Richmond couple found dead in apparent murder-suicide
WKYT News
By: Hillary Thornton
Sep 12, 2015
RICHMOND, Ky. (WKYT) - Richmond police say two people have been found dead inside their home.
Police say as they responded to a domestic call at a home on Blackwell Court around 11:30 p.m. Friday night. Upon arrival, police say they heard a gunshot. They immediately entered the home and found a husband and wife both dead with gunshot wounds. Police are calling it an apparent murder-suicide.
The landlord of the home tells WKYT that the couple was Jackie Rose, 23, and Jessie Rose, 23. He says Jackie worked as a 911 dispatcher and Jessie worked at a factory and used to be in the military.
read more here
Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
2 US troops killed by gunmen wearing Afghan military uniforms
UPDATE
A Pensacola staff sergeant was one of two U.S airmen killed Wednesday in Afghanistan.
The Pentagon announced Staff Sgt. Forrest B. Sibley, 31, of Pensacola, Florida and Capt. Matthew D. Roland, 27, of Lexington, Kentucky died after the vehicle they were traveling in was attacked near Camp Antonik, Afghanistan.
2 US troops killed by gunmen wearing Afghan military uniforms
Stars and Stripes
By Carlo Munoz and Zubair Babakarkhail
Published: August 26, 2015
KABUL, Afghanistan — Two U.S. servicemembers were shot and killed by two gunmen wearing Afghan security forces uniforms who opened fire on their vehicle in southern Afghanistan early Wednesday, U.S. and coalition officials said.
The attack occurred on an Afghan military compound in Helmand province. It coincided with reports that Taliban insurgents had overrun the center of Musa Qala, a strategically important district center in Helmand.
“Resolute Support servicemembers returned fire and killed the shooters,” a coalition statement said.
“We are deeply saddened by the reports out of Afghanistan overnight,” said Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, Pentagon spokesman. “Two U.S. servicemembers operating in support of the Resolute Support Mission were killed yesterday when two individuals wearing Afghan National Defense and Security Force uniforms opened fire on their vehicle.”
DOD is withholding their identifications 24 hours, as families are notified. Their service branches were not identified.
read more here
Monday, August 17, 2015
Stolen Valor "Marine" Arrested After This Ain't Hell Report
Police: Man lied about being in military
ABC WTVQ Lexington Kentucky
Paris Lewbel
08/17/2015
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A man was arrested after police say he stole from two different charities for veterans by pretending to be a wounded marine.
Jefferey Alcorn claimed he was a wounded Marine suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from his deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, according to police reports obtained by ABC 36 News.
But, police say, Alcorn never served in the military.
According to the reports, he falsified documents to get a service dog, from the organization Paws4Life, to deal with his PTSD. The trained service dog, he was given, was valued at $2,500.00.
According to the police report, Alcorn also falsified documents to the Veteran’s Airlift Command to pay $2,700.00 for the flight to and from Georgia to pick up the service dog.
Alcorn was arrested Saturday afternoon at Blue Grass Airport after he returned from picking up the dog, police says.
read more here
ABC WTVQ Lexington Kentucky
Paris Lewbel
08/17/2015
The Stolen Valor blog This Ain't Hell exposed Alcorn back in January. The website filed Freedom of Information Acts with the National Personnel Records Center, and received responses that Alcorn was never found in any of their records.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A man was arrested after police say he stole from two different charities for veterans by pretending to be a wounded marine.
Jefferey Alcorn claimed he was a wounded Marine suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from his deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, according to police reports obtained by ABC 36 News.
But, police say, Alcorn never served in the military.
According to the reports, he falsified documents to get a service dog, from the organization Paws4Life, to deal with his PTSD. The trained service dog, he was given, was valued at $2,500.00.
According to the police report, Alcorn also falsified documents to the Veteran’s Airlift Command to pay $2,700.00 for the flight to and from Georgia to pick up the service dog.
Alcorn was arrested Saturday afternoon at Blue Grass Airport after he returned from picking up the dog, police says.
read more here
Friday, August 14, 2015
Vietnam Veteran With No Family Laid to Rest By Community
IMAGES: Hundreds turn out to pay last respects to Vietnam vet with no family
WDRB News
By Emily Mieure
Posted: Aug 13, 2015
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky veteran without a family was laid to rest today with full military honors.
Don Kaas died July 29 at the Veterans Hospital in Lexington. Although he had no known family, hundreds of people showed up from all over the country to pay their respects.
