GIs wed at airport before catching flights
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jan 4, 2013
COLONIE, N.Y. (AP) — A military couple has enlisted the help of a New York airport's staff to get married while awaiting flights to their respective military assignments.
The Times Union of Albany reports that Caitlin Murray and Sean Whitney's spur-of-the-moment wedding occurred Thursday in the observation deck at Albany International Airport. The soldiers, both privates first class, decided to get hitched as they awaited separate flights, hers to North Carolina and his to St. Louis.
read more here
Showing posts with label St. Louis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Louis. Show all posts
Friday, January 4, 2013
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Murder-suicide has East St. Louis in shock
'So out of character': ESL murder, suicide has city in shock
Published: November 23, 2012
By CAROLYN P. SMITH
News-Democrat
EAST ST. LOUIS — The 69-year-old man and 66-year-old woman who died in a murder-suicide Thursday in the 700 block of North 75th Street have been identified as Bobby Stewart and Dorothy McCaskill.
East St. Louis Police received a call at 6 p.m. to respond to what they believed was a hostage situation at the couple's residence. Once there, they called in the Illinois State Police SWAT team. The next several hours were intense and police used extreme caution in an attempt to keep the situation from escalating.
read more here
Published: November 23, 2012
By CAROLYN P. SMITH
News-Democrat
EAST ST. LOUIS — The 69-year-old man and 66-year-old woman who died in a murder-suicide Thursday in the 700 block of North 75th Street have been identified as Bobby Stewart and Dorothy McCaskill.
East St. Louis Police received a call at 6 p.m. to respond to what they believed was a hostage situation at the couple's residence. Once there, they called in the Illinois State Police SWAT team. The next several hours were intense and police used extreme caution in an attempt to keep the situation from escalating.
read more here
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Missouri National Guard accused of looting after Joplin tornado?
When I read the headline, I could feel my blood pressure go up. I thought about how this would look when National Guards showed up to help but a few decided to help themselves. But,"One man's trash, another man's treasure" seems to apply here. They were told the items would be destroyed anyway. I changed my mind as soon as I read the rest of the article.
Do you think they should have been punished for this?
Do you think they should have been punished for this?
4 Guard Troops Looted Store After Joplin Tornado
May 31, 2012
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
by Matthew Hathaway
ST. LOUIS - The Missouri National Guard, after initially refusing to divulge reports about suspected looting by soldiers after the Joplin tornado, publicly released them this week under orders from Gov. Jay Nixon.
The investigative memos show that one day after a devastating tornado struck Joplin last year, four soldiers assigned to look for survivors pocketed video game equipment and a digital camera they found at a ruined Wal-Mart.
The heavily redacted documents do not identify the soldiers involved in what the documents refer to as incidents of "theft," but the memos give the soldiers' ranks: one sergeant and three specialists.
All the soldiers were demoted and had letters of reprimand placed in their personnel files, said Major Tammy Spicer, a spokeswoman for the Guard.
The soldiers believed that the merchandise was going to be destroyed, according to a memo written by Captain Matthew J. Brown, who investigated the matter.
read more here
Monday, January 30, 2012
St. Louis service records center, recovery from 1973 fire continues
At military records center, recovery from 1973 fire continues
By STEVE GIEGERICH
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Published: January 30, 2012
NORTH ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Debra Griffith didn't know where to turn when her father, a Korean War veteran with a failing heart, asked to be buried at a military cemetery near his boyhood home in Indiana.
With her parents long divorced and the family scattered across the country, Griffith had no clue where to find the records attesting to Lewis Lower's military service — or whether they even existed.
She turned the problem over to her husband, who learned of another hitch in granting Lower's final request upon contacting the National Personnel Records Center in north St. Louis County.
The file may have been among the millions destroyed 39 years ago in a fire that burned for two days through the sixth floor of the building in Overland the center once occupied.
The near-impossible task of restoring the charred documents that survived continues to this day — a labor of love and duty for archivists either too young to remember or, in some cases, not even born when a significant chunk of America's past went up in smoke.
read more here
By STEVE GIEGERICH
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Published: January 30, 2012
NORTH ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Debra Griffith didn't know where to turn when her father, a Korean War veteran with a failing heart, asked to be buried at a military cemetery near his boyhood home in Indiana.
With her parents long divorced and the family scattered across the country, Griffith had no clue where to find the records attesting to Lewis Lower's military service — or whether they even existed.
She turned the problem over to her husband, who learned of another hitch in granting Lower's final request upon contacting the National Personnel Records Center in north St. Louis County.
The file may have been among the millions destroyed 39 years ago in a fire that burned for two days through the sixth floor of the building in Overland the center once occupied.
The near-impossible task of restoring the charred documents that survived continues to this day — a labor of love and duty for archivists either too young to remember or, in some cases, not even born when a significant chunk of America's past went up in smoke.
read more here
Iraq vets thankful for appreciation at parade
Iraq vets thankful for appreciation at parade, reflect on their service, role of faith
SUBMITTED ON JANUARY 29, 2012
Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org
Waving flags and holding signs, people three deep along the parade route yelled "Welcome home," "You rock" and "We salute you" to troops who have returned from Iraq. They were taking part in the nation's first Welcome Home the Heroes from Iraq Day on Jan. 28 in Downtown St. Louis.
Catholics from Missouri and Illinois were among the thousands who gathered for the salute or took part in the parade. It started as an idea between two friends who quickly put together an official thank you to the men and women who served their country in Iraq. They began a Facebook group, Make January 28th Welcome Home the Heroes from Iraq Day, that ignited thousands of passionate citizens to donate time, money and services for the cause.
