes
Bills Target Soldiers' Mental Woes
April 18, 2009
Knight Ridder/Tribune
El Paso, TX. - State senators this week advanced bills that would provide a support network for combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychological problems.
State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, filed a bill that would direct the Department of State Health Services to set up a peer counseling program.
Legislation approved by the Senate Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee would go even further. The bill, filed by Sen. Leticia van de Putte, D-San Antonio, would require the Department of State Health Services to develop a set of guidelines for professionals treating veterans with psychological disorders.
Another part of the bill would coordinate mental-health services in areas without Veterans Affairs offices. The bill has features of one filed by state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso.
Gary Larcenaire, chief executive officer of El Paso Mental Health Mental Retardation, has started a program to train U.S. veterans in mental-health counseling. The idea is to help returning soldiers overcome the stigma of being treated for mental illness.
"There was a military culture I could never really understand," he said. "They will not speak with a trained psychological professional who has not seen combat."
go here for more
Bills Target Soldiers' Mental Woes
April 18, 2009
Knight Ridder/Tribune
El Paso, TX. - State senators this week advanced bills that would provide a support network for combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychological problems.
State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, filed a bill that would direct the Department of State Health Services to set up a peer counseling program.
Legislation approved by the Senate Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee would go even further. The bill, filed by Sen. Leticia van de Putte, D-San Antonio, would require the Department of State Health Services to develop a set of guidelines for professionals treating veterans with psychological disorders.
Another part of the bill would coordinate mental-health services in areas without Veterans Affairs offices. The bill has features of one filed by state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso.
Gary Larcenaire, chief executive officer of El Paso Mental Health Mental Retardation, has started a program to train U.S. veterans in mental-health counseling. The idea is to help returning soldiers overcome the stigma of being treated for mental illness.
"There was a military culture I could never really understand," he said. "They will not speak with a trained psychological professional who has not seen combat."
go here for more
Bills Target Soldiers' Mental Woes
Monday, November 3, 2008
Chicago-area soldier killed in Texas hit-run
Chicago-area soldier killed in Texas hit-run
November 3, 2008
A soldier from the Chicago area was struck and killed by a car over the weekend near his U.S. Army base in El Paso, Texas, officials said today.
Spec. Joseph Binion, 23, was assigned to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas, in El Paso, according to Ft. Bliss officials. His hometown was not immediately available.
click post title for more
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Fort Bliss soldier dies, another critically-injured in rollover
Fort Bliss soldier dies, another critically-injured in rollover
Posted: Oct 28, 2008 04:29 PM EDT
Updated: Oct 28, 2008 04:29 PM EDT
EL PASO -- A Fort Bliss soldier died and another was critically injured during a rollover crash late Friday night, Fort Bliss officials confirmed.
The wreck happened at 11:30 in the 8400 block of Gateway West near the intersection with Lee Trevino.
The injured driver was identified as 22-year-old PFC Shanon Sumter. His passenger -- 19-year-old PVT Olive Ellis died after the wreck.
http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=9253728&nav=AbC0
Posted: Oct 28, 2008 04:29 PM EDT
Updated: Oct 28, 2008 04:29 PM EDT
EL PASO -- A Fort Bliss soldier died and another was critically injured during a rollover crash late Friday night, Fort Bliss officials confirmed.
The wreck happened at 11:30 in the 8400 block of Gateway West near the intersection with Lee Trevino.
The injured driver was identified as 22-year-old PFC Shanon Sumter. His passenger -- 19-year-old PVT Olive Ellis died after the wreck.
http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=9253728&nav=AbC0
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sailor, airman killed in Pakistan hotel blast
Sailor, airman killed in Pakistan hotel blast
Staff report
Posted : Wednesday Sep 24, 2008 5:37:24 EDT
A 22-year-old sailor and an Air Force officer were among the more than 50 people killed in Saturday’s suicide bombing at a luxury hotel popular with foreigners in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Cryptologic Technician 3rd Class Matthew J. O’Bryant, 22, of Duluth, Ga., was killed at the Marriott Hotel, according to the Defense Department. O’Bryant was assigned to Navy Information Operations Command Maryland at Fort Meade.