Veterans, active military members and civilians gathered Thursday at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville to give Kaas the burial they say he deserved.
Donald Cool, a Vietnam vet, didn't know Kaas but wanted to pay his respects to a fellow Vietnam veteran.
"I was saddened by the fact that someone could have served our country and not have anyone there at the close of his life to be there to support him," Cool said.
Cool was glad to see so many others there as well.
"I'm really impressed they've cared enough to show up today," Cool said. "It's wonderful. Makes me proud to be an American."
Kathleen Luttrell seemed to feel the same way.
"I thought it was my duty to come show respect for a veteran," she said.
read more here
WDRB News
By Emily Mieure
Posted: Aug 13, 2015
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky veteran without a family was laid to rest today with full military honors.
Don Kaas died July 29 at the Veterans Hospital in Lexington. Although he had no known family, hundreds of people showed up from all over the country to pay their respects.
Veterans, active military members and civilians gathered Thursday at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville to give Kaas the burial they say he deserved.
Donald Cool, a Vietnam vet, didn't know Kaas but wanted to pay his respects to a fellow Vietnam veteran.
"I was saddened by the fact that someone could have served our country and not have anyone there at the close of his life to be there to support him," Cool said.
Cool was glad to see so many others there as well.
"I'm really impressed they've cared enough to show up today," Cool said. "It's wonderful. Makes me proud to be an American."
Kathleen Luttrell seemed to feel the same way.
"I thought it was my duty to come show respect for a veteran," she said.
read more here
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Decorate Disabled Veteran Settles Assault Lawsuit Against Police
Veteran settles police assault suit for $50,000
The Courier Journal
Matthew Glowicki
July 17, 2015
A retired Kentucky National Guard lieutenant colonel who sued a half dozen Louisville Metro Police officers alleging assault and wrongful detention has settled with the city for $50,000.
Donald Blake Settle, a Purple Heart and multiple Bronze Star recipient who served for 29 years and was deployed six times to the Middle East, first filed the suit against the officers in January 2013 in Jefferson Circuit Court.
He claimed that officers stopped him, pulled out a stun gun and eventually forced him face-down into the concrete and handcuffed him as he tried to leave Mid City Mall on Jan. 29, 2012.
Police said at the time they thought Settle was a homeless panhandler because of his dusty clothes and impaired speaking and memory, The Courier-Journal previously reported. They claimed Settle was acting aggressively during the incident and they perceived an imminent assault.
Settle told The Courier-Journal in 2012 that he has memory loss and problems speaking after suffering traumatic brain injuries while in Afghanistan.
read more here
The Courier Journal
Matthew Glowicki
July 17, 2015
A retired Kentucky National Guard lieutenant colonel who sued a half dozen Louisville Metro Police officers alleging assault and wrongful detention has settled with the city for $50,000.
Donald Blake Settle, a Purple Heart and multiple Bronze Star recipient who served for 29 years and was deployed six times to the Middle East, first filed the suit against the officers in January 2013 in Jefferson Circuit Court.
He claimed that officers stopped him, pulled out a stun gun and eventually forced him face-down into the concrete and handcuffed him as he tried to leave Mid City Mall on Jan. 29, 2012.
Police said at the time they thought Settle was a homeless panhandler because of his dusty clothes and impaired speaking and memory, The Courier-Journal previously reported. They claimed Settle was acting aggressively during the incident and they perceived an imminent assault.
Settle told The Courier-Journal in 2012 that he has memory loss and problems speaking after suffering traumatic brain injuries while in Afghanistan.
read more here
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Why Is Army Shutting Down River Hospital When It Works Wonders?
UPDATE
PTSD Program Will Continue At River Hospital - At Least For Now
PTSD Program Will Continue At River Hospital - At Least For Now
‘It saved my life and my marriage’: Soldiers object to Army cutting River Hospital PTSD program
Watertown Daily Times
By ELI ANDERSON TIMES STAFF WRITER
PUBLISHED: SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015
“Ever since I left the River Hospital, my life has turned around amazingly,” he said. “I would stand on top of a building and yell it for that place.”
ALEXANDRIA BAY — When Charles R. “Chuck” Wilkerson graduated from River Hospital’s Community Wellness Program in the summer of 2013, he was a changed man.
