New National Memorial Honors 4 Million Disabled Veterans

Commentary: New national memorial to honor disabled veterans
Palm Beach Post
Lois B. Pope
October 3, 2014

This month, for the first time, America will have a place to pay tribute to some of our most courageous heroes — our disabled veterans. I encourage my neighbors here in South Florida, veterans from around the country and all those who wish to honor them, to come to the dedication ceremony on Sunday. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Every year, more than 25 million people from around the world visit the National Mall in Washington.

The Mall is lined with important memorials, each honoring some of America’s greatest heroes. And yet, none of these monuments recognizes the millions of disabled American veterans who have selflessly fought for freedom throughout our nation’s history.

This will soon change. On Sunday, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial (AVDLM), the first national memorial honoring disabled veterans, will be dedicated. It opens to the public the following day. Within sight of the U.S. Capitol, this new national landmark will serve as a constant reminder of the cost of human conflict.

My own connection to the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is deeply personal. As a young singer, I entertained our military coming home from battle. I was so touched by the young men and women whose lives would never be same, I knew helping disabled veterans was something that would always be a priority in my life.

In 1998, Disabled American Veterans National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson, the late Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown and I joined forces to create the Disabled Veterans Life Memorial Foundation. My fondest wish was to honor the 4 million living disabled veterans, as well as those who are no longer with us, who have sacrificed so much for our country.
read more here
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington

Grit and granite: A monument to disabled veterans
Philly.com
Edward Colimore, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: Sunday, September 28, 2014

"The country has finally separated the disdain for what politicians do with the military and the service member who sacrifices himself for his country," he said. "Our country loves the soldier and hates the war; that's a positive evolution."

At one point during the chaos and carnage of D-Day, the USS Frankford sailed so close to Omaha Beach that it scraped bottom.

The destroyer's big guns blasted German machine-gun positions and helped pinned-down GIs advance on June 6, 1944, when all seemed lost.

Tom Potts, then a teenager from Moorestown, was manning an antiaircraft gun on the Frankford's deck amid the cacophony of fire - and lost most of his hearing that day 70 years ago.

After numerous surgeries and hearing aids, the now-89-year-old from Upper Pittsgrove, Salem County, still has trouble following conversations and is among four million disabled service members who returned home with the lingering effects of war.

Next Sunday, all of them will be honored with the dedication of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington.

The 2.4-acre triangular site - across from the U.S. Botanic Garden and about 1,000 feet from the Capitol - uses granite and glass to communicate the strength and vulnerability of service members. read more here

Also some more on this story

Actor Gary Sinise champions disabled veterans' memorial
AUGUST 24, 2014

Sinise tells "Face the Nation" about his involvement with the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which is nearing completion.

Man claiming to be Iraq Veteran got past Secret Service and into White House

“The family’s hope is that this sad event brings awareness to the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said, “and the need for proper treatment.”

“Omar is not some maniac,” he added. “He’s a veteran who needs help.”

He is a two tour Iraq veteran diagnosed with PTSD on his first tour but sent back. Then had became an amputee. Then he was discharged to become a homeless veteran!

How safe are we when someone can hop the White House fence, run across the lawn and make it into the White House?

White House Intruder Had Knife, Claims to Be Iraq Vet
ABC News
Arlette Saenz
Digital Journalist
WASHINGTON — Sep 20, 2014

Gonzalez was arrested just after going through the North Portico doors of the White House.

The man who jumped over a White House fence and made it all the way inside the executive mansion before being caught was carrying a 3 1/2-inch knife and told officials he was a veteran of three tours in Iraq, according to the complaint released today.

In the wake of the incident Friday night, the Secret Service announced it is stepping up its security procedures at the White House complex.

Secret Service Director Julia Pierson ordered an immediate increase in "officer patrols and surveillance capabilities along the Pennsylvania Avenue fence line" of the White House complex, the Secret Service said Saturday.

The steps went into effect Friday night after Omar Gonzalez, 42, scaled the White House fence, sprinted across the North Lawn, and entered the White House.

The Secret Service dealt with a second security incident in as many days on Saturday after a man was arrested at the White House after trying to enter a barricaded entrance to the White House complex with his car.

Gonzalez was carrying a three and a half inch Spyderco VG-10 black serrated folding knife in his front pants pocket when he was arrested, according to a police affidavit.

