Long wait for benefits underscores VA problems

There are too many sites online claiming PTSD is not real, was not happening to other generations along with a very long list of other reasons to deny the suffering of our veterans. While PTSD was called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the 70's, it was called other names and so were our veterans.

Self-medicating was called being a "druggie" or "alcoholic" and veterans went straight to jail because no one thought of the connection of some crimes and PTSD. Suicides connected to military service were not the subject of major news articles because they were just expected to suffer in silence and they did. It was not until Vietnam veterans came home and pushed to let their suffering be known and get something done about it.

That took great courage on their part. It would have been easier for them to go on dying in obscurity but they fought back and today's veterans have a better chance of living better lives because of their efforts.

The following article points out several things that should validate the fact that while Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are in the news, what they face goes back many generations.

This is about a Korean War veterans with what we now call PTSD and how he tried, like too many others, to commit suicide. It also shows how he has not received compensation for the wounds he carried back with him.

Families knew what was happening to these veterans but no one else did.

Long wait for benefits underscores VA problems
Marine's appeal "pending" more than four years
By Ben Wolford
Sun Sentinel
January 14, 2013

CORAL SPRINGS
The battle that ruined James F. Gunn's legs lasted 17 days.

The Korean War veteran's battle with the Department of Veterans Affairs has lasted five years. At 81, wheelchair bound and in constant pain from latent frostbite wounds, Gunn is wondering whether he will ever win his case for federal benefits.

"I don't want a freebie," he said. "I'm entitled to this."

The growing needs of ailing veterans frequently outpace the processes of the vast federal agency designed to serve them. Congressional leaders and advocates have criticized the laggard administration of the pension Gunn is seeking, known as Aid and Attendance, which has been known to take more than a year to approve.

For Gunn, the bureaucracy is frustrating. But worse things followed him down the mountains of northern Korea in the winter of 1950.

He and 15,000 United Nations troops cut a painful retreat through sub-zero cold and 120,000 Chinese soldiers at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The 12,000 survivors are alternately called the Chosin Few and the Frozen Chosin.

Gunn returned home to Miami with two little-understood problems: post-traumatic stress disorder and frostbite. The PTSD attacked first; in 1955, overwhelmed by survivor's guilt, he tried to kill himself and landed in a North Carolina hospital.
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Formerly homeless vet finds a place in a widow's heart and home

Ken Reusser obituary in the LA Times brings a lot more meaning to this already wonderful story about his widow Trudy.

He received 59 medals during his career, and his 253 combat missions are considered the most ever by a Marine pilot.
After his retirement, he worked for Lockheed Aircraft, where he helped develop the U-2 spy plane, and then the Piasecki Helicopter Co. Retiring to his native Oregon, he was active in veterans groups.
He and his wife, Trudy, made headlines in 2004 when they defiantly refused to leave their home after it went into foreclosure. The couple had lost much of their retirement savings in a high-risk investment and then a swindle by a bookkeeper. Ultimately they were forced to obey a court order.

Now that you know the backstory on this, read what Trudy Reusser did.

Formerly homeless vet finds a place in a widow's heart and home
Published: Tuesday, December 25, 2012
By Mike Francis
The Oregonian

If there's one thing on which everyone -- activists, columnists, elected officials, cabinet secretaries, even the president of the United States -- seems to agree, it's that Americans should support military veterans.

Bind their wounds. Give them jobs. Provide them counseling. Welcome them home. Easy to say, harder to do.

This is the story of one welcoming. It involves a 73-year-old Milwaukie widow and her housemate, a 67-year-old Vietnam veteran.

She was married for almost 35 years to a legendary military aviator, living in a place she and her husband built before he died three years ago.

And he is her helper, sleeping in a warm bed in her spare bedroom, out of the cold and the rain since she invited him in.

If Trudy Reusser and Norm Gotovac seem an unlikely pair, that's because you don't know Reusser.

"She is a wonderful lady," says her friend, Kay Saddler of Hemlock, Ore. "She would give the shirt off her back and the shoes and socks off her feet if it would help a veteran."

Reusser. Why is that name familiar?