Lt. Cmdr. Doug Gabos, of Naval Network Warfare Command, said O’Bryant was on temporary assignment in Pakistan and had been there for about two months.
Air Force Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriquez, 34, of El Paso, Texas, was also killed from injuries sustained in the bombing, according to DoD. Rodriquez served with the 86th Construction and Training Squadron based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
“He was in the area assisting with the training of Pakistani forces,” said Ramstein spokesman Aaron Schoenfeld.
click post title for more
Staff report
Posted : Wednesday Sep 24, 2008 5:37:24 EDT
A 22-year-old sailor and an Air Force officer were among the more than 50 people killed in Saturday’s suicide bombing at a luxury hotel popular with foreigners in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Cryptologic Technician 3rd Class Matthew J. O’Bryant, 22, of Duluth, Ga., was killed at the Marriott Hotel, according to the Defense Department. O’Bryant was assigned to Navy Information Operations Command Maryland at Fort Meade.
Lt. Cmdr. Doug Gabos, of Naval Network Warfare Command, said O’Bryant was on temporary assignment in Pakistan and had been there for about two months.
Air Force Maj. Rodolfo I. Rodriquez, 34, of El Paso, Texas, was also killed from injuries sustained in the bombing, according to DoD. Rodriquez served with the 86th Construction and Training Squadron based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
“He was in the area assisting with the training of Pakistani forces,” said Ramstein spokesman Aaron Schoenfeld.
click post title for more
Monday, July 21, 2008
Fort Bliss soldier's husband stabbed, raped her, police say
Fort Bliss soldier's husband stabbed, raped her, police say
By ALICIA A. CALDWELL
Associated Press
EL PASO — A Fort Bliss soldier's husband kicked her in the face, stabbed and raped her before abducting her from her off-post apartment last week and taking her to Nevada, police said today.
The soldier, who turned up wounded but alive in El Paso Sunday night, was attacked as she entered her apartment about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, police said in an affidavit charging Clinton W. Lewis, 34, with aggravated kidnapping.
The Associated Press has previously identified the 29-year-old soldier but is no longer naming her because of the sexual assault allegations. The AP does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault without their consent.
Lewis turned himself in to El Paso police Sunday night. He is being held in the El Paso County jail on $75,000 bail. Jail records do not show if he has a lawyer, but he was scheduled to arraigned Tuesday.
go here for more
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5898659.html
By ALICIA A. CALDWELL
Associated Press
EL PASO — A Fort Bliss soldier's husband kicked her in the face, stabbed and raped her before abducting her from her off-post apartment last week and taking her to Nevada, police said today.
The soldier, who turned up wounded but alive in El Paso Sunday night, was attacked as she entered her apartment about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, police said in an affidavit charging Clinton W. Lewis, 34, with aggravated kidnapping.
The Associated Press has previously identified the 29-year-old soldier but is no longer naming her because of the sexual assault allegations. The AP does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault without their consent.
Lewis turned himself in to El Paso police Sunday night. He is being held in the El Paso County jail on $75,000 bail. Jail records do not show if he has a lawyer, but he was scheduled to arraigned Tuesday.
go here for more
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5898659.html
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Fort Bliss Female Pfc. missing
Police: Missing Texas pfc. may be in danger
By Alicia A. Caldwell - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jul 19, 2008 9:24:27 EDT
EL PASO, Texas — Police say a Fort Bliss soldier is considered in danger after she did not report for work Friday and evidence of foul play was found in her apartment.
Authorities were searching for Pfc. Jeneesa Lewis, 29, and her husband. The couple is believed to be together and police want to talk to Clinton Lewis, 34, about his wife’s disappearance, El Paso Officer Chris Mears said.
People who know the soldier told investigators that she and her husband, who is not in the Army, have been having marital problems, Mears said.
Fort Bliss spokeswoman Jean Offutt said that when Jeneesa Lewis didn’t report to physical training or work, soldiers from the 5-52 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 11th Brigade went to her off-post apartment to check on her.
click post title for more
By Alicia A. Caldwell - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jul 19, 2008 9:24:27 EDT
EL PASO, Texas — Police say a Fort Bliss soldier is considered in danger after she did not report for work Friday and evidence of foul play was found in her apartment.
