Military Tattoos Evolution of Tributes

Military tattoos evolve into tributes in South Jersey 
Courier-Post
Carol Comegno
January 10, 2015

"The pain of getting those next tattoos was nothing compared to the pain of losing comrades in the fighting or the pain their families went through," concluded the Marine, a Westampton police officer who is still in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Marine Sgt. Andrew Einstein of Mount Laurel, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, displays his tattoo memorial for his friends who lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan, located on his torso. 01.06.15
(Photo: Chris LaChall/Courier-Post)

Andrew Einstein did what a lot of leathernecks do immediately after surviving Marine boot camp.

He got a tattoo.

It would not be the only one.

After tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Mount Laurel resident got several other symbols of his military service, including one emblazoned on his left rib cage to memorialize the death of two fellow Marines.

Army veteran Bruce Coleman of Marlton got one of his tattoos for the same reason — to remember fallen comrades in Iraq, where he served.

Younger veterans' tattoos are different than those worn by their World War II and Korean War counterparts — today, they are often larger, more colorful and artistic, relating more personal, intimate stories of their military service.

The 26-year-old Einstein disliked the feel of tattoo needles piercing his skin when he got that first Marine Corps emblem and vowed never to get another tattoo, but his attitude changed after considerable time spent in combat zones.

A second tattoo on his left shoulder and upper back signifies the stress of returning home.

"Now, I love tattoos. They tell my story," he freely admits.

"I had my battles adjusting to a lifestyle outside of war and dealing with the loss of those guys, so I got more tattoos and decided on a full rib cage tribute piece in honor of those we unfortunately lost.
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Marine Shocks Great-Grandma for Christmas

VIDEO: NJ MARINE SURPRISES GREAT-GRANDMOTHER FOR CHRISTMAS
ABC 6 News
December 28, 2014

DELANCO, N.J. (WPVI) -- A marine from Delanco, New Jersey gave his 94-year-old grandmother the surprise of her life when he came home for Christmas.

The McFadden's knew their marine son would be home for the holidays but his great-grandmother Dee-Dee didn't.
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OEF OIF Veteran Police Officer "too large of risk" because of PTSD?

Second veteran sues Rutherford over police job; alleges PTSD discrimination
New Jersey.com
THE RECORD
BY PETER J. SAMPSON
STAFF WRITER
DECEMBER 25, 2014

RUTHERFORD — A U.S. Army veteran is suing the borough, its mayor and its six council members, claiming he was wrongly denied appointment to the police force because of concerns by officials that his post-traumatic stress disorder poses “too large a risk.”

John Robbins, a decorated war veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, is the second veteran to sue the borough this year. He contends the job offer that was extended to him was unlawfully revoked as part of a pattern and practice of discrimination against veterans, who enjoy a preference in hiring under state law.

Robbins, a Rutherford resident who served 8½ years in the military, is classified as a disabled veteran by the state’s Civil Service Commission. He was ranked second on a 2012 civil service list, and after completing a series of interviews and a background investigation, he was notified by the borough that he would be hired as a police officer.

But despite passing the physical and psychological examinations, Robbins was passed over Nov. 27, 2012, when the council voted to approve candidates ranked fifth, 10th and 11th, his lawsuit claims.
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PTSD Afghanistan Veteran Walked From New Jersey to Vegas

Veteran’s cross-country walk brings him to Las Vegas
FOX 5 Vegas
Written by Craig Huber
Posted: Dec 11, 2014

Veteran Eric Peters is walking from New Jersey to California
to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder. (FOX5)

LAS VEGAS (FOX5)
Veteran Eric Peters has walked from his home in Clark, NJ, to Las Vegas to raise awareness for post-traumatic stress disorder, and his journey's not over yet.

Peters, 23, won't stop until he's reached Santa Monica, CA.

A veteran of the War in Afghanistan, Peters was injured on the battlefield.

"There are a lot of demons that I'm fighting, but I continue to put a smile on my face and help out other people. It's actually more therapy to me helping other people," Peters said.

In March of 2011, Peters and his unit, the 101st Airborne Division, were hit by enemy mortar fire while patrolling in a Humvee in the Kunar province.