On Friday, Secret Service Spokesman Ed Donovan had initially said Gonzalez was unarmed at the time of his arrest.

The affidavit says after he was apprehended, Gonzalez, of Copperas Cove, Texas, told a Secret Service agent "he was concerned that the atmosphere was collapsing and need to get the information to the President of the United States so that he could get the word out to people."

He told officials he served 18 years in the military and did three tours in Iraq, according to the affidavit. He said he lived in Washington, D.C., for three months but has no known address.
read more here

Oh beautiful, for heroes proved

This morning I was listening to Sunny 105FM and heard the song by Ray Charles in tribute to the lives lost on 9-11 and the members of the armed forces.

It is from 1972 when young men and women were still serving in Vietnam and far too many came home, pretty much to the same things today's veterans return to, but no one knew. No one other than their families.

There were so many protestors that it seemed as if no one was supporting the troops, but as you can see, that is far from the truth. Ray Charles America The Beautiful
Oh beautiful, for heroes proved,
In liberating strife,
Who more than self, their country loved,
And mercy more than life,
America, America, may God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain devined
And you know when I was in school,
We used to sing it something like this, listen here:
Oh beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountains majesty,
Above the fruited plain,
But now wait a minute, I'm talking about
America, sweet America,
You know, God done shed his grace on thee,
He crowned thy good, yes he did, with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.
You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this
(America, America, God shed his grace on thee)
America, I love you America, you see,
My God he done shed his grace on thee,
And you oughta love him for it,
Cause he, he, he, he, crowned thy good,
You know he gave us brotherhood,
(From sea to shining sea).
Oh Lord, oh Lord, I thank you Lord

From THE DICK CAVETT SHOW. September 18, 1972.

IED claimed Marine's legs, not his sense of humor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both of Alonso's legs were amputated in the explosion and he sustained extensive abdominal injuries in the blast.
read more here

Oldest Female Veteran at 108 Treated Like Royalty in Washington

Nation's oldest female veteran, 108-year-old Lucy Coffey, fulfills her dream
Visit to Washington, D.C. includes meeting with Obama and Biden
Stars and Stripes
By Meredith Tibbetts
Published: July 26, 2014

WASHINGTON — Lucy Coffey, at age 108 the nation's oldest living female military veteran, dreamed of going to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va. This weekend she got her wish ... and then some.

Coffey was greeted with thunderous applause on Friday at Reagan National Airport, and was then welcomed to the White House by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

Though Coffey — who was part of the Women's Army Corps during World War II — did not walk on this trip and cannot speak, she was actively engaging with the people around her.

Staff Sgt. Lucy Coffey enlisted in 1943, around the time of her 37th birthday. She had tried to enlist several times before that, but was rejected for being too short or too slim. Donning extra weights on her legs, she passed the weight minimum of 100 pounds.

While in the Women's Army Corps, she earned two Bronze Stars, a WAC Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and a World War II Victory Medal. Coffey was one of 150,000 women who served as WACs during the war.
read more here

Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride to The Wall

Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride To The Wall Covered by CSPAN leaves a huge question. With so many so concerned about veterans, how could these videos have so few views?

• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 5

  Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial Bridge that spans the Potomac River connecting downtown Washington, D.C., and Memorial…

  2,811 VIEWS
• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 4

  A live scene was shown of the Rolling Thunder XXVII “Ride for Freedom.” Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial…

  2 VIEWS
• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 3

  A live scene was shown of the Rolling Thunder XXVII “Ride for Freedom.” Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial…

  3 VIEWS
• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 2

  A live scene was shown of the Rolling Thunder XXVII “Ride for Freedom.” Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial…

  4 VIEWS
• 
  MAY 25, 2014
  

  Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Ride, Part 1

  A live scene was shown of the Rolling Thunder XXVII “Ride for Freedom.” Members of the Rolling Thunder veterans' advocacy group were seen riding across the Arlington Memorial…

Chairman of Joint Chiefs General Martin Dempsey Thanks Service Members, Families

Dempsey Thanks Service Members, Families During Memorial Day Concert
American Forces Press Service
By Jim Garamone
March 26, 2014

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife Deanie talk with John Peck, a former Marine Corps sergeant and wounded warrior, prior to the 25th National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., May 25, 2014. Peck’s story of resiliency was shared during the concert, along with other dramatic readings to pay tribute to their sacrifices as well as those of their families and loved ones.
DOD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2014 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff thanked service members and their families for their sacrifices during the National Memorial Day Concert here last night.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told a nationwide audience that Americans trust their service members. These young men and women “are willing to fight in every clime and every place. Willing to risk and even give their lives for its ideals,” the chairman said.

