Pascagoula man goes from 338 pounds to 191 to become a Marine
Sun Herald
BY PATRICK OCHS
January 11, 2014
OCEAN SPRINGS -- E.J. Nunez wasn't always among the few, but the Pascagoula resident is now on the verge of becoming one of the proud -- the Marines.
Almost two years ago, Nunez decided he wanted to "be one of the best," so he picked up the phone and called his local U.S. Marine Corps recruitment office. After checking off various requirements, the recruiter asked Nunez about his weight.
The 18-year-old gulped. Always a heavy kid, Nunez crushed the scales at 338 pounds.
The recruiter told him he should probably consider a different career path.
Nunez took the conversation as a challenge, and Monday he is scheduled to ship out to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island, S.C., as an athletic 191-pound 20-year-old well on his way to achieving his goal.
"I just wanted to do something bigger than myself," he said. "I wanted to prove that I could do it. When I called the recruiter, he told me I was disqualified and it just kind of … I don't really know. I just knew I had to do this."
read more here
Linked from Military.com
Showing posts with label South Carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Carolina. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Vietnam Combat Pilot Veteran retires from National Guards
Vietnam Veteran Combat Chopper Pilot Retires
The State (Columbia, S.C.)
by John Monk
Jan 06, 2014
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- More than 150 people turned out Sunday to bid a fond and formal goodbye to Command Chief Warrant Officer Eric Seymore, who with 43 years in the military, is the last Vietnam War combat helicopter pilot in the S.C. National Guard.
Seymore was a legend both to his superiors, who depended on his multiple expertises, and to those who served under him, who regarded him as an inspiration and a mentor, said speakers at the hour-plus ceremony at the Guard's headquarters off Bluff Road.
Seymore, 61, was one of those "who would do extra of whatever was required of them," the Guard's No. 2 commanding officer, Maj. Gen. Les Eisner said in a speech.
Sunday's tributes to Seymore included an affectionate mix of homage to his wife of 40 years, Peggy, who endured numerous separations while he was on military duty, praise for Seymore's work ethic and mentoring abilities, and jokes about Clemson (he graduated in 1976) and age (few serve into their 60s as Seymore did)
Seymore was also given three statuettes -- of an American Revolutionary War Minute Man, a bald eagle and golden eagle.
read more here
The State (Columbia, S.C.)
by John Monk
Jan 06, 2014
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- More than 150 people turned out Sunday to bid a fond and formal goodbye to Command Chief Warrant Officer Eric Seymore, who with 43 years in the military, is the last Vietnam War combat helicopter pilot in the S.C. National Guard.
Seymore was a legend both to his superiors, who depended on his multiple expertises, and to those who served under him, who regarded him as an inspiration and a mentor, said speakers at the hour-plus ceremony at the Guard's headquarters off Bluff Road.
Seymore, 61, was one of those "who would do extra of whatever was required of them," the Guard's No. 2 commanding officer, Maj. Gen. Les Eisner said in a speech.
Sunday's tributes to Seymore included an affectionate mix of homage to his wife of 40 years, Peggy, who endured numerous separations while he was on military duty, praise for Seymore's work ethic and mentoring abilities, and jokes about Clemson (he graduated in 1976) and age (few serve into their 60s as Seymore did)
Seymore was also given three statuettes -- of an American Revolutionary War Minute Man, a bald eagle and golden eagle.
read more here
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Veteran held up at Lubbock airport over issue with PTSD service dog
Veteran held up at Lubbock airport over issue with service dog
CBS Atlanta
Posted: Nov 26, 2013
By Taylor Langston
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD)
Everyone's trying to make it home for the holidays, but one veteran at the Lubbock Preston Smith Airport had to put her plans on hold.
Zondra Perkins battles PTSD and leans on her furry friend Sergeant Ski to overcome the symptoms.
The pair has been together for seven months and are now inseparable, so the idea of traveling without her pal was overwhelming.
"He's my best friend in the whole world," Perkins said. " He listens to me when nobody else will. He's there for me. He means the world to me."
Perkins was able to board flights at airports in South Carolina and Dallas on her way to visit a friend in Lubbock, but was held up after not providing proper documentation for the service animal.