Authorities were searching for Pfc. Jeneesa Lewis, 29, and her husband. The couple is believed to be together and police want to talk to Clinton Lewis, 34, about his wife’s disappearance, El Paso Officer Chris Mears said.
People who know the soldier told investigators that she and her husband, who is not in the Army, have been having marital problems, Mears said.
Fort Bliss spokeswoman Jean Offutt said that when Jeneesa Lewis didn’t report to physical training or work, soldiers from the 5-52 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 11th Brigade went to her off-post apartment to check on her.
click post title for more
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
El Paso City Council Votes To Pursue Veterans Hospital
Didn't anyone in the DOD think if this when they were talking about expanding Fort Bliss?
City Council Votes To Pursue Veterans Hospital
Monica Balderrama-KFOX News Reporter
POSTED: 7:34 pm MDT June 17, 2008
EL PASO, Texas -- Some El Pasoan elected officials have tried to bring a Veterans Affairs hospital to our area for years, but now there may be a realistic chance.
With the growth of Fort Bliss and the change in demographics, city and county officials plan to go to Washington with new arguments.
Jerry Baker is a vietnam veteran who's used the El Paso VA system for more than 20 years.
"I received a prescription that was mislabeled," said Baker.
It hasn't been a pleasant experience for him or for the thousands of local veterans that use the VA clinic in El Paso. In recent months, the El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System was found to be worst in the nation, according to an internal performance survey. For a veteran like Baker who suffers from a number of illnesses like arthritis and anemia, you would think he was under a doctor's care all the time. He says at the VA clinic an appointment can take months.
go here for more
http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/16637544/detail.html
Monica Balderrama Reports: El Paso’s Veteran Healthcare System
Peter Daut Reports: Former Veteran Affairs Employee
Monica Balderrama Reports: Care For Veterans
Miri Marshall Reports: Veterans' Healthcare
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Fort Bliss soldier dies from motorcycle crash
Cycle-van crash kills Bliss soldier (6:20 a.m.)
By Tammy Fonce-Olivas / For the Sun-News
Article Launched: 04/10/2008 06:22:21 AM MDT
EL PASO —A 21-year-old Fort Bliss soldier died Tuesday when his motorcycle ran a red light and slammed into a van in Central El Paso.
The death was the city's third motorcycle fatality in two days.
The motorcyclist was identified as Zachary D. Tucker of Texas by El Paso police and Fort Bliss officials.
Tucker was a specialist who served as infantry mortarman with the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division. He returned from Iraq about four months ago, Fort Bliss spokeswoman Jean Offutt said.
go here for more
http://www.lcsun-news.com/news/ci_8875702?source=rss
By Tammy Fonce-Olivas / For the Sun-News
Article Launched: 04/10/2008 06:22:21 AM MDT
EL PASO —A 21-year-old Fort Bliss soldier died Tuesday when his motorcycle ran a red light and slammed into a van in Central El Paso.
The death was the city's third motorcycle fatality in two days.
The motorcyclist was identified as Zachary D. Tucker of Texas by El Paso police and Fort Bliss officials.
Tucker was a specialist who served as infantry mortarman with the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division. He returned from Iraq about four months ago, Fort Bliss spokeswoman Jean Offutt said.
go here for more
http://www.lcsun-news.com/news/ci_8875702?source=rss
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
VA in disgrace: El Paso facility betrays those who sacrificed
VA in disgrace: El Paso facility betrays those who sacrificed
El Paso Times Staff
Article Launched: 04/08/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT
El Paso and the area have a lot to be proud of when it comes to the military including Fort Bliss, an increasing soldier and family population, Future Combat Systems, unparalleled training facilities and an exceedingly bright future for the post and city.
But all El Pasoans, in particular lawmakers and other officials, should be deeply ashamed of having the nation's worst Veterans Affairs Health Care System. An internal performance survey showed that the local VA facility was failing in just about every category possible, including the VA's reason for being there -- patient care.
The Bush administration has spent years creating a new generation of veterans, and that same administration is failing them miserably when it comes to veteran care. The federal government has both a moral and practical obligation to care for the men and women who serve in uniform, and that obligation is being ignored.
