After 50 years, injured veteran is still fighting
Tulsa World
BY MICHAEL OVERALL
World Staff Writer
December 29, 2014
After 50 years, the VA admitted that his injury was caused by a training accident. And the VA agreed to provide medical treatment.
Bell pulled over on the side of the road, put his hands over his face, and for the next several minutes, sobbed uncontrollably.
David Bell, of Tulsa, talks about his ordeal with Veteran's Affairs while visiting friends at Dan Howard's business at Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport on Dec. 4, 2014. Bell was injured during a training accident at Ft. Sill back in 1964 and spent the next 50 years trying to get treatment from the Department of Veterans affairs.A 105-mm Howitzer weighs 4,980 pounds, supported by two long arms that stretch out in a V-shape behind the canon. Each arm — or "trail," as the Army prefers to call it — is as heavy as a rodeo bull, enough to snap a human spine like a twig.
JOHN CLANTON/Tulsa World
It takes four men, grunting and grimacing from the exertion, to lift each trail and reposition the weapon.
On a spring day in 1964, three soldiers lost their grip.
"Everybody was cutting up and playing around," as David Bell remembers the incident. "And the other guys just dropped it."
He was a young private fresh out of boot camp and learning his way around a Howitzer at Fort Sill, 80 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.
The trail landed across his legs and lower back, trapping him underneath. His spine began to burn, as if his vertebrae had turned into hot coals under his skin. The other soldiers quickly lifted the weight off of him, and Bell walked away from the accident. But for the past 50 years — literally every waking moment since it happened, he says — he has been in pain.
Some days are better than others. And on the best days, he can almost — almost — forget that his back hurts. But other days — the majority of days — he can hardly think about anything else.
The back pain, however, isn't what bothers him the most.
"No," he says, fists clenched and jaw trembling with anger. "You know what really hurts? What really hurts me deep down?
The first letter is dated Aug. 2, 1965.
"I will certainly be glad to help you in every way I can," it says. Signed: Page Belcher, member of Congress.
It came in reply to a July 22 request from Bell, asking for the Tulsa congressman's help with his first appeal to the Veterans Administration. Since then, Bell has accumulated a stack of similar letters several inches thick.
April 25, 1979. Signed: Congressman James Jones.
April 3, 1980. Signed: Sen. David Boren.
Dec. 19, 2008. Signed: Sen. James Inhofe.
Feb. 20, 2013. Signed: U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine.
Bell has correspondence from every U.S. representative and senator elected in Oklahoma over the last five decades, plus eight separate White House administrations. And for him, every letter is just another broken promise.
"They all say, 'We want to help.' But nobody ever does anything."
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Showing posts with label Oklahoma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oklahoma. Show all posts
Monday, December 29, 2014
Veteran Reduced to Tears After 50 Fight to Have VA Honor Claim
If you remember all the reports of veterans waiting too long for claims to be approved, most of the focus was on OEF and OIF veterans, but here's yet one more reminder, they are not the first group of veterans to be forced to fight.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Problem Solvers Reporters Straighten Out VA for Vietnam Veteran
Vietnam veteran struggles to get transportation for medical care; Problem Solvers step in to help
KJRH News
Jamil Donith
Nov 21, 2014
WAGONER, Okla. - David Breman was just 17-years-old when he pre-in listed in the Marine Corps, and 37-years later he is still haunted by his past.
"I live with it, and I have lived with it a long time."
Three of his comrades were killed by the very bombs the U.S. used during the Vietnam War to destroy unwanted military equipment and the harmful chemical, Agent Orange.
Breman says he was off duty that day.
"I lost three, you know, and there are a lot of times I feel like that should have been me," he said.
Not only does the Vietnam Veteran live with post-traumatic stress disorder, doctors say he suffers severe pain from his exposure to Agent Orange.
"I get pressure in my head and it feels like it's going to explode," he said. "Terrible, terrible, ringing in my ears. Nothing relieves the pain."
To make it worse, he struggles to get medical treatment for his condition.
KJRH News
Jamil Donith
Nov 21, 2014
WAGONER, Okla. - David Breman was just 17-years-old when he pre-in listed in the Marine Corps, and 37-years later he is still haunted by his past.
"I live with it, and I have lived with it a long time."
Three of his comrades were killed by the very bombs the U.S. used during the Vietnam War to destroy unwanted military equipment and the harmful chemical, Agent Orange.
Breman says he was off duty that day.
"I lost three, you know, and there are a lot of times I feel like that should have been me," he said.
Not only does the Vietnam Veteran live with post-traumatic stress disorder, doctors say he suffers severe pain from his exposure to Agent Orange.
"I get pressure in my head and it feels like it's going to explode," he said. "Terrible, terrible, ringing in my ears. Nothing relieves the pain."
To make it worse, he struggles to get medical treatment for his condition.
So he came to the 2NEWS Problem Solvers.
We took his complaints to the VA and asked them to look into his problem further. Just a month later, he got a call from a patient advocate at the VA. They set up an appointment on a day when he could get a ride and promised to take care of his transportation after his surgery.
"Twelve months and you all did it in a month," he said. "I'm really, really, appreciative, very, very, and thankful for the help."
read more here
PTSD on Trial: Oklahoma Iraq Veteran Marine
A woman was attacked and a veteran faces multiple charges. He didn't get the help he needed to heal so now PTSD goes on trial yet again.