According to American Airlines, all airlines are required to follow the same protocol for checking service animals provided by the Department of Transportation.
read more here
CBS Atlanta
Posted: Nov 26, 2013
By Taylor Langston
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD)
Everyone's trying to make it home for the holidays, but one veteran at the Lubbock Preston Smith Airport had to put her plans on hold.
Zondra Perkins battles PTSD and leans on her furry friend Sergeant Ski to overcome the symptoms.
The pair has been together for seven months and are now inseparable, so the idea of traveling without her pal was overwhelming.
"He's my best friend in the whole world," Perkins said. " He listens to me when nobody else will. He's there for me. He means the world to me."
Perkins was able to board flights at airports in South Carolina and Dallas on her way to visit a friend in Lubbock, but was held up after not providing proper documentation for the service animal.
According to American Airlines, all airlines are required to follow the same protocol for checking service animals provided by the Department of Transportation.
read more here
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Marine dead, suspect arrested, neighbors horrified
Marine dead, suspect arrested in northern Beaufort County shooting
Beaufort Gazette
BY ERIN MOODY
November 23, 2013
One man is dead and another is in police custody following a shooting Friday night in the Mossy Oaks neighborhood in Beaufort, according to police.
The shooting occurred about 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Hookstra Drive and Mossy Oaks Road, City of Beaufort Police Department Deputy Chief Dale McDorman said.
The names of the victim, who is a Marine, and a suspect were not released, but McDorman said charges might come early Saturday morning. The suspect is from Shell Point, and may be friends with the residents of the home near where the shooting occurred, he said. The residents were not involved.
The cause of the shooting was not immediately clear, he said. Neighbors reported hearing up to 10 shots. Two handguns were recovered at the scene.
read more here
Beaufort Gazette
BY ERIN MOODY
November 23, 2013
One man is dead and another is in police custody following a shooting Friday night in the Mossy Oaks neighborhood in Beaufort, according to police.
The shooting occurred about 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Hookstra Drive and Mossy Oaks Road, City of Beaufort Police Department Deputy Chief Dale McDorman said.
The names of the victim, who is a Marine, and a suspect were not released, but McDorman said charges might come early Saturday morning. The suspect is from Shell Point, and may be friends with the residents of the home near where the shooting occurred, he said. The residents were not involved.
The cause of the shooting was not immediately clear, he said. Neighbors reported hearing up to 10 shots. Two handguns were recovered at the scene.
read more here
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Another PTSD veteran kicked out of restaurant because of service dog
Veteran's service dog asked to leave SC restaurant
By WSPA News Staff
Posted: Sep 12, 2013
An Army Veteran says his dog was asked to leave an Upstate restaurant, something he says is illegal.
"He's definitely gotten me out of the box," says Army Veteran John Davis about his new pal Chester.
Chester and Davis were introduced in April. They've become fast friends but their relationship is beyond just play time. Chester is a service dog.
"He's been trained to watch my back," Davis says.
Davis served nearly 25 years with the Army and National Guard, most recently with Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Davis says before he met Chester he hardly left the house.
"PTSD is a monster to deal with, it totally changed me," Davis says.
That's all changed now. The pair go everywhere together but last week Davis says they were asked to leave a local restaurant. He says they were eating at Yoder's Dutch Kitchen in Abbeville when the manager approached Davis about Chester.
"The manager looked at me and said you're welcome to eat here but the dog's gotta go," Davis says.
read more here
By WSPA News Staff
Posted: Sep 12, 2013
An Army Veteran says his dog was asked to leave an Upstate restaurant, something he says is illegal.
"He's definitely gotten me out of the box," says Army Veteran John Davis about his new pal Chester.
Chester and Davis were introduced in April. They've become fast friends but their relationship is beyond just play time. Chester is a service dog.
"He's been trained to watch my back," Davis says.
Davis served nearly 25 years with the Army and National Guard, most recently with Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Davis says before he met Chester he hardly left the house.
"PTSD is a monster to deal with, it totally changed me," Davis says.
That's all changed now. The pair go everywhere together but last week Davis says they were asked to leave a local restaurant. He says they were eating at Yoder's Dutch Kitchen in Abbeville when the manager approached Davis about Chester.