David Behle, a Reservist who served in Iraq, said, "It's nice to be recognized. It means a lot." A member of St. Joseph Parish in Cottleville, he wants to see a similar event when troops return from Afghanistan.
"It's hard to believe that private citizens came up with this idea in three weeks time and made it this huge — a turnout like this on a January day," said Richard Cullen, quartermaster of a VFW post in Illinois. He is a member of Holy Ghost Parish in Jerseyville, Ill.
Cullen said his parish pastor, a veteran of the Korean War, and the parish have supported the troops as have many other churches. He noted that while he was in the Army serving in Iraq and Germany he was lucky to have a Catholic chaplain serving his battalion. "It's nice to be able to go to a service and practice your faith," he said, noting that it was a time to put aside worries. Whether it was in a tent or under a tree, it was really nice to have that."
read more here
Welcome Home the Heroes Vigil and Parade - Images by St. Louis Review
SUBMITTED ON JANUARY 29, 2012
Joseph Kenny | jkenny@archstl.org
Waving flags and holding signs, people three deep along the parade route yelled "Welcome home," "You rock" and "We salute you" to troops who have returned from Iraq. They were taking part in the nation's first Welcome Home the Heroes from Iraq Day on Jan. 28 in Downtown St. Louis.
Catholics from Missouri and Illinois were among the thousands who gathered for the salute or took part in the parade. It started as an idea between two friends who quickly put together an official thank you to the men and women who served their country in Iraq. They began a Facebook group, Make January 28th Welcome Home the Heroes from Iraq Day, that ignited thousands of passionate citizens to donate time, money and services for the cause.
David Behle, a Reservist who served in Iraq, said, "It's nice to be recognized. It means a lot." A member of St. Joseph Parish in Cottleville, he wants to see a similar event when troops return from Afghanistan.
"It's hard to believe that private citizens came up with this idea in three weeks time and made it this huge — a turnout like this on a January day," said Richard Cullen, quartermaster of a VFW post in Illinois. He is a member of Holy Ghost Parish in Jerseyville, Ill.
Cullen said his parish pastor, a veteran of the Korean War, and the parish have supported the troops as have many other churches. He noted that while he was in the Army serving in Iraq and Germany he was lucky to have a Catholic chaplain serving his battalion. "It's nice to be able to go to a service and practice your faith," he said, noting that it was a time to put aside worries. Whether it was in a tent or under a tree, it was really nice to have that."
read more here
Welcome Home the Heroes Vigil and Parade - Images by St. Louis Review
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thousands at parade honoring Iraqi war vets in St. Louis
January 28, 2012 3:33 PM
St. Louis hosts parade for Iraq War vets
(AP) ST. LOUIS — Thousands of people lining downtown streets cheered wildly as veterans, some wiping away tears, marched through St. Louis on Saturday during the nation's first big welcome-home parade for Iraq War veterans.
Several hundred veterans, many dressed in camouflage, walked alongside military vehicles, marching bands and even the Budweiser Clydesdales. People in the crowd held signs reading "Welcome Home" and "God Bless Our Troops," and fire trucks with aerial ladders hoisted three huge American flags along the route.
"It's not necessarily overdue. It's just the right thing," said Maj. Rich Radford, who became a symbol of the event thanks to a photo of his young daughter taking his hand while welcoming him home from his second tour in Iraq in 2010.
Since the war ended, there has been little fanfare for returning veterans aside from gatherings at airports and military bases — no ticker-tape parades or large public celebrations — so two friends from St. Louis decided to change that.
read more here
UPDATE from ABC
Veterans Share Stories at Iraq War Parade in Mo.
By JIM SALTER Associated Press
ST. LOUIS January 29, 2012 (AP)
Veterans who attended the nation's first major Iraq War parade Saturday in St. Louis said they appreciated the welcome home, even though some expected to be redeployed to Afghanistan or elsewhere in the coming months. Here are a few of their stories:
Army Maj. Rich Radford had two long tours of duty in Iraq under almost constant threat of violence.
Radford, a combat engineer, spent 15 months on his first tour starting in January 2004, then about 10 months when he went back in September 2009. He earned the Bronze Star for his service.
"Every day we were in danger," Radford, 40, said, "because the Iraqis didn't like us, didn't want us in their country. They would sell out our positions, our missions."
Radford, a 23-year military veteran, marched in the parade with his two children, Aimee, 8, and Warren, 12. An image of the father and daughter upon his return home from the second tour of duty is emblazoned on T-shirts and posters associated with the parade, fashioned from a photo taken by Radford's sister of Aimee, then 6, reaching up for her father's hand as family greeting him at Lambert Airport in St. Louis.
read more here
Thousands at parade honoring Iraqi war vets
BY JONAH NEWMAN
Saturday, January 28, 2012 12:30 pm
ST. LOUIS
A downtown parade to honor Iraq war veterans stepped off at noon today at Kiener Plaza.
Thousands of people lined the parade route on Market Street, cheering, waving American flags and holding signs "Welcome Home."
Christine Willey of Webster Groves was one of those along the parade route. Her nephew served in Afghanistan and was wounded in Iraq when his Humvee was hit by an explosive.
"I think he would appreciate it a lot," she said of the parade. Her nephew, of Wentzville, who suffered brain injuries, was unable to attend the parade.
read more here
Thousands at St. Louis parade welcome home Iraq War vets
ST. LOUIS (AP) – Thousands of people have turned out in St. Louis for the nation's first big parade welcoming home Iraq War veterans.