Too many will find this story and think about what happened in this case, however, veterans are far more likely to harm themselves than someone else. There are over 22 million veterans in this country but while the vast majority of them do not make the news, the few committing crimes do. Guess no one really cares about veterans with PTSD healing and helping others, which happens most of the time.
In this case, no one seems to be saying he needs to be let off the hook. He does need to be treated the same way other people with mental illness do but time and time again, they go without treatment.
This is a sad indictment of a system where a young man joins the military to risk his life for others yet ends up being charged for crimes against someone else.
If you want to know who is responsible for all of this, there is a very long line beginning with the military failing them, the congress not doing their jobs, all the Presidents with the title of Commander-In-Chief and every citizen unwilling to take the time to care about any of this.
Too many will find this story and think about what happened in this case, however, veterans are far more likely to harm themselves than someone else. There are over 22 million veterans in this country but while the vast majority of them do not make the news, the few committing crimes do. Guess no one really cares about veterans with PTSD healing and helping others, which happens most of the time.
In this case, no one seems to be saying he needs to be let off the hook. He does need to be treated the same way other people with mental illness do but time and time again, they go without treatment.
This is a sad indictment of a system where a young man joins the military to risk his life for others yet ends up being charged for crimes against someone else.
If you want to know who is responsible for all of this, there is a very long line beginning with the military failing them, the congress not doing their jobs, all the Presidents with the title of Commander-In-Chief and every citizen unwilling to take the time to care about any of this.
Family says former Marine facing serious criminal charges suffering in county jail
KOKM News Oklahoma
By: Phil Cross
Investigative Reporter
Posted: Nov 20, 2014
WEWOKA
The family of a former Marine says he is facing a tortuous stay in a county jail because the court won't allow him the treatment he needs to face the serious charges against him.
Brian Fletcher is facing more than a dozen felony charges in Seminole County. The case against him is proceeding in court, but his parents say their plea is not to get him out of trouble; instead they say he needs treatment in order to face the charges against him.
“That's all we're asking is get him treatment and then deal with this other stuff after he gets where he can live a normal life,” Cary Fletcher, Brian's father told Fox 25.
Cary said his son joined the Marines after his 21st birthday. It was something he had wanted to do since the terrorist attacks on 9/11. His first deployment sent him to one of the most dangerous battlefields of the Iraq war.
“He was in the ‘Triangle of Death,' they call it,” Fletcher said noting it was months before they heard any word their son was safe in Iraq, “When we finally heard from him he was very distraught from what he had to do.”
After his tour was over, Brian Fletcher returned to his home in Oklahoma, but his family says it was clear he wasn't the same. “You could see that he was broken, he wasn't the Brian that he used to be,” Karen Fletcher recalled.
Fletcher sought treatment for Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder, but was unable to keep all the appointments because of his work. “He wanted to support his family,” Karen said, “When you're a Marine…they tell you don't complain.”
“It got to the point where they were having to bring him home from work because he was going into panic attacks, having blackout attacks,” Cary said.
read more here
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
PTSD Army Veteran's Standoff Puts DOD on Trial in Oklahoma
There is a veteran facing charges after a hostage standoff. He was in the Army for 10 years and came home with PTSD. His family tried to get help for him and they grieve for the way things turned out. When he stands trial, the DOD yet again goes on trial for failing another soldier. #Powerpointcommandoes think they are doing something other than boring the hell out of the troops?
This is why we are seeing so many coming home and not getting the help they need to heal. They didn't get it while they were still in to begin with.
Army Vet: Protocol On Soldiers' Mental Health A Factor In Norman Standoff
NEWS 9
BY JUSTIN DOUGHERTY
Nov 18, 2014
CLEVELAND COUNTY, Oklahoma - The suspect in the Norman hostage standoff, Devin Rogers, is accused of holding three people hostage for over four hours. But we now know Rogers is also a 10-year Army veteran who has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); a mental health issue the Army calls an important factor in the case.
Rogers' family and friends have repeatedly told News 9 he hasn't received the help he needs. So we contacted the Army for a list of mental health services. However, one veteran News 9 spoke to called that list a joke.
"If you become a big problem we'll just let you miss a few things, count you AWOL and kick you out of the Army," said retired Army Sgt. Dave Davis.
An improvised explosive device (IED) has Davis physically confined to a wheelchair. But it's what he considers the Army's "lack of personal relationship" with its soldiers that has Davis frustrated.
"You can't throw money at a problem and expect it to go anyway," said Davis.
Davis served for 19 years and retired in October. In addition to his physical ailments, Davis has also been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, or traumatic brain injury, and other mental health issues.
read more here
New Details Surrounding Norman Hostage Suspect's Defense
NEWS 9
BY JOLEEN CHANEY
Nov 14, 2014
CLEVELAND COUNTY, Oklahoma - The man who held three people hostage this week inside a Norman office building is being held without bond. His post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) took center stage in his defense. Friday afternoon Devin Rogers went before a judge for the criminal side of his behavior, but because of his mental condition, four attorneys have volunteered to represent him free of charge.
“As a group I think we decided to do it, because the story is just so heartbreaking,” attorney David Smith said.
For the innocent people involved as well as the guilty, but in no way does Devin Rogers' PTSD diagnosis mean he is off the hook for what he did.