"The manager looked at me and said you're welcome to eat here but the dog's gotta go," Davis says.
read more here
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
National Guard Helps Rescue 150 Puppies
National Guard Helps Rescue 150 Puppies
DVIDS
by Maj. Cindi King
Aug 12, 2013
STARR, S.C. - “Neighbors helping neighbors” is a phrase often used when referring to support the National Guard provides local communities. This has been proven numerous times in the aftermath of hurricanes, fires, ice storms and tornadoes.
On Aug. 10, 2013, members of the S.C. National Guard and State Guard rallied to a different crisis in Anderson County after the discovery of more than 150 neglected puppies with potential exposure to canine parvovirus at a suspected puppy mill.
read more here
DVIDS
by Maj. Cindi King
Aug 12, 2013
STARR, S.C. - “Neighbors helping neighbors” is a phrase often used when referring to support the National Guard provides local communities. This has been proven numerous times in the aftermath of hurricanes, fires, ice storms and tornadoes.
On Aug. 10, 2013, members of the S.C. National Guard and State Guard rallied to a different crisis in Anderson County after the discovery of more than 150 neglected puppies with potential exposure to canine parvovirus at a suspected puppy mill.
read more here
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Marine with PTSD "escaped Naval hospital" beginning chain of events
Navy Hospital Sued for Bizarre Accident
Courthouse News Service
By DAN MCCUE
July 25, 2013
BEAUFORT, S.C. (CN) - A U.S. Naval Hospital in South Carolina allowed a Marine with post-traumatic stress disorder to escape, get naked and steal a city fire engine, with which he seriously injured another driver, the hurt man claims in court.
Plaintiff Jonas Armstrong claims that Kalvin Hunt, the former Marine corporal who caused the accident, was drummed out of the service in April 2011 after a court-martial in which he was found guilty of assault, communicating a threat, resisting arrest, and other charges.
Armstrong sued Case Pro Inc.; the U.S. Naval Hospital in Beaufort, S.C.; the United States, and the South Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs, in Federal Court. Kalvin Hunt is not a defendant.
According to the lawsuit, on Feb. 24, 2012, Hunt's grandmother called Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Officer Edward Ray to report that her grandson was acting erratically and making threats.
"As the Veterans Affairs officer in Beaufort, Edward Ray was familiar with Kalvin Hunt's disability, prior history of threats and conditions, and based on this information of renewed threats, arranged to meet his grandmother and Kalvin Hunt to evaluate his condition and determine the level of hospitalization required," Armstrong says in the lawsuit.
read more here
Here is more of the story
Courthouse News Service
By DAN MCCUE
July 25, 2013
BEAUFORT, S.C. (CN) - A U.S. Naval Hospital in South Carolina allowed a Marine with post-traumatic stress disorder to escape, get naked and steal a city fire engine, with which he seriously injured another driver, the hurt man claims in court.
Plaintiff Jonas Armstrong claims that Kalvin Hunt, the former Marine corporal who caused the accident, was drummed out of the service in April 2011 after a court-martial in which he was found guilty of assault, communicating a threat, resisting arrest, and other charges.
Armstrong sued Case Pro Inc.; the U.S. Naval Hospital in Beaufort, S.C.; the United States, and the South Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs, in Federal Court. Kalvin Hunt is not a defendant.
According to the lawsuit, on Feb. 24, 2012, Hunt's grandmother called Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Officer Edward Ray to report that her grandson was acting erratically and making threats.
"As the Veterans Affairs officer in Beaufort, Edward Ray was familiar with Kalvin Hunt's disability, prior history of threats and conditions, and based on this information of renewed threats, arranged to meet his grandmother and Kalvin Hunt to evaluate his condition and determine the level of hospitalization required," Armstrong says in the lawsuit.
read more here
Here is more of the story
Motorist struck by stolen fire truck sues Beaufort, Port Royal
Beaufort Gazette
By PATRICK DONOHUE
Published: May 26, 2012
A Beaufort resident injured in a crash in February with a stolen Port Royal firetruck is suing the city and the town of Port Royal, alleging firefighters acted improperly when they left the truck running and unattended while responding to a medical call.