On Memorial Day, Americans remember the courage of their sons and daughters in uniform, Dempsey said. “We renew our strength, the strength of our nation for their deep devotion,” he said. “We rededicate ourselves to secure our national purpose: to secure the blessings of liberty.”

On Memorial Day, the country “honors those who honored us -- men and women from every corner of our country and every branch of service -- who gave their lives so we can live free,” the chairman continued.

The nation must look back at the heroes who have brought it this far, Dempsey told the audience.
read more here

Memorial Day Videos | National Memorial Day Concert | PBS

Memorial Day Videos | National Memorial Day Concert | PBS

Each year, the National Memorial Day Concert presents a unique program honoring the valor and patriotism of Americans who have served our country. The show pays tribute to their sacrifices, as well as those of their families and loved ones.

As the war in Afghanistan winds down, the 2014 National Memorial Day Concert will recognize our servicemen and servicewomen with a special “welcome home” to thank veterans who served in Afghanistan.

In these segments of the show, we’ll feature a story about a critically wounded veteran suffering from severe physical injuries and the grave invisible wounds of war. We’ll also focus on the story of a mother coping with grief after the death of her son, the first to die in Afghanistan. His service inspired her to become actively involved with Gold Star Mothers. Now she is helping other mothers with their loss, grief and healing as they move forward with their lives.

The 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion also will be commemorated in 2014. World War II veterans who participated in the invasion, a seminal moment that turned the tides of war in favor of the Allies, will be honored and featured in this tribute to the sacrifices of our nation’s Greatest Generation.

go here for more of this tribute

Last night was the 25th Annual Memorial Day Tribute Concert, hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. As always, I was moved to tears many times.

Joe Mantegna

Joe Mantegna is a world-class and award-winning entertainer with a strong background in television, theater and film who returns to co-host theNational Memorial Day Concert for his ninth consecutive year with Gary Sinise. Currently, Mantegna stars as FBI Special Agent David Rossi in season nine of the hit CBS drama Criminal Minds... READ MORE

Gary Sinise

Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise has been actively and tirelessly supporting the troops for over 30 years. Among his numerous film and television roles, it was his portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the landmark filmForrest Gump that formed a lasting connection with servicemen and servicewomen throughout the military community... READ MORE

General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)

For over 50 years, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) has devoted his life to public service. Having held senior military and diplomatic positions across four presidential administrations, Powell’s deep commitment to democratic values and freedom has been felt throughout the world. The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell was... READ MORE

Dianne Wiest

Oscar and Emmy Award-winning actress Dianne Wiest recently finished shooting the feature film The Humbling opposite Al Pacino, directed by Barry Levinson. Over the years, Wiest has given memorable performances in films such as Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York; A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints; Hannah and Her Sisters... READ MORE

Jennifer Nettles

Jennifer Nettles, lead vocalist for international super duo Sugarland, has become one of the most popular singer-songwriters in music today. Since Sugarland exploded onto the music scene in 2004, they have worldwide sales of over 22 million albums and singles to date, have achieved eight No.1 singles and have won numerous awards... READ MORE

Danielle Bradbery

Seventeen-year-old Danielle Bradbery charmed her way into the national spotlight with a mix of country-western hits from several decades during season 4 of The Voice. The reigning star of the NBC hit show has become the youngest winner ever, and her coach, Blake Shelton, called her, "the most important artist to ever walk across... READ MORE

Megan Hilty

Megan Hilty recently starred alongside Sean Hayes in NBC’s comedy Sean Saves the World. Prior to that, she portrayed the seasoned triple threat, Ivy Lynn, in NBC’s musical drama Smash for two seasons. In March 2013, Hilty released her debut solo album, It Happens All The Time, which included fresh interpretations of... READ MORE

Jackie Evancho

Jackie Evancho’s first performance on NBC’s variety show America’s Got Talent left audiences and judges astonished that such a perfect, beautiful, soprano voice could come from a 10-year-old girl. During her next appearance in the competition, judges asked her to improvise a tune, which she performed flawlessly. It wasn’t just her... READ MORE