Several hundred veterans, many dressed in camouflage, marched Saturday afternoon through downtown along with marching bands, politicians and even the Budweiser Clydesdales.
read more here
St. Louis hosts parade for Iraq War vets
Participants in a parade to honor Iraq War veterans make their way along a downtown street Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
(AP) ST. LOUIS — Thousands of people lining downtown streets cheered wildly as veterans, some wiping away tears, marched through St. Louis on Saturday during the nation's first big welcome-home parade for Iraq War veterans.
Several hundred veterans, many dressed in camouflage, walked alongside military vehicles, marching bands and even the Budweiser Clydesdales. People in the crowd held signs reading "Welcome Home" and "God Bless Our Troops," and fire trucks with aerial ladders hoisted three huge American flags along the route.
"It's not necessarily overdue. It's just the right thing," said Maj. Rich Radford, who became a symbol of the event thanks to a photo of his young daughter taking his hand while welcoming him home from his second tour in Iraq in 2010.
Since the war ended, there has been little fanfare for returning veterans aside from gatherings at airports and military bases — no ticker-tape parades or large public celebrations — so two friends from St. Louis decided to change that.
read more here
UPDATE from ABC
Veterans Share Stories at Iraq War Parade in Mo.
By JIM SALTER Associated Press
ST. LOUIS January 29, 2012 (AP)
Veterans who attended the nation's first major Iraq War parade Saturday in St. Louis said they appreciated the welcome home, even though some expected to be redeployed to Afghanistan or elsewhere in the coming months. Here are a few of their stories:
Army Maj. Rich Radford had two long tours of duty in Iraq under almost constant threat of violence.
Radford, a combat engineer, spent 15 months on his first tour starting in January 2004, then about 10 months when he went back in September 2009. He earned the Bronze Star for his service.
"Every day we were in danger," Radford, 40, said, "because the Iraqis didn't like us, didn't want us in their country. They would sell out our positions, our missions."
Radford, a 23-year military veteran, marched in the parade with his two children, Aimee, 8, and Warren, 12. An image of the father and daughter upon his return home from the second tour of duty is emblazoned on T-shirts and posters associated with the parade, fashioned from a photo taken by Radford's sister of Aimee, then 6, reaching up for her father's hand as family greeting him at Lambert Airport in St. Louis.
read more here
Thousands at parade honoring Iraqi war vets
BY JONAH NEWMAN
Saturday, January 28, 2012 12:30 pm
ST. LOUIS
A downtown parade to honor Iraq war veterans stepped off at noon today at Kiener Plaza.
Thousands of people lined the parade route on Market Street, cheering, waving American flags and holding signs "Welcome Home."
Christine Willey of Webster Groves was one of those along the parade route. Her nephew served in Afghanistan and was wounded in Iraq when his Humvee was hit by an explosive.
"I think he would appreciate it a lot," she said of the parade. Her nephew, of Wentzville, who suffered brain injuries, was unable to attend the parade.
read more here
Thousands at St. Louis parade welcome home Iraq War vets
ST. LOUIS (AP) – Thousands of people have turned out in St. Louis for the nation's first big parade welcoming home Iraq War veterans.
Several hundred veterans, many dressed in camouflage, marched Saturday afternoon through downtown along with marching bands, politicians and even the Budweiser Clydesdales.
read more here
Friday, January 27, 2012
St. Louis to Host 1st Big Parade on Iraq War's End
St. Louis to Host 1st Big Parade on Iraq War's End
January 27, 2012
Associated Press
by Jim Salter
ST. LOUIS -- Since the Iraq War ended, there has been little fanfare for the veterans returning home. No ticker-tape parades. No massive, flag-waving public celebrations.
So, two friends from St. Louis decided to change that. They sought donations, launched a Facebook page, met with the mayor and mapped a route. On Saturday, hundreds of veterans are expected to march in downtown St. Louis in the nation's first big welcome home parade since the last troops left Iraq in December.
"It struck me that there was this debate going on as to whether there should or shouldn't be a parade," said Tom Appelbaum, one of the organizers. "Instead of waiting around for somebody somewhere to say, `Yes, let's have a parade,' we said, `Let's just do it.' "
Appelbaum, a 46-year-old lawyer, and Craig Schneider, a 41-year-old school technology coordinator, said they were puzzled by the lack of celebrations marking the war's end. But, they wondered, if St. Louis could host thousands of people for a parade after their beloved Cardinals won the World Series, why couldn't there be a party for the troops who put their lives on the line?
read more here
January 27, 2012
Associated Press
by Jim Salter
ST. LOUIS -- Since the Iraq War ended, there has been little fanfare for the veterans returning home. No ticker-tape parades. No massive, flag-waving public celebrations.
So, two friends from St. Louis decided to change that. They sought donations, launched a Facebook page, met with the mayor and mapped a route. On Saturday, hundreds of veterans are expected to march in downtown St. Louis in the nation's first big welcome home parade since the last troops left Iraq in December.
"It struck me that there was this debate going on as to whether there should or shouldn't be a parade," said Tom Appelbaum, one of the organizers. "Instead of waiting around for somebody somewhere to say, `Yes, let's have a parade,' we said, `Let's just do it.' "
Appelbaum, a 46-year-old lawyer, and Craig Schneider, a 41-year-old school technology coordinator, said they were puzzled by the lack of celebrations marking the war's end. But, they wondered, if St. Louis could host thousands of people for a parade after their beloved Cardinals won the World Series, why couldn't there be a party for the troops who put their lives on the line?
read more here
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
“Celebration of Service” initiative to honor U.S. military veterans
As Chaplain of the Orlando DAV Auxiliary, I can tell you that this group should have a lot more attention. After all, our Chapter was one of the projects Home Depot took on with Mission Continues. Now they are helping out even more.