An attorney for Beaufort, however, says responsibility for the wreck ultimately lies with officials at Naval Hospital Beaufort for allowing Kalvin Hunt, a Marine accused of stealing the truck, to flee from the facility.
Jonas Armstrong of Beaufort filed a lawsuit in March against Beaufort, Port Royal, the Beaufort fire department and Hunt. Armstrong's leg was badly injured and his 1998 Dodge SUV was totaled when it was hit Feb. 24 by the firetruck as Hunt made an illegal U-turn on Ribaut Road, the filing said.
Hunt struck six vehicles and killed a pedestrian after stealing the truck from firefighters working at Laurel Bay apartments, according to authorities.
read more here
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Veteran Marine of Gulf War and Iraq battled to make it out of his own backyard
Veteran fights for his life after burning 65% of body
ABC News Charleston
By Stacy Jacobson
Posted: Jul 19, 2013
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) -- The Folly Beach Shrimp Company will have a fundraiser on Saturday to help a national hero -- he's a man who's survived three tours of duty in Iraq and is now fighting for his life.
SSgt. Harold Veronda faced some of the most dangerous missions possible.
"He was an explosives screener and he was also a sniper," said his friend Dan.
The Marine Corps veteran served the U.S. during the Gulf War. And when the War in Iraq started a decade later, Veronda volunteered.
He has led many on potentially deadly tasks.
"He brought a lot of people out alive and back to their families in the process of serving our country," Dan said.
But sometimes we are tested when we least expect it.
"It's just kind of ironic," Dan said.
Veronda was doing yard work on June 2. He went to remove a tree stump when a tool backfired and fuel exploded all over him. The explosives expert found himself on fire. He battled to make it out of his own backyard.
"He was able to put the flames out, picked up a cell phone, dialed his wife, asked her to get help, walked in to the house, took clothes off, walk to the back of the house and get in the shower," Dan said.
read more here
ABC News Charleston
By Stacy Jacobson
Posted: Jul 19, 2013
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) -- The Folly Beach Shrimp Company will have a fundraiser on Saturday to help a national hero -- he's a man who's survived three tours of duty in Iraq and is now fighting for his life.
SSgt. Harold Veronda faced some of the most dangerous missions possible.
"He was an explosives screener and he was also a sniper," said his friend Dan.
The Marine Corps veteran served the U.S. during the Gulf War. And when the War in Iraq started a decade later, Veronda volunteered.
He has led many on potentially deadly tasks.
"He brought a lot of people out alive and back to their families in the process of serving our country," Dan said.
But sometimes we are tested when we least expect it.
"It's just kind of ironic," Dan said.
Veronda was doing yard work on June 2. He went to remove a tree stump when a tool backfired and fuel exploded all over him. The explosives expert found himself on fire. He battled to make it out of his own backyard.
"He was able to put the flames out, picked up a cell phone, dialed his wife, asked her to get help, walked in to the house, took clothes off, walk to the back of the house and get in the shower," Dan said.
read more here
Sunday, July 14, 2013
World War II vet finally getting PTSD benefits
World War II vet finally getting PTSD benefits
The Post and Courier of Charleston via the AP
By Schuyler Kropf
July 14, 2013
WALTERBORO, S.C. — In late March 1945, Glenn Chaney witnessed the most famous bathroom break of World War II.
After spending the previous 22 hours building a pontoon bridge across the flooded Rhine River, Chaney and his unit of combat engineers got word Gen. George Patton was on his way.
Eager to catch a glimpse of the colorful top brass leader, Chaney climbed to the top of a nearby dirt pile and saluted the Third Army chief as he drove by.
Moments later and near the bridge’s mid-point, Chaney suddenly saw Patton’s jeep slow to a crawl, then stop. The general got out, stepped to the side of the newly finished span and casually unfastened his trousers.
“There, you Nazi sons of b-----s,” Chaney said, trying to get inside Patton’s thoughts that day. The moment was captured by photographers but not widely disseminated.
Nearly 70 years later, Chaney is among the dwindling number of South Carolinians who fought in World War II. And at 87, he may be among the oldest to receive post-traumatic stress disorder benefits for it.
read more here
The Post and Courier of Charleston via the AP
By Schuyler Kropf
July 14, 2013
WALTERBORO, S.C. — In late March 1945, Glenn Chaney witnessed the most famous bathroom break of World War II.