Mr. Wilkerson, who served in the 10th Mountain Division for 11 years, had spent about 100 days in the program to be treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. He said his healing process took slightly longer than those of others in the program, but his transformation was incredible.
“If it wasn’t for the River Hospital,” he said, “I would be dead today.”
On Thursday, River Hospital CEO Ben Moore III announced that the Army was pulling the program from the hospital to create a similar program on post at Fort Drum.
The announcement, which came in a letter from Fort Drum Medical Activity Commander Col. Matthew E. Mattner, shocked River Hospital officials, Mr. Wilkerson and other members of the program and community.
“How can they take away something that saves people’s lives?” Mr. Wilkerson said over the phone from his home in Lexington, Ky.
Mr. Wilkerson said the River Hospital program was able to provide him care that the Army could not.
The River Community Wellness Program, which is the only civilian institution in the country to offer an outpatient treatment program for soldiers with PTSD, came to River Hospital in February 2013 at the request of the Army.
read more here
Friday, May 1, 2015
Kentucky National Guard Getting Something Right on Suicide Prevention
This is part of the problem. "Resilience training" is something that has been "taught" or pushed on them since 2009. When we think about that fact that this was supposed to prevent them from committing suicide, yet they went up afterwards, it does not work!
Kentucky National Guard Suicide Prevention Awareness Public Service Announcement
Kentucky Guard
The fact remains that suicides among younger veterans is now triple their peer rate after all these years of prevention training.
Sgt Maggie Eveland "behind the scenes" Interview, talks about seeking help after trying to end her own life. She found something that worked and is part of what the National Guard is doing right. She is amazing and what she said is a powerful message for anyone needing help.
Published on Apr 28, 2015
On an average day 22 military veterans take their own life. Of those, 69% are 50 years old or older.
With these sobering statistics in mind, the Kentucky National Guard presents a public service announcement designed to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
The 30-second in-house production features Maj. Bobbie Mayes, Sgt. Maggie Eveland and Eveland's horse, Khaleesi. The video also has messages of support and contact information for military personnel and veterans in need.
This accompanying "behind the scenes" video features Sgt. Eveland discussing the challenges of life, the value of suicide awareness training and how Khaleesi helped inspire her through a period of crisis.
If you need help or know someone who does, call 1-800-273-TALK to discuss veteran suicide.
For more information on suicide awareness contact:
Capt. David W. Shelley, email: david.w.shelley.mil@mail.mil
Resilience, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention Program Manager
502-607-1941
Kentucky National Guard Suicide Prevention Awareness Public Service Announcement
Kentucky Guard
The fact remains that suicides among younger veterans is now triple their peer rate after all these years of prevention training.
Sgt Maggie Eveland "behind the scenes" Interview, talks about seeking help after trying to end her own life. She found something that worked and is part of what the National Guard is doing right. She is amazing and what she said is a powerful message for anyone needing help.
Published on Apr 28, 2015
On an average day 22 military veterans take their own life. Of those, 69% are 50 years old or older.
With these sobering statistics in mind, the Kentucky National Guard presents a public service announcement designed to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
The 30-second in-house production features Maj. Bobbie Mayes, Sgt. Maggie Eveland and Eveland's horse, Khaleesi. The video also has messages of support and contact information for military personnel and veterans in need.
This accompanying "behind the scenes" video features Sgt. Eveland discussing the challenges of life, the value of suicide awareness training and how Khaleesi helped inspire her through a period of crisis.
If you need help or know someone who does, call 1-800-273-TALK to discuss veteran suicide.
For more information on suicide awareness contact:
Capt. David W. Shelley, email: david.w.shelley.mil@mail.mil
Resilience, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention Program Manager
502-607-1941
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Historical US Marine Hospital Sits Empty While Veterans Wait for Care?
Louisville's U.S. Marine Hospital remains empty, decade after exterior restored
WDRB News
By Sarah Phinney
Posted: Mar 29, 2015
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It has been 10 years since the exterior of Louisville's U.S. Marine Hospital in the Portland neighborhood was restored, but the inside remains unfinished.
Several rooms on the first floor are used for meetings and group exercise, but the rest of the old hospital is closed to the public due to safety concerns. Because the outside is restored, Family Health Centers Executive Director Bill Wagner says many people believe the inside is in good shape, too.
"Little do they know, it's empty," said Wagner. The hospital, designed by Washington Monument architect Robert Mills, opened on April 1, 1852.