When it comes to a real "welcome home" to our veterans, Home Depot has been making sure their homes are better than what they are able to do for themselves.
When it comes to a real "welcome home" to our veterans, Home Depot has been making sure their homes are better than what they are able to do for themselves.
U.S.VETS & The Home Depot Foundation Announce 2012 Veteran Housing Rehabilitation Project
UNITED STATES VETERANS INITIATIVE AND THE HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE 2012 VETERAN HOUSING REHABILITATION PROJECT FOR HOMELESS AND LOW-INCOME VETERANS
Creating Transitional and Permanent Housing for 160 Veterans and Veteran Families in St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19, 2011 — The United States Veterans Initiative (U.S.VETS) and The Home Depot® Foundation today announced the 2012 Veteran Housing Rehabilitation project to expand housing for homeless and low-income veterans in the District of Columbia and St. Louis, Missouri. As part of its “Celebration of Service” initiative to honor U.S. military veterans, The Home Depot® Foundation has awarded U.S.VETS $400,000 to support the launch of its newest site in St. Louis and increase the capacity of its location in the Nation’s capital.
Funding from The Home Depot Foundation will enable U.S.VETS to expand its presence and provide programs and services to twice as many veterans in the D.C. area, while also replicating many of its most successful programs for a new population of veterans in St. Louis. These services include residential and reintegration programs for disabled veterans; education, employment and preventative mental health services for recently returned Iraq and Afghanistan veterans; as well as focused and specific services for women veterans.
“A new generation of men and women are coming home from service to fight another battle – the transition back to civilian life,” said Stephen Peck, President and CEO of U.S.VETS. “They join thousands of veterans from previous wars in their struggles with homelessness, unemployment, and mental trauma. We are grateful to have the support of The Home Depot Foundation and this opportunity to expand our services and presence in the places where veterans’ needs are also growing.”
read more here
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Home Depot Foundation Announce 2012 Veteran Housing Rehabilitation Project
Sept. 19, 2011, 12:45 p.m. EDT
U.S.VETS and the Home Depot Foundation Announce 2012 Veteran Housing Rehabilitation Project for Homeless and Low-Income Veterans
Creating Transitional and Permanent Housing for 170 Veterans and Veteran Families in St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
LOS ANGELES, Sep 19, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- The United States Veterans Initiative (U.S.VETS) and The Home Depot(R) Foundation today announced the 2012 Veteran Housing Rehabilitation project to expand housing for homeless and low-income veterans in the District of Columbia and St. Louis, Missouri. As part of its "Celebration of Service" initiative to honor U.S. military veterans, The Home Depot(R) Foundation has awarded U.S.VETS $400,000 to support the launch of its newest site in St. Louis and increase the capacity of its location in the Nation's capital.
Funding from The Home Depot Foundation will enable U.S.VETS to expand its presence and provide programs and services to twice as many veterans in the D.C. area, while also replicating many of its most successful programs for a new population of veterans in St. Louis. These services include residential and reintegration programs for disabled veterans; education, employment and preventative mental health services for recently returned Iraq and Afghanistan veterans; as well as focused and specific services for women veterans.
"A new generation of men and women are coming home from service to fight another battle -- the transition back to civilian life," said Stephen Peck, President and CEO of U.S.VETS. "They join thousands of veterans from previous wars in their struggles with homelessness, unemployment, and mental trauma. We are grateful to have the support of The Home Depot Foundation and this opportunity to expand our services and presence in the places where veterans' needs are also growing."
They are doing it right here in Orlando too!
Home Depot Mission Continues at DAV
If you are a veteran support Home Depot because they support you!
U.S.VETS and the Home Depot Foundation Announce 2012 Veteran Housing Rehabilitation Project for Homeless and Low-Income Veterans
Creating Transitional and Permanent Housing for 170 Veterans and Veteran Families in St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
LOS ANGELES, Sep 19, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- The United States Veterans Initiative (U.S.VETS) and The Home Depot(R) Foundation today announced the 2012 Veteran Housing Rehabilitation project to expand housing for homeless and low-income veterans in the District of Columbia and St. Louis, Missouri. As part of its "Celebration of Service" initiative to honor U.S. military veterans, The Home Depot(R) Foundation has awarded U.S.VETS $400,000 to support the launch of its newest site in St. Louis and increase the capacity of its location in the Nation's capital.
Funding from The Home Depot Foundation will enable U.S.VETS to expand its presence and provide programs and services to twice as many veterans in the D.C. area, while also replicating many of its most successful programs for a new population of veterans in St. Louis. These services include residential and reintegration programs for disabled veterans; education, employment and preventative mental health services for recently returned Iraq and Afghanistan veterans; as well as focused and specific services for women veterans.
"A new generation of men and women are coming home from service to fight another battle -- the transition back to civilian life," said Stephen Peck, President and CEO of U.S.VETS. "They join thousands of veterans from previous wars in their struggles with homelessness, unemployment, and mental trauma. We are grateful to have the support of The Home Depot Foundation and this opportunity to expand our services and presence in the places where veterans' needs are also growing."
They are doing it right here in Orlando too!
Home Depot Mission Continues at DAV
If you are a veteran support Home Depot because they support you!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Federal Investigation Begins Into Missouri VA Center
Federal Investigation Begins Into Missouri VA Center
Tuesday, February 08 2011
(St. Louis, MO) -- The U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs will discuss conditions at a St. Louis VA hospital this week.
Members of Congress are hoping to get answers about the the John Cochran VA Center.