“This is absolutely a cry for help, and that's what you heard from Jennifer who was in the room with him,” attorney Sam Talley said.
read more here
This is why we are seeing so many coming home and not getting the help they need to heal. They didn't get it while they were still in to begin with.
Army Vet: Protocol On Soldiers' Mental Health A Factor In Norman Standoff
NEWS 9
BY JUSTIN DOUGHERTY
Nov 18, 2014
The Army also stated it's focused on, "Placement of (behavioral health) providers within Patient Centered Medical Homes, and a network of Embedded Behavioral Health clinics."
Davis just considers those outlets lengthy PowerPoint presentations.
"As a soldier, I can tell you 99% of them classes turn into a big joke," said Davis.
CLEVELAND COUNTY, Oklahoma - The suspect in the Norman hostage standoff, Devin Rogers, is accused of holding three people hostage for over four hours. But we now know Rogers is also a 10-year Army veteran who has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); a mental health issue the Army calls an important factor in the case.
Rogers' family and friends have repeatedly told News 9 he hasn't received the help he needs. So we contacted the Army for a list of mental health services. However, one veteran News 9 spoke to called that list a joke.
"If you become a big problem we'll just let you miss a few things, count you AWOL and kick you out of the Army," said retired Army Sgt. Dave Davis.
An improvised explosive device (IED) has Davis physically confined to a wheelchair. But it's what he considers the Army's "lack of personal relationship" with its soldiers that has Davis frustrated.
"You can't throw money at a problem and expect it to go anyway," said Davis.
Davis served for 19 years and retired in October. In addition to his physical ailments, Davis has also been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, or traumatic brain injury, and other mental health issues.
read more here
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Oklahoma Gulf War Veteran Called Crisis Line Before Being Shot By Police
Latest police shooting victim had called Veterans Crisis Hotline
Tulsa World
By SAMANTHA VICENT
World Staff Writer
November 7, 2014
Between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nathan Boyd called a Veterans Crisis Hotline and told a dispatcher that he had weapons and wanted to commit suicide by forcing law enforcement officers to shoot him.
Boyd’s call went to a New York call center, and soon afterward Tulsa police began searching for the 46-year-old U.S. Army veteran. At around 9:15 p.m., crisis and patrol officers finally tracked his pickup truck to a QuikTrip convenience store at 21st Street and 129th East Avenue.
About 10 minutes later, Officer Demita Kinard said, Boyd exited the pickup with a weapon in hand that was later identified as a pellet gun. That’s when 19-year police department veteran Gregory Douglass fired once, striking Boyd in the neck.
Kinard said Wednesday that Boyd is expected to survive, but other officers say his goal — to goad police into killing him — is far from uncommon in the Tulsa area, and more and more veterans are reporting having suicidal thoughts, depression or another mental illness.
Tulsa police officers recently spent a year learning about the mental health needs of veterans, many of whom are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and they learned the importance of building a rapport with people who say they want to harm themselves, Lewis said.
read more here
Tulsa World
By SAMANTHA VICENT
World Staff Writer
November 7, 2014
"Boyd’s wife, Peggy, said he spent several years in the U.S. Army around the time of the Persian Gulf War, and that he was a Cobra helicopter crew chief and also worked in intelligence afterward."
Nathan Boyd: The Persian Gulf War veteran had been diagnosed with PTSD and other maladies before his confrontation with police.
Between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nathan Boyd called a Veterans Crisis Hotline and told a dispatcher that he had weapons and wanted to commit suicide by forcing law enforcement officers to shoot him.
Boyd’s call went to a New York call center, and soon afterward Tulsa police began searching for the 46-year-old U.S. Army veteran. At around 9:15 p.m., crisis and patrol officers finally tracked his pickup truck to a QuikTrip convenience store at 21st Street and 129th East Avenue.
About 10 minutes later, Officer Demita Kinard said, Boyd exited the pickup with a weapon in hand that was later identified as a pellet gun. That’s when 19-year police department veteran Gregory Douglass fired once, striking Boyd in the neck.
Kinard said Wednesday that Boyd is expected to survive, but other officers say his goal — to goad police into killing him — is far from uncommon in the Tulsa area, and more and more veterans are reporting having suicidal thoughts, depression or another mental illness.
Tulsa police officers recently spent a year learning about the mental health needs of veterans, many of whom are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and they learned the importance of building a rapport with people who say they want to harm themselves, Lewis said.
read more here
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Watchfire at Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall in Oklahoma
Replica Of Vietnam War Memorial Touches Local Veteran
NEWS ON 6
ERIN CONRAD
Posted: Oct 22, 2014
OKMULGEE COUNTY, Oklahoma - The American Veterans Traveling Tribute, a replica of the Vietnam Wall War Memorial, stopped in Henryetta Wednesday, and the community held a welcoming ceremony for its arrival. The traveling memorial lists the more than 58,000 names of those who died in the Vietnam War - 19 of those were from Okmulgee County - and one local Navy veteran shared what it meant to him to see the wall.
“I think I'd have to be dead not to feel anything,” Alfonso Mogana said while wiping a tear away.
Mogana has never had the chance to see the wall before, and he isn't sure he'll be able to recognize any names when it goes up in Henryetta, but said it will touch him all the same as he hopes it will others.
