Army honors service of Maine Indian tribe
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Dec 11, 2009 8:55:26 EST
INDIAN ISLAND, Maine — The Army has recognized the military service and sacrifice of Maine’s Penobscot Indian nation.
In a ceremony Thursday in Indian Island, a Department of the Army official presented a Penobscot Nation flag to the sister of Donald Chavaree, who was killed in the Philippines in February 1945 during World War II.
read more here
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/12/ap_army_maine_tribe_121109/
Friday, December 11, 2009
Fort Hood Event promotes healing, fun, family time
Community Strong; Event promotes healing, fun, family time
By Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, III Corps and Fort Hood Commander
December 10, 2009 Editorial
On Friday, more than 50,000 Soldiers, Airmen and their families and members of Fort Hood’s local community are expected to participate in “Fort Hood Community Strong,” a day for healing, fun, and entertainment to uplift the spirits of the Fort Hood community. Held at Hood Stadium, this event will feature free carnival rides, games, concerts and food.
Several organizations have contributed to make this event so special. The USO, with the support of Fort Hood Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Army and Air Force Exchange Service, are our sponsors. It has taken the efforts of the entire community to bring this together and I appreciate all of their hard work.
I have made it a top priority to ensure that all Soldiers, civilians and their family members have the care and support they need. It is important for everyone to understand what services and agencies are available for mental or emotional needs. Our Community Strong day is a time to emphasize strength and healing here on Fort Hood. The day emphasizes education for the community, recognition of all our supporters and entertainment fun for all.
I consider it very necessary to educate everyone on all of the available resources to aid in the healing process. The educational process is ongoing and we will emphasize the specialized agencies that can help those in need. We recognize those tremendous organizations and contributors who have and continue to donate their time and resources to making our installation greater. Finally, entertainment is a way to give back to the Soldiers and families of Fort Hood. It should be fun for everyone. We all need time to have fun and detach from the daily stress and pressure of our lives.
read more here
http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=2654
By Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, III Corps and Fort Hood Commander
December 10, 2009 Editorial
On Friday, more than 50,000 Soldiers, Airmen and their families and members of Fort Hood’s local community are expected to participate in “Fort Hood Community Strong,” a day for healing, fun, and entertainment to uplift the spirits of the Fort Hood community. Held at Hood Stadium, this event will feature free carnival rides, games, concerts and food.
Several organizations have contributed to make this event so special. The USO, with the support of Fort Hood Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Army and Air Force Exchange Service, are our sponsors. It has taken the efforts of the entire community to bring this together and I appreciate all of their hard work.
I have made it a top priority to ensure that all Soldiers, civilians and their family members have the care and support they need. It is important for everyone to understand what services and agencies are available for mental or emotional needs. Our Community Strong day is a time to emphasize strength and healing here on Fort Hood. The day emphasizes education for the community, recognition of all our supporters and entertainment fun for all.
I consider it very necessary to educate everyone on all of the available resources to aid in the healing process. The educational process is ongoing and we will emphasize the specialized agencies that can help those in need. We recognize those tremendous organizations and contributors who have and continue to donate their time and resources to making our installation greater. Finally, entertainment is a way to give back to the Soldiers and families of Fort Hood. It should be fun for everyone. We all need time to have fun and detach from the daily stress and pressure of our lives.
read more here
http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=2654
Knights of Pythias honors two police officers for actions at Fort Hood
Todd, Munley honored for brave Nov. 5 actions
By Heather Graham, Sentinel News Editor
December 10, 2009 News
Two Fort Hood officers were recognized last week by a fraternal organization for their actions during the Nov. 5 shooting incident.
Senior Sgt. Mark Todd and Sgt. Kimberly Munley were presented medals and certificates of appreciation by the Knights of Pythias.
Knights of Pythias is a national fraternal organization founded in 1864 to promote universal peace, friendship and goodwill.
Todd and Munley were the first two officers on the scene during the shooting.
Munley was shot multiple times and Todd was unhurt.
Kevin Norcross, grand chancellor, Texas Chapter of the Knights of Pythias, presented the honors. He was joined by members from the Midlothian Lodge No. 5.
read more here
http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=2671
By Heather Graham, Sentinel News Editor
December 10, 2009 News
Two Fort Hood officers were recognized last week by a fraternal organization for their actions during the Nov. 5 shooting incident.
Senior Sgt. Mark Todd and Sgt. Kimberly Munley were presented medals and certificates of appreciation by the Knights of Pythias.
Knights of Pythias is a national fraternal organization founded in 1864 to promote universal peace, friendship and goodwill.
Todd and Munley were the first two officers on the scene during the shooting.
Munley was shot multiple times and Todd was unhurt.
Kevin Norcross, grand chancellor, Texas Chapter of the Knights of Pythias, presented the honors. He was joined by members from the Midlothian Lodge No. 5.
read more here
http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=2671
Will you remember them?