After spending the previous 22 hours building a pontoon bridge across the flooded Rhine River, Chaney and his unit of combat engineers got word Gen. George Patton was on his way.
Eager to catch a glimpse of the colorful top brass leader, Chaney climbed to the top of a nearby dirt pile and saluted the Third Army chief as he drove by.
Moments later and near the bridge’s mid-point, Chaney suddenly saw Patton’s jeep slow to a crawl, then stop. The general got out, stepped to the side of the newly finished span and casually unfastened his trousers.
“There, you Nazi sons of b-----s,” Chaney said, trying to get inside Patton’s thoughts that day. The moment was captured by photographers but not widely disseminated.
Nearly 70 years later, Chaney is among the dwindling number of South Carolinians who fought in World War II. And at 87, he may be among the oldest to receive post-traumatic stress disorder benefits for it.
read more here
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Marine staff noncommissioned officers charged with hazing
Marine staff noncommissioned officers charged with hazing
By Gina Harkins
Staff writer
June 14, 2013
Two South Carolina-based staff noncommissioned officers have been charged with violating the Marine Corps’ order on hazing and maltreatment and will face special courts-martial in coming months, officials said Friday.
Gunnery Sgt. James McArthur, an air traffic controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., was charged May 20 with violating the service’s order on hazing, said Capt. Jordan Cochran, a Marine spokesman in Beaufort. McArthur faces charges related to violating orders, maltreatment and obstructing justice.
Staff Sgt. Justin Samford, an air traffic controller in the same unit, also faces charges related to hazing, Cochran said. He is charged with violating orders, maltreatment, falsifying an official statement and assault.
McArthur’s arraignment was held on Friday, and his special court-martial was scheduled for Aug. 27 to 29. Samford’s arraignment is scheduled for Monday.
read more here
By Gina Harkins
Staff writer
June 14, 2013
Two South Carolina-based staff noncommissioned officers have been charged with violating the Marine Corps’ order on hazing and maltreatment and will face special courts-martial in coming months, officials said Friday.
Gunnery Sgt. James McArthur, an air traffic controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., was charged May 20 with violating the service’s order on hazing, said Capt. Jordan Cochran, a Marine spokesman in Beaufort. McArthur faces charges related to violating orders, maltreatment and obstructing justice.
Staff Sgt. Justin Samford, an air traffic controller in the same unit, also faces charges related to hazing, Cochran said. He is charged with violating orders, maltreatment, falsifying an official statement and assault.
McArthur’s arraignment was held on Friday, and his special court-martial was scheduled for Aug. 27 to 29. Samford’s arraignment is scheduled for Monday.
read more here
Friday, June 14, 2013
'In Memory Day' honors vets who live with war injuries
'In Memory Day' honors vets who live with war injuries
By Eric Connor
Greenville News
Published: June 14, 2013
GREENVILLE, SC — The names of nearly 60,000 Vietnam veterans who died in combat or were unaccounted for are etched on the memorial wall in Washington, D.C.
However, there are thousands more who have died as a result of their service in the war, even decades later, and those veterans will be honored today as part of the “In Memory Day” ceremony.
Among them is Theodore Williams Cantrell Jr., a U.S. Marine who at the time he served in Vietnam listed Greenville as his home, according to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
read more here
By Eric Connor
Greenville News
Published: June 14, 2013
GREENVILLE, SC — The names of nearly 60,000 Vietnam veterans who died in combat or were unaccounted for are etched on the memorial wall in Washington, D.C.
However, there are thousands more who have died as a result of their service in the war, even decades later, and those veterans will be honored today as part of the “In Memory Day” ceremony.
Among them is Theodore Williams Cantrell Jr., a U.S. Marine who at the time he served in Vietnam listed Greenville as his home, according to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
read more here
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
VA laptop missing two months may have compromised 7,000 veterans
Veterans Affairs says 7,000 S.C. veterans' identities may be compromised
Associated Press
Posted April 9, 2013
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Thousands of South Carolina veterans are being warned their personal information might have been compromised after a laptop went missing from the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia.