“It's a reminder for everybody what was going on there. And because that was an unpleasant war that a lot of people didn't like," he said.
read more here
NEWS ON 6
ERIN CONRAD
Posted: Oct 22, 2014
OKMULGEE COUNTY, Oklahoma - The American Veterans Traveling Tribute, a replica of the Vietnam Wall War Memorial, stopped in Henryetta Wednesday, and the community held a welcoming ceremony for its arrival. The traveling memorial lists the more than 58,000 names of those who died in the Vietnam War - 19 of those were from Okmulgee County - and one local Navy veteran shared what it meant to him to see the wall.
“I think I'd have to be dead not to feel anything,” Alfonso Mogana said while wiping a tear away.
Mogana has never had the chance to see the wall before, and he isn't sure he'll be able to recognize any names when it goes up in Henryetta, but said it will touch him all the same as he hopes it will others.
“It's a reminder for everybody what was going on there. And because that was an unpleasant war that a lot of people didn't like," he said.
read more here
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Soldier Saved From Suicide Attempt by Facebook Group
If you think one person cannot make a difference, this should prove you wrong!
Soldier posts suicide attempt to Facebook
Popular Military
September 30, 2014
FORT SILL, Okla. (Sept. 30, 2014) — A Facebook post. Two cut wrists. Time is the enemy.
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Powell saw one Facebook post Aug. 31, which sent him frantically searching for a former Soldier.
“He had cut his wrists, I mean about that far on each wrist,” said Powell, gesturing slashing his forearm. “It wasn’t horizontal it was a vertical cut, so I knew it was pretty serious.
He posted one word … ‘Goodbye.'”
Powell said he was checking his Facebook that day like he typically does to stay in touch with friends and family.
He expected the normal string of photos and status updates, but when his former Soldier shared his last call for help he took action.
“I saw that some people had already commented on it so I hit the comments and some were like ‘Thinking about you man,’ but nobody was saying ‘Where are you?’ Nobody. Seven or eight people had already responded and it’s great to say how are you, but now it’s time to dial 9-1-1.”
Powell deployed with the Soldier several years ago as the former 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery sergeant major.
They were friends on the social networking site, but Powell didn’t know where he was currently stationed.
“Here I am, I’m trying to figure where in the world this guy is at. I was like what do I do? We need to do something now, right now.”
After asking around Powell determined the Soldier was overseas.
read more here
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Gettysburg Soldier and Two Vietnam Soldiers, 3 New Medal of Honor Heroes
Obama to award 3 Medals of Honor
Stars and Stripes
By Jennifer Hlad
Published: August 26, 2014
3 minutes ago
President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor to two soldiers who served in Vietnam and one who distinguished himself in the battle of Gettysburg, the White House announced Tuesday.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins and Army Spc. 4 Donald P. Sloat will be honored Sept. 15 for their conspicuous gallantry.
Adkins deployed to Vietnam three times. During his second deployment, in March of 1966, he was a sergeant first class with Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces.
Adkins displayed "extraordinary bravery" during a sustained and vicious attack by the Vietcong from March 9 to March 12, 1966, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala. said in 2013.
Rogers spoke about Adkins' actions in asking Congress to pass a bill allowing the president to award him the Medal of Honor.
Stars and Stripes
By Jennifer Hlad
Published: August 26, 2014
3 minutes ago
President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor to two soldiers who served in Vietnam and one who distinguished himself in the battle of Gettysburg, the White House announced Tuesday.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins and Army Spc. 4 Donald P. Sloat will be honored Sept. 15 for their conspicuous gallantry.
Adkins deployed to Vietnam three times. During his second deployment, in March of 1966, he was a sergeant first class with Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces.
Adkins displayed "extraordinary bravery" during a sustained and vicious attack by the Vietcong from March 9 to March 12, 1966, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala. said in 2013.
Rogers spoke about Adkins' actions in asking Congress to pass a bill allowing the president to award him the Medal of Honor.
Adkins had been recommended by his command for the Medal of Honor but received a Distinguished Service Cross for his actions, which included running through exploding mortar rounds while wounded to drag several of his fellow soldiers to safety, Rogers said.
Adkins retired from the Army after serving 22 years and will travel to Washington from his home in Alabama to receive the medal, the White House said.
Sloat was a machine gunner with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, when he was killed in Vietnam in 1970.
Sloat’s squad was on a patrol near Hawk Hill Fire Base on Jan. 17, 1970 when one of the soldiers triggered a grenade booby trap in their path, the White House said. Sloat picked up the grenade, intending to throw it away, but realizing it was about to explode, instead used his body to shield three fellow soldiers from the blast, the White House said.
Sloat’s brother, William Sloat of Enid, Oklahoma, will accept the medal on his brother’s behalf.
read more here
Sunday, July 27, 2014
WWII Veteran attacked at Oklahoma Veterans Center
Oklahoma veteran attacked in Claremore Center
KFOR News 4
BY ALI MEYER
JULY 25, 2014
CLAREMORE, Okla. – There are more than 300,000 veterans in Oklahoma, and seven state-run facilities for those vets in their golden years.
The family of one veteran recently contacted NewsChannel 4 after a horrific situation at the vet center in Claremore, Oklahoma.
Seaman First Class Richard Morrison enlisted in the Navy when he was just 15 years old.
He fought World War II in the Pacific and today fights a different battle; dementia.
His family noticed about a year and a half ago that he was showing signs of Alzheimer’s and needed help.
Morrison’s family tried live-in nursing care for almost two years.
They eventually decided his best option was the Claremore Veterans’ Center.