Anthony Kearns

Anthony Kearns, recognized as one of the world‘s finest tenors, made his official U.S. Grand Opera debut as the lead tenor in the role of Edgardo in Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor with Opera Naples of Florida in January 2011. His first appearance with the opera company came in early 2010 as Romeo in its production... READ MORE

Jack Everly

Jack Everly is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Baltimore and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and National Arts Center Orchestra (Ottawa). He has been on stage with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, appears annually with The Cleveland... READ MORE

National Symphony Orchestra

The National Symphony Orchestra of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, led by Music Director Christoph Eschenbach, is recognized not only nationally but internationally as well, and is considered one of the world's finest ensembles. The Orchestra, in its 83rd season (2013-14), maintains a busy concert... READ MORE

Military District of Washington

The Military District of Washington works with Capital Concerts in coordinating the Department of Defense participation of the Premier Service Bands and Service Honor Guards.

U.S. Army Herald Trumpets

The United States Army Herald Trumpets is the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States. Founded in 1959 and patterned after traditional British “fanfare” trumpet ensembles, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets was formed to add splendor to official military ceremonies. A performing element of The United... READ MORE

U.S. Army Chorus

In 1956, the U.S. Army Chorus was established as the vocal counterpart of The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own and is one of the nation’s only professional, all-male choruses. From its inception, the U.S. Army Chorus has established and maintained a reputation of excellence in the performance of male choral literature... READ MORE

U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters

The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters is the official chorus of the United States Navy. The ensemble performs a wide variety of music, ranging from traditional choral music, including the sea chantey, to Broadway musicals. Under the leadership of Chief Musician Georgina L. Todd, the Sea Chanters appear throughout the... READ MORE

U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants

The Singing Sergeants, the official chorus of the United States Air Force, is one of the world's most versatile and traveled choral organizations. Originally formed in 1945 from within the ranks of The United States Air Force Band, the chorus is now composed entirely of professional vocalists from leading colleges, universities and music... READ MORE

The Soldiers' Chorus

The Soldiers’ Chorus, founded in 1957, is the vocal complement of the United States Army Field Band of Washington, DC. The 29-member mixed choral ensemble travels throughout the nation and abroad, performing as a separate component and in joint concerts with the Concert Band of the “Musical Ambassadors of the Army.” The chorus has... READ MORE

Names Added to Vietnam Memorial Wall

The poignant process of etching new names into the Vietnam Wall
Stars and Stripes
By Carlos Bongioanni
Published: May 7, 2014

Preparing to cut another name into the black granite of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, engraver Jim Lee carefully positions a stencil and a sandblasting platform at a designated spot on the Washington, D.C., memorial on Friday, May 2, 2014. Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

WASHINGTON — Lined row upon row, the names etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial’s polished black granite slabs are a somber reminder that more than 58,000 U.S. troops died — or were listed as missing-in-action — as a result of their involvement in the Vietnam War.

Even though the war ended four decades ago, the list continues to grow as Jim Lee and Kirk Bockman find spots to carefully sandblast new names on the memorial.

“It’s a very poignant statement about what war is all about,” Lee said of the wall last week, as the engraver and his business partner prepped a cordoned-off section of what’s known as “the Wall.”

On Sunday, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will host a ceremony at the memorial in recognition of the 13 veterans whose names they added. Eight veterans listed on the wall as missing will be recognized as having their status changed to “confirmed dead.”

Lee and Bockman came to the memorial in 1986 to add 110 names. The names on the original, dedicated in 1982, came from a Department of Defense master list that planners never intended to update, Lee said. Thinking the follow-up work might be “a one-time deal,” Lee said he asked Jan Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, how long the updating might go on.
read more here

WWII Navy Veteran Took Final Flight

Veteran dies after returning from honor flight
The Billings Gazette via AP
By Cindy Uken
May 1, 2014

For a weary, emotional and grateful Donald Buska, it was mission accomplished.

The 86-year-old U.S. Navy veteran fulfilled his longtime dream of traveling to Washington, D.C., on Sunday and Monday to visit the National World War II Memorial.

The once-in-a-lifetime trip with Big Sky Honor Flight of Montana afforded him opportunities he had only imagined.