The Department of Veterans says John Cochran is the worst VA hospital in America in some areas, and among the very worst in many others.
read more here
http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=400766
Tuesday, February 08 2011
(St. Louis, MO) -- The U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs will discuss conditions at a St. Louis VA hospital this week.
Members of Congress are hoping to get answers about the the John Cochran VA Center.
The Department of Veterans says John Cochran is the worst VA hospital in America in some areas, and among the very worst in many others.
read more here
http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=400766
Friday, July 30, 2010
4 positive tests of St. Louis vets
APNewsBreak: 4 positive tests of St. Louis vets
By JIM SALTER
Associated Press Writer
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Four veterans treated at the St. Louis VA Medical Center's dental clinic have tested positive for hepatitis, but further testing will be necessary to determine if inadequately sterilized dental equipment is to blame, VA officials said Friday.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provided test results to The Associated Press after repeated requests over the past two weeks. The VA has drawn criticism from some members of congressional delegations in Missouri and Illinois for taking too long to release information on how many veterans tested positive.
read more here
4 positive tests of St. Louis vets
By JIM SALTER
Associated Press Writer
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Four veterans treated at the St. Louis VA Medical Center's dental clinic have tested positive for hepatitis, but further testing will be necessary to determine if inadequately sterilized dental equipment is to blame, VA officials said Friday.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provided test results to The Associated Press after repeated requests over the past two weeks. The VA has drawn criticism from some members of congressional delegations in Missouri and Illinois for taking too long to release information on how many veterans tested positive.
read more here
4 positive tests of St. Louis vets
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
St. Louis Marine Gives Insight To War In Afghanistan
St. Louis Marine Gives Insight To War In Afghanistan
By Charles Jaco FOX2now.com
May 17, 2010
LOUIS (KTVI - FOX2now.com) - A St. Louis area Marine came home on leave Monday from combat in Afghanistan and his story tells us a lot about the kind of war our troops are fighting. U.S. Enclaves, strict rules of engagement, a hit-and-run enemy, the inability to tell friend from foe: that's the reality in Afghanistan. And as combat heats up so will the problems. Marine Corporal Nicholas Wicker is one small part of one large war that's becoming larger.
20,000 Marines from the 1st Marine Division had been slugging it out with the Taliban in Helmand Province, a Taliban stronghold. Now, they're responsible for two other provinces, tripling their combat area in a region infested with Taliban. It's also the primary opium poppy producing area of the country.
"Every day. Every day. Summer months it gets worse. They hammer you in summer. Let off. It never ends," says Cpl. Wicker.
In Helmand Province, about one-third the size of Missouri, 9 marines have been killed just this month. And with a summertime goal to root the Taliban out of their traditional strongholds, expect that total to go up:
go here for more
St. Louis Marine Gives Insight To War In Afghanistan
By Charles Jaco FOX2now.com
May 17, 2010
LOUIS (KTVI - FOX2now.com) - A St. Louis area Marine came home on leave Monday from combat in Afghanistan and his story tells us a lot about the kind of war our troops are fighting. U.S. Enclaves, strict rules of engagement, a hit-and-run enemy, the inability to tell friend from foe: that's the reality in Afghanistan. And as combat heats up so will the problems. Marine Corporal Nicholas Wicker is one small part of one large war that's becoming larger.
20,000 Marines from the 1st Marine Division had been slugging it out with the Taliban in Helmand Province, a Taliban stronghold. Now, they're responsible for two other provinces, tripling their combat area in a region infested with Taliban. It's also the primary opium poppy producing area of the country.
"Every day. Every day. Summer months it gets worse. They hammer you in summer. Let off. It never ends," says Cpl. Wicker.
In Helmand Province, about one-third the size of Missouri, 9 marines have been killed just this month. And with a summertime goal to root the Taliban out of their traditional strongholds, expect that total to go up:
go here for more
St. Louis Marine Gives Insight To War In Afghanistan
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Iraq veteran training dog for disabled
Iraq veteran training dog for disabled
By Bridget DiCosmo - Southeast Missourian via Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Sep 12, 2009 10:32:00 EDT
BENTON, Mo. — Five years ago, before the arrival of a chocolate Lab named L.T., Phillip D. Sturgeon Jr.'s life was very different.
In 2004, Sturgeon, originally of Vanduser, Mo., was stationed near Baghdad as an Army medic with the 458th Engineer Battalion when a rocket-propelled grenade struck the vehicle he was in. Four of Sturgeon's patrol were killed in the blast, and he suffered broken ribs, facial fractures, serious knee and shoulder injuries and brain trauma. In addition to extensive and ongoing physical therapy required to repair his body, Sturgeon was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
"I was just basically learning how to live life over again," said Sturgeon, 35.
It was through reconnecting with an old friend with whom he used to serve, Chris Amacker, that Sturgeon learned about Mission Continues, a St. Louis-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping returning war veterans discover new ways of giving back to their communities.
Sturgeon said Mission Continues staff suggested the idea of training support dogs for the disabled, and it struck a chord with him. His father had been confined to a wheelchair, and Sturgeon had also spent some time in the military working with service dogs.
read more here
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/ap_vet_trains_dog_091209/
By Bridget DiCosmo - Southeast Missourian via Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Sep 12, 2009 10:32:00 EDT
BENTON, Mo. — Five years ago, before the arrival of a chocolate Lab named L.T., Phillip D. Sturgeon Jr.'s life was very different.
In 2004, Sturgeon, originally of Vanduser, Mo., was stationed near Baghdad as an Army medic with the 458th Engineer Battalion when a rocket-propelled grenade struck the vehicle he was in. Four of Sturgeon's patrol were killed in the blast, and he suffered broken ribs, facial fractures, serious knee and shoulder injuries and brain trauma. In addition to extensive and ongoing physical therapy required to repair his body, Sturgeon was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
"I was just basically learning how to live life over again," said Sturgeon, 35.