Will you remember them?
by
Chaplain Kathie
To the parents
You raised your sons and daughters. You saw them develop into adults. From the time you taught them how to walk and stand on their own two feet, you watched them become their own person. You knew what they liked and what they had no tolerance for. You knew what made them laugh as well as what made them cry. You knew how much they cared about you and the rest of the family as well as how much they cared about their friends. You knew what kind of students they were and how much they tried their best. What came easy for them and what they had to work hard for was all known to you. So how is it when this son of your's or daughter of your's comes back from being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan is now a stranger to you?
To the spouse
How many years did you spend with your husband or wife? How many conversations did you have with them indicating what they thought and how they felt? It was enough to base wanting to spend the rest of your life with them. You wanted to build a future with them because they were special to you. You knew what made them laugh, what got them angry and what made them cry. You trusted them enough with your heart to make the commitment to be by their side even though you knew the military could send them away into another nation. You loved them enough to be willing to endure the possibility of being a single parent while they were deployed just as much as you were willing to face transfers to different bases in different states, maybe even different countries. You were willing to accept the risk to their lives knowing each deployment could be their last. With all you had to worry about, how is it that when they came home acting differently, you just assumed they were suddenly someone totally different instead of the same person you loved but now in need of help?
To the clergy
You saw them during services, watched them with their families and children. They were faithful to attend, usually they volunteered to help and you had many conversations with them. When they were deployed, you asked your congregation to pray for them so that God's angels watched over them and brought them home safely. You wrote a special sermon for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Veterans Day thinking of them and the sacrifices they were willing to make for the rest of country. So how is it when they come home needing help, you take no interest in this? Why do you avoid talking to them the way you used to? Why haven't you paid a visit to their home, talked to their families or offered to listen to them as they try to rationalize believing in a loving God but having to endure the hazards of hell in combat? Why haven't you talked to them about the friends they saw die? Why haven't you talked to them about the buddy no longer able to walk? When they sit with their families during services as you look upon them while delivering a sermon on God's love, how can you allow them to suffer with tears in their eyes and not be moved to help them?
To the employers of National Guardsman
You saw them 5 days a week. You knew how hard they worked for you and how dependable they were. You knew what they excelled at and what they struggled to learn how to do. You knew how other employees felt about them the same way you knew how much you could depend on them to give the job all they had. You knew they were even willing to risk their lives in times of crisis serving in the National Guards. As a matter of fact, you even admired their willingness to put the safety of others ahead of themselves. So how is it when they come home, changed by what they went through, you want to fire them instead of help them? Are they that disposable? Do you think that the loyal employee you admired is suddenly someone not worth having around? Ever talk to them and ask them if they need help? Have you ever wondered why they acting so differently at all?
This is the biggest problem the troops come home to. It's not debate about the worthiness of Iraq or Afghanistan. They had a job to do and were sent where they were. It is not about parades a couple of times a year or patriotic ceremonies when they die and it sure isn't about sending a card to any wounded soldier at Walter Reed or Bethesda. It's not about handing a buck to a homeless veteran or donating some worthless clothing to a charity. While all of this matters to them, it would matter a lot more if you stopped and remembered who they were before they left because they are screaming to be seen again by you.
They are waiting for someone to say, "You changed. What's going on inside of you?" with a caring, non-judging donation of your time. They want someone to see them still inside that body now slouched over in the chair carrying the weight of their service on their shoulders. They need someone to know they would not suddenly change into a stranger without reason. So why haven't you?
We can donate money to build monuments to those who serve but if we neglect those who serve, what good does a stone do? We can kick them out of our homes so that we can live a peaceful life again, but what good does that do when the peace could have been restored in our homes with the person we loved still with us instead of walking the streets or sleeping on someone's couch? We can avoid paying attention to them as our lives are shattered by them doing things that are abnormal. We can get angry with yet another nightmare wakes them up instead of having compassion for them and knowing there is something very dark behind the nightmare. We can feel hurt when they are oblivious to us or suddenly act out of character instead of hurting for them and what has caused the change.
They are part of our lives. Troops become veterans. Veterans are rare in this country with less than 10% of the population ever knowing what it is like to put on a uniform and risk your life. They carry it all inside of them and sometimes that weight is just too much for them to carry alone. Where are you? Will you help them carry this load of pain and help them heal? Will you seek the tools to help them or will you put yourself first and just want them out of your lives?
The choice is your's to make. Here's a place to start.
by
Chaplain Kathie
To the parents
You raised your sons and daughters. You saw them develop into adults. From the time you taught them how to walk and stand on their own two feet, you watched them become their own person. You knew what they liked and what they had no tolerance for. You knew what made them laugh as well as what made them cry. You knew how much they cared about you and the rest of the family as well as how much they cared about their friends. You knew what kind of students they were and how much they tried their best. What came easy for them and what they had to work hard for was all known to you. So how is it when this son of your's or daughter of your's comes back from being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan is now a stranger to you?