Peters was knocked unconscious by the blast and shrapnel. He was later diagnosed with PTSD.

"It takes a piece of your soul, you know, and it just flushes it away," he said.

Peters said the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently sent him a letter stating his request for further treatment had been denied.
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New Jersey National Guardsman Suicides Blamed On 4 Soldiers?

This part sums up the ineffectiveness of "suicide prevention" and resilience training.

“Everybody has to take some responsibility when we lose a soldier,” Cunniff said. “It’s our duty as citizens, much less soldiers, to look after one another. That’s one of the cornerstones of our suicide prevention program here and the military on the whole.”

If it doesn't work for those not deployed, then how did they expect it to work for the deployed? They can blame the soldiers all they want but when they pushed programs that failed, they should have stopped using them. So what is behind this still being used when the number of suicides went up afterwards?

"They are among a large and vulnerable group of young soldiers who enlist in the Guard and bring to the job the baggage of their everyday life, from family and relationship conflicts to financial and job problems, that puts them at risk."

The National Guards is like all other branches and they do psychological testing before enlistment. How were these "vulnerable" men allowed to enlist?

N.J. Army National Guard grapples with three suicides after decade of none
NJ.com
Christopher Baxter
November 23, 2014

Governor Chris Christie greets the troop before the ceremony during the New Jersey National Guard Military Review at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt , NJ 9/27/14 (Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

TRENTON — Five years ago, the country’s top military officer touted the New Jersey Army National Guard as a model of success for the nation, noting that it had experienced no suicides among its members since the invasion of Iraq began in 2003.

The record was impressive and one matched by only a handful of other states. The overall suicide rate in the Guard steadily climbed through the decade and, by 2008, had exceeded the rate among the general population, federal statistics show.

Since then, the rise has continued, with the Guard hitting an all-time record of 120 suicides across the nation in 2013. New Jersey held steady at zero.

But that came to a quiet end this year, when, in the span of six months, three New Jersey Army National Guard members committed suicide, and a fourth died as a result of a possible drug overdose, NJ Advance Media has learned.

Their backgrounds, however, do not fit the profile of soldiers who ship off to war and struggle with post-traumatic stress and reintegration upon return. All four men were first-time enlistees, from 21 to 25 years old, and had never been deployed.
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“Dreams of the Fallen” concert salutes veterans

Lincoln-themed concert in Voorhees a salute to vets
Courier-Post
William Sokolic
November 1, 2014

“Dreams of the Fallen” represents the voice inside the head of a soldier, with the orchestra as the sonic landscape of what the soldier might be experiencing at the time, the composer explained.

The Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey will put on a concert honoring veterans
Sunday at the Eastern Center for the Performing Arts in Voorhees

(Photo: Courtesy of Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey )

Jake Runestad is a young composer who was commissioned to write a large ensemble piece to honor veterans.

That piece, “Dreams of the Fallen,” will be performed for only the second time Sunday, Nov. 2, as part of a salute to veterans at the Eastern Center for the Performing Arts in Voorhees.

“The piece was written to honor veterans and is the backbone of the program,” said Matthew Oberstein, music director of the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey.

The orchestra also will play a musical tribute to each branch of the military as well as Aaron Copeland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” with a reading by actor Dan Lauria.

The day includes a VIP reception with veterans prior to the concert and a pre-concert talk by Runestad and his collaborator, veteran Brian Turner.
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Vietnam Veteran Has Well Water and Well Wishes From Angels

Harrison firm steps in to install water well for Laurel Lake veteran, wife
The Daily Journal
Chris Torres
October 10, 2014

"I just figured no one gave a hoot about Vietnam veterans," Donald Smith said. "Next thing you know, these guys get here like angels. It's a miracle."

Lila and Veteran Donald Smith were excited to have a working water well at their home in Laurel Lake.
Oct. 9, 2014. Staff photo/Craig Matthews

COMMERCIAL – U.S. Army veteran Donald Smith still struggles from the effects of broken bones and post-traumatic stress after returning from the Vietnam War.

It hasn't helped in recent years that he also wasn't guaranteed simple things such as a warm bath at night.