Union soldiers were treated at the hospital during the first two years of the Civil War and later World War I veterans. But, most of the patients throughout the years were merchant sailors.
"They may have been injured during their jobs or they may have contracted contagious diseases," Wagner said.
The building later served as living quarters for nurses and doctors in the 1930s, before the City of Louisville purchased it for $25,000 in 1950. It was later turned into office space and is currently owned by the Board of Health, while Family Health Centers oversees it.
Though patients haven't been in the hospital for decades, some of the original features are still intact. read more here
WDRB News
By Sarah Phinney
Posted: Mar 29, 2015
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It has been 10 years since the exterior of Louisville's U.S. Marine Hospital in the Portland neighborhood was restored, but the inside remains unfinished.
Several rooms on the first floor are used for meetings and group exercise, but the rest of the old hospital is closed to the public due to safety concerns. Because the outside is restored, Family Health Centers Executive Director Bill Wagner says many people believe the inside is in good shape, too.
"Little do they know, it's empty," said Wagner. The hospital, designed by Washington Monument architect Robert Mills, opened on April 1, 1852.
Union soldiers were treated at the hospital during the first two years of the Civil War and later World War I veterans. But, most of the patients throughout the years were merchant sailors.
"They may have been injured during their jobs or they may have contracted contagious diseases," Wagner said.
The building later served as living quarters for nurses and doctors in the 1930s, before the City of Louisville purchased it for $25,000 in 1950. It was later turned into office space and is currently owned by the Board of Health, while Family Health Centers oversees it.
Though patients haven't been in the hospital for decades, some of the original features are still intact. read more here
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Kentucky: Vietnam Veteran Killed by Police
Vietnam veteran killed in Magoffin County officer involved shooting
WYMT News Montana
By: Kyle Collier, Alix Casper-Peak
Jan 19, 2015
Gunlock, Ky. (WYMT) Update: Sunday evening, Magoffin County Sheriff's Deputies and Kentucky State Police, went to serve an arrest warrant on Vietnam War Veteran, Carter Castle.
They say things quickly escalated and Castle told them he had a gun.
"Both tasers that were deployed on Mr. Castle were ineffective, which Mr. Castle at that point turned towards officers with the weapon and the officer acted and shot the suspect" says Kentucky State Trooper, Steven Mounts.
Longtime friend and neighbor, Ray Shepherd, grew up with Castle and even enlisted in the Military at the same time.
"He was like a sniper on the front line most of the time over there in Vietnam, he seen a lot of action.
After he came back home he's been sick" says Shepherd.
Family members and neighbors say that Castle was on medication, they believe he quit taking his medication a few days prior to the incident.
read more here
WYMT News Montana
By: Kyle Collier, Alix Casper-Peak
Jan 19, 2015
Gunlock, Ky. (WYMT) Update: Sunday evening, Magoffin County Sheriff's Deputies and Kentucky State Police, went to serve an arrest warrant on Vietnam War Veteran, Carter Castle.
They say things quickly escalated and Castle told them he had a gun.
"Both tasers that were deployed on Mr. Castle were ineffective, which Mr. Castle at that point turned towards officers with the weapon and the officer acted and shot the suspect" says Kentucky State Trooper, Steven Mounts.
Longtime friend and neighbor, Ray Shepherd, grew up with Castle and even enlisted in the Military at the same time.
"He was like a sniper on the front line most of the time over there in Vietnam, he seen a lot of action.
After he came back home he's been sick" says Shepherd.
Family members and neighbors say that Castle was on medication, they believe he quit taking his medication a few days prior to the incident.
read more here
Monday, December 15, 2014
Kentucky Suicides Tied to Military Have Inreased
And this is after all the other "suicide prevention bills" congress has not only passed but paid for.
Military Suicides Have Spiked in Kentucky in Recent Years
WFPL.org
By DEVIN KATAYAMA
December 15, 2014
Suicides among Kentucky veterans and active military service members have increased the past several years. In many cases, those who have died never sought help through the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
“Most of the people [military service members] that kill themselves we don’t know about,” said Barbara Kaminer, Louisville’s Robley Rex VA suicide prevention coordinator.
The increase in suicides among veterans and servicemembers has led to legislation aimed at reducing or eliminating suicides of active service members, but the effort face challenges.
There’s no national database that tracks all active duty and veteran suicides; once a service member is discharged the government no longer keeps tabs on them.