The VA says it is notifying more than 7,000 veterans that they should sign up for identity theft protection and offering them a year of free credit monitoring.
read more here
Associated Press
Posted April 9, 2013
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Thousands of South Carolina veterans are being warned their personal information might have been compromised after a laptop went missing from the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia.
The VA says it is notifying more than 7,000 veterans that they should sign up for identity theft protection and offering them a year of free credit monitoring.
read more here
Friday, April 5, 2013
Chief Warrant Officer Curtis S. Reagan died in Afghanistan
Officer's body returns home after non-combat related death in AfghanistanCount On News 2
updated 4/4/2013
A Summerville man supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan has been brought home.
Chief Warrant Officer Curtis S. Reagan died Friday, March 29 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related illness.
read more here
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Budget cuts cancel Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment
Budget cuts lock down USMC’s ceremonial unit
Marine Corps Times
By Hope Hodge
Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 18, 2013
The Marine Corps’ premier ceremonial unit is the latest target of federal budget cuts.
Several upcoming performances by the Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment were abruptly canceled Friday on orders from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, according to an official with knowledge of the situation. The unit is based in Washington and includes the “Commandant’s Own” Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, the service’s official Color Guard and its famed Silent Drill Platoon.
All of the canceled shows — five total — were scheduled for this week at Marine Corps bases in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The directive from Hagel’s office restricts travel for all musical and ceremonial units, according to Marine officials at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where the Battle Color Detachment was to perform Friday.
Hagel’s office could not immediately provide a copy of the directive.
read more here
Marine Corps Times
By Hope Hodge
Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 18, 2013
The Marine Corps’ premier ceremonial unit is the latest target of federal budget cuts.
Several upcoming performances by the Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment were abruptly canceled Friday on orders from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, according to an official with knowledge of the situation. The unit is based in Washington and includes the “Commandant’s Own” Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, the service’s official Color Guard and its famed Silent Drill Platoon.
All of the canceled shows — five total — were scheduled for this week at Marine Corps bases in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The directive from Hagel’s office restricts travel for all musical and ceremonial units, according to Marine officials at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where the Battle Color Detachment was to perform Friday.
Hagel’s office could not immediately provide a copy of the directive.
read more here
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Former soldier with PTSD missing in South Carolina
Missing former soldier with PTSD found
Former soldier with PTSD missing in Upstate
Feb 06, 2013
LIBERTY, S.C. —A man, who is a former member of the military and who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder from active duty, is missing along with his dog, and police are looking for help from the public to find him. Liberty police said 28-year-old Zachary Cain Hedden has been missing since Monday. They said he is considered to be endangered because he left his needed medication at his home. read more here
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
KBR found guilty wants tax payers to pay again for Iraq veterans
KBR, Guilty In Iraq Negligence, Wants Taxpayers To Foot The Bill
Ryan J. Reilly
Posted: 01/09/2013
WASHINGTON -- Sodium dichromate is an orange-yellowish substance containing hexavalent chromium, an anti-corrosion chemical. To Lt. Col. James Gentry of the Indiana National Guard, who was stationed at the Qarmat Ali water treatment center in Iraq just after the 2003 U.S. invasion, it was “just different-colored sand.” In their first few months at the base, soldiers were told by KBR contractors running the facility the substance was no worse than a mild irritant.
Gentry was one of approximately 830 service members, including active-duty soldiers and members of the National Guard and reserve units from Indiana, South Carolina, West Virginia and Oregon, assigned to secure the water treatment plant, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sodium dichromate is not a mild irritant. It is an extreme carcinogen. In November 2009, at age 52, Gentry died of cancer. The VA affirmed two months later that his death was service-related.
In November, a jury found KBR, the military's largest contractor, guilty of negligence in the poisoning of a dozen soldiers, and ordered the company to pay $85 million in damages. Jurors found KBR knew both of the presence and toxicity of the chemical. Other lawsuits against KBR are pending.
KBR, however, says taxpayers should be on the hook for the verdict, as well as more than $15 million the company has spent in its failed legal defense, according to court documents and attorneys involved with the case.