His wife, Lila, would have to travel back and forth with buckets of water from neighbors for them to get by, because of significant troubles with their outdated water well.

There was no guarantee they would have any water at all going into this winter, and they couldn't afford a new well. Recently, Lila Smith decided she had enough, and reached out to a local veterans group for help.

She was directed to the Veterans Community Alliance of Freehold, who came to the Smiths' Laurel Lake home this week to help give them the gift they've wanted and needed for years.

The VCA paid for the installation of a new four-inch well, to the delight of the couple and neighbors stopping along the way.
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Film on Equine PTSD Therapy Wins Award

Screening of Award-Winning Film "Riding My Way Back"
Atlantic Highlands Herald
Written by MC Park System
Published: 07 October 2014

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Monmouth County Park System and its partner Special People United to Ride (SPUR) is pleased to announce that the Sunnyside Equestrian Center, 628 Middletown-Lincroft Road, Middletown, will host a screening of the award-winning film “Riding My Way Back” on Sunday, November 9 at 3 p.m. This short new documentary tells the powerful story of how therapeutic riding helped a veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury begin to heal. A suggested donation of $5 can be given at the door.

The film chronicles one soldier’s journey back from the brink of suicide. In 2010, Staff Sergeant Aaron Heliker returned from multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). At his most desperate and isolated, on 42 medications and suicidal, Aaron is introduced to the unlikeliest of saviors: a horse named Fred. Through caring for Fred, Aaron begins the difficult process of reconnecting to the world around him and healing the invisible wounds of war that nearly defeated him.
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PTSD May Be Added To New Jersey Medical Marijuana List

If our Federal Government would approve it, then maybe the VA would step up as well.

Bill to Add PTSD to New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program Filed in Assembly
The Daily Chronic
By Scott Gacek
September 27, 2014

Studies conducted in Israel — where medical marijuana was allowed beginning in 2005, and has since become a dominant leader in medical marijuana research fueled by Israel’s strong research sector in medicine and technology, have found that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is “safe and well tolerated by patients with chronic PTSD.”

TRENTON, NJ — A bill to add post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in New Jersey was filed Monday.

The bill, Assembly Bill 3726, is sponsored by Vincent Mazzeo (D-Atlantic) and Linda Stender (D-Middlesex, Somerset and Union).

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that is estimated to impact some eight million Americans annually, including many military veterans returning from combat as well as victims of violent crimes, such as rape.

To date, there are no pharmaceutical treatments specifically designed or approved to target symptoms of PTSD.

“[We] have long hoped that PTSD would be the first condition that would be added to qualify for marijuana therapy in New Jersey,” said Ken Wolski, Executive Director for the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey.

“PTSD is poorly managed by traditional pharmacologic intervention–22 veterans commit suicide every day here in the U.S.”

“Our veterans deserve the best healthcare available and that includes marijuana therapy,” Wolski added.

“CMMNJ is committed to efforts to add PTSD and other mental and emotional conditions to the New Jersey list of qualifying conditions ASAP.” read more here

Eagle Scout Project Inspired by Homeless Veterans

Inspired by Homeless Veterans in His Own Family, This Boy Scout Helps Give Those in His Community a Fresh Start
National Swell
by Jenny Shank
September 3, 2014

As part of his Eagle Scout project, Robert Decker collects supplies to make transition housing more homey.

The challenge facing 17-year-old Boy Scout Robert Decker: Finding a service project that benefitted his Egg Harbor Township, N.J. community.

To earn the Eagle Rank that he’s been working for years to attain, Decker decided that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of veterans struggling with homelessness.

He Tells Devin Loring of the Press of Atlantic City that he was inspired in this mission because his grandfather and several great uncles served in World War II, and some of his uncles experienced homelessness after they returned from war.