Military history buffs will know instantly: Ken Reusser is the most decorated Marine pilot in history. He displayed extraordinary bravery in combat not once, but repeatedly, across decades. He is, it is believed, the only pilot to have survived being downed in World War II, the Korean War and in Vietnam. He was awarded the Navy Cross twice, the Legion of Merit with V twice, the Distinguished Flying Cross five times, four Purple Hearts and numerous other commendations.
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Florida veterans and families not getting benefits they should

Little-known veteran pension hard to get and easy target for scammers
Sun Sentinel
By Ben Wolford
November 17, 2012

Problems with a Veterans Affairs benefit have created a scam industry and left thousands of seniors ignorant of a pension they are entitled to receive, veterans advocates and congressional investigators say.

Many families are unaware of the pension for ailing combat veterans and their dependents, footing the bill for their care as up to $24,239 a year for each veteran sits unused. Advocates blame poor outreach by the Veterans Affairs Department, a massive federal agency that wields $127 billion each year.

Families that do know about the Aid and Attendance pension, sometimes called the widows' pension, find themselves confronted with daunting paperwork. The applications, once submitted to one of three centralized processing offices, can take more than a year to approve.

Lisa Fitter spent 14 months seeking a pension for her mother-in-law, the widow of a World War II veteran, who suffered a massive stroke in May. The Fitters have struggled to provide 24-hour home care, and they pay an aide $15 to shower her each day.

"There is no excuse when you're dealing with a 96-year-old woman," said Fitter, 47, a Wellington Realtor. "She could have died."

Federal Veterans Affairs officials in Washington, D.C., and St. Petersburg did not respond to a series of questions and requests for interviews by email and phone.

But a spokesman told The New York Times in September that 38,076 veterans and 38,685 spouses were granted an Aid and Attendance pension in 2011. That year 1.7 million World War II veterans were alive and eligible for the pension.

Since December, hundreds of thousands have died, but more Korean War veterans, who number more than 2 million, will become eligible. The issue has particular resonance in Florida, where 187,900 World War II veterans reside, according to Veterans Affairs. The Census reports that about 32,846 Korean and World War II veterans live in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

The benefit is a kind of last thank you for low-income veterans — or their spouses or dependent children — who are older than 65 and rely on others for daily care. They must have been a member of the Armed Forces at least one day during wartime and need not have been injured in combat.

On average, veterans received $9,669 in 2011, and their survivors received $6,209, according to a federal report published this year.
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Tampa VA removes hidden camera

Tampa VA removes covert camera
VA says covert camera was only one hidden, no plans to use again
By Matt Grant
CREATED AUG. 9, 2012

FORT MYERS - The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital has removed a covert camera hidden inside a smoke detector that was used to videotape brain damaged Korean War veteran Joseph Carnegie against his family's wishes.

Congress began investigating the Tampa VA's use of covert cameras last week. The VA tells Fox 4 the type of camera used to monitor Carnegie's condition was the only one they've ever used like that.

"There are currently no cameras of this type installed, in use or in stock for use at Tampa VA," said spokesperson Mary Kay Hollingsworth. "The camera which was removed from Mr. Carnegie's room will not be placed back into stock."
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July 14, 2012
Hidden camera found in patient's room at James A Haley VA hospital

James A. Haley VA reports contradict its claims on covert camera

Haley VA reports contradict its claims on covert camera
By William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
In Print: Sunday, August 5, 2012

TAMPA — Officials at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center insist they told the family of a severely brain-damaged veteran about a camera disguised as a smoke detector before installing it in his hospital room.

Hospital officials told the Tampa Bay Times and another media outlet that one of the man's relatives even signed a release acknowledging the unusual camera.

But Haley's own records appear to show the hospital's defense is simply untrue.

An internal "contact report" by an assistant nurse manager involved in Joseph Carnegie's care said angry family members approached hospital staff complaining about the camera after discovering it themselves.

The report by a supervisory nurse shows they were told nothing confirming its installation or use.

Then hospital officials told a Fort Myers television reporter that the Carnegies signed a release acknowledging the camera had been installed.

The Times requested a copy of that document.

Haley released two "contact reports" to the Times with the names of hospital staff redacted. "Yes, the family was aware and attached is the signed release," Haley spokeswoman Carolyn Clark said in an email providing the reports.