KBR's contract with the U.S. to rebuild Iraq’s oil infrastructure after the 2003 invasion includes an indemnity agreement protecting the company from legal liability, KBR claims in court filings. That agreement, KBR insists, means the federal government must pay the company's legal expenses plus the verdict won by 12 members of the Oregon National Guard who were exposed to the toxin at the Qarmat Ali water treatment plant.
read more here
Ryan J. Reilly
Posted: 01/09/2013
WASHINGTON -- Sodium dichromate is an orange-yellowish substance containing hexavalent chromium, an anti-corrosion chemical. To Lt. Col. James Gentry of the Indiana National Guard, who was stationed at the Qarmat Ali water treatment center in Iraq just after the 2003 U.S. invasion, it was “just different-colored sand.” In their first few months at the base, soldiers were told by KBR contractors running the facility the substance was no worse than a mild irritant.
Gentry was one of approximately 830 service members, including active-duty soldiers and members of the National Guard and reserve units from Indiana, South Carolina, West Virginia and Oregon, assigned to secure the water treatment plant, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sodium dichromate is not a mild irritant. It is an extreme carcinogen. In November 2009, at age 52, Gentry died of cancer. The VA affirmed two months later that his death was service-related.
In November, a jury found KBR, the military's largest contractor, guilty of negligence in the poisoning of a dozen soldiers, and ordered the company to pay $85 million in damages. Jurors found KBR knew both of the presence and toxicity of the chemical. Other lawsuits against KBR are pending.
KBR, however, says taxpayers should be on the hook for the verdict, as well as more than $15 million the company has spent in its failed legal defense, according to court documents and attorneys involved with the case.
KBR's contract with the U.S. to rebuild Iraq’s oil infrastructure after the 2003 invasion includes an indemnity agreement protecting the company from legal liability, KBR claims in court filings. That agreement, KBR insists, means the federal government must pay the company's legal expenses plus the verdict won by 12 members of the Oregon National Guard who were exposed to the toxin at the Qarmat Ali water treatment plant.
read more here
Friday, December 28, 2012
Fort Jackson soldiers get old fashion dinner for Christmas
Soldier: "We Didn't Expect Much, Not Like This"
WLTX News
Dec 27, 2012
Written by
Steven Dial
Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The Christmas holiday is a time that many people spend with family. However, getting home to see family can be hard for some of the soldiers stationed at Ft. Jackson.
With that in mind, a local organization donated their time and made a home made old fashioned spaghetti dinner.
"It's just to thank them," said Mike Mancari with the Mother Teresa Knights of Columbus Assemblies.
For the men and women who protect our country, there's no such thing as a Christmas break.
"We didn't expect much, not like this," said Sergio Mendez.
About 200 Soldiers at Ft. Jackson didn't get to go home for Christmas, so volunteers with the Mother Theresa Knights of Columbus brought home to them.
read more here
WLTX News
Dec 27, 2012
Written by
Steven Dial
Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The Christmas holiday is a time that many people spend with family. However, getting home to see family can be hard for some of the soldiers stationed at Ft. Jackson.
With that in mind, a local organization donated their time and made a home made old fashioned spaghetti dinner.
"It's just to thank them," said Mike Mancari with the Mother Teresa Knights of Columbus Assemblies.
For the men and women who protect our country, there's no such thing as a Christmas break.
"We didn't expect much, not like this," said Sergio Mendez.
About 200 Soldiers at Ft. Jackson didn't get to go home for Christmas, so volunteers with the Mother Theresa Knights of Columbus brought home to them.
read more here
Monday, November 26, 2012
Special courts aim to keep vets out of jail
Special courts aim to keep vets out of jail
By Meg Kinnard
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Nov 25, 2012
COLUMBIA, S.C. — When a knee injury left him on disability and reliant on pain medication, Army veteran Clarence Johnson hit a wall. Out of his prescription drugs, the New York City native was arrested during a visit to South Carolina last year after buying narcotics on the street.
Johnson was facing up to two years in jail.
But under a new program for veterans facing some nonviolent crimes, Johnson was able to stay out of jail — and get off drugs, he hopes, for good.