And, it was an honor that came just in time.

On Tuesday, Buska, who had been in hospice care since Feb. 12, passed away.

“He had the time of his life,” said Buska’s son, Jeff, who traveled with him to Washington, D.C.

“What a way to go. He went out on a high note,” Jeff said.
read more here

What’s the worst federal agency for hiring veterans? Congress!

Group says Congress should set example by hiring more vets
Army Times
By Leo Shane III
Staff writer
April 7, 2014

What’s the worst federal agency for hiring veterans? Try Congress.

Despite numerous efforts by lawmakers in recent years to spur veterans employment in the private sector, few congressional offices have followed suit. A new survey estimates that fewer than 180 veterans are employed as Capitol Hill staff, a mere 3 percent of the 6,000-plus employees there.

For comparison, in fiscal 2012 nearly half of all Defense Department employees were veterans. One in three Veterans Affairs and Transportation Department workers were veterans that year, and the Education Department — one of the lowest veteran hiring rates among federal agencies — had just under 10 percent.

Now, a network of veterans working in Congress is hoping to change that.

HillVets, formed less than a year ago to connect and assist former military personnel working in the legislative branch, this month announced plans to double the number of veterans in those jobs by the start of the next legislative session, in January 2016.
read more here

U.S. casualties from OEF and OIF will be honored at Vietnam Wall

U.S. casualties from Afghanistan, Iraq will be honored at Vietnam Wall
The Washington Post
Michael E. Ruane
April 6, 2014

WASHINGTON — The first name that will be read at the ceremony on Memorial Day weekend is that of Evander Earl Andrews.

A small-town boy, he left his parents’ home in central Maine, joined the Air Force, and on Oct. 10, 2001, became the first military member reported killed in the post 9/11 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

His mother, Mary, 71, said on Friday that she never thought his death would be followed by 6,700 more.

On May 24, Andrews’ name and the names of the others killed in the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be read aloud chronologically for the first time in a tribute at the Vietnam Wall, according to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

The ceremony will open at 9 a.m. on the east knoll of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the reading will run from about 10 a.m. to about 5:40 p.m., the fund said.

Those interested can register to read names starting at 8 a.m. on April 14 at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. People will be asked to read 15 names at a time.

Congress gives fa-la-la-la-la for Christmas

Members of congress have left Washington

to deck their halls and drown their sorrow

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Unemployed and hungry they'll think of tomorrow

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

TSA will get them home

Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.

but National Guardsmen are on their own

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

See the blazing lies they told us

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

of what we didn't need or deserve chorus.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Clueless to what we really wanted

Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.

While I tell of treasure wasted.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Fast away the old seat passes.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Hail the new election year, lads and lasses

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Sing we joyous, all together.

Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.

Heedless of the wind and weather.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

For they are warm but veterans sleep on the streets and gather

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

remembering days when they had food and shelter

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

and all responsibilities politicians eluded

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

The Caddywhompus cacophony of congressional caterwauling has concluded.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

At least we know for the next few weeks, there is nothing they can mess up more.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

I guess we can celebrate that till next year comes and they open that door.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Lyrics by Thomas Oliphant and Kathie Costos

Patrick Murphy To Host MSNBC's 'Taking The Hill'

UPDATE
OMG! There is a great article up and you can read it too but what took me by surprise is one of the links up for what is in the WWP backpacks. (The butt of most jokes) It is stuffed with their logo on everything in it. You can read the rest here but pay close attention to this part since it shows up further down the article. Once you read this, the rest will really get to you. It is a response to a bunch of questions asked.

Is Wounded Warrior Project Scamming The Hearts Of The American People? Posted on December 14, 2013 by Ken Crow This article is a joint effort by Trent Thevenot and Ken Crow

Using numbers WWP has compiled as of August 1, 2013, the organization claims they have provided 17,370 backpacks (See information links about these backpacks at the bottom of this story and you be the judge), 251 warriors served in Project Odyssey, 364 warriors placed in jobs, 205 warriors participated in soldier ride. Without having access to all details, we can only take the organization’s word on these numbers. What do these numbers mean and how much was spent on these programs we really have no idea without doing a complete and unbiased audit to gain a complete perspective. I do believe we can all agree that the Wounded Warrior Project has done a great deal in bringing much needed attention to the needs of the many wounded soldiers coming back from our war on terror throughout the world.