But the forms are not signed releases at all. And they clearly contradict the heart of Haley's defense that the family knew about the camera before its installation.

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Hidden camera found in patient's room at James A Haley VA hospital

Deplorable conditions for America's war heroes at Haley VA

Semper Fidelis July 4th cookout at the Orlando VA

Semper Fidelis went out to the Orlando VA Community Living Center for their annual July 4th Cookout with heroes.
Good food, great fun and awesome entertainment!

Rain and fire department didn't stop Orlando from honoring heroes

Yesterday I went to the Orlando VFW Post on Edgewater Drive. After finally finding a place to park in the pouring rain, when I got out of the car, I heard the fire alarm. People were getting back into their cars. The VFW Band was waiting outside and no one knew what was going on. It didn't take the heads of the heads of the VFW long to figure out a plan of action. They began directing people to the pavilion so everyone could stay dry while they waited for the fire department to come. Sure enough, they came fast and figured out what the problem was. There was a problem with the air conditioner from what I was told. The planned ceremony had to be canceled but they gave the awards out and honored these veterans.

Local vets to be awarded medals, ribbons at Orlando VFW Post
June 23, 2012
By Orlando Sentinel

A group of local war veterans will receive medals and ribbons that they are entitled to in a ceremony at an Orlando VFW Post on Sunday.

Veterans from the first Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea and World War II who never received the awards they were entitled to will get them in a 4 p.m. ceremony at VFW Post #2093 located at 4444 Edgewater Dr.

One Vietnam vet will receive 32 ribbons from his three tours of duty; another will receive his Bronze Star. Korean War veterans will receive their Korean Defense Service Medals and several Purple Heart medals will be awarded.
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I'll have the video up on this later. As usual several news stations showed up but I haven't been able to find any reports. If you find them please leave the link in the comment section of this post.

After 60 years, Korean War vet with stress disorder seeks vindication, upgrade in discharge

Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011
'Punishment did not fit the crime': After 60 years, Korean War vet with stress disorder seeks vindication, upgrade in discharge
BY MIKE FITZGERALD - News-Democrat

BELLEVILLE -- Ralph Simonton grew up in rural Clinton County, the youngest son of a proud military family.

Each of his three brothers served in the armed forces. And each one received a burial with full military honors.

Simonton, 80, wants the same thing for himself.


The last surviving member of his family, and a wounded Korean War veteran, Simonton has spent the last decade fighting for the restoration of his military benefits, including the right to a military funeral.

He knows he's facing a tough battle. He also knows time is running out.

Simonton, of Belleville, has undergone surgeries for a heart ailment, a perforated colon and a hernia.

He continues to suffer from the nightmares, depression, anxiety and other symptoms of the severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he acquired after taking part in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Korean War.

"When I hear any loud noise, I jump," he said. "I want to take cover. I still have dreams about the war. ... I dream all the time about the guys who died. Almost every one of my friends were killed."

During one battle against Chinese troops, Simonton nearly died from a grenade attack. The rest of his platoon died.

Simonton was later nominated for the Purple Heart, the Silver Star and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. But he never received those decorations, nor will he under Department of Defense rules.
The same rules forbid him from obtaining access to Veterans Affairs health care or receiving a military burial.

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Korean War veterans come to D.C. and get the welcome they never had

Korean War veterans come to D.C. and get the welcome they never had
By: Meghan Cox Gurdon |
11/19/11
Examiner Columnist
The young college graduate had not planned to be at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last weekend, waiting for an old man he'd never met.

A few weeks earlier, though, a friend's stray remark had lodged in his mind. On impulse, he had sent an inquiring email. A positive message had come back, and now here he was, walking across the gleaming floor toward a row of unsmiling security personnel and lines of scanning machines.

A moment or two later, he was through to the arrivals area -- and that's when he heard the applause. A group of Korean War vets from northern Alabama was moving through the crowds of commuters, but not very quickly, because so many people wanted to thank them.

"Everyone was stopping and clapping and shaking their hands," the young man told me. "It was really moving to see, in a place as partisan as D.C., and you could tell from the faces of the veterans that they were surprised."