He had been here just five weeks when he was attacked by another resident in the dementia wing.
KFOR News 4
BY ALI MEYER
JULY 25, 2014
CLAREMORE, Okla. – There are more than 300,000 veterans in Oklahoma, and seven state-run facilities for those vets in their golden years.
The family of one veteran recently contacted NewsChannel 4 after a horrific situation at the vet center in Claremore, Oklahoma.
Seaman First Class Richard Morrison enlisted in the Navy when he was just 15 years old.
He fought World War II in the Pacific and today fights a different battle; dementia.
His family noticed about a year and a half ago that he was showing signs of Alzheimer’s and needed help.
Morrison’s family tried live-in nursing care for almost two years.
They eventually decided his best option was the Claremore Veterans’ Center.
He had been here just five weeks when he was attacked by another resident in the dementia wing.
Richard Morrison’s case is just the latest in a string of complaints out of the Claremore Veterans’ Center in recent years. In fact, conditions were so bad at Claremore a few years ago the state legislature asked the State Health Department to step in. The state now conducts regular, unannounced visits to all the vet centers around the state.
read more here
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Oklahoma Army National Guard heading to Afghanistan
Oklahoma soldiers deploying to Afghanistan
Associated Press
April 28, 2014
LAWTON, Okla. — Members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard took part in a ceremony at Fort Sill on Saturday ahead of their deployment to Afghanistan.
The unit deploying is Battery B, 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, 45th Fires Brigade. Some soldiers with the 171st Target Acquisition Battery and the 120th Forward Support Company are deploying in a support role.
read more here
Associated Press
April 28, 2014
LAWTON, Okla. — Members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard took part in a ceremony at Fort Sill on Saturday ahead of their deployment to Afghanistan.
The unit deploying is Battery B, 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, 45th Fires Brigade. Some soldiers with the 171st Target Acquisition Battery and the 120th Forward Support Company are deploying in a support role.
read more here
Monday, April 28, 2014
Tornadoes:16 people in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma died
'Chaos' reigns as deadly tornadoes slam several states
CNN
By Ed Payne, Joe Sutton and Devon Sayers
updated 5:19 AM EDT, Mon April 28, 2014
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
'It's chaos here," Vilonia mayor says
In Mayflower, a highway was littered with crushed and overturned vehicles
Emergency dispatcher: 'Please tell the public to stay away'
Mayflower, Arkansas (CNN) -- A brutal band of severe weather battered the central Plains and mid-South late Sunday, killing at least 16 people in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma.
Some of the worst damage was north of Little Rock, Arkansas, where reported tornadoes devastated the towns of Mayflower and Vilonia.
"It's chaos here," said Vilonia Mayor James Firestone. "Our downtown area seems like it's completely leveled."
The nightmare is all too familiar for the community of about 3,800 people. Another storm ransacked the town almost three years ago to the day and followed essentially the same path, the mayor said.
"There's a few buildings partially standing, but the amount of damage is tremendous," Firestone said Sunday.
"There's gas lines spewing. Of course, power lines down. Houses are just a pile of brick."
read more here
CNN
By Ed Payne, Joe Sutton and Devon Sayers
updated 5:19 AM EDT, Mon April 28, 2014
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
'It's chaos here," Vilonia mayor says
In Mayflower, a highway was littered with crushed and overturned vehicles
Emergency dispatcher: 'Please tell the public to stay away'
Mayflower, Arkansas (CNN) -- A brutal band of severe weather battered the central Plains and mid-South late Sunday, killing at least 16 people in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma.
Some of the worst damage was north of Little Rock, Arkansas, where reported tornadoes devastated the towns of Mayflower and Vilonia.
"It's chaos here," said Vilonia Mayor James Firestone. "Our downtown area seems like it's completely leveled."
The nightmare is all too familiar for the community of about 3,800 people. Another storm ransacked the town almost three years ago to the day and followed essentially the same path, the mayor said.
"There's a few buildings partially standing, but the amount of damage is tremendous," Firestone said Sunday.
"There's gas lines spewing. Of course, power lines down. Houses are just a pile of brick."
read more here
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Nephews of Vietnam veteran charged with his murder
Brothers arrested in uncle's homicide in Wagoner County
FOX 23
Reported by: Jonathan McCall
April 2, 2014
PORTER, Okla. - Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the shooting and killing their uncle in Porter Tuesday evening.
Wagoner County Sheriff Bob Wagoner tells FOX 23 that the victim is a Vietnam veteran in his 60s. "(He’s) an elderly gentlemen. He was a veteran, military veteran. I'll just say there have been two people taken into custody, relatives. It started out as a family disturbance and ended up with shots fired."
Wagoner says the victim and suspects had been involved in a long standing family feud, when according to Colbert, the suspects went to settle it.
read more here
FOX 23
Reported by: Jonathan McCall
April 2, 2014
PORTER, Okla. - Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the shooting and killing their uncle in Porter Tuesday evening.
Wagoner County Sheriff Bob Wagoner tells FOX 23 that the victim is a Vietnam veteran in his 60s. "(He’s) an elderly gentlemen. He was a veteran, military veteran. I'll just say there have been two people taken into custody, relatives. It started out as a family disturbance and ended up with shots fired."