It was through reconnecting with an old friend with whom he used to serve, Chris Amacker, that Sturgeon learned about Mission Continues, a St. Louis-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping returning war veterans discover new ways of giving back to their communities.
Sturgeon said Mission Continues staff suggested the idea of training support dogs for the disabled, and it struck a chord with him. His father had been confined to a wheelchair, and Sturgeon had also spent some time in the military working with service dogs.
read more here
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/ap_vet_trains_dog_091209/
Thursday, October 16, 2008
VFW reports 4 VA offices involved in document shredding
VA claims found in piles to be shredded
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Oct 16, 2008 16:35:50 EDT
Department of Veterans Affairs regional offices have been ordered to immediately stop shredding documents after an investigation found some benefits claims and supporting documents among piles of papers waiting to be destroyed.
Claims often include personal records supplied by veterans that are not duplicated in government files and might be difficult to replace, such as certificates for births, deaths and marriage.
In a statement, VA Secretary James Peake said only a handful of documents were found among piles of documents set aside to be shredded. But he is not pleased.
“I insist on the highest possible standards for processing and safeguarding information in VA’s custody,” Peake said. “It is unacceptable that documents important to a veteran’s claim for benefits should be misplaced or destroyed.”
Peake said three of VA’s 57 regional offices were involved, without naming them. Veterans of Foreign Wars said they were told four regional offices — in Detroit, St. Louis, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Waco, Texas — were identified as having documents in shredding bins that should not have been there.
VFW National Commander Glen Gardner said the problem could be significant.
“The VA inspector general conducted a routine investigation of Detroit’s mailroom and discovered five documents in the shredder bin, then three pieces are found in St. Louis, two in Waco, and some more in St. Petersburg,” he said. “The question that begs to be asked and answered is how many veterans had their disability and compensation claims disappear down a paper shredder?”
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_va_stopshredding_101608w/
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Oct 16, 2008 16:35:50 EDT
Department of Veterans Affairs regional offices have been ordered to immediately stop shredding documents after an investigation found some benefits claims and supporting documents among piles of papers waiting to be destroyed.
Claims often include personal records supplied by veterans that are not duplicated in government files and might be difficult to replace, such as certificates for births, deaths and marriage.
In a statement, VA Secretary James Peake said only a handful of documents were found among piles of documents set aside to be shredded. But he is not pleased.
“I insist on the highest possible standards for processing and safeguarding information in VA’s custody,” Peake said. “It is unacceptable that documents important to a veteran’s claim for benefits should be misplaced or destroyed.”
Peake said three of VA’s 57 regional offices were involved, without naming them. Veterans of Foreign Wars said they were told four regional offices — in Detroit, St. Louis, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Waco, Texas — were identified as having documents in shredding bins that should not have been there.
VFW National Commander Glen Gardner said the problem could be significant.
“The VA inspector general conducted a routine investigation of Detroit’s mailroom and discovered five documents in the shredder bin, then three pieces are found in St. Louis, two in Waco, and some more in St. Petersburg,” he said. “The question that begs to be asked and answered is how many veterans had their disability and compensation claims disappear down a paper shredder?”
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_va_stopshredding_101608w/
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Chemical exposure prompts lockdown at 2 St. Louis ERs
Chemical prompts lockdown at 2 St. Louis ERs
Authorities '99 percent' certain material behind scare was nitroaniline
Sun., Aug. 31, 2008
ST. LOUIS - Eight people were sickened Saturday after exposure to a chemical at an Illinois plant, and emergency rooms at two hospitals where they were treated were quarantined.
Authorities were "99 percent" certain the chemical was nitroaniline, a highly toxic material that can cause serious breathing problems and even death.
By late evening, it appeared that no patients or staff at the hospitals were contaminated because of their proximity to the victims.
'Got all over them'
The incident began when a barrel was dropped at Ro-Corp. in East St. Louis. Mehlville Fire Chief Jim Silvernail said the lid popped off the barrel spilling a white powder.
"It's like what would happen if you drop flour — it got all over them," he said.
Three men exposed to the powder drove to St. Anthony's Medical Center in south St. Louis County. Three others went to SSM DePaul Health Center in north St. Louis County. Another went to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Silvernail said. It wasn't known where the eighth sought treatment.
All three at DePaul were in fair condition and improving, spokeswoman Jamie Newell said. Details about the conditions of the other five were not immediately known, but Silvernail said at least one at St. Anthony's was "in pretty rough shape."
St. Anthony's and DePaul immediately locked down their emergency rooms.
go here for more
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26473821/
Authorities '99 percent' certain material behind scare was nitroaniline
Sun., Aug. 31, 2008
ST. LOUIS - Eight people were sickened Saturday after exposure to a chemical at an Illinois plant, and emergency rooms at two hospitals where they were treated were quarantined.
Authorities were "99 percent" certain the chemical was nitroaniline, a highly toxic material that can cause serious breathing problems and even death.
By late evening, it appeared that no patients or staff at the hospitals were contaminated because of their proximity to the victims.
'Got all over them'
The incident began when a barrel was dropped at Ro-Corp. in East St. Louis. Mehlville Fire Chief Jim Silvernail said the lid popped off the barrel spilling a white powder.
"It's like what would happen if you drop flour — it got all over them," he said.
Three men exposed to the powder drove to St. Anthony's Medical Center in south St. Louis County. Three others went to SSM DePaul Health Center in north St. Louis County. Another went to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Silvernail said. It wasn't known where the eighth sought treatment.