Amid the throng, one of the elderly men raised his red-and-white hat, and waved it. This signified two things: One, that even on Veterans Day weekend his dearest allegiance was evidently to Alabama's Crimson Tide football team; and two, that he'd seen the young man waiting for him.
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Veteran of World War II and the Korean War, paralyzed, still an athlete

U.S. Veteran Unable to Walk Proves He's Still an Athlete
Published September 25, 2011
FoxNews.com
An 83-year-old veteran who hasn’t walked in 10 years has refused to let that stop him from becoming an award-winning national athlete.

Theron Hallock, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, recently took the bronze medal in the power chair relay race at the 31st Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Pittsburgh, the Green Valley News reports.

Hallock, who turns 84 soon, and others from a group of paralyzed veterans from Tucson, Ariz., joined nearly 600 athletes from 46 states, Puerto Rico and Great Britain in this year’s games, which included 17 sports. Archery, basketball, bowling, hand cycling, power soccer, softball, table tennis and weight lifting were among the events.
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Korean War Veteran Dies While Replacing Flag on Memorial Day

National Interest
Korean War Veteran Dies While Replacing Flag at Ohio Home on Memorial Day
Published June 02, 2011
FoxNews.com

An 83-year-old Korean War veteran died on Memorial Day while trying to replace a weathered American flag outside his Ohio home, his family said Thursday.
James Catron, of Richville, Ohio, died of natural causes as he was replacing the tattered flag on his 20-foot TV tower with a new one, his daughter, Sharon Harold, told FoxNews.com.
"He served his country and he thought it was so important to display the flag, " Harold said. "He was so proud to be a veteran."

(note:Firefighters came back and finished it for him)
Read more: Korean War Veteran Dies While Replacing Flag

Korean War veteran receives medal of valor

Korean War veteran receives medal of valor

Lisa Irish/The Daily Courier


A Korean War veteran in hospice at the Bob Stump Veterans Affairs Medical Center received the Warriors Medal of Valor on Thursday afternoon as his wife Joy, daughter and others looked on in the community living center's dining room.

As flute music played, Ed Albert, a member of the Cherokee of the Bear Clan, gently touched Jim Bork, 78, of Camp Verde, with an eagle feather and blessed him with a smoldering bundle of sweet sage.

"It is an honor and a pleasure to award you the Warriors Medal of Valor for your service to this country and your people. This is just a small token of our appreciation," said U.S. Marine Corps (retired) Sgt. Alfonso Santillan Jr., commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 608. "We thank you for a job well done."

Then Larry Kimmel of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and a member of the Miami Tribe of Indians of Indiana presented Bork with his medal.

The Warriors Medal of Honor was designed by Marshall Tall Eagle Serna, who wanted to honor veterans with a medallion to show appreciation for their sacrifices, Santillan said.
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Korean War veteran receives medal of valor

After three wars, veteran finally honored for years of service

Mt. Selman veteran finally honored for years of service

By Jamey Boyum
MOUNT SELMAN, TX (KLTV) - Robert Littlefield served the United States during three wars and Friday was finally honored for all the years he dedicated to his country. A representative with Congressman Hensarling's office and the Veteran's Administration went to his home for the presentation, along side his family.

"We're here to present you with your medals and I think Phillip here has a flag for you and its for your time in service," said David Thomason, a Veteran Service Officer, beginning the presentation.

Littlefield gave 24 years of service, starting in the Navy back in 1942, then, on to Korea and Vietnam in the Air Force. He was an aviator, using early navigation equipment in flight, and eventually became a master sergeant during his time in Vietnam. His medals include the National Defense Medal, the American Campaign Medal, The Asian Pacific Campaign, and the World War II Victory Medal.
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Veteran finally honored for years of service

Former Marine Recalls Feeling Forgotten On 60th Anniversary of Korean War

On 60th Anniversary of Korean War, Former Marine Recalls Feeling 'Forgotten'
Written by Jennifer Moore
Friday, 25 June 2010


The Korean War began 60 years ago Friday when North Korea invaded the South.