Because of his military service — four years each in the Army and National Guard — Johnson, 55, was eligible for something called a veterans treatment court. They are set up like drug courts, which offer people facing nonviolent drug offenses a chance to stay out of jail as long as they comply with court-ordered attendance at rehab and meetings. The veterans courts give people with military service ways to get and stay connected with resources available through the Veterans Administration, like addiction treatment and counseling.
Through weekly meetings with attorneys, counselors and a veteran mentor, participants get the encouragement that hopefully will help them both stay clean and keep from breaking the law again.
“This time, it seemed like my chance to really clean my act up,” said Johnson, who was among 18 men who were the first graduates of Richland County’s veterans court, the first in South Carolina. “It changed my life.”
read more on Marine Corps Times
By Meg Kinnard
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Nov 25, 2012
COLUMBIA, S.C. — When a knee injury left him on disability and reliant on pain medication, Army veteran Clarence Johnson hit a wall. Out of his prescription drugs, the New York City native was arrested during a visit to South Carolina last year after buying narcotics on the street.
Johnson was facing up to two years in jail.
But under a new program for veterans facing some nonviolent crimes, Johnson was able to stay out of jail — and get off drugs, he hopes, for good.
Because of his military service — four years each in the Army and National Guard — Johnson, 55, was eligible for something called a veterans treatment court. They are set up like drug courts, which offer people facing nonviolent drug offenses a chance to stay out of jail as long as they comply with court-ordered attendance at rehab and meetings. The veterans courts give people with military service ways to get and stay connected with resources available through the Veterans Administration, like addiction treatment and counseling.
Through weekly meetings with attorneys, counselors and a veteran mentor, participants get the encouragement that hopefully will help them both stay clean and keep from breaking the law again.
“This time, it seemed like my chance to really clean my act up,” said Johnson, who was among 18 men who were the first graduates of Richland County’s veterans court, the first in South Carolina. “It changed my life.”
read more on Marine Corps Times
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Fort Eustis soldier accused of desertion arrested
Fort Eustis soldier accused of desertion arrested in South Carolina
Daily Press
By Tara Bozick
November 20, 2012
A Fort Eustis soldier accused of being absent without leave was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Darlington County, S.C., in a traffic stop that closed part of a highway when deputies found flammable materials in his car, a department captain said.
Andrew Richard Jackson, 19, of Jacksonville, N.C., was charged with possession of marijuana after deputies found a small amount of the drug on him in a traffic stop on Interstate 20 just before 3 p.m., said Capt. Andy Locklair with Darlington County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Office.
After Jackson was in custody, deputies searched the stopped car and found several containers filled with an unknown flammable liquid in the trunk, Locklair said.
read more here
Daily Press
By Tara Bozick
November 20, 2012
A Fort Eustis soldier accused of being absent without leave was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Darlington County, S.C., in a traffic stop that closed part of a highway when deputies found flammable materials in his car, a department captain said.
Andrew Richard Jackson, 19, of Jacksonville, N.C., was charged with possession of marijuana after deputies found a small amount of the drug on him in a traffic stop on Interstate 20 just before 3 p.m., said Capt. Andy Locklair with Darlington County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Office.
After Jackson was in custody, deputies searched the stopped car and found several containers filled with an unknown flammable liquid in the trunk, Locklair said.
read more here
Monday, November 19, 2012
Fort Jackson Staff Sgt. Convicted on Sex Charges
Jackson drill sgt. convicted of sex charges
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Nov 17, 2012
FORT JACKSON, S.C. — A South Carolina drill sergeant faces five years in prison and a bad conduct discharge after being convicted of sexual assault charges at the Army's largest training center.
Fort Jackson spokesman Pat Jones said Saturday that Staff Sgt. Louis Corral was convicted of forcible sodomy, cruelty and maltreatment of subordinates, and other charges.
read more here
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Nov 17, 2012
FORT JACKSON, S.C. — A South Carolina drill sergeant faces five years in prison and a bad conduct discharge after being convicted of sexual assault charges at the Army's largest training center.
Fort Jackson spokesman Pat Jones said Saturday that Staff Sgt. Louis Corral was convicted of forcible sodomy, cruelty and maltreatment of subordinates, and other charges.
read more here
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