The Department of Defense does track active military member suicides. Last year, 475 active service members committed suicide, according to the data. That’s compared to the 132 active soldiers the U.S. has lost in combat.
The University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Violent Death Reporting System has more complete figures.
In 2012, 129 active military members and veterans committed suicide in the state. That is more than double any year from 2005 and 2009. And it’s been increasing.
read more here
Saturday, October 4, 2014
DoD May Deploy up to 4,000 Troops to Combat Ebola
DoD May Deploy up to 4,000 Troops to Combat Ebola
DOD News
By Jim Garamone
Defense Media Activity
FORT MEADE, Md., Oct. 3, 2014 – The Defense Department could deploy up to 4,000 service members to Liberia as part of Operation United Assistance against Ebola, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters at the Pentagon today.
There are 205 U.S. service members in Liberia today with another 26 in neighboring Senegal. All service members are supporting the lead federal agency for American participation in the crisis -- the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel “has approved the potential deployment of up to 4,000 [service members],” Kirby said. “But I want to make one thing real clear, that that’s a potential deployment. That doesn’t mean it is going to get to that number.”
DOD News
By Jim Garamone
Defense Media Activity
FORT MEADE, Md., Oct. 3, 2014 – The Defense Department could deploy up to 4,000 service members to Liberia as part of Operation United Assistance against Ebola, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters at the Pentagon today.
There are 205 U.S. service members in Liberia today with another 26 in neighboring Senegal. All service members are supporting the lead federal agency for American participation in the crisis -- the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel “has approved the potential deployment of up to 4,000 [service members],” Kirby said. “But I want to make one thing real clear, that that’s a potential deployment. That doesn’t mean it is going to get to that number.”
Troop deployments
The U.S. Army announced the units that will deploy to the region beginning in mid-month and running through November. With the previously announced unit deployments, this will bring the total Army commitment to about 3,200 soldiers.
More than 1,800 Fort Campbell, Kentucky-based soldiers will arrive in Liberia sometime late this month. Other soldiers will deploy from the 101st Sustainment Brigade, the 86th Combat Support Hospital of the 44th Medical Brigade, and a Military Police company from the 16th Military Police Brigade.
These units will provide medical and logistic support, as well as site security, to the Joint Task Force. Soldiers will deploy from other bases as well including,
Fort Hood, Texas
Fort Carson, Colorado
Fort Bliss, Texas
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Fort Stewart, Georgia
Fort Benning, Georgia
Fort Eustis, Virginia
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
read more here
Friday, October 3, 2014
Iraq Veteran Cameron Anestis Went to VA for Help Sent Away Twice
We tell them to get past the stigma of PTSD because there is nothing to be ashamed of. We tell them to go for help to heal after surviving war. We tell their families to be supportive and encourage them to ask for help.
Cameron Anestis was just 21 years old, already a combat veteran needing help in Kentucky. He did what he needed to do in Iraq and then did what he needed to do back home. The problem is, he was turned away from two different VA hospitals. He committed suicide. He's gone yet the assurances from the DOD and the VA keep coming while they keep filling graves.
Cameron Anestis was just 21 years old, already a combat veteran needing help in Kentucky. He did what he needed to do in Iraq and then did what he needed to do back home. The problem is, he was turned away from two different VA hospitals. He committed suicide. He's gone yet the assurances from the DOD and the VA keep coming while they keep filling graves.
Judge: VA botched handling of suicidal Marine
Associated Press
BY BRETT BARROUQUERE
October 2, 2014
"For whatever reason, they violated their own policy, it's never explained why."Cameron Anestis, United States Marine Corps, served in Iraq.
LOUISVILLE, KY. — A Veterans Affairs hospital botched the treatment of a suicidal Marine by sending him to another medical facility even though he had an emergency condition, a federal judge said.
The Marine, Cameron Anestis, 21, of Georgetown, killed himself after he was turned away from a second facility in Lexington because he did not have a form showing he was a combat veteran. The VA had a duty to help Anestis, U.S. District Judge David Bunning ruled Wednesday.
"It must treat those who suffer from an emergency condition," Bunn said.
Anestis, a lance corporal in the Marine reserves, went to a Lexington VA medical center on Aug. 16, 2009, but was turned away after being told treatment wasn't available there. Anestis went to a second VA center in Lexington the next day and again was rejected.