Wagoner says the victim and suspects had been involved in a long standing family feud, when according to Colbert, the suspects went to settle it.
read more here
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Fort Sill Soldier rushed to aid car crash victims
Ft. Sill soldier uses training in real-life car rescue
KSWO News
Posted: Mar 31, 2014
COMANCHE COUNTY, Okla._ A Fort Sill soldier is being hailed a hero tonight after witnessing a brutal car accident and rushing to the aid of the two people trapped inside the vehicle.
The accident happened on Highway 7, just east of Lawton, and the timing could not have been more perfect. The soldier, who saw the entire accident unfold, is a trained medic. He quickly ran from his car with all the supplies he needed to save lives.
"Right place, right time," says Pfc. Jeremy Nedd, a medic with the 214th FIRES Brigade. "I just happened to be able to give the lady first aid at the time that she needed it."
Nedd was driving down Highway 7 the morning of March 30 shortly after 9 a.m. when out of the corner of his eye he saw an SUV in mid-air before flipping several times.
"The first couple of minutes of any type of situation like that are the most important," says Nedd.
The vehicle, a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, now sits mangled with shattered glass and blood-stained seats. After seeing the car tumble, Nedd quickly pulled over and grabbed his backpack full of supplies before running to the SUV with a grandmother and her 10-year-old grandson pinned inside.
read more here
KSWO News
Posted: Mar 31, 2014
COMANCHE COUNTY, Okla._ A Fort Sill soldier is being hailed a hero tonight after witnessing a brutal car accident and rushing to the aid of the two people trapped inside the vehicle.
The accident happened on Highway 7, just east of Lawton, and the timing could not have been more perfect. The soldier, who saw the entire accident unfold, is a trained medic. He quickly ran from his car with all the supplies he needed to save lives.
"Right place, right time," says Pfc. Jeremy Nedd, a medic with the 214th FIRES Brigade. "I just happened to be able to give the lady first aid at the time that she needed it."
Nedd was driving down Highway 7 the morning of March 30 shortly after 9 a.m. when out of the corner of his eye he saw an SUV in mid-air before flipping several times.
"The first couple of minutes of any type of situation like that are the most important," says Nedd.
The vehicle, a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, now sits mangled with shattered glass and blood-stained seats. After seeing the car tumble, Nedd quickly pulled over and grabbed his backpack full of supplies before running to the SUV with a grandmother and her 10-year-old grandson pinned inside.
read more here
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Homeless Veteran beaten to death in jail cell
Family of slain veteran sues sheriff, county commissioners
Family of slain inmate sues sheriff, Oklahoma County commissioners in federal court, alleging man’s civil rights were violated.
New OK
By Matt Dinger
Published: March 18, 2014
Two men with apparent mental issues, one with a history of violence, were placed together in an Oklahoma County jail cell.
One ended up beaten to death, the other was charged with murder and now the dead man’s mother is suing Sheriff John Whetsel and county commissioners in federal court, alleging her son’s civil rights were violated.
The lawsuit contends the jail had no business placing Artie Hales, 55, a homeless veteran suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and dementia, in the same cell as Marshall Tyrone James, 51, a convicted felon in jail on a sexual battery complaint.
“Artie Hales was deprived of life and liberty without due process,” the complaint states.
Whetsel himself has complained that with 350 to 400 inmates with mental disorders and on psychotropic medication, the jail has become by default the largest mental health care provider in the state.
read more here
Family of slain inmate sues sheriff, Oklahoma County commissioners in federal court, alleging man’s civil rights were violated.
New OK
By Matt Dinger
Published: March 18, 2014
Hales was arrested on March 11, 2013, on complaints of three misdemeanor complaints of loitering, littering and failure to appear.
He was killed in his cell March 18, 2013.
Two men with apparent mental issues, one with a history of violence, were placed together in an Oklahoma County jail cell.
One ended up beaten to death, the other was charged with murder and now the dead man’s mother is suing Sheriff John Whetsel and county commissioners in federal court, alleging her son’s civil rights were violated.
The lawsuit contends the jail had no business placing Artie Hales, 55, a homeless veteran suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and dementia, in the same cell as Marshall Tyrone James, 51, a convicted felon in jail on a sexual battery complaint.
“Artie Hales was deprived of life and liberty without due process,” the complaint states.
Whetsel himself has complained that with 350 to 400 inmates with mental disorders and on psychotropic medication, the jail has become by default the largest mental health care provider in the state.
read more here
Friday, January 17, 2014
Bank of America donates home to veterans
Tulsa-area veterans, family, accept house donated Bank of America
Staff Sgt. Adam Beyard, a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, his wife, Lynett, also a veteran, and their three children accepted the house from Bank of America and the Military Warriors Support Foundation at a ceremony Monday.
The Oklahoman
FROM STAFF REPORTS
January 16, 2014
JENKS — Bank of America and the Military Warriors Support Foundation have given a home to a Jenks couple.
Staff Sgt. Adam Beyard, a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, his wife, Lynett, also a veteran, and their three children accepted the house at a ceremony earlier this week.
Beyard joined the Army in 2004 and served nine years. In 2011, he was deployed to Afghanistan where he was injured by a grenade. He also served in Iraq. Beyard earned multiple distinctions including the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge and Army Commendation Medal.
Beyard said he and family are happy to have a house to call home and a place to heal. The Beyards are expecting their first daughter in May.
read more here
Staff Sgt. Adam Beyard, a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, his wife, Lynett, also a veteran, and their three children accepted the house from Bank of America and the Military Warriors Support Foundation at a ceremony Monday.