Decker contacted Jaime Kazmarck, a social worker at the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Northfield, N.J., to inquire about how he could help homeless soldiers. Kazmarck is a coordinator with HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing), a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the VA to help homeless veterans transition off the streets. The program provides vouchers for rent payments to veterans and supports them with case management and counseling.
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IED claimed Marine's legs, not his sense of humor

NJ Marine who lost his legs 'the same jokester self,' fellow Marine says
New Jersey.com
By Justin Zaremba
August 09, 2014

U.S. Marine Sgt. Aaron Alonso lost both his legs in an explosion in Afghanistan on Feb. 8. Since then, he's made gains in his recovery, even climbing the Lincoln Memorial without the aid of prostheses. Pictured, Alonso, left, with fellow Marines.
(Courtesy of Zachary Shook)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — It's been six months since U.S. Marine Sgt. Aaron Alonso lost his legs after stepping on an explosive device in Afghanistan, but, despite the injuries and the recovery process, he's "the same jokester self," according to a Marine who was formerly under Alonso's command.

Alonso, a Jefferson native, served as Zachary Shook's section leader in Afghanistan from Dec. 8 until Feb. 8, when he was critically injured.

"He was a very knowledgeable man and always looked after his Marines," Shook said. "In combat he always encouraged us to keep high in spirits and led us to critical attacks on the enemy."

Shook, a lance corporal, told NJ.com that a sweep for improvised explosive devices in a compound in Nad Ali, Afghanistan was conducted by two Marines and an improvised explosive detection dog, Fidler, minutes before the incident. The Marines and the dog failed to detect the device because it had rained recently, Shook said.

Alonso then went into the compound to ground guide a MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle) into the corner, but "as (Alonso) reached the corner, he stepped on a 20-pound IED," Shook said.

Two Marines then ran over and put tourniquets on Alonso's legs and a physician bandaged his wounds while awaiting a casualty evacuation helicopter, Shook said.

Both of Alonso's legs were amputated in the explosion and he sustained extensive abdominal injuries in the blast.
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Camp Lejeune Marine died at home

Marine from Wallington dies at his home near Camp Lejeune, N.C.
New Jersey.com
BY STEFANIE DAZIO
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
JUNE 5, 2014

Robert Drelich of Wallington wanted to join the Marines so much after high school that he worked out until he was able to shed 150 pounds to qualify. He finally fulfilled his dream and in quick succession was posted to Lebanon, Iraq and then Afghanistan.

But with nearly 10 years in the Marines, Sgt. Robert Drelich began suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and a shoulder wound that required surgery. His injuries forced him to join a battalion of wounded Marines near Camp Lejeune, N.C., six months ago.

Marines Rosito Andaya and Andrew Gallagher outside the wake for Sgt. Robert Drelich at Shook Funeral Home in Clifton on Thursday.

On May 29, Drelich, 31, died at the North Carolina home he shared with his wife, Susan. The military is investigating the cause, but his brother, Greg, who is a Garfield police officer, said Drelich’s death was related to his heart. He will be buried with full military honors Saturday at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Saddle Brook.
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Family Scrambles as Veteran Dies Unexpectedly

Family Scrambles as Batavia Veteran Dies Unexpectedly, Asking Community for Help
WBTAI
Sloane Martin
May 27, 2014

A Batavia family is grieving while struggling with the expense of burying their son.

Jamie Carney, a veteran of two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, died in New Jersey on Saturday. He was 27.

The cause of the young man’s death remains a mystery.

“His goal this past weekend was to go to New York City for the first time in his life, see New York City, come home for Memorial Day to the Rubin family in Massachusetts where it was their son’s birthday. He was going to celebrate Memorial Day and the birthday with this little boy. He never made it back because he died in a hotel room,” Paula Zirbel, a close friend of the family’s, said.

Zirbel said Jamie was being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. However, he was starting to build a life in Boston and he had dedicated his last 16 months caring for a special needs child -- who's birthday was approaching -- and recently began his undergrad work in Early Childhood Development. That’s what makes his unexpected death that much more heartbreaking.