Unable to find the form he needed, Anestis became frustrated and violent, attacking his wife, who called 911 from another room. While Tiffany Anestis was on the phone, she heard a gunshot and found that her husband had committed suicide.
read more here
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
In a time of crisis: Mitch McConnell blocked $21 billion for veterans
Veterans Group Hits McConnell in New Ad
The Hill
By Martin Matishak
09/02/14
VoteVets Action Fund is out with a new ad attacking Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for his role in blocking legislation earlier this year that would have expanded medical benefits and education programs for the nation’s veterans.
The 30-second spot features Vietnam veteran Charles Erwin from Mayfield, Ky., who suffers from multiple ailments due to exposure to Agent Orange, walking toward the camera.
His cane clicks with each step he takes, prompting text to pop up beside him: “He was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Now … Diabetes. A stroke. Heart disease. Cancer. He depends on a veterans hospital for care. In a time of crisis: Mitch McConnell blocked $21 billion for veterans.”
“Senator McConnell ... I did my duty. But after 30 years in Washington ... you’ve failed to do yours,” Erwin says at the end of the ad. “It’s time for you to go.”
In February, Senate Republicans successfully blocked a $21 billion measure that would have, among other things, expanded veterans' healthcare programs and provided advanced appropriations for the Veterans Affairs Department.
read more here
The Hill
By Martin Matishak
09/02/14
Sep 2, 2014
Charles Erwin is a Vietnam Veteran suffering from a number of debilitating and life-threatening ailments resulting from his exposure to Agent Orange. His courage stands in sharp contrast to the cowardice Mitch McConnell demonstrated when his Republican Senate Caucus blocked improvements to veterans’ health care during the crisis earlier this year.
VoteVets Action Fund is out with a new ad attacking Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for his role in blocking legislation earlier this year that would have expanded medical benefits and education programs for the nation’s veterans.
The 30-second spot features Vietnam veteran Charles Erwin from Mayfield, Ky., who suffers from multiple ailments due to exposure to Agent Orange, walking toward the camera.
His cane clicks with each step he takes, prompting text to pop up beside him: “He was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Now … Diabetes. A stroke. Heart disease. Cancer. He depends on a veterans hospital for care. In a time of crisis: Mitch McConnell blocked $21 billion for veterans.”
“Senator McConnell ... I did my duty. But after 30 years in Washington ... you’ve failed to do yours,” Erwin says at the end of the ad. “It’s time for you to go.”
In February, Senate Republicans successfully blocked a $21 billion measure that would have, among other things, expanded veterans' healthcare programs and provided advanced appropriations for the Veterans Affairs Department.
read more here
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Army Captain's dying wish, saving veterans from suicide
Captain with terminal cancer has one 'final mission' - help vets
Military Times
Joe Gould
August 5, 2014
An active-duty Army officer stricken with terminal cancer is fighting for his life — and the lives of others. Capt. Justin Fitch said he wants to use his last days to reverse the epidemic of veteran suicide.
“Every single day that I have here on this earth is a gift, and I want to use it as well as possible,” said Fitch, who was speaking slowly in a phone interview with Army Times on July 31, one day after his latest round of chemotherapy.
“Life is difficult. Recovery is difficult, but I try not to curl up in a ball, I try to do what I can in the time I have left,” said Fitch, 32.
That means balancing time with friends and family, including his wife of nine years, his obligations to the Army, and his cancer fight.
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are spent in chemotherapy, and on Thursdays and Fridays, he is commander of a research and development company at the Army’s Natick Labs.
read more here
Military Times
Joe Gould
August 5, 2014
Capt. Justin Fitch, diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer, devotes much of his time and energy raising money to combat veteran suicides. (David Kamm/Army)
An active-duty Army officer stricken with terminal cancer is fighting for his life — and the lives of others. Capt. Justin Fitch said he wants to use his last days to reverse the epidemic of veteran suicide.
“Every single day that I have here on this earth is a gift, and I want to use it as well as possible,” said Fitch, who was speaking slowly in a phone interview with Army Times on July 31, one day after his latest round of chemotherapy.
“Life is difficult. Recovery is difficult, but I try not to curl up in a ball, I try to do what I can in the time I have left,” said Fitch, 32.
That means balancing time with friends and family, including his wife of nine years, his obligations to the Army, and his cancer fight.
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are spent in chemotherapy, and on Thursdays and Fridays, he is commander of a research and development company at the Army’s Natick Labs.
read more here
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Veteran died soon after release from hospital called "suspicious"
Deputies investigating Mercer County veteran's 'suspicious' death
WKYT News
Mark Barber
Jul 26, 2014
MERCER COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Investigators say they found a 48-year-old veteran dead in his Mercer County home Friday night.
