Florida Makes 5th Place State for Military Retirees

Analysis ranks best, worst states for military retirees
ABC News 10
By Brittney Petro
Published: May 22, 2015

A newly released analysis ranks “2015’s Best and Worst States for Military Retirees” based on a state’s ability to support retired veterans. WalletHub looked at 20 key factors when determining the rankings.

The three major categories in the ranking included economic environment, quality of life and healthcare. However, WalletHub took other factors into consideration as well, such as job opportunities, housing prices, veteran-owned businesses and veteran homelessness.

Top 5 States for Military Retirees:

1. Wyoming
2. Montana
3. South Dakota
4. Maine
5. Florida

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Fisher Houses ease financial burden, stress

Fisher Houses ease financial burden, stress
By Clay Carey, USA TODAY
Carol Thomas had gotten used to sleeping on recliners and hospital couches every once in a while as her husband, Bobby, got treatment for kidney and heart problems at the Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital near Chicago.
But when doctors discovered cancer and had to remove Bobby's kidneys, the Glenwood, Ill., couple learned they would be in for an extended stay.

Instead of hospital couches, Carol said she now has a real bed at a home made for families such as hers while doctors work on her husband, a 64-year-old Army veteran who served in Vietnam.

That's because an organization called Fisher House opened a facility near the Illinois hospital in March — the most recently opened of 45 houses across the country that offer free lodging to veterans who have to travel more than 50 miles to get treatment at government-run Veterans Affairs hospitals, said Cindy Campbell, community liaison with the national Fisher House Foundation. Their families can stay for free, too.

"It has really been a home away from home," said Carol Thomas, 56. She has been staying there since late April. "Without them, I don't know what we would do."
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Fisher Houses ease financial burden stress

Army vet killed in late night motorcycle crash

Army vet killed in late night motorcycle crash
Motorcyclist dies in crash 7-16-09

Slideshow
Danny Facto was killed Wednesday night in a motorcycle crash. This photo is from a 2006 story we did with Facto on PTSD. (NewsChannel 9, WSYR-TV) Cicero (WSYR-TV) - Sheriff's deputies are investigating a deadly motorcycle accident that happened late Wednesday night along East Taft Road in Cicero. 29-year-old Danny Facto, who lived on Areopagitica Avenue in Bridgeport, was killed. We're told Facto was traveling east on East Taft Road around 11:30 on Wednesday night when he lost control of his 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle. The motorcycle skidded for about an eighth of a mile before coming to a rest. Deputies say the man suffered a massive head injury when his helmet shattered.

Facto was an advocate for better treatment of veterans suffering from PTSD. NewsChannel 9's Dan Cummings did a story with Facto in 2006.

Danny's struggles with PTSD prompted his father to create a resource for veterans and families seeking help. To learn more about it, head here: http://www.veteransandfamilies.org/home.html

Live Video Teleconference on Treating PTSD in Military Families

Join us this Thursday, Dec. 4th 12-2pm pdt For A Live Video Teleconference
Treating Post Traumatic Stress in Military Families Herbst Hall at UCSF, Mount Zion Campus 1600 Divisadero St. - 2nd floor

The impacts of war-related trauma don't reside solely in the Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman or woman. Because humans are wired to connect, the ripples radiate out and affect many, in particular those close to the veteran: including his or her spouse, children, siblings, parents, marital relationship, extended family, and significant others. In this training, two experts on the dynamics of post traumatic stress in military families and their treatment will provide a clear review that will help us understand and treat the impacts on couples and families of PTSD.

If you have questions related to the topic, you can have them addressed on air by sending them to: contact@cominghomeproject.net

Viewing options:
* In Person at UCSF,Mount Zion [NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY]
* Watch live online
or on Dish Network channel 9412.
* To view past programs go to UCTV's website
Part of "Treating the Invisible Wounds of War: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, Families and Care Providers" series, a collaboration among the Coming Home Project, UCSF, and UCTV.