The Oklahoman
FROM STAFF REPORTS
January 16, 2014
JENKS — Bank of America and the Military Warriors Support Foundation have given a home to a Jenks couple.
Staff Sgt. Adam Beyard, a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, his wife, Lynett, also a veteran, and their three children accepted the house at a ceremony earlier this week.
Beyard joined the Army in 2004 and served nine years. In 2011, he was deployed to Afghanistan where he was injured by a grenade. He also served in Iraq. Beyard earned multiple distinctions including the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge and Army Commendation Medal.
Beyard said he and family are happy to have a house to call home and a place to heal. The Beyards are expecting their first daughter in May.
read more here
Monday, January 13, 2014
Soldier's future held hostage over $1,000 bill on home
Short sale puts Iraq veteran in credit bind
With a buyer found, a company is demanding $1,000 to release the title to his house.
Tulsa World News
Cary Aspinwall
Staff Writer
January 13, 2014
Sgt. Eduardo Marquez wants to complete the short sale of his former home in Kiefer and move on with his life, preserving what he can of his finances and credit score.
Marquez, an Iraq war veteran who's currently working as a recruiter for the U.S. Army in Utah, fell behind on his mortgage in Oklahoma after an attempt at a loan modification did not work out.
He was dealing with a divorce and a job transfer, so he decided a short sale was his best option. A short sale means the property is sold for less than the total debt owed on it.
A company called Rescue Team Realty, with several offices in the Tulsa area, mailed him an advertisement once his mortgage servicer began foreclosure proceedings in Creek County court. They offered to help negotiate the short sale of Marquez's home in the summer of 2012, and had him sign documents transferring his title to their trustees as part of the agreement, records show.
Marquez was told he would not be charged anything by Rescue Team, and they would earn commission from the short sale of his home, he said. But Rescue Team's first attempt at a short sale was unsuccessful, Marquez said.
read more here
With a buyer found, a company is demanding $1,000 to release the title to his house.
Tulsa World News
Cary Aspinwall
Staff Writer
January 13, 2014
Sgt. Eduardo Marquez wants to complete the short sale of his former home in Kiefer and move on with his life, preserving what he can of his finances and credit score.
Marquez, an Iraq war veteran who's currently working as a recruiter for the U.S. Army in Utah, fell behind on his mortgage in Oklahoma after an attempt at a loan modification did not work out.
He was dealing with a divorce and a job transfer, so he decided a short sale was his best option. A short sale means the property is sold for less than the total debt owed on it.
A company called Rescue Team Realty, with several offices in the Tulsa area, mailed him an advertisement once his mortgage servicer began foreclosure proceedings in Creek County court. They offered to help negotiate the short sale of Marquez's home in the summer of 2012, and had him sign documents transferring his title to their trustees as part of the agreement, records show.
Marquez was told he would not be charged anything by Rescue Team, and they would earn commission from the short sale of his home, he said. But Rescue Team's first attempt at a short sale was unsuccessful, Marquez said.
read more here
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Widow Fights for Life and VA Benefits (Video)
If you knew Jeffrey Jones in Vietnam contact the station and back up his widow's claim.
Fort Sill Oklahoma, and he was a helicopter pilot.
Widow Fights for Life and VA Benefits (Video)
Arkansas Matters
Jocelyn Tovar
01/01/2014
Fort Sill Oklahoma, and he was a helicopter pilot.
Widow Fights for Life and VA Benefits (Video)
Arkansas Matters
Jocelyn Tovar
01/01/2014
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Troops killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash from Fort Riley and Germany
Department of Defense
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No: NR-083-13 December 19, 2013
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of six soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
They died Dec. 17, in Now Bahar, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered as a result of a helicopter crash. The incident is pending investigation.
Killed were:
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No: NR-083-13 December 19, 2013
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of six soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
They died Dec. 17, in Now Bahar, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered as a result of a helicopter crash. The incident is pending investigation.
Killed were:
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy L. Billings, 34, of Heavener, Okla.,
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua B. Silverman, 35, of Scottsdale, Ariz., and
Sgt. Peter C. Bohler, 29, of Willow Spring, N.C.
They were assigned to the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Sgt. 1st Class Omar W. Forde, 28, of Marietta, Ga., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Staff Sgt. Jesse L. Williams, 30, of Elkhart, Ind., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
Spc. Terry K. D. Gordon, 22, of Shubuta, Miss., assigned to 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Thieves loot home of Vietnam Vet on death bed
Thieves Steal Weapon Collection From Oklahoma Veteran On His Death Bed
News On 6
Lori Fullbright
Posted: Dec 13, 2013
ROGERS COUNTY, Oklahoma - While a disabled Vietnam veteran was in the hospital, dying, someone broke into his home, ransacked everything, and stole his collection of guns and knives. The family says it was a double blow to lose their loved one on the same day they lost all those memories of him. Now the family is offering a reward.
Otto Penner, Jr. was a United States Marine who served in Vietnam. A bullet to the top of his head put him in the hospital for nine months when he was 20 years old and left him permanently disabled on his left side.
His only child later died in a car wreck. Later, he personally overcame alcoholism, but despite his struggles, Junior's family says he was always helping others.
"There were hard times, but he smiled every day," said cousin Matt Penner.