They tell us James Price had health issues but they believe there could be more to his death.
Deputies are calling his death suspicious because they say he was alive when he left UK Hospital Friday afternoon but he was found dead not long after he was dropped off at home.
"I thought it was all very strange," said a neighbor who didn’t want to be identified.
He says he called 911 when he saw Price fall out of a Lexington taxi on South Cedar Lane about 6 p.m. Friday.
"The guy kind of fell out, he couldn't sit up, stand up or anything. The cab driver picked him up from behind and carried and dragged him into the house and laid him on a couch and left," said the neighbor.
read more here
WKYT News
Mark Barber
Jul 26, 2014
MERCER COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Investigators say they found a 48-year-old veteran dead in his Mercer County home Friday night.
They tell us James Price had health issues but they believe there could be more to his death.
Deputies are calling his death suspicious because they say he was alive when he left UK Hospital Friday afternoon but he was found dead not long after he was dropped off at home.
"I thought it was all very strange," said a neighbor who didn’t want to be identified.
He says he called 911 when he saw Price fall out of a Lexington taxi on South Cedar Lane about 6 p.m. Friday.
"The guy kind of fell out, he couldn't sit up, stand up or anything. The cab driver picked him up from behind and carried and dragged him into the house and laid him on a couch and left," said the neighbor.
read more here
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Iraq veteran robbed of medals given by Dick Cheney
Burglars steal priceless medals from Iraq war veteran
WHAS11.com
by Alex Schuman
Posted on July 15, 2014
BRECKENRIDGE COUNTY, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Ron Hinkle survived an IED bomb explosion on April 15, 2006.
He showed up at his house in rural Breckenridge County, and discovered someone kicked-in his front door.
Burglars stole several valuable family heirlooms, but the family is asking people to keep an eye for two specific items.
Hinkle lost his Purple Heart and a challenge coin which both were given to him by former Vice President Dick Cheney.
read more here
WHAS11.com
by Alex Schuman
Posted on July 15, 2014
BRECKENRIDGE COUNTY, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Ron Hinkle survived an IED bomb explosion on April 15, 2006.
He showed up at his house in rural Breckenridge County, and discovered someone kicked-in his front door.
Burglars stole several valuable family heirlooms, but the family is asking people to keep an eye for two specific items.
Hinkle lost his Purple Heart and a challenge coin which both were given to him by former Vice President Dick Cheney.
read more here
Friday, May 2, 2014
Kentucky National Guardsman Sues Over Tattoo Rules
Kentucky guardsman sues over Army tattoo rules at Fort Campbell
Associated Press
Written by
Brett Barrouquere
May 1, 2014
LOUISVILLE, KY. — A Kentucky National Guard soldier with aspirations of joining a U.S. Army special operations unit wants a federal judge to overturn the military’s new regulations concerning soldiers with tattoos.
Staff Sgt. Adam C. Thorogood of Nashville, Tennessee, said the tattoos covering his left arm from the elbow to the wrist aren’t harmful, but the Army is using the body art against him and stopping him from fulfilling a dream of joining “The Nightstalkers,” the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Thorogood’s attorneys said the new rules are preventing their client from seeking appointment as a warrant officer.
Thorogood, 28, sued Thursday in U.S. District Court in Paducah, Kentucky, seeking to have the new rules declared unconstitutional. He is seeking $100 million in damages.
read more here
Associated Press
Written by
Brett Barrouquere
May 1, 2014
LOUISVILLE, KY. — A Kentucky National Guard soldier with aspirations of joining a U.S. Army special operations unit wants a federal judge to overturn the military’s new regulations concerning soldiers with tattoos.
Staff Sgt. Adam C. Thorogood of Nashville, Tennessee, said the tattoos covering his left arm from the elbow to the wrist aren’t harmful, but the Army is using the body art against him and stopping him from fulfilling a dream of joining “The Nightstalkers,” the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Thorogood’s attorneys said the new rules are preventing their client from seeking appointment as a warrant officer.
Thorogood, 28, sued Thursday in U.S. District Court in Paducah, Kentucky, seeking to have the new rules declared unconstitutional. He is seeking $100 million in damages.
read more here
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Judge says time ran out to honor Lt. Garlin Murl Conner with Medal of Honor?