President Truman was in his home in Independence, Missouri, when his Secretary of State delivered the news. Within a few short weeks, US Troops were preparing to come to the defense of South Korea, even though war was never officially declared. One soldier who was among them was a young Marine by the name of Clifford Auberry. On Friday, he joined KSMU's Jennifer Moore by phone in Springfield.


Auberry went to Korea just a few months after the invasion in 1950, and he stayed through 1951.

"Well, I was a Marine, and I was pretty proud to go over there. But I felt like we were forgotten over there," he said.

"We didn't have equipment. We didn't have food. And other than our folks, we didn't hear from anybody," Auberry said.

He made two major landings in amphibious tanks, and said South Korea was "pretty well shot up" by the time US troops got there.

I asked him what emotions he feels when he hears the Korean War referred to as the "Forgotten War."

"Well, it's not very good emotions. We felt that way when we were over there. Only our families seemed to be the only ones who knew we were in Korea. And they said it wasn't really a war, that it was a police action," he recalls.
read more here
http://www.ksmu.org/content/view/6882/2/

Korean War veteran talks about the forgotten war

Korean War veteran wishes for comfort of forgetting the "Forgotten War"
Reported By: Steve Nunez

TUCSON, AZ (KGUN - TV) - For one Tucson war veteran, who fought in two wars, Memorial Day also marks a day to look to the future and not so much to the deadly past. The memories of bloodshed remain constant for 77-year old Alex Romero.

Romero first fought in the Korean War in 1951. But today, he wishes for the comfort of forgetting. Romero said, "I don't want to remember what happened. I never want to remember what happened in those years. I do not want to remember names."

Nine On Your Side's Steve Nunez asked Romero, "How come?" Romero responded, "Because (paused) because they were the ones that made me what I am. I hope you understand that."

And similar to the "Forgotten War," Romero also fought in Vietnam. It's also a war many would like to forget. Romero compares these wars to the often forgotten contributions Mexican-American's, just like him, have made in fighting for our country.

Romero said, "Ohhh, i got an article like that (placing his thumb and index finger about an inch apart). Oh, this sargeant was wounded in Korea and Vietnam, that much (again placing his thumb and index finger about an inch apart) you know. There was no recognition.
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http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12571985

85 year old Veteran survived 3 wars, died in home invasion in Dayton OH

3-war vet from Ohio killed in home invasion

The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 29, 2009 8:53:39 EDT

DAYTON, Ohio — Police say an 85-year-old decorated veteran of three wars has died from injuries suffered in an invasion of his home.

A neighbor found retired Army Sgt. Maj. North Woodall unconscious and bloody late Monday. Police say he was pronounced dead at the scene.
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3-war vet from Ohio killed in home invasion

Remembering Korean War veterans in Kileen Texas

Remembering Korean War veterans; celebrating their sacrifice
Amid the clink-clang and clamoring drums during dinner entertainment, the people who gathered at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center Friday night made every effort to establish one message: Let there never be another forgotten war.

Warren County NJ ceremony honors war veterans

Warren County ceremony honors war veterans
by Warren Reporter
Tuesday June 09, 2009, 12:08 PM

BELVIDERE-- They served from the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam, from the skies over Italy to the waters of the Pacific Ocean, from the hills of Korea to the mountains of Afghanistan and the dusty towns of Iraq.

What they had in common was their bravery and their willingness to serve their country. Now, they also are linked by having received commendation for their service from their home county.

In all, 79 current or former Warren County residents were honored with the Warren County Distinguished Military Service Medal, presented by the Board of Chosen Freeholders May 30 during the county's seventh Veterans Recognition Ceremony.

"As far as I am concerned, Warren County will continue this annual tradition until every veteran of our great county is recognized publicly," Freeholder Director Richard D. Gardner wrote in a statement read during the ceremony. Gardner, who was unable to attend the ceremony, wrote, "Politicians come and go with all their varied ideologies, but members of the United States Military, past and present, stay true to the foundation of our Constitution, and that is that the United States of America must always remain a sovereign and independent democracy for all. I thank all the veterans and their families for their courage, commitment and sacrifice."
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Warren County ceremony honors war veterans

Returning vets may face another battle, PTSD

Returning vets may face another battle

Published: May 06, 2009
By Nicholas Langhorne
special correspondent

Making the transition from a dangerous war zone back to normal family life can be a mental challenge for any war veteran. However, the estimated 12 to 20 percent of Army combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder face an even more difficult challenge, according to Dr. John Beneseck, director of the PTSD program at Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond.