To the spouse
How many years did you spend with your husband or wife? How many conversations did you have with them indicating what they thought and how they felt? It was enough to base wanting to spend the rest of your life with them. You wanted to build a future with them because they were special to you. You knew what made them laugh, what got them angry and what made them cry. You trusted them enough with your heart to make the commitment to be by their side even though you knew the military could send them away into another nation. You loved them enough to be willing to endure the possibility of being a single parent while they were deployed just as much as you were willing to face transfers to different bases in different states, maybe even different countries. You were willing to accept the risk to their lives knowing each deployment could be their last. With all you had to worry about, how is it that when they came home acting differently, you just assumed they were suddenly someone totally different instead of the same person you loved but now in need of help?
To the clergy
You saw them during services, watched them with their families and children. They were faithful to attend, usually they volunteered to help and you had many conversations with them. When they were deployed, you asked your congregation to pray for them so that God's angels watched over them and brought them home safely. You wrote a special sermon for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Veterans Day thinking of them and the sacrifices they were willing to make for the rest of country. So how is it when they come home needing help, you take no interest in this? Why do you avoid talking to them the way you used to? Why haven't you paid a visit to their home, talked to their families or offered to listen to them as they try to rationalize believing in a loving God but having to endure the hazards of hell in combat? Why haven't you talked to them about the friends they saw die? Why haven't you talked to them about the buddy no longer able to walk? When they sit with their families during services as you look upon them while delivering a sermon on God's love, how can you allow them to suffer with tears in their eyes and not be moved to help them?
To the employers of National Guardsman
You saw them 5 days a week. You knew how hard they worked for you and how dependable they were. You knew what they excelled at and what they struggled to learn how to do. You knew how other employees felt about them the same way you knew how much you could depend on them to give the job all they had. You knew they were even willing to risk their lives in times of crisis serving in the National Guards. As a matter of fact, you even admired their willingness to put the safety of others ahead of themselves. So how is it when they come home, changed by what they went through, you want to fire them instead of help them? Are they that disposable? Do you think that the loyal employee you admired is suddenly someone not worth having around? Ever talk to them and ask them if they need help? Have you ever wondered why they acting so differently at all?
This is the biggest problem the troops come home to. It's not debate about the worthiness of Iraq or Afghanistan. They had a job to do and were sent where they were. It is not about parades a couple of times a year or patriotic ceremonies when they die and it sure isn't about sending a card to any wounded soldier at Walter Reed or Bethesda. It's not about handing a buck to a homeless veteran or donating some worthless clothing to a charity. While all of this matters to them, it would matter a lot more if you stopped and remembered who they were before they left because they are screaming to be seen again by you.
They are waiting for someone to say, "You changed. What's going on inside of you?" with a caring, non-judging donation of your time. They want someone to see them still inside that body now slouched over in the chair carrying the weight of their service on their shoulders. They need someone to know they would not suddenly change into a stranger without reason. So why haven't you?
We can donate money to build monuments to those who serve but if we neglect those who serve, what good does a stone do? We can kick them out of our homes so that we can live a peaceful life again, but what good does that do when the peace could have been restored in our homes with the person we loved still with us instead of walking the streets or sleeping on someone's couch? We can avoid paying attention to them as our lives are shattered by them doing things that are abnormal. We can get angry with yet another nightmare wakes them up instead of having compassion for them and knowing there is something very dark behind the nightmare. We can feel hurt when they are oblivious to us or suddenly act out of character instead of hurting for them and what has caused the change.
They are part of our lives. Troops become veterans. Veterans are rare in this country with less than 10% of the population ever knowing what it is like to put on a uniform and risk your life. They carry it all inside of them and sometimes that weight is just too much for them to carry alone. Where are you? Will you help them carry this load of pain and help them heal? Will you seek the tools to help them or will you put yourself first and just want them out of your lives?
The choice is your's to make. Here's a place to start.
Posted to Great Americans by NamGuardianAngel on September 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
VA budget still not enough, group warns
Paul Sullivan of Veterans for Common Sense, has a habit of getting angry with the way things are. He does it all the time. He filed law suits to get things done and to stop the abuse of our veterans. Because of him things changed at the VA and suicide was no longer something to just pass off. Thank God he does what he does. I would still love to know why on earth he is not on the "news" shows talking about all of this? He's been out there fighting for a very long time and telling the truth. He does not play games and does not do anything other than fight for what our veterans need. We need more people like Paul in this country if we are ever going to get this right for our veterans.
VBA’s claims disaster will be on “60 Minutes” in January, including an interview with Paul Sullivan
VA budget still not enough, group warns
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Dec 10, 2009 15:11:54 EST
The biggest veterans budget in history is not big enough, warns the head of Veterans for Common Sense, a group that closely tracks health care issues for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Paul Sullivan, executive director of the group, said the $109 billion veterans budget for fiscal 2010 — approved Thursday by the House and Senate — “may fall short as much as 45 percent” in covering the Veterans Affairs Department’s added costs of treating veterans of the two ongoing wars.
VA funding is included in HR 3288, a consolidated appropriations bill covering many federal agencies.
Sullivan’s warning is based, in part, on a joint statement from the House and Senate appropriations committees that says the new budget includes money to provide medical care in fiscal 2010 for 419,000 veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
read more here
VA budget still not enough, group warns
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