“When your son goes to war, as Dave and Elizabeth had told me last night,” she said, “you fear that this phone call is going to come. Once he goes through two tours and he comes home and he’s not okay for a while, you still fear that this phone call will come. When this phone call came, the family was finally happy and content for Jamie. He came home for Easter and claimed how much he had found some peace and some love for this little boy and a direction of what he wanted to do and he was starting to heal. So, this was a time when this phone call came that the family was finally relaxed, they were finally at ease. When the call came it was at a time when they were naively thinking everything was going to be okay.”
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New Jersey Firefighters Take a Walk for PTSD Veterans

Firefighters Walk for Vets with PTSD
NBC 10 News
By Alison Burdo
Sunday, May 25, 2014

Dozens of firefighters spent 12 hours walking from South Jersey to Philadelphia and back again to draw attention to veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.

Haddon Fire Company No. 1 Lt. Brian Poliafico led the 30-mile trek, which was part of the nationwide Carry the Fallen campaign, meant to increase awareness of vets and families dealing with PTSD, as well as veteran suicide.

An estimated 22 veterans commit suicide each day in the U.S., according to a report from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Soldier Dad Becomes Knight for a Day

Video: Dad Serving In Afghanistan Surprises Kids At Medieval Times

Medieval Times is a joyous place under just about any circumstances, but it was especially so for two NJ children yesterday when they were reunited with their father who has been serving in Afghanistan since November.
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Apr 17, 2014
Staff Sgt. Devin Lee, who has been serving in Afghanistan since November, surprised his children at Medieval Times restaurant in Lyndhurst, N.J. CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez reports.

Vietnam Veteran Didn't Live Long Enough to See Documentary

Freedom not free for many vets
New Jersey Herald
By ERIC OBERNAUER
Posted: Mar 30, 2014

SPARTA -- The young men and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq may not have suffered the disparagement and scorn heaped upon their forebears returning from Vietnam, but the toll of war and its lasting impact remain a common thread that cuts across all generations.

"Many of our young veterans are suffering terribly," said Frankford resident Norman Seider, himself a veteran of the Korean War. "We send 18- and 19-year-old children off to war, and many of them come back damaged for life."

The physical and emotional toll they face -- captured movingly in a 28-minute documentary titled "Freedom Is Not Free" -- was told again and again Sunday through the film and personal stories at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, where a screening of the documentary and panel discussion were hosted by the church in cooperation with the Sussex County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The documentary -- which is dedicated to Gary Webber, a local Vietnam veteran who died during the filming process from the lasting effects of Agent Orange exposure -- is the product of work that Seider, a professional photographer, began two years ago after marching in Newton's Memorial Day parade and hearing others thanking him and his fellow veterans for their service.

Despite their well-meaning gestures, Seider began to wonder if many of them fully understood what that service entails and the challenges faced by a new generation of veterans coming home from war. Soon afterward, Seider asked his friend and fellow Frankford resident, Carl Ohlson, to join him in co-producing the documentary.

The film, in addition to detailing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and Agent Orange suffered to this very day by those who fought in Vietnam, focuses on a more recent concern -- residue from depleted uranium released by exploding shells -- for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Soldier in New Jersey fed homeless because it felt good

Photo of Soldier Feeding Homeless Goes Viral
Army.mil/Newsby Sgt. 1st Class Neil Simmons
Mar 20, 2014

JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.
Soldiers serve their country every day. But a photo posted on social media March 3, of an anonymous First Army Soldier giving pizza to the homeless highlighted this commitment at the community level.

The photo was widely shared on social media and generated thousands of hits and hundreds of positive comments in just a couple of days.

The Soldier in the picture is Cpl. Derno McCary, an observer-coach/trainer with 2-312th Regiment, 174th Infantry Brigade, Division East. The photo was taken by another 2-312th observer-coach/trainer, Sgt. Richard Saenz, when the two Soldiers volunteered their off-duty time to hand out dozens of pizzas to homeless people in Camden, N.J., March 2.

The pizza delivery was Saenz's idea, according to McCary.

"I told him I would definitely go with him," McCary said. "The reception that we got was outstanding, but I was just doing my part. It felt good."
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Founder of veterans' group, defrauded VA and is convicted felon

Veteran's group founder defrauded V.A. of $178,000
PHILLY.COM
Sam Wood
Friday, February 28, 2014

A Philadelphia man who claimed to be the founder of the non-profit Veterans Support Group of America, was sentenced to 30 months in prison this week for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs out of $178,000 in healthcare and pension benefits.