According to the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, the condition can be caused by any traumatic experience during which an individual felt that their life or the lives of others around them were in danger. They may also feel like they lack control over what happens to them. The nature of war makes combat veterans susceptible to developing the disorder.

“The number one technique we use is education,” Beneseck said. “Let them know that this is a pretty normal reaction.”

On average, McGuire treats between 1,000 and 1,200 veterans for PTSD every year, according to Beneseck. That number includes veterans from current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Vietnam, Korean and Gulf War veterans.

“We’re getting some people who have just heard about what PTSD is,” Beneseck said about the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who are just now seeking treatment.
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Returning vets may face another battle

Maj. Thomas Lawrence Egan, decorated homeless veteran dies alone in the snow

by
Chaplain Kathie
Think of those words tied together. Decorated, would indicate above and beyond the call of duty. He was a Major. He also served in the Oregon National Guard. That indicates the kind of person that wanted to be of service to his state and his nation. Imagine that! Then he dies, homeless and alone in the snow. All of that yet we manage somehow to keep saying this is a grateful nation.

People tried to help Major Egan. He tried to get help. The shelter has rules on sobriety. One of the statements made was that Egan "chose" to not stop drinking. That's the biggest problem of all. Too many simply assume that a man willing to sacrifice his life for his country would rather be homeless, living on the streets than to stop drinking. The truth is, most of them can't stop. It's not due to being an alcoholic, as many would simply assume. Most of them are self medicating the feelings they cannot cope with. Without the proper help and support, this is their only refuge. We've heard the stories all too often. It's not generational. It's human need.

While the people trying to help him did what they could, what they knew how to do, the problem is, no one told them what else was needed to be done.

Too many of these veterans have lost hope of healing. Egan had a college degree. He had a Master's Degree. This would indicate a man with intelligence, along with the bravery he showed serving the nation. Even with that intelligence, the message that what was eating away at him could be healed and he could live a life again instead of just existing as yet one more nameless person most of us just walk by.

Without hope, all the education, all the bravery in the world, cannot replace what is missing. They need to reconnect to human kindness and above all, the spiritual connection to a Higher power to renew their strength. They need to see themselves through eyes of love and not condemnation. The people at the shelter tried to replace what was not in their power to deliver. He needed help to find that piece within all of us trapped under a wall of pain to heal.

Read the rest of the story and then watch Homeless Veterans Day, because they are veterans and they are homeless everyday. Not just one day of the year. They are homeless in the summer as well as in the winter when they can freeze to death alone. The very same streets this man was willing to lay down his life for as a member of the National Guard, claimed his life because this nation refused to guard his life.

Homeless man who died in snow was a decorated war veteran
By Laura Rillos
KVAL News
Video
EUGENE, Ore. -- The homeless man who froze to death Tuesday evening, believed to be the first victim of Oregon's snow, was a decorated war veteran who earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon.


Thomas Lawrence Egan, 60, was found partially covered in snow near the corner of Blair Boulevard and West First Avenue. According to the Lane County Medical Examiner's office, he died from exposure to the cold.

Word of Egan's death spread quickly throughout Lane County's community of veterans. He was well known among veterans support circles. He served two decades in the Army and Oregon Army National Guard, spent two years serving in Korea and earned several medals and ribbons for his service.

Bud Dickey, a Vocational Rehablitation Coordinator with Eugene's VA Clinic, says Egan's story is tragic.

Dickey served alongside Egan for five years in the Oregon National Guard. He calls Egan " a good person who fell on bad times."

"There were several different times when people tried to help him and for certain times, he was OK," said Dickey. "For whatever reasons, he couldn't stay on track and chose to continue to drink."

That was one reason Egan remained homeless. According to Dickey, many local housing projects for veterans required sobriety and Egan was unable to remain sober.



Awards:

Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

National Defense Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal

Army Service Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon

Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon

Oregon Faithful Service Ribbon with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

Connecticut Recruit-badge
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