While I think it is a great idea to have at least one show about what veterans face there is something that needs to be pointed out. Wounded Warrior Project is suing a tiny charity, Help Indiana Vets started by a disabled veteran and his wife, also a veteran.

Wounded Veterans' Groups Wage War "They advertise heavily on T.V. and if you pay close attention they do not show one actual thing they have done to help a Wounded Warrior."

Patrick Murphy To Host MSNBC's 'Taking The Hill'
The Huffington Post
Posted: 12/13/2013

Patrick Murphy, a former congressman and Iraq war veteran, will host a second installment of "Taking the Hill" on MSNBC, Stars and Stripes reported on Thursday.

The program, described by MSNBC as "a conversation about veterans issues" and "postwar lives," first aired last month. Murphy, a former representative from Pennsylvania and first Iraq war veteran to hold a position in Congress, also hosted that episode.

The next episode will air Sunday, December 15 at 1 p.m. EST. MSNBC has made no public mention of broadcasts beyond this Sunday, though it has committed to airing 12 documentaries from the Wounded Warrior Project.
read more here

It isn't as if Graham is the first one to complain about WWP.
Wounded Warrior Project a legal scam

Wounded Warrior Project spends 58% of donations on veterans programs

This is what WWP is collecting donations for

"The mission of Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Our purpose is: to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women; to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members."

Raise awareness, they do that. Enlist the public's aid, they do that too. Help severely wounded "aid and assist each other" they do that too. So why does it need so much money to get others to do the work?

Charity Navigator Wounded Warrior Project
REVENUE
Contributions
Contributions, Gifts and Grants $143,772,582
Federated Campaigns $3,364,908
Membership Dues $0
Fundraising Events $1,047,555
Related Organizations $0
Government Grants $0
Total Contributions $148,185,045
Program Service Revenue $0
Total Primary Revenue $148,185,045
Other Revenue $6,773,856
TOTAL REVENUE $154,958,901

EXPENSES (Adjusted)
Program Expenses $55,386,953
Administrative Expenses $5,412,693
Fundraising Expenses $34,711,903
TOTAL FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES $95,511,549

Payments to Affiliates $0
Excess (or Deficit) for the year $59,447,352

Net Assets $90,237,753

How our donation program works Tough Mudder encourages participants to raise money for the WWP by giving a $25 refund to anyone who raises $150 or more for Wounded Warrior Project.

When you register for Tough Mudder, an online fundraising link is included in your registration confirmation email.

Send your fundraising link to friends and family, so they can throw down the plastic and donate to Wounded Warrior Project.

If you raise $150 or more, you will be administered a $25 refund one month after the event to the credit card with which you purchased your Tough Mudder registration.

Note: All charitable donations are subject to a transaction processing fee.

Wounded Warrior Project Fundraising Tiers
Goal Prize Receive On
$150 $25 Refund 6-weeks after event
$300 Sunglasses + Compression Sleeve At event (US Only)
$1000 WWP Survival Strap At event (US Only)

It isn't as if no one else is doing all that plus more.

There is Wounded Warrior Program (nothing to do with the above)

The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill or injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, regardless of military status. Soldiers who qualify for AW2 are assigned to the program as soon as possible after arriving at the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU). AW2 supports these Soldiers and their Families throughout their recovery and transition, even into Veteran status. Through the local support of AW2 Advocates, AW2 strives to foster the Soldier's independence. There are more than 18,200 Soldiers and Veterans currently in AW2.

In order to be considered eligible for entry into AW2, Soldiers must suffer from wounds, illness, or injuries incurred in the line of duty after September 10, 2001 AND:
Receive or expect to receive at least a 30% rating from the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) for one of the conditions listed below:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Severe loss of vision/blindness.
Severe hearing loss/deafness.
Fatal / incurable disease with limited life expectancy.
Loss of limb.
Spinal cord injury.
Permanent disfigurement.
Severe burns.
Severe paralysis.
Receive a 30% rating or greater for one Veterans Affairs Scheduled Rating Decision (VASRD) as rated by the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) in any other Special Category (SPECAT)/ Enabling Care (EC) or combat/combat-related condition; OR
Receive a combined 50% IDES rating for any other combat/combat-related condition.

And yes, they do sports too