Junior lived near Oologah and spent time at the local cafe, swapping stories, and at the gun shop, swapping guns, always adding to his collection. His family estimates he had around 80 guns, rifles, shotguns, handguns and 100 knives.
"Anything from a small pocket knife to a large sword," Matt said.
Junior went to the hospital in November and he died from complications related to surgery on November 23. His family had been keeping an eye on his place while visiting him in the VA, and on the day they learned he passed away, they also learned someone had broken into Junior's home.
read more here
News On 6
Lori Fullbright
Posted: Dec 13, 2013
ROGERS COUNTY, Oklahoma - While a disabled Vietnam veteran was in the hospital, dying, someone broke into his home, ransacked everything, and stole his collection of guns and knives. The family says it was a double blow to lose their loved one on the same day they lost all those memories of him. Now the family is offering a reward.
Otto Penner, Jr. was a United States Marine who served in Vietnam. A bullet to the top of his head put him in the hospital for nine months when he was 20 years old and left him permanently disabled on his left side.
His only child later died in a car wreck. Later, he personally overcame alcoholism, but despite his struggles, Junior's family says he was always helping others.
"There were hard times, but he smiled every day," said cousin Matt Penner.
Junior lived near Oologah and spent time at the local cafe, swapping stories, and at the gun shop, swapping guns, always adding to his collection. His family estimates he had around 80 guns, rifles, shotguns, handguns and 100 knives.
"Anything from a small pocket knife to a large sword," Matt said.
Junior went to the hospital in November and he died from complications related to surgery on November 23. His family had been keeping an eye on his place while visiting him in the VA, and on the day they learned he passed away, they also learned someone had broken into Junior's home.
read more here
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Paul Ryan and the Government Raiders
Paul Ryan and the Government Raiders
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
October 9, 2013
Most people in my age group listened to Paul Revere and the Raiders. Yesterday what is going on in Washington got me thinking about the real Paul Revere. I am a Boston native so it irks me when I hear people like Paul Ryan being called part of the Tea Party since they really have nothing in common with the revolutionary figures that risked their lives for the sake of the whole nation they wanted to create.
"Even as his business did well, Revere took stock of the situation around him. As others struggled, he sensed that his own livelihood could soon be affected unless issues with the British were soon addressed."
(Paul Revere biography)
Senator Cruz was speaking as if the government shutdown is still about the Affordable Healthcare Act and Paul Ryan, along with many of our elected in the House don't seem to really know what it is all about considering they've already taken away billions from what the country spends when sequestration kicked in. Most of us are scratching our heads wondering how these government raiders managed to hop onto their high horse and get enough power to destroy what they were voted into to run.
Add those to what was reported yesterday with 'Just disgusting': Outrage after shutdown delays payment for families of fallen and VA furloughs 7,000 employees, closes regional offices. The debt limit is to pay for what the Congress has already spent. The money it costs to run this country is something else they were supposed to take care of but their idea is to just let it all go to hell. Did they ever once consider the simple fact that when the nation does well, so do businesses? Did they remember this?
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
October 9, 2013
Most people in my age group listened to Paul Revere and the Raiders. Yesterday what is going on in Washington got me thinking about the real Paul Revere. I am a Boston native so it irks me when I hear people like Paul Ryan being called part of the Tea Party since they really have nothing in common with the revolutionary figures that risked their lives for the sake of the whole nation they wanted to create.
"Even as his business did well, Revere took stock of the situation around him. As others struggled, he sensed that his own livelihood could soon be affected unless issues with the British were soon addressed."
(Paul Revere biography)
Senator Cruz was speaking as if the government shutdown is still about the Affordable Healthcare Act and Paul Ryan, along with many of our elected in the House don't seem to really know what it is all about considering they've already taken away billions from what the country spends when sequestration kicked in. Most of us are scratching our heads wondering how these government raiders managed to hop onto their high horse and get enough power to destroy what they were voted into to run.
Shutdown worsens historic blizzard that killed tens of thousands of South Dakota cattle
NBC News
By M. Alex Johnson
Staff Writer
October 8, 2012
An unusually early and enormous snowstorm over the weekend caught South Dakota ranchers and farmers unprepared, killing tens of thousands of cattle and ravaging the state's $7 billion industry — an industry left without assistance because of the federal government shutdown.
As many as 75,000 cattle have perished since the storm slammed the western part of the state Thursday through Saturday with snowfall that set records for the entire month of October in just three days, state and industry officials said.
Across the state, snow totals averaged 30 inches, with some isolated areas recording almost 5 feet, The Weather Channel reported.
Ranchers have no one to ask for help or reimbursement. That's because Congress has yet to pass a new farm bill, which subsidizes agricultural producers.
read more here
Oklahoma Pipeline Explosion Sparks Large Fire, Prompting Evacuations (VIDEO)
Huffington Post
Posted: 10/09/2013
An explosion on a pipeline in northwestern Oklahoma sparked a large and roaring fire on Monday night, CBS News reported.
According to News9, firefighters from Oklahoma and Kansas were called to the scene near the town of Rosston.
read more here
Add those to what was reported yesterday with 'Just disgusting': Outrage after shutdown delays payment for families of fallen and VA furloughs 7,000 employees, closes regional offices. The debt limit is to pay for what the Congress has already spent. The money it costs to run this country is something else they were supposed to take care of but their idea is to just let it all go to hell. Did they ever once consider the simple fact that when the nation does well, so do businesses? Did they remember this?
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
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