Judge: Technicality prevents decorated soldier from receiving Medal of Honor
The Associated Press
By Brett Barrouquere
Published: March 12, 2014
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lt. Garlin Murl Conner left the U.S. Army as the second-most decorated soldier during World War II, earning four Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars, seven Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during 28 straight months in combat.
But despite backing from congressmen, senators, military veterans and historians, he never received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military distinction, awarded for life-risking acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
Now, a federal judge in Kentucky has ended his widow's 17-year quest to see that her husband received the medal.
U.S. District Judge Thomas B. Russell, in an 11-page opinion issued late Tuesday, said a technicality will prevent Pauline Conner of Albany, Ky., from continuing her campaign on behalf of her husband, who died in 1998. Russell concluded that Pauline Conner waited too long to present new evidence to the U.S. Army Board of Correction of Military Records, which rejected her bid to alter her husband's service record.
The Associated Press
By Brett Barrouquere
Published: March 12, 2014
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lt. Garlin Murl Conner left the U.S. Army as the second-most decorated soldier during World War II, earning four Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars, seven Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during 28 straight months in combat.
But despite backing from congressmen, senators, military veterans and historians, he never received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military distinction, awarded for life-risking acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
Now, a federal judge in Kentucky has ended his widow's 17-year quest to see that her husband received the medal.
U.S. District Judge Thomas B. Russell, in an 11-page opinion issued late Tuesday, said a technicality will prevent Pauline Conner of Albany, Ky., from continuing her campaign on behalf of her husband, who died in 1998. Russell concluded that Pauline Conner waited too long to present new evidence to the U.S. Army Board of Correction of Military Records, which rejected her bid to alter her husband's service record.
Conner's commander in World War II, retired Maj. Gen. Lloyd B. Ramsey of Salem, Va., filed an affidavit saying Conner's work, while injured, provided valuable intelligence.
"There is no doubt that Lt. Conner should have been awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions," Ramsey wrote. "One of the most disappointing regrets of my career is not having the Medal of Honor awarded to the most outstanding soldier I've ever had the privilege of commanding." read more here
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
PTSD on Trial Kentucky National Guardsman pushed over edge
Latonia standoff suspect says bills, PTSD and police response contributed to break
WCPO News
Brian Mains and Kendall Herold
COVINGTON, Ky. – A military veteran says a $10,000 bill he received led to a 20-hour standoff with police in December.
"It was just a final straw... a click," Michael Vaughan said on Tuesday.
Vaughan barricaded himself in his house and shot at Covington police officers throughout the night of Dec. 21 and morning of Dec. 22. Police went to his house in response to a call that Vaughan posted disturbing messages on his Facebook page.
His children were in his Michigan Avenue home for most of the incident and were only let go hours before police say Vaughan surrendered to them after setting his house on fire and getting shot in one final volley of gunfire.
Vaughan sits in the Kenton County Detention Center, awaiting trial on a charge of attempted murder of a police officer.
On Tuesday, Vaughan said the bill that came from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service was a result of “bad advice” he received while seeking treatment Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"I received bad information from the Kentucky National Guard so I didn't get the help I need," he said.
read more here
WCPO News
Brian Mains and Kendall Herold
COVINGTON, Ky. – A military veteran says a $10,000 bill he received led to a 20-hour standoff with police in December.
"It was just a final straw... a click," Michael Vaughan said on Tuesday.
Vaughan barricaded himself in his house and shot at Covington police officers throughout the night of Dec. 21 and morning of Dec. 22. Police went to his house in response to a call that Vaughan posted disturbing messages on his Facebook page.
His children were in his Michigan Avenue home for most of the incident and were only let go hours before police say Vaughan surrendered to them after setting his house on fire and getting shot in one final volley of gunfire.
Vaughan sits in the Kenton County Detention Center, awaiting trial on a charge of attempted murder of a police officer.
On Tuesday, Vaughan said the bill that came from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service was a result of “bad advice” he received while seeking treatment Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"I received bad information from the Kentucky National Guard so I didn't get the help I need," he said.
read more here
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Fort Bragg Soldier from Kentucky Killed in Afghanistan
Release No: NR-082-14
February 13, 2014
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Christopher A. Landis, 27, of Independence, Ky., died Feb. 10, on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, from wounds received when the enemy attacked his dismounted patrol with a rocket propelled grenade in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan.
He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.
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