Those veterans who need medical treatment or therapy, families who need help with benefits, veterans who need advice, counseling, guidance on the morass of paperwork that accompanies every move at VA -- these people need, and more than that, deserve, the absolute best of treatment. They have sacrificed much and many are still suffering. They must be helped, not ignored, shunted off to the side, or be made the victims of shoddy, inferior treatment.
go here for more
http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_8843024
I'm beginning to think that they don't want to do what they need to do. After all, if they don't treat the men and women who returned wounded instead of in a coffin, these veterans will die sooner than later, much later and with a lot more expense. I hate to think such a thing but over the years I've been racking my brain trying to figure out why they have accomplished so little when it comes to taking care of the wounded at the same time they seem to have such an easy task funding the occupations they send these men and women into. Why would this happen? Why wouldn't they do the steps necessary to take care of all of them? Don't they have a conscience? Why would they be holding another hearing followed by another hearing and then take baby steps in correcting the problems they do hear about? It's not like any of them should be such a shock. MOST OF THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN GOING ON SINCE VIETNAM!
El Paso Times Staff
Article Launched: 04/08/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT
El Paso and the area have a lot to be proud of when it comes to the military including Fort Bliss, an increasing soldier and family population, Future Combat Systems, unparalleled training facilities and an exceedingly bright future for the post and city.
But all El Pasoans, in particular lawmakers and other officials, should be deeply ashamed of having the nation's worst Veterans Affairs Health Care System. An internal performance survey showed that the local VA facility was failing in just about every category possible, including the VA's reason for being there -- patient care.
The Bush administration has spent years creating a new generation of veterans, and that same administration is failing them miserably when it comes to veteran care. The federal government has both a moral and practical obligation to care for the men and women who serve in uniform, and that obligation is being ignored.
Those veterans who need medical treatment or therapy, families who need help with benefits, veterans who need advice, counseling, guidance on the morass of paperwork that accompanies every move at VA -- these people need, and more than that, deserve, the absolute best of treatment. They have sacrificed much and many are still suffering. They must be helped, not ignored, shunted off to the side, or be made the victims of shoddy, inferior treatment.
go here for more
http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_8843024
I'm beginning to think that they don't want to do what they need to do. After all, if they don't treat the men and women who returned wounded instead of in a coffin, these veterans will die sooner than later, much later and with a lot more expense. I hate to think such a thing but over the years I've been racking my brain trying to figure out why they have accomplished so little when it comes to taking care of the wounded at the same time they seem to have such an easy task funding the occupations they send these men and women into. Why would this happen? Why wouldn't they do the steps necessary to take care of all of them? Don't they have a conscience? Why would they be holding another hearing followed by another hearing and then take baby steps in correcting the problems they do hear about? It's not like any of them should be such a shock. MOST OF THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN GOING ON SINCE VIETNAM!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Homeless Vietnam Veteran Dies; No Family Claims Body
Veteran Dies; No Family Claims Body
KFOXtv.com - El Paso,TX,USAEL PASO, Texas -- Family members of a homeless veteran never showed up to claim his remains. US Army (E-5), Ignacio Apodaca, 64, died on Oct. 26
UPDATE
Homeless Veteran Laid To Rest
Video High
Thursday, December 20, 2007 - Ignacio Apodaca left for Vietnam in 1966 and when he came back to the United States, he had a hard time adjusting to life back home. The Marine Corps member was homeless for years before passing away on October 26th.
His Brother Luis Apodaca shares his feelings with NewsChannel 9, on how he felt when he found out Ignacio was receiving a proper burial.
http://www.ktsm.com/news/local/12669302.html
KFOXtv.com - El Paso,TX,USAEL PASO, Texas -- Family members of a homeless veteran never showed up to claim his remains. US Army (E-5), Ignacio Apodaca, 64, died on Oct. 26
UPDATE
Homeless Veteran Laid To Rest
Video High
Thursday, December 20, 2007 - Ignacio Apodaca left for Vietnam in 1966 and when he came back to the United States, he had a hard time adjusting to life back home. The Marine Corps member was homeless for years before passing away on October 26th.
His Brother Luis Apodaca shares his feelings with NewsChannel 9, on how he felt when he found out Ignacio was receiving a proper burial.
http://www.ktsm.com/news/local/12669302.html
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