All three at DePaul were in fair condition and improving, spokeswoman Jamie Newell said. Details about the conditions of the other five were not immediately known, but Silvernail said at least one at St. Anthony's was "in pretty rough shape."
St. Anthony's and DePaul immediately locked down their emergency rooms.
go here for more
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26473821/
Monday, July 21, 2008
Firefighter killed, 2 shot at burning Mo. house
Firefighter killed, 2 shot at burning Mo. house
Gunman shoots at emergency workers from smoke-filled St. Louis home
updated 11:44 a.m. ET, Mon., July. 21, 2008
MAPLEWOOD, Mo. - A suburban St. Louis firefighter was shot to death Monday and two other emergency workers were injured in a standoff with a gunman in a smoke-filled house.
The incident began with a report of a pickup truck fire Monday morning in Maplewood, a suburban town just southwest of St. Louis.
When firefighters arrived, someone began firing shots from a house that also appeared to be on fire. Police responded, and at least one officer was also reportedly struck.
go here for more
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25781236/
Gunman shoots at emergency workers from smoke-filled St. Louis home
updated 11:44 a.m. ET, Mon., July. 21, 2008
MAPLEWOOD, Mo. - A suburban St. Louis firefighter was shot to death Monday and two other emergency workers were injured in a standoff with a gunman in a smoke-filled house.
The incident began with a report of a pickup truck fire Monday morning in Maplewood, a suburban town just southwest of St. Louis.
When firefighters arrived, someone began firing shots from a house that also appeared to be on fire. Police responded, and at least one officer was also reportedly struck.
go here for more
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25781236/
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
9-vehicle pileup leaves 2 dead, 12 injured in St. Louis
AP foreign
, Wednesday July 16 2008
TOWN AND COUNTRY, Mo. (AP) - A tractor-trailer apparently hit vehicles stuck in traffic on a St. Louis-area highway Tuesday, causing a pileup that killed two people and injured a dozen, authorities said.
Six of the injured were in critical condition after the nine-vehicle crash on U.S. 40, emergency responders said.
It appeared that the semi ran into about five vehicles sitting in backed-up traffic, said State Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Al Nothum.
``The driver just ran over the cars,'' he said, adding that no cause had been concretely determined.
go here for more
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/7654678
, Wednesday July 16 2008
TOWN AND COUNTRY, Mo. (AP) - A tractor-trailer apparently hit vehicles stuck in traffic on a St. Louis-area highway Tuesday, causing a pileup that killed two people and injured a dozen, authorities said.
Six of the injured were in critical condition after the nine-vehicle crash on U.S. 40, emergency responders said.
It appeared that the semi ran into about five vehicles sitting in backed-up traffic, said State Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Al Nothum.
``The driver just ran over the cars,'' he said, adding that no cause had been concretely determined.
go here for more
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/7654678
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Col. Stephen Scott killed in Green Zone Iraq
Col. Stephen Scott died April 6 during a mortar attack on facilities inside the Green Zone in Baghdad. An avid jogger, the 54-year-old Scott was killed as he exercised on a treadmill, according to his sister, Kathleen King.
Colonel 9th of his rank to be killed in Iraq
By Christopher Leonard - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 10, 2008 8:10:31 EDT
ST. LOUIS — Family members are mourning an Army colonel who had worked at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama and who is only the ninth solider of his rank to have been killed in the Iraq war.
Col. Stephen Scott died Sunday during a mortar attack on facilities inside the protected Green Zone in Baghdad, which houses the U.S. Embassy. An avid jogger, the 54-year-old Scott was killed as he exercised on a treadmill in a U.S. military facility, according to his sister, Kathleen King.
Scott is one of the highest ranking officers killed in the Iraq conflict, which has claimed the lives of more than 4,000 U.S. soldiers. Two colonels were among 12 people killed in 2007 when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Baghdad.
Colonel appears to be the highest rank of any U.S. military deaths in the Iraq war. According to an Associated Press database of U.S. military deaths in Iraq, at least eight other Army or Army Reserve colonels have died in the now 5-year-old war.
By Christopher Leonard - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 10, 2008 8:10:31 EDT
ST. LOUIS — Family members are mourning an Army colonel who had worked at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama and who is only the ninth solider of his rank to have been killed in the Iraq war.
Col. Stephen Scott died Sunday during a mortar attack on facilities inside the protected Green Zone in Baghdad, which houses the U.S. Embassy. An avid jogger, the 54-year-old Scott was killed as he exercised on a treadmill in a U.S. military facility, according to his sister, Kathleen King.
Scott is one of the highest ranking officers killed in the Iraq conflict, which has claimed the lives of more than 4,000 U.S. soldiers. Two colonels were among 12 people killed in 2007 when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Baghdad.
Colonel appears to be the highest rank of any U.S. military deaths in the Iraq war. According to an Associated Press database of U.S. military deaths in Iraq, at least eight other Army or Army Reserve colonels have died in the now 5-year-old war.
go here for more
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Voice, Women At War new video
I just put up the new video The Voice, Women at War. If you want to learn some history of women in war time, it will open your eyes. They were not all just "nurses" as some fools want to believe. A lot of them made history. The video is on the right side of the blog.
Women have fought in war since before the days of Joan of Arc.
She led the French army army at 17 and died at only 19 years old in 1431 when
the court convicted her of heresy and she was burned at the stake by the English.
Robert Shirtliffe, born Deborah Samson, joined the Army in October of 1778 at Plymouth Massachusetts for the whole term of the war and served in the company of Captain Nathan Thayer of Medway, Massachusetts for three years.