Richard Gordon, 65, pretended to be his brother, “H.G.” who had served a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war. He assumed H.G.’s identity in 2004 because he was a fugitive from justice after being convicted of a felony in New Jersey.

Richard Gordon, would have qualified for VA benefits, because had spent one year in the U.S. Marines but had been discharged after claiming a family hardship. But fugitives are prohibited from receiving V.A. benefits, according to court papers.
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When politicians pretend to care, people pay the price

When politicians pretend to care, people pay the price
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
January 15, 2014

The controversy surrounding New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has left many in the media focusing on the scandal while avoiding the most important aspect of all. Christie showed compassion after Hurricane Sandy. He also showed that politics meant nothing to him when as a Republican, he showed appreciation for President Obama and put the people first.

That meant a lot to people across the country because frankly, most Americans are fed up with everything being political. Most of us are not focused on politics. Our political differences are in the proper perspective. In other words, they are not at the top of our to do list. Taking care of the country and the people of this nation matter a hell of a lot more than taking political sides.

The Christie scandals go much deeper because all of the accusations along with the outcomes robbed us of the thought someone in office said what most of us believe. We are stronger when we work together.

When we hear a politician say that unemployment insurance coverage doesn't need to be extended for the long term unemployed, that says they don't care if we can pay our bills and take care of our families or not. We also remember during the election we heard the same folks in congress scream about the lack of jobs even though it was there job to come up with bills to put us back to work.

We also heard that they do not even think about the veterans discharged from the military without jobs to support their families afterwards or the fact that many of them are unemployed.

Figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the jobless rate for Iraq and Afghanistan vets was 10 percent in October, down slightly from the 10.1 percent rate in September, but the same as the 10 percent recorded on Veterans Day 2012.

The VA says now the rate of unemployed veterans is 7.3%.

Did members of congress think of them? No. Even though the military is downsizing the ranks leaving thousands of out on their own and will increase over the next few years.

Did members of congress think of the troops when they cut food stamps? No they didn't. It is a safe bet to assume they didn't have a clue how bad it was for them but food banks and charities did. Imagine being in Afghanistan risking your life while your family back home has to live off food stamps and charities to eat.

A Fort Hood area charity just changed its name to reflect their mission. Operation Once in a Lifetime changed their name to Operation Phantom Support.

On average, about 600 people a week come through the pantry, impacting about 1,500 people through the food provided.

That is just from one Fort Hood area charity.

When members of congress said they wanted to kill the Affordable Care Act instead of fix it, they told us it didn't matter to them if we were able to go to the doctor without going into bankruptcy. We notice they had plenty of time to fix what was wrong instead of just trying to kill the bill. Now they complain it is bad but never once apologized to us for not fixing what we needed.

They also didn't bother with a tiny detail that while there are over 21 million veterans in this country (21,978,000) 8.76 million are enrolled and only 3.74 million veterans receive disability compensation.

Where do members of congress think these veterans get healthcare from when even they admit most veterans entitled to VA benefits won't go to the VA?

As bad as it has been for average Americans just trying to make ends meet, think of how hard it has been for military families and veterans. None of this has been good but people in Washington decided they just didn't have to care anymore. Much like Christie ended up showing the people of New Jersey that they really didn't matter as much as he pretended they did.

The media fails to see all they have been missing but the public has been shutting off their broadcasts and canceling subscriptions because they don't pay attention to what matters to us either.

New Jersey Marine lived thru Afghanistan but not birthday party

N.J. Marine who survived Afghanistan killed outside bar in Camden
UPI.com
Dec. 4, 2013

CAMDEN, N.J., Dec. 4 (UPI) -- A New Jersey man who survived a tour in Afghanistan as a U.S. Marine was killed outside a Camden bar where a friend was having a birthday party.

Timothy Loper Jr., 27, was shot early Sunday morning in the 20 Horse Tavern parking lot, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. He was apparently trying to break up a fight.

Police said Tuesday they had a suspect in the killing, WCAU-TV in Philadelphia reported. Investigators were searching for Darrell Crone, 31, who had been identified from a security camera videotape.
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