Clara Barton worked in the Civil War, first collecting medical supplies and then on the battlefield and in hospitals. She went on to found the American Red Cross.
The population of women veterans numbered 1,731,125 as of 2006
Alabama 31,678
Alaska 6,950
Arizona 43,212
Arkansas 18,143
California 164,810
Colorado 36,294
Connecticut 14,722
Delaware 5,940
District of Columbia 3,261
Florida 132,723
Georgia 69,718
Hawaii 8,478
Idaho 9,660
Illinois 53,468
Indiana 32,620
Iowa 13,865
Kansas 16,137
Kentucky 22,468
Louisiana 27,526
Maine 9,358
Maryland 44,078
Massachusetts 28,096
Michigan 48,188
Minnesota 23,166
Mississippi 18,339
Missouri 35,370
Montana 7,114
Nebraska 10,899
Nevada 19,574
New Hampshire 8,382
New Jersey 30,478
New Mexico 14,742
New York 66,730
North Carolina 61,420
North Dakota 3,622
Ohio 63,256
Oklahoma 24,137
Oregon 25,401
Pennsylvania 63,279
Puerto Rico 7,086
Rhode Island 5,393
South Carolina 32,702
South Dakota 5,063
Tennessee 37,911
Texas 134,949
Utah 9,290
Vermont 3,750
Virginia 75,129
Washington 50,385
West Virginia 10,650
Wisconsin 27,571
Wyoming 3,866
Source: Department of Veterans Affairs, VetPop0
While some people, men mostly, want to say women are only nurses, they need to take a look at the history of women who have in fact fought for this country. As for the "nurse" comment they love to make I'd like to see what would happen if they were not willing to go into a combat zone to take care of the wounded.
Women are as important in times of war as males are. What makes all of this worse for them is that they not only suffer the same kinds of trauma as males do, too many of them suffer sexual trauma.
Take a look at this video and if you do need the strength in numbers of the women veterans, you are heading for a real eye opener because they are getting organized. They are no longer going to accept being treated as anything less than a veteran.
The United Female Veterans of America is having a meeting in June in St. Louis. I did this video for them. If you are a female veteran, make sure you attend this meeting and find others who were willing to serve, did serve and see what other heroes look like. This nation if filled with them from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guards and all the wars this nation has engaged in. Some are wounded, some have medals but as with the saying about Vietnam, "All gave some, some gave all."
I will be at the meeting on June 27th and look forward to seeing as many women who have served as possible. I want to shake your hand and say thank you. I am not a veteran. I'm married to a Vietnam veteran and he's the reason I got into all of this 25 years ago. All of you have captured my heart.
Chaplain Kathie Costos
Namguardianangel@aol.com
www.Namguardianangel.org
www.Namguardianangel.blogspot.com
www.Woundedtimes.blogspot.com
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation." - George Washington
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
29 Patients at Marion VA died because of substandard and questionable care
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Substandard care at a southern Illinois Veterans Affairs hospital may have contributed to 19 deaths over the past two years, a VA official said Monday as he apologized to affected families and pledged reform.
The hospital in Marion, Ill., initially drew scrutiny over deaths connected to a single surgeon, but two federal reports found fault with five other doctors.
The hospital undertook many surgeries that its staffing or lack of proper surgical expertise made it ill-equipped to handle, and hospital administrators were too slow to respond once problems surfaced, said Dr. Michael Kussman, U.S. veterans affairs undersecretary for health.
"I can't tell you how angry we all are and how frustrated we all are. Nothing angers me more than when we don't do the right thing," Kussman told reporters during a conference call after releasing findings of the VA's investigation and summarizing a separate inspector general's probe.
The VA will help affected families file administrative claims under the VA's disability compensation program, he said. Families also could sue.
...........The VA investigation found that at least nine deaths between October 2006 and March last year were "directly attributable" to substandard care at the Marion hospital, which serves veterans from southern Illinois, southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky.
Kussman declined to identify those cases by patient or doctor, though Rep. Jerry Costello, an Illinois Democrat, said those nine deaths were linked to two surgeons he did not name.
Of an additional 34 cases the VA investigated, 10 patients who died received questionable care that complicated their health, Kussman said. Investigators could not determine whether the care actually caused the deaths.
go here for the rest
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-28-illinois-hospitaldeaths_N.htm?csp=15
This makes Bush's speech like a very bad B movie script.
The hospital in Marion, Ill., initially drew scrutiny over deaths connected to a single surgeon, but two federal reports found fault with five other doctors.
The hospital undertook many surgeries that its staffing or lack of proper surgical expertise made it ill-equipped to handle, and hospital administrators were too slow to respond once problems surfaced, said Dr. Michael Kussman, U.S. veterans affairs undersecretary for health.
"I can't tell you how angry we all are and how frustrated we all are. Nothing angers me more than when we don't do the right thing," Kussman told reporters during a conference call after releasing findings of the VA's investigation and summarizing a separate inspector general's probe.
The VA will help affected families file administrative claims under the VA's disability compensation program, he said. Families also could sue.
...........The VA investigation found that at least nine deaths between October 2006 and March last year were "directly attributable" to substandard care at the Marion hospital, which serves veterans from southern Illinois, southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky.
Kussman declined to identify those cases by patient or doctor, though Rep. Jerry Costello, an Illinois Democrat, said those nine deaths were linked to two surgeons he did not name.
Of an additional 34 cases the VA investigated, 10 patients who died received questionable care that complicated their health, Kussman said. Investigators could not determine whether the care actually caused the deaths.
go here for the rest
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-28-illinois-hospitaldeaths_N.htm?csp=15
This makes Bush's speech like a very bad B movie script.
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